CHAMBERS IRELAND: A YEAR IN REVIEW CHAMBER DIRECTORY: FULL NETWORK LISTING CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP: THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
DIRECTOR OF SSE AIRTRICITY, DISCUSSES THE IMPORTANCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY AND THE PATH TO A NET ZERO FUTURE
Editor:
Adam Hyland
Art Director: Alan McArthur
Editorial Assistant:
James Kiernan
Shane Conneely (Chambers Ireland)
Editorial Contributors:
James Kiernan, Shane Conneely
Fiona Candon
Ian Talbot (Chambers Ireland
Commercial Designer:
Neasa Daly
Production Manager:
Jane Matthews
Production Executive: Nicole Ennis
Managing Director: Gerry Tynan
Sales Director/Chairman:
Diarmaid Lennon
30
InBUSINESS talks to Director of SEE Airtricity
Klair Neenan about the importance of renewable energy and the path to a net zero future
The advocacy body for Chambers across Europe is focusing on key areas for the year ahead
Challenges remain, but the growth of overseas trade carries huge potential, writes Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot
Looking back over the last 12 months with some snapshots of Chambers Ireland’s work in representing members both nationally and internationally
42
Recognising Local Contributions
The 2021 Excellence in Local Government Award Winners
49 20th Sustainable Business Impact Awards Launched
[CHAMBER NEWS]
05 Message from the President
09 About Chambers Ireland
10 Chamber Membership
12 Chambers Centenary
16 International Chamber of Commerce
17 Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals
26 Chambers Awards 2022
65 Chambers Ireland Directory
In Association with Our Local Government InBUSINESS supplement continues to look at the important role played by local authorities in Irish enterprise
Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland Ian Talbot says the Challenges of Housing and Inflation Remain, but Overseas Trade Carries Huge Potential
a national business perspective, we are happy with how we weathered the storm of uncertainty that was 2022. Opening the year, we had aimed to put the challenge of COVID-19 behind us and for our economy to return to a stronger, less-volatile growth trajectory. However, Russia, energy and inflation came to be the dominant conversations of the year.
Despite these challenges, 2022 proved to be a strong year for Ireland. Gross National Income increased by 6.7%, while the more nuanced Modified Domestic Demand (which focuses on Household and Government Expenditure along with Fixed Capital Investment to exclude the effects of the multi-national sector) grew by 8.4% to €205bn, which appears to have returned us to where we would have expected to be in 2022, prior to the pandemic. Even without the macroeconomic scenario, this would be a strong performance for Ireland, so under the circumstances we were enthusiastic about how 2022 turned out. Into 2023, the mild winter was a boon for the European economy as it transitioned away from Russian energy supplies, and the EU’s Gas reserves are now twice as high as they were this time last year, and five times higher than we would expect, had we faced a bad winter.
For the coming year, Housing is the concern that is raised most frequently by our members, which is resulting in difficulty finding and retaining staff. This issue of staffing was very prominent throughout 2022 too. What our members are saying is that they are often unable to take on new business opportunities because their organisations do not have the capacity. A tighter economy with supply constraints on labour and housing will see us needing to work harder to contain inflation, which ran at 7.8% in 2022 while, as a result of our energy mix, costs for Ireland didn’t grow as quickly as they did for other EU member states. Failure to reduce inflation will erode our competitiveness over the longer-term.
Trade is another area that needs attention this year. Growth in Britain continues to be soft and our exports to there in January decreased 5% year-on-year. The US is a greater concern though, with a 24% decrease in the value of exports to the States. However, trade to the EU, Northern Ireland, and the Rest of the World continues to grow.
For our chambers around the country, a key opportunity in 2023 is the renewal of trade missions abroad. Prior to COVID-19, our chambers were organising an average of 12 trade delegations a year across the US, the EU, the UK, Asia, and Australia, with more than 200 businesses expanding their opportunities annually. These returned last year with eight delegations bringing 138 businesses to new markets, and we are hoping to see a full return in 2023.
“FOR
OUR CHAMBERS AROUND THE COUNTRY, A KEY OPPORTUNITY IN 2023 IS THE RENEWAL OF TRADE MISSIONS ABROAD”Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland
Chambers Ireland is celebrating 100 years since our founding in 1923.
Thinking back over the difficulties, disruption and volatility our members faced in recent years, I am astounded at how my predecessors coped with the uncertainties that they faced in the years prior to the founding of the Irish Chamber of Commerce.
These were people who had lived through the Great War, the War of Independence, the Spanish Flu, Partition, the Civil War, and the economic turmoil that came from the sundering of the Union.
We are all stronger for the fact that their response to turmoil was to come together, to collaborate, and to build ties that would help them achieve their aims of “genuine prosperity, employment, and humane conditions of life, for the people” of the young country.
Collectively, I think that we should draw inspiration from their ambition, and our achievement of their vision. I am certain that the founders of Chambers Ireland would be astonished by how far our country has come in these 100 years.
We should also draw strength from their courage. There are challenges before us, particularly when it comes to climate change, but our country and our businesses have faced, and overcome, enormous challenges in our past. I am convinced that we will meet our future challenges with just as much fortitude as our predecessors met theirs.
Finally, the third lesson that I draw is that Chambers Ireland, and our Chambers, have staying power. At only a century, Chambers Ireland is a youthful organisation compared to some of our members which have been active since the 1700s. Chambers Ireland, and our chambers, can take the long view, because we know that is where real value lies. This perspective is why we are so supportive of the sustainability agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. It is clear to us that nothing can be successful in the long-term unless it is also sustainable.
I am confident, just as the founders of Chambers Ireland were confident, that the next 100 years will be the best that our country will have ever experienced. James Shanks, who chaired the first meeting of what became Chambers Ireland, saw that our part in the success of our nation was to expand the assets and resources of our country to facilitate “genuine prosperity, employment and humane conditions of life for the people”, this should be our continuing challenge over the next 100 years.
“I AM CONFIDENT, JUST AS THE FOUNDERS OF CHAMBERS IRELAND WERE CONFIDENT, THAT THE NEXT 100 YEARS WILL BE THE BEST THAT OUR COUNTRY WILL HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED”Fiona Candon, President, Chambers Ireland
CHAMBERS IRELAND 2023
AFFILIATED CHAMBER LOCATIONS
Sligo
Letterkenny
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Ballina
Westport
CarrickOn-Shannon
Cootehill
Dundalk Cavan
Ballyhaunis
Galway
Ennis
Shannon
Limerick
Longford
Athlone
County Meath
Mullingar
Tullamore & District
Laois County
Tipperary
Dublin
South Dublin n
County Kildare
County Carlow
Kilkenny
Drogheda & District
Fingal Dublin
Dún Laoghaire - Rathdown Bray & District
Arklow & District
Enniscorthy & District
Tralee County Wexford W
Mallow
Cork
Waterford
Dungarvan & West Waterford
Cobh & Harbour
Bantry
Further details of each a iliated Chamber can be found between pages 66 to 67 730 10,000 40
Total Lobbying Returns in 2022
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Chambers Ireland wishes to thank its sponsors for their continued support.
A glance at Chambers Ireland’s main areas of activity:
As a lobbying organisation, we represent Irish business interests at local, rezgional and national level to the Irish Government, while also exerting influence through our presence on key policymaking boards and councils.
Chambers Ireland supports SMEs and larger businesses in Ireland through the Chamber Network. We provide information and advice to businesses on a range of topics and issues.
Chambers Ireland is an active member of both EUROCHAMBRES and the International Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses at EU, panEuropean and international level. Chambers Ireland engagement on these important business platforms ensures greater visibility and competitiveness for Irish business on a global stage.
Chambers Ireland works to advance Irish businesses at home and abroad by empowering, lobbying, representing, growing and delivering for our network.
our primary aim is to advance business competitiveness across the country through developing the best environment to do business at all levels, while facilitating the growth of our Chamber Network. Our Network consists of local and regional affiliated Chambers, for which Chambers Ireland acts as one voice at national level on behalf of this Network.
By engaging with business members through our Chamber Network and by encouraging better business practices for long-term development at local, regional and national level, Chambers Ireland works to advance Irish businesses both at home and abroad.
Chambers Ireland monitors the relevant policy issues that businesses care about and are affected by, and represents the views of our business members to Government. Through research, lobbying and representation on influential policy-making boards and councils of importance to the Irish Government – including the National Competitiveness Council, the National Corporate Social Responsibility Stakeholder Forum and the Retail Forum – Chambers Ireland is a respected voice in the business community. Our membership and participation on these fora is strengthened by our engagement with Chambers Ireland’s own policy taskforces, our Public Affairs forum and Chief Executives forum.
In addition to these various levels of domestic influence, Chambers Ireland also engages at a European and international level, as a member of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the largest business representative organisation worldwide, and as a member of EUROCHAMBRES, the association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
As a member of the ICC, Chambers Ireland acts as the Irish national committee of the ICC, which allows us to advocate the interests of our members to the intergovernmental organisations that legislate on international trade. The work of the ICC includes promoting the importance for open trade, business self-regulation, fighting corruption, dispute resolution and more.
Chambers Ireland is also one of the national Chambers of commerce members of EUROCHAMBRES, the voice of the business community at EU level, representing over 20 million businesses across Europe. EUROCHAMBRES aims to improve the conditions of the Single Market to facilitate trade within and beyond the EU, through engagement with the EU institutions and coordinating projects to benefit businesses across all countries of the European Union.
Being a member of a Chamber means your business can gain benefits across a number of areas from advice and networking opportunities to increased visibility and credibility.
BYjoining your local Chamber, you’ll receive members-only benefits, exclusive advertising, networking opportunities and increased publicity for your organisation, along with representation at a national level through Chambers Ireland.
With 40 accredited Chambers around Ireland, businesses in the Chamber Network are widely represented across the country. The Chamber Network is Ireland’s largest business representative organisation, working to promote the enhanced economic and social development of communities in order to make them a better place to work, live and do business.
Local economic development is one of the Chamber Network’s core policy priorities. Chambers work to remedy the challenges that face businesses in cities, towns and rural areas of Ireland. The strength of the local economy is vital for the success of any business, and Chambers work to encourage and promote local economic development for their communities, and deliver significant results for their members.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF KEY AREAS WHERE CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP CAN BENEFIT YOUR BUSINESS, INCLUDING: SUPPORT
Chambers around Ireland represent their members locally, and on a national level by being a member of the Chamber Network. Chambers Ireland lobbies the Irish Government on national issues on behalf of the Chamber Network regarding issues that affect businesses across Ireland. Chambers Ireland is an active member of EUROCHAMBRES and the International Chamber of Commerce. Through these organisations, the Chamber network is also represented at a European and international level.
Chambers provide their members with support in a variety of ways. This includes but is not limited to business development and access to knowledge, skills and training on a wide range of topics. Chambers can also act as an advisor to businesses in their network, whether they are early stages start-ups or established enterprises.
Members of Chambers are invited to many networking events. This opens up opportunities for members to do business with other companies in their Chamber’s network. It has been recorded that 60% of members do business at Chamber events through meeting with other members and their contacts. You can connect and engage with a broader audience and expand your network through your local Chamber.
Chambers around Ireland represent their members at meetings with local authorities and politicians and during events throughout the year. Have your say in local government through the Chamber advocacy efforts. Chambers lobby their Local Authorities on many issues that need to be addressed for their members.
Chambers also become an information centre to businesses that may or may not be members. Chambers will always recommend Chamber members to businesses that fit the requirements.
Stand out and generate awareness within your local community. Being a member makes you part of an active business group within your community.
Gain a competitive edge over non-members with exclusive training opportunities on current topics. Chambers organise training across a variety of subjects.
Chamber members can participate in members only groups for updates.
Chamber members are invited to the many events that their local Chamber organises throughout the year. Chambers host a wide variety of successful events, including workshops, informative seminars, award ceremonies and more.
Chambers believe that people do business with people they know. By joining your local Chamber, you are making new business connections with contacts you can trust.
Enhance your reputation and increase awareness through membership. Chamber members have the benefit of the Chamber President, CEO, Board and staff promoting their business. At networking events, Chamber personnel always keep their members in mind when they are speaking to other business owners, whether they are national or international companies.
Chambers offer their members a number of different products and services. Exclusive services that Chambers provide to their members include discounted business services from member to member, and access to a membership directory.
2nd March, Chambers Ireland celebrated its 100th anniversary with friends and colleagues from across the country in the wonderful surroundings of St Patrick’s Hall, Dublin Castle.
We were delighted to be joined by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, and European Commissioner, Mairéad McGuinness.
We heard from each about the importance of the Chamber network in facilitating business, driving sustainability, and being a powerful voice for change.
We were also joined by Dr Kieran McCarthy, researcher and respected historical author of the commemorative centenary book, Championing Ireland: Chambers Ireland – 100 Years of Advancing Business Together, charting the history of Chambers Ireland since its establishment in 1923.
We look forward to championing Ireland on behalf of our members long into the future.
Ireland’s chambers of commerce were central to progress.
The chambers operating in the main cities such as Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford had years and years of lobbying experience between them. Representing their respective cities and regions, they brought economic challenges to Parliamentary representatives and to national companies who provided core services ranging from postal to railway transport.
Against the backdrop of the lingering physical effects of war on townscapes and cityscapes, and after the separation of the Free State from Westminster, it became apparent that work similar to that performed by the British Association of Chambers of Commerce would have to be performed by an Irish association in Dublin.
The Association of the Chambers of Commerce of the Irish Free State, as it was named initially, was formed in 1923. It had as its object the criticism of Irish Government economic policy in a constructive manner, and to endeavour whenever possible to place its views before Government ministers.
It was necessary to do this before the Minister’s views had crystallised, and before any proposed bill was actually drafted. Once a bill was drafted, Ministers, to a certain extent, were bound by it. Much has been written about the early Irish Free State and its story of moving from an economic dependence on the British Empire to Ireland forging its own economic and social policies to move the country forward.
This publication adds another important lens to exploring life in the early Irish Free State – hitherto unexplored – on how such an organisation founded in an era of profound change for Irish society evolved over ten
decades, taking in the needs and challenges of the business sector and their voices.
This book draws on the archives of Chambers Ireland and in particular from its rich press coverage and its elaborately published journals and magazines over the past 100 years.
It highlights the big stories of the Chamber’s past, but also the subtler elements – the messages, the conversations, and speeches. In the age of national and provincial newspapers now being digitised, it is more accessible than ever before to not only find relevant historical information, but also follow threads of information to be able to explore subtopics more.
The National Library, Dublin and the British Library hold very rich content from non-consecutive runs of journal and magazine productions from 1926 to the present day, The book presents nine chronological chapters, helping to showcase how much lobbying work Chambers Ireland has covered, the topics that have come up over and over again, and the ones that form the foundation of the ongoing elements of the Chambers’ forward-looking vision.
first All Island Golf Competition was Hosted by Chambers Ireland in October 2022
Chambers Ireland held its inaugural All Island Golf Classic in the K Club, Stra an, Co. Kildare on the 20th of October. e event was sponsored by e Noel Group, while Peninsula HR sponsored the prizes on the day.
