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Employment and Learning Minister Stephen Farry is to meet University of Ulster representatives on Thursday to discuss the future of its Magee campus.

Last Friday, Mr Farry announced that a long-awaited expansion of the Londonderry campus was "off the table" because of budget cuts.

The minister said his department faced cuts of £34m.

Prof Deirdre Heenan, the university's pro vice-chancellor, said she expected "a full and frank discussion".

"We'll be largely talking to the minister about our budget," she said.

A Department for Employment and Learning spokesperson confirmed that, "the minister intends to meet with the University of Ulster this week to discuss budget cuts and a range of related issues including Magee."

Stephen Farry's announcement was criticised by Derry representatives of Sinn Féin and the SDLP.

He is also to meet a Sinn Féin delegation on Thursday.

The party's Foyle MLA, Maeve McLaughlin, called for the minister to retract his statement.

A business case for the project is due for publication in September.

"He was vetoing something he hasn't even received," Ms McLaughlin said.

In July, planning permission was granted for an £11m extension to the Magee campus.

The plans included increased teaching facilities, a large lecture theatre, 20 classrooms and a cafe.