Cork Chamber calls for critical infrastructure projects to be accelerated in election manifesto

The CEO of Cork Chamber, Conor Healy, has said the next Government must continue to enhance the region for employees commuting daily and families seeking affordable housing.

It comes as Cork Chamber launched its general election 2024 manifesto yesterday, outlining the key priorities for businesses and the wider economy across Cork.

Mr Healy said that while Cork already has much to offer in terms of cultural, social, and economic amenities and opportunities, ensuring the region continues to thrive in the years to come as its population expands must be made a priority.

“The representatives we elect to Dáil Éireann now will be presiding over the direction of national policy at a time of immense change for the Cork region, but also a time of considerable opportunity,” Mr Healy said.

“As we find ourselves at this important juncture, the message from Cork Chamber’s members is clear — Cork needs investment and supporting policies to drive its economic growth.

“We must invest in our infrastructure, our housing, our public transport; we need to prioritise the pursuit of a sustainable, vibrant evolution in our urban centres; and we must enhance our competitiveness, attracting talent and investment, and supporting SMEs and local businesses.”

Cork Chamber members identified eight key areas to be progressed over the next five years.

The chamber, in turn, is calling on all candidates in this year’s general election to prioritise the delivery of housing and infrastructure to support Cork’s growing population; enhance the competitiveness of Cork and other urban centres by supporting the development of safe, welcoming and sustainable urban areas; accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects such as the Cork light rail, BusConnects, commuter rail and transport corridors such as the Northern Distributor Rd, the N25, the M20 and M28; include the Cork events centre in the next programme for Government — among other measures.

The president of Cork Chamber, Rob Horgan, said its members are “ambitious” for Cork city and county and the future development of the region.

He said it is now vital that all candidates standing for election across Cork’s five constituencies match this ambition for the region, and commit to advancing progress on the key issues for Cork.

“Cork’s population is projected to grow by 50% by 2040, with immense potential for economic growth and development in the decades to come — what is needed now from all parties and candidates is a commitment to supporting the realisation of this potential, through enabling policies and measures,” he said.