Pat McGrath Honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Business Award from Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber has recognised Pat McGrath for his outstanding contribution to business. The award was presented at the Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner where the keynote speaker was An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar. The event, held at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road and sponsored by EY, brought together 600 prominent figures from the political and business sectors. Mr McGrath’s exceptional role at PM Group played a significant part in his career. In the early 00’s, Mr McGrath was appointed CEO and was
Ireland has the potential to become a renewable powerhouse
The Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner held this evening celebrated the collaborative spirit between Cork and Dublin and the importance of this synergy to the success of Ireland Inc. Held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road in association with EY, the keynote was delivered by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. to more than 600 people from across Ireland’s business, political and diplomatic landscape. In his keynote address, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. said “The Government and I strongly believe that more
Cork Chamber Welcomes Significant Investment by Qualcomm, A Vote of Confidence in Cork
Cork Chamber has today welcomed the announcement by Qualcomm Technologies that it is to invest $127 million in an expansion of its Research and Development facility in Cork city resulting in 150 new highly skilled engineering jobs. “This announcement is another chapter in Qualcomm’s ongoing success story in Cork where its operations first began in 2013 with just four employees, that figure now stands at 500. This investment will further grow their workforce with the creation of 150 highly skilled
Ireland a global hub for financial services with Cork’s strong IFS centre key to its international o
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, together with the Cork Financial Services Forum, today hosted a national event for the financial services (FS) sector which focused the future of the FS sector and the evolving role of technologies including artificial intelligence. The event, attended by over 160 FS sector leaders from across Ireland, was addressed by keynote speaker Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD.Ireland is now recognised as a significant global financial centre and the
Plans to Transition to Electric Train Fleet a Boost for Cork Commuter Rail Network, says Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed Iarnród Éireann’s pledge to switch to an electric and battery-electric train fleet, along with the corresponding infrastructure enhancements for the Cork commuter rail network. “This week's announcement by Iarnród Éireann is a very important step towards a transformed public transport offering in Cork. As the city region begins its decarbonisation journey and the population continues to grow, we must facilitate this transition and expand with it,”
Announcements by PepsiCo and Boston Scientific Signal Strong Confidence in Cork
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed today’s announcement that PepsiCo is to invest €39 million into its Little Island site. This latest investment by PepsiCo, which follows the completion of a €127 million investment at the site, will expand the company's manufacturing capacity and see the rollout of a major solar PV installation. “PepsiCo has been a long-time employer in Cork for almost 50 years and this latest investment signals the company’s commitment to Cork and focus on a
Cork Chamber Broadly Welcomes Budget 2024, But Highlights Need For Greater Focus On Climate Action Measures
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has broadly welcomed the measures contained in Budget 2024. “Today’s budget will address many of the concerns of business and protect economic development into the future through both the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund and the Future Ireland Fund. However, acceleration of essential carbon reduction measures such as support for retrofitting of commercial buildings and public transport investment delivery are needed to meet Cork’s Mission Cities
Cork Chamber’s business awards seek brightest and best
-Cork Company of the Year Awards 2024 open for entries- Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has opened the Cork Chamber Cork Company of the Year Awards 2024 for entries. For a quarter of a century, these awards have served as an exclusive platform for businesses in the region to celebrate their successes and gain recognition for their achievements. The four distinct award categories allow for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds to enter so that the true diversity of the Cork business
The Need for Increased Policing Resources the Focus of Meeting with Justice Minister at Cork Chamber
The need for increased policing resources in the city was raised with the Justice Minister in a meeting she attended at Cork Chamber today.The focus of the meeting, which was also attended by senior politicians including Minister Simon Coveney TD and Chief Superintendent Tom Myers, was to highlight some of the concerns associated with the need for a greater garda presence in the city.“Today’s meeting with Minister Helen McEntee was very productive and a wide range of issues connected to policing resources
Docklands Apartments' Planning Approval a Transformative Step for the City, says Cork Chamber
Today’s announcement that 1,325 apartments have been granted planning permission in the city's docks is another step towards realising the full potential of Cork city which is on the cusp of major transformation. “A development of this scale is exactly what the city needs as it continues to grow sustainably. It will instil huge confidence for FDI and will be key in attracting and maintaining a highly skilled and diverse workforce,” said Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO. “Demand for housing continues to
Enterprise Investment, Entrepreneurial Incentives and a Climate Neutral Cities Fund among top Budget asks for Cork Chamber
- Cork Chamber’s pre-budget submission highlights the need for further enterprise investment incentives and a broadening of the entrepreneur relief as well as dedicated funding to achieve climate targets - Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has called on the Government to enhance existing investment and start-up investment incentives as well as broadening the entrepreneur relief in a detailed Budget 2024 submission. Cork Chamber President Ronan Murray said, “Budget 2024 represents an
