Rates monies invested into our future

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has struck a new district rate of 2.8%.

At the Council meeting on Monday 2 February 2026, a new domestic rate of 0.4999 pence for 2026/2027 was agreed. The new Non-Domestic Rate for 2026/27 is 31.0337 which represents an increase of 2.8%.

For a property valued at £133,000, the 2.8% increase would lead to an annual rise of £18.11 per year or £1.51 per month, allowing the Council to continue providing the services it is responsible for, while investing in projects across the district to stimulate growth and investment, boost the economy and create new job opportunities.

The total amount of rates residents pay is made up of the District Rate (which is agreed by the Council), and the Regional Rate, set by the Northern Ireland Executive.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Philip Campbell said, “The district rate not only pays for services, but helps us invest for the future. Our investment is a vote of confidence in the district, its people and future potential, paving the way for new opportunities. We are going to invest in new sports and leisure facilities, develop exciting new recreational amenities and assist with the economic regeneration of our town centres.”

The Council Chairperson said an exciting year lies ahead. “We are investing £7.4m in a new Warrenpoint health and wellbeing hub and have appointed an Integrated Consultancy Team for the redevelopment of the Newcastle Centre, with community engagement due to take place over the coming months for this highly significant facility in the heart of the resort,” said Councillor Campbell.

“At Castlewellan Forest Park, £5.5 million is being invested by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Council on a major revitalisation project. Following recent consultation events, we are also progressing plans to create an exciting and unique Treetop Walk at the park.

“In Downpatrick, work is continuing to revitalise the town centre with the redevelopment of the former police station in Irish Street and a number of empty adjacent buildings, while a public realm scheme is set to revitalise Church Street and DeCourcy Place, with new high-quality paving, landscaping, improved street lighting and utility upgrades,” he said.

“One million pounds has been earmarked to assist with new hotel development, with plans advancing for three new Greenways along the Newry Canal Towpath route from Newry City to Poyntzpass and others linking Downpatrick and Ardglass and the Ballynahinch Spur between Saintfield and Ballynahinch,” Cllr Campbell continued.

“Additionally, we are continuing to work with cross border partners on the Narrow Water Bridge plans for Carlingford Lough, which would enhance our district’s rich tourism offering.”

Cllr Campbell said the Council’s commitment to developing its towns and villages continued.

“There are also plans to upgrade CCTV systems in a number of towns and assist owners of vacant and derelict buildings to redevelop them, paving the way for new investment and job creation opportunities across the district.”

Turning to the district’s leisure and community facilities, Cllr Campbell said, “Work is continuing on the refurbishment of Kilkeel Leisure Centre to enhance and modernise the facility for users, we are continuing to progress Camlough Lake, a key recreational facility providing access to a range of water-based activities, and at Jennings Park in Newry we are looking forward to advancing plans for a new 3G pitch.

“We are partnering with St Mark’s High School in Warrenpoint to provide a new community multi-sports hub, with a major play park improvement scheme continuing across the district.”

Reinforcing its commitment to community facilities for residents, Councillor Campbell said the Council is continuing to invest across the district. One of the latest schemes is upgrading Annalong Community Centre, with the work including the installation of a new heating system.

The Council Chairperson said the Newry City Centre Regeneration Project is entering the delivery phase, with building works on course to begin later this year for the Theatre and Conference Centre and Newry City Park.

Councillor Campbell said £3.5 million of a £4.7 million leisure VAT rebate from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will be shared across the Council’s seven District Electoral Areas to allow them to expand the excellent work they carry out across their respective communities.

“We have also maintained financial support for external bodies via Service Level Agreements and have not reduced our continuing financial assistance for communities and organisations across the district,” said the Chairperson.

“Our combined investment in service delivery and future development represents a strong vote of confidence in the district. Work has already been completed on a number of exciting projects with more to come, helping lay the foundations for a vibrant district where people want to live and work. We are committed to build for the present and the future, delivering benefits, creating new employment opportunities, enhancing skills development and ensuring economic resilience.”

The Council Chairperson added, “It’s essential we keep moving forward with our plans, secure new investment, regenerate our towns, care for our environment and support our local businesses and tourism sectors to help make the district a better place for everyone. We will continue to focus on securing new investment and job opportunities and maintain high quality service delivery.”

The following figures are representative for the district rate increase only.

When the ratepayer receives their Rates Bill from LPS it will include the Regional Rate which has not yet been disclosed by the NI Secretary of State.