Dublin Chamber of Commerce in The Media

NewsAccess Media Summary
Total Articles: 110, Total Pages: 134, Delivery Range: 1st January 1970 - 1st January 1970, Publication Range: 2nd January 2011 - 17th September 2011 Article Index
PLAY IT AGAIN SAM

The Sun-Eire, 17/09/2011, Page: 12,13, Author: MARK MAY, Clip ID: 959903 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=51756315
'Spillane hotline' jammed as fans search for ticliets

Irish Independent Broadsheet, 16/09/2011, Page: 3, Author: Louise Hogan, Clip ID: 958159 THE Spillane hotline has been hopping. Disappointed hopefuls, in the Kingdom of Kerry at least, have been dialling the number of the famous Templenoe family in a desperate bid to make it into those fa
Staying Power
Irish Independent Broadsheet, 09/09/2011, Page: 15, Author: , Clip ID: 952467
02 launches webinar for SMEs

Irish Examiner, 06/09/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 950145 Dublin: 02 has launched a free cloud computing webinar aimed at SMEs, to help them understand the opportunities and solutions that cloud computing can bring. The webinar follows a recent i each survey
Businesses support restored Cork-Dublin air route, survey shows

Irish Examiner, 06/09/2011, Page: 5, Author: by Scan O'Rlordan, Clip ID: 950077 BUSINESS leaders are hoping the results of a survey may convince an airline carrier to re-launch the Cork-Dubhn flints which Ryanair is pumng fiom next month. The survey of nearly 500 businesses car
Cork Chamber urges action over Cork - Dublin route

Cork News, 02/09/2011, Page: 67, Author: , Clip ID: 955151 The Cork Chamber has reiterated its call for a proactive and considered response to last week's announcement that Ryanair are to withdraw their Cork ? Dublin service from October. The Chamber, as wel
Congestion charge is no solution

The Local News-West, 01/09/2011, Page: 18, Author: , Clip ID: 950498 THE National Transportation Authority's proposed congestion charge would not have made sense due to the lack of public transport for the Greater Dublin Area, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. T
The Ultimate Girls Day Out

Irish Tatler, 01/09/2011, Page: 152, Author: , Clip ID: 935327
Local Property and Water Charges 'Must Go Straight to Local Authorities*

Kildare Xtra, 31/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 948960 Combined property and water charges of 100 per household must be directed straight back to the local authorities in which they were raised, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement b
Local Property and Water Charges 'Must Go Straight to Local Authorities'

Meath Xtra, 31/08/2011, Page: 10, Author: , Clip ID: 948430 Combined property and water charges of 100 per household must be directed straight back to the local authorities m which they were raised, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement by

Lifetimes South East, 31/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 948541 Combined property and water charges of 100 per household must be directed straight back to the local authorities in wliich they were raised, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement

Lifetimes South West, 31/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 948505 Combined property and water charges of 100 per household must be directed straight back to the local authorities in which they were raised, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement b
Article Index (continued)

North County News, 31/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 948567 Combined property and water charges of 100 per household must be directed straight back to the local authorities in which they were raised, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The annoimcement b
Chamber survey on Ryanair route axing

Irish Examiner, 30/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 944957 Cork: Cork Chamber is conducting a survey of its members following the axing of the Cork-Dublin Ryanair route, which comes into effect from October 30. Chamber chief executive, Conor Healy, said: "Bot
Chamber wants even more budget savings

Daily Mail Eire, 30/08/2011, Page: 49, Author: , Clip ID: 945067 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=51138915
Chamber to survey over axed air service

Evening Echo, 30/08/2011, Page: 14, Author: By VINCENT KELLY, Clip ID: 946016 It has announced that it is to survey its 1,000-plus member companies about their requirements for a service between the two cities. The initiative follows on last week's announcement from Ryanair tha
Chamber calls for greater measures

Irish Examiner, 29/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 944382 Dublin: Government needs to deliver greater savings in current expenditure than the 2.1 bn agreed in the EU/IMF memorandum of understanding, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. "Government must
Dublin Chamber calls for more cuts

Metro-Herald, 29/08/2011, Page: 4, Author: , Clip ID: 944430 THE Government needs to cut spending even further than the 2.1 billion agreed with the IMF, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. In its pre-Budget submission, the Chamber said that business, inte
Confidence is crucial for business performance

Sunday Business Post, 28/08/2011, Page: 14, Author: , Clip ID: 943938 In the business world, a recovery plan identifies the most important tasks to restore the business. It sets out what is needed from key activities and functions and how core departments need to operat
LET'S PLAY BALL

The Sun-Eire, 27/08/2011, Page: 12,13, Author: BARRY MORAN, Clip ID: 943768 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=51049551
Cork-Dublin air link is vital for business in our region

