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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has become the first local authority in the north to formally launch delivery of its Local Economic Partnership Action Plan, backed by £4.5 million in funding aimed at boosting jobs, productivity and regional balance.
The Economy Minister joined council representatives at a Local Economic Partnership meeting to mark the milestone. The council's partnership was established on 27 January 2025 to deliver on the Department for the Economy's Regional Balance Fund, which focuses on creating quality employment, increasing productivity, improving regional balance and supporting decarbonisation efforts.
Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald praised the locally-led approach to economic development. "Local Economic Partnerships set out a new strategic approach to economic development, locally led and with a mission to deliver on regional balance," she said. "I firmly believe local issues require local solutions. I look forward to seeing the delivery of this action plan that will have a positive economic impact as we move forward."
Mallon, Chair of the Local Economic Partnership and NMDDC Director of Economy,
Regeneration and Tourism; Dr Caoimhe Archibald, MLA, Minister for the Economy;
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell;
Conor Patterson, Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency; Amanda Smyth, NMDDC;
Emma Bohill, Down Business Centre, and John McKibben, Invest NI.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, welcomed the Minister and thanked both her and the Department for their support and funding. "We are proud to be the first council in Northern Ireland to begin delivering through the Local Economic Partnership Action Plan," said Cllr Campbell. "This plan has been co-designed with our key stakeholders to strengthen productivity through targeted mentoring and grants for businesses and social enterprises."
The plan includes a new Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant designed to stimulate local economic activity, attract new businesses and create opportunities for existing enterprises to expand. The council will also work alongside the Department for Communities to maximise all available funding opportunities. Another element of the action plan focuses on working with partners to increase awareness and adoption of AI technology across the local business community.
Cllr Campbell also emphasised the council's commitment to sustainable tourism. "Our district is proud of its tourism offering, to ensure we maximise on our offering we will support the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Sustainable Tourism Network," she said. "This will play an important role in advancing our ambition to become a sustainable tourism destination."
The Chairperson concluded by paying tribute to members of the Local Economic Partnership for their dedication and input in developing the action plan, adding that she looks forward to seeing the projects progress in 2026.
For more information visit: www.newrymournedown.org
