The Chamber led engagements with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) and the Department of Transport regarding concerns about the IAA’s proposal to end the existing 24 hour continuous air traffic control coverage at Cork Airport.

Cork Airport’s services and air connectivity are a core priority for the Chamber given the vital role of such services in facilitating business and commercial activities and wider regional economic development.  In its engagements with the IAA, the Department, Ministers and TDs, the Chamber has stressed how any decision to implement reduced hours of air traffic control would disadvantage Cork Airport and negatively impact on its competitiveness.  Specific concerns raised included the potential impact of the withdrawal of continuous service for late arrivals, new business, early cargo flights and medical evacuation and emergency services. 

The Chamber is also concerned that the IAA proposal will undermine and threaten the wider competitiveness of Cork Airport by placing Cork at a severe competitive disadvantage to its main competitors - Shannon and Dublin Airport - both of which will continue to operate on a 24 continuous air traffic control cover.   

Following our communications with the IAA, the decision to introduce these changes has been postponed until a consultation process with key stakeholders has been completed.  Cork Chamber has been invited to take part in this process and will continue to advocate for the maintenance of continuous service coverage at Cork Airport.



Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility for SMEs  

Chambers Ireland has launched a new guide to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ‘The Sustainability Factor’ for small and medium sized enterprises.  CSR embraces responsibility for a company’s actions and encourages awareness of a company’s impact on the environment and local community. During the tendering process for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, all companies selected to provide products and services had to show a commitment to CSR and sustainability. 

This guide, co-financed by the South Western Regional Authority through the INTERREG IVC DESUR project, highlights a number of simple ways SMEs can engage with CSR which can have a positive effect on their bottom line.

Engaging with CSR creates many benefits for SMEs including:

• Workers are more motivated, creative and innovative;
• Productivity tends to increase;
• Improved products or services, leading to better customer satisfaction and loyalty;
• Members of the local community view the business in a more positive light;
• Better publicity due to word of mouth;
• More networking opportunities with other companies involved in similar schemes; and
• Increased turnover, sales and profit due to competitive advantage derived from the above.

For further information and to view the guide, click HERE.