Chamberlink Issue 3 - Energy Crisis. What Happens Next?

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Energy Crisis

happens next?

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Three months is a long time in business. When we published the last issue of Chamberlink in July, it was obvious there was an energy crisis developing but it was not clear at the time how much of an impact this would have on business. With skyrocketing energy bills now arriving across our membership the effect is being felt by all. We are in unprecedented times, and this demands an urgent and focused response.

Budget 2023 was positive with a €1.25 billion package of business supports but we are not convinced that this will be enough once winter energy bills are added to current operating costs which are rising across the board. This is certainly something that the government will have to revisit as the winter progresses and the crisis evolves, and we will continue to advocate for this on your behalf.

Integral to Ireland’s and Europe’s future energy security and achieving our climate goals is the rapid development and deployment of renewable energy for which we have been advocating for Cork to be a designated hub. While budget 2023 did not deliver on this key and critical ask, other wins were met including a €513m energy transformation package focused heavily on retrofitting, of which €74.8m has been allocated to businesses and the public sector.

We can also not lose sight of tackling the viability challenge in the housing sector, from high-density developments to brownfield sites.

We have also been calling on government to look to international best practice, such as Vienna’s Affordable Housing Delivery Model, to provide a more innovative and affordable housing delivery solution.

It has been great to get back out and about and meet members face-to-face this quarter. We were delighted to announce that our Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner is back this year on the 22nd of November after a 3-year hiatus. The evening is an exceptional opportunity to establish new business connections, strengthen existing relationships and meet with peers from both city regions.

We recently launched our Cork Company of the Year Awards 2023, now in their 25th year and continuing to recognise the diversity and vibrancy that exists in the Cork business community. We are also excited to launch our new podcast ‘On Point, Unscripted’ which will give a rare insight into the people behind business and public life here in Cork and their personal, inspirational and in many cases untold stories.

Despite some challenges, member sentiment remains positive in this quarter’s economic trends survey results with plans for growth, increasing headcount and expansion of business activities. We will continue to champion your successes and advocate for an economic environment that recognises Cork’s and members’ value.

Conor

In this issue

Vienna’s Affordable Housing Delivery Model: What can we learn from it?

Winter is coming: can Ireland keep the lights on and homes warm?

How long will the energy crisis last?

Sustainability in Action: Gas Networks Ireland’s multi award-winning programme

Fitzgerald House, Summerhill North, Cork, T23 TD90

Conor Healy CEO, Cork Chamber T: +353 (0)87 9471858 E: conor@corkchamber.ie CorkChamber.ie

Chamberlink is published by Cork Chamber and is a quarterly publication exclusive to members. The opinions expressed in Chamberlink are not necessarily those of Cork Chamber / Chamberlink main sponsor, neither do they accept any responsibility or liability for any legal implications arising there from. Registered in Ireland no. 13918

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Budget commentary

In the run-up to Budget 2023, the challenges facing the government mounted, with an accelerating energy and inflation crisis driven by the war in Ukraine overtaking housing as the headline issue. Essentially, the country is faced with multiple crises across energy, inflation, housing and climate change, all of which needed urgent attention, action and investment. The question following the publication of Budget 2023 is whether those challenges have been met with adequate action and investment?

Cork Chamber made a strong budget submission focused on urging the government to think differently on how to better tackle the key issues including inflation and business

competitiveness, housing, energy and renewables and infrastructure and transport. In the run-up to budget day we lobbied government representatives strongly for pandemiclevel supports for businesses to help them cope with rocketing energy bills that are starting to arrive.

This is an unprecedented crisis and extraordinary measures are required to assist businesses and households to cope with the pressures of escalating inflation and energy prices. We welcome the size of the €1.25 billion budget package of business supports given that it recognises the size of the challenge facing businesses with energy bills quadrupling and quintupling even before winter sets in. Our concern is that the 40% rebate may not be

enough as the winter progresses and prices rise further as heating costs are added. The chamber made clear in its reaction to the budget that the government will need to be nimble in reacting to the evolving situation and ready to introduce new business support measures if the situation requires, to keep businesses afloat. We will be consistently advocating to government on this in the coming months.

The cost of living supports package for households was also really important both to cushion people against rising inflation and energy prices and to support the wider economy and consumer spending on which much of our economy depends. It is important to recognise that the two are intrinsically linked. That was

Ronan Murray, President and Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber.

accompanied by significant moves to improve the affordability of childcare which the Chamber highlighted in its submission. It is a vital element to supporting our labour market.

On housing, the measures to increase affordable and social housing supply, as well as supports for landlords, house buyers and renters are welcome but this budget did not tackle the viability challenge for high density housing developments or directly address the private sector supply of housing. We advocated in our budget submission for some fresh thinking on solving the housing crisis, looking to Vienna for inspiration and a proven model of delivery for affordable housing, as well seeking common sense amendments to existing schemes such as cost rental and Croí Cónaithe, to increase viability and housing supply.

The opportunity was missed in Budget 2023 to make these amendments or to tackle the core unviability of high-density housing on brownfield sites in Cork and other cities. We need to see these sites developed to meet housing needs and create sustainable urban centres. The Vienna model is under consideration at government level but further measures need to be introduced, particularly for development of city centre brownfield sites.

Being in the midst of an energy crisis has put a new focus on the need to transition to a clean energy system while ensuring the security of energy supplies. Apart from confirming the budget for MARA, there was a lack of focus on renewable energy in Budget 2023. Cork should be a global hub for offshore wind, hydrogen and renewable energy and, given recent investor exits from offshore wind developments, it was surprising not to see more in Budget 2023 on investment in and speeding-up renewable energy development and deployment. The Chamber will be doing everything in its power

to ensure that Cork delivers on its potential as a global renewables hub in the coming months, including pushing government to invest and incentivise necessary supporting supply chain and port infrastructure.

Energy efficiency should always be considered the first fuel and Budget 2023 has provided significant funding to drive this agenda forward, targeting residential communities, those in fuel poverty and businesses, with a retrofit roadmap for SMEs underway.

To meet the climate change challenge, decarbonising transport is a keystone to progress, so the announcement of increased transport infrastructure budgets are welcome as well as the extension of the public transport fare reductions. If we are to deliver on our 2030 climate targets and Cork’s aim of being Climate Neutral by 2030, accelerated capital investment in transport infrastructure is one of the fastest ways to achieve progress.

Finally, in our Budget 2023 submission we emphasised the need for rapid delivery of key infrastructure for Cork such as the events centre, a new elective hospital and additional garda resources. The €15 million to support the development of the events centre in Cork is welcome and a decision will be made by the end of the year at Cabinet level for the go-ahead of a new elective hospital. Additional budget investment in An Garda Síochána will support the requirement for additional Garda resources in Cork city centre.

Our advocacy in advance of Budget 2023 overwhelmingly highlighted opportunities to continue to invest in vital medium and long-term capital investment plans and in urban infrastructure and housing, as well as business supports in the face of an inflation and energy crisis. We will continue to advocate for those important opportunities to be taken in the coming months.

To read budget submission go to www.corkchamber.ie/news/

Members of Cork Chamber’s Pre-Budget Submission Committee Conor Healy, CEO; Ronan Murray, President; Rory Kelleher, Director of Public Affairs, Sustainability & Communications; Seamus Downey, Chair and Margaret Kelly, Public Affairs & Sustainability Executive with Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Michael McGrath T.D. ahead of Budget 2023.

Rosemary O’Connor Killarney Organic

“My

Vienna’s Affordable Housing Delivery

Model: What can we learn from it?

Vienna’s social rental housing schemes stretch back to the 1920s and are recognised internationally for their success, creating a mix of people of all incomes living as neighbours. Vienna has been recognised by UNESCO for its innovative housing development approach and was voted the world’s most liveable city on 10 occasions in Mercer’s Quality of Living Ranking.

