Londonderry Chamber joined Chambers from both sides of the border to discuss the future of the North West City Region

Derry Chamber has appeared before the Houses of Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement as part of a discussion on cross border collaboration and sustainable economy development in the North West.

The Chamber was joined by colleagues from Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and other chambers from across the island for a constructive evidence session with TDs and Senators. The discussion focused on how policy, investment and infrastructure can better support the North West City Region as a shared economic area.

For Chamber members, the message was clear: Derry, Strabane and Donegal already operate as an interconnected labour market, travel to work area and commercial geography. Businesses recruit across the border, workers commute across the border and many of the region’s growth challenges cannot be addressed by one jurisdiction acting alone.

The session covered a wide range of issues affecting business and investment, including cross border trade, labour mobility, infrastructure, housing, water and wastewater capacity, energy, skills, Magee expansion and the need for balanced regional development across the island.

The Chamber also highlighted the importance of removing practical barriers for employers and workers, including issues around taxation, pensions, remote working, social security and the recognition of qualifications. These frictions matter in a region where economic growth depends on flexibility, mobility and cooperation across the border.

Infrastructure was a major theme, with wastewater capacity, road and rail connectivity and the wider enabling conditions for housing, investment and university expansion all identified as priorities. Magee expansion was underlined not only as an education commitment, but as a long term economic development proposition for the North West.

The hearing provided a valuable opportunity to reflect the view of the North West business community directly to political representatives and to make the case for continued policy alignment, infrastructure investment and practical delivery.

The full committee hearing can be viewed here: Oireachtas Committee Hearing 21.04.26

The Takeaway

The North West already functions as a shared economic region, and businesses need policy, infrastructure and investment to catch up with that reality.