Economic Plan For County Down Announced

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan has launched a new plan to provide an economic boost to Banbridge, Newry and Mourne in County Down.

The Banbridge/Newry & Mourne Area Plan identifies land for specific uses to help the economy and simplify the planning process for people living in these areas.

448 hectares of land has been identified for housing, including social housing.

220 hectares is being allocated to enhance economic development with land zoned for industrial, storage and distribution uses.

80 hectares of land has been ear-marked for mixed use development sites and town centres to promote the importance of Banbridge Town and Newry City Centre as main hubs.

Warrenpoint’s role as a major Port will be promoted with sufficient land for industrial expansion and housing.

New development will be balanced against the need to protect the natural and built heritage in the countryside and coastal areas surrounding the Mourne Mountains.

The Environment Minister said: "This Plan will bring many benefits to the Banbridge, Newry and Mourne areas. Zoning our land to maximise economic development and new housing, developing Newry and Banbridge further as vibrant hubs, and facilitating the expansion of Warrenpoint Port, will certainly boost the area.

"The Area Plan will also provide a firm foundation for Councils to formulate their own future plans. The majority of planning powers will transfer to local Councils in April 2015, which will provide the new Councils with the responsibility for preparing a local plan for their area for the first time in over 40 years. It will also allow greater community and public involvement.

"This Plan is not something we are imposing on the area. There has been a good partnership approach, bringing together government departments, councils and the local community working together. What I and DOE are about is creating a better environment and a stronger economy and this plan will certainly help do that."

(IT/CD)