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,
Apple’s Cathy Kearney Honoured with Outstanding Contribution to Business Award from Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber has tonight recognised Cathy Kearney, Apple VP of Operations for Europe, Middle East, India & Africa for her outstanding contribution to business. The award, now in its 12th year, was presented at the Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner. Attended by 600 leading political and business people in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, the dinner was sponsored by EY. Ms Kearney has been recognised for her exemplary career at Apple. Cork has been home to Apple for over 40 years and it serves as Apple’s
Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan, welcomed by Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcome’s today’s launch of the Cork City Heritage and Biodiversity Plan as a key step towards enhancing the attractiveness of Cork. “This five-year plan presents a key opportunity to promote and enhance the heritage and biodiversity of Cork, essential to our city region’s DNA and the quality of life of Corkonians. The importance of biodiversity cannot be overlooked, and this plan is a step towards communicating its value so that we can continue to
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
Opportunity in crisis: Businesses proactive on energy efficiency in face of rising prices
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 Q3 2022, their outlook for the fourth quarter 2022 and views on the impact of inflation, rising energy prices and measures to combat current challenges. The Q3 2022 survey found:92% of businesses are concerned or very concerned about the impact of rising energy cost24% have identified energy
Cork Chamber welcomes opening of new €30 million GE Healthcare manufacturing line at Cork plant
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, warmly welcomes the opening of a new manufacturing line and 140 new jobs by GE Healthcare at its Carrigtwohill facility in Cork following a €30 million investment. “This investment and the jobs created by GE Healthcare is great news for Cork. It’s another major investment by a global leader in the life sciences sector in Cork and shows that we continue to be the investment destination of choice for the global life sciences and pharmaceutical industry,” said
Budget’s €1.2bn business supports scheme positive but may not be enough, says Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomed the scale of Budget 2023 to tackle the challenges of the energy and inflation crisis but said it is not clear that the €1.2 billion package will be enough to support businesses through the winter. “We welcome the fact that the scale of the budget package reflects the scale of the challenge that businesses and households are facing this coming year. This is an energy and inflation crisis that is unprecedented, and extraordinary measures are needed,”
Launch of Cork Container Terminal a big step forward for Cork, says Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, said the launch of the Port of Cork Company’s new 13.5-hectare Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy represents a big step forward for Cork and the Port of Cork. “Congratulations to all the team involved. This new strategic terminal will offer greater efficiencies, in fact the highest of any European port thus demonstrating the global nature of our region when it comes to international trade, connectivity and innovation,” said Ronan Murray, President of
Cork Chamber welcomes €60 million AbbVie investment in Cork
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomes the new €60 million investment by Biopharma company AbbVie in its plant in Carrigtwohill that will create 70 new jobs. “This is another boost for the booming life sciences sector in Cork. This €60 million investment by AbbVie in its Carrigtwohill plant highlights the continued dedication of biopharma and life sciences companies to the Cork region. It also provides the strong vote of confidence in our city region’s attractive economic environment and
Cork Chamber welcomes green hydrogen partnership with Port of Amsterdam
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the new green hydrogen partnership between EIH2, the Port of Amsterdam and the Port of Cork. “This partnership is a key step to building Cork’s green energy export potential to the Netherlands and eventually to the EU through the hydrogen backbone. There are massive opportunities for Cork to produce and export green hydrogen through our wind resources to provide a stable and predictable pipeline of energy,” said Rory Kelleher, Director of
Businesses facing increases of 4 and 5 times their normal energy bills
- Significant measures needed from Government to support businesses - The Government needs to introduce significant measures to support businesses who are struggling with unprecedented energy costs, says Cork Chamber. “Our members are advising us of unprecedented energy costs of which many are struggling to absorb. In our budget submission we outlined that inflation and competitiveness was a growing concern for our members and as we now reach the back end of the third quarter of this fiscal year,
ISIF should set up new Vienna-style urban investment fund to help tackle housing crisis
- Chamber pre-budget submission emphasises innovative urban investment fund modelled on Vienna needed to solve housing crisis – Cork Chamber have called on the Government to mandate the Irish Strategic Investment Fund to set up a new Vienna-style urban housing investment fund to help tackle the housing crisis, in its pre-Budget Submission. Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy said: “The government needs to think differently on measures that can solve the housing crisis and mandating ISIF to set up an urban
