A sustainability business forum in Dún Laoghaire on Friday, 30 October, will explore opportunities in the blue economy, including offshore energy, coastal enterprise, and all-island collaboration.
The Sustainable Business Exchange – Enterprise, Innovation & Blue Economy Dialogue, organised by Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown Chamber of Commerce, will bring together business leaders, industry experts, policymakers and representatives of Bangor Chamber of Commerce in Northern Ireland.
Taking place at the Royal Marine Hotel from 2 pm, the event will examine how sustainability, innovation and cross-border cooperation can create new commercial opportunities.
The blue economy will be one of four areas addressed through sector-focused Action Labs, with particular attention to offshore energy, coastal businesses and opportunities for collaboration across the island of Ireland.
Bangor Chamber's involvement follows the signing of a 2026–2030 Shared Island Economic Partnership between the two chambers, which identifies the blue economy, tourism, and sustainable enterprise as areas for cooperation.
The forum follows earlier efforts to connect marine businesses with offshore renewable energy opportunities in Dún Laoghaire, including an Irish Marine Federation renewable energy briefing in February 2025.
According to the DLR Chamber, 427 sustainability businesses are identified across Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, highlighting the potential for further growth, innovation and partnerships.
Alongside the blue economy, the forum will examine retrofit, energy and construction, the circular economy, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Discussions will focus on practical business opportunities, including emerging markets, supply chains, reducing costs and building resilience.
The wider programme is also expected to culminate in the launch of a DLR Chamber and Bangor all-island sustainability committee.
Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and the Decarbonising Zone Demonstrator Fund of the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment fund the initiative.
The Sustainable Business Exchange takes place at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire, on Friday, 30 October 2026, from 2 pm.
