Ahead of the European Parliament elections taking place this May, Chambers Ireland and a delegation of representatives from around the Irish Chamber Network today (20th February 2019) launches its “Chambers for Europe” manifesto in Brussels.

Speaking at the European Parliament this morning, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot calls on businesses and their employees to proactively engage with election candidates and highlight their priority concerns ahead of the upcoming election.

"Despite collective acknowledgement of the positive role that EU membership continues to play for Ireland, in terms of both peace and economic prosperity, the European elections are often overlooked by voters. With the impending exit of the UK from the EU, Ireland needs to take its relationship with the European Union even more seriously.

“Within our Manifesto, we are calling on candidates for the Parliament elections to prioritise the following issues: investment in our cities and regions, an ambitious international trade agenda, a competitive and global approach to tax reform, a fully-connected digital Europe that supports innovation and a business-friendly framework for a sustainable circular economy.”

Chambers across Europe, and across Ireland, are working to ensure all candidates have a clear understanding of the business community’s priorities. The economic relationship we share with the EU, both in terms of the Single Market and our relationship with its institutions, has become even more valuable in light of the ongoing Brexit negotiations.

The launch of our manifesto this morning follows the announcement of a Pre-Election Partnership between our partner Eurochambres and the European Parliament to drive momentum and citizen engagement ahead of May.

Although Chambers are economic rather than political actors, our Network wants to do everything it can to ensure that citizens go to vote in May with a clear understanding of the importance of the EU and of the need to elect engaged, informed and committed MEPs for the next 5 years.

We call on businesses and citizens to seize this opportunity to make their voices heard and shape the future of Europe and the degree to which Ireland will benefit.”

Please note the following information is only a brief overview and should in no way be considered comprehensive. However, with no-deal approaching, these are areas that demand immediate attention. Chambers Ireland has assembled this information to provide helpful information on the potential exposures which may arise in a “no-deal” Brexit. However, we are not professional advisors or consultants and would strongly advise companies to take independent professional advice in relation to Brexit.

Customs, Tariffs and Administration

 Once the UK leaves the EU and customs union, any import or export moving to and from Ireland and the UK will require customs declarations.

• Businesses will be required to obtain an EORI number, which can be applied for through Revenue. Businesses can either apply themselves, or choose to engage with a customs agent, that files the declaration on their behalf. In addition, Revenue has outlined a number of ways that will help to ‘ease the customs burden’ and to make it easier for business trading with the UK.
• Customs duties will apply to goods moving to the UK from Ireland and, vice versa. Irish importers and exporters will be required to assign classification codes to their goods to determine the rate of duty. The rate of the duty will then depend on the assigned commodity code. Code classification will become a Brexit cost to trade that companies trading with the UK will become accustomed to
• As the UK will no longer be a part of the customs union, additional administration requirements and resources may be required to deal with new border arrangements. Businesses should consider whether deliveries can be shipped prior to 29 March 2019 and whether extra supplies of key raw materials can be stored to avoid logistical uncertainties.
• Separately, the UK government has set up a grants scheme for businesses that complete their customs declarations available on their website. You can apply if your business completes customs declarations and is established in, or has a branch in the UK.

VAT

The EU’s current VAT regime allows businesses within EU member countries to immediately reclaim the charge on goods bought from other EU member countries. With the UK leaving the EU in March in a possible no-deal scenario, the UK will be outside of the EU’s VAT regime.

• Businesses may be required to pay the VAT on goods imported from the UK at the point of entry while waiting up to two months to reclaim the money, which poses a definite risk to businesses’ cash flow, particularly for SMEs.
• Business should begin to revaluate budget plans and to account for potential increased costs when trading with the UK. For more advice, please consult your accountant.

Cash Flow and Currency

Cash flow management has become a key concern for businesses running up to the UK departure from the EU.

