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A newly formed group representing Newry businesses and residents is calling for urgent action to address what it describes as the decline of their city centre. Newry.ie understands that many members of the group feel that current local representatives have abandoned Newry.
The group named 'Newry People's Forum' are holding a public meeting at the Canal Court Hotel on 8 October 2026 to press Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, local politicians and the Northern Ireland Executive for a coordinated response. Newry.ie also understands that there are plans to run candidates in next year's council and assembly elections and that some businesses are calling for rates to be withheld in order to show their frustration at the council's neglect of Newry.
The People's Forum has been set up as a platform for local businesses, community organisations and residents to raise concerns about the challenges facing the city and to put forward practical proposals for its future. It says Newry is grappling with a range of problems that can no longer be overlooked, including declining footfall, a growing number of vacant and closed premises, and a deteriorating public realm. Members have also highlighted the lack of major events and visitor attractions capable of drawing people into the city, along with what they see as the continued under-utilisation of the Newry Canal and River, which they argue represents a missed opportunity for tourism, business and environmental regeneration.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council host no major events in Newry city on the scale of Wake the Giant, Eats & Beats or Footsteps in the Forest, despite the city being the largest centre of population in the district
The group further contends that Newry has failed to secure the level of investment seen in other towns and cities, and is calling for a new investment strategy along with more meaningful support programmes for local businesses. Concerns were also raised about a lack of consultation with businesses and communities on decisions affecting the city, the proposed location and wider plans for the Civic Centre, which the Forum believes require a fundamental re-think, and recent flooding, which it says has exposed the vulnerability of parts of Newry and the need for a comprehensive flood prevention and infrastructure strategy.
Local businessman Martin Hughes said the city needs a fundamental change in approach. "Newry City has been on a steep decline over this past number of years and our local Council and politicians have failed to acknowledge this. There is no City Strategy to address this decline and the Council has failed to attract investment similar to other areas," he said.
"Enough is enough. We cannot continue to watch businesses struggle, premises remain empty, our public spaces deteriorate and opportunities for investment pass us by. Newry has enormous potential, but potential means nothing without leadership, investment and action. There is a need for a multidisciplinary, cross-party and cross-government departmental approach, working in partnership with the community and private sector, to develop a forward-thinking and innovative plan to regenerate Newry. This should not be about party politics. It should be about putting Newry first."
At the public meeting in October, the Forum will call for the development of a Newry City Regeneration and Investment Strategy, supported by all relevant stakeholders, and will set out five priorities it believes should form the basis of an immediate programme of action.
- A new, properly funded and independently developed City Strategy setting out a ten-year vision for the regeneration of Newry.
- A new investment and regeneration partnership involving the council, local political representatives, Stormont departments, local businesses and the community sector to identify opportunities.
- An immediate city centre action plan to tackle vacant premises, improve the appearance of the city centre, increase footfall and support existing businesses.
- A calendar of major events and tourism initiatives designed to attract visitors from throughout the island of Ireland and further afield.
- A formal mechanism through which businesses and community organisations can be consulted on major decisions affecting Newry's future.
The Forum believes Newry retains significant advantages, including its strategic location, cross-border economy, business community, heritage, canal and river, surrounding landscape and strong community base, but argues these assets must be properly developed and promoted if the city is to fulfil its potential.
"Newry deserves better," Hughes said. "This is not about talking Newry down. It is about recognising the problems honestly and coming up with practical solutions. We believe Newry can once again become a vibrant, ambitious and successful city. But that will require a completely different approach. We need everyone around the table, Council, politicians, government departments, businesses and the community, and we need to start delivering."
Public Meeting 8 October, 7.30pm Canal Court Hotel
All local businesses, community and voluntary organisations, and members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will take place at the Canal Court Hotel at 7.30pm on 8 October 2026.
