Council Launches £4.5m Local Economic Partnership Action Plan

The Minister for the Economy joined Newry, Mourne and Down District Council at a Local Economic Partnership meeting where the council formally commenced delivery of its Local Economic Partnership Action Plan, becoming the first council in Northern Ireland to do so.

The Council’s Local Economic Partnership was formed on 27January 2025. The aim of the Partnership is to deliver on the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund which focuses on creating good jobs, increasing productivity, improving regional balance and decarbonisation. 

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said: “Local Economic Partnerships set out a new strategic approach to economic development, locally led and with a mission to deliver on regional balance.

“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.”

After welcoming the Minister, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Campbell, thanked the Minister 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.

“Through our new Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant, we will drive local economic activity, attract new businesses and create space for existing enterprises to grow. We will also work closely with the Department for Communities to ensure we maximise every available funding opportunity.

“Another aspect of the plan will see us working with the partners to boost awareness and adoption of AI across the local business community.

Councillor Campbell also highlighted the Council’s ambition on 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,” he said. “This will play an important role in advancing our ambition to become a sustainable tourism destination.”

Councillor Campbell concluded by paying tribute to members of the Local Economic Partnership for their commitment and contribution in developing the Action Plan, adding that she looks forward to seeing the projects progress in 2026.

Further informatiom is available here.