New Year, New Way to Work: Digital HQ Offers Free Coworking Day to Cork Workers
As more people across Cork continue to work remotely or on a hybrid basis, the way we think about the workplace is changing. For many, the kitchen table or spare room has become the default office — but for a growing number of professionals, coworking hubs are proving to be a more productive and sustainable alternative. To encourage people to experience this difference first-hand, Digital HQ, a coworking and innovation hub based in Youghal, is offering a free hot desk day pass as part of a New Year
EirGrid recaps busy year as it passes two years in construction on Celtic Interconnector project
EirGrid, the operator and developer of the electricity grid has marked another year of progress on the Celtic Interconnector project, with milestones including the first 84kms of marine cable laid and over 60% of high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable installed. Construction on the Celtic Interconnector project, the subsea cable linking the electricity grids of Ireland and France, has reached another significant milestone, passing two years in construction. The strategic energy project is being
NetApp IHQ Cork Celebrates Local Business at Festive Christmas Market
On December 4th, NetApp International Headquarters on Albert Quay was transformed into a festive wonderland, hosting a Christmas Market that brought together a selection of Cork's fantastic independent women-led businesses. The event showcased the creativity and craftsmanship of 13 local vendors, each contributing their unique flair to the Christmas season. The market featured an array of delightful products, from handcrafted ceramics and artisanal food and drink, to bespoke artwork and natural
Cork’s SE Systems Wins National SEAI Energy Award for Douglas Lion House Upgrade
Cork’s SE Systems Wins National SEAI Energy Award for Douglas Lion House Upgrade Cork-based SE Systems has been recognised at the 2025 SEAI Energy Awards, winning the Residential Energy Upgrades Award for its work with the Douglas & District Lions Club. The project delivered deep energy upgrades across 18 apartments and two terraced homes in Douglas, significantly improving comfort, affordability and long-term sustainability for18 older residents in the local community. Completed in 2024, the
Cork Chamber appointed Sustainable Development Goal Ambassador by Government
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has been appointed a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Ambassador by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. Cork Chamber takes on the role following a successful term as SDG Champion for 2024 to 2025. Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, welcomed the appointment: “Sustainability is at the core of all activities undertaken by Cork Chamber, guiding our member services, advocacy efforts and internal operations. We are delighted to accept the
Quintas Capital today announced a €2.27 million investment into The Hive
Quintas Capital today announced a €2.27 million investment into The Hive, a new indoor sports and wellness facility due to open this week at Monahan Road, Cork. The investment, which formally closed in September, marks the final deployment from the 2024 EIIS Fund, in which Quintas Capital invested just under €8 million. It represents a strategic commitment to The Hive as it prepares to become Cork City’s first fully indoor padel centre. The Hive project will transform a 19,000 square foot warehouse into
Cork Chamber welcomes significant Quest Software expansion with new AI centre and jobs for Cork
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the announcement by Quest Software that it is to establish a new Centre for Advanced AI Architecture in Cork, bringing significant new investment and high-quality jobs to the region. This development represents a strong endorsement of Cork as a leading location for innovation, talent and technology-driven enterprise. Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said, “Quest Software’s decision to grow its footprint in Cork is a strong vote of confidence in the
Fota Wildlife Park confirms it will reopen to the public on Saturday, December 20th
Fota Wildlife Park, a not-for-profit conservation organisation, today confirmed that it will reopen to the public on Saturday, December 20th. This follows a 10-week closure period to manage an avian influenza outbreak originating from wild bird populations.Working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), the Park implemented comprehensive biosecurity protocols and disease control measures. All birds in Fota Wildlife Park’s population have been tested twice for Avian
Acting now to build a future-ready business community
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, today launched its new Sustainability Strategy and Report. The publication sets out a clear framework to embed sustainability across the organisation and to support businesses in building a resilient, low-carbon and inclusive future for the Cork region. The strategy outlines Cork Chamber’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments for the period 2025–2028, alongside transparent reporting on progress across carbon reduction, biodiversity,
Three Ireland Backs Fzin Coffee’s Mission and Next Stage of Growth Through Small Business Grant Award
Fzin Coffee has been selected as one of the winners of the Three Ireland Small Business Grant Award. This program recognises businesses in Ireland that demonstrate a clear purpose, strong foundations, and the potential for growth. The award includes generous financial support and best in class technology solutions to help strengthen operations and scale. Fzin Coffee is leading innovation in the Irish market with TÜV certified 4 Star OK Biobased and Home Compostable coffee pods, along with a wider range
