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An economic partnership group has been approved for Newry, Mourne and Down to regenerate town and city centres across the district.
The council’s Economy, Regeneration and Tourism committee signed off on the membership of a taskforce to include 10 key stakeholders.
However, a call has been made to include “ordinary people” when it comes to proposals to develop their own areas.
The new think tank has been formed following the Department for the Economy launching its Sub Regional Economic Plan earlier this month, which sets out a locally led approach to revitalise towns and grow local economies.
Downpatrick Councillor Oonagh Hanlon said:”Establishing these partnerships will undoubtedly unlock economic potential for the district and a locally led partnership approach is going to ensure that our communities are empowered to identify the priorities for each area.
“I would note though that on the list of suggested groups and I know it is not finite, but I did notice that there’s no representation from Rowallane or Slieve Croob.
“So, I was thinking to may be reach out to DEA (district electoral area) forums for ideas of groups that may be could assist with the partnership.
“With the focus as well on more good jobs, I also think it would be prudent to reach out to the two main colleges of Southern Regional College and South Eastern Regional College.”
The council report provided to elected reps also stated that other stakeholders would be identified to attend the partnership as and when required.
The partnership to date will include; Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Newry BID, Warrenpoint Burren Rostrevor Chamber, Kilkeel Chamber, Newcastle Chamber, Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group, South Armagh Business Improvement Group, Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, Down Business Centre and NMDDC Labour Market Partnership.
Mournes Councillor Jill Truesdale added: “I’ll point out that you can’t have infinite growth in finite areas as my area of the Mournes demonstrates.
“The minister (Conor Murphy MLA) acknowledges this by saying proposals for a locally led approach, which places regional balance at its heart and which enshrines partnership working.
“Will there be an opportunity for ordinary people outside of business and the groups mentioned to engage in the process?”
A council officer responded: “We are aware we need to spread across other DEAs and we would welcome the proposal of groups who could sit on the partnership.
“With respect to communities, engagement via the partnership will be important and there is significant community representation on the groups listed already, but can also be wider once the group is established by the end of this year.
“So, there will be a lot of work done between January and March identifying priorities and engaging across the district on the actions we want to deliver over the next three years.”
