-Ambition of global investors must be matched to remain competitive internationally-

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has welcomed the €127m PepsiCo expansion which enhances its manufacturing capacity at the Little Island facility.

“The €127m investment made by PepsiCo into its Little Island facility is very significant. PepsiCo have shown continued commitment to Cork as a place for business, recently installing, 4,500 solar panels to power its Carrigaline facility. PepsiCo is a long-time employer in Cork, almost 50 years at this Little Island location,” commented Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber.
 
“Cork is an attractive location for FDI investment and we must continue to match the ambition and growth of these global investors by ensuring that our offering remains competitive internationally. Access to housing, a skilled talent pool and the provision of the necessary infrastructure are all key factors.” 
 
“With this and other recent FDI investments in east Cork, it is a reminder of the importance of improvements to infrastructure in the area. It is clear the decision not to fund the N25 Carrigtwohill-Midleton multi modal route must be revisited as an enabler to investment and economic growth.”
 
Mr Healy continued, “positively, the completion of the ongoing upgrades to Dunkettle Interchange which are allowing for improved access to Little Island is much anticipated, and the provision of the new greenway has, for the first time, allowed cyclists to safely access Little Island on dedicated cycle paths. The increased frequency of train services has seen growth in passenger numbers and this all gives people real transport choices. It is essential that government commits the funding required to deliver on the plans to electrify the train service as a matter of priority.”
 
“Cork remains an attractive location for business and investment, and we must be unrelenting in our ambition to remain competitive.”