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A new housing development in Omeath, Co Louth has become the latest to be built with funding from a digital crowdfunding platform backed by more than 2,600 investors. Arda Oberon, developed by Newry firm Meeko Construction, will deliver six new family homes in the village after receiving construction funding from Property Bridges, Ireland's only specialist homebuilding finance investment platform.
The development is intended to help meet demand for housing in Co Louth, where it is estimated that more than 8,385 homes are needed to meet demand by 2030. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, with three-bedroom homes priced from €390,000.
Developer Ryan Meehan said Arda Oberon brought much-needed new homes to Omeath. "We're delighted to have completed the first phase of the build," he said. "Funding through Property Bridges meant we could get moving quickly, without the delays that often come with traditional bank finance, and that means homes get built sooner for local families." Meehan, 36, founded Meeko Construction in 2017, initially building homes for private clients before expanding into commercial work and fit-outs. The business had 13 new-build houses under construction in 2024 alone and is now moving into developing its own housing schemes, with the aim of growing steadily into medium-sized developments while retaining the hands-on approach and high standards it was built on.
Property Bridges connects retail investors from all over Ireland, including Co Louth, directly with vetted homebuilders, giving investors the chance to back housing developments such as Arda Oberon while smaller developers get a faster and more flexible alternative to traditional bank lending. Individuals can invest between €500 and €500,000 in asset-backed residential property developments, and those who invested in Arda Oberon received the targeted annual return of 7.5% on their investment. Construction of the homes has also driven local economic activity, creating employment during construction among contractors and suppliers in the area.
David Jelly, Chief Executive Officer of Property Bridges, said it was always good to see a new development completed. "Small and medium-sized developers build two-thirds of all new homes in Ireland and that's exactly who our platform backs," he said. "We connect individual investors looking for a better return than a deposit account with the developers who are actually building the homes Ireland needs, in Louth and all around Ireland."
Property Bridges was launched in 2018 and connects a community of retail and institutional investors directly with vetted Irish residential developers, giving investors asset-backed access to homebuilding finance. To date it has funded more than 1,000 homes nationwide, deploying over €300 million from its community of 2,600 investors, and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as a crowdfunding service provider. The company places emphasis on investor education and a discerning investment approach, and says it champions openness and transparency to allow investors to make informed decisions that align with their individual risk appetites.
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Ten entrepreneurs from the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area have been shortlisted for this year's Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, with the finalists now preparing to pitch their business ideas for the chance to secure investment. The local heat takes place this Monday 28 September, with the winner receiving £1,000 investment and a place at the regional final in November, where they will compete for a further £5,000.
At the local heat, finalists will pitch to a panel of judges from the local business and civic community. The shortlisted entrepreneurs in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area include Colette Fleming of Choppy Waters, which delivers open water training therapy as a form of mental health support; Ben O'Connor of FarmFlow, a mobile app which digitises agricultural tasks; Georgia Heaney of Breadly, an AI personal finance agent; Niall Brown of Inclusive Adventures, a community organisation which connects people through movement and shared experiences; and Ella Colgan of Hot Yoga with Ella, a heated yoga and wellness studio in Newcastle.
Other hopefuls include Sarah-Jane Mowbray of Silent Cuts, an inclusive social enterprise providing hairdressing for those with additional needs; Naser Patrick Jajani-Keenan of Co+, a sparkling coconut water energy drink brand; Conor Bradley of Learning Made Fun, which offers hands-on programmes, workshops and creative camps; Anthony Flanaghan of Katchup Ball Skills, which manufactures sports equipment; and Paul McCreey of Fibre UP, a high fibre soft drinks brand.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, congratulated all of the entrepreneurs who have been shortlisted for this year's local heat. "The quality and diversity of this year's entries highlight the wealth of entrepreneurial talent across the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area, and reaching the local final is a fantastic achievement in itself. The hardest part is often putting yourself out there so well done for having the confidence to do so!"
Cllr Campbell added: "We look forward to seeing the finalists bring their ideas to life and wish everyone taking part the very best of luck."
Last year's Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area winner was Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad of Balantra, who secured a spot in the final with nutrition sachets designed to blend seamlessly into drinks, foods and routines. Ruchira went on to win the People's Choice Award after receiving the most public votes for her final pitch.
