An Oireachtas committee meeting in Leinster House this week has heard from Letterkenny and Londonderry Chambers of Commerce on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
The joint appearance had a clear and consistent message: the region is already delivering results and with the right support, it can deliver even more.
Toni Forrester, CEO of Letterkenny Chamber, said:
“Donegal businesses are already achieving strong growth, creating jobs and driving innovation, often without the same level of funding and support seen in other regions. That speaks volumes about the ambition, resilience and capability that exists here”.
Representatives emphasised that the North West should not be viewed as a peripheral area across two jurisdictions, but as a single, functioning economic region encompassing Donegal, Derry and Strabane.
They claimed that strong collaboration between business, education and civic leaders is already driving growth, innovation and investment across the region.
Both Chambers highlighted ongoing structural challenges, particularly in infrastructure and cross-border mobility.
The A5 Western Transport Corridor, wastewater capacity, energy provision and connectivity, were identified as essential to unlocking the region’s full economic potential.
They said that barriers to cross-border employment also remain a concern, with issues around taxation, pensions, mortgages and qualification recognition continuing to limit workforce mobility and access to talent.
On a positive note the Chambers said that the development of Atlantic Technological University in Donegal and the planned expansion of Magee Campus in Derry strengthen the region’s talent pipeline and enhance its attractiveness to investors.
Toni Forrester said: “With the right investment, aligned policy and a level playing field, there is a real opportunity to unlock the full potential of this region. Imagine what could be achieved if Donegal and the wider North West were supported in the same way as other parts of the country. The return would not just benefit this region, but the entire island.”