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Over 140 business delegates attended a Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade Business Dinner with a Minister Sammy Wilson, Department of Finance and Personnel in the Canal Court Hotel last week.
President Cathal Austin, Newry Chamber opened the event raising key issues with the Minister including the devolving of Corporation Tax, Government Departmental underspend, the need for a funded regeneration for Newry City and the importance of investing in the future of Daisy Hill hospital. Positive initiatives were raised including Green New Deal, a marina at Warrenpoint and the Minister’s decision to extend the Small Business Rates Relief Scheme.
In the Minister’s speech he gave a frank and open account of the Northern Ireland economy and the pressures that both he and his Assembly Ministers were under to work within increasingly limited budgets. The Minister referred to Government investment in the Newry region, including investment in Daisy Hill Hospital, local schools, Invest NI’s development at Carnbane and the benefits which the A1/M1 Motorway has delivered to Newry.
A ‘Let’s Talk’ interview with the Minister was facilitated by Tom Kelly, media commentator and columnist for the Irish News. Mr Kelly posed topical questions to the Minister on issues including, the Programme for Government, NAMA and its impact on the Northern Ireland economy, the DUP’s policy on business, the large business rates levy and the reality of a ‘Joined up’ Government.
This event was generously sponsored by CRASH Services. Mr Michael McKeown, Managing Director of CRASH Services presented the Minister with a copy of the Book for Newry to commemorate his visit to City.
