The first 2026 meeting of the Dublin–Belfast Economic Corridor Political Advisory Group took place on 23 April in Dundalk, with a focus on opportunities linked to a new strategic alliance between Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology.
The meeting was chaired by Meath County Councillor Sharon Tolan, who welcomed representatives from both institutions and described the collaboration as a significant development for the corridor and the communities it serves.
Members heard from Dr Ryan Feeney of Queen’s University Belfast and Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, President of Dundalk Institute of Technology, who outlined the potential impact of the partnership across education, research, innovation and industry.
Cllr Tolan said the collaboration is key to supporting long term growth across the region.
“This partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology is exactly the type of collaboration the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor was established to support.
It strengthens the all island talent pipeline, expands access to high quality and flexible higher education, and helps ensure that skills provision is closely aligned with the needs of employers and local economies.”
She said it is important that the benefits are felt at community level.
“For communities along the Corridor particularly in fast growing areas this means clearer education and training pathways, stronger links between learning and employment, and real opportunities for young people to build their futures closer to home.
It also strengthens the Corridor as a place to live, work and invest, which is essential for attracting and retaining talent and supporting sustainable regional growth.”
The partnership will see Dundalk Institute of Technology established as a University College of Queen’s University Belfast, with the aim of improving access to higher education, strengthening cross border research and deepening links between education and industry.
Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, welcomed the meeting and highlighted the county’s central role within the corridor.
“Louth sits at the centre of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor, and that position brings real opportunity.
To fully realise that potential, we need sustained investment in infrastructure, stronger links between education and industry, and the ability to attract and retain talent. Being part of the Corridor strengthens our ability to collaborate at scale and to continue supporting business growth and high quality employment.”
Cllr Tolan said the partnership reflects the wider role of the advisory group in turning plans into action.
“Our role is to provide the political leadership needed to turn ambition into delivery.
This partnership shows what can be achieved when institutions work together across boundaries with a shared focus on outcomes and the priority now is to ensure its benefits are realised in communities right along the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor.”
