Informing YOU
Empowering YOU
Chamber News
Nov 13
Joint CBA and Chamber Statement: Delivery of Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme Essential for Cork
Cork Chamber and Cork Business Association have jointly welcomed the new and revised Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme presented by the Office of Public Works. The two business organisations now urge both Cork local authorities to move the scheme forward as a matter of priority. It is estimated that construction of the scheme can begin in the first half of 2021 once approved. Construction will subsequently be phased to minimise disruption, starting with Morrison’s Island to ensure early protection for the
Nov 11
Chamber celebrates 200 Years of Championing Cork
A new book ‘Championing Cork’ chronicles the history of city region and that of the Chamber, which was founded 200 years ago on 8th November 1819. Early last year, local historian Cllr. Kieran McCarthy was commissioned to research the history of the Chamber, and the book was launched at a dinner to celebrate the Chamber’s anniversary last week. This book draws on the Chamber’s records in Cork City and County Archives and from its press coverage over two hundred years. It highlights the big stories of
Nov 06
Climate Finance is key to Low Carbon Economy
Release of Ireland's Second Annual Responsible Investment State of Play Report 2019Marking Environmental, Sustainable and Governance (ESG) Day as part of Climate Finance Week 2019 Tuesday 5 November 2019: The Cork Financial Services Forum welcomed the release of Ireland’s Second Annual Responsible Investment State of Play Report 2019 in Cork today with an event jointly hosted by Deutsche Börse/Clearstream in their new offices in Navigation Square. The event takes place on ESG Day and forms part of Ireland’s
Oct 23
Cork Chamber Reaction to Novartis Job Losses
The restructuring by Novartis resulting in the loss of 320 jobs by mid-2022 has been met with disappointment by Cork Chamber. Commenting, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, said: “Novartis has been a major employer in Ringaskiddy for over 25 years and is a significant player in the pharma and life sciences sectors that Cork is globally recognised for. “Our immediate thoughts are with the impacted employees and their families at this stressful time and we encourage the State agencies to work with the
Oct 17
N22 Cork-Kerry Approval Welcomed by Cork Chamber
Welcoming Cabinet’s approval of the N22 Cork-Kerry road, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, said: “The N22 road upgrade and the Macroom bypass is a long-awaited key infrastructure project for Cork and Kerry. Not only will this project help alleviate traffic bottlenecks along the route, this investment by Government will also be a significant boost to tourism and business in the region by bringing Killarney and Cork closer together, as well as improve the environment in Macroom Town by diverting traffic away
Oct 16
Celebrating Digital Transformers in Cork!
Digital Champions were celebrated at this year’s Cork Digital Marketing Awards held at the Cork International Hotel. In a room full of inspiring digital transformers, the Awards presented by MC Sinead Kennedy recognised the innovative and creative approaches that businesses are bringing to all digital platforms. All facets of digital marketing were recognised, with awards including Best in Content Creation, Best Social Media Team and awards for individual channels from Website to Instagram. Paula
Oct 15
Pace of infrastructure delivery a threat to business growth
The third economic trends survey of 2019 reports on member experiences during July, August and September, gathering information to assess business confidence, and the operating landscape, national economy, skills, and threats to business growth. The Q3 survey included a specific focus on business competitiveness in relation to public transport priorities, and business insurance. Cork Chamber President Paula Cogan, “Budget 2020 was a conservative budget in the face of Brexit uncertainty. The business
Oct 08
Budget 2020 Reaction: Conservative Budget for Uncertain Times
Reacting to the detail of Budget 2020, Cork Chamber has welcomed the Brexit package as an important measure to protect Irish businesses in the turbulent waters ahead. Meanwhile, the failure by Government to meaningfully address historic high rents and the lack of viability of new apartment construction is a cause of concern. Commenting on the Chamber’s budget priorities, CEO Conor Healy, said:Affordable Apartments “Outside of Brexit, the availability of housing is the number one issue facing business and
.jpg)
Sep 30
Launch of Cork Company of the Year Awards 2020
The Cork Company of the Year Awards, run by Cork Chamber in association with Vodafone, are recognised as being the most prestigious and esteemed business awards in the region. Now in its 22nd year the awards celebrate the best of Cork business from emerging businesses, to SMEs, large indigenous and multinational organisations. The four award categories are: Emerging Cork Company of the Year (less than 5 years in business)Cork SME Company of the Year (less than 50 employees) Cork Large Company of the
Sep 16
Major Step Forward in Delivery of Cork Event Centre
Cork Chamber welcomed last Friday's announcement by Government on the Cork Event Centre. Commenting on the announcement, Paula Cogan, Cork Chamber President, said: “While we have maintained confidence in the government support for the event centre project, today’s announcement confirming funding and a contracts process is a major step forward in the future delivery of the essential Cork Event Centre.”“We urge all parties to move forward with haste to complete that contracts process to ensure an early
Sep 10
Use Carbon Tax to Fund Public Transport and Cycling Infrastructure in Budget 2020, Cork Chamber Says
USE CARBON TAX TO FUND PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND CYCLING INFRASTRUCTURE IN BUDGET 2020, CORK CHAMBER SAYS Public Investment should be focus of Budget 2020Only 10% prioritise income tax cuts, Chamber survey reveals91% of Cork business support budgetary measures to stimulate new housingCarbon Tax to be ring-fenced and reinvested in a low carbon economy Launching its pre-budget submission, Cork Chamber has called on Government to prioritise state investment over tax cuts in Budget 2020. This follows the
Sep 02
Economic Growth at Risk Unless Apartment Construction Costs Addressed
