First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have visited Derry/Londonderry to see regeneration and community care projects.

The visit began at Meenan Square, where they attended a sod-cutting ceremony to mark the start of construction on a landmark regeneration project supported by £13 million from the Executive Office's Urban Villages Initiative. The scheme will deliver new homes, community facilities, commercial space and a revitalised public square.

The First Minister said the Executive is committed to inclusive growth and will continue to back investment that delivers jobs and supports communities in Derry and the wider North West.

The deputy First Minister described the sod-cutting as an important milestone and said the investment would create a shared community space. She praised the resilience and ambition of local business leaders in driving economic growth.

During the visit, the ministers met with business leaders at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. Discussions focused on strengthening the regional economy through investment, skills and infrastructure, as well as the expansion of Magee campus and challenges facing cross-border workers.

Anna Doherty, chief executive of the Chamber, welcomed the meeting and raised priorities including the expansion of Magee campus and challenges facing cross-border workers. She stressed the importance of ensuring the region has the right economic conditions to succeed.

At Foyle Hospice, the ministers met staff and volunteers providing palliative, day therapy and bereavement services to patients and families across the Western Trust. Donall Henderson, chief executive of Foyle Hospice, said the hospice provides vital care made possible by dedicated staff and community generosity. He said they were pleased to share the importance of their work directly with the ministers.

Liam Hannaway, chairperson of Apex Housing Association, which is involved in the Meenan Square project, said the milestone follows years of engagement and collaboration. He said the association is proud to deliver homes and community infrastructure for local families.