In total, 16 teams competed from all over the island, north and south in the rst ever running of this new competition.
Commenting on the event, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland stated: “We were delighted to facilitate the coming together of Chamber teams to this rst ever island-wide golf classic. It was tting that this rst competition took place on the Arnold Palmer Ryder Cup course in the celebrated K Club. e anticipation was palpable before the start among the competing teams.”
e teams representing their Chambers were the winners of the individual Chamber golf competitions from Ireland and Northern Ireland during 2022. ey competed for the overall title of Chamber All Island Champions 2022.
e winners were presented with their prizes by Noel Group Managing Director, Siobhan Kinsella. A er the event Siobhan stated: “We are delighted to support the rst All Island Golf Classic. It was rewarding to see teams come together to compete in a world-renowned venue with a such unique combination of competitiveness and friendliness.”
The winners of the team competition were: Career Decisions representing Shannon Chamber Team Webster representing County Carlow Chamber Mazars representing Galway Chamber Transfer Mate representing Kilkenny Chamber. Irish Equine Centre, representing County Kildare Chamber.
Cathal Byrne of Transfermate, representing Kilkenny Chamber, won the longest drive and Paddy D’eathe of Courttown Golf Club, representing County Wexford Chamber, was the winner of the closest to the pin competition.
with other organisations, our Paris-based global organisation, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), conducted activities through a combination of online, hybrid and face to face meetings in 2022.
From an Irish perspective, the most signi cant activity was the largest ever visit of more than 20 Irish arbitration experts to the ICC’s Court of Arbitration on 4 October, 2022.
In addition to an address by the President of the Court, Claudia Salomon, the group received updates and reports on the current work of the Court, as well as the work of current task forces charged with providing guidance and recommendations to ensure the Court retains its global leadership position. is year marks an important milestone, as the Court will celebrate its centenary in 2023.
A delegation to the ICC’s Court of Arbitration was a highlight of the last yearICC Court of Arbitration President Claudia Salomon addresses Irish Arbitrators in Paris President Claudia Salomon
The combination of all these elements, and the risk of future EU and national directives and legislation on implementing sustainable business practices, means that there is largescale buy-in from Chamber members across the country. We are beginning to see more and more businesses take the lead on this, which supports our overall work in this policy sphere.
Though most of the seventeen Goals are relevant to the work of business, five are of most strategic relevance, comprising in numerical order:
Chambers Ireland is the State’s largest business representative network. We are an all-island organisation with a unique geographical reach; our members are the Chambers of commerce in the cities and towns throughout the country – active in every constituency. Each of our member Chambers is central to their local business community, and all seek to promote thriving local economies that can support sustainable cities and communities.
Sustainability is now something that can be marketed and sold by businesses as consumers become more conscious of their environmental footprint. Businesses are also conscious of this and are continuously reviewing supply chains to secure more sustainable methods of doing business: something which is even more attractive if it can positively impact the organisation’s bottom line.
Gender Equality (SDG 5)
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)
Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
Climate Action (SDG 13)
The targets of each of these often interlink. For example, sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) will be achieved through concrete measures to promote climate action (SDG 13) and balancing economic development (SDGs 8 & 9). Therefore, all five are equally as strategically relevant and important to our organisation and wider Network.
We have learnt that integrating the goals into business brings opportunities and structure to many of the activities they are already planning to introduce. Over the past number of years, businesses have significantly increased engagement and policy advocacy in sustainable development by leveraging the ideas and aims of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to transition to the SDGs, focusing all elements of the organisation and its outputs on the aims of the Goals.
In 2019, all affiliated Chambers across Ireland pledged their commitment to the SDGs. This involved all Chambers, committing to upholding, promoting, and implementing the SDGs into their daily operations, advocating for the Goals locally and creating or supporting policies that reflect the SDGs. Having engaged our network of chambers, we have delivered an awareness building, and action-orientated communication strategy with businesses throughout the island.
Each Chamber plays an integral part in creating a sustainable environment to work and live, and they collectively work together on achieving a prosperous future for Ireland.
In representing the needs of its business members, Chambers Ireland utilises the targets of the Goals as a lens to interrogate the causes of the policy priorities that our network raises, and uses the SDGs to ensure cohesion in the policy recommendations and advocacy that we carry out nationally.
Since the commitment was made by the network, each of our policy outputs identify how the Goals interact with our policy agenda and are used to identify parallel areas of interest and activity which can sometimes be missed in the consideration of a policy area. Examples include consideration of gender equality (SDG 5) in our submissions on the night-time economy, particularly its interaction with safe late-night transportation for those that are enjoying the nightlife, and the workers who make it possible.
Similarly, the Chambers Ireland submission on the National Development Plan ‘Review to Renew’ consultation highlights how necessary that programme of activity is to deliver on climate action (SDG 13), and how, given the implementation of the Climate Action Plan, the National Development Plan will need to be realigned if we are to achieve the decarbonisation targets Ireland has committed to.
In addition, the Chambers Ireland submissions on the Government Budget annually and the Chambers Ireland General Election Manifesto 2020 have all been structured around the goals, a mechanism that was useful in prioritising and deprioritising various efforts which we have advocated for.
Achieving the SDG targets by 2030 is a collective task that cannot be accomplished without partnership and collaboration. Businesses are rooted in communities, which is why we use our platform to amplify the SDGs, the achievements of our stakeholders, and our network. By upholding and promoting the SDGs, Chambers Ireland’s aim is to highlight the opportunities the Goals create and provide business with the confidence that meaningful results can be achieved.
Since pledging to advocate for and support the advancement of the United Nation’s
“EACH OF OUR MEMBER CHAMBERS IS CENTRAL TO THEIR LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND ALL SEEK TO PROMOTE THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMIES THAT CAN SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES”
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in November 2019, our Network has been closely engaged with the aims of the goals, taking a proactive approach on driving, and supporting, engagement throughout the business community has become central to our organisation’s strategy.
Building on our extensive work to promote the SDGs, Chambers Ireland launched its SDG Toolkit for Business in July 2021. Based on significant contributions from the Chambers Ireland Sustainable Business Council, the Toolkit encourages employers of every size to advance their sustainability journey by integrating the Goals into their day-to-day activities.
The SDG Toolkit for Business equips business with the knowledge to take leading action across a range of issues and signal the direction to achieve a sustainable society in Ireland. Chambers Ireland encourages SMEs and larger companies to engage with the Toolkit and their local chamber in support of our collective work to secure a better, greener, and fairer planet in the years ahead.
Beyond raising awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, the principal aim of the Toolkit is to drive action on achieving the goals by bringing simplicity and practical guidance.
Following its commitment to the SDGs, Chambers Ireland relaunched the Sustainable Business Impact Awards to continue the process of alignment with the Goals.
The Sustainable Business Impact Awards celebrate best practice in sustainable development and social responsibility from companies of all sizes, nationwide. They recognise the meaningful and high qualitywork from companies through different Awards categories, including excellence in Environment, Workplace, Communication, Social Enterprise, Community Partnership (divided into Charity, Volunteering and Community Programme), and Diversity & Inclusion.
We also have a Sustainable Business Council made up of Chamber and business
experts in the area of sustainability, which meets regularly to help our members engage on the topic.
The 17 SDGs address not only measurable changes of wellbeing, economic development, and better environments, but also how these changes will be induced by a means of clearly defining 169 targets to be achieved by 2030 and indicators to measure how it contributes with respect to the various SDC targets.
With the wealth of reports available on Ireland’s progress on achieving the SDGs (which often utilise different reporting mechanisms) it is difficult to ascertain which is the most relevant and has the correct, up to date information. This makes it equally difficult to assess Ireland’s overall progress. Developing structured indicators are a crucial next step for accurately identifying where we are as a country. These will help in understanding if the expected development changes are being realised. In terms of measuring the impact and quantifying the progress on SDG targets, developing effective indicators to gauge success is important.
Attracting and retaining skilled employees has been a challenge for businesses. We believe that aligning businesses with the SDGs will help attract and retain staff who have an increased interest in sustainability.
The IPCC have updated climate models that provide more detailed projections about possible future conditions which depend on the choices humans make about carbon emissions. We continue to see the need to quickly alter our behaviours and the growing willingness to get there and limit climate change. The increased coverage of climate change in the media is just one example of this growing willingness to achieve our collective climate action (SDG 13). Further, a recent national study that Chambers Ireland conducted on the shaping Ireland’s electricity future demonstrated an overwhelming level of feedback for greater ambition and prioritisation of renewable energy in the design of Ireland’s electricity network for the coming years.
“HAVING ENGAGED OUR NETWORK OF CHAMBERS, WE HAVE DELIVERED AN AWARENESS BUILDING, AND ACTIONORIENTATED COMMUNICATION STRATEGY WITH BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND”
CHAMBERS IRELAND 2023
CHAMBERS IRELAND: THE YEAR IN PICTURES
InBUSINESS looks back over the last 12 months with some snapshots of Chambers Ireland’s work in representing members both nationally and internationally.
At the first announcements for ‘Ballina 2023’, the 300th Anniversary of the formal establishment of Ballina launch event in October 2022, were: Back Row (L-R): Anne Marie Flynn, Mayo North Tourism; Conal Calleary, Ballina Lions Club; Mairead McGuire, Mayo County Council; Councillor Seamus Weir, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council; Councillor Mark Duffy, Cathaoirleach Ballina Municipal District Council; Mags Downey Martin, CEO Ballina Chamber; and Declan Turnbull, Head of Ballina Municipal District & Mayo County Council.
Front Row (L-R): Lisa Hallinan, Ballina 2023 Project Manager; Councillor Jarlath Munnelly, Chairperson Ballina 2023; Annette Maughan, and CEO Moy Valley Resources.
Brian Cody, Manager of the Kilkenny County Hurling Team between 1998 and 2022, and regarded by many as the greatest manager in the history of the game, was the Guest Speaker at the Kilkenny Chamber Business Awards 2022 in November when he spoke about Management, Leadership and Humility.
Cross Border meeting with An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin at TCS premises in Letterkenny in July 2022 attended by senior executives and business owners from members of both Chambers. Front row: Aidan O’Kane, President Londonderry Chamber; An Taoiseach, Michael Martin, TD; Kristine Reynolds, President Letterkenny Chamber. Back: Cllr. Donal “Mandy” Kelly, Mayor Letterkenny Milford MD; Minister Charlie McConalogue TD; Andrea McBride, TCS; Chris Lynch, TCS; Gerard Grant, TCS; Cllr. Ciaran Brogan; Toni Forrester, Letterkenny Chamber; Anna Doherty, Londonderry Chamber.
CEO, Letterkenny Chamber; Clare McNickle; Kristine Reynolds, President; Jimmy Stafford; Anne Louise McClintock, CE Supervisor; and Leonard Watson celebrate Shop LK, Letterkenny’s shop local initiative, which saw sales of Shop LK gift cards top the €4m mark for the first time.
Toni
CHAMBERS IRELAND 2023
CHAMBERS IRELAND: THE YEAR IN PICTURES
Purchases of County Wexford
by
CHAMBERS IRELAND: THE YEAR IN PICTURES
Dundalk Chamber organised a Cross Border Business Cruise on Carlingford Lough with Newry Chamber of Commerce in association with Louth County Council
CHAMBERS IRELAND 2023
CHAMBERS IRELAND: THE YEAR IN PICTURES
Taoiseach
Leo Varadkar launching the Lets Make It A Million voucher campaign in Dungarvan during his visit with the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber Members. This campaign resulted in over one million euros retained in the local economy over Christmas 2022.
His
South Dublin County
Signing of Sister City Agreement of Parnership with Tampa, Florida, USA:
L/R: Bob Rohrlack, President and CEO, Tampa Bay Chamber, Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa, Florida, Claire Cronin, American Ambassador to Ireland, Emma Murphy, Mayor of South Dublin County, Peter Byrne, CEO South Dublin Chamber.
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Chambers Ireland CEO Ian Talbot continued as Deputy President of Eurochambres during 2022. As with so many organisations, face to face meetings recommenced, but with extensive use of online and hybrid meetings taking place too.
Core priorities of the organisation were to ensure a business-friendly approach in the EU’s ambitious policy agenda on the twin digital and green transitions, addressing skills mismatches, competitiveness on the global stage and remaining a strong advocate for free, open trade.
The outbreak of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine also became an important topic for our members. We were honoured with extensive engagement by the President of the Ukrainian Chambers, Gennadiy Chyzhykov, throughout the year as the appalling vista unfolded and impacted on so many countries, not least those members bordering Russia and Ukraine.
Ian Talbot also joined the Eurochambres President Luc Frieden and CEO Ben Butters on a delegation to London, meeting the EU Ambassador to the UK, João Vale de Almeida, and the CEO and President of the British Chambers of Commerce for discussions on the post-Brexit trading environment.
Another valuable online meeting was an exchange of views between Eurochambres President, Luc Frieden and EU Trade Director-General, Sabine Weyand and senior chamber representatives on the state of EU Trade and the crucial role it must play in our economic recovery.
Moving into 2023, one of Eurochambres’ biggest policy focuses will be on the Single Market as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Single Market remains quite uneven, and the scope and depth of integration vary across its four freedoms, much more developed for goods than for services or capital. The increasing shift from goods production to services has had drastic implications for the economic leadership of European companies, with American and Chinese counterparts taking over in terms of market capitalisation. Statistics shows that Europe is underperforming in terms of newly created firms and blue-chips, and third country competitors are setting the pace when it comes to the digital economic and futureoriented technologies.
The advocacy body for Chambers across Europe continues to play a vital role in meeting the challenges within international businessMeeting with the British Chamber of Commerce and Eurochambres CEO Ben Butters Ian Talbot, Chief Executive Chambers Ireland, Eurochambres President, Luc Frieden, and Ambassador of the European Union to the United Kingdom, Joao Vale De Almeida Ukrainian Chamber President Gennadiy Chyzhykov addressing the Eurochambres General Assembly in Brussels on 29 April, 2022 An online meeting to exchange views between Eurochambres, the EU Trade Director-General and senior chamber representatives on the state of EU trade
Galway Chamber was named ‘Chamber of the Year’ at the 2022 Chambers Ireland Awards, sponsored by Zurich, in June of last year.
e awards recognise the outstanding work of chambers of commerce throughout the country in supporting local, regional and national business.
Galway Chamber was shortlisted in four separate categories in recognition of its exceptional work in supporting local business and community: Best Marketing Campaign; Most Successful Policy Campaign; Partnership for Business; Supporting Enterprise and Social Enterprise category, in which they were named winners for their ‘Scaling Our Legacy’ event in partnership with Galway Technology Centre (GTC).
