Council Welcomes Visit by Members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council welcomed members of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) on their visit to Newcastle on Friday 1 February. The delegation from BIPA’s Committee C is carrying out an enquiry into ‘The Revitalisation of the High Street and Local Business’, focusing on the policies local government is employing. Over the course of the enquiry, the group will visit a number of towns and cities across the British Isles which have taken innovative action to reverse the decline of the high street.

Welcoming the delegation, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “I am delighted that representatives of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly see Newcastle as an example of good practice for their research into revitalising the high street.

“We have worked very hard to make our district a better place to carry out business and as a place to visit. Regenerating the town centre and promenade in Newcastle has played a significant role in increasing business and footfall to the town. I am pleased to see our work receive this recognition.”

At the meeting in the Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa, Council officials gave presentations to the BIPA members on the regeneration of Newcastle and the tourism events strategy for the town. A representative from the Department for Communities also spoke about the Main Street Environmental Improvement Scheme and the Department’s role in the town’s overall regeneration.

At the end of the meeting, members of the Committee made it clear that the examples of successful regeneration would prove beneficial to their enquiry’s conclusions and eventual recommendations.