Chambers spearhead all Island connectivity and economic growth

Following on from the highly successful mission to Belfast in May 2024, Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland Chambers have come together once again, to foster deeper cooperation and connectivity across the island of Ireland. This most recent gathering brought together delegations made up of business leaders and stakeholders from the three regions for the series of meetings and events in Dublin.
 
Travelling with Cork Chamber were representatives from Cork Chamber Board, along with participants from Port of Cork, Cork Airport, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, AxisBIC, MTU, CETB, Irish Rail and Visit Cork. The grouping met with peers and counterparts from Dublin and Belfast.
 
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, said, “The collective leadership of the chamber network is advancing key priorities that will shape the future of our island economy. We see significant potential to advance a more integrated approach to economic development, one that harnesses the strengths of each region and creates shared prosperity. From championing higher-speed rail between Cork, Dublin and Belfast to restoring flights between Cork and Belfast, we are focused on strengthening the connectivity that underpins business growth and regional development. By advancing discussion on the opportunities for our ports, fostering all-island innovation clusters, and enhancing tourism links, we are creating the foundations for a modern, competitive and sustainable island economy.”
 
Attendees participated in discussions at Dublin Port, at Accenture’s generative AI studio “The Dock” and also at An Post’s new cutting-edge HQ the Exo Building.
 
Speaking after a panel discussion held at Dublin Port, with representatives from Dublin and Belfast Ports, Henry Kingston, Port of Cork Chief Land Development Officer said, "Irish ports wish to expedite growth in the marine sector, the Offshore Renewable Energy sector and support the continued growth of the wider economy. The pathways to deliver the Port of Cork Masterplan 2050 need to be streamlined in terms of planning, funding, port policy and hinterland connectivity, which is why we welcome the new Government’s commitment to removing blockages to the delivery of infrastructure."
 
Together, Dublin, NI and Cork Chambers are focused on progressing five key items:

• Higher-Speed Rail Cork-Dublin-Belfast: Aiming to create a higher-speed rail link that will significantly reduce travel times and enhance regional connectivity.

• Restoration of Cork-Belfast Flights: Restoring domestic flights between Belfast and Cork will enhance business and tourism links, making the island of Ireland a more attractive destination for visitors and investors.

• Funding Allocation for Ports: Securing investments to future-proof the three major ports, ensuring they can support economic growth and industrial advancements.

• All-Island Innovation Clusters: Promoting collaboration between industry and education to foster innovation and create competitive clusters across the island.

• Enhancing Tourism Links: Developing strong tourism links by harnessing regional strengths, place branding, and evolving the story of Ireland to represent a modern island.

Speaking at the event, Mary Rose Burke CEO of Dublin Chamber who hosted the series of meetings said, “We are delighted to facilitate this two-day event here in Dublin, to showcase the vibrant business landscape and innovative companies that call Dublin home. This event, building on the success of the visit to Belfast is an example of how the business community and the chamber network across the island is leading on fostering connectivity, economic growth, and we have a great ambition to strengthen ties across the regions. Our delegation, comprised of ministers, business leaders, and representatives from major transport bodies and the education sector, has engaged in open and productive discussions. We are united in our goal to advance our common interests and adopt an all-island approach to economic growth.”
 
Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber said  "The Chambers of Commerce have a critical role in leading collaboration and driving forward an all-island approach to economic development. By working together Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland Chambers are demonstrating how collaborative leadership can open new opportunities for connectivity, innovation and growth. We see significant potential to advance a more integrated approach to economic development, one that harnesses the strengths of each region and creates shared prosperity. This ‘Tri-Region Partnership’ is a powerful example of how the chamber network can bring together business leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders to deliver tangible benefits for communities across the island of Ireland."