Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade welcomed Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd MLA for a Fireside Chat Engagement Event hosted by Southern Regional College at The Graduate Restaurant in their Newry East Campus on Wednesday 11th September 2024.
Organised by Newry Chamber, the event provided an opportunity for the business community in the Greater Newry Area to meet with Minister O’Dowd to discuss the need to tackle the infrastructure deficit across the region and how it has become an obstacle to growth and economic and social development across the city and district.
During the discussions, Minister O’Dowd and his Departmental officials answered questions and engaged with Chamber Corporate Patrons and Members across a broad spectrum of issues including:
- Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme – progressing Phases 2A, 2B and 3 through collaboration and other funding opportunities
- Upgrading Newry’s Water Treatment Capacity at Greenbank and the role the Department can play in a collaborative approach to funding
- Upgrading the Water & Sewerage Network to progress approved commercial, industrial and residential schemes that have planning approval but are hampered by sewerage capacity conditions – can collaboration with the private sector provide a solution?
- Southern Relief Road
- Road Network Upgrade
- Improvements to the Planning System in NI
The event was kindly sponsored and hosted by Newry Chamber Corporate Patron, Southern Regional College.
Raymond Sloan, Director of Client Services at SRC said.
“Southern Regional College is delighted to host this unique event and welcome the Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd MLA to Newry to meet local business leaders, discuss the need to invest in our infrastructure and receive an update from the Minister on the major schemes that are planned for the area. SRC is proud to be a Corporate Patron of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and we welcome the opportunity to host the Minister today for what was a very positive and engaging discussion.”
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said:
“Newry Chamber is delighted to have welcomed Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd MLA to Newry to discuss the need to tackle the infrastructure deficit in this region and to explore how we can work collaboratively with the NI Executive to realise the ambitions of the Greater Newry Area through the delivery of much-needed infrastructure projects.”
“We acknowledge that there are budgetary pressures facing the NI Executive and believe that collaboration is key to delivering the major schemes that are required across the area including the three phases of the city’s flood alleviation scheme, the expansion of our waste water treatment works at Greenbank and the upgrade in the water and sewerage network across the city which is needed to allow commercial and housing development to get out of the ground across the Greater Newry Area. The engagement with the Minister was positive and informative.”
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said:
“One of Newry Chamber’s core pillars is the centred around tackling the infrastructure deficit across the city and district. A lack of investment in our water and sewerage treatment capacity has become a serious impediment to economic growth in our region and it was important that the Minister heard this from business leaders and investors who are ready and willing to invest in our city and wider district and work with the Department to develop solutions that enhance the capacity in our network and facilitates development.”
“We acknowledge the major investment that is coming our way in the form of the Southern Relief Road and it was great to get an update on this scheme from the Department. This is the biggest roads infrastructure investment in our area in a generation and it will be transformative. This area is on the cusp of a decade of real opportunity and the Minister left the meeting informed of the ambitions we have for our city and its people and our need for support from Central Government to realise those ambitions.”
Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd MLA said:
“As I continue to meet key stakeholders and partners across the north, this was a very constructive meeting with Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade. We discussed the importance of having the right infrastructure as a key to unlocking a more productive and prosperous economy, which will help create better communities and healthier, greener lives.”
“From the water and sewerage infrastructure beneath our feet to our strategic roads – the A1 and Newry Southern Relief Road; an Active Travel Delivery Plan which includes a network plan for Newry; the Newry Flood Alleviation Scheme; and Narrow Water Bridge, the right infrastructure can enhance this area, opening up connectivity across the island, boosting tourism and benefiting the all-island economy.”
“Underpinning all of this work is an effective planning system operating to best serve the needs of the local community and I outlined the respective role of Councils, statutory consultees and my Department’s role in the planning system.”
“Infrastructure can deliver the positive change to improve wellbeing and build a better tomorrow, not just for this generation but for generations to come in Newry and across the North.”