WorkAbility Cork celebrates one year of empowering jobseekers with disabilities
Turning confidence into opportunity: 80 participants supported, 18 in employment, and 23 certified in accredited training WorkAbility Cork programme has marked its first anniversary, celebrating a year of transforming employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Delivered in collaboration between SECAD Partnership and Cork Chamber, the programme has supported 80 participants to gain new skills, confidence, and pathways toward meaningful employment. WorkAbility Cork supports employers and
Proofpoint Growth Underscores Cork’s Tech Strength
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the announcement that Proofpoint will create up to 100 new roles at its Cork hub. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber commented on the announcement, “Proofpoint’s decision to significantly expand its workforce in Cork is a powerful endorsement of our region’s standing as a smart, modern and connected location for global technology investment. The fact that many of these will be specialist roles, across data science and AI, speaks volumes about the
Collaboration and innovation will shape the future of financial services, Cork Financial Services Fo
Cork Chamber and the Cork Financial Services Forum hosted the Cork Financial Services Forum Annual Summit 2025, welcoming industry leaders, policymakers and innovators from across Ireland’s financial services sector. The summit has become an annual highlight of the financial services calendar, providing a platform for networking, collaboration and insight into the sector’s evolving landscape. There are 135,000 people employed in financial services in Ireland, with Cork and the broader South-West region
Fort2Fort Charity Cycle raises €24,152 for Cork causes
At a special presentation at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on October 15th, organisers of the annual Fort2Fort Charity Cycle announced that €24,152.00 was raised through this year’s event, bringing the total raised since the cycle’s inception in 2012 to almost €429,796.00. The 14th edition of the popular cycle took place on Saturday, June 14th, with 298 cyclists taking on the scenic routes around Cork Harbour. Funds raised have now been distributed to local beneficiaries, including the Mercy
Digital Dreams, Legendary Teams
-National Beauty Distribution named Digital Marketing Legend 2025- Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, celebrated the very best in digital excellence at the Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2025, held at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday evening. Hosted by broadcaster Sinéad Kennedy, the event brought together innovators, creators and leaders from across Cork’s business community for a night of recognition and celebration. The highlight of the night was the announcement of National Beauty
Festivals and events a key driver of economic growth, finds Cork Chamber survey
Festivals are a key driver of economic growth, according to the results of the latest Cork Chamber Economic Trends survey, with annual events offering an important boost to Cork’s economy each year. Sponsored by PTSB, the Economic Trends survey measured business sentiment and economic outlook among Cork Chamber members at the close of Q3 2025. Cork’s business community was also asked about the city’s night-time economy and events offering in this edition of the Economic Trends survey. The Q3 2025
Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland Chambers Launch Tri-Region Partnership Agenda to Boost All-Island
Cork Chamber, Dublin Chamber and Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry jointly launched the Tri-Region Partnership Agenda, unveiling a shared roadmap for strengthening economic connectivity, investment and innovation across the island of Ireland. The launch which brought together business leaders, academics, key regional stakeholders and policymakers was part of a two day series of engagements and discussions focused on unlocking opportunity through collaboration. The Partnership sets out a
.jpg)
Competitiveness tops Cork Chamber’s agenda in pre-Budget meeting with Minister Jack Chambers
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, met with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers to discuss key priorities for Cork’s business community as Budget 2026 approaches. Cork Chamber’s Budget Committee, representing key sectors of the Cork region’s economy, joined the meeting to discuss the importance of prioritising competitiveness in all budgetary measures and government decision-making. Cork Chamber President, Rob Horgan, said, “We welcome the opportunity to engage directly with Minister
Cork Chamber’s Flagship Business Awards Open for Entries with New Sponsor KPMG
The Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026 are officially open for entries, marking the beginning of another exciting chapter in celebrating the best of Cork business. This year also brings added momentum to the prestigious awards as Cork Chamber welcomes KPMG as the new title sponsor. Widely regarded as one of the most sought-after accolades in Irish business, the Cork Chamber awards honour outstanding achievement, innovation and impact across four distinct categories, reflecting the full diversity and
Springboard Communications Named PRII Consultancy Team of the Year
