Building on the success of the joint mission to Belfast in May 2024, Dublin, Cork and Northern Ireland Chamber came together once again this month to further strengthen ties and foster deeper cooperation. Business leaders and politicians from across the island of Ireland, as well as representatives from major transport bodies and the education sector, gathered in Dublin for a busy two days of productive engagement.

Dublin Chamber was delighted to facilitate this event, taking the opportunity to showcase Dublin’s vibrant business landscape and innovative companies. The delegation visited Dublin Port, the hub of international trade to Ireland, to learn about the Port’s 3FM Project. The group also took a trip to Accenture’s generative AI studio “The Dock” and An Post’s new cutting-edge HQ the Exo Building.

Over the course of the two days, the Chamber network advanced discussions on five key priorities:

• Higher-Speed Rail Cork-Dublin-Belfast: Aiming to create a higher-speed rail link that will significantly reduce travel times and enhance regional connectivity. 
• Restoration of Cork-Belfast Flights: Restoring domestic flights between Belfast and Cork will enhance business and tourism links, making the island of Ireland a more attractive destination for visitors and investors. 
• Funding Allocation for Ports: Securing investments to future-proof the three major ports, ensuring they can support economic growth and industrial advancements. 
• All-Island Innovation Clusters: Promoting collaboration between industry and education to foster innovation and create competitive clusters across the island. 
• Enhancing Tourism Links: Developing strong tourism links by harnessing regional strengths, place branding, and evolving the story of Ireland to represent a modern island. 

Taking on an integrated and collaborative approach, the group aims to leverage the strengths of each region to foster shared prosperity and drive sustainable economic development across the island of Ireland. From advocating for high-speed rail links between Cork, Dublin and Belfast to restoring Cork-Belfast flights, the group is committed to enhancing connectivity to drive business growth and regional development. Furthermore, by promoting opportunities for our ports, supporting all-island innovation clusters, and enhancing Ireland’s appeal to investors and tourists alike, the group is dedicated to building a modern, competitive and sustainable all-island economy.

This meeting in Dublin marked another successful milestone for the Chamber network and Dublin Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration this year to advance the group’s all-island agenda.

Dublin Chamber’s press release on the event can be read in full here.