DCU welcomes new cross border partnership to boost growth along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor

DCU’s School of Law and Government has welcomed the new cross border partnership which will drive fresh impetus into the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor. 

Boost growth

Since the 1990s, thanks to all-island cooperation, many successes have been achieved along the Corridor in relation to employment opportunities, peace-building and the removal of barriers. But in the face of challenges like Brexit, climate emergency, demographic challenges, housing pressures and securing employment opportunities, a new partnership has come together to identify future prospects to boost growth along the Corridor.

Leverage resources

Thanks to recommendations in a recent report by DCU and the University of Ulster, the new steering group of the Chief Executives from eight local councils and heads of two universities has been established and tasked with developing a series of cooperative initiatives and projects to leverage the network’s resources at a time of great economic and social uncertainty. The partners believe that much more collaboration is possible for mutual benefit between the cities of Dublin and Belfast and the regions between. 

Oversight group

Co-author of the report “The Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor: Current Profile, Potential for Recovery & Opportunities for Cooperation”, Professor Deiric Ó Broin said:

“The establishment of the councillor-led Governance and Oversight Group is the next exciting step in the development of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor and we look forward to working with the councillors from the eight councils to build on the achievements to date. We recognise the crucial role that is and will continue to be played by government departments, economic development and other agencies and many other stakeholders from across our communities, including the voluntary and private sectors.” 

Local government role is key

The new steering group recognises the crucial role that is and will continue to be played by government departments, economic development and other agencies and many other stakeholders from across our communities, including the voluntary and private sectors.

More about the partners

Cllr Pete Byrne from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in Northern Ireland was elected as Chair of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) Oversight Board, a body made up of councillors from the eight local authorities along the corridor. Mayor of Fingal Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh was named as Deputy Chair. You can see the full list of partners here. 

ENDS