Independent Irish communications agency Springboard Communications has been named Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) Consultancy Team of the Year at the inaugural PRII Communication Impact Awards. Presented at a gala event at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin, the award recognises the agency’s leadership in purpose-led communications, innovation, and long-term investment in its people and clients. This caps a standout year for the Cork-headquartered agency, which also won PRCA Agency of the Year at the
Cork hosts European leaders driving a greener future
Cork welcomed delegates from all over Europe this week as the city played host to the REEValue International Conference: Decarbonising European Value Chains, organised in partnership with Cork Chamber. The two-day event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and innovators for a series of panel discussions and networking opportunities, exploring innovative solutions to decarbonise European value chains. The decarbonisation of value chains sits at the intersection of business and
.jpg)
Cork Chamber discusses international trade developments with U.S. Ambassador
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, met with U.S. Ambassador Edward S. Walsh today to discuss priorities for Cork’s business community in the context of the current international trading environment. Today’s meeting marked the first formal engagement between the newly appointed Ambassador and Cork Chamber, with many key sectors of Cork’s economy represented at the meeting, including pharmaceuticals, tech, tourism, agrifood and financial services. Rob Horgan, Cork Chamber President, said, “The
Cork Chamber welcomes opening of Acuity’s Digital Centre of Excellence
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the official opening of Acuity’s Digital Centre of Excellence in Penrose Dock, Cork this week. Acuity, a market-leading industrial technology company, will create over 100 highly skilled jobs in the Cork region over the next three years, across software engineering, data and AI. The opening of the firm’s Digital Centre of Excellence marks an important milestone in Acuity’s growth trajectory in Cork, while also representing a strong endorsement of
Cork Chamber Wins Global Award at World Chambers Competition in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia/Cork, Ireland – Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has been awarded first place in the ‘Best Collaboration of Chambers, Business and Government’ category at the World Chambers Competition, held during the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne. This global competition, hosted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Chambers Federation, recognises the most forward-thinking and impactful initiatives by chambers across the world. Cork Chamber’s winning
EU-US Joint Statement provides clarity for business, but risks for competitiveness remain
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has responded to the publication of a new EU-US joint statement today. The statement provides welcome clarity for many in the business community, however, concerns regarding the impact on Ireland’s competitiveness remain. Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, said, “Today’s joint statement provides a degree of stability for the business community following months of uncertainty. The inclusion of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors in the agreement is important, given
.jpg)
Cork Chamber Named Finalist in Prestigious World Chambers Competition
Cork Chamber has been named a finalist in the World Chambers Competition, a global showcase of innovative projects led by chambers of commerce worldwide. As one of only four finalists in the ‘Best Collaboration of Chambers, Business and Government’ category, Cork Chamber will present its project at the upcoming 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne this September, where winners will be announced. Cork Chamber’s shortlisted entry, ‘Facilitating Sustainable & Competitive Growth through Local Green
EU-US Trade Agreement Brings Some Clarity, but Irish Competitiveness at Risk, says Cork Chamber
Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has responded to the new EU-US trade deal as a step towards greater certainty for transatlantic trade. However, Cork Chamber emphasised that it does not deliver what is needed for a competitive international economic environment and poses particular risks to the Irish economy. Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, said, “The negotiations have provided some clarity, however this deal falls short on competitiveness. The imposition of tariffs at this level is a clear
Springboard Communications named PRCA Agency of the Year for the second time
Springboard Communications, the independent Irish communications agency, has been named PRCA Agency of the Year at the 2025 Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications, held at The Shelbourne, Dublin on 20 June. This marks the second time the agency has received the prestigious national award, having previously won in 2023. The PRCA recognised Springboard Communications for its people-first approach, long-standing client relationships, and commitment to purpose-led growth. Judges also commended the
Aviation Report Echoes Tri-Region Chambers Priorities for All-Island Connectivity
The Chambers of Commerce of Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland have welcomed the recent publication of A Pathfinder for Irish Aviation, highlighting the report’s strong alignment with the Tri-Region Partnership’s ambitions to drive all-island connectivity, linking our sub-regional strengths and promoting regional growth and international competitiveness. The Tri-Region Chambers have long supported the restoration of key intra-island air links, and the removal of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport,
Clicks. Content. Conversions.
