Northern Ireland Connectivity Coalition launched at Stormont event

(L-R): Deborah Harris, Communications and Corporate Affairs Director, Belfast International Airport; Colin Neill Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster; Stephen Anton, Communications Manager, fonaCAB; Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins MLA; Matthew Hall, Chief Executive, Belfast City Airport; Christopher McCausland, Managing Director, Value Cabs

The Northern Ireland Connectivity Coalition was formally launched at an event in Parliament Buildings at Stormont on Monday 2 March, bringing together key organisations from across transport, aviation, ports, hospitality and business to call for renewed focus on improving how people travel to, from and around Northern Ireland.

The launch event, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Jim Fitzpatrick, was attended by industry leaders, elected representatives and stakeholders, and heard contributions outlining the economic and social consequences of poor connectivity across the region.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster Colin Neill explained that the Coalition had been established in response to growing frustration across multiple sectors that depend on the movement of people into and throughout Northern Ireland to survive and grow. He said that fragmented responsibility, underinvestment, and a lack of strategic focus had resulted in a system that made it harder for visitors to arrive, more difficult for people to move around once here, and ultimately reduced the time and money spent in the local economy.

The keynote address was delivered by Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins MLA, who addressed the challenges facing Northern Ireland’s transport and connectivity infrastructure and the importance of long-term planning and collaboration between government and industry to support economic growth.

The event also heard from NI Chamber Chief Executive Suzanne Wylie, who highlighted the impact that poor connectivity has on businesses across Northern Ireland, particularly in terms of attracting investment, supporting tourism, and enabling firms to compete effectively.

Members of the Coalition said the launch marked a commitment to stop speaking separately and instead act as a unified voice to force attention on the issue of connectivity, create understanding of its economic importance, and work constructively with political and legislative leaders on practical solutions.

The Northern Ireland Connectivity Coalition is comprised of Belfast City Airport, Belfast Harbour, Belfast International Airport, fonaCAB, Hospitality Ulster and Value Cabs, with observer members including Tourism Ireland and City of Derry Airport. All are organisations whose success depends on the efficient movement of people into and throughout Northern Ireland.

The Coalition said it would focus on clearly explaining how poor connectivity damages the economy, illustrating the opportunities lost through inaction, and informing future investment and strategic decisions by the Northern Ireland Executive, with the aim of ensuring connectivity becomes a priority rather than an afterthought.

Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins MLA said:

"Improving connectivity has long been central to my Department’s mission. Maintaining safe and reliable transport, improving accessibility, and supporting balanced economic growth across all parts of our region - these are not just priorities; they are the backbone of our vision for the future."

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster said:

"The Northern Ireland Connectivity Coalition was formed because the challenges around connectivity are now holding Northern Ireland back. Each of our members is invested in improving the local economy, and to do that, we need to enable as many people as possible to get here and move around freely once here.

"When people struggle to get here, move around once they arrive, or stay long enough to fully participate in our economy, everyone loses. In hospitality, we know that £58 of every £100 spent goes back to the local economy, so the more we can maximise consumer participation in the market, the more every sector here benefits.

"By coming together as a unified voice, we are determined to ensure connectivity is properly understood as a fundamental economic enabler and addressed with the urgency, coordination and long-term thinking it requires."

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry said:

"Strategic investment in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure is one of the most important enablers of long‑term economic growth. We need a focus on connectivity in its widest sense to make sure that we can move people and goods with ease around Northern Ireland, as well as to extend our reach across the globe via our ports and airports.

"The business community want to see connectivity enhanced significantly, so the Connectivity Coalition launch is very timely and has an important, collaborative role to play. By prioritising connectivity, whether to enhance passenger numbers, goods handled or better transport systems, as well as building the right infrastructure now, we can unlock productivity, attract investment, boost our tourism proposition and create the conditions for sustainable prosperity across every part of Northern Ireland."