Wohnbauinitiative

Vienna’s Wohnbauinitiative (WBI) plays a key role in the city’s success and high quality of life through innovative financing and competitive bidding, all through the existing institutional framework. The scheme aims to encourage multi-apartment construction and social mix through the provision of below-market rents tiered across a range of incomes. In 2013 and 2014, 3,300 dwellings were built as a result of the WBI1. Today, Vienna’s social housing market consists of approximately 220,000 municipal flats and 200,000 subsidised dwellings, housing about 50% of the city’s population2

The competition for development opportunities, whereby consortia of non-profit, limited profit and commercial developers and financial investors bid for city sponsored projects, contributes greatly to the supply of high-quality affordable

dwellings. Assessment of tenders is based on a 4-pillar criteria model of social sustainability, architecture, ecology and economy. Successful applications acquire the rights to purchase the plot of land at a fixed price with housing subsidies of up to 35 per cent of total construction costs3

The WBI, which is co-financed by the City of Vienna and financial institutions, provides finance, medium-term, lowinterest and low-cost loans for building land for construction. Building plots are sold to consortia at almost half of the market price. The city utilises beneficial finance conditions as a lowrisk and highly credited borrower from the Austrian Treasury, which can then be lent to the building consortia in the form of bullet loans. These benefits are then passed onto tenants through below market rents and long-term contracts.

The consortia requirement for tenders’ spreads risk and activates the financial industry, thus encouraging the financing of affordable housing construction. This provision of low-cost finance and cheap land that contribute to construction costs and rents have both been essential to the schemes success in ensuring affordable housing for a range of incomes.

Opportunity awaits cities across Europe to replicate the WBI and enjoy the same success of not only a low-risk stable investment for developers and investors, but for a more socially cohesive population availing of the basic right of affordable housing.

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328450291_ Wiener_Wohnbauinitiative_a_new_financing_vehicle_for_ affordable_housing_in_Vienna_Austria

2. https://socialhousing.wien/policy/the-vienna-model

3. https://socialhousing.wien/tools/developers-competitions

By Brian Ó Gallachóir, Professor of Energy Engineering, University College Cork and Visiting Scholar at the MIT Energy Initiative

Winter is coming: can Ireland keep the lights on and homes warm?

There are three distinct aspects of the current energy crisis facing Ireland this winter, collectively converging into a perfect storm. We are experiencing unprecedented gas and electricity prices, our electricity system is struggling to balance growing demands with adequate supply, and we face the likely small but possibly devastating risk of gas supply disruptions. Why have we arrived at this point and what can we do about it?

Firstly, the energy price increases are directly associated with our dependence on fossil fuels, in particular natural gas at a time when supply in Europe is limited. The problems began during 2021 and continued into 2022.

As we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, our demands for natural gas increased, due to businesses and public services reopening and associated buildings requiring heating. Manufacturing that had been paused also restarted, some using natural gas for process heat. In addition, electricity demands grew, and with more than half of Ireland’s electricity generated using natural gas, this in turn resulted in a further increase in natural gas. We also saw lower wind energy generation in 2021 due to lower than normal wind

speeds, which meant more natural gas was used for electricity generation.

The supply of natural gas internationally has not however kept pace with demand. In April 2021 Europe faced a very cold period, normally a time when demand for heating eases, and natural gas is stored up to be available for the winter. A warm summer in Asia increased the demand for air conditioning and hence electricity, resulting in cargoes of shipped natural gas which could have gone to Europe to meet growing demand, going instead to higher bidders in Asia.

This was of course further exacerbated in early 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. The European Union imposed economic sanctions on Russia and in parallel with this, Russia is reducing gas supply to the EU.

The result has been a tenfold increase in wholesale gas prices relative to early 2021 levels.

While our actual gas and electricity bills have not increased tenfold, we have nonetheless seen significant increases in our bills, typically more than doubling relative to 2021. This has increased the amount of households experiencing energy poverty and put huge pressure on businesses.

Secondly, our electricity system faces an increased risk of supply interruptions this winter. This is not due to the reduced availability of natural gas, but other factors.

Over the period from 2005 to 2020, we succeeded in increasing the amount of wind power and nearly halved the annual carbon dioxide emissions from electricity supply, through a successful combination of policy, engineering and societal and community support.

However, wind energy is variable, for example providing about 30% of our electricity in 2021 (compared to about 35% the previous year). Electricity demand also rebounded post COVID-19 and a number of power plants were not available because of delays in maintenance and repairs during 2020 due to the pandemic restrictions.

There were also a number of failed attempts to incentivise new gas fired power plants that would be available when electricity demand is high and wind availability is low.

This combination of factors has led to increased risk of electricity supply interruption this winter. EirGrid did manage to keep the lights on during 2021 and hopefully will again in winter 2022. This will depend on the

availability of existing power plants and the electricity interconnector, and how often we experience times of low wind speed and high electricity demand.

Thirdly we face the risk of a gas supply interruption this winter. Russia has effectively turned off its gas entering the EU. The EU has succeeded in filling up most of its gas storage capacity, and increased gas imports comprising shipments of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and increased pipeline imports from Norway, Azerbaijan and Algeria. These will not be enough to offset the absence of Russian gas supplies and the EU recently added a mandatory “best efforts” 15% reduction of natural gas in the period August 2022 – March 2023.

How does this play out in Ireland? From an energy security perspective, on the plus side, Ireland is cushioned by the fact that all our gas imports come from the UK, who previously sourced very little (2-4%) of its gas from Russia. In addition, Ireland gets one quarter of annual gas supply from the Corrib gas field off the Mayo coastline. On the other hand, Ireland is one of three EU Member States with no gas storage facility (since the closure of the Kinsale gas storage facility in 2017). In addition Ireland has no LNG import capability.

What can Ireland do to address these challenges?

The most effective strategy is to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, through a targeted energy demand reduction campaign, accelerating energy efficiency investments and addressing the barriers to increased renewable energy supply. Additional measures are also required this winter.

Protecting vulnerable households this winter through targeted budgetary supports is essential to limit households having to choose between eating and heating. Increased fuel allowances, progressive changes in taxation, free boiler servicing, accelerated free retrofitting etc. should be prioritized over a credit for all households.

Protecting vulnerable businesses from higher gas and electricity prices through targeted budgetary measures, in addition to targeted advice and support on energy demand reduction, incentives for improved energy efficiency, and incentives to use off-peak electricity contributing to electricity supply security.

Aligning with EU proposed price reduction measures is essential, including gathering extra revenues from energy companies and

compensating customers, placing a cap on Russian gas prices and increasing liquidity for electricity companies struggling with cash flow problems.

Increasing electricity demand side response measures (such as the penalty for using electricity at peak times) provides an opportunity to enable electricity customers (in particular businesses and manufacturing companies) to mitigate electricity supply risk in particular at times of high demand and low wind.

Ensuring the existing power plants and the required additional back-up power generation are available will help avoid electricity supply disruptions.

Reopening closed conversations regarding gas storage and alternative gas supply in light of the new context we’re facing is essential. The publication of the report on energy security and the consultation process surrounding floating LNG and gas storage are positive steps in this regard.

In conclusion, the greatest of these challenges is addressing the price increases. There is hopefully now a sufficient emphasis in policy discourse on energy security to mitigate the risks of possible electricity and gas supply shortages. Time will tell.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Placements shed light on public consultations and food sustainability

Irish food SMEs and the integration of sustainable practices in the Irish food retail industry and the role of public participation and consultation in the realisation of transport policy were the focus of third level work placements for two students at Cork Chamber this summer.

Cork Chamber was pleased to facilitate third level work placements of Mojabeng Mashale, MSc Cooperatives, Agri-food and Sustainable Development UCC who undertook a Public Affairs and Sustainability placement and Conor Sheehan, MSc Government and Politics, UCC who undertook a Public Affairs and Communication placement.

Both students put the knowledge acquired from their master studies to practice while making a meaningful contribution at Cork Chamber.

To complement studies on Sustainable Food Systems and the Economics of the Agri-Food Market, Mojabeng undertook research on Irish food SMEs and the integration of sustainable practices in the Irish food retail industry.

The study found that the role of retailer is largely viewed as one of leadership, knowledge management and sustainability initiative coordination. There is scope for retailers to be clearer about strategic focus to help SMEs make sense of their role and to work more collaboratively with them in the implementation of sustainable practices. The role played by retailers and the definition of that role will evolve over time in the context of sustainability implementation and supplier development and engagement.

Mojabeng, hailing from South Africa, studied in Ireland with support of the Department of Foreign Affairs Irish Aid programme. Her experience in Ireland enabled mutual learning and a rich cultural exchange.

As a graduate of politics and economics, Conor Sheehan drew inspiration from The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) 2040 and Bus Connects Cork - the National Transport Authority’s plan for the delivery of a sustainable public transport network for the Cork Metropolitan Area. A live topic, Conor conducted research on the role of

public participation and consultation in the realisation of transport policy, namely Bus Connects Cork.

