Edge of Town Shopping Slated

Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade’s retail policy reflects the promotion of the City as a thriving retail hub.

It has identified 85acres of land within the City Centre boundary which is primed for retail development. Therefore, from the outset, Newry Chamber has opposed this ‘edge of town’ shopping development as it would have a potential negative impact on City Centre trading.

However, after exhausting all means to lobby against this development including making representations to Minister Edwin Poots, Senior Officials in the Planning Service and local political representatives and with no further process to appeal this decision, it is with reluctance that we accept the notice to approve.

We would strongly urge Planning Service to consider the vitality and viability of our City Centre and adhere stringently to Planning Policy by declining all other proposed out of town developments.