Councils Drive Cross-Border Progress at Strategic Alliance Meeting

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Louth County Council convened their latest Strategic Alliance meeting on 9 December 2025 at County Hall, Dundalk, reaffirming their commitment to cross-border cooperation and regional development.

The Strategic Alliance, established in 2011 through a Memorandum of Understanding, provides a vital forum for both councils to address shared challenges and explore opportunities that benefit communities on both sides of the border. Regular meetings ensure progress on joint priorities and foster collaboration on issues of mutual concern.

At the December meeting, members reviewed the Alliance’s strategic priorities and agreed on an action plan that will guide its work in the coming years. Key focus areas include:

• Tourism, arts and culture
• Health, wellbeing and community safety
• Community, diversity and inclusion
• Environmental sustainability
• Emergency preparedness and community resilience
• Regenerated economy, infrastructure and digital connectivity

Members also received an update on the Narrow Water Bridge Project, a flagship Shared Island initiative led by Louth County Council. The project remains on track for completion by the end of 2027, with nearly half of the construction works already completed.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Antóin Watters, Co-Chair from Louth County Council, said:

"The Strategic Alliance between Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is an important forum for cross border co-operation. At our recent meeting of the Strategic Alliance we approved our new action plan for the coming years.

“The plan includes developing the tourism potential of the Narrow Water Bridge and improving cross border co-operation and collaboration around health and community safety. I am looking forward to working on this action plan over the next few years and hopefully make strides to improve the lives of all the people living and visiting the area."

Cllr Declan Mc Ateer, Co-Chair from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, added:

“In today’s world, where challenges are increasingly complex and resources are stretched, working together is not just an option, it’s a necessity. By pooling our expertise and aligning our efforts, we can deliver smarter solutions and create stronger, more resilient communities. Working together we can better serve the people of this region and expand our local cross-border economy in a tangible and meaningful way. The Strategic Alliance is proof that collaboration works, and it matters now more than ever.”