- Cork Chamber’s Call for Digital Excellence- Cork Chamber has officially launched the Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2025, celebrating the digital excellence driving business growth and brand visibility across the region. The awards honour the talent, innovation and strategy that continue to define Cork's thriving digital marketing landscape. New for 2025, the Cork Digital Marketing Awards will be celebrated in partnership with the Marketing Institute Ireland, Cork. Open to businesses of all sizes and
Competitiveness Must Remain Core to Cork’s Future
Speaking at Cork Chamber’s Annual General Meeting at the Imperial Hotel, President Rob Horgan delivered a clear message: Cork’s ability to compete on the national and global stage depends on decisive action across housing, infrastructure, education and international engagement. Mr Horgan, now entering the second year of his presidency, said Cork must be “future-fit, investment-ready and above all, competitive.” He emphasised that sustaining this competitiveness requires coordinated focus on quality of
Mercy University Hospital opens state-of-the-art Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom to enhance healthcare training
Mercy University Hospital (MUH), Cork, has opened a state-of-the-art Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom within its Centre of Nurse Education. Designed to deliver immersive, realistic training, the new facility aims to transform how healthcare professionals develop clinical and teamwork skills by simulating real-life scenarios in a safe environment. The Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom was developed in the Mercy’s Centre of Nurse Education (CNE) complex, led by its Director, Ann Cummins and
On Track for a more Connected Cork
Cork Chamber supports Light Rail and Commuter Rail Expansion Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, is delighted to welcome the publication of the emerging preferred route for the light rail network in Cork. This landmark project will play a pivotal role in transforming Cork's transport infrastructure, creating a well-connected, efficient and sustainable network that aligns with Cork’s ambitious climate goals. The emerging preferred route includes 17km of light rail from Mahon Point in
Cork Chamber Expresses Concern Over US Tariffs and Calls for Focussed Diplomatic Response
Enhancing our Competitiveness is Key to Economic Stability Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has expressed concern over the US administration's announcement of a 20% tariff on all EU imports from EU, recognising the potential impact on key regional sectors and emphasising the importance of a measured and strategic response. “This announcement by the US President is very significant for our national and regional economy and our focus must now be on assessing the impact, supporting businesses,
Rachel Stevenson appointed as CEO of Mercy Hospital Foundation
The Mercy Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Stevenson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the voluntary sector, Rachel is a highly accomplished senior leader with a deep commitment to driving positive change. Rachel began her career in London and has championed causes across disability, social disadvantage, Black & Minority Ethnic issues, and homelessness. For the past 23 years, she has served as Director of Fundraising at
Sustainable Savings: New Online Tool Connects Businesses with Green Funding
-A free, easy-to-use tool helping businesses access funding to reduce energy costs- Businesses across Ireland and Europe can now take advantage of a powerful new tool designed to help cut energy costs and enhance sustainability. The REEValue.eu platform, developed as part of the EU co-funded LIFE REEValue project, has now launched, aimed at businesses of all sizes and industries, with a particular focus on SMEs with high energy consumption in the food and beverage manufacturing, transport and logistics
The Business of Belonging: Creating a Region of Opportunity for All
Cork stands at a unique juncture, poised to lead Ireland into a future that balances economic growth, sustainability and cultural vibrancy. This was the central message delivered at the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner 2025, where Chamber President Rob Horgan set out a vision for an ambitious and dynamic future for the region. This flagship event, proudly sponsored by AIB, brought together over 1,000 distinguished guests including representatives from the business and political communities. It featured a
