Lobbying

Priority must be given to N24 upgrade

South East Chambers are collectively calling on the Government to give priority to the creation of a Waterford Limerick motorway, over the Cork to Limerick route, ahead of the Capital funding announcement in early February.

The group, which includes Chambers from Carlow, Dungarvan & West Waterford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, Kilkenny, New Ross, Wexford and Waterford, have been vocal in highlighting the importance of better connectivity between the regional capitals, as designated by the draft National Planning Framework.

Chambers Ireland welcomes Report on the Cost of Employer & Public Liability Insurance

Commenting on today’s (25th January 2018) publication of the Cost of Insurance Working Group’s Report on the Cost of Employer and Public Liability Insurance, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, "We welcome the recommendations of the Cost of Employer & Public Liability Insurance Report published today. Businesses need to see progress on the reducing cost of insurance as soon as possible.

Chambers Ireland welcomes approval of the North South Interconnector in Northern Ireland

Commenting on today’s (23rd January 2018) announcement that the North South Interconnector has been granted full planning approval in Northern Ireland, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said,"We are very pleased with the granting of full planning approval for the North South Interconnector by Northern Ireland planning authorities today.

"Energy security on the island of Ireland is of the utmost importance to business operations here, both indigenous industry and FDI companies. The Interconnector will improve security of electricity supply for Irish businesses and in turn strengthen the Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM) to the benefit of both businesses and consumers.

Commitment to increase capital expenditure vital for competitiveness

The publication today (14/09/2017) of the Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan is an important step towards improving Ireland’s competitiveness and ability to meet future challenges.

Commenting on the Review, Chambers Ireland, Chief Executive, Ian Talbot said, “An additional €4.1 billion being committed to capital spending between 2018-2021 will be welcome news to businesses across the country. This increased spending by Government is an important first step that will fund important infrastructure projects in priority areas such as transport, housing, water, and will drive continued economic improvement.

Urgent action needed on 24/7 Cardiac Care for UHW

Reacting to the announcement that the Rescue 117 helicopter will no longer transfer cardiac care patients from Waterford to Cork University Hospital, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said: “We are well past the time for talking now. What we need is action in the form of 24/7 cardiac care implemented in University Hospital Waterford without delay. Nobody can blame the Irish Aviation Authority for this decision."

Mobile cath lab at University Hospital Waterford

Independent Minister of State John Halligan TD has confirmed this afternoon that the mobile cath lab is scheduled to arrive at University Hospital Waterford on Sunday, 24th September.

Limerick rail connection must be retained says Chamber CEO

The Waterford to Limerick Junction Rail route has been earmarked by Irish Rail as one of four potential routes that face closure if their funding requirements are not met.

Reacting to the news, Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley said it is disappointing and Waterford Chamber is very much opposed to the closure of the line.