We were delighted to have the opportunity to discuss our short and long-term vision for the Greater Newry Area with Finance Minister, Conor Murphy MLA on Wednesday 23rd February 2022.
Chamber President, Julie Gibbons & CEO, Tony McKeown also presented our ‘2022 & Beyond – Our Future Vision’ document to Minister Murphy which outlined our priorities in the areas of skills, infrastructure and tourism.
The Department of Finance also provided an update on the mechanisms in place which will allow departments to continue spending to maintain public services in absence of the NI Executive.
We also discussed the key priorities for our members on increased costs, labour shortages and uncertainty around trading arrangements as well as stressing the importance of political stability to the local business community.
Damian Mulholland from the Department for Communities also presented on the Newry Enabling Plan which provided a detailed overview on Newry’s current infrastructure and how it is intertwined with the successful delivery of the projects which are part of the regeneration of Newry City and other projects across the wider district.
It was great to also have a walk around the City with the Minister alongside some of our members to see the real potential for development and visit some of the proposed sites earmarked for investment.