Unlocking the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor’s potential ─ lessons from elite sport

Industry leaders and infrastructure providers have heard how the principles that underpin success in elite sport can strengthen collaboration across the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC), helping to unlock economic growth and competitiveness across the region. The importance of collaboration was a central theme of the meeting, with guest speaker Phil Moore, Director of High-Performance Sport at the Sport Ireland Institute, sharing insights on how the principles that underpin success in elite sport can help organisations, regions and partnerships achieve high performance and long-term success.

Addressing members of the DBEC Industry Advisory Panel in Dublin on Friday, 11 September, Phil explored how collaboration drives high performance and the lessons this offers for building strong partnerships, successful places and recognised regional brands. Drawing on his experience working with elite athletes, coaches and sporting organisations, he highlighted how shared ambition, trust, strong leadership and a clear sense of purpose are critical ingredients in creating high-performing teams and delivering long-term success.

His presentation provided a framework for examining how stronger partnerships can support the continued development of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor, a key economic region stretching between the island’s two largest cities.

The themes discussed align closely with DBEC’s ambition to strengthen economic cooperation across the Corridor and enhance its competitiveness as a location for investment, innovation and growth.

Through a facilitated discussion following Moore’s presentation, attendees explored the relationship between collaboration and successful economic corridors, the importance of placemaking and corridor branding, lessons business can learn from sporting success, and opportunities to further strengthen the identity and value proposition of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.

Attendees were also updated on a number of initiatives designed to strengthen economic collaboration across the Corridor, including the forthcoming C-CASE (Cross-Border Collaboration to Activate the Skills Ecosystem) project, for which DBEC is a strategic partner.

David Conway, Chair of the DBEC Industry Advisory Panel and Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:

“Through the Industry Advisory Panel, organisations such as EirGrid, which hosted today’s meeting, work alongside industry and key stakeholders to address shared challenges and identify opportunities for growth. This collaborative approach is helping to shape solutions on priorities including infrastructure, energy capacity, skills development, investment and regional competitiveness.”

“As the Corridor continues to develop, we encourage businesses, infrastructure providers, investors, education partners and other stakeholders to play an active role in shaping its future and contributing to its long-term success. By working collectively on shared priorities, we can strengthen the competitiveness of the Corridor and realise its full economic potential.”

Phil Moore, Director of High-Performance Sport at the Sport Ireland Institute, said:

“Successful teams, successful organisations and successful places share many of the same characteristics. They have a clear identity, a shared ambition and a commitment to working together towards common objectives. Those qualities help build trust, create strong brands and deliver meaningful results.”

“The Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor has significant strengths and opportunities. Realising that potential will depend on continued collaboration between business, academia, government and infrastructure partners to create a compelling proposition for investment, talent and growth.”

The meeting was hosted by Industry Advisory Panel member EirGrid Group plc at its offices in the Oval Office Complex, Ballsbridge, Dublin. EirGrid and SONI, as the Transmission System Operators for Ireland and Northern Ireland, continue to progress the North South Interconnector, a key cross-border infrastructure project for the all-island electricity transmission system.

Errol Close, Chief Corporate Services Officer at EirGrid, said:

“EirGrid was delighted to host the recent meeting of the DBEC Industry Advisory Panel and welcomed the opportunity to engage with fellow members on how greater collaboration can strengthen the competitiveness, profile and economic success of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.”

“EirGrid and SONI, as the Transmission System Operators for Ireland and Northern Ireland, are continuing to progress the North South Interconnector, a high-priority project for the all-island transmission system. The project’s strategic importance has also been recognised by the Irish Government through its designation as critical infrastructure under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 and by our regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, in its most recent price review determination.”

 “The North South Interconnector will play a vital role in supporting regional growth, enabling investment and strengthening the infrastructure that underpins economic development across the Corridor.”

Further information about the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor is available at www.dbec.info and on our LinkedIn Page https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7505226351671484417