COVID Milestones Must be Met and Surpassed with Vigour
Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber comments on the latest evolution of COVID-19 restrictions. “While the announcement by Government of phased reopening is welcome, every intervening week of lost economic activity has grave consequences for the economy, and the impacts on the number of businesses that will survive and emerge from this pandemic. Every milestone must be met or surpassed with vigour. There is an irreconcilable tension between public health ambitions and the resumption of full economic
Custom House Site to be Landmark for the City
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber commented: “The decision by An Bórd Pleanála to uphold the planning approval made by Cork City Council last October is a positive move for the city. The plans for multi-purpose use of the site will harness this prime location, overlooking the river and standing proudly at the head of the city’s island are a statement of how our city can celebrate its heritage while delivering spaces designed for a modern progressive city. The redevelopment of the bonded warehouses will
Urban Regeneration Integral to Economic Reputation and Resilience of Cork
Cork Chamber welcomes significant Urban Regeneration and Development Funding Speaking following the announcement of URDF funding for Cork today, Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber said, “The announcement of significant enabling funds of €353.4m for the Cork Docklands means that Ireland’s largest, most ambitious and exciting regeneration programme can move ahead with confidence. In the Cork Docklands, there is room for a population of 25,000 and a workforce of almost 30,000 providing opportunity
Press Release: A Clear Plan is Required for Our Most Vulnerable Sectors
Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber Cork Chamber calls on the Government to put in place a comprehensive, data-driven plan to help businesses cope with the impact of Covid-19. The extension of Covid supports must continue far beyond June as it is clear the pandemic’s impact will extend beyond this date. The past 12 months have been the most tumultuous period for tourism, hospitality, leisure, aviation, retail and culture in recent memory and while many have weathered the challenge to date, clarity
Ambitious Capital Investment Required for Cork
Funding, Planning and Appeals Mechanisms Must be Reformed for Delivery If Cork is to remain globally competitive and fulfil its role nationally as set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF), significant Government investment that is focused and targeted to unlock the region’s potential is required. In a recent submission to the National Development Plan (NDP) review, Cork Chamber recommended a ‘most ambitious’ approach must be taken to capital investment spending for the region. The Chamber
M28 Ringaskiddy Route to Deliver for Residents, Commuters and Business
Reacting to the news that the challenge blocking the development of the M28 to Ringaskiddy has been refused leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, Chamber CEO Conor Healy stated that “this decision is highly significant in that it now paves the way for the M28 Ringaskiddy upgrade to move ahead without further delay. This essential piece of infrastructure, which is of national and regional importance, has been long delayed generating huge frustration.” “The residents and daily commuters along this
Clear Metric Driven Milestones Essential to Business Survival
Deepening and extension of supports must be matched by acceleration of vaccine rollout Paula Cogan, Cork Chamber President said, “The announcement today from Government does not provide enough clarity on sectoral reopening timelines. Ongoing ambiguity will cause further frustration for the businesses that have been desperately working to plan for reopening, while supporting their valued employees and suppliers in this extremely challenging environment. While the areas influencing Government decision
Marked Improvement in Business Confidence
Marked Improvement in Business Confidence83% of respondents indicate business confidence, up from 68% in Q343% experienced a decrease in turnover in Q4 2020, with 29% of respondents anticipating an increase during Q1 202127% of respondents indicated a reduction in employee numbers in Q4 202038% indicate their businesses will be affected by the increased cost of sourcing products/ supplies from the UK post Brexit, customs duties, or VAT chargesWith sustainability in mind, the majority of business
Walk and Cycle Infrastructure Investment a Step in the Right Direction
The National Transport Authority allocations totalling €45.39m for 80 sustainable transport projects in Cork city and county has been strongly commended by Cork Chamber. Speaking today, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said, “This allocation represents the true commencement of the game changing programme of improvements that is set out in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and beyond.” “Quality of life will continue to be a defining feature of the competitiveness of our region and this
Cork Harbour identified as the gateway to transformative change in Europe’s transition to renewable
Calls for urgent government policy action to unleash floating offshore wind potential Cork, February 2020: Cork Harbour has the capacity to become an unparalleled hub for floating offshore wind energy in the Celtic Sea from 2025, presenting an opportunity for a new industrial sector to emerge in the region. This is according to a report published by Cork Chamber of Commerce, which calls on the government to enact key policy changes to ensure that Cork Harbour is in a position to unleash its potential
