Newry is the site of a pilot flood protection scheme that will see 30 business properties fitted with defences designed to work together across adjoining premises. Funded by a £300,000 grant from the Department for the Economy, the programme tests a collective approach to preventing flood damage.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald and Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins visited the city centre to view the works and meet with local business representatives. The pilot is delivered in partnership with Newry Business Improvement District (BID), its Flood Resilience Group, and contractors.

The funding builds on over £5 million in targeted support provided by the Department for the Economy to hundreds of businesses in South Down and Armagh following severe localised flooding in late 2023. The new measures aim to create a seamless defence for the selected properties, identified as among those most at risk.

Minister Archibald stated that the pilot simultaneously protects businesses and tests a new model for future preventative interventions. She noted the value of cooperation between the Departments for the Economy and Infrastructure in combining resources and expertise to help businesses adapt to climate change.

Minister Kimmins underlined the practical benefit for the livelihoods and local economy of the 30 businesses. Her department contributed specialist technical advice while the funding came from the Department for the Economy. The project is also collecting evidence to shape future flood risk management.

Eamonn Connolly, Managing Director of Newry BID, welcomed the grants and stressed the severe impact of the 2023 floods on the city centre. He said the installed protection would be invaluable to the local business community.