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CORK BUSINESS

A collection of the latest business articles and business analysis from Cork.

<p> Ronan Murray, EY Cork office managing partner; Rob Horgan, president of Cork Chamber; Pat Mullins, accepting award on behalf of the Mullins family; Jacqui Hurley, host for the evening; and Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber. Cork Chamber presented the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2025 posthumously in honour of the late John Mullins. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke</p>

munster

Cork Chamber remembers John Mullins’s enduring impact on Cork and region

Mr Mullins was an influential business and civic figure, having led Bord Gáis, founded solar company Amarenco, chaired the Port of Cork, and run as a Fine Gael candidate in the European elections last year

<p>A visualisation of UCC's proposed CUBS development on South Terrace in Cork. Read Mick Clifford's in-depth analysis of the saga in Saturday's 'Irish Examiner' in print or online. Image: Pedersen Focus</p>

munster

CUBS project scrapped: UCC pulls plug on €17m Cork city centre business school plan

<p>The proposed development was to be “one of Ireland’s largest academic buildings” with space for teaching, laboratories, meeting facilities, offices and catering facilities. Photo: G-Net 3D</p>

S spotlight

UCC abandons business school: How millions in public money were spent with little to show

When the taps run dry: what the Franciscan Well closure says about the craft beer market

companies

When the taps run dry: what the Franciscan Well closure says about the craft beer market

Musgrave Group paid out €22.5m dividend in 2024 largely to family owners

companies

Musgrave Group paid out €22.5m dividend in 2024 largely to family owners

'Buy Irish' is the lifeboat for a global crisis, Cork Chamber hears

companies

'Buy Irish' is the lifeboat for a global crisis, Cork Chamber hears

Cork City Council increases budget for 2026 to €362.2m

Cork City Council increases budget for 2026 to €362.2m

Councillors also agreed a 5% increase in commercial rates — but will reintroduce rebates of up to 4% for qualifying ratepayers

Wed, 12 Nov, 2025

Cork county councillors reject proposed rates increase

Cork county councillors reject proposed rates increase

Fianna Fáil councillor Gearoid Murphy proposed 15 ‘tweaks’ to balance the books without the rates hike, and this was approved by Cork County Council.

Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

Cost of running Cork Film Festival up 240% since pandemic

Cost of running Cork Film Festival up 240% since pandemic

The festival has gone from strength to strength in recent years

Listen | Mon, 10 Nov, 2025

16/11/2012 Bronze Turkey Farm for Christmas

The fright before Christmas: Bird flu, turkeys, and the 'nerve-wracking' weeks ahead

Bird flu outbreaks in Carlow and Meath — the first recorded in poultry in the Republic since November 2022 — have turkey producers fearfully counting down the days to the holiday season

Sun, 09 Nov, 2025

Tiny €200k Crescent Lodge could be Cobh's quirkiest Airbnb

Tiny €200k Crescent Lodge could be Cobh's quirkiest Airbnb

A set of steps will bring you straight into the town centre

Sat, 08 Nov, 2025

'Record year' for West Cork-based Glenilen Farm as profits double to more than €930,000

'Record year' for West Cork-based Glenilen Farm as profits double to more than €930,000

The profits for 2024 come against the background of a three-year €5m investment in the company with the help of Enterprise Ireland and Bank of Ireland

Mon, 03 Nov, 2025

Scorecard boost for Old Head of Kinsale as profits and revenues surge

Scorecard boost for Old Head of Kinsale as profits and revenues surge

The golf complex attracts 20,000 visitors annually with 50% originating from the US and 80% from overseas

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025

Silhouetted wind turbine at a rural windfarm.

Surplus renewable energy used to heat immersion tanks of older people

The EnergyCloud Age Friendly Initiative, the brainchild of the late John Mullins, won the environment category section of the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards recently.

Wed, 29 Oct, 2025

Gym owner helping 'as many people as we can' with hi-tech equipment for wheelchair users and long-covid sufferers

Gym owner helping 'as many people as we can' with hi-tech equipment for wheelchair users and long-covid sufferers

'We charge people a nominal fee if they can pay for it,' says Colin O’Shaughnessy, owner of Elite Fitness Cork. 'If they can’t pay, then we pay for them.'

Tue, 28 Oct, 2025

Card spending jumps 18% over Cork's Guinness Jazz Festival

Card spending jumps 18% over Cork's Guinness Jazz Festival

Festival will deliver a €45m injection into the local economy

Mon, 27 Oct, 2025

Last Tango in Parish: Marlon Brando's Cork movie could finally be released 30 years on

Last Tango in Parish: Marlon Brando's Cork movie could finally be released 30 years on

Nearly 30 years after Divine Rapture collapsed in Ballycotton, producer Barry Navidi plans to resurrect the Marlon Brando film that bankrupted him

Sun, 26 Oct, 2025

Fota Wildlife Park confirms major financial hit after avian flu forces closure

Fota Wildlife Park confirms major financial hit after avian flu forces closure

Fota Wildlife Park will remain closed for several weeks due to a bird flu outbreak, with losses expected to exceed €1m

