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Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Cork to Limerick Transport Corridor key to Economic and Social Resilience
Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber have welcomed the opportunity to make submissions to the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Improvement Scheme public consultation, currently at options selection stage. Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber commented, “We are committed to seeing a comprehensive upgrade to the N/M20 transport corridor progressed. The redevelopment of the regionally significant route corridor has been on the backburner for too long. Nationally and regionally, we cannot afford further complacency on
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Bus Connects Contract Award Welcomed
Deep Support Required to Deliver on CMATSSpeaking today, Conor Healy, Chamber CEO said, “The appointment of contractors to the ‘Bus Connects’ programme for Cork is another welcome milestone in the delivery of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Cork can only deliver on it’s growth projections and evolve to a more resilient and sustainable economic model if comprehensive multimodal transport options are in place. Quality of life will continue to define the competitiveness of Cork and it is clear
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
Bob Savage honoured with ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award’ from Cork Chamber
Bob Savage, Vice-President and Cork Site Leader at Dell Technologies has been honoured with the Cork Chamber ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2020’, sponsored by EY.Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber said of the announcement, “A true icon of the technology industry, Bob Savage has enjoyed an international career, and all from Cork. He has ensured that an entire sector has been able to develop from Ireland. Bob sat on the board of the American Chamber and Enterprise Ireland and has been
Tuesday, December 01, 2020
Policy Deficit Holds Back National Energy Diversity
A significant renewable energy report launched today by Cork Chamber and the Centre for Cooperative Studies at UCC highlights a significant deficit in policy and fiscal support for anaerobic digestion, a technology that converts waste products from food, agriculture, wastewater treatment and other sources into biomethane, a fuel source that can form a key element in Ireland’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Speaking at the launch of the report Thomas Mc Hugh, Director of Public Affairs at Cork Chamber
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
City Docklands Delivery Office Significant for Cork
Major Government Funding and Policy Measures Required to Deliver Speaking today, Paula Cogan, Cork Chamber President said, “The decision taken by Cork City Council and the Land Development Agency to establish a Cork City Docklands Delivery Office, to accelerate the redevelopment of some 146 hectares of Cork’s prime waterfront location is essential to delivery." "However, significant Government funding must now be allocated via the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to enable sustainable
Monday, November 02, 2020
Cork Chamber Welcomes Pfizer Investment
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “It is very welcome news that Pfizer plans to invest €300million into its Irish operations. The pharmaceutical manufacturer has had a site in Cork since 1969 and is a key investor and employer in the region." "Pfizer is an important player in enriching the pharmaceutical cluster in Cork, and great credit is due to the management and entire Pfizer team for securing the investment for the construction of a development facility on the Ringaskiddy site to manufacture
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Further Blow to Regional Connectivity
Speaking following the announcement that Ryanair is to cut its remaining Cork routes, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “The announcement by Ryanair to close its remaining routes will have a deep impact for tourism, hospitality, arts and aviation in the region. Once a route or airline is gone, there is little short-term prospect of its return and this reality is one that will have direct consequences for many struggling businesses.” “As ever, a firm commitment to EU travel standards and most
Friday, October 23, 2020
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD Addresses Cork Chamber Members
At Thursday morning’s Cork Chamber Business Breakfast in partnership with Ronan Daly Jermyn and media partner the Irish Examiner, An Taoiseach addressed the most significant issues that define the environment in which business operates. Chamber President Paula Cogan spoke of An Taoiseach’s vision for Cork: “In particular, by setting out his vision for the future of Cork and Ireland, An Taoiseach strongly emphasised his belief in providing a better environment for young people to grow up in, to climate
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Business Confidence Dips in Q3
Business confidence dips to 68% in Q3 from 73% in Q251% of businesses experienced a decrease in turnover over the last quarter21% of responding businesses report that >90% of employees are working from homeAUDIO CLIP: Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber, Listen and download <Business Confidence Comment here> or <Business Turnover Comment here>The third economic trends report of 2020 captures the sentiment of the Cork business community in the transition from the initial shock waves of the Covid-19
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Back in the Deep End: Business Restrictions Resume
