Informing YOU
Empowering YOU
Chamber News
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
Friday, August 07, 2020
Testing, Capital and Marketing Required to Secure International Connectivity
Identifying the issue Cork Chamber President Paula Cogan said:“In addition to our immediate public health and business supports approach, our ability to pivot to a more sustainable economy and our global reach and connectivity will define our recovery.” Cork airport has grown over 30% in passenger numbers from 2015 to 2019 and has been consistently the fastest growing airport in Ireland. In 2020 this growth was anticipated to continue, bringing the airport to 2.8 million passenger journeys. Cork
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
Thursday, July 02, 2020
M20 critical to economic resilience – Cork and Limerick Chamber
Chambers emphasise the need to maximise the new motorway for greater sustainable transport connectivity The M20 must continue apace and facilitate and prioritise public and active transport options, Cork and Limerick Chambers have stated. Both Chambers continue to emphasise the need for improved intercity connectivity to decongest the existing route which passes through urban centres, and to enhance safety and journey times for logistics and other road users. They also clearly state that motorways need
Thursday, July 02, 2020
Imagineer Your City, Your County
Have Your Say! There has never been a better time to create a vision for the future. A public survey launched today is asking for your opinions on the future of this beautiful County that so many of us are proud to call home. As we emerge from an emergency situation most of us had never imagined, it is clear now that our sense of community and our collective commitment has been very powerful. The back drop to our rich communities has changed dramatically, and by June 02nd business responding to a Chamber
Thursday, July 02, 2020
Cork Chamber of Commerce wins Chamber of the Year
Chamber commends Cork business community for its resilienceCork Chamber was today (02 July 2020) awarded the title of ‘2020 Chamber of the Year’ at the Chambers Ireland annual Chamber Awards, sponsored by Zurich. The Awards recognise the outstanding work of Chambers throughout the country while providing a national platform for Chambers to share and promote how they continue to be active and excel in developing initiatives, events, campaigns and further activities that contribute to their Chamber locality
Saturday, June 20, 2020
Morrison's Island Approval Proves Robust Nature of Flood Defence and Public Realm Upgrade
Speaking following An Bord Pleanála’s decision to grant approval to the Morrison’s Island flood defence, mobility and public realm improvement scheme Thomas Mc Hugh, Director of Public Affairs at Cork Chamber said:“This decision by Ireland’s unique and independent national planning appellate body shows without reservation that the proposals to upgrade the dilapidated and car focussed sections of Morrison’s Quay and Father Matthew Quay are robust, positive and complimentary to national policy.”“A south
.jpg)
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Programme for Government An Essential Milestone
Paula Cogan, Cork Chamber President said; “The Programme for Government is welcome and the formation of Government cannot come soon enough as we rapidly approach end points for many COVID related supports. There is much for Chamber members to be encouraged by mirroring our pre-election Chamber manifesto with strong focus on areas such as sustainable transport, infrastructure, urban living, placemaking and competitiveness. No one individual, party or organisation will find it perfect but we all have a role
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Immense Challenges Ahead for Business
Cork Chamber, along with Chambers Ireland and the nationwide network of Chambers has today (10 June 2020) published results from a survey of the Irish business community. This survey sought to quantify and highlight the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in our towns, cities and regions across the country. The fourth in a series, the survey has 1,320 responses and was conducted between the 28th May and 2nd June 2020. Our latest survey took a read of the business environment in Phase 1 of our economy’s
Tuesday, June 09, 2020
Online Trading a Lifeline for Business
- Additional funding welcomed by Cork Chamber - Cork Chamber has today welcomed the announcement by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, that the Trading Online Voucher Scheme has received additional funding. Speaking this afternoon, Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber Ireland said;“Today’s announcement by Minister Humphreys and Minister Bruton that an additional €14.2 million will be committed to the Trading Online
Friday, June 05, 2020
Maintenance of Business Supports Essential Beyond Summer Months
-No Better County To Be Stuck In- Speaking following Governments announcements Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said:“It is a testament to the ethics and diligence of Irish business and society that there has been sufficient progress on COVID-19 control to enable the easing of restrictions that we see today. There is no finer County to be stuck in than Cork and I encourage people to enjoy our outstanding natural beauty over the coming weeks in a responsible manner. It is clear that with this freedom, a
Wednesday, June 03, 2020
Revisions Welcomed But Deeper and Broader Interpretation of Supports Still Required
Following the post-cabinet briefing on Friday May 29th, Cork Chamber welcomed amendments to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme while cautioning that a broader interpretation of the supports is still required. Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO commented: “Amends to the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and continued suspension of the redundancy provisions are important steps however it is truly important that there is further and deeper focus on cashflow support measures with the rates waiver qualification
.jpg)
Friday, May 22, 2020
Clarity on Eligibility for Restart Grant
Further broadening of qualifying criteria and deepening of grant supports will be essential Commenting today on the opening of applications for the Restart Grant, Conor Healy CEO of Cork Chamber said: "Today, we are pleased to see the Restart Grant application process open and also to have clarity on which businesses are eligible for grant scheme application. We are encouraged that following engagement with Government over the past weeks, the criteria now includes professional service providers with a
Friday, May 15, 2020
Cork Chamber Welcomes Restart Grant for Small Business
Cork Chamber has welcomed Government’s announcement that the first phase of lifting of Covid-19 restrictions will begin next Monday, May 18th. Speaking earlier, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said; “Government’s confirmation that Phase 1 of reopening society and the economy will proceed on May 18th is an important first step in easing recent restrictions. While it will be challenging for those returning to businesses, it is important that the Government protocols for reopening are followed and