Evening Echo, 27/08/2011, Page: 14, Author: , Clip ID: 944618 THE decision by Ryanair to end its Cork-Dublin service from Sunday, October 30, Is to be very much regretted. As the only airline providing service on this route, it provided a vital link between the
Cork goes pop as airlines struggle to make their old Tiger routes pay
Irish Independent Broadsheet-Business Supplement, 25/08/2011, Page: 7, Author: Thomas Molloy and John Mulligan, Clip ID: 941146 AER Lingus gave it up years ago, and now Ryanair has come to the conclusion that the Dublin-Cork route just can't pay its way. This week, Ryanair blamed its decision to axe the service on something tha
Ryanair to pull out of Cork- Dublin route

Corkman, 25/08/2011, Page: 9, Author: , Clip ID: 941549 RYANAIR is to pull out of its Cork-Dublin route from Simday, October 30 citing a decline in air traffic due to motorway improvements as the reason for the decision. Passengers who have booked to travel
Jobs boost for Southside

Southside People, 24/08/2011, Page: 5, Author: by Neil Fetherston, Clip ID: 940206 The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, announced recently that over 400 jobs
Chamber: Dublin air clinic must be replaced

Evening Echo, 24/08/2011, Page: 14, Author: , Clip ID: 941830 The move came after it was revealed yesterday that Ryanafr, the sole provider of services between Cork and Dublin, is to end its flights between the two cities at the end of October The company said t

The Local News-Southside, 18/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 950484 THE National Transportation Authority's proposed congestion charge would not have made sense due to the lack of public transport for the Greater Dublin Area, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. T
PayPal jobs boost welcomed

Northside People West, 17/08/2011, Page: 2, Author: by Jack Gleeson, Clip ID: 935314 The global online payments company made the announcement last week saying the new customer service positions will support its growing European business which contributed to a 1 billion revenue quarte
Aer Lingus will not offer US west coast flights

The Star, 16/08/2011, Page: 39, Author: , Clip ID: 934878 AER Lingus has decided not to relaunch its flights to the US west coast
Aer Lingus denies plans to resume US west coast flights

Irish Examiner, 16/08/2011, Page: 16, Author: by Caofff Percival, Clip ID: 934914 AER LINGUS has stated it will not be resuming services to the west coast of the US in the foreseeable fiiture, despite speculation to the contraty. Media reports suggested that the airline which pul
No to congestion fees
No congestion charge in city says Varadkar

Evening Herald, 10/08/2011, Page: 27, Author: , Clip ID: 931257 DUBLIN'S public transport system is not good enough to justify a congestion charge on motorists, according to Transport Minister Leo Varadkar. He was responding to proposals by the National Transport
WORKING WEEK
Sunday Business Post-Money & Markets, 07/08/2011, Page: 10, Author: , Clip ID: 929241 Aebhric McGlbney is Dublin Chamber's director of poltey and communications. Established In 1783, the chamber provMes networidng, learahig, business devetopment and export services to 1,300 member comp
The harder you work, the luckier you get

Lifetimes South East, 03/08/2011, Page: 1, Author: , Clip ID: 929871
Cobra targets the gastropubs

Drinks Industry Ireland, 01/08/2011, Page: 14, Author: , Clip ID: 923110 Since entering a (49.9 per cent/51.1 per cent) deal for 14 million with Molson Coors UK just over two years ago, Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra beer, has stated that the first of three phases
COBRA FOUNDER INSPIRES BUSINESS LEADERS

Retail News, 01/08/2011, Page: 54, Author: , Clip ID: 927446 LORD Karan Bilimoria (right), founder and chairman of Cobra Beer, was joined by Dublin Chamber of Commerce President Imelda Reynolds and Niall Phelan, Molson Coors Country Manager, as he addressed mor
THE ubiquitous Brian O'Driscoll [...]

The Sunday Times-Eire, 31/07/2011, Page: 16, Author: AINE COFFEY, Clip ID: 924494 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=50155096
Savings must support jobs and business

The Local News-Northside, 29/07/2011, Page: 6, Author: , Clip ID: 935306 POTENTIAL savings of 46 million at Dublin City Council should lead to lower commercial rates for businesses in Dublin City, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The potential savings was identifi
100 charge to hit 1.8m households

Irish Examiner, 27/07/2011, Page: 6, Author: by Maiy Reg/an, Clip ID: 920546 PENSIONERS, struggling mortgage-holders and thousands of cash-strapped families will be hit with a 100 household charge early next year. The flat charge will apply to an estimated 1.8 million propert
BOD: the day I was at a Monaco bash sponsored by a tobacco company

The Mail on Sunday-Eire, 24/07/2011, Page: 29, Author: Warren Swords, Clip ID: 918885 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=49935499
Dublin Chamber eyeing up 46m cuts in council

Dublin council eyes savings of 46m

Irish Examiner, 16/07/2011, Page: 20, Author: , Clip ID: 912678 Dublin: Potential savings of 46 million at Dublin City Council should lead to lower commercial rates for businesses in the city, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The potential savings were id
Heineken Cup Final to Generate 18 Million

Kildare Xtra, 13/07/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 920083 Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said

North County News, 13/07/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 920413 Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate that the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generat
Dublin Chamber Looks Forward to Working with Lord Mayor Montague

