The Mini Metropolis project involved undertaking detailed research and investigation into the concept of a ‘Bi-Polar’ City or ‘Mini Metropolis’ between Newry City and Dundalk Town at the Cross-Border interface of the Belfast-Dublin Economic Corridor.

This concept suggests that in a linear corridor between two established poles (Belfast and Dublin) the most attractive location in terms of

investment will be the half way point. In the case of the economic

corridor this will be the Newry/Dundalk cluster which could develop as a second order city within the corridor.

The project involved the publication of a detailed report in consultation with key stakeholders and as a result considerable progress has been made towards the further development and implementation of the Newry/Dundalk Twin City Region.

The report has since been taken up by central government in both

jurisdictions and is acknowledged by senior planners and academics on both sides of the border, for having made a significant contribution to cross-border spatial planning.

The Newry/Dundalk Twin City Initiative was featured at the

MOT conference in Lille, France in 2007, as a major success story in cross border development. The challenge now is to implement the recommendations of the report.

Contact Details:

Mr Gerard McGivern

Tel: NI 028 3031 3233 / ROI 048 3031 3233

Email: gerard.mcgivern@newryandmourne.gov.uk