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Return to Work Protocol A Necessary Step That Must Be Monitored
Cork Chamber has today acknowledged the importance of a national protocol for returning to work with confidence.Conor Healy, Chamber CEO said, “To define our recovery locally, nationally and internationally, it is essential to have the appropriate blend of public safety measures, business supports and capital investment stimulus. By setting out a clear national return to work protocol, we are one step closer to recovery.However, as with all COVID-19 measures so far, this is a fast paced trial being put
Friday, May 08, 2020
Cork Chamber to Initiate Sustainable Recovery Programme
As Cork prepares to reopen society and business in the coming weeks and months, Cork Chamber is initiating a cohesive programme that will support a sustainable and considered approach to recovery. The Sustainable Cork Programme will comprise a cross section of activities and will be representative of the colourful and vibrant business community that gives Cork its inimitable pulse. Through sector focussed workshops and best practice research, the programme will utilise the best of ideas and initiatives
Friday, May 01, 2020
Recovery Steps Welcomed, but Further Measures Required to Ensure Businesses Survive
Following the most recent update to Ireland’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said,“It is positive to see that the Government has moved beyond the initial response phase by setting out steps for recovery, and every business will now begin to assess and gauge their own response to this in parallel with further updates expected over the weekend. Cork Chamber will continue to engage with Government to further craft and inform the approach to recovery, noting that while today’s
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Cork Chamber Sets Out Sustainable Recovery Vision as 2020 Business Revenue Faces 43% Drop
Speaking on the publication of Cork Chamber and Chambers Ireland’s most recent set of Cork business data, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said, “While it is important to recognise that the current Government measures are very helpful and appreciated by the business community, it is clear that further steps must be taken to minimise economic damage along with greater clarity on how the economic recovery plan aligns with public health requirements. Our most recent data, finalised today shows that in Cork
Friday, April 24, 2020
Cork Chamber & Chambers Ireland call for Business input on Rebooting the Economy
Today (24 April 2020) Cork Chamber & Chambers Ireland launch the latest Covid-19 Business Community Survey. The third in a series, the survey seeks quantify the economic impact COVID-19 is having on businesses around the country and better understand what supports will be needed to reboot the economy.Through this survey the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions on the Irish Business community will be tracked and by creating an evidence base. The feedback will assist policy makers and business owners guide
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Deepened Loan and Support Schemes Must Function Well to be Effective
Speaking on the latest enhancement of Government business supports, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said; “The Government announcement of enhanced measures is necessary and welcome. Steps such as the deepening of the SBCI loan scheme to provide an extra €250m for working capital loans and €200 million for longer term loans is useful for those seeking access to loan finance. The €20m microfinance fund, with no interest or repayment for 6 months may be particularly helpful. The creation of a new €180 million
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
Cork Chamber Calls for Public and Private Sector to Play Their Part and Keep Cash Moving in the Economy
Cash-flow has been identified as the number one difficulty for Chamber members during the COVID 19 pandemic. Cork Chamber today calls on the public sector to adhere to its prompt payment policy and those in the private sector to support fellow businesses during the crisis. Extension and deepening of existing supports to a 6-month window is also essential. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said, “It is essential that the Government prompt payment policy is observed and that no business is left waiting at
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Further Focus on Government Related Cashflow Measures Essential
Chamber Welcomes Change of Course to Keep People WorkingSpeaking following the Government announcement of measures to introduce scaled funding of up to 70% of salaries, up to a maximum of €38,000 per year, Cork Chamber welcomed this crucial step. “We have been advocating on behalf of members for a move to keep those who can work in work and this step is a positive directional shift for government that is aligned with business thinking. Our recent Chamber survey clearly shows a move from 50% to 60% of
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Government must strengthen measures to support employment and economic activity
Cork Chamber calls on Government to continue strengthening measures to support employment and economic activity during and beyond the pandemic shock. Speaking today Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber highlighted, “The swift response of the Irish government to the initial economic shock from the Covid-19 pandemic must continue to be strengthened. The priority throughout this period is our public health services and the functioning and support of our health personnel and must remain so. Though we must also
Friday, February 07, 2020
Cork to be European Green Capital by 2025, Chamber President Proposes
Speaking at Cork Chamber’s annual dinner this evening, Chamber President Paula Cogan called for political and business support for Cork to become European Green Capital by 2025. Held in Cork City Hall, the black-tie event was attended by over 1,000 leading business and political representatives. Phillip King, curator, musician and film director, was keynote speaker at the event.Setting a target of European Capital by 2025, Paula Cogan, President of the Chamber said: “In 2025 Cork should celebrate the
Friday, February 07, 2020
Irish Distillers Awarded Cork Company of the Year 2020
Cork Emerging Company of the Year 2020 is WorkVivoCork SME Company of the Year 2020 is AnaBioCork Large Company of the Year 2020 is Crest SolutionsCork Corporate of the Year 2020 is Irish DistillersThe most innovative of Cork businesses were tonight presented with the prestigious Cork Company of the Year Awards 2020 at Cork Chamber’s Annual Dinner held in Cork City Hall. Over 1,000 people, including leading industry and political figures, celebrated the winners at the dinner. Run in association with
