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Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald visited Newry yesterday to assess a pilot flood protection programme aimed at safeguarding local businesses from future flooding. The visit follows localised flooding in October/November 2023, after which the Department for the Economy provided over £5m in targeted support to hundreds of businesses affected in South Down and Armagh.
In 2026 the department provided a further £300,000 to fund a pilot scheme to install flood protection measures in Newry city centre. The flood protection pilot takes a collective approach, providing flooding measures throughout adjoining properties to create a seamless defence that strengthens the local area's resilience to future flooding events.
Minister Archibald was joined by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins during her visit, and both Ministers met with pilot partner Newry Business Improvement District, local businesses and contractors delivering the pilot.
Eamonn Connolly, Managing Director of Newry BID, welcomed the support from both Ministers. "I am grateful to the Ministers for their innovative partnership support for Newry BID's Flood Resilience Group in providing these flood defence grants for local businesses. The city centre suffered greatly from the 2023 floods and the protection now being put in place will be invaluable to the local business community."
Following the visit, Minister Archibald said supporting resilient businesses remains central to her economic priorities. "Supporting resilient, sustainable businesses is key to my economic vision and essential to building strong local economies. This £300,000 flood protection pilot will help protect 30 business properties from future flooding while testing a new approach to preventative flood interventions for businesses and communities in the years ahead."
She added that the pilot shows the value of departments working together. "The pilot also demonstrates the benefit of cross-government working, with the Departments for the Economy and Infrastructure combining funding, expertise and experience to help local businesses adapt to the challenges of climate change."
Commending the involvement of Newry BID, the Minister said the organisation's role had been central to the pilot. "The leadership shown by Newry BID and its Flood Resilience Group has been instrumental to this pilot's success. Strong local partnerships will remain key to building a more regionally balanced economy."
Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins said the visit demonstrated what could be achieved through collaboration. "Today's visit to Newry highlights the real difference that can be made when government, local businesses and communities work together to manage flood risk and build resilience. Following the devastating flooding experienced in the South East in 2023, this innovative pilot project is delivering practical support to around 30 Newry businesses identified as most at risk, helping them better protect their premises, livelihoods and the local economy from future flooding."
Minister Kimmins said the initiative reflected close working between departments. "This initiative demonstrates the value of collaboration across Departments, with my Department providing specialist technical expertise and DfE funding the delivery of vital Property Level Protection measures. By working hand in hand with Newry BID and local businesses, we are not only helping to strengthen resilience today but also gathering valuable evidence to inform future approaches to protecting businesses from flooding."
She added that adaptation to climate change was becoming increasingly important. "As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, adaption is becoming increasingly important, with partnership working and community-led solutions playing an essential role. This pilot is an important step towards creating stronger, more resilient communities and supporting businesses to adapt to future flood risk."
