Business Leaders Join Forces to Boost Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: Business; Published: 13 November 2025

A new advisory panel of industry leaders across transport, construction, food and agriculture, and other keys economic areas, has been formed to support the ongoing work of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC). DBEC is the cross-border partnership that brings together eight local authorities as well as universities and other stakeholders to foster thriving and sustainable economic collaboration in the region. The panel, which met for the first time yesterday (10.11.2025) in Dundalk will work with DBEC to ensure that the insights of private sector businesses in the region are represented, and that real business needs can be met to continue economic growth, leverage strategic opportunities and encourage further investment. Pictured was Chair of the panel David Conway, Clerk and Chief Executive Officer of Louth County Council (front row, third from left), amongst panel members made up of businesses throughout the region. Photograph: Philip Magowan

A new advisory panel made up of industry leaders from across transport, construction, food and agriculture, and other key economic sectors has been set up to support the work of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC)

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DBEC is the cross-border partnership that brings together eight local authorities including Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, along with universities and other stakeholders, to foster thriving and sustainable economic collaboration in the region. The corridor covers the 100 miles between Dublin and Belfast and is a key location for cross-border trade.

The panel met for the first time on Monday past, 10 November 2025 in Dundalk and represents a key part of DBEC's strategy to ensure effective collaboration between the organisation and private industry. The panel will work with DBEC to ensure that the insights of private sector businesses in the region are represented and that real business needs can be met to continue economic growth, leverage strategic opportunities and encourage further investment.

Speaking at the launch of the Industry Advisory Panel, Panel Chair David Conway, Chief Executive Officer of Louth County Council, said: "DBEC is delighted to announce this new advisory panel which brings together leading private industry representatives. DBEC is committed to developing and showcasing all that this diverse region has to offer to businesses seeking to invest and grow, and the perspectives and expertise of our leading companies is key to that commitment."

He added: "DBEC's role is to ensure that not only the opportunities in the region are highlighted, but any challenges that may be facing businesses – whether that is skills and labour gaps, or infrastructure needs – so that we can advocate on behalf of the corridor to ensure these challenges are addressed. We look forward to working closely with the Industry Advisory Panel to create a world class economic region."

The panel represents the full spectrum of businesses operating across the region, from start-ups and SMEs to large multinationals, and includes sectoral representation spanning transport, energy, offshore technology, construction, professional and financial services, food manufacturing, agriculture, broadband connectivity, and life and health sciences. It will provide a forum for industry experts to engage with DBEC, helping to shape its strategic direction and inform future outcomes.

The first meeting of the Industry Advisory Panel focused on building connections between members, identifying industry priorities and agreeing a programme of work for the coming months. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Belfast in early 2026, with the panel set to play a crucial role in driving economic development across the corridor.

The Industry Advisory Panel