TWICE THE SIZE - DIT Update - Dublin Institute of Technology

decades had facilitated the emergence of strong autonomous regional centres throughout
Ireland, infrastructural deficits in the BMW region served as a major disincentive for inward
investment, leaving Dundalk limping behind other gateway cities. As large regional and rural
communities developed, the Dublin–Belfast corridor began to lose its appeal as Ireland’s
competitive economic highway. The appeal of the West rose dramatically.
Coming into 2015, Dundalk is beset with a number of challenges, not least the over dependence
on resource-based industries such as forestry, agriculture and fishing. Attracting foreign
investment remains fundamental to Dundalk’s economic growth potential but as emphasis is now
placed upon innovation and R & D, Dundalk faces an uphill battle to secure enough interest to
sustain its wilting economy. Focus turns to two economic sectors: information and
communications technology (ICT), and biotechnology. Heavy investment in research and
development opens new social and economic opportunities, helping people to learn new
skills, of supporting an agricultural base and spreading the wealth an opportunity more
equally throughout the country.
The lack of development beyond and around the border, however, resulted in little
environmental degradation. The Irish Sea is once again blue and open as a sustainable but
competitive resource to the fishing industry. Drogheda emerges as the capital city of the
industry, focusing its activities predominantly upon speciality and holiday fishing. The coast is
considered the island’s ultimate natural resource and is protected legally and co-operatively on
both sides of the border by stringent costal management regulations. The underutilisation of the
corridor’s natural resources led to the collapse of the tourist industry.
Over the next two years a policy of sustainable tourism was devised to minimise the impacts on
local communities, heritage, landscapes, and to maintain Dundalk’s image as a scenic, spacious
and friendly region. By 2030, Dundalk begins to capitalise on its prehistoric legacy and
mythology, attracting tourists far and wide.
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However securing political stability in
Northern Ireland remains the single
most important factor to future
prosperity and international
competitiveness of the tourism sector
in the border region. By 2030, a sense
of social and cultural determination is
born, and traditional ideals are
rekindled. An era of awakening
towards an appreciation for the
greater common good transpires.