On the 30th of March, Dublin Chamber’s member elected council attended a plenary meeting for a day of brainstorming and planning for the year ahead. The agenda included the consideration of economic trends impacting Dublin, priority setting and solution-focused discussions on a wide range of issues currently challenging the Dublin business community. Dublin Chamber will advance the key priorities discussed by Council in upcoming consultations, position papers, and within our lobbying and influencing agenda.
Dublin Chamber’s joint trade mission ‘Advantage’ with the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the USA and Canada, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, was a resounding success.
The Advantage delegation travelled to Toronto and Washington in March to use renewed focus on the Good Friday Agreement as an opportunity to re-focus international attention on the island of Ireland as a place to trade with and invest in. It also celebrated the positive impact that the agreement has had on business and prosperity across the island of Ireland, whilst recognising the specific contribution which business and political leaders in the USA and Canada have made to that.
In advance of the trip, Stephen O’Leary, Dublin Chamber President said “Our joint trade mission to the US is an exciting opportunity for the Dublin and Northern Ireland Chambers of Commerce to showcase the strong, enduring relationship between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and our shared commitment to strengthening economic ties. Together, we will demonstrate the vibrancy and innovation of our member companies, showcase the shared island of Ireland as a dynamic and attractive destination to invest in, visit and trade with, and prove the value and impact our Chambers deliver for our members and stakeholders.”
Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs at Dublin Chamber appeared on RTE’s 9 O’Clock News on the 23rd of March to give an overview of the economic outlook for the coming months (available to watch here, skip to 2:13) and was also interviewed on Saturday, 1st April by Colm O'Mongain on RTE Radio 1 with regard to Dublin Chamber’s response to the passing of the Work Life Balance Bill. You can listen to the interview here.
In addition to the above and the recent meeting with Minister Coveney as outlined within this newsletter’s introduction, Dublin Chamber met with Secretary General Breslin to discuss the skills needs of Dublin businesses and recent feedback from members on the apprenticeship structure. Dublin Chamber also met with Senator Craughwell at the beginning of March to advocate for the needs of Dublin businesses. Dublin Chamber will continue to push forward its lobbying agenda for 2023.