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Local Economic Partnerships

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched the Local Economic Partnership Action Plan for the District.

Developed collaboratively with representatives from the business, community, voluntary, education and statutory sectors, the Action Plan delivers a series of programmes funded through the Regional Balance Fund. These programmes focus on creating good jobs, increasing productivity, addressing regional imbalance and supporting decarbonisation.

Scroll down for details of the LEP programmes and information on any related grant schemes currently open for applications.

Commercial Property Revive and Reimagine Grant - NOW OPEN 

  • Closes: Tuesday 8 September 2026 at 12noon.

The grant supports the restoration and/or expansion of underused, vacant and derelict properties within urban and rural settlement limits, bringing them back into productive use as high-quality, sustainable and functional commercial spaces.

  • Total funds available: £2,000,000
  • Grant awards are available from: £50,000 - £200,000 and will cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. 

Full details of eligibility criteria and eligible works are provided in the Application Guidance Notes.

Applications will be operated through the Council's grants and funding portal. You can register for an account on the Electronic Grant Management System (EGMS).

Information sessions on the scheme and application process will be held on:

  • Wednesday 17 June, from 2pm to 4pm, at Down County Museum, Downpatrick
  • Tuesday 23 June from 12noon to 2pm, Killeavy Castle, Killeavy. 

Council officers from the Local Economic Partnership, Planning, Building Control and Go Succeed along with representatives from Land and Property Services will be in attendance.

Revive and Reimagine Property Façade Grant Scheme – Saint Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick - NOW OPEN

  • Closes: Tuesday 11 August 2026 at 12noon. 

The grant supports the renewal and improvement of occupied commercial property façades within St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick. Further tranches may consider other locations following research and available funding. 

Total funds available: £600,000 (this budget will be allocated to the funding application call for St Patrick’s Avenue and any other subsequent funding calls).

Grant awards are available from £5,000 to £20,000 and will cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Full details of eligibility criteria and eligible works are provided in the Application Guidance Notes.

Applications will be operated through the Council' s online grants and funding portal. Register for an account on the Electronic Grant Management System (EGMS). 

Information sessions on the scheme and application process will be held on: 

  • Wednesday 17 June, from 2pm to 4pm, at Down County Museum, Downpatrick
  • Tuesday 23 June from 12noon to 2pm, Killeavy Castle, Killeavy. 

Council officers from the Local Economic Partnership, Planning, Building Control and Go Succeed along with representatives from Land and Property Services will be in attendance.

Productivity Growth Mentoring and Grant

  • Gives structured support for up to 60 micro and small enterprises, including social enterprises.
  • Offers mentoring on productivity, job creation and retention, market entry/exporting, energy cost reduction, sustainability, and leadership/management development.
  • Participants may apply for a productivity capital grant, where a clear need and impact of investment is proved.

AI Empowering Business Through Awareness

  • In partnership with AICC, Council will deliver AI awareness road shows in 2026.
  • Up to 50 businesses and social enterprises will receive AI readiness assessments and tailored mentoring to explore opportunities for productivity improvements, operational efficiencies, improved customer engagement and competitiveness.

Derelict / Vacant Commercial and Property Mapping Research

  • Council will conduct targeted research and mapping to assess derelict and long-term vacant buildings across key areas.
  • The findings will inform the prioritisation of regeneration funding and guide future interventions.

Revive and Reimagine Property Façade Research 

  • Council will take on feasibility studies and deliver a grant scheme for commercial property façade improvements.
  • Delivered in partnership with the Department for the Economy, this initiative will act as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

Mourne, Gullion & Strangford Geopark Sustainable Tourism Network

Supports a network of businesses adopting environmentally responsible practices to strengthen the District’s position as a sustainable tourism destination.

Participating businesses will work in:

  • Food and Drink
  • Outdoor Activities & Adventure (including wellbeing)
  • Accommodation
  • Culture and Heritage
  • Transport

The Local Economic Partnership Action Plan will be delivered between 2026 and March 2028, helping to drive economic growth, support businesses and create opportunities across the district.