PRESS RELEASE New report looking at viability and affordability of apartment building finds the price of new apartments beyond reach for many workersImmediate Government action will be needed to address the shortage of affordable apartments in citiesA new report commissioned by Cork Chamber and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and produced by EY-DKM Economic Advisory has found that the cost of construction of new apartments is significantly beyond viability and is threatening future economic
Aug 07
Clearstream Supports Cork Businesses with Staff Gift Card
Clearstream, one of the world’s largest settlement and custody firms for domestic and international securities, announced today that it will be providing each of their 500 Cork-based staff with a EUR 500 Cork Chamber Gift Card. The Gift Card, operated by One4All, is accepted by a broad range of local retailers and businesses across Cork therefore ensuring support of local businesses and jobs. Pictured at the announcement from left to right, Carmel Hallissey, Clearstream, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber, David
Jul 30
Progressive plan will revolutionise Cork Docklands
Cork Chamber commends the progressive street scape, prioritising of sustainable and public transport and river access presented in the Docklands to City Centre Road Network Improvement Scheme. Thomas McHugh, Director of Public Affairs at Cork Chamber commented, “The potential of the Cork Docklands is unique with capacity for 15,000 homes and 29,000 jobs and the current scale of development opens a new chapter for Cork. Horgan’s Quay, Navigation Square 1&2, One Albert Quay, planning for over 200 apartments
Jul 15
Irish Business Delegation Travels to the UK to Grow Economic Co-Operation
Major global companies and innovative manufacturing, agri-tech and financial companies take part in the next phase of the joint UK/Irish Joining the Dots programme. An Irish business delegation of over 45 companies and organisations, travelled today (03 July) to the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry for the UK launch the British Embassy led programme Joining the Dots. The reportidentifies areas for growth and offers concrete recommendations on how to promote stronger business
Jul 15
Connecting Cork – New Jersey
Cork Chamber hosted a delegation from New Jersey in early July. The delegation was led by Jose Lozano, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey and Tim Sullivan, President & CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. A round table discussion with key representatives from Choose New Jersey, Cork Chamber, Cork City Council and stakeholders from the wider Cork region was held to help build relationships and increase economic ties. As the leading business organisation in Cork, the Chamber is
Jul 11
Budget Priority to fund Public and Sustainable Transport
The quarter 2 economic trends survey of 2019 has been published by Cork Chamber. The survey gathered metrics across a range of topics to assess business confidence, perspectives on the operating landscape, national economy, budget 2020 and the threats to business growth. In announcing the results, Cork Chamber President Paula Cogan welcomed the new partnership with Ulster Bank, “We are delighted to have Ulster Bank as the new sponsor to the Cork Chamber Economic Trends. With over 180 years of
Jul 05
Focus on Quick Wins for Sustainable Transport in Cork, says Chamber
A prioritised focus on quick wins is needed to improve sustainable and public transport across Metropolitan Cork. So says Cork Chamber in a submission to the National Transport Authority on the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Plan; an investment plan totalling €3.5bn. Among its list of eleven quick wins, the Chamber suggests:Designating bus corridors throughout Metropolitan Cork to improve bus reliabilityPrioritising the delivery of new park & rides while maintaining BlackAshExtending the rail commuter
.jpg)
Jun 14
Strong Growth in Cork’s Financial Services Sector
Funds Industry worth €837M to the Irish ExchequerNew Report Assesses Economic Impact of the Funds Industry on the Irish Economy A new Irish Funds economic impact study, presented this week to the Cork Financial Services Forum, reveals Cork’s ranking within the national funds industry. The report by Indecon found that there are 1,346 full time employees working within the funds industry in Cork. The funds industry in Ireland contributes €837 million annually in direct taxes to the Exchequer, with 16,000
May 31
CMATS must be placed on Statutory Footing to Ensure Delivery
Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy must be matched with the Opening of NTA Delivery Office in Cork The publication of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) has been welcomed by Cork Chamber as an essential milestone for the development of Ireland’s second city region. While welcoming the strategy, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, said: “It is essential that this transformative strategy is placed on a firm statutory footing to ensure delivery, supported by transparent timelines and
May 29
Cork Chamber: Mayoral Result Reflects Need for Greater Substance
Speaking as election counting draws to a close, Cork Chamber President Paula Cogan, said: “We congratulate the successfully elected representatives in Cork City and County Councils and look forward to working together over the coming years. Our message is clear, our Councillors must be progressive and visionary in their service to Cork. We have a unique opportunity to create the most vibrant and sustainable city region in Ireland and our delivery or otherwise over the next 5 years will be judged for
May 28
Prism Go-Ahead Welcomed by Chamber
Welcoming today’s granting of planning permission for the 15-story Prism by An Board Pleanála, Thomas McHugh, Director of Public Affairs at Cork Chamber, said: “The Prism building is inspired by the iconic Flatiron in New York and will be a feature itself on the Cork skyline, being a defining, visionary and architecturally iconic addition to our City.” “This building is a pillar project, linking the City centre to the docklands, and symbolises the ambition we have for Cork city itself as an exciting,
Jan 23
Cork Chamber launches €200,000 funding drive to mark 200 years
-Cork Chamber is the first Irish Chamber of Commerce to launch an initiative of this kind--Cork Chamber 1819 Fund to build community resilience- To mark its 200th anniversary, Cork Chamber today launched a six-month community funding drive to raise €200,000, in partnership with Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI). The Cork Chamber 1819 Fund will benefit Cork community initiatives with a social, environmental or economic impact. Cork Chamber is the first Irish Chamber of Commerce to launch an
