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Dr Conor Patterson the new President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade has called for unity and collaboration to secure substantial investment in the city and region as he outlined his vision for 2026.
In his Christmas message, the incoming president paid tribute to his predecessor, Edwina Flynn, for the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism she brought to the role over the last two years. He said 2025 had been a strong year for Newry Chamber, with the team led by Michael Savage and the Chamber Board delivering another programme of well-attended, informative and engaging events.
Dr Patterson said the lobbying efforts of partners to attract Government support and investment have been strengthened with Newry Chamber carrying that message into the corridors of power in Stormont, Westminster, the Oireachtas and the United States. However, he warned that significant challenges can only be overcome through a collaborative and unified approach from all stakeholders with an interest in seeing Newry fulfil its potential.
"Unity of purpose is paramount if we are to achieve anything for our businesses and our citizens," he said. "We can all hold differing views on some aspects of the route map, but none of us can disagree that there is a need to secure substantial investment in our city and region to support and stimulate economic growth."
Newry Chamber is working with local and central government partners to shape a strategic plan for the city and region with achievable ambitions to secure significant public sector investment in the area. A programme to increase wastewater capacity is described as vitally important, as well as other key infrastructure initiatives such as the Southern Relief Road, to address the current and future socio-economic needs of the population and improve quality of life. The plan must also address the skills and recruitment challenges which businesses wanting to create good jobs face.
The president said he wants to lead a Chamber that will fight to ensure that the investment deficits in the region are addressed by the Executive as well as the Irish and British Governments. "Only if our businesses flourish can we fulfil our ambition to develop Newry into an economic powerhouse on the Dublin-Belfast corridor," he added.
Dr Patterson said "We have proven in the past that when we all talk our city and region up and when we all work with a unified sense of purpose, we can achieve great things for Newry". He added "I want 2026 to be a year in which our community unites behind this common goal of regenerating our city, growing our economy and providing exciting opportunities for future generations to live, work and raise a family in Greater Newry."
As well as leading on all things economic, the Chamber will also be supporting efforts to improve the social fabric of the city and district, including continuing to play its part in the Daisy Hill Future Group which is working to secure the long-term future of local hospital services. The Chamber will also continue to support vital local charities and social enterprises that provide a safety net to protect the vulnerable in society.
The president concluded by urging positivity about 2026 and called for everyone to work together to build a city and region that can be an attractive destination for investors from all over the world. The Chamber Offices will reopen on Monday 5 January.
Dr Patterson wished everyone a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
