IBEC: Cork roads are key to future viability of local commerce

BUSINESS group IBEC has said key infrastructural projects such as the M20 Cork to Limerick Motorway and the N22 Macroom Bypass must be prioritised and are key to “unlocking” Cork’s financial potential.

The twin projects, along with the N8/N25Dunkettle interchange and the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road, were high on the agenda when representatives from IBEC met with Cork TD’s to discuss a range of issues ahead of the forthcoming budget.

Other topics of concern raised by the organisation, the national body that represents Irish business, included the potential impact of Brexit, key investment and planning priorities and budget measures that need to be implemented to support local commerce.

IBEC’s Cork regional director, Peter O’Shaughnessy, said the meeting with TD’s gave the business community an important platform to outline their needs ahead of budget day.

“We have consistently said that successful businesses are central to Cork’s economic prospects and the creation of a truly dynamic and diverse economy,” he said.

“However,” said Mr O’Shaughnessy, “a thriving business community is directly linked to a strong infrastructure network and we believe that investment in infrastructure is the key to unlocking the great potential of the Cork region.”

He said progress on the four key roads projects must also go hand in hand with the roll-out of high speed broadband – pointing out that almost one-third of premises in Cork still have no access to it.

“SME’s with no access to highspeed broadband can not hope to compete on a level playing field,” said Mr O’Shaughnessy.

Mr O’Shaughnessy said the issue of housing also remained a “major constraint” with the potential to damage economic growth and local employment.

“These key infrastructure gaps must be addressed by substantially increasing capital investment Budget 2017 represents a clear opportunity to facilitate business and growth in all towns across the region,” he said.