With this win and a presence across so many other category shortlists, Galway Chamber proved to be a worthy winner of the overall Chamber of the Year Award.
en-President of Chambers Ireland, Mags Brennan said: “Being named Chamber of the Year is testament to the scale of work being undertaken by Galway Chamber. It re ects the huge amount of talent and dedication within the Chamber, and underlines how impressively they have managed and adapted their activity to meet the needs of their members.
“What truly impressed our judges was how much Galway Chamber engaged with its community. is is a group of strong communicators, relationship builders and people who care deeply about their city and county. e Chamber produced a series of excellent projects, which undoubtedly contributed positively to the economic resilience of Galway and put it in a better position as we move forward.”
Upon receiving the award, CEO of Galway Chamber, Kenny Deery, said: “It is a tremendous honour to receive this prize, especially when you see how much has been accomplished by the other Chamber organisations around the country over the last year. It is recognition of the spirit and fortitude displayed by the Galway business community over the last year. I would like to thank all those directly involved with the
Chamber and who have worked tirelessly throughout the year, our members, our board, our corporate partners and our sta .”
His remarks were echoed by Aengus Burns, President of Galway Chamber, who said: “From the impressive developments at Galway Technology Centre to the ongoing growth and success of many of our local businesses, this has been a year of achievement. It is a true honour to receive this award, and also a signal of the health of the business environment in Galway at present.”
Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at sponsor Zurich Ireland, Joe Creegan commented: “Zurich is delighted to once again support the annual Chamber Awards. It is more important than ever to acknowledge the excellence of the Chamber network and the resilience of their members as they continue to support local economic development. We are proud to be associated with these awards and to support the important work Chambers undertakes in fostering a vibrant business community of all sizes and sectors across Ireland.”
e annual Chamber Awards seek to recognise the outstanding work of the Chambers Ireland network around the country. ey also provide an opportunity to showcase successful event ideas, campaigns and policies that have contributed to the development of chambers and business more broadly.
PARTNERSHIP FOR BUSINESS
Working together with business and organisations is a key role of Chambers across the country and contributes to their success and influence locally. This category highlights initiatives where your Chamber has successfully worked in partnership with another organisation. We want to hear about how this collaboration has helped to support and develop business in your area.
BEST DIGITAL MARKETING CAMPAIGN
Making the business community aware and appreciate the work of your Chamber is important in maintaining its success. Campaigns aimed at highlighting the work that a Chamber has put in to individual projects is vitally important.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
Chambers run a variety of interesting and informative events throughout the year. This category is for the most unique, successful and engaging events throughout our network.
BEST MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVE
Both retaining current members and increasing intake of new members is done through a range of initiatives including targeted communication campaigns and marketing initiatives. This award also recognises projects which support members of a Chamber.
MOST INNOVATIVE PROJECT
Chambers are the leaders in their area in making their communities attractive to work, live and do business in. This category recognises the most resourceful and innovative project which supports their members, enhances their communities or improves the practices within the Chambers.
MOST SUCCESSFUL POLICY CAMPAIGN
Policy is at the heart of what a Chamber does as it represents the needs of its members and its region. This category recognises the often unseen work that goes into making a successful policy campaign led by a Chamber.
LOCAL AUTHORITY COLLABORATION
Having a successful collaboration with your local authority is a key relationship for a Chamber. There are many unique ways a Chamber can work with its local authority to enhance their community and support their members.
ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Sustainability and engaging with the SDG’s is now more important than ever for all as we edge towards the 2030 goals. Chambers have pledged to support the SDGs and this award recognises the work done by Chambers both internally and in assisting their members become active on the SDGs.
SUPPORTING ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
Supporting new and developing businesses in local communities is important as we embrace remote and mobile working. This award is for Chambers who support this sector in various ways through their management of innovation hubs, initiatives for social enterprise and in assisting new businesses in their community.
Athlone Chamber partnered with Westmeath County Council, IDA and the Technical University of Shannon (TUS) to develop a sustainable digital innovation hub in Athlone. The project involved identifying a Historic Town Centre building and completing a full feasibility study for the establishment of the hub, which would serve as a space for innovation and collaboration for companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs and existing micro-enterprises. As well as a mentoring space supported by TUS, the hub brings a strong community element, catering for 200 people in a 20,000 sq. ft building, and aims to revitalise the town centre area.
MOST
CORK CHAMBER: Cork’s Place in Europe – Communicating Europe Initiative
Cork Chamber’s Communicating Europe Initiative, ‘Cork’s Place in Europe – Next Generation EU’ was supported by the Department of Foreign A airs and received valuable feedback on what is needed to improve and sustain public dialogue on the EU in Cork, a thriving European city driven by an international outlook. The Chamber launched the initiative with a public survey, with the campaign and associated promotion and communications serving to improve this dialogue regarding the role Cork businesses and citizens can play in shaping their place in Europe.
BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN CARLOW CHAMBER:
Carlow Elves
– Shop & Support Local Online & O line
This campaign was designed to showcase the message of ‘shopping and supporting local’ through a variety of channels. In December, five Carlow Elves were placed in retail premises across the county, with each containing details on how people could enter a draw to win Love Carlow Gift Cards. The Chamber also had regular social media updates on the antics of the elves, weekly coverage in the Carlow Nationalist and on KCLR 96FM, along with a week of shop & support local competitions. Signage was also placed on the approach to all towns supporting the shop local message, with static signs placed around Carlow Town using the Bee Visible poster system.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
WESTPORT CHAMBER: Dare to Include Initiative
As part of Mayo Social Inclusion Week, the ‘Dare to Include’ Autumn business summit in conjunction with the Disability Federation of Ireland, aimed to encourage business owners to consider how their activities can be open to all members of society, both as employees and customers. Divided into two sessions, the morning examined workplace challenges, inclusive hospitality, and built environment, with the keynote speaker Jack Kavanagh, pharmacist and Diverse Ability Champion. The afternoon session also saw the launch of three pathways to employment projects.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
SHANNON CHAMBER: Shannon and Regional Airports
COVID Tra ic Recovery & Support Scheme
In 2021, Shannon Chamber, in collaboration with the Irish Hotels Federation, and supported by Ennis, Limerick and Galway Chambers, set out to prepare a business case for a multi-annual, fully funded regional air access recovery and growth action plan for presentation to Government. The objective was to demonstrate that a reform of funding strategy would be needed given that the recovery, restoration, and growth of regional air access will require a sustained period of multi-annual funding until at least 2024 and as late as 2029. The group proposed for the Government to consider providing three forms of sustained multi-annual funding to Shannon and other regional airports. The first draft of the business case was launched in March 2021 and the campaign ran throughout 2021.
BEST MEMBERSHIP INITIATIVE
DUNGARVAN & WEST WATERFORD CHAMBER: ‘Why We’re
Some 47 member businesses of all sectors and sizes were included in this initiative. In a brief statement, each business involved expressed why they were Chamber members, the value they see in the services o ered by the Chamber, and what they gain from being a member. This was adapted into an image created by the Chamber, along with a relevant photo of the business owner/ manager or premises. It also included the business and Chamber branding. The campaign ran on Chamber social media, with the result being 39 new members joining the D&WW Chamber in 2021, the second highest record of new members joining.
PARTNERSHIP FOR BUSINESS
DROGHEDA & DISTRICT CHAMBER: Embrace the Change
Drogheda & District Chamber, Love Drogheda BIDS, and The Mill Enterprise Hub collaborated on a new strategy to encourage more start-ups, multinationals, and remote workers to base themselves in the wider Drogheda region. Due to the remote working shift, the chamber recognised the 15,000 commuters who previously left the region every day, would need support in transitioning. The ‘Drogheda Commuter Survey 2022’, and surveys carried out in 2019 and 2021, informed the campaign.
SUPPORTING ENTERPRISE AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE GALWAY CHAMBER: Scaling Our Legacy
Galway Chamber won in this new category. They are the main stakeholder of the Galway Technology Centre (GTC), and they held a special virtual 25th anniversary event for them to celebrate their history of success called, ‘Scaling Our Legacy’. This event shed light on the more than 300 companies, 3,000+ jobs and €1.3billion GVA brought to the West region since the founding of the Galway Technology Centre. ‘Scaling Our Legacy’ also provided a platform to unveil AcademyWest, a massive and much needed expansion of the Galway Technology Centre. AcademyWest is expected to have a transformative e ect on the business ecosystem by bringing 12,500 jobs and €1.4billion over the next 15 years to Galway.
Martin Heydon, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Lisa Harlow, External A airs Manager for Intel, Allan Shine, CEO, Co Kildare Chamber and Leo Varadkar, An Taoiseach
ENGAGEMENT WITH THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
COUNTY KILDARE CHAMBER: Sustainable Kildare
In this new category, Kildare Chamber was recognised for its year-long climate action programme for businesses, sponsored by Intel. The programme ran in three stages in the form of an online Championship where businesses could participate and compete with each other by partaking in and logging on an app called ‘Ducky’ ecofriendly activities over a three-week period. Examples of activities included taking shorter showers, walking or taking public transport instead of driving, or turning o unnecessary lights and electronics.
The“case for change, and the pace at which we need to move has never been more prominent,” SEE Airtricity Director Klair Neenan tells me. “Climate change; it is the number one topic today, and the importance of taking action on the climate emergency is something SSE is playing a leading role in, in terms of driving net zero across Ireland, the UK and globally.”
As the leading supplier of renewable energy to households and businesses across the island of Ireland, SSE Airtricity has placed itself at the forefront of this challenge, with its pioneering approach to Green Energy and a net zero carbon future, and Klair says now is “a fascinating time to be in this industry because it is going through huge change”.
For her, SSE’s aim to lower carbon emissions while also providing the increasing amount of energy needed is something she has come to oversee via an unconventional path, but this is something she feels has allowed her to bring fresh eyes to the challenge.
“I studied Economics at UCD, then went into nancial services, and moved to leading teams and working with people to nd solutions for them, which has always been a big thing for me,” she tells me.
“In 2009, I joined SSE Airtricity because I always had an interest in the renewable energy sector and I wanted a change. I started out in the IT department, and it was an amazing time to join because the energy sector was going through a huge period of growth.
“Leading large transformational change programmes, I was running the IT department for the company across all of Ireland, which was a great opportunity for me, and in 2019 I took on the role of Director at a fascinating time. So, it has been a di erent path, but it is important for people to have experience across di erent sectors and disciplines because you bring a di erent opinion. It is important in any business to have diverse experience, di erent voices around the table.
We were the first energy supplier in Ireland to announce that we would forego profits in favour of supporting our customers during the cost of living crisis”
“I have had a lot of opportunities to try something di erent, and there is always something to learn, so if you have that mindset of constant curiosity about what you are doing, that stands to you.
“My career path is an example whereby you don’t have to be from a particular background or have followed a particular route – there are opportunities there to be seized, and it is amazing working in an industry and an organisation with such ambition and such an important role to play.”
e COVID-19 pandemic, rising energy and living costs, and the threats to energy supply caused by international turmoil have presented challenges for all of us, and Klair is proud to tell me that SSE has taken the lead in nding solutions for its customers.
“We are customer-focused, so we know the last few years have been di cult, and this is something we have taken very seriously,” she says. “We were the rst energy supplier in Ireland to announce last year that we would forego pro ts in favour of supporting our customers during the cost of living crisis. In addition, we also introduced increased supports for customers up to the value of €25million last year. at included a price promise for nancially vulnerable customers, charity donations, home energy upgrades for 600 households: tackling the root causes in terms of energy e ciency.” ese actions are not just xes for current challenges, but are part of SSE’s overall vision, Klair tells me.
“It is about putting the customer rst - that is our main priority today and into the future – but it all ties in with our strategy and vision to be the leading energy company in a net zero world, and at SSE Airtricity it’s about providing energy solutions to our customers in a way that is accessible and tailored to their needs, while reducing carbon emissions.
“When you look to the future and think about strategy, the most recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
restated that without immediate action, the impact of climate change will only become more severe.
“In Ireland, we know there is a need for signi cant shi away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass, and the Government has set a target of generating 80% of the country’s electricity from renewables by 2030. But the IPCC report highlights the need for even more ambitious action and says that lowcarbon infrastructure is key. at is where we come in.”
One example of how SSE is working with communities is their recent donation of €2.5million to the non-pro t organisation EnergyCloud Ireland, which will go towards supporting 10,000 families facing fuel poverty.
“EnergyCloud diverts surplus renewable energy that would otherwise be wasted to provide tanks of hot water, free. It has the dual bene t of reducing energy costs for vulnerable households, while also pushing more renewable energy through the national grid, reducing carbon emissions and ensuring more e cient renewable energy provision.
“ at is something that aligns with our values in terms of providing solutions, but also helping those who most need it, and tackling climate change in a way that has a real impact on households and businesses.”
It is important for us that everybody is brought on the journey to net zero, and we need to make sure that nobody is left behind”Klair Neenan, Director, SSE Airtricity Paul McCarthy
SSE also provides solar panels to households through a partnership with provider Activ8, and in 2020 the company launched its pioneering One-Stop Shop as part of its Generation Green home retro t programme, “taking the hassle out of retro tting and energy e ciency by providing a full suite of services and solutions for customers”.
ey also work constantly with Local Authorities and Governing bodies to bring renewable energy to those who wouldn’t ordinarily be able to avail of it, with a recent pilot collaboration to install a district heating system in social housing.
“It’s about working with key partners and stakeholders to nd solutions for customers, because it is important for us that everybody is brought on the journey to net zero, and we need to make sure that nobody is le behind,” Klair says.
Providing these solutions is, quite literally “putting the ability to change in people’s hands” and this is exempli ed in innovative solutions coming down the line such a technology, which enables people to use smart meters to see and change behaviours around their own energy consumption.
Klair is also very proud of SSE’s recent funding, through a partnership with LGBT Ireland, of a national LGBT helpline. “ is is the rst time the helpline has been fully funded,” she tells me. “Our funding means the service is free of charge for the rst time and LGBT Ireland provide a vital support for those who need it most seven days a week, so this partnership has allowed us to drive further awareness of LGBT Ireland’s services to everyone in Ireland.”
Also recently launched was SSE’s Net Zero Acceleration Programme, “which is about putting our money where our mouth is” as Klair tells me. is involves investing more than €24billion in vital decarbonisation infrastructure across Ireland and the UK. “ at equates to €7million per day, so it is a
clear statement of intent to deliver on our clean energy aims,” she adds.
“We are already sourcing our electricity through renewable sources such as our 28 on-shore wind farms, and we have invested €2.5billion in phase 2 of the Arklow Bank Wind Park, which when completed will be capable of powering 850,000 homes in Ireland each year, and that will have a transformative impact on the Irish market.
