The president of Cork Chamber has called for further investment to drive sustainable economic growth in the city and region.
Addressing the chamber's annual dinner at Cork City Hall, Ronan Murray said the city has a real opportunity to integrate economic growth and environmental responsibility, but progress in key infrastructural projects such as housing, renewables and offshore energy was critical to that.
Cork Chamber has a membership base of more than 1,200 Irish and multinational companies, who collectively employ more than 100,000 people.
It has been the main lobby group for business and commerce across the region for more than 200 years.
More than 1,000 people attended the chamber annual dinner and Cork company of the year awards.
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath was guest of honour.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise Simon Coveney and US Ambassador Claire Cronin also attended.
Soft drinks company, PepsiCo, was named Cork Company of the Year 2024, while Riley received the Emerging Cork Company of the Year award.
In Cork, PepsiCo Ireland has grown from a 30-person operation in 1974 to employing over 1,250 people.
Cork Chamber said the company's dedication to innovation, sustainability and community engagement has set a standard of excellence in the business community.
Barry and Fitzwilliam received the award for SME Cork Company of the Year, while West Cork Distillers was named Large Cork Company of the Year.
In his speech, Mr Murray said further investment was required to deliver sustainable development and balanced regional development.
"The continued investment and acceleration of key infrastructure projects, housing and apartment developments must remain a priority, with additional support of the green transition in areas such as renewables, particularly offshore wind," he said.
"This continued investment is essential to safeguard and enhance Cork's future attractiveness to live, work, visit and invest in.
"Cork has a real opportunity to build on its reputation as a sustainable and accessible city region, further attracting investment.
"Each of us can play a crucial part in the shift towards a carbon-neutral economy. This transition not only strengthens our energy security and enhances competitiveness but also promotes innovation, paving the way for sustainable employment opportunities.
"This, in turn, contributes to more balanced regional development."
Mr Murray called for efforts to be made to ensure deeper integration and social cohesion.
He praised the investment in Transport Infrastructure Ireland's Dunkettle Interchange, which manages traffic from the north, east and west to and from the Jack Lynch Tunnel.
But, he said, there was a need to remain focused on the M28 motorway project between the Dunkettle Interchange and the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, as well as improvements to the Cork-Limerick N20 route.
He said the city would benefit from increased connectivity and routes to and from Cork Airport.
