Aviation Report Echoes Tri-Region Chambers Priorities for All-Island Connectivity

The Chambers of Commerce of Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland have welcomed the recent publication of A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation, highlighting the report’s strong alignment with the Tri-Region Partnership’s ambitions to drive all-island connectivity, linking our sub-regional strengths and promoting regional growth and international competitiveness.

The Tri-Region Chambers have long supported the restoration of key intra-island air links, and the removal of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, recognising routes such as Dublin/Derry and Belfast/Cork as critical enablers of a more connected and integrated island economy.

Reacting to the report’s recommendations, Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, said
 "This report affirms the urgent need for targeted, coordinated investment in aviation infrastructure and services across the island. Crucially, it reinforces the case for a Public Service Obligation on the Belfast-Cork route, a recommendation that is directly aligned with the Tri-Region Partnership’s core objective of enhancing strategic intra-island connectivity. Re-establishing this route is not just about transport, it is about economic cohesion, resilience and balanced regional development."

Suzanne Wylie, CEO of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, added:
"Improved connectivity between our airports, as well as between the aviation sector and its associated industries, is key to strengthening economic ties across our regions. Many of the recommendations in this report directly support the Tri-Region Partnership’s vision for a more integrated, accessible all-island economy. For example, restoring air linkage with Cork would facilitate fast connections for businesses in flourishing sectors like life sciences, renewable energy and tourism, while also enabling stronger collaboration between our business communities and innovation ecosystems.”

Mary Rose Burke, CEO of Dublin Chamber, concluded:
 "The Tri-Region Chambers have long championed the restoration of key intra-island air links, and this report strongly supports that goal, particularly through its recommendation to establish a Public Service Obligation on the Belfast-Cork route, recognising the route as a critical enabler of a more connected and integrated island economy. We also support the report’s recommendation to introduce a concise legislative amendment which immediately removes the passenger cap at Dublin Airport and prevents the application of artificial passenger limits in future."
The Chambers reaffirm their commitment to the Tri-Region Partnership and call on policymakers to act swiftly on the report’s recommendations. By working collaboratively across Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland, the Chambers aim to build a modern, resilient and globally connected island economy.

–ENDS –
 
Note to Editor
The Tri-Region Partnership is a collaborative initiative between Cork Chamber, Dublin Chamber and Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Together, the three Chambers represent over 3,400 member companies employing more than 520,000 people across Cork city and county, the greater Dublin area and Northern Ireland. This Chamber-led partnership is the first of its kind, uniting Northern and Southern voices to advocate for an all-island approach to strategic investment decisions.
Over the past year, the Tri-Region Partnership has delivered a series of high-level events and joint communications aimed at strengthening economic ties and promoting an all-island approach to economic development. These events have brought together business leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders from across the island to discuss shared priorities such as infrastructure, connectivity, education, trade and tourism.