The winner of each local heat from Northern Ireland's 11 councils will go on to compete in The Ultimate Pitch regional final, taking place at Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Co. Derry, on Wednesday 18 November. The overall winner, who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, will also receive a prize package including a photography session supplied by Brian Thompson Photography, a podcast recording session supplied by Attention X Studio NI, membership of Toastmasters, and a media training session supplied by LK Communications.
Subcategory prizes will include the Go Succeed Social Impact Award, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16-25 year-old entrepreneur, and the Go Succeed People's Choice Award for the contestant with the most public votes, with each winner receiving £1,500 towards their business idea.
Go Succeed, www.go-succeed.com, is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland's 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice, including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning, at every stage of their growth journey.
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More than 450 guests attended the 11th Greater Newry Business Awards at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa in Newry last Thursday 24 September, where 24 individuals and organisations were recognised for their achievements. Peter Murray former Manager of the Buttercrane Shopping Centre received the Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area award, while Kate O'Connor, European & Commonwealth Heptathlon Champion, was presented with the Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award.
Derek O'Reilly of O'Reillys Wholesale was named Best Businessman, and Orlaith Talty of The Powerhouse won Best Businesswoman. Rachel Mearns of Concept Occupational Health took the Best Young Businesswoman award, while Patrick Mackin of Mackins Accident Repair Centre was named Best Young Businessman.
A charity raffle held on the night raised more than £4,500, which will be split between Cuan Mhuire and Newry & District Gateway Club, two local charities that provide much needed support services within the community.
Michael Savage, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber, and Eamonn Connolly, Manager of Newry BID confirmed on the evening to that the Newry Business Charity Christmas Dinner will continue, after its future had been in doubt earlier in the week. The announcement was welcomed by the packed room of guests, with the fundraising event set to return to the Canal Court Hotel on Wednesday 2 December.
Murray was recognised for his contribution to the Greater Newry area, having also served as President of Newry Chamber and Chair of Newry BID.
The awards organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce have been held since 2004 and are considered the premier celebration of business excellence in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. This year's ceremony was supported by Principal Sponsors Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and NIE Networks, along with 23 category sponsors.
Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber, said the past 12 months had been "an incredibly testing period for our local business community." However, he said, the high calibre of entries received showed that "the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented businesses who are proud to call our region home."
He said: "The strength of this year's awards illustrates a determined, resilient and confident local business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region." He thanked all the winners, highly commended entrants and finalists, along with everyone who took part.
He added that the Greater Newry area was recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, "excellent service, product quality and customer care," and said the Chamber was pleased to organise the awards and "showcase Greater Newry's Greatest."
WINNERS
Sponsored by MJM Marine
WINNER - Kate O’Connor, European & Commonwealth Heptathlon Champion
Sponsored by The Exact Group
WINNER - Peter Murray, Former Centre Manager of Buttercrane,
President of Newry Chamber & Chair of Newry BID
Sponsored by O’Reillys Wholesale
WINNER - The Powerhouse Newry
Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency
WINNER - Women's Aid Armagh Down
Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
WINNER - Cole Groundwork Contracts
Sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
WINNER - Killeavy Castle Estate
Sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
WINNER - Jack Murphy Jewellers
Sponsored by NIE Networks
WINNER - Cunningham
Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
WINNER - Duality Healthcare
Sponsored by InterTradeIreland
WINNER - Two Stacks Irish Whiskey
Sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
WINNER - Rachel Mearns, Concept Occupational Health
Sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
WINNER - Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Sponsored by Collins Aerospace
WINNER - FME
Sponsored by Newry Reporter
WINNER - Clever Clogs Academy
Sponsored by Newry BID
WINNER - Home Instead
Sponsored by S&W Wholesale
WINNER - Shelbourne Motors
Sponsored by AbbeyAutoline
WINNER - The Oliver
Sponsored by Newry.ie
WINNER - Sugar House
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
WINNER - MyLife Bathrooms
Sponsored by Southern Regional College
WINNER - Water Solutions Ireland
Sponsored by Buttercrane
WINNER - O’Reillys Wholesale
Sponsored by Newry Credit Union
WINNER - S&W Wholesale
Sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
WINNER - Orlaith Talty, The Powerhouse Newry
Sponsored by Newry Democrat
WINNER - Derek O’Reilly, O’Reillys Wholesale
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A Newry vet who worked as a receptionist at Newry Vets (Newry Veterinary Centre) throughout university has won five awards at her University College Dublin graduation ceremony. Rachael Meehan has now joined the practice full-time as a qualified veterinary surgeon.
