Cork Chamber Welcomes Establishment of Cork City Futures Group

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the Government’s approval of the Cork City Futures Group as a timely and important step in advancing Cork’s role as Ireland’s second city and a key driver of national economic growth.

Welcoming the announcement Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy said, “The establishment of this group reflects growing national recognition of Cork’s strategic importance, particularly as we plan for a 50% increase in the city’s population by 2040. The priority now must be to accelerate delivery, ensuring the infrastructure, housing and regeneration needed to support this growth are progressed in a coordinated, timely way and that barriers to delivery are removed.”

“This group will provide an opportunity to align national and local stakeholders around a shared implementation approach, particularly in advancing key priorities such as Docklands and Tivoli regeneration, city centre renewal, and the delivery of an integrated public transport system including  BusConnects, suburban rail and light rail. To support this, an integrated transport delivery office should be established in Cork, co-locating key agencies to drive coordination and ensure delivery at pace.”

“Cork Chamber has consistently advocated for Cork’s development as a counterbalance to Dublin and as a critical anchor for growth in the southern region, calling for increased housing delivery, strategic infrastructure investment and stronger supports for business, innovation and talent. Our vision is for Cork to be a compact, vibrant and globally competitive city, one that attracts investment, supports high-value jobs and delivers a high quality of life, while building on its designation as a Climate Neutral Mission City to ensure future growth is sustainable and resilient.”

“As Ireland’s fastest-growing city, Cork has a critical role to play in the country’s future success. This Group can help drive the coordinated action needed to realise that potential. Cork Chamber looks forward to contributing to the work of the Cork City Futures Group and to supporting its ambition to drive the city’s continued growth and development.”