I am in Newry as well.
Have a look at the UK Forum, very good informations there. The following is assuming that you are a EU citizen from one of the "older" EU member states. There are slightly different rules for citizens of the "new" member states afaik:
You will need a EEA Family Permit as an entrance Visa to the UK. It is free of charge, multiple entry and valid for 6 months.
In a nutshell you could say that the UK doesn't require the Husband/Wife of a EU citizen to have a Work Permit or Residence Permit. The EEA2 form is merely a formality, so that you can prove to everyone who is not aware of the rights of EU citizens and their spouses that you are legal. But you need to send from of proof of residency in the UK (Lease agreement, household bills, employment copntract) to prove that you are living in the UK now. I doubt you will be able to do it from Dublin. In addition to that you will need to provide them with proof of your self-suffiency, so that you don't rely on UK public funds.
By the UK interpretation the NON-EU citizen is allowed to work as soon as you set up residence in the UK. We got a letter confirming the receipt of our Applications within less then 2 weeks, and it also states that you are allowed to take up employment whenever you want. It also contains a phone number for employers to call to clerify any questions they might have. The EEA2 application can take up to 6 months, but if you send it together with the EEA1 (Certificate of Registration) of the EU spouse, then it takes (usually) around 6 weeks to get it done.
Please also have a look at:
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/applyi ... unationals
Can my family join me in the United Kingdom?
Yes, if you have a right to live in the United Kingdom your family may join you. Under European Community law family members are defined as:
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spouse/civil partner
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children/grandchildren of you, your spouse or civil partner, who are under 21 years of age or who are dependent upon you
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dependants in the ascending line e.g. your parents / grandparents and the parents / grandparents of your spouse /civil partner
If you are a student only your spouse, civil partner or dependent children are entitled to a right of residence.
Other relatives i.e. extended family members such as brothers, sisters, and cousins do not have an automatic right to live in the United Kingdom. To be considered the extended family members have to be able to demonstrate that they are dependent or, if they are a partner, other than a civil partner, they can show that they are in a durable relationship with you.
How can my family join me in the United Kingdom?
If your non-EEA national family members are coming to live with you permanently or on a long term basis they should get an EEA family permit which is a form of entry clearance (like a visa) so that they can travel to the United Kingdom. For more information about visas please visit the UK visas website:
www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
Can my family work in the United Kingdom?
Yes, your family can work in the United Kingdom and they do not need a work permit.
It does not legally "prove" anything, but it gives a decent written record.
!