The study examined the role and capacity that locally elected representatives have to co-create route design and solutions with their constituents. Conor’s findings included that public consultation on plans did not happen early enough on major projects and that public representatives often did not have adequate time resources to properly engage in the detail of plans.

Cork Chamber is proud to partner with UCC to support student placements. Every day is a school day - our workplace and network is undoubtedly enriched and benefits from the creativity and energy such connections bring.

Jessie O’Brien, Executive & Operations Assistant and Margaret Kelly, Public Affairs & Sustainability Executive with Conor Sheehan.

Mojabeng Mashale with Ashley Amato Public Affairs and Communications Executive.

How long will the energy crisis last?

As we face into a winter of uncertainty and potential power shortages, businesses are asking how long this energy crisis will last and whether this is the beginning of a new normal, or a more short term challenge that will be overcome.

Niall Farrell, a leading energy economist with the ESRI is clear that things will likely never go back to the way they were but that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“As soon as Russia invaded Ukraine they essentially sent an invoice to Europe saying that gas prices were going up. The shocks that have happened, there is nothing more that can be done by Russia that can do us more harm. If you look at the muted response to the closing of Nordstream 1 pipeline recently – the worst has already happened – enough action has been taken by the EU to stop it getting to catastrophic levels, and we’re on the way to a solution – that’s what the markets are saying.”

“But even if Russia stopped the war now, we will never go back to Russian gas because there is no trust. The reason Europe was buying so much Russian gas was because it was cheaper, and other sources will be more expensive but in the medium term, prices won’t be as high as they are now.”

“The EU is being successful in procuring gas on world markets. We are competing with Asia and other parts of world and we are sort of winning on gas supplies. As things progress, capacity will come onstream, what’s slowing it down is building the platforms and infrastructure. That is the limiting factor. There is enough gas out there.”

“In the short term it is about spreading the burden of those price increases fairly, in the medium term it is about ensuring we have enough energy and in the long term it is about

getting off gas completely. We have to deploy renewables to do that but there are supply chain issues and it will be more difficult, slower and more expensive than it would have been before the crisis.

”However, the 80% target by 2030 which was an ambition is now a target we need to achieve, because it will reduce our gas dependency. It will take 5 to 10 years to build the renewables capacity we need.”

Gas futures have been falling recently, is that a sign that the crisis is abating?

“The price of gas has been coming down a little bit, some of the panic has fallen away in the market and that is down to a lot of work done at EU level to tackle the crisis. There is less uncertainty that it will not be the worst-case scenario in winter.”

“The prices will get higher in winter, but that’s to be expected [because of higher demand in winter], other than some unexpected other shock, things should improve after that.”

“However, energy prices will be higher for the foreseeable future, but maybe not at the level we are at now. We are not going back to the old days [pre-war] but where it lands between where we are now and where we were before is the question?”

So how long will this energy crisis last?

Farrell thinks the situation will settle down within a year or two as the new infrastructure needed for new gas supplies comes onstream and renewables deployment ramps up to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.

“We are in the medium term now. The key determining factor is how long it takes to build renewables infrastructure – storage, interconnection, balancing flexible generation. The renewables future is here now.”

Niall Farrell, Senior Research Officer, ESRI

“We have been doing a good job on renewables but the question is what do you have in place to compliment renewables – flexible generation, storage – gas will be with us a long time, we need interconnection and demand side management.”

Hydrogen is also a key part of that picture. “Hydrogen makes sense with offshore renewables but it is also about the price of that electricity, we will be competing with other countries like Morocco who are installing huge amounts of solar and solar is cheap.”

“Big decisions have to be made especially on decarbonising heat, but you don’t want to back just one horse, electrification or hydrogen.”

There is also debate about whether new fossil fuel exploration should go ahead off the Irish coast in the context of this crisis. Farrell is clear that he sees no rational for such a move even with current challenges: “If it came online by Christmas then there might be an argument for it but it will take at least 5 years to come onstream, and by then, we’re out of the worst of the crisis.”

Sustainable Cork Programme

The Sustainable Cork Programme webinar series, now in its third year, is designed to set a vision for a more sustainable and resilient Cork, empowered by a thriving business community.

‘City & Town Revitalisation – the future is now’

Place-making and public engagement as an approach to planning, design and management of public spaces that can capitalise on our community’s assets, inspiration, and potential was the subject of the inaugural 2022 session in June chaired by Shane Clark CEO, Garden – City – Culture.

Drawing on local and international examples from Giulia Vallone, Senior Architect at Capital Projects Implementation Unit CPIU, Cork County Council and Dr William Hynes Managing Director of KPMG Future Analytics shared how evidence-based urbanism and co-design of our cities and towns as places for people can address community needs and interests and ultimately, contribute to solving complex urban problems and the realisation of positive results and transformation.

Giulia urged the audience to think of William Shakespeare’s old adage ‘All the world’s a stage’.

The city of Cork is our set, and we are actors poised to re-inhabit and animate the streets and rediscover how best to live together in a compact urban environment where everyone feels at home.

Ultimately, public spaces conceived with engagement and inclusiveness in mind foster a sense of ownership and belonging allowing all (residents, businesses, shoppers, visitors) to benefit from a city stage ‘to linger longer’. Both contributors shared how public engagement, building trust with citizens as local experts and human centred design is key to realising public realm projects and urban design vision. Cork Chamber and its members are well placed to continue to champion Cork city’s sustainable development and to celebrate its deep and storied history and heritage now and into the future.

‘Electric Mobility - Redefining our City’

The untapped potential for urban sustainable mobility and how it will likely change by 2030, the role of innovation and e-mobility in creating opportunities for cleaner and greener travel to help reduce congestion and handle last-mile journeys was the subject of the September edition chaired by Stephan Koch, Commuter Plan Manager at UCC and Chair of Cork’s Transport & Mobility Forum.

In the context of climate crisis, transport emissions reduction targets and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Dr Andreas Nienhaus, Partner, Oliver Wyman Automotive and Manufacturing practice opened the session by outlining the scale of the opportunity to diversify transport modes and adopt zero and low carbon transport alternatives.

Coinciding with European Mobility Week 2022, the audience also heard from Eduardo Green, City of Amsterdam Service Designer & Innovation Manager on how Amsterdam is a ‘living lab’. With ambition for all passenger vehicles to comply with zero emissions by 2030, the city is learning by doing - using data to create mobility solutions for a connected city that has the least possible impact on the environment while keeping the city inclusive, liveable and attractive.

Russell Vickers, CEO Future Mobility Campus Ireland shared how innovation, electrification, automation and new forms of sustainable mobility can boost connectivity and accessibility while complementing public transport to offer sustainable, efficient, and affordable options.

What was clear from the ensuing discussion is that mobility and transport are crucial for a city to function properly. E-mobility, now one of the current megatrends in transport is part of the mix to drive change and reduce our carbon footprint.

Sustainability in Action: Gas Networks

Ireland’s multi award-winning programme

Gas Networks Ireland operates Ireland’s €2.7bn, 14,664km national gas network, connecting almost 720,000 homes and businesses to a safe secure supply of natural gas. By working to replace natural gas with renewable gases, such as biomethane and hydrogen, and complementing intermittent renewable electricity, Gas Networks Ireland is supporting Ireland’s journey to a cleaner energy future.

Gas Networks Ireland is committed to protecting biodiversity across its business and in the communities where it operates.

Green Awards

In April, Gas Networks Ireland was named Green Public Sector Organisation of the Year at the 2022 Green Awards. This was the third year in a row the national utility has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability and dedication in maintaining the highest standard of excellence in their operation of the gas network at the awards.

Carbon Disclosure

One of only 46 companies in Ireland to hold a Business Working Responsibly Mark, Gas Networks Ireland was also recognised for “taking coordinated action on climate issues” and achieved a ‘B‘ in the Carbon Disclosure Platform (CDP) global emissions ratings, exceeding the global, European and sector averages to finish in the top quartile of all businesses assessed globally.

Biodiversity Action Plan

In 2021 Gas Networks Ireland advanced its Sustainability Strategy with a focused Biodiversity Action Plan. The plan aims to change how the business interacts with nature and biodiversity through all its functions, including how all new above-ground installations are designed and built and how its offices and sites are maintained. The overall goal of the plan is to achieve best practice in biodiversity across all of Gas Networks Ireland’s operations by 2025

in line with the National Biodiversity Action Plan.

