Cross border trade on the agenda as Dundalk Chamber meet TDs ahead of Budget 2026

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Dundalk Chamber of Commerce called for the removal of “impediments” to cross border trade at a pre-budget briefing for Oireachtas members ahead of Budget 2026

Speaking after the event, Dundalk Chamber CEO John McGahon said: “We had the opportunity to engage with Louth Oireachtas members on our Budget Submission and our thanks to Deputies Ruairi O’Murchu, Ged Nash and Senator Alison Comyn for their attendance on the day. We also met recently with Deputies Erin McGreehan and Paula Butterly on our submission.”

The CEO explained: “Our principal concerns are in relation to the lack of infrastructure in many areas which reduces our competitiveness, We would see an opportunity to work creatively with the Shared Island Fund and our designation as a hub within the National Development Plan. Funds available, combined in an imaginative way have the potential to transform Dundalk and our hinterland.

We strongly believe that the level of support to young family’s needs to be brought up to European standards, if we are to share the prosperity of the island. We would ask that there are policy measures which will address the viability of the Restaurant and tourist industry.”

Dundalk Chamber PRO, Paddy Malone who was also in attendance said: “We strongly believe in the removal of all impediments to cross border trade. Dundalk and Newry Chambers have been engaged with this for many years working with InterTrade. But there is more to be done."

He said that the “principal issue” is that of remote workers who live in the other jurisdiction from their employer and those that physically work in both jurisdictions.

"This area is impeding people taking up employment in the other jurisdiction. Dundalk Chamber ran a very successful seminar on this recently and will do so again.”

Mr. Malone added: “Despite Brexit there is a need to strengthen the All-Island economy. We have repeatedly called for the mutual recognition of the EIIS and equivalent schemes in the UK for businesses and individuals based on the island of Ireland. This would allow a Dundalk resident person to invest in a Newry company and vice versa. We recognise that this would require planning by Dublin, London and Stormont.”

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