Shared Island Economic Partnership 2026–2030
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber & Bangor Chamber of Commerce sign MoU
This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening economic collaboration across the island of Ireland. Formalised at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, through a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (2026–2030), it reflects a shared ambition to build a more connected, resilient, and sustainable regional economy.
What Does This Partnership Deliver?
At the heart of this initiative is the development of a Shared Island Economic Corridor, linking Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Bangor as complementary coastal regions.
This creates a platform for collaboration across key growth areas:
- The blue economy
- Tourism and destination development
- Sustainable enterprise and innovation
This is more than an agreement—it is a clear commitment to action and delivery.
How Will This Be Delivered?
The partnership is focused on practical, business-led outcomes.
Key areas of delivery include:
- Cross-border trade and business engagement
- Innovation and entrepreneurship programmes
- Skills development and youth initiatives
- Sustainable development and place-making
- Cultural and community collaboration
The focus is on creating real opportunities for businesses to connect, grow, and collaborate.
A Partnership with Strong Support
This initiative is supported by a wide range of public sector and regional stakeholders, reflecting its strategic importance.
It aligns with wider national priorities, including the Shared Island Initiative, and demonstrates the value of collaboration between business communities and public sector partners.
Looking Ahead
This partnership begins between two Chambers but is designed to grow.
There is strong potential to expand into a broader, multi-stakeholder collaboration—scaling impact and strengthening economic links across the island.
The next phase is focused on delivery—building connections, supporting enterprise, and turning ambition into action.
Strong Public Sector Support
The MoU between the Chambers, has strong Public Sector support
Speakers from both North and South voiced support for the MoU at the launch of this first-of-it-kind innovative, strategic, economic corridor on the island.
Cormac Devlin TD , Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement:
“This is exactly the kind of practical, forward-looking collaboration that strengthens relationships across the island. Initiatives like this support both economic development and deeper connections in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement.”
Colin Brown , President, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber of Commerce:
“This agreement reflects the ambition of our Chamber to play a leading role in shaping cross-border economic collaboration. It creates a strong foundation for long-term growth, particularly in areas such as the blue economy and sustainable development.”
Frank Shivers , President, Bangor Chamber of Commerce:
“This partnership represents a significant opportunity to strengthen economic ties across the island. By working closely with colleagues in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, we are creating new pathways for collaboration, innovation, and growth that will directly benefit our business communities.”
Colette O’Sullivan, CEO, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber of Commerce:
“This is a landmark moment for our Chamber and our members. Through this partnership, we are opening up real opportunities for businesses to connect, expand, and collaborate across borders, while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable regional economy.”
Quote from an Cathaoirleach Jim Gildea, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council:
“This initiative reflects the spirit of cooperation that underpins the Shared Island approach. It is about building relationships and creating opportunities for communities across the island.”
An Cathaoirleachs Office was represented by Lorraine Hall
Frank Curran , Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council:
“This kind of collaboration highlights the value of strong connections between business communities across the island. There is significant potential to align enterprise development with wider regional and sustainability objectives.”
John O’ Toole , Head of Economic Development, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:
“The concept of an economic corridor linking coastal regions is a compelling one. It presents opportunities to support innovation, enterprise, and sustainable growth in a very practical way.”
Photographer: Michael Chester