Potential of Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor being 'handcuffed by Brexit'
While initiatives are in place to strengthen the ties between the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC), its true potential is being “handcuffed” by Brexit.
That’s according to Fianna Fail Councillor Rory Hogan who spoke about the “problematic” challenges the DBEC faced as a result of the United Kingdom voting to leave the European Union in 2020. As a delegate from Economic Development and Enterprise SPC for the political advisory group relating to the DBEC, he said it’s difficult “to unlock the entire potential” of the corridor’s aims without “reversing Brexit.”
This assertion came following Executive Manager Mary Mac Sweeney presentation to the SPC, where she highlighted the six strategic objects of the DBEC and their endeavour to promote cross collaboration between Dublin, Belfast, and every area along the corridor. The objective include:
Despite many of the goals of the DBEC being hampered by the impact of Brexit, Ms Mac Sweeney stated that a well attended conference held with Belfast City Council last September helped publicise their aims. With an increased desire for industries to directly engage with the work of the corridor, she said a newly formed industry advisory panel is helping to identify areas of focus.
Education providers like Dublin City University, Ulster University, and Queens University Belfast are also working with the DBEC and making relevant research available to them. Ms Mac Sweeney said they are addressing “barriers for the movement of people between the two jurisdictions,” as well as the impact of AI and recent changes to the workforce along the corridor.
Enabling infrastructure is an important aspect of the DBEC, as the advancing rail connectivity between Dublin and Belfast is a vital goal. Cooperation also plays a central part through the DBEC Engagement Programme and collaboration projects.
Speaking of rail connectivity, Green Party Councillor Donna Cooney praised the way Belfast has developed its train station and surrounding area. She said Dublin should take cues from the way they prioritised rejuvenation and addressed vacancy and dereliction through their ‘Vacant and Vibrant’ initiative.
This initiative offered grants to people businesses interested in occupying vacant premises. Without the same amount of “red tape” that hampered Dublin City Council , they were able release funding for ideas without a projected multi-year plan which meant, although certain businesses failed, enough of them were successful that the costs were neutral.
Cllr Cooney stated this allowed them to give out more funding and continually address vacancies. She suggested Dublin mimic this approach and that it was fascinating to the “the vibrancy of new shops” in Belfast.
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