Cork Chamber Launches Elections Manifesto

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has today launched the Cork Chamber Local and European Election Manifesto.

Through Ireland 2040, the government has set targets for Cork which includes a 50% growth in population. This will require a concerted effort to build houses, create circa 75,000 jobs, deliver an enhanced public transport system and provide a range of health, social, community and cultural services. While Cork has potential to accommodate significant economic and spatial change to play a leading role in delivering balanced national socio-economic growth for Ireland this requires targeted innovation, investment and ambitious public representatives.

Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said “In 2024, running for election requires candidates that are ambitious for the region. We need representatives that have a very clear understanding of the pressing policy issues that are impacting Cork, Ireland South and Ireland. Representatives with a true commitment to improving local communities, the economy and the environment will deliver the best outcomes. We want our local and European candidates to be as ambitious for Cork as we are, and are calling for them to step up and match the ambition, drive and determination of our member businesses”.

“Through our constant engagement with our members, we have a unique understanding of the economic and social needs of business in Cork. This manifesto reflects their key priorities for the five years ahead, and it also charts a course for the future for Cork and our social, economic and environmental security and prosperity.”

Mr Healy emphasised the importance of Chamber members exercising their vote “This year is poised to be a landmark one for democratic processes worldwide, as elections are set to engage half of the world’s population, empowering them with the opportunity to exercise their voting rights. We would strongly encourage our 1,200 members who employ 120,000 people to engage in the process, to engage with candidates and to exercise their vote. We are publishing our manifesto to help voters clarify the issues facing the businesses they work for and represent. A strong and balanced economy supports a balanced society.” 

Cork Chamber has identified eight key priority areas in the manifesto which can be viewed and downloaded <HERE> :

1. Housing

2. Urban Evolution

3. Talent and Skills

4. Renewables & Energy System Integration

5. Sustainability & Climate Neutral City

6. Infrastructure and Connectivity

7. Supporting Local Business

8. Planning Reform & Speed of Delivery

And we are calling for all candidates to:

• Support urban evolution and increase housing unit supply by forming a taskforce to explore solutions to the current barriers that prevent the conversion of vacant and derelict buildings into housing units.

• Formulate a coherent plan for Cork to capture the full value of offshore renewables - from the supply chain, to potential new industries and innovations in order to maximise the potential energy system integration in the region. Integral to this is advocating for Port of Cork funding to build the critical infrastructure to support sector.

• Support Cork as a sustainable city by securing funding to deliver on its Climate Neutral 2030 with a secure, dedicated funding stream and work to deliver a light rail option for Cork metropolitan area in the next 10 years.

• Work to accelerate the delivery of all key projects including housing, public transport infrastructure and key road projects.

• Support a pro-business environment by being conscious of the impact that policy decisions have on SMEs and promote policies that ease the burden on smaller businesses.