• Businesses should begin to introduce strategies to ensure continued ability to make payments, follow up with UK based creditors and debtors and agree on priorities and consider the location of bank accounts and forecast anticipated receipts and payments, including tariffs.
• While the UK does not use the single European currency, business should become aware of the exposure to the Sterling currency and mismatches between assets and liabilities, as well as whether currency clauses need to be inserted. A no deal Brexit is likely to result in an increase in volatility of the Sterling / Euro exchange rate and you should ensure strategies to mitigate any additional exposures are considered. Enterprise Ireland’s Brexit Unit has identified key business questions about the financial implications of currency fluctuations on business.

Chemicals/Machinery and Product Regulatory Issues

It is critical for Irish companies to know which products they use (transportable pressure equipment, pressure equipment, gas appliances, ATEX equipment, machinery, PPE, lifts and chemicals) have supply chain links to the UK, including the sourcing of such products via distributors, especially for chemicals. In a “no-deal” the UK will become a 'third country' and the following will be a concern for Irish business;

• Unless Irish companies can source products from another EU supplier, the Irish company may become an EU
  importer after Brexit with legal responsibility for the compliance of the product with EU law
• Where companies use notified bodies based in the UK to undertake any 3rd party conformity assessments which
  are required under relevant EU law they won’t be able to rely on these post Brexit. They will need to source a
  notified body legally designated to carry out conformity assessments in the EU.
• The HSA is there to support businesses. Contact them at 1890 289 389 or emailing at;
  • Chemicals: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Other products: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Accreditation: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Data

Rules governing the use of data flows to and from the UK and the EU under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be subject to change in the event of a ‘no-deal’. While data transfers from businesses operating within the UK to businesses operating within the EU should not be impacted by a ‘no deal’ Brexit, businesses operating in Ireland or the EU may be forced to review existing and new contracts to facilitate future data transfers to the UK. Business should map any personal data being transferred to the UK from their organisation. Organisations should update the company/group Privacy Notice and other relevant documentation.

• For further information, please visit the Irish Data Protection Commission’s dedicated page on data transfers in the event of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit

Free Movement of People

Under a no-deal Brexit, UK citizens will become third country nationals under EU law. Ireland outside of EU agreements has a Common Travel Area and associated rights secured with the UK. This gives Irish nationals the right to continue to enter and work in the UK, and vice versa, without restriction. However, this agreement does not apply to the other 26 Member States.

• Once Brexit comes into effect free movement of UK citizens to the EU and vice versa will cease to exist. So if your company has staff, who are EU citizens (but not Irish or UK citizens) and they are working in NI or the rest of the UK, they will be required to make formal applications under the “Settlement Scheme” by 31 December 2020. This scheme will open to the public on 21 January 2019 and will be launched regardless of a withdrawal. It is vital that businesses begin to identify employees exposed as a result of Brexit.
• The DFA has published information about migration post-Brexit on their website to help Irish business navigate migration issues that may arise.

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New City Regions Ireland group launched with 8 principles for the urban future

City Regions Ireland is a new group bringing together the Chambers of Commerce of Waterford, Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick - Ireland’s 5 cities as identified by the National Planning Framework, Ireland 2040. City Regions Ireland met with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Urban Development Eoghan Murphy TD to outline what is needed to safeguard an ambitious urban future for Ireland’s City Regions. 

In one voice, the 5 cities have devised a document detailing the following 8 principles, spanning infrastructure, housing, and planning to inform policy making, maximise growth, and tackle the common issues and opportunities in our urban regions.

