Dundalk Chamber unites with other chambers to drive strategic growth along the M1 Corridor

The Chambers of Commerce for Drogheda, Dundalk, and Newry have submitted a joint proposal to the National Development Plan (NDP) 2025, emphasizing the strategic importance of the M1 Corridor as the dynamic heart of the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC). This submission builds on years of cross-border collaboration and renews calls for targeted investment to address critical infrastructure gaps and accelerate balanced regional growth. This proposal follows the reinstatement of Dundalk as a regional hub in the final National Development Plan, reversing its omission in the 2016 Draft Development Plan.

The Dundalk Chamber of Commerce said: “Led by Dundalk Chamber PRO Paddy Malone, the vision of a “Linear City” connecting Drogheda, Dundalk, and Newry has been pivotal in shaping policy and promoting the M1 Corridor’s potential. The launch of the marketing platform www.m1corridor.ie further highlights the corridor’s strategic economic position.

“The M1 Corridor is uniquely positioned within the DBEC, serving a population catchment of 2.8 million within an hour’s drive—outstripping Dublin and Belfast individually. Supported by robust connectivity including international airports, deep-water ports, and universities such as Dundalk Institute of Technology, the region offers exceptional potential for economic diversification and innovation.

The Chambers’ joint submission underscores three critical areas requiring urgent attention and investment:

Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

• Newry’s Greenbank Wastewater Treatment Plant is at capacity, impeding housing and development, with significant environmental implications for Carlingford Lough.
• Drogheda faces clean water supply constraints limiting growth.
• Dundalk’s wastewater capacity urgently needs upgrading to support expansion while protecting sensitive ecological areas.

Transport Infrastructure

• Improved public transport links, including expansion to underserved rural areas.
• A second railway station north of the River Boyne in Drogheda is essential.
• Enhanced cross-border road and rail connectivity between Newry and southern regions.
• Investment in active travel infrastructure to promote sustainable mobility.

Housing and Sustainable Development

• Completion of Drogheda’s Port Access Northern Cross Route to unlock thousands of homes and jobs.
• Supporting Newry and Dundalk’s housing growth through essential infrastructure.
• Sustainable development inclusive of surrounding towns like Ardee and Carlingford.

The M1 Corridor initiative, backed by a Memorandum of Understanding between Louth County Council and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council and supported by the Chambers, has, they say, already demonstrated the power of cross-border collaboration. The submission calls for renewed Government support of the MoU, expansion of Shared Island and Peace Plus funding, and continued investment to strengthen the region’s economic integration.

Highlighting the corridor’s rich heritage sites and natural landscapes, the Chambers seek further investment in cross-border tourism infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development alongside environmental protection. Additionally, they say Dundalk Bay’s offshore wind potential represents a significant opportunity for green energy development and requires prioritisation within national strategies.

The three Chambers are collectively urging the Government to maintain and enhance the M1 Corridor’s status within the NDP 2025 and Ireland 2040 frameworks. By addressing critical infrastructure challenges and fostering sustainable, cross-border cooperation, the region can become a model for polycentric urban development and economic resilience, they say.

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“Our vision for the M1 Corridor as a ‘Sixth City’ on the island of Ireland is now firmly established. With the right investment, this corridor can unlock enormous economic potential and enhance quality of life for our communities,” said Paddy Malone, PRO of Dundalk Chamber.

“This submission reflects the strength and ambition of true cross-border partnership where collaboration is not just a strategy—it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth, innovation, and shared prosperity across the M1 Corridor”, said Hanna McDonnell,

President of Dundalk Chamber Hubert Murphy, CEO, Drogheda Chamber, remarked:“The M1 Corridor has a huge story to tell on the national and international stage.”

Edwina Flynn President of Newry Chamber said the M1 Corridor is an economic artery that connects people, businesses, and opportunities across borders.