The North West City Region is one of 64 cities and city regions around Europe to join the new Intelligent Cities Challenge 2.0 initiative of the European Commission.
The initiative for the City Region was jointly launched by the Mayor of Derry Strabane, Councillor Patricia Logue, and the Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Councillor Gerry McMonagle.
They welcomed participants to the combined launch and stakeholder engagement workshop held in Letterkenny on November 2nd. The focus of the new initiative is on green and digital transition and building "Local Green Deals" to create concrete actions for change in public-private partnerships between businesses, the local authorities and communities.
According to Mayor Logue “This current tranche of the Intelligent Cities Challenge resonates strongly with our economic, societal and sustainability goals for both our urban and rural areas, it will support us to accelerate and scale up our Green Transition and ongoing Digital Transformation. Your support today and throughout the process will help us to develop our joint “Blueprint for Action” and build on the fantastic work that is already taking place in both jurisdictions.” The Leas Cathairleach welcomed “the opportunity to work with fellow cities across Europe in the crucial area of increasing our sustainability, resilience and reducing our carbon footprint.”
Dr Margaret Quinn of
ERNACT, Project leaders for ICC 2.0 in the region, introduced the aims of the initiative while the
EU appointed Lead Expert for the city region, Saverio Romeo, discussed the Local Green Deal concept. A vibrant session followed with ideas from the stakeholder group present for potential Local Green Deals across the City region. More on the development of these will follow.
If you missed the event, but want to register your interest, please email
margaret.quinn@ernact.eu.