Continued investment in infrastructure projects vital for Cork city’s future, says Chamber president
Cork Chamber announced PepsiCo as the Overall and International Cork Company of the Year 2024. Collecting the prestigious award at the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner held at City Hall were: Pankaj Agarwal, Vice President Supply Chain, PepsiCo, Clodagh Thompson, Communications Manager, PepsiCo and Mary Lane, Senior Director Commercialisation, PepsiCo, with Ronan Murray, Cork Chamber President, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, Naoimh Frawley, Director of People, Operations & Governance and Sinéad Scully, Head of Large Business, Vodafone Ireland who sponsor the awards. Photo Darragh Kane
Cork can cement its position as a world-leading destination of choice for global companies and, while growing economically, exercise its environmental responsibilities, leading business people and entrepreneurs from the city and region were told last night.
More than 1,000 people were in attendance at the Chamber's annual dinner at City Hall last night where the organisation's president, Ronan Murray, told attendees that continued investment in the acceleration of the delivery of major strategic infrastructure projects was essential to safeguard the city’s future.
Guest of honour, Finance Minister Michael McGrath, heard Mr Murray highlighting the country’s "extraordinary capacity to attract and retain substantial foreign direct investment while also fostering a supportive environment for indigenous firms to expand internationally’"
“This success is not a happy accident,” said Mr. Murray. “It is defined by a culture of hard work, supported by insightful political decisions as shown by this Government over a number of years.
“Equally it’s the level of collaboration between cities, local councils, communities, government and business, that plays a key role in why Cork is such the economic success story it is today.”
Mr Murray spoke about the importance of strategic infrastructure projects in development and in the pipeline.
“Collectively, we have achieved a lot in the past year, with improvements to our suburban rail lines drawing greater numbers,” said Mr. Murray in his address.
“The electrification of these rail lines is crucial for a more sustainable future, and the addition of new stations and improved frequencies will enhance Cork’s appeal as a place to live and work.
“The early establishment of an urban light rail system is equally important for the city's future”.
Other elements in the transformation of the city referred to in the Chamber President’s address included the delivery of the Cork to Limerick motorway, the completion of the M28, the regeneration of the Docklands, the Dunkettle Interchange project, the Morrison’s Island public realm and flood defence scheme.
“The continued investment and acceleration of key infrastructure projects, housing and apartment developments must remain a priority with additional support of the green transition in areas such as renewables, particularly offshore wind,” he said.
“This continued investment is essential to safeguard and enhance Cork’s future attractiveness to live, work, visit and invest in.”
At last night's event, PepsiCo was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Cork Company of the Year Award 2024.
This esteemed accolade recognises the outstanding contributions to the region’s business community and celebrates the excellence and innovation demonstrated by PepsiCo.
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