New £3.9m Local Economic Partnership Action Plan launched
Mid Ulster Local Economic Partnership (LEP) has today, Wednesday 29 July, announced the launch of an Action Plan, marking a significant investment in the district’s future growth and prosperity.
Established in April 2025, the Mid Ulster LEP brings together representatives from the business, community, education and statutory sectors to identify key barriers to economic growth and identify targeted support that will drive sustainable economic growth across the district.
The Action Plan is supported and funded by the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund.
The Action Plan 2026-28 was launched at a meeting of the Mid Ulster LEP Board Meeting on Wednesday, 29 July 2026 at Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House, Dungannon. Developed through engagement with representatives from the business, education, community and statutory sectors, the ambitious two-year Action Plan sets out a focused, collaborative approach to addressing local economic challenges and unlocking opportunities for growth in Mid Ulster.
The Action Plan includes a range of specific targeted interventions to improve business productivity, accelerate the adoption of digital, AI and automation technologies, support the transition to low-carbon and resource-efficient operations, develop workforce skills and leadership, create modern enterprise workspace and strengthen the district’s tourism offering.
Minister for the Economy, Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “Local Economic Partnerships are key to my priority of improving regional balance so that everyone benefits from greater prosperity, no matter where they live.
“Through my Department’s Regional Balance Fund, Mid Ulster is receiving almost £3.9m to help unlock the area’s unique economic strengths and deliver initiatives to contribute to a stronger regional economy
“I look forward to delivery of this ambitious 2026-28 Action Plan which will boost the productivity and competitiveness of businesses in the Mid Ulster area in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and engineering, and tourism.”
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Deirdre Varsani said,
“We are delighted today to formally launch the Mid Ulster LEP Action Plan 2026-28. This Action Plan represents a significant investment in Mid Ulster and reflects the ambition we have for inclusive economic growth across the district. It sets out a clear and focused approach to supporting business development, improving productivity and creating economic opportunities. On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the Department for their support through the Regional Balance Fund.”
Chair of Mid Ulster Local Economic Partnership, Cllr Dominic Molloy commented “Partnership members, supported by the Department for the Economy and Invest NI, have shaped an ambitious economic roadmap for the district. Through this place-based programme, we are investing in projects that will have the greatest long-term impact helping to build a strong and resilient local economy. I would like to thank all our LEP members and stakeholders for their input and their continued commitment to taking this work forward.”
The Action Plan contributes directly to the Sub-Regional Economic Plan and Local Economic Partnership (LEP) framework, ensuring that every council area can realise its full economic potential through targeted investment and partnership working.
Further information on the Mid Ulster LEP Action Plan 2026-2028 can be found on the Council's website.