Biodiversity Guidelines

To further safely support and enhance biodiversity, Gas Networks Ireland has also developed new landscaping guidelines specifically for its sites and locations around the country. The guidelines explain how and where meadows can be grown, guidance on planting native trees, how to maintain hedgerows, as well as how Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SUDS) can enhance biodiversity. These ways of working have been adopted by Gas Networks Ireland’s Operations, Design and Planning teams whenever opportunities arise.

A short wildflower meadow is being developed at this Gas Networks Ireland gas installation in the East of the country.

To see what impact and improvements all this effort is having Gas Networks

Ireland commissioned the development of a biodiversity measurement method, which looks at habitats on Gas Networks Ireland sites and scores them according to their condition and biodiversity value.

Gas Networks Ireland is currently using this tool to audit all of its sites to get a baseline starting point and highlight their potential for increasing biodiversity value. The sites will be measured again over time to track biodiversity improvements.

Sustainability Report

Gas Networks Ireland is on a continuous journey to reduce emissions as well as to support and promote biodiversity within the communities where it operates.

Gas Networks Ireland’s fourth annual Sustainability Report, which is in line with the Global Reporting Initiative standard and includes more highlights from 2021, will be published later this quarter.

www.gasnetworks.ie/sustainability

In a European first, the company partnered with environmental group, Leave No Trace Ireland, Coillte and the Burncourt Community Group to help restore Glengarra Wood in Co. Tipperary as part of the international “Hot Spot” programme.

The Gas Networks Ireland Sustainability Team.

Green Awards 2022 - Gas Networks Ireland’s Anne Moore and Sharon Finegan of EPA.

Gas Networks Ireland gas installation, in Cork where wild flower meadow was planted in 2021.

The UCC CUBS Executive MBA is designed to prepare its participants to become organisational innovators, managers and leaders.

This programme delivers a strong understanding of core organisational functions and skills, but moves beyond that to provide an integrative, critical understanding of the role of the leader and manager. Essential to this integrated understanding is the development of team and individual skills allowing the participant to work in a variety of settings and contexts.

We now invite applications to our January 2023 intake from experienced managers and professionals.

Full programme and entry requirement details can be found at our website www.cubsucc.com/executive-mba

Learn more about the UCC CUBS Executive MBA and what it can o er you on a professional and personal level.

Email us at: mba@ucc.ie

Call us at: 021-490 4915

Visit us at: The UCC Centre for Executive Education, 1 Lapp’s Quay, Cork, T12 VF82.

SelectUSA Summit

The SelectUSA Summit was held in person for the first time in three years this June in Washington DC.

The SelectUSA Summit is the highestprofile event in the US dedicated to promoting inward investment and the only event where representatives from all 50 States come together to showcase the benefits of expanding into their State.

Cork was well represented as part of the largest ever Irish delegation at the summit with International Relations Manager, Cathal McSweeney attending on behalf of Cork Chamber. The event presented the opportunity to catch-up with States that already have strong economic ties with Cork like New Jersey, New York and Illinois while making new connections and learning about the economic ecosystems of States such as Vermont, Indiana and Nebraska.

Each day of the summit was split in two. The morning plenary sessions offered the chance to hear the policy perspectives from Secretary Gina Raimondo or Secretary Marty Walsh, while President Joe Biden delivered a pre-recorded address. Common themes from across these speeches, and the State Governor panels, were how the tight labour market and access to workforce talent were affecting businesses and what was being done at a state and federal level, or by individual business, to tackle these issues.

In the afternoon delegates had the opportunity to meet the representatives from the individual states or take part in the breakout sessions. The interactive breakout sessions were led and by policy and industry experts, they focused on topics such as Market Entry and Site Selection. The lively discussions were designed to provide actionable

information to companies about the practical elements of investing in the US from developing a workforce to understanding incentives. The exhibition hall accommodated the most important business of the summit. This was where delegates met state representatives to ask questions and learn more about the fit for their business. Each stand was teeming with conversation throughout the few days.

The Irish Ambassador to the United States, Dan Mulhall, generously hosted a reception for the Irish delegation one evening. He pressed the importance of Irish companies expanding into new markets, such as the US. Ambassador Mulhall gave a comprehensive overview of how economic relations between Ireland and the US have evolved over the past 150 years with investment now flowing both ways. At the

event, the American Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin addressed the attendees and spoke about Ireland’s unique position as both the gateway to the EU and the gateway to the USA. The opportunity to network to the many talented Irish delegates at different stages of their development in the US was one of the most beneficial elements of the summit.

Cork Chamber will continue to work with the SelectUSA Team in the United States Embassy Ireland and we hope that the representation from Cork will increase in size again at next year’s summit. If you are interested in entering the US market, growing your presence there or joining next year’s SelectUSA summit please contact cathal@corkchamber.ie

Cathal McSweeney, International Relations Manager, Cork Chamber; John Falcicchio, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development; Paul Whitnell, BITA, President and Colm Lean, Group Finance Director and Company Secretary, Carbery Group.

Showcasing Financial Services

Cork hosts Irish Funds Council Meeting

Regionalisation is a key pillar of the Ireland for Finance strategy and core to the success of the International Financial Services sector in Ireland. Cork Chamber was delighted to collaborate with Irish Funds, through the Cork Financial Services Forum, to hold their council meeting in Cork for the first time in four years at the KPMG offices, South Mall.

This Irish Funds visit presented a great opportunity for the financial services sector in Cork, and in the 100 Mile Hinterland, to showcase the benefits and opportunities for financial services organisations to invest and grow in the regions.

Maria Ging, in her last event as Chair of Irish Funds, emphasised the associations fiduciary responsibilities to their customers and communities.

In front of an audience which included members of the Cork Financial Services forum and from further afield, she highlighted that there are now 14,000 people employed both directly and

indirectly by the sector in the regions where growth is now twice that of Dublin.

In the afternoon the delegation split into two and took in site visits to Clearstream, Alter Domus, MTU and UCC. The visit illustrated how the educational institutions, private companies, government agencies and members of the business community are working

together to create an ecosystem for the international financial services industry to flourish in Cork.

With thanks to the above organisations, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Cork Financial Services Forum, Eoin Motherway and Karen Conboy and, of course, Maria Ging and CEO Pat Lardner for making this visit possible.

Top: Members of the Irish Funds Council, Cork Financial Services Forum and industry representatives from the 100 Mile Hinterland. Above left: Eoin Motherway, Chair Cork Financial Services Forum. Above right: Maria Ging, Chair Irish Funds Council

Doing Business with Alberta

Alberta delegation makes first visit to Cork

Cork Chamber is always looking to make new connections with innovative and progressive regions that share mutual areas of interest and have the potential for future collaborations.

On Wednesday 21 September Cork Chamber welcomed Invest Alberta, the inward investment corporation of Alberta, and the Ireland-Alberta Trade Association for a presentation and roundtable discussion. The roundtable was attended by a host of relevant stakeholders from around the city and county including

representatives from Enterprise Ireland Cork, MTU, UCC, Cork City LEO, Cork South LEO, and Cork County Council.

The attendees learnt about Alberta, its business environment and why the region is forecasted to be the fastest growing economy in Canada this year. The mission gave Cork Chamber the opportunity to share Cork’s story with our visitors and lead an open discussion on the potential areas of collaboration between our regions in sectors such as ag-tech, education, and technologies.

We look forward to building on this new relationship and will continue to work with our counterparts from Alberta. We will hopefully return the visit with a delegation from Cork in the not-too-distant future!

Cathal McSweeney, International Relations Manager Cork Chamber; Mike Attersall, Director Business Development, Technology Innovation Invest Alberta; Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber; Lynette Tremblay, Chief Operating Officer, Invest Alberta; Laureen Regan, President, Ireland-Alberta Trade Association; Madison Côté Sr. Manager, Business Development, AI & Tech, Edmonton Global and Leigh Delaney, Export & International Relations Executive, Cork Chamber.

Dutch Climate Minister leads trade mission to Cork

The geostrategic advantages of Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour in the world, ideally positions it as a location for floating and bottom-fixed offshore wind projects. Cork Harbour is in the process of transforming into an offshore renewables hub to take advantage of its geographical location and capitalise on the offshore wind industry.