Cork Chamber welcomes launch of Maritime Area Regulatory Autho
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork has today welcomed the official launch of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA). The new agency has been set up to streamline the consenting process for the maritime area, and so is central to the development of the offshore wind industry. “The launch of MARA today, along with the first proposal of a Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) off the south coast, are significant milestones in the development of Ireland's maritime area and offshore
Cork Chamber of Commerce Welcomes AMD's Investment Announcement
“This announcement by AMD of a $135 million investment is very significant and demonstrates the company’s commitment to Ireland as a strategic location for R&D, innovation and engineering. The investment and associated creation of 290 jobs across the Little Island, Cork and Dublin sites will strengthen our vibrant technology sector and will also impact positively on the broader ecosystem in the Cork region,” said Conor Healy CEO of Cork Chamber. “Cork has a strong track record in attracting FDI and we
Deloitte jobs boost a testament to Cork economy
Deloitte’s announcement that it is to double its workforce in Cork is a signal of the strength of the Cork region, its ever-expanding tech sector, its deep talent pool, and its thriving city. “Today’s announcement of 300 new jobs by Deloitte and the establishment of a new Cork-based Technology and Analytics hub shows the growth in professional services in Cork particularly in functions that would have traditionally been HQ based,” said Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO. “Deloitte has been a huge part of
Planned Docklands Apartments A Vote of Confidence for Cork
Today’s announcement that planning is being lodged for 1,325 apartments in the Docklands is a sign of great progress and a huge vote of confidence in the city. “It’s very encouraging to see plans of this scale being announced, particularly in the Docklands which will play a key role in shaping our economy, our society and our city” said Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO.“The plans which are of mixed tenure in nature will respond to the growing demand for housing in the city as the population rises and as jobs
Housing Tops Agenda At Cork Chamber Meeting With Taoiseach
– Infrastructure delivery and an accelerated timeline for public transport including Cork light rail were also raised as areas for continued investment and focus – The magnitude of the housing shortage and its impact on economic growth was conveyed to the Taoiseach during his visit to Cork Chamber today. The focus of the meeting, which was attended by industry representatives, some of the region’s largest employers as well as senior politicians including Minister Simon Coveney TD, was to identify
Ireland’s Renewable Energy Journey Hits Major Milestone as ESB and Ørsted Partnership Unveiled
- The announcement was made today by Minister Simon Coveney at Cork Chamber of Commerce -Cork Chamber has welcomed today’s announcement that ESB and Ørsted have partnered to develop a series of offshore wind projects. It represents another significant advancement in Ireland’s commitment to develop a thriving robust offshore wind sector. “This is a key moment in the development of the country’s offshore wind sector and offers a huge opportunity to fully exploit our geographical position, enable greater
Confidence in Cork’s bright future continues to drive FDI and indigenous investment in city
–Cork’s future as lighthouse city for FDI and indigenous investment mapped out at 204th Cork Chamber AGM– An era of exciting change ahead for Cork was conveyed at the 204th Cork Chamber AGM at the Imperial Hotel. Addressing assembled members on the evening Cork Chamber President, Ronan Murray spoke about the resilience of Cork businesses in the face of uncertainty created by war on our continent, energy prices and wider inflation. “Our members sought to embrace sustainability through energy efficiency
Offshore Wind Auction a Major Step Forward for Ireland’s renewables development, says Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the outcome of Ireland’s first offshore wind auction as a major step forward for offshore wind development in Ireland. “Ireland’s first offshore wind auction last week was a real step forward, with the auction held on time and delivering competitive prices in the context of it being Ireland’s first offshore auction. This sends a strong signal internationally that Ireland can deliver, and we look forward to these four projects moving ahead on
Chamber welcomes PepsiCo expansion
-Ambition of global investors must be matched to remain competitive internationally- Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the €127m PepsiCo expansion which enhances its manufacturing capacity at the Little Island facility. “The €127m investment made by PepsiCo into its Little Island facility is very significant. PepsiCo have shown continued commitment to Cork as a place for business, recently installing, 4,500 solar panels to power its Carrigaline facility. PepsiCo is a long-time
High energy costs lead to reduction in business profitability
- Confidence in the Irish economy remains high through changing business environment - Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has published its latest Economic Trends, proudly supported by Permanent TSB. Cork Chamber members shared their experiences through the most recent business quarter Q1 2023, their outlook for the second quarter of 2023 and views on the ongoing business impact of high energy costs and skills gaps. The Q1 2023 survey found: 73% of respondents are experiencing reduced
New timelines for delivery of offshore wind have to be met by Government, says Cork Chamber
The Government announcement of the acceleration of Phase 2 Offshore wind projects and the introduction of a new Phase 3 for 2GW of floating offshore wind provides some certainty but the timelines for delivery need to be met this time. “The Phase 1 auctions need to deliver the volume of projects needed to meet the majority of our 5GW target and the timelines for both Phase 2 DMAPS and for opening a specific route to market for floating offshore wind projects by Q1 2024 has to be delivered upon. In the
Cork can be EU leader in green hydrogen with production costs one of lowest in Europe, says Cork Chamber
