Being future-fit vital for Cork, says Chamber president

The president of Cork Chamber, Rob Horgan, has said that competitiveness must remain at the core of planning to future-proof Cork city and county.

Speaking at Cork Chamber’s annual general meeting, held recently at the Imperial Hotel, Mr Horgan delivered a clear message, stating that Cork’s ability to compete on the national and global stage depends on decisive action across housing, infrastructure, education, and international engagement.

“Cork must be future-fit, investment-ready, and above all, competitive,” said Mr Horgan.

“Housing availability, transport infrastructure, education, and the vibrancy of our urban centres are not separate issues.

“They are the foundations of our economic competitiveness.

“If Cork is to attract the investment and talent that fuels growth, these must be addressed with urgency and ambition.”

Mr Horgan emphasised how housing was identified as the most immediate challenge facing Cork, and called for systemic reform to unlock supply across the city and county.

He noted that between 7,500 and 10,000 homes per year are needed to keep pace with demand, and welcomed Cork City Council’s recent ‘living over the shop’ initiative as an important step in making better use of existing urban space.

Mr Horgan additionally touched on infrastructure, saying that there has been real momentum put behind long-supported Cork Chamber priorities in recent times.

This includes the M28 motorway project, which has entered the construction phase; the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, which is advancing with dual-tracking to Midleton and upgrades at Kent Station; and the Cork Light Rail project, which recently published its emerging preferred route from Ballincollig to Mahon Point.

“Our members are trading in the world every day [and] the Chamber’s role is to make sure Cork remains open, connected, and positioned to lead,” said Mr Horgan.

The AGM also saw the appointment of Susie Horgan of Springboard Communications as vice president and David Swinburne of Mazars as honorary secretary, while Anne-Marie Linehan of JW O’Donovan Solicitors and Noreen Walsh of AIB Cork were elected to the board.