A Dutch offshore wind trade delegation visited Cork for a fourday mission from the 11 to 14 of September. This mission provided opportunities for both Irish and Dutch organisations in the sector to build a network, learn about each other’s respective markets and lay the foundations for a long and prosperous offshore wind relationship between Ireland and the Netherlands.

Cork Chamber was delighted to partner with Cork City Council and Cork County Council to host the Dutch delegation for a welcome event during their visit. The event, at St Peters Cork, offered the opportunity for the Dutch Delegation to learn more about Cork, its history and culture while networking with representative from the sector and stakeholders from around the city and county. The event was addressed by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Deirdre Forde, Cllr Anthony Barry, Deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy, the Dutch Ambassador to Ireland, Adriaan Palm, and the Dutch Minister for Climate and Energy Policy, Rob Jetten.

As part of the successful trip, the delegation were given an overview of the sector in Ireland which included briefings on Irish Ports, the fixed and

floating offshore wind industry and the hydrogen landscape. The visiting party undertook site visits to Cork Dockyard/Doyles Shipping Group, EIH2, Simply Blue and DP Energy. The success of the visit was highlighted by Cork Chamber member, and Ireland’s first green hydrogen company, EI-H2 signing a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Cork and the Port of Amsterdam.

This mission has laid the foundations for a long and prosperous

offshorewind relationship between Ireland and the Netherlands. Cork Chamber is excited to be part of Cork Harbour’s growth into an internationally recognised offshore renewables hub at the centre of Ireland’s journey to net zero.

Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy Policy addressing the attendees.

Member of the Dutch delegation enjoying set dancing.

CORK COMPANY OF THE YEAR

25 years celebrating success

Upcoming Events

For more information & bookings visit CorkChamber.ie

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER | 6PM-11PM

CARRIGALINE COURT HOTEL

Join host Sinead Kennedy to mark the very best in digital marketing in Cork as she announces the winners of each category along with the Overall Digital Marketing Legend 2022!

These awards celebrate success and recognise the strategic, innovative and creative approaches that businesses are bringing to all digital platforms. All facets of digital marketing are recognised with awards including Best in Content Creation, Best Digital Marketing Team and awards for individual channels from Website to Instagram.

Drinks reception will take place at 6pm followed by dinner and awards. There will also be an opportunity to continue the celebrations at the after party at Mabel Lane.

TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER | 7.30AM-9AM CLAYTON HOTEL CORK CITY

Join us for this in-person Business Breakfast to hear from Eamonn Crowley, Chief Executive Officer, Permanent TSB Group, leading provider of Retail and SME banking in the Irish Market.

Eamonn joined Permanent TSB as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director in 2017 and was appointed CEO in 2020. Before joining Permanent TSB, Eamonn held a number of senior executive roles including; Chief Financial Officer of Bank Santander Poland and Chief Operating Officer of AIB’s Central and Eastern Europe Division.

He is a fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, a member of the Association of Corporate Treasurers and holds a MBA from University College Dublin.

TUESDAY 22 NOVEMBER | 7PM-11PM CLAYTON HOTEL BURLINGTON ROAD, DUBLIN

Join over 600 business leaders, key political decision makers and stakeholders as we gather to celebrate the relationship between Ireland’s two largest city regions, Dublin and Cork.

This year’s guest of honour and keynote speech will be delivered by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Michael McGrath T.D and on the night, we will honour the winner of our Outstanding Contribution to Business Award for 2022. This award is recognition of an individual’s exceptional career and their instrumental role, not just in their organisation, but in their industry, region and beyond.

The evening is an opportunity to establish new business connections, to strengthen existing relationships and to meet with peers from both city regions.

FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER | 12PM-3.30PM

VIENNA WOODS HOTEL

We are delighted to have our Christmas lunch back in-person this year. This event is the social event of the festive season attracting over 300 attendees every year.

This event will kick off with a festive Drinks Reception followed by lunch and entertainment.

With plenty of festive music, food, drinks, raffle prizes and much more, it is the perfect seasonal event for entertaining clients and colleagues!

This event is held in partnership with the Marketing Institute in Cork and we hope to have a great mix of members from both organisations on the day.

This years Golf Classic took place on the 30th August at Cork Golf Club. It was a busy day with over 40 teams and more than 170 players taking part.

With teams teeing off from 7am there was a fantastic atmosphere in the Cork Golf Club all day and thanks to the support of Chamber members everyone headed away with packed goodie bags.

Well done to everyone who entered and supported the Hole-in-One Charity Challenge in association with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. While no lucky golfer walked away with the Trip for Two to Amsterdam, we did raise €1,600 which was shared between member charities, Spinal Injuries Ireland and Irish Blood Transfusion Service.Congratulations to the winning team from Hopkins Communications who had an impressive score of 101. Each player on the team went home with One night BB, afternoon tea, spa treatments and round of 18-hole golf for two at Fota Island Resort.

EY Team.

O’Donovan

Investwise

in association with

From top left: Ronan Murray, President, Cork Chamber, Margaret Bruen, Lady Captain, Aidan O’Shaugnessy, Captain, Cork Golf Club and Paudie Donegan, General Manager, Lexus Cork.

Baker Solicitors Team.

Financial Planning Limited Team.

Recent Events

Thought Leaders Council with Tim Lucey, Chief Executive, Cork County Council

Our Thought Leaders Council took place on the 6th July at Fota Island Resort with over 30 Chamber Partners and featured Tim Lucey, Chief Executive, Cork County Council along with Padraig Barrett, Director of Services, Roads & Transportation and Padraig Moore, Senior Executive Planner who together delivered a comprehensive presentation on the challenges being faced around housing, infrastructure and planning, and the need for change.

Rory Kelleher, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Cork Chamber also provided a detailed update centred on the collaborative approaches being taken to tackle issues around talent attraction, the ongoing lobbying activity on lack of housing supply and the recent advances in transport delivery as well as the priority next steps.

Clock Out & Connect at Kearys Motor Group

Our Clock Out & Connect event took place on the evening of the 6th September at Kearys Motor Group. Over 60 attendees got the opportunity to mingle with fellow members and make valuable connections while also getting the opportunity to test drive the wide range of Kearys’ impressive electric vehicles.

Ronan Murray, President, Cork Chamber, Jackie Dawson and Paul O’Halloran, Kearys Motor Group, Annie FitzGibbon and Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber.

Conor Healy, Cork Chamber and Tim Lucey, Chief Executive, Cork County Council.

Rory Kelleher, Director of Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability, Cork Chamber.

Jurgita Petiul and Jurij Petiul, Right Solution Centre.

Members Networking.

New Members Breakfast

Employment Law Updates: Planning for Compliance, Preparing for Change

With so many changes to the HR & Employment landscape in 2022, it has been difficult for employers to keep up. This webinar, which took place on the 21st September, gave over 50 attendees an informative recap on the key changes to date and a look ahead on further changes expected in 2023. Sarah Fagan, Managing Director, Adare Human Resource Management discussed topics including increased entitlements to family related leave for employees, changes to statutory sick pay, gender pay gap reporting obligations and remote working legislation – where are we now.

Business Breakfast with

Norman Crowley, Founder and Chairman, CoolPlanet Group

In association with RDJ LLP

Media Partner Irish Examiner

Our Business Breakfast took place on the 4th October at The Metropole Hotel and featured an inspiring presentation from Norman Crowley, Founder and Chairman, CoolPlanet Group on how he is dedicated to finding and building a future that’s better than our past.

Norman discussed the current issues and solutions to resolving climate change while touching on some exciting projects such as AVA, a venture that builds “hyperclassic” electric cars with high performance and styling, inspired by some of the greats of motoring’s past.

Our New Members Breakfast took place on the 15th September and gave some of our newer members the opportunity to visit the Chamber office, meet the team and learn some of the many ways they can utilise their Chamber membership.

Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber with Paul Barry, Paul Barry & Associates; Valerie Gleeson, StageSHIFT Coaching & Consulting Ltd and Shane O’Leary, Munster Drone Services Ltd.

Stephen Crowley, Docutec - A Cantec Group Company; Pamela Buckley, Munster Drone Services Ltd and Jack Lenihan, Crane Worldwide Logistics.

Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber; Ronan Murray, President, Cork Chamber; Norman Crowley, Founder and Chairman, CoolPlanet Group; Karen O’Donoghue, Marketing Director, Irish Examiner and Jamie Olden, Managing Partner RDJ LLP.

Annie FitzGibbon, Director of Member Services, Cork Chamber and Sarah Fagan, Managing Director, Adare Human Resource Management.

