Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) Political Advisory Group Meets in Newry with Focus on Offshore Renewable Energy
The Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) Political Advisory Group convened recently at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry for its second quarterly meeting of 2025. The agenda focused on progressing key actions from the recent DBEC Summit, including the proposed establishment of a DBEC Industry Advisory Board, and highlighted emerging cross-border opportunities in the offshore renewable energy sector.
Opening the meeting, current Co-Chair of the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC) Political Advisory Group, Councillor Brian McDonagh of Fingal County Council, said that:
The inaugural DBEC Summit earlier this year highlighted the significant opportunities emerging along the Dublin-Belfast Corridor. As a Partnership, we are committed to building on that momentum to drive sustainable growth, create quality jobs, and strengthen international competitiveness.
“It’s a pleasure to be in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area to Chair today’s Partnership meeting. Strategically positioned between Belfast and Dublin, the region benefits from a skilled workforce, strong links to third-level institutions, and access to key infrastructure, including ports and airports. The presentations on the offshore renewables’ potential in both Northern Ireland and Ireland demonstrate how cross-border collaboration can deliver a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Offshore renewable energy is set to experience strong growth on both sides of the border, driven by emerging regional clusters such as the Northern Ireland Maritime & Offshore (NIMO) Cluster and Ireland’s Offshore Wind (ECO Wind) initiative. These developments are aligned with national energy strategies and present significant opportunities for jobs, investment, and innovation-led growth along the Corridor.
A presentation was delivered by Garrett Connell of Parkwind, a member of the ECO Wind Cluster, and Sam McCloskey, Country Director at Simply Blue Group and Vice-Chair of NIMO. Together, they outlined current initiatives being progressed by NIMO and ECO Wind and highlighted key future priorities and opportunities for offshore wind development across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Speaking on behalf of the ECO Wind Cluster, Gavin McBride of Enerview Solutions and ECO Wind Cluster member said:
“The offshore wind sector in the east of Ireland is at a crucial inflection point. There is a real opportunity to develop a connected, energy ecosystem that accelerates project delivery, creates jobs, and drives long-term value for local communities and industry.”
From a Northern Ireland perspective, Sam McCloskey of the NIMO Cluster added:
“We are already seeing significant momentum in offshore renewable energy and power-to-x in Northern Ireland. NIMO aims to build a strong local supply chain offering, address skills gaps, and position the region as a clean energy innovation leader.”
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is one of eight local authorities from either side of the Border which form the DBEC Partnership is a cross-border collaboration of eight local authorities—Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon; Belfast City; Dublin City; Fingal; Lisburn and Castlereagh; Louth; Meath; —alongside Dublin City University and Ulster University. Together, the Partnership is working to strengthen economic resilience and unlock long-term regional prosperity on the Economic Corridor.
For more information on the Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor, visit: www.dbec.info