The Newry woman is a former Our Ladies Grammar School pupil and worked at the practice as a casual receptionist during university holidays and weekends for the past two years. When she was not needed on reception, she took every opportunity to gain practical experience by undertaking Extra-Mural Studies alongside the practice's veterinary team.
Her dedication, motivation and discipline were rewarded at her UCD graduation with five awards. These were the Veterinary Ireland Student Medal, awarded to the leading student throughout the Veterinary Medicine Programme, and the Interchem (Ireland) Ltd Prize for Veterinary Medicine, awarded to the student who achieves the highest grade in Small Animal Medicine.
She also received the John Freeman Memorial Medal, awarded by the Veterinary Council of Ireland to the student who acquires the highest aggregate grades in Animal Husbandry and Production, Pathology, Microbiology, Parasitology and Pharmacology. The John Hannon Medal went to her as the student who obtains the highest overall grades in Veterinary Public Health and Food Hygiene, while the Moredun Foundation Prize recognised the student who performs best in the area of Farm Animal Clinical Studies.
Newry Vets Practice Manager Shantel Lloyd said: "We could not be more proud of Rachael. She has shown incredible dedication and commitment throughout her studies, balancing a demanding veterinary degree with regular work at the practice.
"Rachael has always been incredibly motivated and keen to learn. Whether she was working on reception or spending time with our veterinary team as part of her EMS, she threw herself into everything. To graduate as a vet is a fantastic achievement in itself, but to come away with five awards is an extraordinary accomplishment. We are absolutely delighted for her."
Having gained experience with the team throughout her studies, Meehan chose to begin her veterinary career at Newry Vets as a new graduate vet. She joined the practice full-time this summer.
Meehan said: "I was shocked to win so many awards but absolutely delighted.
"I'm really enjoying being at the practice full-time. The team is absolutely lovely and I am lucky that I get to work in farm and small animal practice. I enjoy getting stuck into a bit of everything and no two days are the same."
Shantel added: "We have watched Rachael grow in confidence and experience over the past two years and we are absolutely thrilled that she has chosen to start her career with us. She has already achieved so much, and we have no doubt there are big things ahead for this young vet."
The practice team is now looking forward to seeing what the future holds for their newest vet.
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Newry-based Re-Gen has been appointed as Northern Ireland's collection and processing partner for the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), with a dedicated processing line in Newry due to be operational from October 2027. Exchange For Change, the industry-led organisation delivering the scheme in the UK, has appointed five waste management and recycling providers to handle logistics and processing.
From October 2027, a 20p deposit will apply to all single use PET plastic, aluminium and steel drinks containers between 150ml and 3L. Consumers will get their deposit back when they return their containers to a return point.
Re-Gen and the other logistics and processing partners will collect the returned bottles and cans from return points and process them so the material can be recycled into new drinks containers. It is estimated that more than 6.5 billion cans and bottles in the UK end up as waste every year rather than being recycled, whereas the average return rate in European countries with a DRS is 90 per cent.
Re-Gen is the biggest waste management company in the north, processing household domestic waste. It employs more than 400 people at two sites in Newry.
Re-Gen CEO Joseph Doherty said: "We are delighted to have been appointed by Exchange for Change as Northern Ireland's collection and processing partner for the Deposit Return Scheme. This represents a major milestone for Re-Gen and an important step in creating the infrastructure required to deliver a successful DRS across the region. We look forward to working closely with retailers, Exchange For Change and stakeholders across the supply chain to ensure the Deposit Return Scheme delivers lasting environmental and economic benefits for Northern Ireland.”
The appointments followed an extensive tender process. Exchange For Change says the approach is designed to make the system as resilient as possible and will allow the infrastructure to be scaled in future. The agreements are expected to unlock millions of pounds of investment in recycling infrastructure and create around 700 new jobs.
Alongside Re-Gen in Northern Ireland, SUEZ will cover the North-East, North-West, West-Central and South West regions of England, while CIRQLR will cover the East Central, South and South East regions of England. Re.Group will operate in Scotland in partnership with Hargreaves Services plc, and Bywaters will cover London.