“We are investing so much because we understand the critical role we play. For the customer, this will provide low-carbon solutions, but also the right infrastructure to help address energy a ordability, security of supply, and support Government in terms of meeting the targets of the Climate Action Plan.
“We are seeing more and more people becoming aware of what they need to do, and asking what actions they can take to reduce their energy usage, and our diverse portfolio means we can bring those solutions to bear.
“Being green is a big part of our heritage at SSE, and if you look at our portfolio of wind farms, and what SSE is doing globally in building the largest o -shore wind farm in the world, you see that wind and renewables is absolutely in our DNA. Generation Green is really leaning into the fact that people care and want to make a di erence within their own homes and businesses too.”
Klair is acutely aware that while SSE has achieved great success in fostering Generation Green, there is a lot more work to be done on an ongoing basis, because the challenges of climate change are increasing.
“We have to make these commitments because the pace of change is increasing. at’s not because there haven’t been great strides made, because there have. Even if you just take the retro t programme and the amount of investment there, there is huge intention, we have the right targets, the right people focused on it, but the pace of our own change needs to increase too. As the IPCC recently outlined, the problem is only
going to get worse if we don’t take action, and take action now.
“Having SSE willing to invest in the infrastructure needed to provide the solutions, and working with stakeholders, we are de nitely seeing that pace increase, and we would encourage everybody to help drive that forward.”
at encouragement extends to those interested in working with SSE, and Klair is keen to highlight the bene ts of working with a company delivering on its low-carbon future promises.
“SSE is a values-led business and our vision is to be the leading energy company in a net zero world. It is such a clear purpose and vision in terms of the impact we can have on society. Having that strength of purpose is really inspiring, and now is an amazing time to work in this industry because it is one for the future, and there is so much scope to have a challenging, interesting and diverse career.
“Building the infrastructure society needs to take action on climate change means the industry needs people of all talents and skillsets.”
Klair says she is personally very proud of SSE’s employment policies, which include generous family leave for maternity, adoption, fostering and pregnancy loss, and exibility to nd the balance between work and family.
“At the forefront of what we do is taking care of our employees,” she says, “because we want to support all of our colleagues, especially recognising those with caring responsibilities or who need to work di erently. We are a very inclusive organisation and that starts from recruitment, making sure everybody has the skills and supports they need.
“We want those people who can help deliver those solutions now, and it is not just about today, it is about providing energy solutions that will help people in the future. at is where our low-carbon solutions and various partnerships and o erings come into play, and with the strength of our group and the level of investment we have shown, we are con dent that we can achieve those aims of a net zero future that includes everybody.”
Uisce Éireann is committed to playing its part in the national drive to provide homes by developing and prioritising the delivery of key water service infrastructure.
A new dedicated team has been put in place to support the Government’s Housing for All Programme, and central to this is the delivery of critical infrastructure where and when it is needed.
e team works closely with Local Authorities to help inform their Development Plan preparation process, including the tiered zoning of lands to support housing delivery. It has also developed the rst ever capacity registers to indicate whether there is enough water/ wastewater capacity in an area for development: critical in enabling developers and Local Authorities prioritise areas with services.
Yvonne Harris, Uisce Éireann’s Housing for All Programme Director, said: “We recognise that Uisce Éireann has a key role to play in helping communities thrive by supporting the delivery of housing. We have increased our capability to support connection applications/o ers and onsite quality checks. e gures for 2022 show an unprecedented level of connection activity. Last year saw the delivery of water infrastructure to support almost 37,000 housing connections - up 4,500 on the number o ered in 2021.”
Yvonne added: “In addition to this, our connections team have issued positive responses
to more than 3,190 pre-connection enquiries associated with 116,647 housing units. Of those positive responses issued, 92% were within 16 weeks.
“We would encourage anyone considering developing housing to engage with us through our free pre-connection enquiry process. is enables us to assess the feasibility of a connection to the Uisce Éireann network and advise on the best way of progressing.”
Working with developers, the construction sector, business organisations such as the Chambers of Commerce, Local Authorities, and Government, Uisce Éireann has continuously re ned its connections process to ensure it is t for purpose to meet Ireland’s housing needs.
“We are working to build e ective partnerships to meet the housing supply challenge, we are here to listen to our stakeholders and take action. We are proactively making this happen by hosting, presenting, or attending events relating to housing. We will continue to work with all those committed to providing homes, to ensure Uisce Éireann can deliver water infrastructure,” added Yvonne.
Uisce Éireann’s commitment to supporting growth and development through the provision of new water and wastewater services includes the connection of a major new trunk water main in Ballycoolin, signi cantly increasing capacity to support development in Fingal and North County Dublin, as well as providing a more secure and reliable water supply to the 350,000 customers on the network.
Details of projects to support growth and development, as well as information on the connections process, can be found on www.water.ie.
“WE RECOGNISE THAT UISCE ÉIREANN HAS A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN HELPING COMMUNITIES THRIVE BY SUPPORTING THE DELIVERY OF HOUSING”The new trunk main at Ballycoolin in North Dublin which will support growth and development in the North Dublin and Fingal area while also providing a more secure and reliable supply for approximately 350,000 customers currently on the network Yvonne Harris, Uisce Éireann’s Housing For All Programme Director
Gas Networks Ireland aims to substantially reduce the country’s carbon emissions while ensuring a secure energy supply
Gas was the primary source of electricity generation in the first month of 2023, as it was for nine months of 2022. Gas generated 42% of Ireland’s electricity demand in January 2023, down 7% on both the previous month and on the same period last year. At times, gas powered electricity peaked at 80%, and it never fell below 12%.
Overall last year, gas was the energy source that generated 48% of the total electricity used in Ireland, with wind energy providing 34% and coal providing 9%.
Gas continues to be the ideal partner for weather-dependant renewables. Being able to harness wind energy when it is available, and back it up with the flexibility and reliability of gas when renewables are not available, provides a secure and complete energy system for the people of Ireland.
With 40% less CO2 emissions than coal, and 22% less CO2 emissions than oil, natural gas has been helping Irish homes and businesses reduce their carbon
A full house at Gas Networks Ireland’s biomethane RFI event in Dublin in November, and attended by more than 200 interested parties, with 70% of those polled saying they are looking to fund or develop a project or purchase biomethane.
footprint since it was discovered off the coast of Kinsale in the 1970s.
However, while natural gas produces significantly less emissions than coal or oil, it is still a fossil fuel. The national gas network needs to be decarbonised with renewable gases, and Gas Networks Ireland is working on replacing natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, to substantially reduce the country’s carbon emissions while complementing intermittent renewable electricity and ensuring a secure energy supply.
Structurally identical to natural gas, biomethane is a carbon neutral renewable gas that can be made from farm and food waste through a process known as anaerobic digestion. Gas Networks Ireland first introduced domestically produced biomethane onto Ireland’s gas network more than two years ago, and although the quantity is currently small, but
increasing, it is beginning to seamlessly replace natural gas, and is fully compatible with existing appliances and technology.
There is significant scope for biomethane production in Ireland. With the European Commission identifying Ireland as having the highest potential per capita to produce biomethane, it will also play a major role in Ireland and the EU’s commitment to becoming an energyefficient, low carbon economy.
An indigenous biomethane industry would not only support the decarbonisation of the agricultural sector, but it would also provide significant opportunities for rural communities, and facilitate sustainable circular economies.
In view of the Government’s ambition of up to 5.7TWh of biomethane production in Ireland by 2030, there is a need to scale up and prepare for this renewable energy source. Gas Networks Ireland is working to ensure the country is ready for the increased biomethane connections and injection on to the grid.
Hydrogen is a carbon free gas that can be made from renewable electricity through a process known as electrolysis, and stored until needed, making it an attractive option to decarbonise the Irish and EU energy systems. It provides a strong example of how greater integration between Ireland’s gas and electricity networks can support a low carbon economy.
Over the last year, Gas Networks Ireland has been working with University College Dublin’s Energy Institute (UCDEI) on a research project at its network innovation centre to investigate the potential use of hydrogen in Ireland, and to find out if we can heat homes and cook dinners with this renewable gas.
The initial part of the research concluded in late 2022 and found that householders using natural gas blended with up to 20% of hydrogen will not need to make any change to their existing domestic appliances, or notice any difference - even the flame motion and colour is very similar to the flame produced with 100% natural gas.
With our European neighbours, Gas Networks Ireland is participating in
Can you spot the difference between the two photos? The photo on the left is of 100% natural gas cooker flames, while the photo on the right is of cooker flames with a blend of 20% hydrogen and 80% natural gas.
a major project to help the European Union meet its new accelerated goals and radically increase the use of hydrogen by 2030. The European Hydrogen Backbone network will largely be based on repurposing existing natural gas infrastructure.
Clean energy
Here at home, Gas Networks Ireland is one of a number of industry players funding a new €16million strategic partnership with Irish third-level institutions that will examine how to holistically decarbonise the overall Irish energy sector. Led by UCDEI, NexSys (Next Generation Energy System) is also supported by Science Foundation Ireland.
As part of the Government’s development of a national hydrogen strategy, Gas Networks Ireland recently made a submission outlining the central role Ireland’s gas network plays in Ireland’s future clean energy and hydrogen economies, and how it is preparing the existing gas network to accept hydrogen/natural gas blends from the UK, as well as preparing for the injection of green hydrogen at appropriate locations into the gas network. Additionally, the Government’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), sets out the detailed measures to cut emissions and meet Ireland’s forthcoming targets in each sector. One of the actions is to develop renewable gas in the gas grid.
Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €2.7bn, 14,664km national gas network, which is considered one of the safest and most modern renewables-ready gas networks in the world.
Almost 720,000 Irish homes and businesses trust Ireland’s gas network to provide efficient and reliable energy to meet their heating, cooking, manufacturing and transport needs.
The gas network is the cornerstone of Ireland’s energy system, securely supplying more than 30% of Ireland’s total energy, including 40% of all heating and almost 50% of the country’s electricity generation. By working to replace natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, and complementing intermittent renewable electricity, Gas Networks Ireland is supporting Ireland’s journey to a cleaner energy future.
www.gasnetworks.ie
Q: What does AIB have in the pipeline to support Irish businesses and SMEs?
Q: Tell me about your journey in AIB
A: In my 30 years in the banking sector, I’ve worked across many areas, overseeing the bank’s digital services, branch banking and mortgages. I first joined AIB’s executive committee in 2015 as Head of the bank’s Financial Solutions Group. November 2018 saw me become Chief Customer and Strategic Affairs Officer, before starting my current role as Managing Director of Retail Banking at the start of 2020.
Retail Banking brings together more than 4,500 staff focused on delivering for our 2.7million+ Personal and SME customers. I’m also responsible for a number of Group entities and joint ventures.
Q: As MD of AIB Retail Banking, what is top of mind for the business?
A: We have the ability to continue to grow as the most relevant and valuable banking provider in the Irish market.
We know there is massive change in the banking community, with the exit of two banks from the Irish market. AIB is working with thousands of customers to establish new banking relationships, to the process as quick and seamless as possible. We want to establish long-term relationships. We know our continued investment in technology and the branch network offers customers a real choice in how they want to engage with AIB.
A: AIB has a range of products and services available to support Irish businesses and SMEs in their daily business banking needs, and to support their growth objectives through Loans, Asset Finance and Prompt Pay. Three areas of focus for me in 2023 are Wealth management, Access to Credit and Sustainability. Our new joint venture with Great West Life Co will give Irish businesses access to life protection, pensions and investment options. Through a partnership with Enterprise Nation and the BPFI, there are educational resources for Irish businesses on Access to Finance.
Additionally, AIB’s relationship with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) has helped generate a pathway for Irish businesses to access low-cost credit. Together, we plan to roll out the Ukraine Credit Guarantee Scheme, a fund supporting Irish SMEs impacted by the war in Ukraine
Q: What are the key challenges facing Irish businesses in 2023?
A: 2023 brings challenges, with rising interest rates a concern. Asset finance, business investment, cash-flow management, talent retention, succession and acquisition will be important for Irish businesses. Sustainability has been a growing area of both opportunity and challenge, and this year will be no different. We launched our AIB Business Outlook 2023 report in January: a timely and incisive overview for Irish businesses for the year ahead. We hope you’ll find it helpful.
“WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO CONTINUE TO GROW AS THE MOST RELEVANT AND VALUABLE BANKING PROVIDER IN THE IRISH MARKET”
BrightHR has launched a new partnership with Chambers Ireland and is offering an exclusive 5% discount to all Chambers members.
We’re committed to helping businesses thrive with our market-leading HR and Health & Safety software, providing support to more than 90,000 businesses with more than 1million users, and offering a range of support services from expert employment law advice to payroll reporting.
In February, we proudly partnered with Chambers Ireland with one goal in mind: to help local organisations navigate challenges and grow their business. We know juggling your HR, staying ahead of changing legislation and managing your people, while simultaneously setting up or scaling your business is stressful and time-consuming, but our unique offerings can help.
When the business world was disrupted by COVID-19, BrightHR introduced tools such as vaccination recording and BrightSafe, which had the latest advice, templates, and guides to get businesses running again. We also updated our software to help manage homeworkers, with features like geo-location tagging in our clocking-in-and-out system, Blip.
In Ireland, there have been lots of recent changes impacting the way you’re allowed run your business and manage your people. Changes to statutory sick pay and employee contracts, and a new Work-Life Balance Bill all come with potential risks for employers. BrightAdvice helps you stay ahead of changing legislation, with our expert HR advice line giving trustworthy legal advice from Irelandbased CIPD-qualified advisers, 24/7.
Our recruitment hub, the Turbo Talent Navigator, recorded its highest number of Irish job applicants in October 2022, and with a rise in “quiet quitting” where staff seek more meaningful work, better pay, or both, the Turbo Talent Navigator helps managers navigate the entire employee lifecycle and attain top talent before the competition.
We’re also helping businesses stay competitive by offering staff perks such as our new online micro-learning platform designed to help educate staff on HR topics, at no extra cost, and we are the only HR platform with a free marketplace: Bright Exchange, which lets you create an unlimited number of adverts in front of 750,000+ consumers across Ireland and the UK for free. Once you’re a BrightHR customer, you can excite your employees and entice new recruits by offering thousands of staff discounts on top brands.
More and more businesses are relying on HR systems like BrightHR, and with Chambers’ geographic reach, we are aligned in our goal to advance business growth, starting locally.
Whether you need support starting your business, managing a bigger team, or growing your organisation, BrightHR has a solution for all business types and budgets, with costeffective, scalable software.
The Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce is a milestone in bilateral relations
On3 0th March, the Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce officially launches in Dublin. This pioneering initiative is the product of the entrepreneurial flair of a growing number of Brazilians who have chosen to make Ireland their home.
