Business leaders urged to ‘put on green jersey’

BUSINESS leaders were urged to “put on the green jersey” after being told Ireland is at a disadvantage globally.

A lack of competitiveness, a high cost base, energy and labour costs are putting Ireland at a disadvantage as a location for attracting businesses, according to Cork Chamber president Ger O’Mahoney.

He said there needs to be a focus on attracting “key personnel” to Ireland.

“People who not only have the specialist skill sets and knowledge that Ireland needs but also the appetite to work here, both with businesses already in operation here, and businesses that may be looking at locating here,” he said.

He also said Cork needs to attract more business.

“We have a fantastic city centre here... We need to capitalise on this and make sure we develop both our city and the surrounding area as one of the most attractive places in which to do business,” he said.

Mr O’Mahony was speaking at the Cork Chamber’s annual conference yesterday, which was entitled Re-Booting our Economy – Back to the Future”.

“Ireland Inc – and as an important part of that – Cork, should focus on the issues that we can really do something about and so become agile and adaptable enough to capitalise on the opportunities that will present themselves,” he said.

Also speaking at the conference was head of HSBC private banking Rory Quinlan, who said he does not see a double dip recession occurring. He also said he does not expect any interest rate hike from the European Central Bank before the end of next year.