City Regions Ireland’s 8 principles call on policymakers to;

• Plan for Core Density & Reduce Urban Sprawl
• Increase Housing Supply
• Support International Connectivity through our Ports and Airports
• Develop Transport Infrastructure to Connect our Cities
• Invest in Public Transport
• Create Destinations of Higher Education
• Rejuvenate our City Centres
• Manage Water and Waste

City Regions Ireland is working for the common goal of ensuring the country’s 5 cities are developed sustainably as the national and regional economic engines and to support a population projected in the National Planning Framework to grow by 25% in Dublin and 50% in the other four cities out to 2040.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Urban Planning Eoghan Murphy commented on the new City Regions Ireland group;

“It’s essential that we as a country recognise the important part that our cities play in driving our national economy, they are centres of business, culture, education and innovation for everyone, and not just for those who live in them. I’m happy to see that Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford have come together for the collective betterment of urban Ireland, and I look forward to working with City Regions Ireland to ensure that our cities grow and develop sustainably into the future.”

Addressing the Minister, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley sought confirmation as to the timelines and level of funding that would be made available for the infrastructure required to enable the development of the North Quays.

The Minister advised that this project received higher funding than any other project, which is an indication of the Government’s commitment to the project and the Waterford City Region and that he is working closely with Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive Michael Walsh to ensure clarity.

Mr Hurley also highlighted the need to Create Destinations of Higher Education across the five cities, saying: “Each of our cities needs to be home to the best in third level education that the country can offer and while our colleagues in City Regions Ireland can boast thriving Universities, the journey continues for Waterford. It is imperative for the growth of our city as the Capital of the South East, as identified in the National Planning Framework, that Waterford Institute of Technology is upgraded to a Technological University.

“WIT is in the top 3 of every performance measure of IOTs in Ireland – it is delivering and it is a high performer. But in terms of regional development, we need more, which is securing University status and we would assume that the investment provided will be in line with that which was allocated to DIT. It would be bizarre if Government investment in new universities would be focused in Dublin when Ireland 2040 seeks to move the capital mass out of Dublin.”

City Regions Ireland is made up of Cork Chamber, Dublin Chamber, Galway Chamber, Limerick Chamber and Waterford Chamber, all members of Chambers Ireland.

Responding to the announcement that Waterford is to receive €7.35 million in funding under the National Development Plan, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said: “It is encouraging to see Waterford has been allocated €7.35 million, the largest allocation out of the 88 projects announced and it is certainly welcome news for Tramore.

“It begs the question, with only €100 million to allocate, should the Government have prioritised key projects instead of taking the attitude of let’s give a little bit to everyone?

“In terms of the North Quays, the allocation is somewhat disappointing, particularly as the project was specifically referenced in the National Planning Framework. It is only natural that Waterford be given the highest allocation, as we need this investment to bring us in line with the other regional cities but what we need now is a commitment from Government that the full funding will be made available, as well as the timelines, which will be required to trigger the tendering process.

“We knew the funding was always going to be on a phased basis, but we need buy-in from everyone, including the Government, that the total funding will be made available.

“Six million euro is a very small sum to advance a project of scale like the North Quays and we must be mindful of the fact that we have investors to keep on side, who are keen to get the project underway.

“We hope this is an indication of the Government’s commitment to making the full amount available but we need assurances as a matter of urgency, so we can begin the project in earnest and realise the goal of being the Capital of the South East, as identified in the Government’s own Ireland 2040 plan and which is fully supported by our neighbouring counties.

“In terms of Tramore, the allocation is most welcome and one that has been pushed for many years. Having recently integrated Tramore Chamber of Tourism & Commerce with Waterford Chamber, we are actively working with the business community in Tramore and look forward to supporting them to grow and develop the town.”

Shoot for the stars, the sky is not the limit was the hugely inspirational message from Dr Norah Patten at the first Waterford Chamber Regional Leaders Programme Speaker Lunch at the Greenway Manor Hotel.

Speaking to mentors and programme participants, Norah gave a fascinating overview of her career to date and how her determination to make it to space began with a trip to NASA as a child.

Following her dream, Dr Patten attained a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from University of Limerick, is a faculty member at the International Space University and has participated in many space related professional development programs over the years. In 2014, Norah managed ‘The Only Way is Up’ project which sent Ireland’s first student experiment to the International Space Station. Having a keen interest in education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), Norah founded her own company, Planet Zebunar, which is launching a new series of STEM products designed to encourage, inspire and motivate the next generation of engineers, astronauts, scientists and innovators.

