Write a commentThe announcement at yesterday's Autumn Budget from the UK Government, of a £350M investment for the Belfast Region City Deal has been warmly welcomed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council as well as Newry Chamber of Commerce. The City Deal includes projects in Newry, Mourne and Down.
It's part of a £850 million co-investment package for the Belfast city region and plans in Newry include the Southern Relief Road, regeneration work in Newry City and tourism regeneration in the Mournes.
As part of the deal, the NI Executive is expected to add at least a further £350M, councils will contribute over £100M and Queens and Ullster University £50M.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “We are delighted with the announcement of £350 million investment from Treasury announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in yesterday’s Autumn Budget, which secures a City Deal for the Belfast Region. We have been working intensively with our BRCD partners to secure a package of co-investment that will deliver a significant boost to the local economy in terms of inclusive economic growth and job creation.
"As a council region, we will benefit directly through investment in infrastructure. Over the coming weeks, we will be finalising our Programme of investment with partners. A Heads of Terms document will then be signed by the Secretary of State and BRCD partners, to allow full business plans to be prepared for our proposals and investment to be released. Our local proposals are the development of the Southern Relief Road linking the A1 bypass of Newry City with the A2 Warrenpoint dual-carriageway; Regeneration in Newry City, and investment in tourism-led regeneration through the development of our Newcastle Gateway to the Mournes project - an initiative aimed at redefining the visitor destination experience associated with the Mourne Mountains and coastline. We will also benefit through investment in the provision of a focused education, employability and skills programme and believe that this Belfast Region City Deal will raise our potential as a global investment destination, while ensuring that we make a positive difference to those living in our most deprived communities."
Paul Convery, President, Newry Chamber of Commerce added "“As a Chamber, we hope the investment of £850m across the six District Councils will unlock key infrastructure projects for the Greater Newry Area, including the Council’s ambitious city centre regeneration projects, investment in tourism and the Southern Relief Road. Combined with recent jobs announcements from local businesses, this is further positive news for our local economy.”
The six Belfast Region City Deal partner councils Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have committed £100 million investment, whilst Queen’s University and Ulster University have committed £50 million.
