DBEC Industry Advisory Panel Focuses on Enabling Infrastructure at Third Meeting in Dundalk

Friday 19 June 2026 – The Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) held its third meeting at Dundalk Institute of Technology, bringing together senior representatives from industry, academia, infrastructure providers and regional partners to progress collaboration on enabling infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth, investment, housing delivery and regional competitiveness across the Corridor.

The meeting focused on four infrastructure themes: rail connectivity and economic competitiveness, wastewater infrastructure, the economic case for cross-border infrastructure, and energy infrastructure and security of supply.

The Panel heard from the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre on the impact of the hourly Enterprise rail service, which has delivered strong growth in passenger numbers since its introduction. Discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining and enhancing Dublin–Belfast rail connectivity in supporting labour mobility, tourism, business travel and regional competitiveness.

Northern Ireland Water outlined growing wastewater infrastructure constraints affecting housing and commercial development. The Panel emphasised the need for strategic investment to unlock development and support population and economic growth along the Corridor.

Jacobs presented the case for coordinated infrastructure investment, demonstrating how integrated transport, utilities and strategic infrastructure can enhance productivity, attract investment and strengthen long-term regional performance.

EirGrid provided an update on energy infrastructure and security of supply, including the strategic importance of the North–South Interconnector, which will strengthen grid resilience, support renewable integration and improve long-term energy security across the island.

Digital infrastructure progress was also noted, with full-fibre coverage across the Corridor expected to exceed 95% by the end of 2026, further enhancing the region’s investment and remote working potential.

Chair of the DBEC Industry Advisory Panel, David Conway, said:

“Infrastructure is the foundation of economic growth across the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor. Rail connectivity, wastewater capacity, energy security and digital infrastructure are practical enablers of investment, integration, housing delivery, and job creation. The purpose of the Industry Advisory Panel is to ensure collaboration translates into action, and that identified priorities, like infrastructure, are progressed in a coordinated way to support long term growth”

Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, President of Dundalk Institute of Technology, said:

 “DKIT was delighted to host the third meeting of the DBEC Industry Advisory Panel and to support discussions on the enabling infrastructure needed to drive growth across the region. Alongside transport, energy and utilities, educational infrastructure is also critical. Higher education plays a vital role in developing talent, supporting innovation and enhancing quality of life. As the key institution within the Corridor, DKIT is proud to contribute to the skills and research capacity that will underpin its long-term success.”

The meeting forms part of the Industry Advisory Panel’s ongoing work to support the development of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor as a globally competitive region, underpinned by strategic infrastructure, innovation and cross-border collaboration.