Council Launches New Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched its new Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy, which sets out the Council’s plans to revitalise the region over the next five years.

The announcement was made during a virtual launch event on Thursday 12 November 2020, which featured an engaging panel discussion on the key themes of the strategy, which include Business Growth and Innovation, Improving Employability and Skills, and Investing in Regeneration and Modern Infrastructure.  

Launching the Strategy at the event Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin stated, “The strategy charts an ambitious and confident way forward which will fulfil and advance the objectives of the Council’s Corporate Plan, as well as lay a pathway to economic prosperity and growth.

“It will also help us to make the most of our geography by helping us exploit our strategic location on the Eastern Economic Corridor, equidistant between Belfast and Dublin.

“To help us reach our ambitions, we recognise the importance of support from all key stakeholders from across the public, private and education sectors. We believe that by working together, we will overcome our challenges and succeed in making Newry, Mourne and Down an even better district in which to live, work and invest.”

Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Marie Ward, spoke how the new strategy will help Newry, Mourne and Down become more resilient and agile in the face of challenges emerging from both Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic.

Marie Ward stated, “Our Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy translates aspiration into action. It is a pathway to social and economic growth, that will maximise our strengths and tackle the key issues to revitalise our region,”.

“It will also go a long way in heightening our competitiveness as a region as well as boosting innovation across the district and fine-tuning our business aptitude going forward.”

Key panel members and speakers at the launch included Mark O’Donnell from the Department for Communities; Brian Lavery, Managing Director of CBRE NI; Digital Innovation Commissioner Dr Jayne Brady MBE; Brian Doran, Chief Executive at Southern Regional College; Colm Shannon, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade; Connaire McGreevy, Managing Director of Connect Transform Sustain; Stephen Magorrian from Denvir’s Coaching Inn Downpatrick and Mick Boyle of Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure in Australia, who recently completed the major refurbishment and development of Killeavy Castle, Newry.  

To view and download the Regeneration and Economic Development Strategy, please visit: https://www.newrymournedown.org/corporate-publications