Dundalk and Newry Chambers to hold 8th cross border conference

Dundalk and Newry Chamber will hold their cross border conference on Wednesday 8th March at the Carrickdale hotel.

The free conference will be addressed by Minister Neale Richmond TD; Minister Conor Murphy MLA ; the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Paula Butterly and Chair of Newry Mourne and Down, Valerie Harte

This is the 8th conference post Brexit now  focusing on the future by addressing the potential of the All-Island economy. 

Sponsors and advisors include  InterTrade  plus the local authorities, in the South through LEO and Enterprise Ireland,  DkIT; LEO; Skillnet, SEAI and the LMETB in the South. Northern sponsors and advisors include Invest NI ; Newry Mourne and Down Council, the SRC Southern Regional Council and Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency in the North.

The conference focus will be on how to build a sustainable All Island economy. The conference will also focus on a number of key areas including skills and people. 

Una McGoey, President Dundalk Chamber believes that it is still valid to say that a businesses best asset is its people and therefore the emphasis on upskilling and supports from Government agencies is critical for the future.

Declan Mealy of SEAI will set out how they can assist businesses of all sizes. The impact that an All-island economy offers will be considered in light of the Winsor Agreement and the reestablishment of Stormont.

Dundalk Chambers submission to the 2040 National Development Plan sought for the local region to be prioritised, from Drogheda to Newry. 

This proposal was a forerunner to the Shared Island and the Dublin Belfast Economic corridor and Paddy Malone, Chamber PRO says that both chambers  are determined that this region will remain a strong attraction to both domestic and FDI businesses,  acting as  a counterweight to the pull of Belfast and Dublin.

Both chambers believe that with a population greater than Dublin; three international airports; a deep sea port in Greenore and Warrenpoint; fastest broadband speeds on the island  and seven Universities within an hour; the region’s potential is exciting.

This region’s tourism potential was also recently recognised by the Government’s commitment to the Narrow Water Bridge linking Louth and Down by land. 

The chamber says it further believes the  tourism potential of Carlingford Lough has yet to be fully achieved, particularly by day tourists from the greater region.