Growing City Boosts Commercial Prospects
As some Covid trading restrictions are eased, Emily Styles canvasses opinions about the commercial outlook
Ibec Pressures Government For Capital Investment
Ibec has had a presence in Cork for several decades and the business representative group is planning to relocate to a new flagship office at Penrose Dock before the end of 2021.
“These state-of-the-art offices will enhance our capacity to support the growth ambitions for the regional economy,” says Liam O’Donoghue, Ibec deputy CEO/COO. “It will also assist Ibec and its members to transition to hybrid working in the post-Covid world, so that we can continue to develop Cork as a wonderful place to live, work and invest.” O’Donoghue adds that there is huge ambition for population growth in Cork in the Project Ireland 2040 strategy plan. “Cork is central to government plans and financial commitments to develop a strong regional economic counterbalance to Dublin and the east coast. However, challenges include the timeframes for delivery of key infrastructure projects and higher quality, increased density housing in urban locations.
“Cork’s future growth will depend on housing, transport, education, urban regeneration, and investment in social and economic infrastructure. The ambition for Cork and for balanced regional development must be matched by a commitment to the capital investment that is needed to enable growth and prosperity.”
O’Donoghue believes government support should prioritise investment in ‘experience economy’ infrastructure in the region. “We also need to expand business incubation hubs to support more startups. “There should also be investment in co-working smart hubs to embrace economic opportunities arising from new ways of working post-Covid.”