Cork can be an EU leader in Green Hydrogen production with one of the lowest production costs in Europe, says Cork Chamber, based on the findings of a new study by Aurora Energy Research. “This report shows that Green Hydrogen production in Cork and Ireland is not only cost-competitive with other countries but will be cheaper than many locations, so we need to make sure we capitalise on that opportunity and get the industry off the ground here as soon as possible,” said Rory Kelleher, Director of
Broader supports for business welcomed by Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork has welcomed government’s expansion of the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) and extension of the 9% VAT rate for hospitality as part of the cost-of-living package. Commenting on the changes to the TBESS, Conor Healy Cork Chamber CEO said, “This is a very necessary move by government and will allow a greater number of businesses to benefit from the scheme. The reduction of the threshold for qualification from a 50% increase in electricity or
Major Cork road projects not moving fast enough, says Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber has warned that major road projects such as the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road and N25 are moving too slowly despite welcome funding announcements on the Macroom and Castleymartyr bypass. “The new Cork to Ringaskiddy road is critical to opening up the Docklands in Cork to housing development and enabling the port to move its operations completely to Ringaskiddy. This is a project that needs to be delivered by the end of 2026. Despite the welcome announcement of €19m for the N28 Cork to
Cork is on the cusp on fulfilling its true potential by being a cradle of innovation
- We have shown an outstanding ability to adapt and succeed, but to continue to do so, we must constantly innovate and continue to challenge ourselves - Cork is on the cusp of fulfilling its true potential by being a cradle of innovation but needs to constantly innovate to stay ahead in a rapidly changing global environment, said Cork Chamber president, said President of Cork Chamber, Ronan Murray at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner. “In the world we now live in, the pace of change is increasing.
Stryker win Cork Company of the Year 2023
-The world-leading medical device company employs over 4,000 people in Cork- Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has tonight announced Stryker as the overall winner of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2023. Now in their 25th year, these awards, in association with Vodafone Ireland and media partner the Irish Examiner, recognise the diversity and vibrancy that exists in the Cork business community. There were four individual category awards presented at the ceremony which took place in City
New York at the top of businesses wish lists for direct routes from Cork Airport
New York is by far the most in-demand new direct destination from Cork Airport, according to a new survey conducted by Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork. The survey of Cork Chamber members, developed in cooperation with Cork Airport, asked businesses about their current travel patterns and future route preferences. The survey found: 86% of businesses stated that direct air access to Cork Airport is very important for overseas colleagues The Americas was the final destination for 75% of all
Confidence in the Irish Economy jumps to 66% at close of 2022
Skills and housing still bottlenecks for business expansion Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has published its latest Economic Trends, proudly supported by Permanent TSB. Cork Chamber members shared their experiences through the most recent business quarter Q4 2022, their outlook for the first quarter of 2023 and views on the ongoing business impact of rising energy costs and inflation to track business sentiment across quarter 3 and quarter 4 2022.The Q4 2022 survey found: 66% of
Fit for a new year – CAP 2023
Commenting on the latest iteration of the Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23), Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork welcomed the legally binding targets, increased ambition and an action-oriented approach which is essential to decarbonising industry and enterprise, reducing negative impacts on the environment and securing Ireland’s future competitiveness.Referencing today’s publication, Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said “The CAP23 has been much anticipated and offers the opportunity to guide,
Chamber welcomes Cabinet approval of Draft Planning and Development Bill
Cork Chamber has welcomed cabinet approval of the Draft Planning and Development Bill as a significant step on the urgent need to reform and streamline the planning system. “The current planning regime is hindering the development we need across housing, infrastructure and energy to support economic growth and build a sustainable net zero economy and society. Maintaining the status quo is not an option, and so the progress of this bill through Cabinet has to be welcomed as a step towards streamlining
Opening of Macroom bypass a big milestone, says Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed today’s opening by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Danny Collins of the N22 Macroom bypass, representing a big milestone for the project. “It is great to see strategically important infrastructure projects like this progress representing a big milestone for the N22 project, Macroom and the Cork region. Great credit is due to Government, TII, Cork County Council, and all involved in progressing this new road,”
Cork Chamber Announces AIB as Annual Dinner Sponsor
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has formed a new partnership with AIB. A long-standing member with over 200 years of interwoven history, AIB has been announced as the new official event sponsor of the Cork Chamber’s Annual Dinner. The dinner, which takes place in February is Cork Chamber’s flagship event and the largest business event in the region bringing together 1,000 business leaders, elected representatives and key national and regional stakeholders. Commenting on the announcement,
NetApp choosing Cork for its international headquarters a big win, says Cork Chamber
-500 new jobs a major step forward for the regeneration of the South Docks- Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomes the creation of 500 new jobs at NetApp’s offices and new international headquarters in Cork’s South Docks. “This is great news for Cork, attracting a global technology company to create 500 jobs, both technical and non-technical, here by 2025. NetApp’s decision shows Cork is the destination of choice for global technology companies. The outstanding talent pool and
