Taoiseach joins business leaders to discuss All-Island economy's future

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will join business leaders and stakeholders from across the island in Dundalk on Thursday, 12 June, for the annual Ibec and Confederation of British Industry All-Island Conference.

This year’s event, which is supported by strategic partner Belfast Harbour, takes place against the backdrop of new challenges for the all-island economy, including rising global uncertainty driven by US trade and tariff policies and heightened geopolitical disruption.

Businesses across the island are eager to see aligned policy support from both governments that unlocks economic opportunities and broadens the benefits of cross-border cooperation. According to Ibec and the CBI, more must be done to strengthen and future-proof the all-island economy by enhancing collaboration around: trade, infrastructure, sustainability, workforce integration, private investment, and long-term resilience.

Danny McCoy, CEO, Ibec, said:

“The restoration of the North-South Ministerial Council has cleared the way for improved cooperation across the island. However, the rise in global uncertainty stemming from US trade and tariff policies and growing geopolitical disruption means the all-island economy must focus on building resilience and deepening collaboration.

“The business community across the island is eager to see aligned policy support from both governments to enable economic growth and widen the benefits of cross-border cooperation. The ongoing UK reset of post-Brexit relationships with the EU—and separately with Ireland as co-guarantors of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement—is an encouraging step. But further progress in both areas must also include tangible support for businesses operating across the island.”

Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI, said:  

“As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape global trade, this year’s Ibec-CBI All-Island Annual Business Conference comes at a critical time for businesses across Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and the EU. The disruptive impact of tariffs, tax retaliation, and a changing global order has only reinforced the urgent need to strengthen cross-border economic ties on the island of Ireland.

“In the current climate, policy stability and certainty are not optional but are prerequisites for investment in sectors that matter most to both of our economies, from manufacturing and agri-food to life sciences.

“The recent EU-UK Common Understanding offers welcome progress, particularly through an improved  Sanitary and Phytosanitary/Veterinary Agreement and linking our Emissions Trading Schemes. These are tangible steps towards rebuilding trust and unlocking long-term growth.

“Firms on both sides of the border are clear: clarity, collaboration, and consistency are essential. Here in Dundalk, we have an opportunity to turn those principles into action, demonstrating how the all-island economy can be a blueprint for shared prosperity in uncertain times.” 

Angela McGowan, Director, CBI Northern Ireland, said: 

“Alongside Ibec, the CBI is delighted to see so many members attend the All-Island Annual Business Conference, an event of growing importance for the business community across all sectors of the all-island economy.

“Businesses are navigating major geopolitical changes in a tough economic environment, with implications for supply chains, labour markets and exports across all parts of the island of Ireland.

“Greater collaboration across the island offers a solid foundation to tackle these challenges together and make the most of new opportunities that arise - such are re-shoring supply chains and upskilling the island’s labour market.

Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said:

“As a leading port on the island of Ireland and a key enabler for the economies North and South, Belfast Harbour is delighted to be supporting in this important event, which underscores our commitment to advancing prosperity for all in a sustainable and inclusive way.

“Recently we announced a landmark investment of £90m for a new deepwater quay to further develop our cruise tourism and offshore wind energy facilities. This is the single largest investment in Belfast Harbour’s history and will further strengthen our position as a primary catalyst for the all-island economy.

“We recognise that collaboration across both jurisdictions, is vital to creating healthy economic foundations and also in fostering connections between business, governments and communities across this island. We look forward to seeing the many positive outcomes from this event, as we come together to discuss the opportunities and challenges which we face together in these uncertain times.”

Ongoing engagement by CBI and Ibec with business across the island have identified the following key policy priorities for all-island firms:

•           Protect and build on all-island trade and business success

•           Invest in essential infrastructure and connectivity

•           Build a low carbon reputation for the all-island economy

•           Maximise the benefits of the all-island labour market

•           Highlight the synergies for private sector investment in the all-island economy

•           Prioritise long-term resilience of the all-island economy