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

ammes

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.

🎵The Traffic and travel plan for   has been launched.  🚌🚊🅿️Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said: “Fleadh Cheo...
16/06/2026

🎵The Traffic and travel plan for has been launched. 🚌🚊🅿️

Economy Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said: “Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is set to be an incredible celebration of music, culture and community.

“Hosting this major event will deliver wide‑ranging economic, cultural and tourism benefits across the north, driving regional spend, strengthening our global profile and creating lasting legacy impact.

“This transport plan offers a wide range of options for those travelling to the Fleadh and we encourage visitors to use public transport, where possible, to support a more sustainable journey. We want to ensure everyone enjoys their experience, including those who will extend their visit to explore what we have to offer beyond the Fleadh.”

Read more at https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/News/Whole-city-urged-to-move-with-the-rhythm-of-the-Fl where you can also find links to more useful information.

15/06/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has said that events supported by Tourism Northern Ireland in the North West will collectively generate around £20.9 million for the local economy.

Read more ➡️ https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/north-west-events-set-boost-local-economy-almost-ps21-million

Tourism Ireland I Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance I Derry City & Strabane District Council I Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council I Visit Derry I Visit Causeway Coast and Glens I Northern Ireland Executive

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has addressed the All-Island Economy Annual Conference in Dundalk.   Around 20...
11/06/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has addressed the All-Island Economy Annual Conference in Dundalk.

Around 200 business leaders attended the event, organised by Ibec and CBI NI. The Minister reflected on the importance of all-Ireland trade to our economic resilience.

The Minister said: “There is strong momentum to build on. Cross-border trade for goods and services reached £14.5 billion in 2024 - a 16% increase on 2023’s value of £12.5 billion. This has contributed to our relatively positive economic performance in the north – where we are outpacing Britain in terms of both output and export growth. The most fundamental source of our economic resilience is the talent and creativity of our people. In such a small island, with such a tight labour market, co-operation between the Irish and British Governments is crucial to resolving cross-border working.”

Pictured L-R are Angela McGowan, Director, CBI Northern Ireland , Fergal O'Brien’Brien, Director of Lobbying and Influence, Ibec, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec.

10/06/2026

Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, along with First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, have announced that Kainos is creating 341 new jobs in Belfast and Derry over the next three years as part of plans to meet rising customer demand for AI.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered the company £1.5m of support towards the creation of the new jobs.

09/06/2026

This evening, as part of Carers Week, Department for the Economy NI Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA addressed a Carers Northern Ireland event, and highlighted how the will help unpaid carers better balance work and caring responsibilities.

Carers UK Northern Ireland Executive

🎓 Thousands of students are to benefit from increases to Higher Education maintenance loans and grant, Economy Minister ...
08/06/2026

🎓 Thousands of students are to benefit from increases to Higher Education maintenance loans and grant, Economy Minister Dr CCaoimhe Archibald MLAhas announced.
🔗https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/economy-minister-sets-out-further-measures-support-students

QQueen's University BelfastNNUS-USIUUlster UniversityBBelfast MetBBelfast MetSSouthern Regional CollegeSSouth West CollegeNNorth West Regional CollegeNNorthern Regional CollegeDDiscover CAFRESSERC

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has called on the British Government to put measures in place for 2026/27 to e...
05/06/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has called on the British Government to put measures in place for 2026/27 to ensure students from Gaza who secure places at local universities can travel safely and begin their studies.

Last year, support was provided to enable students to travel safely and access education. Similar provision is required to ensure those due to start in the next academic year are not delayed.

The Minister said: “I am fully supportive of the continuation of the Gaza student scheme for the 2026/27 academic year. Education offers hope, stability and opportunity. Action is needed to ensure students can arrive in time to begin their studies.”

Ulster University
Queen's University Belfast

03/06/2026

A major £24.5 million investment by Ballyrashane- based Lakeland Dairies has been announced by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA
LacPatrick Dairies, part of Lakeland Dairies has been offered £2.5m by Invest Northern Ireland towards the investment through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative (AFII).
Northern Ireland Executive
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced a major £24.5 million investment by Ballyrashane-based Lakeland ...
03/06/2026

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced a major £24.5 million investment by Ballyrashane-based Lakeland Dairies

The investment will strengthen the company’s manufacturing base and support future growth in key export markets.

Invest Northern Ireland has offered LacPatrick Dairies, part of Lakeland Dairies, £2.5m towards the investment through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative (AFII).

Read more ➡️ https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/news/lakeland-dairies-announces-ps245-million-investment-support-growth-and-exports

Northern Ireland Executive

📢 If you want to learn life-long skills that will equip you for jobs of the future, the Software Sales Academy is for yo...
02/06/2026

📢 If you want to learn life-long skills that will equip you for jobs of the future, the Software Sales Academy is for you.

The academy is a great way to get industry-recognised training before entering the workplace or changing career.

Belfast Met will deliver the training at their E3 campus from Monday 3 August 2026 for eight weeks.

Those who successfully complete Assured Skills Academies are guaranteed a job interview with supporting companies. Base salaries are in the range of £25,000 - £30,000.

Apply at: https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/dfe/d277d562/

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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