In association with Adare Human Resource Management

Recent Announcements

Chloé Sullivan joins Fuzion Communications

Fuzion Communications is pleased to announce the appointment of Chloé Sullivan to the role of Account Manager at the awardwinning communications and creative agency. A seasoned communications professional, Chloé joins Fuzion with an extensive background in Corporate Affairs and Government Relations having previously worked with national and international brands across a range of sectors including technology, energy and transport. Chloé advises clients on their corporate affairs objectives and manages bespoke campaigns to achieve defined policy or legislative outcomes. Chloé holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Politics and International Relations with German from University College Dublin.

Commenting on her appointment, Chloé said: “I am very much looking forward to working alongside the team of communication experts at Fuzion, delivering great results for such a diverse range of clients and supporting them in fulfilling their corporate and public affairs objectives.”

Paula Cogan appointed to the board of Dublin Airport Authority

Paula Cogan was appointed to the board in July 2022 and is CEO at Cognate Health a role which she commenced in September 2020. Cognate Health is a leading supplier of Occupational Health Services in Ireland. Services include on site and online medical support for employees of the largest companies as well as Government bodies and Educational Institutes. Paula is immediate Past President of Cork Chamber and is the second female to hold this role in 200 years. Prior to her move to Cognate Health, Paula had worked for over 25 years in the hospitality industry and had held senior roles in sales and marketing, culminating as Global Head of Sales for Doyle Collection, an Irish owned and operated luxury hotel company with properties in Ireland including the flagship Westbury Hotel as well as the UK and the US. Paula sits on the governing body of MTU (Munster Technological University) and The Glucksman Gallery at UCC. She completed her primary and postgraduate studies at UCC and in 2015 undertook a Diploma in International Sales and Marketing at Cornell University. A huge advocate for lifelong learning, in 2021 Paula completed a diploma in Corporate Governance and is currently completing a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion at MTU.

Jamie Olden is new Managing Partner RDJ LLP

Jamie Olden has been appointed Managing Partner of RDJ LLP. He succeeds Richard Martin who was Managing Partner of the firm for 10 years.

Commercial Litigator, Jamie Olden, joined the firm in 2007. In 2013, he was appointed partner in charge of the firm’s new Dublin office, a role in which he spent 6 years, overseeing the strong development and growth of the firms’ Dublin base.

Commenting on his appointment, Jamie Olden said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Managing Partner. RDJ has a talented team of practitioners and business professionals dedicated to delivering long-lasting business impact for our colleagues and clients. I look forward to leading the continued investment in our people and new technologies to deliver better ways of getting results for our clients. He added, “I want to thank our outgoing Managing Partner Richard Martin and wish him well in the next phase of his career. He has made an enormous contribution to RDJ and its continued success.”

MEMBERS

New Members Corner

We welcome the following new members

AccountAnts /Auditors

Fenero Contractor Solutions

Our specialities are umbrella company tax solutions and personal limited company solutions for contractors and income tax services for freelancers, landlords and the self-employed.

W: http://www.fenero.ie

Advertising/MArketing/MArket reseArch AD32 Agency

A content company with 10yrs + experience and an extensive background in creative work such as film, TV, videography & photography.

W: http://www.ad32agency.com

Wedo Ventures Ltd

Samantha is a Twitter expert, a Linkedin expert, a social media consultant, author and speaker. Named on many global lists as one of the top influencers on Twitter, she has a global network of Female entrepreneurs.

W: https://www.womensinspirenetwork. com

Architects/town PlAnners

Simply Architecture

Simply Architecture is based in Cork and is one of Ireland’s leading young architect practices having won the prestigious RIAI Future Award in 2019.

W: http://www.simplyarchitecture.ie

Auctioneers/ProPerty consultAnts

Find My Office

Choosing to work with an office broker can save you a huge amount of time, money and stress. We have in-depth knowledge of every Irish serviced office provider/building.

W: http://www.findmyoffice.ie

Audio/MediA/Publishing/video Production Training Reels

Self-service, automated studios located in enterprise centres for businesses to batch produce video content 4x faster and 5x cheaper than a regular video production company.

W: http://www.trainingreels.ie

bAnks/building societies

Bishopstown Credit Union

Bishopstown Credit Union has been at the heart of the community and serving our members since 1968.

W: http://www.bishopstowncu.ie

Douglas Credit Union

Credit Union in the heart of the community helping members since 1964. From home improvement loans to current accounts we have you covered. W: http://www.douglascu.ie

building contrActors/Providers ABH Construction LTD

With over 20 years of experience in the carpentry and construction industry, we provide quality craftsmanship for domestic and commercial customers. W: http://www.abhconstruction.ie

Pure Fitout

We deliver elite fitout projects encompassing all elements of design, construction and support services with specialist bespoke joinery and metal work. W: http://www.purefitout.com

business Process outsourcing Otonomee

Otonomee is the trusted outsourcing partner for scaling businesses. We provide people and technology solutions to help you move into new markets, grow your customer base and deliver stand out customer experience.

W: https://www.otonomee.com

Prince Strategic Solutions T/A Prince Payroll Services

We are a boutique payroll outsourcer serving clients with 5-50 employees using the most up-to-date cloud-based software.

W: http://www.princepayroll.ie

chArities

Graffiti Theatre

We support young people from birth to 18 year olds to find their voice and develop their sense of value through our innovative and engaging arts programmes.

W: https://www.graffiti.ie

consulting engineers/QuAntity surveyors

Conway McBeth

Conway McBeth (CMB) are expert quantity surveyors and focus on providing professional, rigorous, independent advice on construction economics, procurement and construction monitoring.

W: https://www.conwaymcbeth.com/

educAtion/trAining/lAnguAges

Sian Horn

Sian Horn is a business consultant and founder of The club - a support and learning network for Female Founders.

W: http://www.sianhorn.com

enterPrise/trAde develoPMent

The VQ

Cork’s liveliest, most sustainable & independent neighbourhood. Business network + partnership. Doing more, together! Greener, cleaner, safer!

W: http://victorianquarter.ie/the-quarter

MEMBERS

New Members Corner

We welcome the following new members

FinAnciAl services/Pensions/investMent

Eden Capital

Eden Capital is a boutique corporate finance firm that specialises in delivering capital solutions together with providing transaction & advisory services to Ireland’s SME and corporate market.

W: https://www.edencapital.ie

FinAnciAl services/Pensions/investMent

RDI HUB

A sustainable, pioneering, world-class, design-led, digital innovation hub & living lab ecosystem. Our mission is to foster connections between entrepreneurs and innovators, to accelerate business growth.

W: https://rdihub.com

Fitness

Peloton Interactive

Peloton is the leading interactive fitness platform globally, with a passionate community of more than 7 million members in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and Australia.

W: http://www.onepeloton.com

Fuel/energy

Irish Water

As Ireland’s national water utility we are responsible for providing water and wastewater services throughout Ireland.

W: https://www.water.ie

heAlth & sAFety

All Set Workplace

DSE risk assessments and health management platform for remote and hybrid companies.

W: http://www.allsetworkplace.com

ASM Group

Health & safety consultancy firm specialising in construction & industrial safety including PSDP & PSCS. We also offer a comprehensive suite of safety training across all industries nationwide.

W: http://www.asmgroup.ie

hotel/guesthouse/conFerences

Midleton Park Hotel

Located in the bustling East Cork market town of Midleton and yet just 15 minutes from Cork City, is the 4 Star Midleton Park Hotel, part of The Talbot Collection. W: https://www.midletonpark.com

it services

Bunker Technology

Delivering key elements of our clients’ business strategy through strategic IT consultancy, IT solutions and managed IT services.

W: https://bunker.technology

TikTok

A short-form video hosting service.  W: http://tiktok.com

logistics

DHL Express Ireland Ltd

DHL Express are an international express logistics company that delivers B2B and B2C packages worldwide. W: http://www.dhl.ie

MAnuFActurers

Addaptiv Design & Manufacturing Ltd. Design & manufacturing company, who specialise in additive manufacturing (more commonly known as 3D printing). W: http://www.addaptiv.com

MedicAl services/suPPlies

Rose Clinic

Clinicican led clinic providing full body mole screening and aesthetic medicine with a core focus on skin health.

W: http://www.roseclinic.ie

oFFice suPPlies/eQuiPMent/Furniture

Hunt Office Interiors

We are one of the leading office interior company in this country. We are a top class company in full office fitouts that include glass and stud partitions.