These people have brought their skills, their creative energy, and their hopes. The 10 to 15,000 Brazilians who travel here annually, often to improve their English skills, are not fleeing poverty or unemployment. The majority (85%) has a university education and professional experience. Many decide to settle in Europe’s fastest growing economy and integrate into the open and diverse society which the Irish are so rightly proud of.
More than just jobs, Brazilians find here an attractive environment in which to do business, invest and innovate. A burgeoning Brazilian business community has emerged, attuned to Ireland’s dynamic and diversified business model.
Out of a population of roughly 70,000, some 1,500 are entrepreneurs. Their activities generate more than 2,200 job openings and a turnover of roughly €150million annually, which is expected to double in the short term. Most businesses are still small. They were set up in the last four years and generate a yearly revenue of under €100,000. In fact, most sprouted during the pandemic, which goes to show how Brazilians believe crises are above all opportunities to innovate. According to the Brazilian Entrepreneurship In Ireland 2022 Report, most are in Dublin (70%), and focus on manufacturing (25.8%), service activities (24.5%), human health and social work activities (9.8%), as well as wholesale and the retail trade (8.8%)
(“Brazilian Entrepreneurship in Ireland 2022 Report”: https://www.unleashe.eu/en/report) They are the success stories that the Chamber of Commerce wishes to encourage. The launch will raise eyebrows, not just in Ireland. The Chamber will showcase to Brazilians both here and back in Brazil as the Irish success story of the last decade. It will highlight the business and trade
“THE OPPORTUNITY IS RIPE TO TAKE OUR LINKS TO A NEW LEVEL”
opportunities that Ireland offers. Few Brazilians are aware that Ireland is home to an industrial hub including eight of the ten largest North American digital giants. Nor do they know that this results from investing in cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, together with a highly qualified workforce and a business-friendly regulatory environment.
Ireland is proof that even in today’s uncertain international environment, globalisation is irreversible – for those who know how to position themselves competitively. Brazil, for its part, has consolidated its position as an attractive global player with a high degree of economic diversification. It is well placed to be a hub for companies wishing to access not just the huge Brazilian domestic market, but Latin America as a whole.
A stable financial system and a tradition of respect for contracts make Brazil a safe place for investment. This is why it received a total of US$90.6billion FDI in 2022, making it the third largest recipient of FDI after the US and China in the first half of 2022.
Unsurprisingly, Brazil’s investmentfriendly environment has attracted an array of top Irish companies such as Kerry Group, Smurfit Kappa, Kingspan, Carbery Group, SURETANK, Icon, Bimeda, Alltech and Trinity Biotech. Their operations in Brazil amount to investments of more than US$2billion.
Together with providing support for fledgling entrepreneurs, the largest challenge before the Chamber is to help put Ireland on the map of attractive destinations for Brazilian investments. There is no reason why Brazilian investment in Ireland should not match those of Irish companies in Brazil.
At US$1.1billion (2022), trade is far below its potential, with a US$481million surplus in favour of Ireland. Brazil’s exports range from commodities, semi-manufactured to aircrafts. Ireland, for its part, sends across the Atlantic medical and pharmaceutical products, food and beverage ingredients, and IT equipment. Given its diversified nature, there is huge scope for growth. Not surprisingly, both Enterprise Ireland and IDA have offices in São Paulo.
The opportunity is therefore ripe to take our links to a new level. To this end, the Chamber will organise round tables addressing the
problems faced by Brazilian and Irish companies. Next September, a trade fair will exhibit everything from beer with ingredients from the Amazonian rainforest to a digital platform for selling sustainable products. In December, Government, business and civil society leaders will meet to outline strategies to strengthen business relations between Brazil and Ireland.
The inauguration of the Chamber is a milestone in bilateral relations that signals the vanguard role that the Brazilian business community in Ireland can play in achieving the full potential between two countries. Trade links can benefit from the potential for technical and technological cooperation on global challenges, in which two countries can work together.
Brazil’s science and technology agenda encourages research in strategic areas such as renewable energy, clean aviation, IT and biotechnology. On the back of modern sustainable farming methods, Brazilian agribusiness offers opportunities to join arms with Irish farmers in developing sustainable answers to climate change while feeding the world’s growing food needs.
If we than factor in that Ireland is already one of the top foreign investors in Brazil, we are well on our way to transforming Irish-Brazilian relations into an even more thriving partnership. The launch of the Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce (https://brazilirelandchamber.com) is a milestone in bilateral relations. Our bet is that it will also pave the road to attaining the full potential for cooperation that Brazilian and Irish entrepreneurs have already shown.
“A STABLE FINANCIAL SYSTEM AND A TRADITION OF RESPECT FOR CONTRACTS MAKE BRAZIL A SAFE PLACE FOR INVESTMENT”
Clare County Council was named Local Authority of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, after it was shortlisted in seven categories and took home awards in two, as well as the overall top prize.
The 19th annual Awards ceremony, which took place in November 2022, was held in association with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage, showcasing and celebrating the best of Local Government in Ireland.
Clare County Council’s wins came in the Sustaining the Arts and Festival of the Year categories, proving their excellence in creating community-based platforms for creativity.
Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland said: “Local Authorities continue to make substantial impacts across multiple areas of Irish society with wide-ranging positive improvements for local communities and the local economy; the Local Government Awards serve as the platform to highlight the irreplaceable value that results.
“Congratulations to Local Authority of the Year, Clare County Council, all the category winners, the shortlisted organisations and to the people behind all of these projects.
“For their commitment to serving their community, Clare County Council deserve to be commended and have earned their Award title of Local Authority of the Year.” Minister of State with responsibility for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke TD also said: “I wish to thank Chambers Ireland for their continued support in championing the vital work of local authorities, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to come together to celebrate the efforts of all those who work tirelessly in our local communities.”
In total, there were 15 awards presented on the night, plus the overall award for Local Authority of the Year. Individual awards were sponsored by: European Recycling Platform (ERP), The Office of the Planning Regulator, Healthy Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Truehawk Media, IPB Insurance and EirGrid.
Specially commissioned crystal awards designed by Waterford Crystal were presented to the winners on the night.
Applications for the 2023 Excellence in Local Government Awards will open on 30th March and close on 5th May. To receive updates on the awards please email carly.mooney@chambers.ie
Local Authority of the Year
Clare County Council
Supporting Sustainable Communities
Limerick City & County Council
– New Build Incremental Purchase System
Climate Change
Mayo County Council
– Mayo Decarbonising
Communities Network
Communications
Kildare County Council
– Understanding Kildare’s County Development Plan
Health & Wellbeing
Waterford City & County
Council – Ireland’s First Outdoor Learn to Cycle Track in Dungarvan
Supporting Tourism
Mayo County Council
– Clew Bay Bike Trail
Diversity & Inclusion
Dublin City Council
– Academy of the Near Future
Promoting Economic Development
Limerick City & County Council
– Engine Hubs Network
Local Authority Innovation
South Dublin County Council
– Think Big Space in Partnership with AWS
Sustainable Environment
Cork City Council
– Cork City Council Air Quality Strategy
Sustaining the Arts
Clare County Council
– HOUSE! Open air aerial spectacular
Festival of the Year
Clare County Council – Ennis Mela
Initiative Through the Municipal Districts
Carlow County Council – Ru:Rban – Urbact
Enhancing the Urban Environment
Limerick City & County Council
– Castletroy Urban Greenway
Heritage and Built Environment
Donegal County Council
– Single large-scale heritageled urban regeneration project in Ramelton
Age Friendly Initiative
Wexford County Council
– Wexford Telehealth Project
New Build Incremental Purchase System
This pilot scheme aimed to allow people to buy new starter homes at a discounted price at a time when the cost of housing in Limerick is increasing rapidly. It is targeted at working households currently in private or rented accommodation who may be on Housing Assistance Payments, the Rental Accommodation Scheme, or social leasing. New builds in this development are available to buy at 40-60% discount, depending on income band, with two locations situated at Main Street, Pallaskenry and the Old Cratloe Road/Redgate Road in Limerick City. Half of the total of 30 three-bed semi-detached houses were made available at the discounted prices that ranged from €106,000 to €174,000.
Understanding Kildare’s County Development Plan
Aiming to provide a better understanding of the County Development Plan (CDP), the communication process involved in its development began with the public consultation phase in March 2022, where citizens, communities and businesses were encouraged to have their say on the development of their County. The Council worked with the Forward Planning team to undertake a coordinated communications campaign which included a podcast series, media engagement, a social media strategy, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications. The campaign explored many aspects of the CDP, what it is, what it is not, how it informs the development of the County, and how Kildare people could have their say.
Mayo Decarbonising Communities Network
As part of Government’s Climate Action Plan 2029, Local Authorities were tasked with identifying and developing plans for one Decarbonising Zone, and Mayo County Council invited communities to apply to become the county’s first such zone. Workshops were led by experts in various fields, and ten communities representing 30% of the population of Mayo applied, with Mulranny chosen as the destination. All ten communities formed a network to learn from support and inspire each other to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030.
Ireland’s First Outdoor Learn to Cycle Track in Dungarvan
As a ‘Smarter Travel’ town, Dungarvan was ideal for Waterford City and County Council to develop a cycle track costing €50,000. They used a holistic approach to wellbeing, in that promoting the safe use of cycling teaches children life skills which long-term, can encourage the use of sustainable transport and reduce future over-dependence on cars. The project created long-term wider benefits for the climate and the environment, while the next phase of the development, a Performance Area, is at an advanced stage. When completed, the recreation park will include a BMX Pump Track and Skatepark.
Academy of the Near Future
Academy of the Near Future (ANF) is a smart cities education programme for students and local authority professionals developed by Smart Docklands, Dublin City Council (DCC) and CONNECT. Using interactive workshops and hands-on activities, the programme brought citizens into the conversation about how technology shapes the places we live. During the academic year 21/22, ANF delivered workshops to over 1,000 students nationally. The programme has a mission to reach underserved communities and areas with low educational attainment, ensuring at least 50% of workshop participants are female, and 50% are from DEIS schools to broaden their inclusion in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) outreach initiatives.
The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a new 105km bike and ferry route looping Clew Bay, curving around the coastline, incorporating both Clare Island and Achill Island. In conjunction with Destination Westport, Westport Chamber of Commerce and Mayo County Council, Cycle Friendly Clew Bay aims to establish Westport and the Clew Bay area as a world-class, affordable cycling destination aimed at both domestic and international tourists. The trail primarily utilises the existing Great Western Greenway, along with a section of segregated cycle path and some sections of local road. With tourists now looking for healthier, more sustainable travel and exercise options, the hospitality sector in the Clew Bay region has the unique opportunity to adapt themselves to cater for the huge increase in cycling tourism.
Engine Hubs Network
Engine Hubs is the first collaborative cluster of business hubs spanning the Mid-West and North Kerry, providing a hybrid working infrastructure for remote workers and business owners, as well as full landing pad services to multinationals looking to set up or expand their operations in the region. CEO of Innovate Limerick, Mike Cantwell explains: “How and where we work is changing and our goal is to facilitate this change. Engine Hubs will help people to create a better work-life balance, by providing high-quality co-working facilities in the Mid-West and North Kerry. We are challenging traditional urban-rural divides and offering flexible work locations in cities, towns, and villages.”
In August 2021, Cork City Council became the first local authority in Ireland to launch an Air Quality Strategy, outlining the actions that Cork City Council will undertake between 2021 and 2026 to reduce the concentration of air pollutants in the city area; thereby positively impacting the health and quality of life of residents and visitors. There are 69 actions set out to deliver the strategy and these have been separated into seven themes: Health & Wellbeing, Air Quality Monitoring, Travel, Electric Vehicle & Charging Infrastructure, Regulation & Enforcement, Green Infrastructure, Research & Innovation.
SOU TH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Think Big Space
The Think Big Space in partnership with Amazon Web Services is a new educational lab aiming to inspire an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths. It provides a dedicated space for students, educators and communities to explore innovative ideas through interactive hands-on technical education, with resources including interactive screens, tablets and VR headsets. Students are encouraged to think big to solve real-world problems, while adult learners also have the opportunity to learn more about cloud computing technology, workforce development, internships and career programmes.
HOUSE! was a fun-filled spectacle with circus, theatre and drive-in bingo. This show was commissioned by Clare County Council in partnership with Galway County Council and Limerick City and County Council. Renowned international aerial dance company Fidget Feet were commissioned to develop an outdoor show, with the local authorities devising an opportunity whereby people could attend an outdoor event, while socially distant in their cars, could participate in the show, and where community groups were integrated in the performance in a safe but creative manner.
Ru:Rban – Urbact
Ru:Rban is an Urbact Project delivered by a partnership between Carlow County Council Executive and elected members, businesses, community groups and NGOs working in the area of Community Gardens and Allotments. The project builds upon the “Management Model of Urban Gardens in Rome” and is based on shared good practice across the project partners of Rome (Lead Partner: Italy) / Split (Croatia) / Alexandroupolis (Greece) / Algeciras (Spain) and Carlow Town (County Carlow). In order to complete this transfer of best practice, the geographically distant partners share experiences to enhance the capacities of each other’s local governance.
Ennis Mela
Ennis Mela was a new initiative by Clare Arts Office to encourage the performance and sharing by culturally diverse groups in the town of Ennis. Curated and produced by Fidget Feet, Aerial Dance Company, local musicians gathered with performers from Belfast Mela to put on a free day of activity, food, and fun. The Mela featured performances from India, Nepal, Spain, South America, and Pakistan and was compered by Rapper WillZee from the travelling community. The Market Building in Ennis was transformed with staging, backdrops and flags to host the open-air event which attracted large crowds and a very receptive audience.
Castletroy Urban Greenway
Single Large-Scale Heritage-Led Urban Regeneration in Ramelton
Ramelton is one of the finest preserved historic towns in Ireland’s Northwest, but its historic fabric experienced significant decline in recent years. In response, a single large-scale urban regeneration project was designed, firmly based on the Ramelton Action Plan, Heritage-led actions. Some 14 historic buildings (eight highlighted as “At Risk”) located around the site of the Market Cross, were chosen to achieve the greatest transformative visual streetscape impact. This transformative regeneration project demonstrates the potential for positive streetscape impact through modest conservation and repair work at an urban scale.
The Castletroy Urban Greenway is a high-quality, attractive, and accessible greenway in the heart of suburban Limerick, connecting people’s homes with local schools, shops, playgrounds and amenities. It provides an enhanced pedestrian and cycling experience for residents, school children and commuters in the area, and consists of a 3.5m wide cycleway alongside a 2.5m wide footpath. It is enclosed by a grass verge and includes tree and shrub planting areas that add to the enjoyment of the local environment.
