Dear Chamber Member,

I hope you, your families and colleagues are well.

This week saw the welcome ruling by the High Court favour of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway. The M28 is a key infrastructural asset for facilitating safer travel and enabling the Port of Cork’s development which is of increased significance in the context of Brexit. It will open up to 220 hectares of lands in the Docklands for new housing, civic amenities and commerce and unlocks key IDA lands at Ringaskiddy. It is essential that Government now allocates appropriate funding so that enabling works can begin without delay.

The development will significantly enhance commuting and commercial movements along the corridor. To maximise the high value and stable employment base in Ringaskiddy we must continue to invest in infrastructure that is fit for purpose. As the Port transitions to trading in a Brexit context, it is essential that every economic opportunity is realised and this route is critical to meeting both existing and potential demand. With significant steps being taken to enable our Docklands, this decision will give further certainty to investors as we continue to gather momentum for our globally competitive City region.

Other welcome news this week, was the opening of claims for the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme by Revenue. Eligible businesses can make a claim relating to the current Covid-19 restrictive period up to 1 December 2020. All businesses affected by the restrictions are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria. There is also detailed guidance provided to assist applicants in submitting a claim. You will find the relevant link on our dedicated Business Support Page <HERE>.

While responding to Covid-19 is a priority, we must prepare in parallel for the UK departure from the EU. There is still time to put contingency plans in place or to update your Brexit-readiness plans. To determine your status, Enterprise Ireland has created a ‘Brexit Readiness Checker’ which will provide a personalised report to help you prioritise your actions for the coming weeks and months. You will find more information on this and other available supports on our regularly updated Brexit page <HERE> and our committed international team is available to discuss any issues, to guide you through your planning process and to introduce you to contacts in our partner networks.

And as the festive season draws ever closer, we are taking the opportunity to run a Christmas Lunch, with all proceeds going to charity. We promise to bring some festive cheer and some 'mind-blowing' entertainment. We hope to see you there. <READ MORE>

In the meantime, please feel free to contact me or one of the Chamber team if we can be of assistance to you, and stay connected through our social media for news and updates. 

Warm Regards, 

Conor Healy

CEO of Cork Chamber