W: https://www.huntoffice.ie

PhotogrAPhy

Dennis Horgan Aerial Photography

Provides a wide range of aerial imagery for industry, estate agents, architects, hotel, tourism leisure and sports facilities, using helicopters or fixed wing aircraft.

W: http://www.dennishorgan.ie

Drone Photography

Drone services offering high res pictures, video, roof inspections, surveys, mapping & promo video.

W: http://www.dronephotography.ie

Public relAtions

Lenox Consulting

Lenox Conulting is a New Jersey and Ireland based full service boutique communications firm offering public affairs, public relations, and media consulting.

W: http://www.lenoxconsulting.com

serviced & virtuAl oFFices

Iconic Offices

Private offices, co-working spaces or custom fit-outs. Whichever way your company likes to work, we have a space for it. Whether you are a startup, SME or Multinational, we work with you to find the best solution for you and your team.

W: https://iconicoffices.com

services

Comet Drone Hire

Pre planned flight solutions ranging from photography to building/equipment inspections certified & IAA registered.

W: http://www.cometdronehire.com

Corporate HR Ireland

Corporate HR Ireland is an outsourcing HR provider to employers and SMEs. We provide remote day-to-day HR support, elevated HR support, and a wide range of individual services from third party representation through to mentoring & training.

W: http://www.corporatehrireland.ie

services

Dotey Pets Exec DDC

Dotey Pets executive Doggy Day Care provides dog owners with peace of mind with the knowledge that your dotey pet is in good hands whilst you are at work.

W: http://www.doteypets.ie

Find yourself Coach

I am a health and well-being coach. I coach 1-1 and I am also starting new community groups. This is to encourage people to create their ‘village’ family support which is missing for so many people these days.

W: https://www.findyourself.coach

services contrActors

Sensori Facilities Management Ltd.

Sensori FM offer a full range of innovative facilities management packages, customised to suit the needs of our clients.

W: http://www.sensorifm.com

sociAl enterPrises

Da Silly Heads Ltd

A social enterprise that empowers people to tackle mental health stigma through an online workshop experience that uses animation, humour and a personal story.

W: http://www.dasillyheads.com

soFtwAre/soFtwAre services

Capisso Pvt Ltd

Bringing together cloud, artificial intelligence and advanced automation to create a seamless combination of software & service to suit needs of accountants, selfemployed and small businessness.

W: https://capisso.com

Habitus Health

Habitus Health is powered by an innovative custom-built cloud-based software platform, leveraging the most advanced services to deliver our AI-powered solution.

W: http://habitushealth.net

SkillsBase App Ltd

SkillsBase is a solutions provider for companies with high-complexity problems, specialising in mobile-first solutions using AI, AR, engagement technologies and blended learning tools.

W: http://www.skillsbase.io

solicitors/legAl services

LK Shields Solicitors LLP

We provide partner-driven, accessible and decisive input. Our professionals combine their depth of legal knowledge with their commercial experience to deliver business solutions to complex legal issues.

W: http://www.lkshields.ie

trAnsPort Alstom Transport Ireland Ltd

Alstom is a global leader in mobility solutions for the railway industry including rolling stock and signalling solutions, and is looking to expand its presence in Ireland. W: http://www.alstom.com

G&C Mackey Transport Ltd

Mackey coaches is a family run business that supplies special occasion, wedding and corporate vehicles from modern cars, vintage cars and a one of a kind 1920s style vintage mini bus; together with tour spec, top of the range modern minibuses.

W: http://www.mackeycoaches.ie

web design

izest Digital Marketing izest are a full service digital marketing agency specialising in strategic and digital marketing, brand strategy, social media strategy, SEO, website design & development. W: http://www.izest.ie

News & Updates

Stryker adds 600 jobs with new Irish 3D printing facility

Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, celebrated the official opening of the high-tech facility at Anngrove with a visit from Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, the IDA and other local guests. The new 156,000-square-foot development creates capacity for 600 high-tech jobs in the future, and will help further Stryker’s leadership in additive manufacturing. Stryker has made significant investments in Anngrove to establish itself as a world leader in this technology, and will continue to invest for growth. Stryker is a global leader in the application of additive manufacturing technologies, also known as 3D printing, to healthcare innovation, particularly for the manufacture of specialised medical devices. The company manufactures products to treat bone-related conditions across knees, hips, shoulder, ankle, craniomaxillofacial and spine, as well as patient-specific solutions for people with significant disease progression often with no alternative. In addition to housing Stryker’s manufacturing facilities, Anngrove is also the worldwide headquarters of the AMagine Institute, which is the centre of excellence for additive manufacturing across Stryker. The institute develops breakthrough technologies, from early research and development to full commercial launch and scaling, and deploys these new technologies across its full portfolio of products and services.

Port of Cork Company launches €89m Cork Container Terminal

Following years of significant planning, investment and development, the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) has officially launched its new state-of-the-art Cork Container Terminal (CCT) in Ringaskiddy . The launch of CCT is a hugely important milestone for the PoCC and represents the largest single investment in marine infrastructure of any Irish port over the last 100 years. The new terminal, which is the result of an €89 million investment, became operational in April 2022 and enables the port to deliver more efficient container handling facilities. Earlier this year, as part of the CCT journey and to help welcome the new colossal cranes to the Cork harbour community, PoCC hosted a competition with local primary schools to ‘Name the Cranes’. The winning names for the two giant 50m ship-to-shore Liebherr cranes, as chosen by Crosshaven Boys’ National School were ‘Mahain’ and ‘Binne’, inspired by the old Irish folklore story about two giants who lived in Cork harbour. Representatives from Crosshaven Boys’ N.S. were invited to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at CCT in recognition of their participation in this monumental milestone.

Taken at the official launch of the Cork Container Terminal: Crosshaven Boys NS pupils Peter McCann and Thomas Buckley, with (from left) Michael Walsh, Chairman of Port of Cork; Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs; Eoin McGettigan, CEO, Port of Cork; Hildegarde Naughton TD, Minister of State and Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure. Picture: Diane Cusack

Viju Menon, Group President, Global Quality and Operations, Stryker. Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive, IDA Ireland; An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and Kevin Lobo, Chair and Chief Executive, Stryker. Picture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOT

Cork Jazz Festival returns with stellar programme

Taking place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend, this year’s line-up is incredibly special with some of the biggest names in jazz gracing the stage for what is set to be the most magnetic Guinness Cork Jazz Festival we have seen yet. Stepping out in a new vibrant look, this year’s festival promises to bring the magic with new locations, pop up events, late night parties, secret gigs, boat trips, collaborations and on street activities. Cork will be brimming with fun and fusion throughout the weekend. Rory Sheridan, Head of Partnerships at Diageo Ireland said: “We are thrilled to return as sponsor of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. This year will see us welcome a world class line-up of both music and art to Cork, that represents, not just established artists, but also provides us with the opportunity to champion Irish and emerging talent on a global stage. We look forward to creating and enjoying unforgettable moments this October Bank Holiday Weekend.”

Qualcomm

Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC, welcomed Paul Kelleher, Qualcomm Technologies, Senior Director of Engineering to campus recently to celebrate Qualcomm’s support of student-led events, research, outreach, and STEM education at the School of Engineering and Architecture, UCC. Qualcomm, an electronic engineering giant designing and building microelectronic chips which power today’s most advanced mobile devices, established an office in Cork in 2013. Since then, Qualcomm has engaged in significant collaboration with UCC, funding unique events such as the FIRST Lego League, a programme which engages youth through robotics and engineering, as well as supporting innovative research and sponsoring state-of-the-art equipment for the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in UCC’s School of Engineering and Architecture. A significant number of UCC graduates have since gone on to work for the company.

of Development, UCC;

Robert Horgan, Deputy President Cork Chamber; Senator Jerry Buttimer; Lord Mayor, Cllr Deirdre Forde; Fiona Collins, Chair Guinness Jazz Festival; Cllr Deirdre O’Brien, Deputy Mayor of Cork County and Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber.

