All-island business forum seeks return of Cork to Belfast flights

Chamber members from Cork, Dublin and Belfast met with politicians to discuss key areas for an all-island approach to economic development.

Flights between Cork and Belfast last operated in 2011.

The restoration of flights between Cork and Belfast along with the development of a high-speed rail network between both cities and Dublin are two recommendations from a landmark delegation of business leaders from the three cities who met this week.

Chamber members met with politicians to discuss key areas for an all-island approach to economic development. Led by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Cork Chamber and Dublin Chamber, the series of events marks the first collaborative initiative of its kind, focusing on enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth.

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said they discussed how to incentivise the creation of more innovative business clusters and create a shared ecosystem. 

"Our guests have seen for themselves the development of the largest integrated bus and train station on this island and together, we have conferred around our mutual aspirations for faster trains and more connected air routes. We are also focused on how to realise the potential for much greater impact from tourism development."

Conor Healy (CEO, Cork Chamber); Rob Horgan (Vice-President, Cork Chamber), Siobhan O’Shea (President, Dublin Chamber); Mary-Rose Burke (CEO, Dublin Chamber); Cathal Geoghegan (President, NI Chamber) and Suzanne Wylie (Chief Executive, NI Chamber)

Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said Northern Ireland’s unique position as part of the UK internal market while, at the same time, having unique access to the EU’s single market of nearly 450 million people provides a solid opportunity for growth. 

"Enhanced rail services, improved port connectivity and the re-establishment of the Belfast-Cork flight are essential to harnessing opportunities in trade, tourism, education and innovation," he said.

Mary Rose Burke, Dublin Chamber CEO said: “Our island economy can only continue to grow and this will be aided significantly by further investment in infrastructure such as the Narrow Water Bridge, including €600m towards the proposed upgrade of the A5 road, and key to this will be a high-speed rail link from Cork to Dublin and onto Belfast and beyond.”

The grouping is also seeking the development of port facilities and the enhancement of tourism. 

Together, the NI, Cork, and Dublin Chambers are focused on progressing five key aspirations:

• Higher-Speed Rail Cork-Dublin-Belfast: Aiming to create a seamless higher-speed rail link that will significantly reduce travel times and enhance regional connectivity.
• Restoration of Cork-Belfast Flights: Restoring domestic flights between Belfast and Cork will enhance business and tourism links, making the island of Ireland a more attractive destination for visitors and investors.
• Funding Allocation for Ports: Securing investments to future-proof the three major ports, ensuring they can support economic growth and industrial advancements.
• All-Island Innovation Clusters: Promoting collaboration between industry and education to foster innovation and create competitive clusters across the island.
• Enhancing Tourism Links: Developing strong tourism links by harnessing regional strengths, place branding, and evolving the story of Ireland to represent a modern island.

CORK BUSINESS

A collection of the latest business articles and business analysis from Cork.