Launch of Cork Company of the Year Awards 2021
-Cork Chamber Awards to Recognise Success Stories in a Challenging Year-The Cork Company of the Year Awards, run by Cork Chamber in association with Vodafone Ireland, have been launched and will remain open for applications until February 22nd. Having become the most esteemed business awards in the region, the robust judging process will take place remotely and deliberations will reveal some of the great success stories in the business community. Running for over 20 years, the awards celebrate the best of
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Cork to Limerick Transport Corridor key to Economic and Social Resilience
Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber have welcomed the opportunity to make submissions to the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Improvement Scheme public consultation, currently at options selection stage. Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber commented, “We are committed to seeing a comprehensive upgrade to the N/M20 transport corridor progressed. The redevelopment of the regionally significant route corridor has been on the backburner for too long. Nationally and regionally, we cannot afford further complacency on
Bus Connects Contract Award Welcomed
Deep Support Required to Deliver on CMATSSpeaking today, Conor Healy, Chamber CEO said, “The appointment of contractors to the ‘Bus Connects’ programme for Cork is another welcome milestone in the delivery of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Cork can only deliver on it’s growth projections and evolve to a more resilient and sustainable economic model if comprehensive multimodal transport options are in place. Quality of life will continue to define the competitiveness of Cork and it is clear
Bob Savage honoured with ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award’ from Cork Chamber
Bob Savage, Vice-President and Cork Site Leader at Dell Technologies has been honoured with the Cork Chamber ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2020’, sponsored by EY.Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber said of the announcement, “A true icon of the technology industry, Bob Savage has enjoyed an international career, and all from Cork. He has ensured that an entire sector has been able to develop from Ireland. Bob sat on the board of the American Chamber and Enterprise Ireland and has been
Policy Deficit Holds Back National Energy Diversity
A significant renewable energy report launched today by Cork Chamber and the Centre for Cooperative Studies at UCC highlights a significant deficit in policy and fiscal support for anaerobic digestion, a technology that converts waste products from food, agriculture, wastewater treatment and other sources into biomethane, a fuel source that can form a key element in Ireland’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Speaking at the launch of the report Thomas Mc Hugh, Director of Public Affairs at Cork Chamber
City Docklands Delivery Office Significant for Cork
Major Government Funding and Policy Measures Required to Deliver Speaking today, Paula Cogan, Cork Chamber President said, “The decision taken by Cork City Council and the Land Development Agency to establish a Cork City Docklands Delivery Office, to accelerate the redevelopment of some 146 hectares of Cork’s prime waterfront location is essential to delivery." "However, significant Government funding must now be allocated via the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to enable sustainable
Cork Chamber Welcomes Pfizer Investment
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “It is very welcome news that Pfizer plans to invest €300million into its Irish operations. The pharmaceutical manufacturer has had a site in Cork since 1969 and is a key investor and employer in the region." "Pfizer is an important player in enriching the pharmaceutical cluster in Cork, and great credit is due to the management and entire Pfizer team for securing the investment for the construction of a development facility on the Ringaskiddy site to manufacture
Further Blow to Regional Connectivity
Speaking following the announcement that Ryanair is to cut its remaining Cork routes, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “The announcement by Ryanair to close its remaining routes will have a deep impact for tourism, hospitality, arts and aviation in the region. Once a route or airline is gone, there is little short-term prospect of its return and this reality is one that will have direct consequences for many struggling businesses.” “As ever, a firm commitment to EU travel standards and most
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD Addresses Cork Chamber Members
At Thursday morning’s Cork Chamber Business Breakfast in partnership with Ronan Daly Jermyn and media partner the Irish Examiner, An Taoiseach addressed the most significant issues that define the environment in which business operates. Chamber President Paula Cogan spoke of An Taoiseach’s vision for Cork: “In particular, by setting out his vision for the future of Cork and Ireland, An Taoiseach strongly emphasised his belief in providing a better environment for young people to grow up in, to climate
Business Confidence Dips in Q3
