Investment showcase for Newry, Mourne and Down as district prepares for unprecedented growth

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council hosted a showcase event at the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle today, highlighting the opportunities connected to upcoming multi-million-pound public and private sector investments.

The People, Place and Prosperity investment symposium, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, drew together more than 100 business and civic leaders, investors and entrepreneurs to hear about Council's strategic plans for regional economic growth.

AI specialist and Founder of AI Ireland, Mark Kelly, shared valuable insights on the impact of artificial intelligence and how businesses should embrace this rapidly developing technology. Having advised industry giants like AbbVie, Amazon, Microsoft, and Oracle, Mark addressed businesses in Newry, Mourne and Down on embracing AI transformation, future-proofing their businesses and navigating the digital age with confidence.

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, who opened the event, said addressing regional disparity was a key objective for her Department through partnerships with Councils, local partnerships, Invest NI and education providers.

Participants also heard from a range of expert speakers across two panel discussions. The first panel examined Newry, Mourne and Down as a unique region that could utilise its geographical location, outstanding natural beauty, and highly skilled workforce to attract and encourage investment. Speakers included Council Chief Executive Marie Ward, Laura O’Hare from Collins Aerospace; Anastasia Desmond from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) and David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council.

The second panel focused on innovation and the importance of businesses being encouraged and supported to harness cutting edge technology such as AI to drive growth and boost productivity. Speakers included Catalyst Chief Executive Steve Orr; Janet Burns from BT; David Quinn of the Belfast Region City Deal at Queen's University Belfast; and Adrienne Hanna, Founder of Right Revenue.

The event concluded with the announcement of criteria details for a £3 million Grade A Office Accommodation Grant Fund for Newry. A Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) project, the Grade A Office Accommodation Fund aims to promote private sector investment through the development of new office space and create new employment opportunities. (See: https://www.newrymournedown.org/office-accommodation-fund)

A district-wide £1 million Tourism Accommodation Programme Fund was also announced, providing targeted financial backing to local hotel accommodation projects. This will target proposals for the development of new build hotels with a minimum capacity of 15 bedrooms and above, and proposals for existing certified tourism accommodation that will add at least 15 additional bedrooms. Both the Grade A Office Accommodation and Tourism Accommodation Programme funds are due to open later this year.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Pete Byrne said, “Today’s conference underscores our commitment to drive economic growth and foster a vibrant, resilient business community where both enterprise and ambition are encouraged and supported.

“Over the next 10 years Belfast Region City Deal investment will see almost £200 million injected into the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area for projects based in tourism, regeneration, infrastructure and digital innovation.

“Significant private sector developments will also shape the heart of Newry City, complementing the Council’s Theatre and Conference Centre, Civic and Regional Hub and Newry City Park plans as part of the Newry City Centre Regeneration programme. And there’s an exciting reimagining of our historic town Downpatrick underway, alongside significant investment in our tourism product.”

Marie Ward, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council added, “Matching the strength of our landscape in Newry, Mourne and Down is our strategic location at the core of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor. Ingenuity and innovation already define this region, rich with talented business leaders, ambitious entrepreneurs and a highly skilled workforce.

“With our experience in advanced engineering, manufacturing, and the digital and creative industries, we are a key destination for additional investment in similar sectors. However, infrastructure must also be a top priority to attract foreign direct investment and as a Council we’re working to ensure investors can expect move-in-ready spaces with short turnaround times.

“It is our hope that today’s showcase event will further incentivise our businesses and send a clear message that our district is open for business and ripe for investment.”

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald said, “Strategically located between Belfast and Dublin, this area has incredible access to the workers, the colleges and universities, the ports and the airports right along this economic corridor. This makes all-Ireland collaboration critical to the area’s economic development.  Its location also means that Newry, Mourne and Down is well placed to take advantage of dual market access.”

Adrienne Hanna from Right Revenue, one of the many businesses that attended the investment symposium, said, “As a business owner, it’s been really positive to attend and hear about the opportunities our Council is creating for local companies. Running and growing a business comes with many challenges and the last few years have certainly put many to the test. It’s fantastic to learn about the Office Accommodation and Tourism funds that will soon be launched and to spend time listening to and talking to other business leaders who all share a common ambition to see our region thrive.”

Laura O’Hare from Collins Aerospace said, “We’ve been operating from the Newry, Mourne and Down region for many years because we believe it is the best location for our business and people. It’s been great to not only listen to the panel experts but to meet with other people in the business world and feel part of something exciting as we see Newry, Mourne and Down taking its place more and more on the world stage.”