Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
185. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans for the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor; the way they will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16799/21]
View answer186. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the proposed timeline of the implementation of the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16800/21]
View answer187. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the benefits the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor will bring to businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 to 187, inclusive, together.
The Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor initiative is a collaborative project led by a network involving eight local authorities, North and South of the border, Dublin City University and Ulster University. I was pleased to have had the opportunity to take part in the launch of this initiative on 24 March along with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
While not directly engaged, the Government is supportive of this initiative, and determined to help unlock the opportunities this cooperation offers. We have set out in the National Planning Framework how we want to build on the strengths of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor to capitalise on the clear economic potential of the region. That will involve effectively planning and developing new growth areas, investing in infrastructure and connectivity, and also protecting distinctive landscapes, green spaces and rural activities along the corridor.
Further, through the New Decade, New Approach Agreement, the Irish Government has made a strong commitment to work with the Northern Ireland Executive to achieve greater connectivity on the island. This will help us to unlock the full potential of the all-island economy, the protection of which has been a central objective of Government over the last number of years, in particular as we have faced the challenges arising from Brexit.
Over the last two decades, the developing all-island economy has benefited business in terms of improved scale and greater efficiencies. This has happened because of the improvements brought about by peace, stability and an invisible border for goods, services, labour and finance.
We are pleased that the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland means that trade in goods in either direction on the island of Ireland, and between Northern Ireland and the rest of the EU, can continue as before the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Protocol is designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, to protect vital all-island supply chains, and to ensure the integrity of the Single Market and Ireland’s place in it. This will allow us to take advantage of the opportunities for cooperation between the key economic centres on this island.
There are potential benefits too for Northern Ireland in its implementation, with access to Great Britain, but also to the EU market of 450 million people. This access is unique, vital for all-island supply chains, and offers opportunities for trade, jobs and investment.
Belfast and Dublin have a great deal to offer each other, and this work to strengthen business links between the two cities is very welcome. There is potential for the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor to develop a unique international brand as a cross-border region with a particularly strong offering for Foreign Direct Investment, bearing in mind the continued access for businesses throughout the corridor to the EU’s single market.
The Government will work with the Northern Ireland Executive, through the North South Ministerial Council and other structures, to work towards a shared approach that will allow us to realise the development opportunities available.
