Council Welcomes Commitment to City Deal for the Belfast Region

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to be involved in the plans for securing a City Deal for the Belfast Region, which includes the Newry, Mourne and Down area and five other NI Council areas.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew spoke on behalf of the Council following the announcement by the Chancellor in his 2017 Budget Statement that he will 'open negotiations for a Belfast Region City Deal as part of the Government's commitment to a comprehensive and ambitious set of City Deals for Northern Ireland'.

She said, "The Council is delighted to see the City Deal proposal take another positive step forward through recognition of the City Deal in the 2017 Budget Statement. The Belfast Region City Deal proposal is one that is ambitious for growth, and instrumental in the achievement of a step-change in economic performance that will benefit Newry, Mourne and Down as well as the City Deal Region."

The objective at the heart of the Belfast Region City Deal is more and better jobs, inclusive growth, improved skills and growth of the domestic business and FDI markets. It is hoped to secure for the Region a programme of investment that delivers under the key themes of Infrastructure, Innovation and Skills. The investment programme will be a game changer for the NI Economy and a key part in our response to Brexit.

Councillor Mulgrew concluded, "The local economy of Newry, Mourne and Down could benefit substantively from the City Deal and we look forward to working in collaboration with the other joint councils and City Deal partners to progress the City Deal proposal which could secure

£1 Billion for a 10 year investment plan across the City Deal Region."