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. 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.
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.
Representatives of the local chambers of commerce, enterprise agencies, business community and local authorities meet regularly through the North East Regional Enterprise Plan steering committee and I will ask them to consider the DBEC and other initiatives underway in the region at their next meeting.
