Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has visited Newry to review a pilot flood protection programme designed to help city-centre businesses withstand future flooding. The Department for the Economy is providing £300,000 in 2026 to trial measures that will protect around 30 properties while testing a new preventative approach.

The pilot, delivered in partnership with Newry Business Improvement District (BID), takes a collective, property-level approach across adjoining premises to create a seamless defence and strengthen local resilience. Dr Archibald was joined by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, meeting Newry BID, local firms and contractors involved in the rollout.

Following severe flooding in late 2023, the Department for the Economy supported affected businesses in South Down and Armagh through the Flood Damage Business Grant Scheme (around £1m) and the Enhanced Flood Damage Business Grant Scheme (around £5m). The non-domestic pilot began in February 2026 with a focus on Newry city centre, which was assessed as being at risk, and where Newry BID's Flood Resilience Group is coordinating local efforts.

Dr Archibald said: "Supporting resilient, sustainable businesses is key to my economic vision and essential to building strong local economies. This £300,000 flood protection pilot will help protect 30 business properties from future flooding while testing a new approach to preventative flood interventions for businesses and communities in the years ahead.

-- Advertisement --

"The pilot also demonstrates the benefit of cross-government working, with the Departments for the Economy and Infrastructure combining funding, expertise and experience to help local businesses adapt to the challenges of climate change.

"The leadership shown by Newry BID and its Flood Resilience Group has been instrumental to this pilot's success. Strong local partnerships will remain key to building a more regionally balanced economy."

Liz Kimmins, Minister for Infrastructure, commented: "Today's visit to Newry highlights the real difference that can be made when government, local businesses and communities work together to manage flood risk and build resilience. Following the devastating flooding experienced in the South East in 2023, this innovative pilot project is delivering practical support to around 30 Newry businesses identified as most at risk, helping them better protect their premises, livelihoods and the local economy from future flooding.

"This initiative demonstrates the value of collaboration across Departments, with my Department providing specialist technical expertise and DfE funding the delivery of vital Property Level Protection measures. By working hand in hand with Newry BID and local businesses, we are not only helping to strengthen resilience today but also gathering valuable evidence to inform future approaches to protecting businesses from flooding.

"As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, adaption is becoming increasingly important, with partnership working and community-led solutions playing an essential role. This pilot is an important step towards creating stronger, more resilient communities and supporting businesses to adapt to future flood risk."

Eamonn Connolly, Managing Director of Newry BID, said: "I am grateful to the Ministers for their innovative partnership support for Newry BID's Flood Resilience Group in providing these flood defence grants for local businesses. The city centre suffered greatly from the 2023 floods and the protection now being put in place will be invaluable to the local business community."