Thu, 23 Oct, 2025

Cork scientists hope new 'Living Sea Wall' in Cobh will soon teem with many species of marine life

Cork scientists hope new 'Living Sea Wall' in Cobh will soon teem with many species of marine life

UCC marine ecologist said wall would provide ideal homes 'for barnacles, limpets and a lot of different types of seaweed and algae'

Tue, 21 Oct, 2025

Two Michelin star restaurant, Terre, helps five-star Castlemartyr Resort raise revenue

Two Michelin star restaurant, Terre, helps five-star Castlemartyr Resort raise revenue

Dinner at Terre is €220 per person excluding beverages

Mon, 20 Oct, 2025

Planning approved for 345 new homes in Wilton in Cork City

Planning approved for 345 new homes in Wilton in Cork City

329 apartments and 16 townhouses on former ESB site will be built by 2029

Fri, 17 Oct, 2025

Plans for almost 60 new homes in Schull greenlit by An Coimisiún Pleanála following appeals

Plans for almost 60 new homes in Schull greenlit by An Coimisiún Pleanála following appeals

Planning commission approved plans for 57 new homes which will be located on Schull's Colla Road

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Developer behind €350m Cork Docklands project seeks to remove commercial units for five more apartments

Developer behind €350m Cork Docklands project seeks to remove commercial units for five more apartments

Developer is seeking to convert units set out for bars, cafes and gyms into additional residential accommodation

Wed, 15 Oct, 2025

Irish-founded weight-loss firm Viv co-founded by Pat Phelan to shut amid Ozempic rise

Irish-founded weight-loss firm Viv co-founded by Pat Phelan to shut amid Ozempic rise

Backers of the company included NBA star Shaquille O'Neal and Web Summit co-founder Paddy Cosgrave

Tue, 14 Oct, 2025

Cork pub Dwyers refused planning permission for permanent outdoor seating area

Cork pub Dwyers refused planning permission for permanent outdoor seating area

Cork City Council has refused permission for Dwyers of Cork’s €100,000 outdoor area, citing its negative visual impact

Mon, 13 Oct, 2025

Behind the headlines: How Cork is fighting to restore confidence in the city centre

Behind the headlines: How Cork is fighting to restore confidence in the city centre

Business leaders, gardaí, and city officials met to address safety concerns in Cork, as new measures aim to restore public confidence

Mon, 13 Oct, 2025

National Beauty Distribution takes home top prize at Digital Marketing Awards

National Beauty Distribution takes home top prize at Digital Marketing Awards

The event took place on Friday night, hosted by broadcaster Sinéad Kennedy with the Irish Examiner serving as media partner.

Fri, 10 Oct, 2025

Eli Lilly & Co. Bulks Up Irish Operations in Obesity Drug Production Push

Cork operations of Eli Lilly underpin Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk's dwindling market dominance

With Cork a crucial part of its global supply chain, Eli Lilly's weight loss drugs are shaking up an industry once ruled by Ozempic and Wegovy maker, Novo Nordisk

Wed, 08 Oct, 2025

Wendy's

Wendy's opens doors to first restaurant in Ireland at Mahon Point in Cork

Partnership with Corrib Oil aims to open 10 Wendy's in locations around the country

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Denise McCarthy chosen as new chair of Engineers Ireland for Cork region

S Denise McCarthy chosen as new chair of Engineers Ireland for Cork region

Ms McCarthy is a fellow of Engineers Ireland and a chartered engineer, with over 19 years of experience across the public and private sector

Mon, 06 Oct, 2025

Amazon's Project Kuiper selects Ireland for early roll-out in direct challenge to Starlink

Amazon's Project Kuiper selects Ireland for early roll-out in direct challenge to Starlink

National Space Centre in East Cork to be one of the first ground stations in the world to connect to satellite network in space

Mon, 06 Oct, 2025

Cork council launches consultation on where to rezone land

Cork council launches consultation on where to rezone land

Cork City Council calls on landowners, homebuilders, as well as other interested parties, to suggest areas which they might be able to rezone land for residential use in order to accelerate housing delivery

Thu, 02 Oct, 2025

Dining out the biggest draw for visitors to Cork city centre, says Chamber survey

Dining out the biggest draw for visitors to Cork city centre, says Chamber survey

The Economic Trends survey measured business sentiment and economic outlook

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

Cork's Lee Café announces closure after two years in business

Cork's Lee Café announces closure after two years in business

Popular café said running a small business was not always 'simple or sustainable'

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

SMEs are facing more costs and changes than they can absorb, Cork business group warns

SMEs are facing more costs and changes than they can absorb, Cork business group warns

Likely hike in the national minimum wage, the possibility Vat will not be reduced for the hospitality sector, and the full commencement of pension auto-enrolment could 'jeopardise viability' for small firms

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

The ieBusiness Podcast: Publican Benny McCabe slams overbearing regulations

The ieBusiness Podcast: Publican Benny McCabe slams overbearing regulations

The publican is one of Cork's top proponents of city living

Listen | Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

Former 'last cheap house' in Kinsale returns to market at €395k after full makeover

