Annual Dinner 2022

Paula Cogan, President Cork Chamber pictured with representatives of Kearys Motor Group. Picture: Darragh Kane

After a one-year hiatus, Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, held its Annual Dinner 2022. This time at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the event was attended by 950 business leaders, political decision makers and stakeholders with guest of honour, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD. Sponsored by Kearys Motor Group, the event allowed all to re-engage and make new connections, while also celebrating the successes of the business community.

Speaking at the event, Paula Cogan, President Cork Chamber spoke passionately on the coming together of communities, the mobilising of business supports and resilience in the face of the pandemic and how we must now harness that same determination and resolve to tackle the next global crises – “a war on European soil, the ticking bomb that is climate crisis and, closer to home, a redefinition of what we want the Irish state to stand for, not just for our current citizens but for those who look to us as a place of refuge and an opportunity for a better future just as millions of Irishmen and women who left our shores did for centuries.”

Paula continued, “In 2020 I called upon Cork to seek recognition as European Green Capital. We applaud Cork City Council for taking the lead and Cork has now been selected as one of the 100 net zero cities that have committed to carbon neutrality by 2030. This target cannot be delivered without the support of every single person and organisation in this room tonight. The ball has now been thrown in and now it is up to us all to run with it.”

Achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 will be a huge undertaking and will require the collective approach that has been so essential in moving through the pandemic successfully. Admitting that that strong policy frameworks are in place to allow our city region to achieve this target, Ms Cogan said that focus on delivery and removing roadblocks is essential. “All emphasis must be on delivery of existing and new policies such as Ireland 2040, the NDP, CMATS, new City and County Development Plans, Repower EU, and the Green Deal. Every organisation of the state must ensure that all projects that impact positively on this initiative is fast tracked and resourced.”

For the first time in 2 years we are able to gather together to honour and celebrate the creators, the innovators and the leaders who make our community so vibrant and successful.

Tonight, gives us an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved, and also how our biggest challenges can be addressed in the months and years ahead.

And there is simply no doubt that this is a defining moment in the history of our country and the wider community of nations to which we belong. The challenges are great – but our history shows that we can and will overcome them.

And if we ever needed an example of how much we can achieve together there is no clearer example than the past 2 years.

In our response to the pandemic 3 pillars – community spirit, determined national action and strong international links were central – and it is in them that we will overcome the challenges which we continue to face.