Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced the launch of its new £1 million Hotel Development Grant Scheme, designed to stimulate the development of hotel accommodation across the district.
The Scheme forms a key part of the Council’s tourism strategy, which seeks to attract a greater international market, encourage longer visitor stays and increase overall expenditure and economic output within the local economy.
Speaking to the business leaders and hoteliers that attended the launch event in Downpatrick, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Newry, Mourne and Down is abundant with rich cultural heritage, outdoor adventure experiences, locally crafted artisan food and drink, world class golf and a vibrant calendar of events and festivals. To capitalise on this quality offering and encourage a greater number of people to stay longer within the district to spend locally, the Hotel Development Grant Scheme will play a vital role in increasing capacity, ultimately boosting our local economy.”
The Council’s Tourism Strategy has identified a shortage of hotel accommodation as a barrier to growth in the visitor economy. Whilst the district attracted 1,245,000 overnights in 2024, the lack of sufficient bed spaces, particularly in hotels, has limited the potential to maximise overnight stays and visitor spending.
Through the Hotel Development Grant Scheme, the Council will collaborate with private sector partners to address this challenge. Funding will be available to support the creation of new hotel accommodation within the district and the expansion of bed capacity in existing hotels.
The Scheme will welcome applications from businesses and developers who are interested in investing in new or expanded hotel facilities. Applicants must be trading for at least three years and their proposals must be for the creation of at least 15 bedrooms with a rating of 3-Stars or above.
Over the coming weeks, the Council will be hosting two drop-in sessions and an online workshop to provide further details on the application process. The drop-in information sessions will take place on 23 September from 10am to 12noon in Downpatrick Civic Centre and 2pm to 4pm in Newry Leisure Centre. Interested parties can also join an online session on the 30 September from 1pm to 2pm.
Further details on the scheme, including the criteria, applicant guidance notes and the information sessions are available on the Council’s website: www.newrymournedown.org/hotel-development-grant-scheme.