Conor Healy CEO of Cork Chamber said, “The renewal of restrictions, bringing us to what we now know as level 5, will be mentally and financially tough for people and businesses throughout Cork but are necessary if we are to resume activity in the run up to Christmas.” “The increase to the value of the Wage Subsidy Scheme is very welcome. There must also be absolute urgency in the deployment of business supports and in particular the new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme which is now needed less than a
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
City Businesses Grappling with Another Damaging Flood
Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, speaking in the wake of today’s flooding, said; “We cannot go on allowing our best approach to be based on luck. We are once again grappling with the devastating effects of spring tides, wind and rain on our City centre, and at a time when businesses are already under incredible stress and pressure with Level 5 Covid restrictions coming into play. Had the Morrisons Island flood defences been in place, today’s flooding would not have occurred, as opposed to our current
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Ryanair Withdrawal will have Grave Implications
Speaking this morning, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said, “The announcement by Ryanair today that it is to close its Cork base puts Cork Airport on the ropes and will be devastating for the staff impacted directly and indirectly. The gravity of the pandemic is displayed once again. This announcement is hugely damaging for regional and national connectivity and raises very real concerns regarding the ability of Cork Airport to avoid closure without further direct financial support from government in
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Cork Chamber Welcomes the Go-Ahead on Dunkettle Interchange Project
The final investment decision for Dunkettle Interchange works has been welcomed by Cork Chamber. Seen as a pivotal project for the city and region, the Dunkettle Interchange carries 100,000 vehicles per day, connecting the major arteries of the M8 to the north, N25 to the east through to the ring road and city centre. Speaking following the announcement Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said“This final investment decision is of national significance and is also a catalyst that will help set the Cork
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Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Ambitious and Thorough: Infrastructure and Business Support
Speaking on Budget Day October 13th 2020, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “The Government must be commended for producing an ambitious and thorough budget for 2021. As we normalise our experience of this pandemic, and as we prepare to encounter the challenges of Brexit first hand, it is clear that this and the next few budgets and the management of our national finances thereafter will define the prospects of a generation.”Infrastructure “The commitment to an increase of almost €2 billion in
Friday, October 09, 2020
Celebrating Digital Marketing Titans in Cork!
Cork Chamber Announces the Winners of the Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020 On Friday October 09th, Cork Chamber awarded the winners of the hotly contested Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020. In a zoom full of Cork’s inspiring digital titans, the awards, presented by Sinéad Kennedy, recognised the responsive, strategic and creative approaches that businesses are bringing to all digital platforms. Commenting on the awards which recognised all facets of digital marketing Best in Content Creation, Best
Monday, October 05, 2020
Business community calls for immediate clarification on potential new restrictions - evolved strateg
Following a meeting of Chambers Chief Executives this morning, Chambers Ireland expresses concern at new advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team that the entire country should move to Level 5. Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “This latest announcement will come as a shock to businesses and local economies throughout the country, who have been doing their best to adjust to the new reality of living alongside the threat of Covid-19. Our members have many questions regarding
Monday, October 05, 2020
Government Must Help Businesses Plan Ahead
All of society effort required to return to level 2Extension of EWSS and business supports essentialCounter-cyclical spend on infrastructure a necessityCommenting on Government’s announcement that level 3 restrictions are to be implemented nationwide Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “While not surprising, it is nonetheless challenging for business and society to move to level 3 restrictions.” “The impact of these tighter restrictions will be immensely challenging for those operating in food &
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Infrastructure, Business Support and Tax Measures Will Secure Recovery
Speaking at the launch of the Cork Chamber Budget 2021 Submission, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “Budget 2021 must be about securing our economic resilience with infrastructural investment, finessing the pandemic supports and tax measures critical to normalising the economy and State finances.” “To provide continuity to construction and to move beyond the legacy of the last recession, significant moves must be made to drive on and accelerate key projects such as the Cork Metropolitan Area
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Flood Defence Progress Essential to Resilience of City Centre