Picture: Darragh Kane

Cal Healy, Director

Saba Loftus, Head of Development, SEFS, UCC; Prof John O’Halloran, President UCC; Paul Kelleher, Senior Director, Engineering and Engineering Site Lead, Qualcomm; Prof Sarah Culloty, Head of College, SEFS, UCC and Prof Jorge Oliveira, Head of School, Engineering and Architecture, UCC. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

invests in student success and STEM outreach

Life Invited’

As part of its long-standing commitment to supporting the arts, The Montenotte Hotel is delighted to announce the latest Artist in Residence ‘invited’ to the hotel. Nathan Neven, with his collection ‘Wild Life Invited’, will be exhibiting in the hotel from August 1st until January 2023. Now in its fifth year at The Montenotte Hotel, the ‘Artist in Residence’ programme, in association with The Gallery Kinsale, aims to support Irish artists by offering a six-month tenure to showcase in the hotel. The Montenotte Hotel is the perfect destination for art-lovers and culture-seekers, with a new artist to enjoy in-house every six months, further enticing holidaymakers to visit the multi-award-winning, design-led hotel on their next trip to Cork. Nathan’s art captures the moments of his dreams, his living in Europe and his travel experience, having lived and studied in Paris. He is inspired by everything around that touches his soul -- the joy and beauty of life itself, the beauty of nature and its surroundings. Nathan’s art is whimsically sublime in the way it breaks down the barrier between wild and urban life, eliciting an appreciation of the charm of the natural world as well as the stylish facade of our own local area.

Have you ever driven past a wind farm on a wild day and wondered why the turbines are turned off? Well, this may be ‘dispatch downtime,’ where operators are required to stop producing renewable energy, due to curtailments or limitations with broad power systems and local networks. In the COSTORE project, funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the International Energy Research Centre (IERC) at Tyndall National Institute, based at UCC, has started innovative new research to reduce this downtime by examining the full potential of solar PV power plants and battery energy storage systems (BESS) working side by side. Amarenco Solar Limited, one of the largest PV plant developers in Ireland, has teamed up here with IERC to develop novel solutions to increase energy storage so PV plants can reduce their dispatch downtimes to zero. The benefit is that Ireland can then produce additional renewable energy and it will also ensure PV can participate in ancillary grid (DS3) services, which are helping to deliver a secure, sustainable electricity system in Ireland.

Rohit Trivedi IERC; John Mullins Amarenco Solar Limited; Shafi Khadem IERC; Sandipan Patra IERC and Padraig Lyons IERC. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

Ray Kellerher, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Montenotte Hotel with Artist in Residence Nathan Neven. Picture: Brian Lougheed

“Wild

- opens at The Montenotte Hotel

Amarenco teams up with IERC on innovative research

Official opening of Dairygold Effluent Treatment plant

Dairygold has officially opened its upgraded Waste Water Treatment plant at its Nutritionals Campus in Mallow, Co. Cork. The significant investment and upgrading of the plant includes the installation of a new €4 million, state-of-theart Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) system. This new system is a more effective system of wastewater treatment and will help future proof the long-term environmental sustainability of the Mallow Nutritionals Campus. This significant investment forms part of Dairygold’s ten year capital investment programme which has seen €180 million invested in Mallow Nutritional Campus since 2014. This investment has increased the weekly milk processing capacity to cater for milk supply for the next number of years. Also included in this investment programme is the current installation of a new evaporator which will provide Dairygold capability to produce higher specification milk powders for sale to its added value nutritional customers (operational in 2023).

Law students awarded RDJ Diversity Scholarships

Aoife Nazneen Nurul Khasri and Ruth Fu Dong McKernan have each received a scholarship worth €5,000 and a work placement opportunity with leading Irish law firm RDJ. The RDJ Diversity Scholarship, which commenced in 2021, supports students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Backgrounds studying Law at UCC, with the aim of encouraging diversity in the legal profession. RDJ has donated €40,000 over four years for the scholarships, which will be awarded to two UCC School of Law students each academic year. Aoife and Ruth were chosen as the scholarship recipients following a competitive selection process based on exam results, a personal statement, a 1,000-word essay discussing the topic, “The Need for Diversifying the Legal Profession in Ireland” and an interview. The students were officially awarded their scholarships at UCC on Friday, 16 September by Richard Martin, Managing Partner, RDJ and Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of the UCC School of Law.

Eugene O Connor, Mallow Nutritionals Campus Site Manager; John O’Mahony, Head of Engineering, Dairygold; Conor Galvin, CEO Dairygold; John O’ Gorman, Dairygold Chairman and James O’ Connor TD. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

Pictured (left-right): Ruth Fu Dong McKernan UCC law student; Richard Martin, Managing Partner, RDJ; Aoife Nazneen Nurul Khasri, UCC law student; Professor Mark Poustie, Dean of Law, University College Cork. Picture: f22photograph

Sustainable Business Impact Award for Trigon Hotels

The fruitful collaboration between Trigon Hotels and Cope Foundation won the ‘Partnership with a Charity’ category, at the Sustainable Business Impact Awards. One of the most successful elements of the collaboration is the creation of a new sensory garden at Cope Foundation in Montenotte, Cork. Volunteers from both organisations transformed a patch of unused ground into a colourful and calming environment. It is filled with plants to stimulate the senses as well as fruit and vegetables, grown by students from the charity’s Bonnington Training Centre, which is then used by the chefs in the hotels. Trigon Hotels is part of Cope Foundation’s Ability@Work programme and has created sustainable employment for six people supported by the charity. The programme provides work preparation training and employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. It promotes inclusive workplaces by encouraging Cork employers to open their doors and include everyone.

Pictured at the Cope Foundation’s Sensory Garden, which was created by volunteers from both organisations, are (seated) Katriona Hourihan, Trigon Hotels with Sean Abbott, Cope Foundation Chief Executive, along with David and Eimear, both students at the Bonnington Training Centre and John O’Mahony, Trigon Hotels.

Picture: David Keane.

MSD Brinny Employees set out to ‘Make Someone’s Day’

200 MSD Brinny team members were out in force helping seven charities across Cork city and county as part of their annual ‘Volunteering Day’. The worthy charities located in Bandon (St. Michael’s Centre and Bandon Tidy Towns), Field of Dreams in Curaheen, Together Razeem in Blackpool, Bru Columbanus in Wilton, Cork Nature Network in Bomount Quarry and Barnardos in Knocknaheeny. Based on the theme of ‘Making Someone’s Day’, 200 employees sign up to take part in the day which sees activities ranging from painting, decorating, gardening and maintenance projects. Supporting the local community has always been important at MSD Brinny, giving everyone at the site the chance to give back. MSD employees are entitled to up to 40 paid volunteering hours every year to support registered charities through the company’s Gives Back programme. The MSD site Brinny, Co. Cork has been a vibrant part of the pharmaceutical sector in Cork for over 35 years. With a strong legacy in the biopharmaceutical sector, Brinny is now specialising in the development and manufacture of innovative vaccines.

MSD Team members pictured at Field of Dreams in Curaheen, Cork. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Abtran held an all-staff event inPáirc Uí Chaoimh, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the company in 1997 at North Main Street in Cork, initially with just six employees, now employing almost 2,000 people at the company’s headquarters in Mahon, and other locations in Ireland including Sligo and Maynooth. As Ireland’s “leading home-grown business process management company”, Abtran serves the requirements of clients, across the public and private sectors, and hundreds of thousands of citizens and customers across the country each year.

Imperial Hotel Cork marks Michael Collins Centenary

Cork’s Grande Dame the Imperial Hotel has commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the death of Michael Collins by unveiling a new portrait in his honour. The Irish revolutionary leader is a famous past guest of the historic hotel and spent the last 2 nights of his life as a guest of the hotel before his tragic death in an ambush at Béal na Bláth in West Cork. The new portrait of Collins by artist Mick O’Dea was commissioned by the Flynn Family who own the hotel and it was unveiled Monday 22nd August by Allen and John Flynn together with family members of Michael Collins, his grandniece Fidelma Collins and grandnephew Aidan O’Sullivan. The hotel has also unveiled a newly renovated Michael Collins Suite, in room 115 where Collins stayed and over the weekend hosted documentary screenings, a public talk about Michael Collins and hosted members of the Collins family as guests of the hotel as part of a commemorative programme of events to mark this historic connection.

Noreen O Sullivan, Head of Human Resources at ABTRAN with Michael Fitzgerald, Chairman and Co-founder. Picture: Cathal Noonan

ABTRAN celebrates 25 years in business

John Flynn and Alan Flynn co-owners of Imperial Hotel with Artist Mick O’Dea at the unveiling of the Michael Collins portrait. Picture: Joleen Cronin