Cork City Development Plan Welcomed by Cork Chamber
- Plan will be judged on delivery but government and political support is required - Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomes today’s launch of ‘Our City, Our Future - Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028’ as a key step to creating a sustainable future for the city. “The launch and delivery of the Cork City Development Plan (CDP) comes at a pivotal time for our economy and society, as it will support our city region’s population, economic, and climate goals in accordance with Ireland
Stryker Expansion Strengthening its Ties to Cork
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the official opening of the new Stryker facility at Anngrove, Carrigtwohill. “The investment made by Stryker in Carrigtwohill is very significant for the region. With the capacity to provide a further 600 jobs at this newly expanded, state of the art facility, Stryker have shown their continued commitment to the region as an excellent location for their global additive technology research and development,” said Conor Healy, CEO, Cork
Government must ensure joined up thinking to reach emissions targets
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed government’s agreement on Sectoral Emissions Ceilings as a step in the right direction toward achieving Ireland’s legally binding economy-wide Carbon Budgets. “The climate crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time. We must be unrelenting in our determination to change the trajectory of this crisis.’’ commented Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber. “If we are to achieve our goals of halving our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and
Cost of Living and Housing Top Budget Priority for Businesses as Skills Shortages Become Biggest Bar
Personal business confidence remains very high at 90%, while confidence in the Irish economy falls to 58%, down from 78% in the first quarter of the year 69% of businesses identify cost of living as government’s top priority for Budget 2023 47% identify supply side housing stimulus as priority to be addressed in Budget 2023 66% of businesses report specialist skills shortages affect recruitment efforts in Q2 2022 and the number one barrier to business growth across sectors in the coming
NTA Sustainable Transport Corridors Consultation welcome, says Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomes the consultation on the NTA’s 12 sustainable transport corridors for Cork as the key next step in delivering a sustainable transport system for the whole city. “The publication of consultation plans to create an integrated sustainable public transport system across the Cork Metropolitan Area is most welcome and is the next key step to seeing the delivery of a sustainable transport network for the whole city region,” said Cork Chamber CEO, Conor
Permission for 600-unit Cork City Housing Development Welcomed by Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has today welcomed the granting of planning permission for a 609-unit apartment and housing development at the old CMP site. “This granting of planning permission is very positive and the ambition of Dairygold to develop this brownfield site has the potential to deliver much-needed housing within reach of the city centre” said Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber “With the supply of quality housing now at crisis level, government must remain highly focused
Cork Airport Requires Enhanced Support and Resources
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, is calling for greater focus and support for Cork Airport, critical to improving Cork's connectivity and attractiveness. "There is clearly a need for more focus on the growth of Cork airport and other regional airports, but there are also challenges in drawing airlines out of Dublin Airport. We are working closely with Cork Airport to develop and expand their routes and offerings to improve the Cork region’s international connectivity which is absolutely key
Cork Chamber Welcomes BusConnects Network Redesign
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomes the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Bus Connects announcement today, detailing the Cork Metropolitan Area’s new and improved bus network, introducing a 53% increase in bus services across the city. “This morning’s NTA announcement, which comes after significant public engagement, is most welcome and a critical component of realising plans in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) to generate a sustainable and accessible society,”
Cork Chamber welcomes DHL’s €11m Express Hub Investment in Cork
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomes the investment by DHL into a new Express Hub in Blarney Business Park, which was officially opened today by Minister Michael McGrath. “It is a great pleasure to welcome this investment from DHL into a new express operations hub here in Cork. This significant investment of over €11 million is much needed to provide the necessary capacity to keep up with growing demand,” said Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber, speaking at the official opening. “The choice
Unique Opportunity for Cork to be Location of Choice for Investment
Continued Investment in Infrastructure Required -Ronan Murray Elected Cork Chamber President at 203rd AGM- Ronan Murray has been elected President of Cork Chamber of Commerce at the 203rd AGM at The Imperial Hotel. Addressing assembled members at the AGM, new Cork Chamber President, Ronan Murray, Partner M&A (Strategy and Transactions) at EY Ireland spoke about opportunities to enhance the reputation of the city region as a place for business. “Cork continues to be a source of significant investment as
Apple Plans Show Deep Commitment to Cork
