Cork Needs to be Prioritised
6th July 2015
In advance of meeting with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Paschal Donohoe T.D. on Monday 6th July, Cork Chamber is calling on the Minister to ensure priority status is afforded to the upgrade of the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road in the upcoming capital programme, in addition to the timely introduction of a much sought after route development and marketing fund for Cork Airport.
Ahead of the Minister’s visit to Cork, Chamber President Mr. Barrie O’Connell stated, “Certain infrastructural projects must be given a priority because of their wider economic benefits and Cork Chamber believes that the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road is one such catalyst project that deserves priority status, as it is key to unlocking a myriad of economic prospects in the region. Delivery of an upgrade to the N28 would offer a significantly improved capacity to serve and enhance the key industry cluster of multinationals and indigenous firms operating in the Ringaskiddy area. These make a substantial contribution to the health of both the Cork and national economy. The upgrade will also maximize the potential of our marine economy which is projected to grow exponentially in the years ahead through the work in the Irish Marine Energy Research Cluster (IMERC).
“A recent economic assessment which Cork Chamber commissioned Indecon International Economic Consultants to carry out on the scheme showed that an upgrade of the road had the potential to create 2,228 jobs in additional direct employment, with an estimated €173 million in annual direct financial impacts. This analysis proves the N28 to be a true value-for-money project in its own right”.
With regard to Cork Airport, Mr. O’Connell said “Cork Chamber has long been a proponent of the view that Government and the DAA needs to introduce an appropriate multi-annual fund to be used by Cork airport management for route development and marketing support. In that regard, the Chamber once again calls on the Minister to introduce such a fund in a timely manner. This will help strengthen the capacity of the airport to build on the recent positive announcements at the Airport”.
Mr. O’Connell concluded by saying, “The upgrading of the N28, in addition to the availability of support for Cork airport would be a very strong signal to both existing and potential future investors in Cork, that we in Ireland are determined to support them”.
Cork Chamber is the leading business organisation in Cork supporting and representing the interests of close to 1,100 businesses employing over 100,000 people in the region. Cork Chamber has a mandate to develop and promote policy recommendations that create an enabling business environment and support the region’s economic development.
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