Housing and renewable energy remain key focus for Cork businesses amid election season

'Cork needs to produce at least 7,500-10,000 units per year to keep pace with demand,' report by Cork Chamber said

'In 2024, running for election requires candidates that are ambitious for the region. We need representatives that have a very clear understanding of the pressing policy issues that are impacting Cork, Ireland South and Ireland,' said Conor Healy, Cork Chamber chief executive. Picture: Larry Cummins

Business representative group Cork Chamber urged politicians and voters to focus on the chronic housing shortage that could weigh on economic growth in the city ahead of upcoming elections.

In its local and European election manifesto, Cork Chamber called on candidates to look at ways to convert vacant and derelict buildings into housing units in a bid to achieve the State’s ambitious 2040 targets for the city, which includes a 50% growth in population that will require “a concerted effort to build houses”.