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork as today welcomed Apple’s announcement of its plans to expand its Cork campus. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said “The plans submitted by Apple are another show of the company’s deep commitment to Cork. Moreover, they show huge ambition and leadership, with the planned extension to run entirely on renewable energy and incorporate a ‘commute hub’ designed to encourage active and sustainable travel. In the wake of Cork’s selection to be a carbon neutral city
Infrastructure Delivery Vital for Continued Investor Confidence and Sustained Growth
Cork Chamber welcomes €440m Investment Announcement by Merck Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork has today welcomed the announcement of a €440m investment by Merck. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber commented on the announcement: "This a landmark investment and a major vote of confidence in Cork as a centre of excellence for life sciences and as the location of choice for leading global companies in this sector.” “These investments will provide a major jobs boost to the city, county and
Sustainable Commuting Being Supported
-The Blackpool station must be developed- Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, welcomes the NTA announcement of a nation-wide 50% public transport fare reduction for young people (aged 19-23) along with the inclusion of Mallow in the Cork commuter rail fare area, from today. Commenting on the announcement, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, said: “The inclusion of Mallow in the Cork commuter rail fare, which we have had substantial engagement with the NTA over the last number of years, is a
President of Cork Chamber calls for Backing of the Business Community to achieve Net Zero for Cork b
-A pro-diversity society must also be strongly anti-racist- After a one-year hiatus, Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, held its Annual Dinner 2022. This time at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the event was attended by 950 business leaders, political decision makers and stakeholders with guest of honour, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD. Sponsored by Kearys Motor Group, the event allowed all to reengage and make new connections, while also celebrating the successes of the business community. Speaking at the
Commencement of Port of Cork Container Terminal operations in Ringaskiddy will enhance connectivity
- Customs and regional infrastructure is vital to continued growth- Cork Chamber are pleased to welcome the commencement of operations at the Port of Cork’s new €86m Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy tomorrow. Commenting on the announcement, Paula Cogan, President, Cork Chamber said, “This significant moment for Cork will build upon the already strong trade links between the Port of Cork and the US, and ultimately bring some peace of mind in the context of the global supply-chain and international
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Opportunities for all on the Path to Energy Independence
29% of respondents reported that energy price increases are currently affecting business profitability and growth66% of companies surveyed have actively managed energy in a bid to make savings50% of business respondents expect an increase to employee numbers in the next 12 months86% of respondents report business confidence 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
Unveiling of preferred transport solution for Cork to Limerick N/M20 project a key milestone
Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber have welcomed the announcement that a preferred mixed-modal transport solution has been selected for the highly anticipated N/M20 upgrade signalling the advancement of the project to the next stage. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber commented, "After over a decade highlighting the economic importance of this major project linking two of Ireland’s most progressive city regions, it is positive to see this progress and it represents another step towards the delivery of this
Withdrawal of America’s Cup bid a missed opportunity with potential reputational damage
The decision by Government to withdraw its bid to host what would have been a once in a lifetime event is disappointing and short sighted given the potential economic, social, and cultural benefits associated with the competition.President of Cork Chamber, Paula Cogan commented, “The timing of this event would have provided a real boost for the economy in the immediate post-Covid recovery era. As well as the economic benefit, it was an opportunity to showcase the best of Irish hospitality, tourism and
Janssen €150m expansion of biopharmaceutical supply chain in Ringaskiddy signals confidence
-Pace of regional infrastructure delivery must improve - Commenting on today’s positive Janssen announcement, supported by IDA, CEO of Cork Chamber Conor Healy said: “The announcement by Janssen Sciences Ireland of a €150m investment in expanding their biopharmaceutical supply chain facility, creating 180 new jobs and employing up to 300 people during the two-year construction period provides a strong endorsement of Cork’s successful life sciences and pharma sector.” “Cork’s fast-growing capability
Off-Shore Wind Energy - The Economic Opportunity of our Generation
Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO This past week, the case for bringing autonomy to Irish energy production has been brought sharply to the fore as one of the knock-on impacts of the tragic events unfolding in the Ukraine. Ireland and Europe more broadly is overly reliant on imported fossil fuel, which not only hinders taking the right steps in global politics but is also terminally damaging our environment. We can no longer afford to be reliant on aggressive dictatorships or on a form of energy
