Budget 2025: More funds needed to change Cork’s offering, says Chamber chief 

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy has called for a further injection of funding from the Government into specific projects in Cork which he said are required to “truly transform Cork’s offering”.

Mr Healy said one of the most significant infrastructure projects in the pipeline for Cork is undoubtedly the light rail.

Speaking to The Echo following the Budget 2025 announcement, Mr Healy said: “If we are to truly transform Cork’s offering from a sustainability point of view, while also enhancing connectivity and competitiveness, Government can, and should, accelerate delivery of the light rail within the next decade.”

He added: “The BusConnects programme and ongoing improvements to commuter rail in Cork are welcome, yet the timeframe for their delivery remains protracted.

“Strategic investment in infrastructure is needed now to lay the groundwork for future economic growth and expansion. Enhancing Cork’s competitiveness is crucial to attracting future talent and investment and a key cornerstone of that competitiveness is connectivity and accessibility.”

Mr Healy welcomed the Government’s pledge to invest €3bn in critical infrastructure, such as water, the electricity grid, and housing, as well as a promise to direct the forthcoming €14.1bn tax windfall towards transport, water, electricity, and housing.

He said this money will be invested in tandem with ongoing projects set out in the National Development Plan, including the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway, and said while progress on the vital transport corridor is underway, the slow pace of infrastructure delivery across this and other projects remains a key concern for businesses in Cork.

Speaking about the €186m allocation in Budget 2025 for the regeneration of Ireland’s towns and cities, Mr Healy said when that figure is divided across the country, the spending earmarked for cities like Cork and towns across County Cork “will likely be minimal”.

“Cork Chamber’s members are increasingly expressing concerns regarding vacancy and dereliction in the city centre, reduced Garda resources, and a rise in anti-social behaviour and criminality,” he said.

“People bring life into urban centres; one of the most transformative steps that could be taken to tackle these issues is an expansion of above-shop living.”

Mr Healy said additional grants under the Vacant Refurbishment Property Grant scheme are welcome, but that a broader step change in how we approach city centre living is needed.