13 November 2019
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has said that without adequate planning and investment, Cork will fail to capitalise on its economic potential. The call came as the group hosted the region’s leading businesses at its annual Regional Insights Series 2019 event in Fota Island Resort hotel.
Speaking at the event, Ibec Cork Regional President, Sean Moran said: “According to Government’s Project Ireland 2040, Cork stands to become the fastest-growing city in Ireland over the next 20 years, with some predicting that the population could more than double. It is imperative that investment in the region matches this ambition in order to sustain the economic growth of the region.
“This includes the upgrading of strategic road infrastructure that enhances the connectivity of the region, such as the N8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange, the M20 Cork to Limerick, the Cork Northern Ring Road and the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy. Coupled with this, we need to see improved investment in vital public transport links across wider Metropolitan Cork capable of supporting the significant levels of population and employment growth.”
Mr. Moran also stressed the importance of enhancing the digital connectivity of the region to better support society, by encouraging investment in 5G deployment. He outlined: “5G is important for Irish business because it has the potential to very significantly transform healthcare, manufacturing and transport. In the context of Brexit, Ireland must not fall behind its nearest neighbour when it comes to digital competitiveness.”
