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SDLP representatives joined business owners and operators across Newry on Thursday past, 20 November for a business breakfast that saw lively discussion on the key issues facing the city, from planning delays to the ongoing closure of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.
The breakfast event brought together MLA Justin McNulty, MP Claire Hanna, and Councillors Killian Feehan and Doire Finn with local business representatives keen to share their challenges and concerns. After a welcome from McNulty and Hanna, attendees got straight into the issues impacting businesses and people in Newry.
Discussion ranged across planning processing times, parking, rates, the Civic Centre and the Canal, as well as the importance of arts, culture and sport to the area. The continued closure of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre proved a particularly contentious topic, with some attendees expressing frustration at the lack of progress on building a new arts centre.
The open and vibrant conversation gave the SDLP representatives a clearer picture of what business operators in Newry are currently dealing with, and the discussions will help inform the party's work on policy affecting businesses, the arts, and the community and voluntary sector.
Mr McNulty said the breakfast provided "a lively environment for productive and open discussion on the major issues impacting businesses and the area." He noted that "the clear message was that the Executive needs to work on decreasing planning decision wait times, securing funding for Newry infrastructure projects on a regional and central level, and making sure people and businesses are consulted at every stage of these processes."
Cllr McNulty added that his door is always open to anyone who wants to discuss concerns and that he welcomes all positive collaboration.
