Regional Development Minister Launches Newry-Dundalk Twin City Report

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy today launched a Report about opportunities for cross border collaboration on spatial planning in the Newry –Dundalk area.

Minister Murphy jointly launched the Report 'The Newry – Dundalk Twin City Region: Supporting the Implementation of Cross-Border Collaborative Frameworks' with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the south, John Gormley, at the Carrickdale Hotel.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Murphy said: “I welcome the opportunity to be associated with this ground breaking cross border initiative. I consider that it has much to offer not only to the economic success of the Newry –Dundalk locality but to the future prosperity of the whole East Coast Corridor.”

The Report proposes four projects for joint cross border action. These projects are based upon expanding the local economy and delivering sustainable development using the region’s resources. It was prepared by the International Centre for Local and Regional Development (ICLRD) for Newry and Mourne District Council, Dundalk Town Council and Louth County Council.

Referring to one of four projects recommended for joint action, a cross border geo park based on the Cooley, Gullion and Mourne Mountains, Minister Murphy said: “We face challenging economic times now and into the future, and this Report advises that there are local resources, such as the magnificent landscape that surrounds us today, which can almost immediately offer new economic benefits in the form of geo-tourism if used imaginatively.”

The Minister congratulated the three Councils for having the vision and drive to work together to secure a brighter and more prosperous future. He assured them that the Review of the Regional Development Strategy will support local councils working together strategically to unlock local economic potential.

Notes to Editors:

1. The ICLRD, based in Armagh, is a unique North-South-US partnership that brings together leading professionals in spatial planning, housing and local and regional development from universities and research centres. The Centre's goals are to promote research into best practices in spatial planning and economic development and to develop capacity building programmes for public officials, civic leaders, non-governmental organisations and other practitioners.
2. For further information log on to www.iclrd.org
3. Media queries to DRD Press Office, Tel 028 90 540887. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.