Thomas Mc Hugh, Director of Public Affairs reflects on the train back to Cork after a morning in Government offices.

The Chamber team represented members this morning at a meeting with Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Secretary General Graham Doyle and his senior team to discuss the rollout of 2040 Government commitments among other key issues for Cork.

Aligning spatial planning and capital expenditure in Ireland 2040 is a significant step for Ireland and for Cork and must be commended. There have also been a number of very positive announcements in recent weeks, including the announcement of pre-qualification for M20 Cork-Limerick planning and design, clear commitment and timelines for the N22 and the commencement of enabling works for the Dunkettle Interchange.

At the meeting the advancement of feasibility for high speed rail from Cork to Dublin and a Rapid Transport Corridor for the City region were also discussed as key priorities. As the fastest growing City region from now until 2040, it is critical that we remain resolutely focussed on public transport and high-density corridors if we are to have a competitive and thriving business community.

Other topics included the value of tourism as a driver of the Cork economy, international connectivity and the value of cultural infrastructure, not least with three sold out concerts at Páirc Uí Chaoimh this weekend.

The Chamber are engaging actively with Government Departments in Dublin throughout May and beyond. With member confidence at 91%, we know that the Cork economy can deliver and with the right approach, we are confident that Ireland 2040 can too.

Nationally More than 500,000 Green Ribbons will be distributed this May, sparking a national conversation about mental health in homes, boardrooms, canteens, clubhouses and college campuses throughout the country. The Green Ribbon Campaign aims to get people talking openly about common mental health problems, encouraging everyone to talk, listen, feel less alone or to seek support.

Now in its sixth year, the Green Ribbon campaign has come to symbolise mental health awareness, helping to combat the stigma associated with mental health problems. Research conducted ahead of last year’s campaign showed that 4 in 10 people would conceal a mental health difficulty from family, friends or colleagues. But you don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health or have all the answers. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to let someone know you are there for them and simply listen.

What you can do to support Green Ribbon this May

Visit the new See Changes website for information on how you can;

• Order Green Ribbons (free of charge) and distribute them among your department, office or other networks.
• Educate yourself on mental health and stigma.
• Light your building up green.
• Organise your own Green Ribbon event (coffee morning, walk, meet and greet) or incorporate them into your existing activities this May.

Show some social support this May

• Follow the campaign on Twitter (@SeeChangeIRL), Facebook  or Instagram.
• Use the hash tag #GreenRibbonIRL

About the Green Ribbon Campaign

The Green Ribbon campaign is delivered by See Change which aims to reduce stigma associated with mental health problems and challenge discrimination, by;

• Creating an environment where people are more open and positive in their attitudes and behaviour towards mental health.
• Promoting a greater understanding and acceptance of, and support for people with mental health problems.
• Creating an environment where people with experience of mental health problems are empowered to gain equality, respect and rights.

See Change and the Green Ribbon campaign receive funding from the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention as part of the stigma reduction activity taking place within Connecting for Life, Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide, 2015-2020.

#connectingforlife