Wex ford Telehealth Project
Wexford County Council funded a partnership with Wexford General Hospital to undertake a telehealth pilot project in 2021 in cooperation with Tunstall Emergency Response, Age Friendly Ireland and the HSE. Telehealth involves the use of technology to support healthcare remotely, allowing older people to self-manage their health conditions within their own homes. Remote clinical triage was provided to 50 older patients with chronic illnesses including Chronic Heart Failure, Diabetes and COPD, with equipment provided to these patients for a 12-week period, resulting in a reduction in unnecessary appointments, reducing time spent in waiting rooms and travelling.
has always been on fast delivery, there’s been a shi amongst more eco-conscious shoppers. A Descartes survey of consumers in Europe, the US and Canada found that 54% would be willing to wait longer for an order if it was being delivered via a sustainable method, whilst 20% would be prepared to pay more.
Following a tumultuous 2021, there were hopes that 2022 would bring stability back to the global market. Looking back at the Yearbook in January 2022, the hope was for a return to ‘normality’, but that stability never materialised.
e war in Ukraine, rising fuel prices, labour shortages and an increase in the price of raw materials are impacting a range of industries, so it’s unsurprising that many businesses will prioritise costs in 2023.
PwC recently surveyed business leaders in supply chain-intensive sectors about their priorities over the next 12 to 18 months. “Increasing e ciency” (63%) and “managing or reducing costs” (59%) were the leading answers. But how can logistics companies support businesses to achieve these objectives in 2023?
According to research by Accenture, one of the most signi cant drivers of change within the logistics industry is customer expectations, with 91%
of companies acknowledging that customers are now asking for endto-end logistics services handled by a single provider. Beyond traditional services like freight forwarding and customs brokerage, customers are now looking for logistics providers to also cover reverse logistics, e-commerce management and analytics capabilities.
Fi h-Party Logistics (5PL) partners – such as DHL – have emerged as a valuable asset. As supply chains become increasingly complex, the 5PL model has evolved to meet demand. A 5PL partner will handle all the logistical needs of a client, by rst identifying their exact requirements, then planning, executing and managing the entire solution. 5PL partners have the size and experience to source and manage other suppliers along the supply chain, and leverage the latest technologies to ensure every touchpoint is optimised. In short, 5PLs are an all-in-one solution able to meet all logistics needs. In 2023, with supply chains facing more disruptions, 5PLs will be more important than ever.
As any e-commerce business owner knows, delivery is an integral part of their service and the key to retaining long-term customers. ough emphasis
In 2023, more companies will seek to nd a balance between convenience and sustainability in their delivery options. “Rather than viewing sustainability as just another challenge, retailers need to see it for the huge opportunity [it] presents. Consumers intend to buy more from retailers perceived to be more sustainable,” the Descartes survey says.
Electric vehicles are not a new solution, but they’re leading a path for other innovations – such as electric airplanes. In September 2022, DHL made aviation history when its rstever fully electric commuter plane successfully completed its maiden ight at Washington, USA. e “Alice” plane from Eviation Aircra is one of a eet of 12 the logistics leader has invested in on its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. By partnering with an environmentally responsible logistics provider, businesses can align their brand with eco-conscious customers’ expectations for nal mile delivery.
If you are interested in nding out more about logistics trends, scan the QR code and read the DHL Logistics Trend Radar report.
DHL is a valuable asset in managing the entire logistics solution for businesses
Chambers Ireland opened the application process for the Sustainable Business Impact Awards 2023 in February at the ESB Head Office. These prestigious nationwide awards have become recognised as the most prominent awards in the area of sustainability for 20 years. They have helped to galvanise very significant investment by the private sector into appropriate projects benefitting the environment, communities, charities and workforces.
The Awards recognise the meaningful and high-quality work by companies through different award categories, including Environment, Charity, Volunteering, Community, Workplace, Communication, Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Sized Business, and Diversity, Inclusion and Equity.
2023 marks the 20th year of the awards. In that time, we have seen more than 500 great companies with 2,000 different projects receive recognition at these Awards.
The awards are sponsored by BAM Ireland and are run in association with the Department of Rural and Community Development, One4all and ESB.
“THESE PRESTIGIOUS NATIONWIDE AWARDS HAVE BECOME RECOGNISED AS THE MOST PROMINENT AWARDS IN THE AREA OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR 20 YEARS”
DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & EQUITY
This category seeks to recognise initiatives that enhance the diverse environment of workplaces and foster inclusion for all staff. Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity in business is about ensuring that the workplace environment is one in which staff are valued for their many differences, and are not left behind or excluded because of them.
VOLUNTEERING
This category aims to award a company for excellence in employee volunteering. Volunteering is a way for a business to give back to the local community by offering their time and skills free of charge.
WORKPLACE (MNC & LIC)
Sustainable workplaces are those that support employee well-being and inclusion. These are happy and supportive environment for your employees. This can range from healthy workplace initiatives, to mental health support and team building initiatives. This category also seeks to recognise excellence in policies and programmes that support staff with caring responsibilities.
SUSTAINABLE
This category recognises that size is not a factor in the capabilities of a business to make a positive impact in the world. The SME category applies to companies with 50 employees or fewer, and recognises excellence in a variety of areas. This category is not specific to environmental or community-based projects; all categories of projects can be entered.
COMMUNITY
A community programme represents a sustained effort by a business to strengthen its links with the community in which it operates, and to have a positive impact on its locality. The programme should respond to a specific need in the community and should focus on the measures taken by a business to engage with the community and all relevant stakeholders on talking it.
COMMUNICATION
This category reflects the steps taken in communications across the board, internally with employees on the company’s work and engagement, externally with the charity partner or community, and wider again, with customers and external business stakeholders.
PARTNERSHIP
This category awards excellence in working with a partner charity. Businesses can partner with a charity in a number of different ways, for example, engaging in an awareness campaign with a partner charity, or providing operational and skills sharing which will support the charity’s work.
ENVIRONMENT
This category seeks to recognise initiatives that enhance the diverse environment of workplaces and foster inclusion for all staff. Diversity, Inclusivity and Equity in business is about ensuring that the workplace environment is one in which staff are valued for their many differences, and are not left behind or excluded because of them.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
This category awards excellence in working with a partner social enterprise. This category is about business engaging through collaborative means so that the impact of the social enterprise is increased.
The 2023 Awards will be presented at a gala dinner in September, and applications are now open online at https://sbiawards.awardsplatform.com/
The 2022 Sustainable Business Impact Awards, took place in September of last year, with An Post winning the Outstanding Achievement Award for its commitment to sustainability in its company values, and for consistently meeting key judging criteria across all aspects of sustainability.
Speaking at the ceremony, which was held at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin, Chambers Ireland CEO Ian Talbot said: “Congratulations to An Post and the winners of the award categories, whom we recognise for their achievements. Our awards reveal how the benchmark of quality among projects implemented by businesses across Ireland continues to be driven upwards.
“The programmes and activities developed by businesses of all sizes continues to evolve every year and have become ever more proactive at addressing current sustainability challenges. The winning projects have also demonstrated engagement with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, in everything they do.”
Shortlisted across four categories, An Post also won in the Environment category for its decarbonisation strategy.
The Awards were kindly sponsored by BAM Ireland, while the Department of Rural and Community Development sponsored the Social Enterprise category and One4all sponsored the Workplace award.
Applications for the 2023 Sustainable Business Impact Awards are now open. The deadline for submissions is 12 noon, 28th April 2023. To receive updates on the awards please email carly.mooney@chambers.ie
In addition, Chambers Ireland presented a Special Recognition Award to the Civil Service Covid-19 Business Support Teams, representing the Departments of Finance, Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Social Protection, Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports & Media, and the Revenue Commissioners. The special award reflected on the enormous contribution made to business sustainability by those civil servants charged with delivering the various Government COVID-19 supports to businesses on a timely and efficient basis.
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS IMPACT AWARDS 2022 CATEGORY WINNERS
Special Recognition Award for Sustaining Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic Civil Service
COVID-19 Business Support Team
Communication (LIC)
SuperValu
Save The Bees
Communication (MNC)
Aldi Ireland
Better Everyday
Partnership with Charity (LIC)
Trigon Hotels
Trigon Hotels in Partnership with Cope Foundation
Partnership with Charity (MNC)
Lidl Ireland
Combatting Period
Poverty with Dignity
Environment (LIC)
An Post Decarbonisation Strategy
Environment (MNC)
MSD Ireland
See Green, Be Green
Volunteering Intel Ireland
Volunteering in Our Communities
Community Programme (LIC)
Arthur Cox
Strengthening Access to Justice for Communities Through FLAC’s Information Line
Community Programme (MNC)
Vodafone Ireland
Hi Digital
Workplace (sponsored by One4all)
Brown Thomas Arnotts
Reinventing
Retail: Creating a Sustainable Future Through Workplace Experience
COMMUNICATION (LIC)
SUPERVALU
Boots Ireland ‘Safe Space’ Initiative
Social Enterprise (supported by the Dept of Rural & Community Development)
A&L Goodbody
ALG & SEI
Collaboration to Unlock the Potential of Social Enterprise
Diversity & Inclusion (LIC)
Bowsy Diversity Launch
Diversity & Inclusion (MNC)
Mason, Hayes & Curran
The Engage & Educate Fund 2022
Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Business
Jiminy Eco Toys
Inspiring a Playfully Sustainable World
Outstanding
Achievement in Sustainable Business Impact
An Post
SuperValu partnered with the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to create a schools programme to raise awareness of the importance of pollination and supporting local biodiversity. With 30% of Irish bees under threat of extinction, the Save the Bees campaign raised awareness of the importance of pollinators.
COMMUNICATION (MNC)
ALDI IRELAND
Better Everyday
Communication is vitally important for Aldi to highlight the work that the business engages in, sharing best practice and knowledge internally and externally. The Better Everyday communication plan was launched to enable Aldi to communicate Corporate Responsibility initiatives internally and externally.
PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY (LIC)
TRIGON HOTELS
Trigon Hotels in Partnership with Cope Foundation
Trigon Hotels engaged with Cope Foundation and Ability@work, to highlight inclusion, and to provide employment and training opportunities. Workplace practices were reviewed and improved creating a more inclusive work environment to all.
PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARITY (MNC)
LIDL IRELAND
Lidl Ireland’s Combatting Period
Poverty with Dignity
The Combatting Period Poverty with Dignity campaign is the world’s first initiative run by a retailer distributing free period products. The campaign was designed to help to reduce stigma and highlight the need for change.
VOLUNTEERING INTEL IRELAND
Intel Ireland Volunteering in Our Communities
Volunteering is a valued part of the culture at Intel and has been encouraged and facilitated to make it as meaningful and impactful as possible. In 2021, 170,000 hours were volunteered across communities in 24 counties.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMME (LIC)
ARTHUR COX
Strengthening Access to Justice for Communities Through FLAC’s Information Line
Arthur Cox provides free legal information through the FLAC Information Line, empowering communities to assert their legal rights. Supporting the FLAC Information Line strengthens access to justice by providing essential legal information to communities navigating the legal system.
COMMUNITY PROGRAMME (MNC)
VODAFONE IRELAND
Hi Digital
Hi Digital is a free digital skills programme that offers online and in-person training to older people to build their technological confidence. The programme helps improve the lives of older people by empowering them to use and enjoy the benefits of the online world.
ENVIRONMENT (LIC)
AN POST
An Post Decarbonisation Strategy
An Post are working to improve air quality by decarbonising operations and supporting Ireland’s transition to a low carbon future. SEAI verified an energy saving of 33.4% by end 2020, which is a significant step to 2030’s net zero target.
ENVIRONMENT (MNC)
MSD IRELAND
See Green, Be Green
See Green, Be Green is an enterprise-wide initiative to embed sustainability in operations to create a green and healthy future. MSD Ireland partnered with GIY to educate all employees on living sustainably, and sponsored grow boxes, enabling employees to grow vegetables at home during 2021.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
A&L GOODBODY
ALG and SEI Collaborate to Unlock the Potential of Social Enterprise
ALG and Social Enterprise Ireland collaborated to unlock the potential of social enterprise to tackle systemic societal issues. ALG leveraged its profile and skills to support SEI’s growth and scale social entrepreneurship in Ireland.
SUSTAINABLE IMPACT BY A SMALL OR MEDIUM BUSINESS
JIMINY ECO TOYS
Inspiring a Playfully Sustainable World
Jiminy Eco Toys inspires a playfully sustainable future by making it easy to choose climate-neutral, minimal-waste toys. For every 1% of the Irish toy market buying an eco-toy, we avoid an emission of CO2 which would take 43,000 trees to absorb.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (LIC)
BOWSY
Bowsy Diversity Launch
Bowsy is improving diversity and inclusion in the graduate recruitment process by connecting students and employers on the Bowsy platform. Through remote work experience, Bowsy enables equality of opportunity for students, eliminating barriers based on location, university or lack of employer network.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION (MNC)
MASON, HAYES & CURRAN
The Engage & Educate Fund 2022
The fund aims to work with organisations that empower young people and adults through education, and break the negative cycle of poverty through education. The 2021-2024 Fund will see the largest ever amounts awarded since the project began, with five organisations receiving grants and non-financial supports packages.
WORKPLACE
BROWN THOMAS ARNOTTS
Reinventing Retail: Creating a Sustainable Future Through Workplace Experience
In 2021, Brown Thomas Arnotts launched a new vision, purpose and values that puts building a sustainable future for people and planet at the heart of the workplace experience, increasing employee engagement and commitment during an extremely challenging time for business and the wider retail industry.
Contracts signed for major regeneration project in Letterkenny; UPSURGE project plans begin to take shape in Belfast; and Belfast secures funding to develop green hydrogen technology plan.
Sport Ireland announced an investment of over €26m to National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs) and to the network of Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs) for 2023. This year’s figures see a €1m (6%) increase in allocation to the National Governing Bodies on 2022 funding. The total core funding to the NGBs in 2023 is €16m. This increased investment provides Sport Ireland with an opportunity to support the majority of governing bodies with a cost-of-living increase for 2023 along with continued targeted investment in a number of specific areas. The rising costs of sports administration is also acknowledged by Sport Ireland, with NGBs having been provided with additional funding to absorb this expenditure. Investment into the Local Sports Partnerships has maintained the same level of support for 2023, with a total investment of €10,365,000 being allocated across the 29 Local Sports Partnerships. Human resourcing in the Local Sports Partnerships has been prioritised, with additional funding for the resourcing of Local Sports Partnership Development Officers and Sport Inclusion Disability Officers to assist
ongoing vital work being undertaken across the country.
Local Enterprise Office Kildare invited Mid-East tech companies to MERITS – Mid-Eastern Regional Innovation Think Space for Local Enterprise Week and launched their own digital product, an on-demand business accelerator.
Fingal County Council presented its third annual progress report on the Climate Change Action Plan to Fingal Councillors. The plan sets out four key targets and 133 actions that the council will undertake in the areas of energy and buildings, transport, flood resilience, nature-based solutions and resource management. All departments of Fingal County Council are responsible for the successful rollout of actions within the Climate Change Action Plan.