Three dedicated DRS processing facilities in Scotland, Scunthorpe and Guildford, two dedicated processing lines in Isle of Dogs and Newry, and one shared-use plastics recycling facility in Avonmouth will be operational from October 2027. Three new purpose-built processing facilities in Ely in Cambridgeshire, Knowsley in Merseyside and Avonmouth will follow in October 2030. Around 400 new recycling vehicles are also expected to be mobilised to collect DRS materials from every corner of the UK.
Russell Davies, Exchange for Change Chief Executive, said: "Confirming our logistics and processing partners is another significant milestone in our preparations for the scheme going live from October 2027."
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A new Consultant-led Breast Assessment Service for women under 40 has been launched at Mourne Private Clinic in Newry. It offers specialist assessment to younger women who have noticed a breast change or have concerns about their breast health.
The service is based at Bridge Street in Newry and is led by a multidisciplinary team made up of Consultant Breast Surgeon Dr Reem Salman, Consultant Radiologist Dr Austin Donnelly and Specialist Breast Nurses Eimear McGeown and Helen Fee.
It has been developed for women under 40 who require specialist clinical assessment. Symptoms may include a new breast lump or swelling, persistent or unexplained breast pain, nipple changes or discharge, skin changes, or another change that is unusual for the individual.
Breast assessment for younger women can differ from that provided to older age groups. Each woman will be assessed according to her individual symptoms and clinical requirements. Where appropriate, breast imaging can form part of the assessment, with the Consultant Radiologist working alongside the Consultant Breast Surgeon and Specialist Breast Nurse to provide a coordinated approach to care. An ultrasound guided biopsy can also be provided during the appointment if it is deemed necessary. The aim is to give women clear information, specialist advice and an appropriate pathway for any further investigation or management that may be required.
Mourne Private Clinic Owner and Director Lisa Hughes said: "Finding a change in your breast can naturally cause concern. We wanted to develop a service specifically for younger women that provides timely access to experienced breast specialists and a clear pathway for assessment.
"Our focus at Mourne Private Clinic is on providing professional, compassionate care."
Women should seek medical advice if they notice a new or unexplained change in their breast. While many breast symptoms will have a benign cause, it is important not to ignore a change or delay seeking appropriate medical assessment. The new service is intended specifically for symptomatic women under the age of 40 and is separate from routine population breast screening programmes.
Mourne Private Clinic provides a growing range of independent consultant-led clinics, diagnostic imaging and healthcare services. Its diagnostic services include ultrasound, X-ray, DEXA bone-density scanning, prenatal ultrasound and private blood testing. The new service provides another specialist healthcare option for women from Newry, South Down, County Armagh and the wider border region.
For further information or to enquire about an appointment, contact Mourne Private Clinic on Bridge Street, Newry, on 028 3026 3712 or visit www.mourneprivateclinic.com.
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Newry-based Re-Gen has appointed Kieran McPolin as its first Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) General Manager. He will oversee the company's MSW operation, with a focus on operational efficiency, health and safety, productivity, compliance, people development and continuous improvement.
Based in Newry, Re-Gen employs more than 400 people on two sites. Its facility combines artificial intelligence, robotics and advanced optical sorting technology to recover recyclable materials from domestic refuse, and it is one of Europe's most technologically advanced recycling companies.
McPolin has more than 25 years' experience in operational leadership and management in manufacturing, FMCG and the agri-food sector. He was most recently Site Operations Manager with Rosderra Irish Meats, where he was responsible for site operations and for improving health and safety, compliance, processes and team development.
Before that, he spent more than eight years as Head of Operations with Devenish Nutrition, leading two sites and delivering major capital projects. He also has more than 17 years of management experience with Fane Valley and Moy Park, where he built his foundation in manufacturing and large-scale team leadership.
In his new role, McPolin will work closely with Re-Gen's Chief Operating Officer, Tony Demaine, and the wider management team to enhance day-to-day operations and meet the strategic objectives of the business.
Tony said, "Kieran's extensive experience across a range of industries, combined with his strong track record in operational leadership, is a valuable addition to our management team. As the business continues to grow and develop, Kieran will play an important role in strengthening our MSW operation, supporting our people and driving continued improvements across safety, efficiency and performance."
