Member's statement: Ulster University: Proposed Redundancies
Member's statement by Mr Alan Robinson on .
- MLA
- Mr Alan Robinson
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 18 May 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- Ulster University: Proposed Redundancies
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5547926
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Gregory Campbell and I met representatives from Ulster University on Friday past regarding the proposed redundancies at the university. Following the meeting, we remain concerned, particularly for the Coleraine campus and the wider north coast economy. Coleraine uni is a vital economic, social and cultural anchor for the region. The uncertainty surrounding up to 450 potential job losses has understandably created anxiety among staff, students, local businesses and the wider region along the north coast. Many people fear that Coleraine could be overly impacted at a time when significant investment is being seen elsewhere in the university estate, especially at Magee. Any reduction in staffing or courses would have consequences far beyond the campus. Local hospitality, retail, transport providers, landlords and tourism businesses benefit from the presence of students and university staff throughout the year, especially outside the peak tourist season. The university also plays a role in attracting young people to the north coast and retaining them in the area. Students whom I have spoken to want clarity and reassurance about the future of courses at Coleraine, and staff who have given years of service want transparency and full engagement throughout the process. Ulster University has stated its promise to Coleraine in its multi-campus university, and it is essential that that is reflected in future planning and investment decisions. The long-term sustainability and success of the Coleraine campus must remain a priority not only for the university but for the wider regional economy. I want to be clear that Coleraine must not be an afterthought. That is the message that the MP and I made clear during our meeting with the leaders of the university last week. Too often, there is a feeling that everything gravitates towards Belfast, while other areas are expected to do less and make do with less. The Department and university leadership must work together to ensure that there is a long-term future for Coleraine and to ensure that that campus is not weakened. The message from the north coast is simple: we value our university, the jobs that it supports and the opportunity that it creates, so we want and expect a strong and ambitious future for the university in Coleraine. Such regional assets must be protected for the generations to come.
378 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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