Speaking following a meeting with Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, where flood defence was discussed, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, "We are pleased that Minister O Donovan continues to offer the strongest of Governmental support to the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme." “The flood relief scheme for the City will see over 3 km of our historic masonry quay wall cleaned, repointed and restored, along with new plazas, river access,
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Government Plan for Aviation Required Immediately
Speaking in relation to the real possibility of airport closure following the fall in passenger numbers of over 90%, the withdrawal of routes and airlines and the threatened Ryanair base closure Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said: “Government focus on the aviation sector and our airports must rapidly intensify and the Oireachtas Transport committee must convene immediately to understand from the Minister for Transport, government’s plan for the future of Irish aviation and Cork Airport. Without the
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Medium Term Plan Welcome but Greater Clarity Needed for Aviation
Speaking following today’s publication of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, Conor Healy, Chamber CEO said, “This Plan is a helpful step that will hopefully influence continued conscientious behaviour throughout the community, with clear indicators of how we fare that are easily communicated and understood.” “However it is absolutely essential that Government commits to a clear pathway for aviation and tourism, which are so deeply intertwined, without any further delay. Capital expenditure, route
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Brexit Preparedness Must be a Priority for Business
The deadline to allow ratification of a Brexit Trade Deal is due at the EU Council meeting next month. All signs indicate that the UK is likely to leave the transition without a deal in place. And while many are rightly focused on sustaining operations through the turbulence caused by Covid-19, Cork Chamber urges businesses in the region to review and prepare their operations for the end of the Transition Period on 31 December 2020. Welcoming the publication of the latest Brexit Readiness Action Plan
Wednesday, September 09, 2020
Significant Measures Needed to Secure Cork Airports Future
Commenting on the future outlook for air connectivity Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said: “Cork Airport has grown over 30% in passenger numbers from 2015 to 2019 and has been consistently the fastest growing airport in Ireland. However the numbers for 2020 continue to fall dramatically below the previously forecast growth due to the ongoing pandemic.” “To ensure that the airport continues to deliver as a strategic infrastructural asset and regional economic driver, significant marketing supports
Tuesday, September 08, 2020
Dunkettle Interchange Pivotal to Regional Competitiveness
Speaking today Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said, “The time to deliver the Dunkettle Interchange is now and it is essential that a final investment decision made without delay. Following a frustrating setback 12 months ago when the project was retendered, the time is right to now take this investment forward and enable the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. The project will provide countercyclical support for our construction sector and is essential for the region’s long-term
Saturday, August 08, 2020
Cork's Light Rail - Chamber Welcomes Appointment of Engineering Firm
Thomas McHugh, Director of Public Affairs commented:“The introduction of light rail has the potential to be transformative for our city region. It will bring a new level of connectivity to the Cork metropolitan area, opening up fresh opportunities for how people live, work and play in the city.The appointment of Jacob’s Engineering for the early stages of the light rail project is an encouraging step towards seeing CMATS become a reality.Light rail is arguably the flagship of CMATS, however it is essential
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Looking Forward with Confidence, Cork Chamber AGM
Cork Chamber of Commerce held its AGM on July 27th. As a largely virtual event on this occasion it was a sign of the times but the focus was steadfastly on looking forward with confidence.The AGM saw the re-election of Paula Cogan, Doyle Collection as President and the election and announcement of new officers, Ronan Murray of Deloitte as Vice President; Thia Hennessy, Cork University Business School as Honorary Secretary and Gerard O’ Donovan, CIT as Honorary Treasurer. In addition, five new board members
Friday, July 24, 2020
.Quality of Life Infrastructure Will Define Future of Cork Business
Despite confidence in the Irish economy resting at 48% among members of the business community, and notwithstanding the pandemic, Brexit and climate change, sentiment remains high and businesses remain resolutely focused on a positive future for Cork says a major report launched today by Cork Chamber of Commerce. Almost 1,000 people engaged in a series of sectoral think tanks and an open survey to identify the best route to a resilient and sustainable recovery for Cork. Each discussion was guided by the
Thursday, July 16, 2020
July Stimulus will be the Make or Break for many Businesses
Businesses in Cork have resoundingly called for an approach to Covid-19 business supports that is more tailored to fit the differing needs of business sectors. 92% of businesses surveyed by Cork Chamber reported that a more tailored approach to Covid-19 business supports is now needed. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said:“Initial Government swift responses to the Covid-19 restrictions on society and business were very welcome. The enhanced Illness Benefit, Pandemic Unemployment Payment and The Wage
