Department for the Economy NI

Department for the Economy NI The official page of the Department for the Economy. Managed by Press Office during office hours (Mon-Fri , 9.00am - 5.00pm).

The Department for the Economy was established in May 2016. Our responsibilities include:

• wider economic policy, including specific areas like Energy, Tourism and Telecoms
• the operation of a range of employment and skills programmes
• oversight and funding of the further and higher education sectors
• various aspects of employment law
• the management and operation of various EU funding progr

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Our vision is for Northern Ireland prospering through a decade of innovation which will deliver an economy that is ten times better than it is today, with benefits for all our people. Our Mission is to develop and implement agile policies and programmes which promote a competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy through investment in: skills; economic infrastructure; research and innovation; and business development.

With hundreds of thousands of visitors attending Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this week presents a real opportunity to high...
06/08/2026

With hundreds of thousands of visitors attending Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this week presents a real opportunity to highlight Northern Ireland’s tourism offering and the importance of hosting major events.

At an event today, hosted by Tourism NI, the Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA addressed local and international media, key stakeholders, and destination management companies from across the island of Ireland.

The Minister said: “Our international tour operators play such a critical role in bringing visitors to our shores and it is a real pleasure to welcome you during what has been an exceptional few weeks for this city. Visitors increasingly want to partake in experiences that are unique, authentic, and rooted in local culture. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann does just that – it showcases our willingness to open up our identity, to share with others our joy in expressing Irish music, dance, and language.

“Tourism is thriving. This week we are expecting an injection of £50m into our local economy. We wish to create a longer-term legacy, from visitors coming back to explore more of what we have to offer. And of course, the Fleadh is coming back next year, giving us another opportunity to promote Belfast and the wider region in 2027.”

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has encouraged eligible students to apply for the prestigious All Ireland Scho...
03/08/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has encouraged eligible students to apply for the prestigious All Ireland Scholarship Scheme, and welcomed that the annual award has increased to £5,850.

Read more: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-urges-top-students-apply-all-ireland-scholarship-award-rises-ps5850

CCEA All Ireland Scholarships nidirect Northern Regional College SERC Belfast Met South West College North West Regional College Northern Ireland Executive Department of Education NI Foyle College Omagh Academy Education Authority

Looking for a career in the electrical industry? ⚡🔧Sixteen training opportunities are now available through the Assured ...
03/08/2026

Looking for a career in the electrical industry? ⚡🔧

Sixteen training opportunities are now available through the Assured Skills Electrical Switchgear Academy with Vertiv.

This eight-week programme provides practical training, real-world experience and a Level 2 Electrical Installation (EAL) qualification to prepare participants for a career in the electrical switchgear sector.

Training includes five weeks at North West Regional College (NWRC) and three weeks on-site with Vertiv in Derry-Londonderry.
Eligible applicants will be invited to attend an interview at the Vertiv site in Derry-Londonderry on 15, 16 or 17 September 2026.

Training runs from Monday 5 October to Friday 27 November 2026.
Participants who successfully complete the Academy will be guaranteed a job interview with Vertiv.
Trainees will also receive a £185 weekly training allowance, plus travel expenses.

Read more and apply: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/electrical-switchgear-academy

Applications close at 12 noon on Thursday 3 September 2026.

Vertiv
Vertiv Ireland
North West Regional College

02/08/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has marked the start of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.

Attending the Opening Ceremony in Belfast the Minister said, with more than 700,000 visitors expected to attend and an estimated economic impact of around £53 million, the festival will deliver significant economic, cultural and tourism benefits across the north.

Read more: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/fleadh-deliver-lasting-economic-and-tourism-boost-archibald



Tourism Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Executive Tourism Ireland Belfast City Council Fleadh Cheoil Visit Belfast

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA visited Kerry Ingredients today in Coleraine alongside Health and Safety Execu...
24/07/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA visited Kerry Ingredients today in Coleraine alongside Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland to observe the important role inspectors play in supporting safe and healthy workplaces.

The Minister said: “Workplace injuries and ill health cause significant human and economic cost. It was valuable to see first-hand the work of HSENI inspectors and the positive relationship that exists between regulators and businesses. Safe and healthy workplaces are central to my Economic Vision and Good Jobs agenda, helping workers thrive while supporting businesses to grow, invest and innovate.”

Address

Department For The Economy, Adelaide House, 39/49 Adelaide Street
Belfast
BT28FD

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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