Newry’s potential as an “economic powerhouse” within the Belfast–Dublin corridor is being underpinned by major transport and infrastructure investment, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has said.
Speaking at a Newry Chamber Fireside Event on economic opportunities for the area, the Minister outlined how her Department is backing the development of Greater Newry through rail, road and wastewater upgrades.
“As a local elected representative I know how uniquely important this area’s location is on the Belfast–Dublin corridor,” she said.
“The increase in frequency of the Belfast–Dublin Enterprise service has seen a substantial growth in passenger numbers and has made rail a far more convenient option for commuting between Belfast and Dublin.”
Minister Kimmins highlighted the recently announced £548 million investment for a major upgrade of the Enterprise train fleet, including around £200 million from her Department.
She said the programme would “deliver a transformed cross‑border rail service, with faster, more reliable journeys between Belfast and Dublin, while also supporting the decarbonisation of our transport network”.
On roads, the Minister said key strategic schemes remained central to unlocking Newry’s growth.
“My commitment to the A1 junctions and Southern Relief Road is unwavering because the delivery of both projects are hugely beneficial for the Greater Newry area and I will do all that I can to ensure their delivery,” she told the event.
Minister Kimmins also pointed to progress in tackling long‑standing constraints in the wastewater network, which had been holding back development.
“I continue to work tirelessly to address the challenges with our wastewater network,” she said.
“I was delighted when NI Water announced that it had found new and innovative solutions to unlocking wastewater connections in the Newry area. This will enable development in Newry for up to 10 years based on currently identified projects. This includes capacity for approximately 400 new connections across both housing and business premises.”
She said the combination of rail investment, road schemes and new wastewater capacity would help position Greater Newry as a sustainable economic hub on the island’s main economic corridor.