Dr Norah Patten remains on course to be the first Irish person in space and following her motivational talk, guests were left in no doubt at all that it is only a matter of time.

The Regional Leaders Programme is supported by Waterford Chamber Skillnet, Bausch + Lomb and Waterford Institute of Technology.

Responding to the announcement by Waterford City & County Council Chief Executive Michael Walsh that contracts have been signed with the Fawaz Alhokair Group for the redevelopment of the city’s North Quays and Michael Street, Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber said: “This is fantastic news for Waterford and perfect timing, as we can be clear in our message to An Tánaiste Simon Coveney and IDA Chairman Frank Ryan at our Annual Dinner this coming Friday that Waterford has a vision as the Capital City of the Region and that this development is the catalyst for change.

“With the CPO’s finally approved by An Bord Pleanala, along with the immediate plans to widen Browne’s Lane/Hennessey’s Road and the demolition of the former WIT building and adjacent properties, we will now begin to see the movement we have so long lobbied for.

“Our theme for this year’s Annual Dinner is ‘Think Global, Act Local’, and in light of these announcements that has never been more prevalent. We will be calling on the Tánaiste and the IDA to offer every support as we strive towards making Waterford a better place to live, work and do business.”

Waterford Chamber President Kathryn Kiely announced details of the integration of Tramore Chamber of Tourism and Commerce into Waterford Chamber at a special Corporate Evening co-hosted by Comerford Foley and AIB Bank Tramore on Wednesday, 24th October.

Speaking at the Comerford Foley offices in Riverstown Business Park, Kathryn said: “This coming together of Waterford and Tramore Chambers makes for a very strong voice to advocate for the collective business community in Waterford. It is a significant move and one we intend to nurture, while we continue to showcase Waterford as the Capital City of the region and a great place to live, work and do business.”

Kathryn also highlighted a new initiative called ‘The Spirit of Tramore’, which is a photography project designed to meet the proprietors of the local businesses, displayed on shop fronts. The project is currently underway with Waterford Chamber and local photographer Brendan St. John.

Welcoming the strong representation from the business community, Ger Foley of Comerford Foley, said he welcomed the amalgamation of the Chambers and said by working together we can have a much stronger reach.

In the spirit of collaboration, Ger, along with AIB Bank’s Stephen Frampton and Ger Fitzpatrick, offered the gathering sound financial advice, particularly ahead of the tax deadline.

With delicious catering from the Vee Bistro, there was plenty networking and talk of future collaborations, showing the good will and sense of community that exists in Tramore.

Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley is calling on the business community to join him in supporting The Big Deise Sleep in aid of Focus Ireland, which takes place on Friday, 30th November.

This is Gerald’s second year supporting the event at the Edmund Rice Heritage Centre, which raises much needed funds for the homeless service, which has been in Waterford for the last 18 years and the city is now the charity’s largest centre outside of Dublin.

“While it was certainly one of the most uncomfortable nights of my life, it was also a very humbling experience. Yes we had some good laughs and I met wonderful people, but in the dead of night, it’s hard not to think of those less fortunate than ourselves.

“I was delighted to meet Thomas Barr last year, who has always been a huge supporter of the Big Deise Sleep Out and pending training commitments, he is committed to joining us again this year. He is a wonderful Ambassador, not just for Waterford, but for Ireland, and given the year he has had, I’ve no doubt we’ll have plenty to talk about in the wee hours!”

Focus Ireland have received support from Waterford and St Dominic’s Credit Unions and for anybody wishing to join the sleepout, or lend their support, please contact Cathryn O’Leary on 086 6042854.

If you cannot participate in the Big Deise Sleep Out but would like to show your support, donations can be made here: 

https://big-deise-sleep-out-2018.everydayhero.com/ie/waterford-chamber-big-deise-sleep-out-2018