From Summit to Solutions: UK and Ireland Advance Shared Agenda in Cork

The British Embassy in Ireland, in partnership with Cork Chamber of Commerce, hosted a special networking reception at the River Lee Hotel to celebrate the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and Ireland, and to take stock of progress following the recent inaugural Ireland-UK Summit.

The event brought together leaders from across business, politics, academia, culture and sport, demonstrating the strength and diversity of the bilateral relationship and a shared commitment to deeper cooperation at every level.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Paul Johnston, British Ambassador to Ireland, reflected on the momentum generated by the recent Summit in Liverpool and the value of regional engagement, “The Ireland-UK Summit in Liverpool set the tone for a new chapter in our relationship, one rooted in mutual respect, common purpose, and a shared vision for the future. Events like this in Cork bring that vision to life. The connections between our regions, whether in business, education, energy, or culture, are vital, and I’m delighted to see such enthusiasm here tonight for deepening those ties.”

The reception follows the first Ireland-UK Summit, held in March 2025, where Taoiseach Micheál Martin and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement acknowledging the strong business links across almost every sector of the economy, while also identifying areas where deeper collaboration is envisioned, including:

• Energy, Climate and Maritime Co-operation

• Economic Growth and Innovation

• Research, Science and Education

• People and Culture

Cork Chamber President, Rob Horgan also addressed attendees, affirming Cork’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to this renewed collaboration, “Now more than ever, it is important that we nurture the relationship with our closest neighbours. In a world navigating constant change, we are both grateful for, and optimistic about, the reinvigoration of the UK-Ireland relationship. Cork is ready and eager to be at the forefront of this renewed collaboration, particularly in areas such as offshore energy, research, innovation and SME development.”

Mr Horgan emphasised the importance of the regions in Irish-British relations and in doing so invited the Government of Ireland to follow the precedent of hosting the Irish-British Summit in regional cities, “It did not go unnoticed that the UK-Ireland Summit was held in Liverpool, a city with deep Irish roots and, like Cork, a proud regional identity. For this renewed relationship to truly flourish, it must go beyond Dublin and London. The regions have long maintained their own strong connections.”

“We would welcome the opportunity to host the next Ireland-UK Summit here in Cork. It would be a fitting recognition of the critical role that regional cities and communities play in building a prosperous, resilient and forward-looking partnership between our two nations.”

The practical impact of this collaboration is being further demonstrated on Friday, April 11th, when Cork Chamber hosts a UK-Ireland Renewable Energy Roundtable. The event will bring together stakeholders from both countries to explore new opportunities in offshore wind and clean energy innovation, highlighting how regional connections can drive real progress on shared climate and economic goals.

Mr Horgan also noted other recent cross-border initiatives such as the Scottish offshore wind delegation visit to Cork and the Tri-Region Partnership with Northern Ireland and Dublin Chambers as clear examples of the regional leadership shaping this renewed relationship.
With annual bilateral trade now exceeding €100 billion and shared ambitions to support SMEs, foster innovation and transition to clean energy, both Cork and the wider region are poised to play a central role in delivering on the vision set out at the Summit.