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Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade had an engagement recently with the Stormont Infrastructure and Economy Ministers to discuss the huge opportunities and challenges to growing the economy of the area.
The Greater Newry Area can capitalise on huge opportunities for economic growth in the coming years if significant challenges can be overcome through a partnership approach with local Ministers.
That was the message that resonated from a positive Fireside Chat Engagement with the Infrastructure and Economy Ministers at a Newry Chamber Corporate Patrons Event at Killeavy Castle Estate on 8 May,
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said: “Newry Chamber acknowledges that there are budgetary pressures facing the NI Executive and believes that collaboration is key to achieving economic growth and making our Central Government finances go further. The issues raised reflected this and the engagement was positive and informative.”
“Greater Newry has great potential to deliver significant economic growth over the coming years and today’s event demonstrated the Chamber’s commitment to working with our partners in Government and maximising that potential.”
The unique event, organised by the Chamber, provided the opportunity for the Chamber’s 40+ Corporate Patrons, which includes many of the leading employers across the Greater Newry Area, to meet with Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA and Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA to discuss the economic and infrastructure challenges facing local businesses in the region and explore the huge opportunities available to our region through Dual Market Access, Cross-Border Trade and Innovation.
Welcoming the opportunity to discuss developing Newry into a 21st century city Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA said “The strategic direction of my Department is encompassed by seven foundations. These are foundations for a better future, in recognition of their importance to the people, to the economy and to the environment and because they underpin the work my Department is doing today, to shape a better tomorrow across the North.”
“The aim to achieve better planning, roads and wastewater are the challenges we face and through these foundations we are committed to improvement in the important services we deliver. I look forward to working together to help address the challenges ahead to deliver positive change for people, the economy and the environment.”
The event sponsored by Power NI focused on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable City, Region and Economy for the 21st Century’ and during the discussions, both Ministers answered questions and engaged with the Chamber’s Corporate Patrons across a broad spectrum of issues.
Topics Discussed
Dual Market Access Opportunities
Growing Business Costs - The Rates Burden
Skills Challenges - Good Jobs & Leadership Development
Local Economic Partnerships - Regional Balance
Sustainable Infrastructure to Support Regional Economy
Funding Wastewater Treatment - Potential Solutions
Reform of Planning
Collaboration - Departmental/Stakeholder, North/South & East/West
Gary Sneddon, Key Account Manager at Power NI said: “Events like this provide an important platform for meaningful conversations between business and government, helping to identify both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
“At Power NI, we are proud to support initiatives that drive development within the community across Northern Ireland and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber to help unlock the Newry’s full potential as we believe that continued collaboration will play a key role in shaping a successful and resilient future for the area.”
Following the Ministerial Fireside Chat, an informative panel discussion on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable City, Region and Economy for the 21st Century’ with contributions from panellists Ronan Larkin, NI Water, Julie McCandless, Queen’s University, Colm Gribben, Viltra and Gary Sneddon, Power NI.
Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said: “Greater Newry is on the cusp of a decade of huge economic opportunity if the significant challenges we face around infrastructure, skills and Government supports can be overcome through a collaborative approach between business and NI Executive Ministers.”
“Today’s event provided a platform for positive engagement with two local Ministers and explored how we can unlock Newry’s significant economic potential through collaboration between business, NI Government Departments and Governments in Dublin and London.”
Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA added: “I’d like to thank Newry Chamber for the opportunity to speak with its many patrons and local businesses today and to reinforce my Department’s commitment to supporting the Greater Newry area reach its economic potential. Government collaboration with local businesses is key to driving economic development and addressing regional imbalance across the North.”
“I welcomed the discussions with local businesses about the economic priorities and challenges facing the region. It was valuable to discuss how we can meet those challenges and harness the opportunities the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor and Dual Market Access present.”
