The Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd, met with Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Sarah Duffy and the Business Partnership Alliance (BPA) in Portadown Town Hall on Wednesday, 4th December.
The meeting marks a significant follow-up to the BPA’s previous engagement with the Minister in September 2022. Discussions were held to find out updates on key infrastructure projects critical to the borough’s development, including capital projects, the Mid South West Growth Deal, Rail Strategy, Sustainable Transport and Active Travel Policy and Flood Alleviation Schemes.
In addition, the BPA presented the findings of its 2024 Business Confidence Index, offering insights into the current challenges and opportunities faced by businesses across the region.
The BPA, established in 2016, represents businesses across the six urban centres and rural areas of the borough. As a respected business-led strategic partnership, the BPA provides a unified voice for the borough’s business community, advocating for profitable and sustainable growth while working closely with local, regional, and national stakeholders.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said:
“Infrastructure delivers for people every day by providing and maintaining the things we all need to go about our daily lives, and which make this place work – but it also delivers positive and transformative change. We discussed the importance of having the right infrastructure as the pathway to unlocking a more prosperous, sustainable and productive economy. From our road and rail network to our active travel opportunities and flood alleviation schemes – infrastructure is the key to unlocking a more prosperous, sustainable productive and healthier society for both now and future generations.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy expressed her support for the discussions:
“Council is proud to support the work of the Business Partnership Alliance which plays a vital role in amplifying the voice of our business community. This meeting was a valuable opportunity to advance discussions on critical infrastructure projects that will shape the borough’s economic and social well-being.”
The BPA’s Chairperson, Adrian Farrell, added:
“This meeting was another welcome opportunity for the BPA to maintain a dialogue with the Minister. It was positive to see that there has been progress since our previous meeting and we look forward to further discussions and development as we move forward on several key infrastructure projects in the borough.”
This meeting highlights the shared commitment and partnership working between Council, the BPA and the Department for Infrastructure to support the local economy, with infrastructure development serving as a cornerstone for business growth and community resilience.
