Minister Andrews welcomes Springvale Campus announcement

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, T.D., today said that he warmly welcomes the announcement by the Secretary of State, Dr Mo Mowlam, M.P., that the Springvale University Project has been approved.

"The Springvale Project is an imaginative and exciting initiative which has the capacity to act as a catalyst in the economic regeneration of the surrounding areas of West and North Belfast," he said.

Minister Andrews continued "I wish to commend all those people, in both communities, who have worked so hard in order to improve the economic and educational prospects of the area. Today's announcement represents a major boost to that work.

"The Project will provide the people of Belfast with a first class educational institution which will reach out beyond the confines of the campus itself to include the local communities on both sides of the peace line. The bringing together in a common cause of people from different traditions and outlooks is a central part of the importance of the Project.

"Overall, I believe that this decision by the Secretary of State sends a positive message of hope at this important time, as we look to the new era of partnership and mutual respect heralded by last Friday's agreement in the Multi-Party Talks.

"I want also to commend the International Fund for Ireland and other donors for their generous financial support for the Project."

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