A webpage has been created by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform to facilitate the interaction of the industrial cluster community to allow fast and direct responses within the community itself too.

The webpage supports the efforts of industrial clusters to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 epidemic in Europe. Over 1100 offers from companies were already channelled to the European Commission with the support from the European Cluster Alliance

Its objective is twofold:

• Serve as a one-stop shop where reliable information can be found on actions and decisions of the European Commission for industry and especially industrial clusters
• Support an open discussion forum where actors can share their experiences, solutions, requests and questions

<CLICK HERE> for more

Dear Chamber Member,

Firstly I hope you, your families, friends and colleagues are all well.

I would like to share some essential points that I believe will be critical to our economic, societal and political stability. While it is important to recognise that the current Government measures are very helpful and appreciated by the business community, it is clear that further steps must be taken to minimise economic damage along with greater clarity on how the economic recovery plan aligns with public health requirements.

The following points form an overview of our key messages to Government over recent weeks, a conversation which continues to evolve daily.

Short Term

Deeper cashflow interventions

The April Chambers Ireland national survey shows that 76% of businesses report a two-month deferral of Commercial Rates payments will not be enough to have any meaningful impact on their business and 95% of respondents report that there is a need for liquidity grants.

• Minimising cashflow challenges over the coming period for SMEs and certain larger businesses is essential and the focus needs to be on the following:
  • Government-related charges such as VAT & PRSI need to be deferred for a minimum of 6 months, while commercial rates need to be waived for 6 months or longer where businesses remain closed, with local authorities reimbursed to facilitate continuity of services.
  • Financial Institution charges such as mortgage and loan repayments deferred for a minimum of 6 months, with flexible repayment arrangements.
  • Utility charges such as water, broadband, electricity deferred for 6 months.
  • Rent payments also need to be deferred for minimum 6 months.
  • Additional sector specific supports across these areas for tourism/hospitality/retail also need to be provided.

Acting on these measures will provide a lifeline to businesses and save jobs.

Short – Medium Term

Infrastructure/Investment led stimulus

• Construction must be at the forefront of infrastructure-led stimulus, with housing and sustainable mobility as a focus. The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, and significant NDP projects such as roads, schools, hospitals and the Cork Event Centre are prime opportunities.
• Absolute commitment to the urban and rural regeneration funds is essential. Greenways, walkways, countryside access, parks, woodlands, planting and amenities must be improved and accelerated. They are key to recovery, mental health and long-term quality of life. Quality, people-focussed amenity must always be within a reasonable radius of home.

Medium – Long Term

• Support for the EU Green Deal as central to the recovery of Europe and commitment to a strong national green agenda. Ten EU countries have already committed to this and Ireland must be a leader.
• Support for the Renewable Energy Subsidy Scheme is essential to ensure business is powered by green energy, which is becoming an important factor in investment decisions.
• Government must leverage all appropriate models of funding for infrastructural delivery.
• The mobilisation of a strong indigenous tourism campaign and investment in quality of life infrastructure that enhances the offer.
• A phased roll back of supports at point of recovery commencement. A steady scaling down rather than an abrupt stop point is essential for economic continuity.

There is a challenging but positive pathway for Ireland to further distinguish itself internationally and to be a better place for companies and people locally. There is a long-term reputation benefit to getting the public health dimension and stimulus package right. Quality of life, environmental awareness, and business competitiveness are intrinsically woven together. We have an opportunity, through strong ambition equivalent to a contemporary Marshall Plan to lay the foundations for a stable and better economy and society and to leave a legacy of resilience and sustainability for generations to come.

Please share your thoughts on what recovery means for your business with me on email <HERE> or 087 9471858 or any of the team at Cork Chamber, as we continue to ensure that Government and business work together to improve our resilience.

Take care,

To review the public consultation document click here. For supporting documents click here. We encourage you to make your own individual submissions, and welcome any feedback to be taken account of in the preparation of the Cork Chamber submission. Please if you can submit any feedback to Cork Chamber no later than the 19^th of May to Michelle <EMAIL HERE>.