Former 'last cheap house' in Kinsale returns to market at €395k after full makeover

A Kinsale cottage once sold as a fixer-upper for €175,000 has been transformed into a chic €395k home

Sat, 27 Sep, 2025

Glenveagh: Cork 'no exception' to Ireland’s serviced land shortage crisis

Glenveagh: Cork 'no exception' to Ireland’s serviced land shortage crisis

Glenveagh’s profits have more than doubled in 2025, but its CEO warns zoning and infrastructure block Ireland’s housing goals

Sat, 27 Sep, 2025

English Market revamp, science museum or waterpark shortlisted for large Cork tourism project

English Market revamp, science museum or waterpark shortlisted for large Cork tourism project

Fáilte Ireland and Cork City Council have narrowed options to three major projects aimed at boosting year-round tourism in the city

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025

Ireland's ageing population a challenge for public and private hospitals

Ireland's ageing population a challenge for public and private hospitals

CEO of Mater Private Hospital Cork calls for deeper collaboration between healthcare providers and policymakers

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025

Profits down 8% at Port of Cork due to higher costs but rise in Waterford

Profits down 8% at Port of Cork due to higher costs but rise in Waterford

Annual report for Port of Cork Company shows operating profits decreased despite revenues rising by 7.5%, from €48.39m to €52.07m in 2024

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025

Michael O’Flynn: Housing crisis is 'spiralling out of control'

Michael O’Flynn: Housing crisis is 'spiralling out of control'

Cork property developer tells the ieBusiness Podcast we are not going to meet current housing targets and so need 'an emergency approach'

Listen | Mon, 22 Sep, 2025

What’s next for DAA as Kenny Jacobs prepares to leave Dublin and Cork airports role

What’s next for DAA as Kenny Jacobs prepares to leave Dublin and Cork airports role

DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs is set to leave after clashes with the board, despite overseeing growth and major upgrades

Sat, 20 Sep, 2025

Chambers seek return of flights between Cork and Belfast

Chambers seek return of flights between Cork and Belfast

Cork and Belfast have not had a connecting flight for almost 15 years

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

Airport signage for international arrivals

Cork agency Frosch Ireland acquires John Galligan Travel

Frosch Ireland, based in Little Island, was founded in 2000 by Angela Walsh as Corporate Travel Management

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Urban Outfitters opens in Cork as Mannix family sells €2.4m city centre property portfolio

S Urban Outfitters opens in Cork as Mannix family sells €2.4m city centre property portfolio

As Urban Outfitters opens its first Cork store, Mannix prepares to sell a €2.4m property portfolio, marking retail change

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Merck to create 200 jobs as €150m filtration manufacturing facility opens in Blarney

Merck to create 200 jobs as €150m filtration manufacturing facility opens in Blarney

Pharmaceutical is investing €440m in Blarney and Carrigtwohill as part of expansion

Thu, 18 Sep, 2025

Financial services firm HLB acquires medical consultant specialists NMH

Financial services firm HLB acquires medical consultant specialists NMH

Acquisition part of HLB's ambitious plan to treble in size over the next five years and secure a top 10 position in the Irish professional services market

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Cork Company of the Year Awards open for entries

Cork Company of the Year Awards open for entries

The Cork Company of the Year Awards for 2026 have opened for entries. Now in its 28th year, the awards honour outstanding achievement, innovation and impact across four categories: Emerging, SME, Large and International Cork Company of the Year.

Wed, 17 Sep, 2025

Appeal overturns planning approval for PepsiCo’s €127m Little Island plant expansion

Appeal overturns planning approval for PepsiCo’s €127m Little Island plant expansion

An Coimisiún Pleanála has refused PepsiCo’s multimillion-euro Cork expansion, citing local residents’ concerns

Tue, 16 Sep, 2025

Urban Outfitters to open second Irish store in Cork this week

Urban Outfitters to open second Irish store in Cork this week

Part of a steady rise on retails on the city's main shopping street

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

Aaron Hill 28/1/2021

Cork native Aaron Hill makes first 147 of career at English Open

It was the ninth 147 of the season so far and put Hill on course for the £5,000 highest break prize.

Sun, 14 Sep, 2025

Cork dairy farmer is first female winner of FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Cork dairy farmer is first female winner of FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Blarney woman Aileen Sheehan is named the 2025 FBD Young Farmer of the Year

Thu, 11 Sep, 2025

Blarney Woollen Mills marks 50 years – from cottage beginnings to €50m global brand

Founded by Christy Kelleher in 1973, Blarney Woollen Mills has grown from a cottage business into a €50m international brand

Sun, 07 Sep, 2025

Wraparound window is one of the 'wows' at €670k Blarney home

Wraparound window is one of the 'wows' at €670k Blarney home

Views, landscaping and a selection of sitting out areas are part of the package at extended Meadow Gate

Sat, 06 Sep, 2025

Weight-loss drugmaker says Irish plants will 'continue to play significant role'

Weight-loss drugmaker says Irish plants will 'continue to play significant role'

Mounjaro, which is currently being assessed for public funding in Ireland, is one of Eli Lilly's key revenue-raising drugs

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025

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