Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Strategic Plan Framework: Settlement

The population of Banbridge and Newry and Mourne Districts in 2001 census was 41,392 and 87,058 respectively. Based on census information, approximately 61% of the household population of Banbridge District was living within the existing limit of development of its four towns and four villages, with the remaining 39% living in the small settlements and open countryside. Within Newry and Mourne District, approximately 60% of the household population was living within the existing limit of development of Newry City, its four towns and fifteen villages, with the remaining 40% living in the small settlements and open countryside. Further details relating to the population of the settlements within the Plan Area are contained in the Population and Housing Technical Supplement.

Within their respective Districts, both Banbridge Town and Newry City function as the major centres for housing, employment, retail and professional services, education and health care, and for cultural activities, including sport and leisure. A total of 14,744 persons representing 36% of the Banbridge District population, were living within the existing limit of development of Banbridge Town. Within Newry and Mourne District, 27,433 persons representing 31% of the population were living within the existing limit of development of the Newry Urban Area which includes the village of Bessbrook.

There are seven other towns within the Plan Area: - Dromore, Gilford, and Rathfriland within Banbridge District, and Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, Newtownhamilton and Warrenpoint in Newry and Mourne District. These towns vary in size, form and function but they all serve as local service centres for their resident population and rural hinterland.

The villages perform a lesser, but locally significant role, in providing housing, employment and services for their residents and the wider rural community.

Small settlements, at the lower end of the settlement hierarchy, provide a community focus for their immediate rural area but are limited in their infrastructure, services and employment provision and offer only very limited growth potential.