Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary at the Department for the Economy, told the Stormont Economy Committee that an extra £40m per year is needed to support growth at Ulster University's Londonderry campus to 10,000 students by 2032 and maintain expansion at the Coleraine campus.

The Londonderry campus currently enrols 6,500 students. Snowden stated this funding could come from an Executive reallocation or higher student fees, noting fees have not been raised due to political resistance.

He said the Executive must balance this against other demands, with his department facing £134m in budget pressures, or 15% of next year's allocation. Snowden added that expansion depends on the university's long-term affordability, and discussions on student numbers are expected soon.

Snowden reported the university has not signalled any plans to reduce current enrolment. The department has spent around £15m on site purchases for teaching accommodation, enough for nearly 10,000 students alongside a Shared Island-funded building.

Foyle SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin questioned Snowden on funding options during the briefing. She stated the budget constraints are serious and warned that failing to secure funds could have lasting impacts on the project.

McLaughlin noted 2024-25 department spending of £11.8m on the campus exceeds the prior four years combined but falls short of the estimated £400m total needed for full expansion.