Strategic Investments

Accelerating inclusive economic growth 

Shaping a world-leading economic corridor requires investment, transforming regional economies for the widest possible benefit.  

A direct result of local, regional, and cross-border government collaboration, Shared Island Funding and the City & Growth Deals will deliver significant investment into the local economy.  

Transformative Investments

City & Growth Deals

City and growth deals are bespoke packages of funding and decision-making powers agreed between central government
and local regions, aim to harness additional investment, create new jobs and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
The Belfast City Region Deal and South West Growth Deal will impact across the Economic Corridor.

Belfast City Region Deal

The first signed deal for Northern Ireland (NI), which secures a bespoke package of investment of more than £850 million from UK and NI governments and BRCD partners, will help generate up to 20,000 jobs over the next 10-15 years and accelerate economic growth for the region in an inclusive and sustainable way.

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Mid South West Growth Deal

The Mid South West Growth Deal will build upon the many strengths of the region and supercharge the growth of the collective economy, by addressing challenges including productivity levels, attraction of new workers to provide more and better-paid jobs, migration and population growth. Investment in infrastructure will also deliver much-needed connectivity improvements and further economic growth.

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The Shared Island Initiative

The Irish Government, Northern Ireland Executive, and British Government are working together to address challenges and improve the lives of people on the Island through practical cooperation and investment.

In Feb 2024, the Shared Island Initiative committed €800 million to strategically important capital schemes, with a key focus on enhancing the rail connectivity between the two capital cities.

Across the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor, the capital and revenue investments include:

A narrow bridge over a wide river connects two parcels of land

Narrow Water Bridge

Construction of Narrow Water Bridge, linking the Mourne Mountains with the Cooley Peninsula, completing the Carlingford Greenway, boosting tourism and transport along the East Border Region.

An aerial perspective of a train moving over a stone bridge

Belfast-Dublin Train Services

New Hourly Rail Enterprise Service between Belfast and Dublin to significantly improve public transport connectivity along the Belfast - Dublin Corridor.

Old cannons displayed in a cobblestone street

Battle of the Boyne Visitor Experience

Investment in a renewed visitor experience at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Experience, reflecting its unique historic significance to communities North and South of Ireland.

A starry nighttime sky and galaxy over an astronomy tower

Astronomical Observatories

Working with the Astronomical observatories at Dunsink (Dublin), Armagh and Birr (Offaly) to build upon the heritage and tourism value of the sites.

Large white letters 'D C U' stand in front of a university building entrance

Enterprise-Focused Co-operation Schemes

Development of pilot Enterprise Focused Co-operation Schemes across the Enterprise agencies and on education