The Greater Newry Area can capitalise on huge opportunities for economic growth in the coming years if significant challenges can be overcome through a partnership approach with local Ministers and greater funding collaboration with the UK & Irish governments.
That was the message that resonated from a positive ‘Meet The Ministers’ Newry Chamber Corporate Patrons Event with the Infrastructure & Economy Ministers at The Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint on Thursday 21st May.
The event, organised by Newry Chamber and kindly supported by S&W Wholesale, The Exact Group, Kilmorey Care and Southern Regional College, provided the opportunity for the Chamber’s 40+ Corporate Patrons, which includes many of the leading employers across the Greater Newry Area, to meet with Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA and Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA to discuss the economic and infrastructure challenges facing local businesses in Greater Newry and explore the huge opportunities available to our region through Dual Market Access, Cross-Border Trade and Innovation.
The event focused on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable Economic Powerhouse on the Dublin-Belfast Corridor’ and during the discussions, both Ministers answered questions and engaged with the Chambers Corporate Patrons across a broad spectrum of issues including:
- Dual Market Access Opportunities
- Growing Business Costs – The Rates Burden
- Skills Challenges – Good Jobs & Leadership Development
- Local Economic Partnerships – Regional Balance
- Sustainable Infrastructure to Support Regional Economy
- Funding Wastewater Treatment – Potential Cross-border Funding Solutions
- Reform of Planning
- Collaboration – Departmental/Stakeholder, North/South & East/West
Following the Ministerial Fireside Chat, an informative panel discussion on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable Economic Powerhouse on the Dublin-Belfast Corridor’ took place with contributions from panellists Anthony McVeigh, S&W Wholesale, Ronan Callan, The Exact Group, Cathal O’Neill, Kilmorey Care and Lee Campbell, SRC.
Each of the companies and organisations represented on the panel have demonstrated their confidence in and commitment to the Greater Newry Area as they have all embarked on significant expansion plans in the region.
Despite facing some significant obstacles on their development journey, each panellist outlined their belief that if key infrastructure and strategic planning needs can be met by the NI Executive with the support of the UK and Irish governments, then the Greater Newry region has a positive economic future.
Dr Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber said:
“Newry Chamber is delighted to have welcomed both the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA and Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA to The Whistledown Hotel for a discussion on the issues impacting our local economy and how we can work collaboratively with the NI Executive to realise the ambitions of the Greater Newry Area.”
“Newry Chamber acknowledges that there are budgetary pressures facing the NI Executive and believes that collaboration is key to achieving economic growth and making our Central Government finances go further. The issues raised reflected this and the engagement was positive and informative.”
“Today’s event provided a platform for positive engagement with two local Ministers and explored how we can unlock Newry’s significant economic potential through collaboration between business, NI Government Departments and Governments in Dublin and London.”
“Greater Newry has huge potential to deliver significant economic growth over the coming years, and today’s event demonstrated the Chamber’s commitment to working with our partners in Government and maximising that potential.”
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said:
“Greater Newry is on the cusp of a decade of huge economic opportunity if the significant challenges we face around infrastructure, skills and Government supports can be overcome through a collaborative approach between business and NI Executive Ministers.”
“Our strategic location on the border on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor provides businesses in Greater Newry with exciting opportunities around Dual Market Access. The Chamber will continue to work closely with local Ministers to find solutions to unlock and realise our economic potential and continue to work on potential cross-border funding solutions to meet the challenges we face particularly around wastewater capacity.”
Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA said:
“I am happy to be part of this discussion and as local elected representative I know how uniquely important this area’s location is on the Belfast-Dublin corridor.”
“The increase in frequency of the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service has seen a substantial growth in passenger numbers and has made rail a far more convenient option for commuting between Belfast and Dublin.”
“The recent announcement of investment of £548m for a major upgrade of the Enterprise train fleet which includes around £200 million from my Department will deliver a transformed cross-border rail service, with faster, more reliable journeys between Belfast and Dublin, while also supporting the decarbonisation of our transport network.”
“My commitment to the A1 junctions and Southern Relief Road is unwavering because the delivery of both projects are hugely beneficial for the Greater Newry area and I will do all that I can to ensure their delivery.”
“Finally, I continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges with our wastewater network. I was delighted when NI Water announced that it had found new and innovative solutions to unlocking wastewater connections in the Newry area. This will enable development in Newry for up to 10 years based on currently identified projects. This includes capacity for approximately 400 new connections across both housing and business premises.”
Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said:
“Events like this matter. They provide an opportunity to listen directly to businesses, understand local priorities and co‑design practical, long‑term solutions.”
“The theme of the event is about ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable Economic Powerhouse’. The All-Ireland economy is thriving, and Dual Market Access provides us with an internationally competitive advantage. At the heart of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor, Newry is uniquely positioned to benefit from this. Cross‑border trade on the island of Ireland has reached a record £14.6 billion – 15% of which, £2.2 billion, was attributable to Newry, Mourne and Down.”
“With its unique strengths, momentum and ambition, Newry has all the foundations needed to be a local economic powerhouse and play a crucial role in continued growth across the north.”