Chamber Dinner lights up Dublin

Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber. with Ronan Murray, President and Frank O’Keeffe, EY Ireland Managing Partner. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke

After a three-year hiatus, the Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner returned with renewed vigour on Tuesday 22nd November. Held in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, the event was attended by business leaders, political decision makers and stakeholders with guest of honour and keynote Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr. Michael McGrath T.D. sponsored by EY, the event was a tremendous occasion celebrating the relationship between Ireland’s two largest city regions, Dublin and Cork.

Speaking at the event, President of Cork Chamber, Ronan Murray outlined Cork’s real opportunity to build on its reputation as a sustainable and accessible city region, building a different city, further attracting investment and how the country’s two largest cities can complement each other as they grow.

“There are strong economic and corporate links, with both indigenous and multinational companies having large footprints in both cities. We are part of the same national eco-system that continues to win on the world stage, both attracting significant foreign direct investment to our island, while Irish private companies seek to grow and expand from these cities onto the global stage.

Often the talk is about perceived competition between Ireland’s two largest cities, but two thriving cities within such close proximity offers significant growth potential for Ireland Inc. There is mutual benefit in the fact that both cities offer something different to investors and this can provide flexibility for future investment decisions and growth objectives. Addressing the 600 guests, Minister Michael McGrath T.D. reflected on where Ireland is now as a country – with 100 years of independence and 50 years of unity in Europe. Giving a full economic update, Minister McGrath referenced the challenges and opportunities of our time, citing that floating offshore wind presents the ‘opportunity of our generation’ - “It is an opportunity we must seize.” Minister McGrath acknowledged that while Ireland is a leader in onshore wind energy, extensive work is now well underway to develop our huge offshore wind potential. “The Government recently agreed to set up a new division of the High Court to deal with planning and environmental issues. We know so much needs to be done to achieve the potential that floating offshore offers including port capacity, and grid capacity.” The evening continued, carrying the sentiment of the Ministers’ closing remarks “We can never take success for granted, never stand still... Those of us who want to see Cork reach its true potential have to work together with a sense of unity and common purpose. Ní neart go gur le chéile. The strength is in the collective.”