Commenting on his appointment, McPolin said, "This is an exciting time to join Re-Gen. I look forward to working with the team, getting to know the operation, and contributing to its development and growth. This is an exciting business - one that understands the importance of investment in people and innovation. My expertise across safety, efficiency, people management, and performance can drive operational excellence to strengthen our market position and ultimately ensure that Re-Gen continues to deliver a positive environmental impact."
In recent years, Re-Gen has committed £30m to carbon emission reduction technology, with plans to invest another £50m by 2030. The company has also donated £1 million to charities to date.
Last year, Deloitte announced Re-Gen as one of its Best Managed Companies, awarding it a Gold Award for its resilience, innovation and team culture.
For more information, visit regenwaste.com
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A company whose northern head office is based in Newry is among 57 small and medium-sized businesses in the north to secure funding from the NI Small Business Loan Fund III. The Leisure Experts has received a £20,000 loan, while the fund has approved loans worth more than £2.4 million in total.
The company is using the money to support the delivery of new swimming pool partnerships. The funding is helping the business manage the upfront costs associated with growth, including staffing, equipment and programme delivery.
Joni Harding, Company Director at The Leisure Experts, said: "Every new pool or gym partnership is a chance to help more people across Northern Ireland feel healthier, more confident and more connected. Getting there takes investment in our people, equipment and programmes from the outset. This loan has helped The Leisure Experts take those steps and bring more opportunities for wellbeing into local communities."
The fund is part of Invest Northern Ireland's Access to Finance programme and provides loans to SMEs seeking flexible finance to support business development. Since launching in May 2025, it has approved loans to businesses in a range of sectors and locations. The money is helping them invest in new products, recruit staff, strengthen cashflow and scale their operations.
Kathryn Hill, Chief Operating Officer at Invest NI, said: "For many smaller businesses, access to the right finance at the right time can be the difference between standing still and moving forward. We're seeing businesses across Northern Ireland use the fund to invest with confidence and unlock new opportunities. Jacksons Catering Equipment is a great example of this, using the funding to strengthen its stock holding and support a new distribution agreement that will help the company continue to build its business. It's encouraging to see businesses from different sectors and locations using the fund to accelerate their plans and build for the future."
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MyLife Bathrooms, which is currently building a massive new headquarters in Newry, raised £7,740.58 last month for four charities at its annual Charity Golf Day. The company has pledged to match the full amount, bringing the total to £15,481.16.
The event was held at Warrenpoint Golf Club in memory of Stanley Weir, a member of the Team MyLife family and involved 26 teams and 104 players, with the money raised through team entries, sponsorships, raffle tickets and other fundraising activities.
The funds will be split equally between Evora Hospice, National Society for Phenylketonuria (NSPKU), Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI and The Larder Newry.
Kelly Brothers, the building contractors currently working on MyLife Bathrooms' new headquarters in Newry, were the main sponsor of the day.
Members of Stanley's family joined the MyLife team and guests at the prizegiving to present prizes to the winning teams and individual players. They also helped select the winners of the raffle. Prizes included hospitality tickets for Liverpool vs Leeds at Anfield, a signed 2025 British & Irish Lions squad rugby shirt and hotel stays. The top prizes for the day included an overnight stay and fourball at Roganstown Hotel & Country Club.
Andrew O'Brien, CEO & Founder at MyLife Bathrooms, said: "This year's golf day was incredibly special to everyone at MyLife. Stanley meant a great deal to so many people."
He added: "We were absolutely blown away by the generosity of everyone who supported the event. Raising £7,740.58 on the day was a fantastic achievement, and we are delighted to match that amount, taking the total to £15,481.16 for four very worthwhile charities.
"We would like to thank every golfer, sponsor, supplier, customer and supporter who helped make the day such a success, and especially Kelly Brothers for their support as our main sponsor."
Colleagues, customers, suppliers and industry friends took part in the day at Warrenpoint Golf Club. The company has expressed its thanks to all 26 teams, the 104 golfers, sponsors, prize donors and everyone who bought raffle tickets or contributed to the fundraising.
MyLife Bathrooms hopes the donation will help support the work of its four charity partners and ensure that Stanley's memory continues to make a positive difference to others.
MyLife Bathrooms is one of the fastest-growing bathroom brands in Ireland and the UK. Its award-winning collections can be purchased through a retail network of more than 750 bathroom showrooms and plumbing merchants.
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