DBEC Political Advisory Group meets at Ulster University to focus on cross-border rail and economic collaboration

Thursday 25 June 2026 – The Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) Political Advisory Group (PAG) held its second quarterly meeting of 2026 at Ulster University, bringing together elected representatives and senior stakeholders from across the Economic Corridor to review progress and discuss priorities for improving cross-border rail connectivity and supporting economic collaboration.

Held in the Boardroom at Ulster University’s Belfast campus, the meeting was chaired by Co-Chair of the DBEC Political Advisory Group, Cllr Ryan Carlin. Discussions focused on transport, infrastructure and programme delivery, with particular emphasis on the role of cross-border rail connectivity in supporting economic growth, investment and regional development.

The meeting opened with a welcome from Ulster University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Seawright, who outlined the University’s role within the DBEC partnership.

 Professor Paul Seawright said:

 “We are pleased to welcome the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor Political Advisory Group to our Belfast campus. As a partner within the DBEC, Ulster University is committed to supporting regional collaboration, advancing skills development and contributing evidence-based insights to inform policy and progress along the Corridor. We are proud to play our part in helping to strengthen connections and unlock the full potential of this vital economic region.”

Members received a presentation on research completed by the Ulster University Economic Policy Centre (UUEPC) which examined the relationship between rail connectivity and economic performance across the corridor. The research highlighted the hourly Enterprise Rail Service as a key driver of business activity, labour mobility, and investment, while also providing an important link supporting access to services and strengthening connectivity between communities on both sides of the border.

The Political Advisory Group welcomed the recent announcement under the Shared Island initiative of €35 million (£30 million) in continued investment to maintain and enhance the hourly Enterprise service until at least 2030. Members noted the importance of this commitment in providing long-term certainty for passengers, businesses, and regional planning, while complementing the wider programme of investment in new Enterprise rail fleet and infrastructure upgrades.

The Enterprise rail service is recognised as a critical strategic asset, strengthening North–South connectivity, supporting housing and employment growth, improving access to skills and education and enhancing the international competitiveness of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.

Members also received updates on wider DBEC activity, including outcomes from the recent Industry Advisory Panel meeting in Dundalk, progress on current projects and funding applications, stakeholder engagement activity, and the development of the partnership’s communications approach.

Speaking following the meeting, Co-Chair Cllr Ryan Carlin said:

“DBEC continues to provide a practical platform for cooperation across the Dublin Belfast corridor. Today’s meeting allowed us to consider the evidence behind key infrastructure priorities and ensure political leadership remains focused on delivering real improvements in cross-border connectivity and economic growth across the region”

The Group reaffirmed its commitment to providing strategic political leadership for the DBEC programme and to working closely with delivery partners, universities and government to ensure future investment is informed by robust evidence and delivers tangible benefits for businesses, communities and the wider economy.

The next meeting of the DBEC Political Advisory Group will take place on Thursday 24 September 2026 at Dublin City University.