Council to launch £1m hotel development pot to boost tourism

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's offices in Newry.

A Northern Ireland council is set to launch a £1m hotel development pot to boost tourism following a four year delay due to Covid.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) economy, regeneration and tourism (ERT) committee approved a capital grant fund in February 2020, but this did not proceed due to “various factors including Covid”.

In the meantime, the Mourne Gullion and Strangford region in the council district was awarded the internationally coveted UNESCO Geopark status in May 2023.

Council funds will be aimed at hotel new build and expansion projects with a minimum of 15 bedrooms, which have had planning submitted or approved to a maximum support grant of £300k.

A council report reads: “Officers are currently updating documents for the scheme and will commence a media engagement campaign, which will be targeted at relevant audience.

“It is anticipated that the scheme will go live in May 2024.

“Following the opening of the scheme, officers will be engaging with the private sector to address any queries of prospective applicants.”

The ERT committee is expected to approve the funding call on Monday (April 15).