Challenges of growing Greater Newry Area’s economy discussed with Ministers

That was the message that resonated from a positive Fireside Chat Engagement with the Infrastructure and Economy Ministers at a Newry Chamber Corporate Patrons Event at Killeavy Castle Estate on Thursday 8th May, kindly sponsored by Power NI.

The unique event, organised by the Chamber, provided the opportunity for the Chamber’s 40+ Corporate Patrons, which includes many of the leading employers across the Greater Newry Area, to meet with Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA and Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA to discuss the economic and infrastructure challenges facing local businesses in the region and explore the huge opportunities available to our region through Dual Market Access, Cross-Border Trade and Innovation.

The event focused on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable City, Region and Economy for the 21st Century’ and during the discussions, both Ministers answered questions and engaged with the Chamber’s Corporate Patrons across a broad spectrum of issues including:

• Dual Market Access Opportunities
• Growing Business Costs - The Rates Burden
• Skills Challenges - Good Jobs & Leadership Development
• Local Economic Partnerships - Regional Balance
• Sustainable Infrastructure to Support Regional Economy
• Funding Wastewater Treatment - Potential Solutions
• Reform of Planning
• Collaboration - Departmental/Stakeholder, North/South & East/West

Following the Ministerial Fireside Chat, an informative panel discussion on the theme of ‘Developing Greater Newry into a Sustainable City, Region and Economy for the 21st Century’ with contributions from panellists Ronan Larkin, NI Water, Julie McCandless, Queen’s University, Colm Gribben, Viltra and Gary Sneddon, Power NI.

Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber said: “Newry Chamber is delighted to have welcomed both the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA and Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA to Killeavy Castle Estate for a discussion on the issues impacting our local economy and how we can work collaboratively with the NI Executive to realise the ambitions of the Greater Newry Area.

“Newry Chamber acknowledges that there are budgetary pressures facing the NI Executive and believes that collaboration is key to achieving economic growth and making our Central Government finances go further. The issues raised reflected this and the engagement was positive and informative.

“Greater Newry has great potential to deliver significant economic growth over the coming years and today’s event demonstrated the Chamber’s commitment to working with our partners in Government and maximising that potential.”

Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber said: “Greater Newry is on the cusp of a decade of huge economic opportunity if the significant challenges we face around infrastructure, skills and Government supports can be overcome through a collaborative approach between business and NI Executive Ministers.

“The event provided a platform for positive engagement with two local Ministers and explored how we can unlock Newry’s significant economic potential through collaboration between business, NI Government Departments and Governments in Dublin and London.

“Our strategic location on the border on the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor provides businesses in Greater Newry with exciting opportunities around Dual Market Access. The Chamber will continue to work closely with local Ministers to find solutions to unlock and realise our economic potential.”

Gary Sneddon, Key Account Manager at Power NI said: “It was great to be a part of such a constructive and engaging discussion on the future of the Greater Newry Area. Events like this provide an important platform for meaningful conversations between business and government, helping to identify both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“At Power NI, we are proud to support initiatives that drive development within the community across Northern Ireland and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber to help unlock the Newry’s full potential as we believe that continued collaboration will play a key role in shaping a successful and resilient future for the area.

Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA said: “I welcome the opportunity to take part in the discussion on Developing Newry into a 21st Century City. Infrastructure holds the key when it comes to unlocking economic potential, addressing rural imbalance, and delivering the positive changes which can benefit society as a whole.

“The strategic direction of my Department is encompassed by seven foundations. These are foundations for a better future, in recognition of their importance to the people, to the economy and to the environment and because they underpin the work my Department is doing today, to shape a better tomorrow across the North.

“The aim to achieve better planning, roads and wastewater are the challenges we face and through these foundations we are committed to improvement in the important services we deliver. I look forward to working together to help address the challenges ahead to deliver positive change for people, the economy and the environment.”

Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald MLA added: “I’d like to thank Newry Chamber for the opportunity to speak with its many patrons and local businesses today and to reinforce my Department’s commitment to supporting the Greater Newry area reach its economic potential. Government collaboration with local businesses is key to driving economic development and addressing regional imbalance across the North.

“I welcomed the discussions with local businesses about the economic priorities and challenges facing the region. It was valuable to discuss how we can meet those challenges and harness the opportunities the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor and Dual Market Access present.”