The Climate Change Action Plan 2019-2024 (CCAP) was launched in 2019 following collaboration with the Dublin Local Authorities in partnership with the City of Dublin Energy Management Agency (Codema) and Dublin’s Climate Action Regional Office (CARO), and a progress report is presented annually.
The 2022 progress report reveals that Fingal County Council is currently taking action on 111 of the 133 items laid out in the five-year Climate Change Action Plan, with a further 19 actions completed and just three yet to be progressed.
Some of the actions already taken or completed include a review of energy efficiency across the organisation, conversion of public lighting to climate-friendly LED lighting and significant advances with retrofitting of council social housing with 91 homes completed in 2022 and a further 150 to be completed in the coming 12 months.
€17.11M
Fifty-two Active Travel projects across Fingal have been granted €17.11m in National Transport Authority (NTA) funding as part of an overall €290m to be spent on 1,200 walking and cycling infrastructure projects across Ireland this year. Projects to receive funding in Fingal include Safer Routes to School spread across the county, Active Travel upgrades for Skerries, Rush, Lusk and Portmarnock, connections to Dublin Airport, the Swords Cycle Network as part of the Sustainable Swords initiative, Broadmeadow Greenway, the Royal Canal Cycle Route and a series of routes planned for Blanchardstown, Clonee and Castleknock.
The goal of this platform is to serve top growth-stage start-ups with tailored strategy, export, and leadership training from global industry experts. This content is accessible on demand, anywhere and on any device. Its objective is to help businesses accelerate their ability to grow and export in a learning environment that is customised specifically to their business needs and journey as an entrepreneur.
Speaking during Local Enterprise Week, Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Kildare County Council said, “We have huge ambition to expand the capabilities of this offering, providing an on-demand learning environment for entrepreneurs across multiple sectors. This platform tailors the learning journey to each entrepreneur based on their stage in business, sector and goals.”
Much of the video and workbook content was developed in collaboration with Colm Reilly, OCO Global. Dr Colm Reilly developed the first global accelerator – Sirius programme and was involved with the creation of the MENA Hub for the international acceleration of technology companies globally.
The Civil Defence K9 Unit recently added two new search dogs to their Victim Recovery Unit and announced the recent qualification of their first female dog handler. Meath volunteer handler Karen Kelly and her victim recovery dog Rossi recently qualified after a year-long training programme. Civil Defence is a volunteer-based organisation that supports frontline emergency services, assists local communities and has approximately 2,500 volunteer members throughout Ireland. It acquired its first search dog in 2006 and now has four search dog teams based in Dublin, Meath and Tipperary.
Meath County Council recently launched its GoRemote campaign to highlight the opportunities for workers to do their jobs remotely either from their homes or a co-working hub. Residents across Meath have the longest commuting times in the country with over 20% commuting over one hour to get to their jobs daily. This has a significant impact on not only their own lives but the quality of family life and the community around them.
The campaign features stories of workers who’ve transitioned to working remotely from home or from a co-working space in the county as well as signage and a dedicated webpage, meath.ie/ GoRemote directing residents to more information on Connected Hubs offering co-working desks and Grow Remote’s Jobs Board.
Liam Staff, a financial consultant living in Trim who features in the campaign launch video, details how he was spending up to four hours a day commuting to work, time that he now has back since he availed of the facilities in Trim’s Flat Out Co-working and Coffee.
Limerick Twenty Thirty (LTT) and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF), part of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) announced the creation of a unique joint venture partnership to finance the development of the One Opera Square project in Limerick city centre.
This announcement was boosted by confirmation that LTT has appointed John Sisk & Son for the design and construction of the circa 10,000 square metre Opera Square site-wide basement and the six-storey One Opera Square office building. Works on the project have commenced and will be completed in January 2025.
The LTT and ISIF joint venture of €80m is the largest direct commitment by ISIF to date under its €500m investment programme for five regional cities –Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick and Waterford – announced last summer. The programme is a cornerstone of ISIF’s new investment strategy that will result in major investment being targeted to each city in the form of new places to work, places to live and enabling investments resulting in the regeneration of regional city centres.
One Opera Square will be developed over six flexible-use floors located at the corner of Michael Street and Ellen Street, in Limerick city centre. The wider Opera Square development is a 3.7-acre landmark commercial development that will be significant for both the region and national context, reflecting Limerick’s status as a leading city in sustainability and innovation. It will encourage additional people to work in the city of Limerick, boosting its status as a vibrant place to work and delivering significant economic benefit.
Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins visited four social housing developments in Charleville that will provide 64 new homes. The developments consist of a Cork County Council Turnkey Development at Foxglove Close providing 12 units with a completion date of September 2023, and three schemes undertaken in partnership between the council and approved housing bodies Charleville Sheltered Housing Services (nine units at Church View, Love Lane due December 2023), Tuath Housing (34 units at Cedar Court, Rathgoggin North available in two phases, 11 in October 2023, and 23 in August 2024) and Peter McVerry Trust, which recently completed the refurbishment of the old Christian Brothers school, delivering nine homes. The council and its approved housing body partners delivered 552 housing units in 2022 under the Government’s Housing for All Programme. A similar figure is anticipated for this year.
The remains of a medieval church and graveyard in the North Cork village of Dromtarriffe have been uncovered and restored with the support of Cork County Council’s Community Monuments Fund. The ancient Parish Church was in use as a place of worship up until July 1651 when it was burned by Cromwellian soldiers with the loss of 24 lives in the fire, evidence of which is still visible in the shattered stonework today. Following two years of careful conservation works overseen by Cork County Council’s Kanturk Mallow Municipal District, the remaining structures have been uncovered and restored, safeguarding this important historic structure into the future.
Cork County Council has announced funding of nearly €145,000 through its Arts Grants Scheme 2023. There has been a sharp rise (over 33%) in applications to the scheme this year, indicating that arts and cultural activity has finally returned to pre-pandemic levels. The scheme is designed to support events, activities and new initiatives that enhance public access to the arts and support cultural development in all eight of the county’s Municipal Districts.
Cork County Council has teamed up with social enterprise Education for Sustainability to deliver a ten-week climate literacy course to eight secondary schools in the county. The weekly interactive course sessions are fun and solution focused, encouraging students to learn through game-based activities.
Cork County Council announced support to the value of over €1.8m to support local communities in 2023. The Council’s Community Fund Scheme provides financial support to a range of groups and organisations across the county annually. The scheme is administered locally by the eight Municipal Districts and provides financial assistance to a range of community, sporting, and voluntary organisations under three distinctive fund types: The Capital Fund, Community Contract, and Amenity Fund.
The Climate Literacy programme encourages students to connect the dots between the environment and their everyday lives by providing workshops, teacher training, teaching resources and lesson plans. Topics covered include climate change, sustainable development, climate justice, plastic pollution, fast fashion, biodiversity loss, sustainable transport, food, soil and taking action.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins says, “Education is the key to change and our young people are serious about the environment, they can drive real change when it comes to environmental matters and sustainability.”
The participating schools are Bandon Grammar, Carrigaline Community School, CBS Midleton, Edmund Rice College Carrigaline, Scoil Mhuire Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh, St Mary’s Charleville, St Mary’s Midleton and Kinsale Community School.
Funded by Cork County Council, the course is delivered by Education for Sustainability, a non-profit social enterprise working to increase climate literacy and foster behaviour change in Ireland.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, Dara Calleary TD, turned the sod on the site of the new Advancing Innovation in Manufacturing (AIM) Centre in Sligo. The new facility will focus on developing capability in cutting-edge manufacturing technology in companies across the North-West region. This innovative project is driven by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo County Council and Leitrim County Council and is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment administered through Enterprise Ireland.
Welcoming the commencement of construction work, Cllr Michael Clarke, Cathaoirleach, Sligo County Council, said, “Today marks a huge step forward in bringing this very innovative and forwardlooking project to fruition. I want to acknowledge the huge effort, vision and collaboration of all the key players, including the Atlantic Technological University, Enterprise Ireland, Rhatigan Architects, the contractor, Joseph McMenamin & Sons Ltd, Julie Dowling, Director of the AIM project and of course, my colleagues and staff in Sligo County Council. This project has the potential to be a gamechanger for industry in Sligo and beyond, while also boosting local trade.”
The redevelopment of Stephen Street car park into a fully pedestrianised public space known as Queen Maeve Square, funded by Fáilte Ireland, the Urban Regeneration Development Fund and Sligo County Council, began in January. The development of Queen Maeve Square will greatly enhance the public realm, creating an area that will be suitable for a broad range of uses including outdoor concerts, cultural events, and farmers’ markets. It is here that visitors will gravitate to, upon arrival in the town, and where families can spend time enjoying a unique space overlooking the Garavogue River. It is expected that Queen Maeve Square will be completed in 2024.
Contracts for the design and development of the Letterkenny 2040 Strategic Urban Regeneration Site which will include the new Alpha Innovation Centre and Beta Business Centre have been signed.
Donegal 2040 DAC, in partnership with Donegal County Council, have signed a contract with Vincent Hannon Architects for the development of this major regeneration project in Letterkenny which will see the transformational development of town centre lands in the heart of Letterkenny between Pearse Road and Port Road.
The development comprises three main elements: the Alpha Innovation Centre – a seven-storey digital innovation centre with the objective of building a strong innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem enabling businesses, both start-ups and existing, to scale, internationalise and respond effectively to emerging market opportunities and challenges; the Beta Business Centre – an eightstorey business and enterprise building providing state-of-the-art workspace facilities for a range of knowledge-based businesses in the region; and public realm – the installation of high-quality pedestrian/cycle infrastructure enabling easy accessibility through the site, facilitating strong connections between Main Street, Pearse Road and Port Road.
€7.6M
Donegal County Council has been awarded an indicative allocation of over €7.6m under Theme 1 Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities Investment Area 1.1 PEACEPLUS Codesigned Local Community PEACE Action Plan. This is financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union with match-funding provided from the Executive Office NI and the Department for Rural and Community Development Ireland. PEACEPLUS is a new EU funding programme designed to support peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
A new visitor centre documenting the history of Belfast City Cemetery and the people buried within it has opened. The building is a key element of a £2.8m heritage project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities. The centre includes an interpretive exhibition, digital touchscreens, interactive features for children, genealogy research workstations and indoor and outdoor educational space for schools and youth groups. Belfast Lord Mayor Cllr Christina Black (pictured with Dr Paul Mullan from The National Lottery Heritage Fund) says, “Belfast City Cemetery opened in 1869, and it is the final resting place of many notable figures including Sir Edward Harland, co-founder of Harland & Wolff; Margaret Byers, suffragist and founder of Victoria College; and Sir William Pirrie, chairman of Harland & Wolff in the Titanic era. Their stories, the history of the cemetery and the wider development of the city of Belfast are all told within the new visitor centre.”
Belfast City Council has initiated the first stage in the development of a scientific and environmental demonstrator site in Lower Botanic Gardens. This is following the successful award of funding from the Horizon 2020 EU UPSURGE Project.
The project focuses on testing nature-based solutions in five demonstrator cities across Europe, with the aim of sharing learning and good practice on pollution alleviation, citizen health and climate resilience.
Chair of Belfast City Council’s Climate and City Resilience Committee Cllr Séanna Walsh says, “The UPSURGE project was co-designed by community and statutory stakeholders as part of three workshops and conversations that took place throughout 2022. Belfast City Council and Queen’s University are two local partners who are taking the project forward as part of the Horizon 2020 project. The first phase of the project will see a research garden which will be used by QUB where soil enhancement, food production and digital testing can be undertaken. It is hoped the project, which will also utilise bee monitoring, will lead to the stimulation of community resilience in relation to climate, community integration in the area with volunteers, residents and students learning together.”
The UPSURGE Project was co-designed with local stakeholders and will utilise land at Lower Botanic Gardens, close to Queen’s University Physical Education Centre.
A consortium bid led by Belfast City Council has successfully secured Phase 1 funding from the UKRI’s Pioneer Places Fund. The funding will be used to develop a pioneering plan to tackle key barriers in the delivery of green hydrogen technologies in the city.
The ‘Net Zero Belfast’ project will have a geographical focus on the Innovation District and will be led in partnership with Catagen and Artemis Technologies along with support from Belfast Met, Queen’s University and Ulster University.
Chair of the council’s Climate and City Resilience Committee Cllr Séanna Walsh welcomed the funding and the opportunity to accelerate the transition to net zero in Belfast: “Belfast is uniquely positioned to produce green hydrogen due to its abundant wind resources, storage capacity and a hydrogen ready gas network. At a time when there is a pressing need to decarbonise and step away from our reliance on fossil fuels, this funding will enable us to develop and unlock new green hydrogen technologies within the Innovation District.”
The Innovation District comprises 400 acres of the city and is home to Belfast Airport, Belfast Port, international manufacturing businesses, indigenous Greentech companies, academic research, and education centres. It spans from Ulster University’s new campus in the city centre to Queen’s University research centre at Queen’s Island in the Harbour Estate.
Roscommon County Council, with the support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is developing a project for the delivery of a Greenway that will link the towns of Athlone and Ballyleague/Lanesborough. At the southern end, it will tie into the proposed Galway to Athlone Cycleway at the newly constructed cycleway bridge in Athlone town. The Greenway will improve access to East Roscommon and the Lough Ree catchments and entice one to explore its many towns and villages, and unspoilt scenery, connecting them with this natural and historical environment.
Roscommon County Council launched its new Digital Strategy 2022-2026, which will introduce and embed a digital ethos through the council’s service delivery, enhancing the county’s impact as a great place in which to live and work. The strategy also sets out the council’s strategic goals and objectives and will maximise digital opportunities for the county.
The vision of the Roscommon Digital Strategy is to ensure Roscommon has a thriving and competitive digital economy. The document establishes the overall digital direction of the county and sets out how technology
Carrick-on-Shannon has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy (ENTE). The Purple Flag Award is an initiative given to towns that offer residents and visitors an enjoyable and safe night out. It aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of the town between the hours of 5pm and 5am. Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents. Just as a Blue Flag indicates a beach is safe for swimming, a Purple Flag indicates that a town is a safe and versatile place to spend an evening out.
will support and enable County Roscommon to grow and develop.
Key to this ambition is connectivity and access to services previously only enjoyed by capital cities. To achieve a thriving digital economy Roscommon County Council will enhance its digital innovation hubs and oversee improvements in its citizens’ digital skills.
Further objectives include the adaptation of appropriate community, economic and cultural digital initiatives and equipping schools with the latest information for teaching. A further ambition is to connect healthcare
providers to leading medical centres and patients to global expertise. Other ambitions include a reduction in the costs of public services and the renewal of community engagement in the democratic process as well as strengthening the resilience of the region in dealing with emergencies. The delivery of the strategy in conjunction with the rollout of the National Broadband Plan will see Roscommon securing more sustainable economic growth and greater future prosperity, introducing measures and actions to create and develop a Digital/Smart county.
