Newry and Louth Councils Agree Action Plan for Regional Development

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Members of the Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Strategic Alliance photographed at their most recent meeting, which was held on Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at County Hall, Dundalk. Back Row from left: Conor Mallon, Director of Economy, Regeneration and Tourism, Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council; Cllr Eric Donovan, Louth County Council; Cllr Cathal King, Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council; Cllr Fiona Mhic Conchoille, Louth County Council; David Jones, Director of Major Capital Projects ad Infrastructure Delivery, Louth County Council; Sinead Murphy, Director of Sustainability and Environment, Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council; Andrew Patterson, Director of Active Healthy Communities, Newry, Mourne, and Down District Council; and Thomas McEvoy, Director of Service and Deputy Chief Executive with Louth County Council. Front Row: Cllr Pearse McGeough, Louth County Council; Cllr Declan Murphy, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Cllr Antóin Watters, co-Chair of the Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Strategic Alliance; David Conway, Chief Executive, Louth County Council; Cllr Shane McGuinness, Louth County Council; and Cllr Declan Power, Louth County Council.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Louth County Council have reaffirmed their commitment to cross-border cooperation and regional development at their latest Strategic Alliance meeting, held 9 December at County Hall, Dundalk.

Chris Kent 30 October and Blondie Tribute 28 December @ Canal Court Hotel

The Strategic Alliance, established in 2011 through a Memorandum of Understanding, provides a vital forum for both councils to address shared challenges and explore opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the border. Regular meetings ensure progress on joint priorities and foster collaboration on issues of mutual concern.

At the December meeting, members reviewed the Alliance's strategic priorities and agreed on an action plan that will guide its work in the coming years. Key focus areas include tourism, arts and culture, health, wellbeing and community safety, community, diversity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, emergency preparedness and community resilience, and regenerated economy, infrastructure and digital connectivity.

Members also received an update on the Narrow Water Bridge Project, a flagship Shared Island initiative led by Louth County Council. The project remains on track for completion by the end of 2027, with nearly half of the construction works already completed.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Antóin Watters, Co-Chair from Louth County Council, said: "The Strategic Alliance between Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is an important forum for cross border co-operation. At our recent meeting of the Strategic Alliance we approved our new action plan for the coming years. The plan includes developing the tourism potential of the Narrow Water Bridge and improving cross border co-operation and collaboration around health and community safety. I am looking forward to working on this action plan over the next few years and hopefully make strides to improve the lives of all the people living and visiting the area."

Cllr Declan Mc Ateer, Co-Chair from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, added: "In today's world, where challenges are increasingly complex and resources are stretched, working together is not just an option, it's a necessity. By pooling our expertise and aligning our efforts, we can deliver smarter solutions and create stronger, more resilient communities. Working together we can better serve the people of this region and expand our local cross-border economy in a tangible and meaningful way. The Strategic Alliance is proof that collaboration works, and it matters now more than ever."