The Letterkenny Chamber has warned that Brexit-era barriers are beginning to shrink the North West talent pool.
Obstacles around taxation, mortgages, pensions and recognition of qualifications are affecting where people choose to work, Toni Forrester, CEO of the Chamber, has said.
Ms Forrester told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement this week that cross-border pressures are reducing labour and skills mobility at a time when businesses in the region are already facing recruitment challenges.
“That talent pool has started to contract,” Forrester warned.
At the same time, she pointed to the development of Atlantic Technological University in Donegal and the planned expansion of the Magee campus in Derry, both of which are strengthening the region’s talent pipeline and enhancing its attractiveness to investors.
Forrester’s message was that the North West is ready to deliver, despite the deficits in the 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,” Forrester said.
“The return would not just benefit this region, but the entire island.”
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Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce was joined by Londonderry Chamber of Commerce in the Oireachtas this week to bring home the message that the region is already delivering results and with the right support, it can deliver even more.
Representatives emphasised that the North West should no longer be viewed as a peripheral area across two jurisdictions, but as a single, functioning economic region encompassing Donegal, Derry and Strabane. Strong collaboration between business, education and civic leaders is already driving growth, innovation and investment across the region.
However, both Chambers highlighted that this progress is being achieved despite ongoing structural challenges, particularly in infrastructure and cross-border mobility.
Critical infrastructure, including the A5/Western Transport Corridor, wastewater capacity, energy provision and connectivity, was identified as essential to unlocking the region’s full economic potential. The Chambers stressed that aligning these investments with national planning frameworks will be key to supporting sustainable growth.
Forrester said that the A5 is the “one piece of infrastructure that would clearly deliver regional balance and give all our businesses and people the connectivity they have lacked for years.”
She said rail remains another major gap for the region, adding: The All-Island Strategic Rail Review has presented some potential opportunities to the North West but it still leaves Donegal with no rail infrastructure. Our colleagues across the country have travel options while the NW is left with no option other than continued reliance on the car.”
The session also highlighted the “Atlantic Advantage” proposition – a cross-border initiative positioning the North West as a leading location for AI-driven, innovation-led growth.
Speaking following the meeting, 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.
“What we demonstrated this week is that the North West is not waiting, we are actively working together, building partnerships and delivering progress. We are ready to do even more.
“With the right investment, aligned policy and a level playing field, there is a real opportunity to unlock the full potential of this region.”
Both Chambers welcomed the engagement from Committee members and the recognition of the importance of addressing cross-border barriers and supporting balanced regional development.
They reiterated their commitment to continued collaboration with government and stakeholders North and South, ensuring that the North West City Region can play a full and active role in driving economic growth across the island.