Informing you about the work of local authorities in supporting the business needs of their community...
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ARKLOW & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Office 9, Arklow Business Enterprise Centre, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Y14 X803
Tel: +353 (0)402 26909
Email: chamber@arklow.ie
Web: www.arklow.ie
ATHLONE CHAMBER
7 Main Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, N37 X5K7
Tel: +353 (0)906 498838
Email: info@athlonechamber.ie
Web: www.athlonechamber.ie
BALLINA CHAMBER
44 Pearse Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo, F26 R62W
Tel: +353 (0)96 72800
Email: chamber@ballina.ie
Web: www.ballina.ie/ ballina-chamber-of-commerce-ireland
BALLYHAUNIS CHAMBER
Unit 1, The Enterprise Centre, Clare Road, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, F35 HC66
Tel: +353 (0)94 963 0311
Email: ballyhaunischamber@gmail.com
Web: www.ballyhaunischamber.ie
BANTRY CHAMBER
C/O Neill Clarke Auctioneers, Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 TN96
Tel: +353 (0)27 52860
Email: neillbantry@gmail.com
BRAY & DISTRICT CHAMBER
10 Prince of Wales Terrace, Bray, Co. Wicklow, A98 A4X0
Tel: +353 (0)1 282 8248
Email: info@braychamber.ie
Web: www.braychamber.ie
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON CHAMBER
The Quays, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 PW31
Tel: +353 (0)71 962 2245
Email: info@carrickonshannon.ie
Web: www.carrickonshannon.ie
CAVAN CHAMBER
81 Church Street, Cavan, Co. Cavan, H12 XH48
Tel: +353 (0)49 437 8104
Email: info@cavanchamber.ie
Web: www.cavanchamber.ie
COBH & HARBOUR CHAMBER
Arch Building, Casement Square, Cobh, Co. Cork, P24 HP29
Tel: +353 (0)21 481 3612
Email: info@cobhharbourchamber.ie
Web: www.cobhharbourchamber.ie
COOTEHILL CHAMBER
White Star Complex, Market Street, Cootehill, Co. Cavan, H16 X034
Tel: +353 (0)49 555 2306
Email: cootehillchamber64@gmail.com
CORK CHAMBER
Fitzgerald House, 20 Summerhill North, Co. Cork, T23 TD90
Tel: +353 (0)21 450 9044
Email: info@corkchamber.ie
Web: www.corkchamber.ie
COUNTY CARLOW CHAMBER
Carlow Gateway Business Centre, Athy Road, Co. Carlow, R93 C7P6
Tel: +353 (0)59 913 2337
Email: ceo@carlowchamber.com
Web: www.carlowchamber.com
COUNTY KILDARE CHAMBER
Sallins Road, Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 KV4H
Tel: +353 (0)45 894074
Email: info@countykildarechamber.ie
Web: www.countykildarechamber.ie
COUNTY MEATH CHAMBER
Chambers Buildings, Church Hill, Navan, Co. Meath, C15 YKR4
Tel: +353 (0)46 904 6060
Email: info@countymeathchamber.ie
Web: www.countymeathchamber.ie
COUNTY TIPPERARY CHAMBER
Questum Acceleration Centre, Ballingarrane Science & Technology Park, Clonmel, Co.Tipperary, E91 V239
Tel: +353 (0)52 612 6500
Email: marketing@countytipperarychamber.com
Web: www.countytipperarychamber.com
COUNTY WEXFORD CHAMBER
Chamber Offices, Hill Street, Wexford, Y35 WR99
Tel: +353 (0)53 912 2226
Email: info@wexfordchamber.ie
Web: www.wexfordchamber.ie
DROGHEDA & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Broughton House, Dublin Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 CF57
Tel: +353 (0)41 983 3544
Email: enquiries@droghedachamber.com
Web: www.droghedachamber.ie
DUBLIN CHAMBER
7 Clare Street, Dublin 2, D02 F902
Tel: +353 (0)1 644 7200
Email: info@dublinchamber.ie
Web: www.dubchamber.ie
DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN CHAMBER
Avoca House, 8 Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, A96 T8K1
Tel: +353 (0)1 284 5066
Email: info@dlrchamber.ie
Web: www.dlrchamber.ie
DUNDALK CHAMBER
Unit 4, Partnership Court, Park Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 N8FY
Tel: +353 (0)42 933 6343
Email: info@dundalk.ie
Web: www.dundalk.ie
DUNGARVAN & WEST
WATERFORD CHAMBER
Dungarvan Enterprise Centre, Main St., Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, X35 FX45
Tel: +353 (0)58 45054
Email: info@dungarvanchamber.ie
Web: www.dungarvanchamber.ie
ENNIS CHAMBER
54 O’Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 V3KD
Tel: +353 (0)65 684 2988
Email: info@ennischamber.ie
Web: www.ennischamber.ie
ENNISCORTHY CHAMBER
Portsmouth House, Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 A6K1
Tel: +353 (0)53 923 2006
Email: admin@enniscorthychamber.ie
Web: www.enniscorthychamber.ie
FINGAL CHAMBER
2 The Green, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, K67 E2H3
Tel: +353 (0)1 890 0977
Email: info@fingalchamber.ie
Web: www.fingalchamber.ie
GALWAY CHAMBER
Commerce House, Merchants Road, Galway City, Co. Galway, H91 C8K1
Tel: +353 (0)91 563536
Email: info@galwaychamber.com
Web: www.galwaychamber.com
KILKENNY CHAMBER
11 Patrick Street, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, R95 VNP4
Tel: +353 (0)56 775 2767
Email: admin@kilkennychamber.ie
Web: www.kilkennychamber.ie
LAOIS CHAMBER
James Fintan Lalor Ave., Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 EHP9
Tel: +353 (0)85 256 6522
Email: info@laoischamber.ie
Web: www.laoischamber.ie
LETTERKENNY CHAMBER
Grand Central Complex, Canal Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 EK7Y
Tel: +353 (0)74 912 4866
Email: info@letterkennychamber.com
Web: www.letterkennychamber.com
LIMERICK CHAMBER
96 O’Connell Street, Limerick City, Co. Limerick, V94 YYP6
Tel: +353 (0)61 415180
Email: info@limerickchamber.ie
Web: www.limerickchamber.ie
LONGFORD CHAMBER
Harbour House, Market Square, Longford, Co. Longford, N39 N2N2
Tel: +353 (0)87 6604010
Email: info@longfordchamber.ie
Web: www.longfordchamber.ie
MALLOW CHAMBER
C/O CoWork, Landscape Terrace, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 T383
Tel: +353 (0)89 230 8828
Email: info@mallowchamber.ie
Web: www.mallowchamber.ie
MULLINGAR CHAMBER
Market House, Pearse Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 FD8C
Tel: +353 (0)44 934 4044
Email: info@mullingarchamber.ie
Web: www.mullingarchamber.ie
NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
40 Linenhall Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT2 8BA
Tel: +44 (0)28 9024 4113
Email: mail@northernirelandchamber.com
Web: www.northernirelandchamber.com
SHANNON CHAMBER
Suite 14, Shannon Airport House, Shannon Free Zone, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 E370
Tel: +353 (0)61 475 854
Email: admin@shannonchamber.ie
Web: www.shannonchamber.ie
SLIGO CHAMBER
16 Quay Street, Sligo, F91 X923
Tel: +353 (0)71 916 1274
Email: info@sligochamber.ie
Web: www.sligochamber.ie
SOUTH DUBLIN CHAMBER
Tallaght Business Centre, Whitestown Business Park, Tallaght, D24 K59A
Tel: +353 (0)1 462 2107
Email: business@sdchamber.ie
Web: www.sdchamber.ie
TRALEE CHAMBER
HQ2, Dominick St., Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 C799
Tel: +353 (0)66 712 1472
Email: info@tralee.ie
Web: www.tralee.ie
TULLAMORE & DISTRICT CHAMBER
Unit 2A, Second Level, Bridge Centre, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Tel: +353 (0)57 932 3698
Email: info@tullamorechamber.com
Web: www.tullamorechamber.com
WATERFORD CHAMBER
2 Great George’s Street, Co. Waterford, X91 AH9K
Tel: +353 (0)51 872639
Email: info@waterfordchamber.ie
Web: www.waterfordchamber.com
WESTPORT CHAMBER
The Leeson Enterprise Centre, Altamont Street, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 ET85
Tel: +353 (0)98 27375
Email: info@westportireland.com
Web: www.westportchamber.ie
CHAMBERS IRELAND
11 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 FY84
Tel: +353 (0)1 400 4300
Email : info@chambers.ie
Web: www.chambers.ie
AIB
10 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, D02 R126
Tel: +353 (0)1 660 0311 Web: www.aib.ie
AN POST General Post Office, O’Connell Street Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 F5P2
Tel: +353 (0)1 705 7000
Email: customer.services @anpost.ie Web: www.anpost.ie
ESB
Two Gateway, East Wall Rd., East Wall, Dublin 3, D03 A995
Tel: +353 (0)1 676 5831
Email: info@esb.ie Web: www.esb.ie
Headquarters Gasworks Road Cork, T12 RX96
Tel: 021 453 4000 Web: www.gasnetworks.ie
UISCE ÉIREANN
Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot St, Dublin 1, D01 NP86
Tel: +353 (0)1 707 2827 www.water.ie
ZURICH
Zurich House, Ballsbridge Park, Dublin 4, D04 E5N4
Tel: 1890 400 300
Email: customerhelp@zurich.ie Web: www.zurichinsurance.ie
ABBOTT IRELAND
Block G, Cherrywood Business Park, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, D18 T3Y1
Tel: +353 (0)1 469 1500
Web: www.abbott.ie
ADVERTISING STANDARDS AUTHORITY FOR IRELAND
7 Herbert St, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin 2, D02 K838
Tel: (01) 613 7040
Email: standards@asai.ie
Web: www.asai.ie
ARAB-IRISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
34 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2, D02 P620
Tel: (0)1 662 4451
Email: info@aicc.ie
Web: www.aicc.ie
BANK OF IRELAND
40 Mespil Road, Dublin 4, D04 C2N4
Tel: + 353 1 661 5933
Web: www.bankofireland.com
BRIGHT HR SOFTWARE LIMITED
Block W, Eastpoint Business Park, D03 Y564
Tel: 1800 279 841 www.brighthr.com/ie
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORSIRISH BRANCH
The Distillery Building, 145 - 151 Church Street, Dublin 7
Tel: +353 (0)1 707 9739
Email: info@ciarb.ie
Web: www.arbitration.ie
COASTLINE SOLUTIONS
8A Appian Way, Ranelagh, Dublin 6, D06 C9N3
Tel: + 353 (0)1 235 2166
Email: info@coastlinesolutions.com
Web: www.coastlinesolutions.com
DIAGEO IRELAND
St. James’s Gate, Dublin 8, D08 AX97
Tel: +353 (0)1 453 6700
Email: consumerinfo
@diageoirl-info.com
Web: www.diageo.ie
DUBLIN AIRPORT AUTHORITY PLC
Old Central Terminal Building, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, K67 XY76
Tel: +353 (0)1 814 1111
Email: customerrelations@dublinairport.com
Web: www.daa.ie
EIRGRID
The Oval, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 FW28
Tel: +353 (0)1 677 1700
Email: info@eirgrid.com
Web: www.eirgrid.com
ELI LILLY AND COMPANY (IRELAND) LTD.
Saint Kevin’s, Dunderrow, Co. Cork, P17 NY71
Tel: +353 (0) 1 661 4377
Web: www.lilly.ie
EMBASSY OF BRAZIL
Block 8 - Harcourt Centre Charlotte Way, Dublin 2, D02 K580
Tel: +353 1 4756000
E-mail: brasemb.dublin@itamaraty.gov.br
Web: dublin.itamaraty.gov.br/en-us/
ENTERPRISE IRELAND
The Plaza, East Point Business Park, Dublin 3, D03 E5R6
Tel: +353 (0)1 727 2000
Email: client.service@enterprise-ireland.com
Web: www.enterprise-ireland.com
EUROPEAN MOVEMENT IRELAND
8 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, D02 W426
Tel: +353 (0)1 662 5815
Email: info@europeanmovement.ie
Web: europeanmovement.ie
FINE GRAIN PROPERTY
11 Fitzwilliam Pl, Dublin 2, D02 X529
Web: www.finegrainproperty.com
KPMG
1 Stokes Place, St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, D02 DE03
Tel: +353 (0)1 410 1000
Email: webmaster@kpmg.ie
Web: www.kpmg.ie
JOHN SISK & SON
Wilton Works, Naas Road, Dublin 22
Tel: +353 (0)1 409 1500
Email: info@sisk.ie
Web: www.johnsiskandson.com
CORPORATE
NATIONAL BROADBAND IRELAND
3009 Lake Dr, Citywest, Dublin 24, D24 H6RR
Tel: +353 (0)1 818 624 624
Email: contactus@nbi.ie
Web: www.nbi.ie
PENINSULA BUSINESS SERVICES
East Point Business Park, Alfie Byrne Rd, East Wall Dublin 3, D03 Y564
Tel: 1890 252 923
Email: info@peninsula-ie.com
Web: www.peninsula-ie.com
PERMANENT TSB
56-59 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 H489
Tel: 1890 500 121
Web: www.permanenttsb.ie
SEAI
St Kevin’s, 3 Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2
Tel: +353 (0)1 808 2100
Email: info@seai.ie
Web: www.seai.ie
SKILLNET IRELAND
5th Floor, Q House, 76 Furze Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18, D18 E268
Tel: +353 (0)1 207 9630
Email: info@skillnetireland.ie
Web: www.skillnetireland.ie
SSE AIRTRICITY
South County Business Park, Red Oak South, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 W688 Tel: 1850 812 220
Email: customerservice @sseairtricity.com
Web: www.sse.com/Ireland
THE BAR COUNCIL OF IRELAND
158-159 Church Street Dublin 7, D07 YX89
Tel: +353 (0)1 817 5000
Email: thebarofireland
@lawlibrary.ie
Web: www.lawlibrary.ie
THE LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND
Blackhall Place, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7, D07 VY24
Tel: + 353 (0)1 672 4800
Email: general@lawsociety.ie
Web: www.lawsociety.ie
THOMAS MCDONOGH & SONS LTD
Dockgate Building, Dock Road, Galway, H91 V6RR
Tel: +353 (0)91 560700
Email: thomasmcdonogh@mcdonogh.ie
Web: www.mcdonogh.ie
WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Dillon House
Ballaghaderreen
Co. Roscommon F45 WY26
Tel: +353 (0)94 986 1441
Email: info@wdc.ie
Web: www.westerndevelopment.ie
