Cork needs to focus on delivery of ambitious plans says newly elected chamber president

Cork is not short on plans for its future, but needs to focus on delivery, the new president of Cork Chamber has said.

Susie Horgan, founder and managing director of Cork-based agency Springboard Communications, has been elected as the new president of Cork Chamber, following its annual general meeting this year.

Cork Chamber represents more than 1,200 organisations, employing approximately 130,000 people across the region.

Founded in 1819, Cork Chamber is one of Ireland’s largest and longest established chambers of commerce, and is the nation’s leading regional lobby group.

Ms Horgan, who established her business in Cork in 2012, has been an active member of Cork Chamber for many years, and will serve as president for two years. 

She succeeds outgoing president Rob Horgan, whose term was praised at the AGM for its leadership and contribution to Cork’s business community.

Cork's continued growth

In her address to the meeting, Ms Horgan spoke about Cork’s continued growth and the importance of ensuring that infrastructure, investment and delivery keep pace with the region’s economic contribution and ambition.

“Cork is 11% of Ireland’s population. It contributes 19% of Ireland’s GDP. That’s an economy doing more than its share. And it’s an economy growing faster than the infrastructure built to carry it."

Ms Horgan said stronger focus is needed on delivery and implementation of major projects and infrastructure to support that growth.

“We don’t have a plan shortage. What we’re short of is delivery. We need delivery,” she said.

Citing BusConnects, Luas Cork, and designated housing zones, Ms Horgan said the gap between approval and delivery needed to be closed.

Make Cork worth choosing

“Cork’s future isn’t only about what we build. It’s about the talent we attract and the talent we keep — whether they feel part of Cork once they’re here, and whether we hold on to the things that make Cork worth choosing.”

Closing her address, Ms Horgan outlined her vision for Cork’s future development as an internationally competitive and liveable city region.

“What I do want is a fifteen-minute Cork. Safe. Walkable. With the things that make Cork, Cork — protected and visible. With infrastructure that keeps up with the growth, not chases it,” she said.