Business confidence dips to 68% in Q3 from 73% in Q251% of businesses experienced a decrease in turnover over the last quarter21% of responding businesses report that >90% of employees are working from homeAUDIO CLIP: Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber, Listen and download <Business Confidence Comment here> or <Business Turnover Comment here>The third economic trends report of 2020 captures the sentiment of the Cork business community in the transition from the initial shock waves of the Covid-19
Back in the Deep End: Business Restrictions Resume
Conor Healy CEO of Cork Chamber said, “The renewal of restrictions, bringing us to what we now know as level 5, will be mentally and financially tough for people and businesses throughout Cork but are necessary if we are to resume activity in the run up to Christmas.” “The increase to the value of the Wage Subsidy Scheme is very welcome. There must also be absolute urgency in the deployment of business supports and in particular the new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme which is now needed less than a
City Businesses Grappling with Another Damaging Flood
Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, speaking in the wake of today’s flooding, said; “We cannot go on allowing our best approach to be based on luck. We are once again grappling with the devastating effects of spring tides, wind and rain on our City centre, and at a time when businesses are already under incredible stress and pressure with Level 5 Covid restrictions coming into play. Had the Morrisons Island flood defences been in place, today’s flooding would not have occurred, as opposed to our current
Ryanair Withdrawal will have Grave Implications
Speaking this morning, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said, “The announcement by Ryanair today that it is to close its Cork base puts Cork Airport on the ropes and will be devastating for the staff impacted directly and indirectly. The gravity of the pandemic is displayed once again. This announcement is hugely damaging for regional and national connectivity and raises very real concerns regarding the ability of Cork Airport to avoid closure without further direct financial support from government in
Cork Chamber Welcomes the Go-Ahead on Dunkettle Interchange Project
The final investment decision for Dunkettle Interchange works has been welcomed by Cork Chamber. Seen as a pivotal project for the city and region, the Dunkettle Interchange carries 100,000 vehicles per day, connecting the major arteries of the M8 to the north, N25 to the east through to the ring road and city centre. Speaking following the announcement Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said“This final investment decision is of national significance and is also a catalyst that will help set the Cork
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Ambitious and Thorough: Infrastructure and Business Support
Speaking on Budget Day October 13th 2020, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “The Government must be commended for producing an ambitious and thorough budget for 2021. As we normalise our experience of this pandemic, and as we prepare to encounter the challenges of Brexit first hand, it is clear that this and the next few budgets and the management of our national finances thereafter will define the prospects of a generation.”Infrastructure “The commitment to an increase of almost €2 billion in
Celebrating Digital Marketing Titans in Cork!
Cork Chamber Announces the Winners of the Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020 On Friday October 09th, Cork Chamber awarded the winners of the hotly contested Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020. In a zoom full of Cork’s inspiring digital titans, the awards, presented by Sinéad Kennedy, recognised the responsive, strategic and creative approaches that businesses are bringing to all digital platforms. Commenting on the awards which recognised all facets of digital marketing Best in Content Creation, Best
Government Must Help Businesses Plan Ahead
All of society effort required to return to level 2Extension of EWSS and business supports essentialCounter-cyclical spend on infrastructure a necessityCommenting on Government’s announcement that level 3 restrictions are to be implemented nationwide Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “While not surprising, it is nonetheless challenging for business and society to move to level 3 restrictions.” “The impact of these tighter restrictions will be immensely challenging for those operating in food &
Government Plan for Aviation Required Immediately
Speaking in relation to the real possibility of airport closure following the fall in passenger numbers of over 90%, the withdrawal of routes and airlines and the threatened Ryanair base closure Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said: “Government focus on the aviation sector and our airports must rapidly intensify and the Oireachtas Transport committee must convene immediately to understand from the Minister for Transport, government’s plan for the future of Irish aviation and Cork Airport. Without the
.Quality of Life Infrastructure Will Define Future of Cork Business
Despite confidence in the Irish economy resting at 48% among members of the business community, and notwithstanding the pandemic, Brexit and climate change, sentiment remains high and businesses remain resolutely focused on a positive future for Cork says a major report launched today by Cork Chamber of Commerce. Almost 1,000 people engaged in a series of sectoral think tanks and an open survey to identify the best route to a resilient and sustainable recovery for Cork. Each discussion was guided by the
