Dundalk’s lack of wastewater capacity a major threat to growth, Oireachtas Committee told
Critical infrastructure constraints like wastewater capacity are “limiting” Dundalk’s potential as a “major driver of economic growth on the island of Ireland” the Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement has heard.
CEO of Dundalk Chamber, John McGahon, appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement on the issue of cross border trade and business, where he outlined “Dundalk’s strategic importance as one of Ireland’s most significant urban centres on the Dublin–Belfast economic corridor.”
The Louth town plays a crucial role in the region, he said, describing it as “the spine of economic connectivity between the two largest cities on the island.”
“Dundalk occupies a unique strategic position on this island. That has been both to its benefit and its detriment over the last 100 years. However, one constant has been its ability to attract and sustain large-scale enterprise, both indigenous and international,” he said.
Mr. McGahon emphasised that Dundalk’s role extends beyond its own boundaries, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration, particularly the longstanding relationship between Dundalk Chamber and Newry Chamber.
“When our region is operating on a level playing field, we all succeed. That is why the M1 corridor is so critical, it is the economic engine of the island, linking ports, airports, universities, enterprise hubs, and communities.”
However, he warned that infrastructure deficits are now acting as a brake on growth.
Mr. McGahon highlighted wastewater infrastructure as one of the most immediate barriers to development in Dundalk, stating that current capacity constraints are already preventing housing delivery and limiting business expansion.
“Without adequate wastewater infrastructure, we cannot build homes, support population growth, or facilitate enterprise. This is not a future issue, it is happening now and requires urgent prioritisation.
He further pointed to a growing contradiction in wastewater provision, where Uisce Éireann states there is capacity in Dundalk, yet developments are being refused by An Bord Pleanála.
With no upgrades to critical infrastructure expected until 2033, he said this lack of alignment is actively constraining housing and enterprise delivery.
"In my role in Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, when I want to go out to try to promote my hometown, I want to tell businesses to come and set up in the town. They are going to turn round to me, though, and ask if there will be the water capacity to be able to set up a factory and for housing to be built for their staff to live in.”
He told the Committee: “The Government has set out quite clearly in Ireland 2040 and national development plans that it wants Dundalk to increase from 40,000 to 80,000 people. If that is a Government policy objective, then we need Government funding to be able to follow it in the first place.”