City Wide News North East, 13/07/2011, Page: 11, Author: , Clip ID: 920243 Commenting Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber Chief Executive, said; "Dublin Chamber congratulates CUr Montague on his election and looks forward to working closely with him as Lord Mayor of Dublin. We have wo
Dublin Chamber Looks Forward to Working with Lord Mayor Montague

Lifetimes South East, 13/07/2011, Page: 11, Author: , Clip ID: 920317 Commenting Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber Chief Executive, said: "Dublin Chamber congratulates Cllr Montague on his election and looks forward to working closely with him as Lord Mayor of Dublin. We have w
Improved Airlink service welcomed

Northside People West, 13/07/2011, Page: 3, Author: , Clip ID: 909059

Meath Xtra, 13/07/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 920072 Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy.

City Wide News North East, 13/07/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 920271 Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in E)ublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate that Uie 2013 Heineken Cup Final will genera

Lifetimes South East, 13/07/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 920336 The announcement that Dublin will host the 2013 Heineken Cup Final caps a past month that has been positive for Irish Rugby and tourism. Dublin Chamber of Commerce says that there will be a significan
Ball's in your court

Southside People, 13/07/2011, Page: 4, Author: , Clip ID: 909128
O'DRISCOLL PREPARES FOR LIFE AFTER RUGBY

Sunday Business Post, 10/07/2011, Page: 4, Author: , Clip ID: 907654 Ireland rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed plans to set up a nationwide rugby coaching academy when his playing career ends ? most likely within the next two years. The Ireland and Leinster n
O'Driscoll catches crowd attention

Irish Independent Broadsheet, 08/07/2011, Page: 18, Author: , Clip ID: 905951
AN EAsY DECIsIoN For BoD

Daily Mirror-Eire, 08/07/2011, Page: 46, Author: MICHAEL SCULLY, Clip ID: 906155 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=49413272

Northside People West, 06/07/2011, Page: 4, Author: , Clip ID: 903527
City car toll is ruled out

The Star, 04/07/2011, Page: 26, Author: , Clip ID: 902507 A LONDON-style congestion charge for Dublin has been ruled out by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.
Varadar rules out congestion charge

Sunday Business Post, 03/07/2011, Page: 2, Author: By Nicola Cooke, Clip ID: 901949 A congestion charge for Dublin has been ruled out by transport minister Leo Varadkar. The charge for Dublin city and the greater Dublin area had been envisaged in a new National Transport Authority (N

North County News, 29/06/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 902689 Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate that the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generat
Dublin signs twinning agreement with Beijing

Kildare Xtra, 29/06/2011, Page: 8, Author: , Clip ID: 902877 In Bering at 11am (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo Jmlong, the Mayor of Beijing. This momentous occasion comes o

City Wide News North East, 29/06/2011, Page: 8, Author: , Clip ID: 902744 In Beijing at Ham (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June,

Lifetimes South West, 29/06/2011, Page: 8, Author: , Clip ID: 902894 In Beijing at 11am (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing. This momentous occasion comes

Lifetimes South East, 29/06/2011, Page: 8, Author: , Clip ID: 902935 In Beijing at Ham (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing. This momentous occasion comes

North County News, 29/06/2011, Page: 8, Author: , Clip ID: 902671 In Beijing at Ham (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing. This momentous occasion comes

Meath Xtra, 29/06/2011, Page: 8, Author: , Clip ID: 902838 In Beijing at 11am (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing. This momentous occasion comes

Kildare Xtra, 29/06/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 902899 Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate that the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generat

Lifetimes South East, 29/06/2011, Page: 30, Author: , Clip ID: 902955 Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate diat the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generat
'200 leads a year' to Crimestoppers

Irish Independent Broadsheet, 27/06/2011, Page: 6, Author: , Clip ID: 896589 CRIMESTOPPERS is receiving around 200 useful calls from the public every year, writes Tom Brady. The organisation was set up in 1998 by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and gardai to provide an independ
Chat from beer chief

The Sun-Eire, 11/06/2011, Page: 14, Author: , Clip ID: 883644 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=48508097
18M SCORE
Daily Mirror-Eire, 10/06/2011, Page: 25, Author: RORY TEVLIN, Clip ID: 882148 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=48470960
Councils praised for savings

Northside People East, 08/06/2011, Page: 8, Author: by Jamie Deasy, Clip ID: 879990 Dublin City Council, Fingal County. Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have contributed more than 81.3 million of the 162 million in savings made to date
Dublin officially twinned with Beijing

Irish Times, 03/06/2011, Page: 7, Author: CLIFFORD COONAN, Clip ID: 875935 DUBLIN (POPULATION 1.2 million) has been officially twinned with Beijing, (population 19.4 million) and Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen hopes it will give business in Ireland's capital a boost. On a
County Council visit to China

Community Voice, 01/06/2011, Page: 7, Author: , Clip ID: 917165 The invitation to visit Chengdu, a city of 11 million people, for the International Sister Cities Week, resulted from a recent Chengdu trade mission to Dublin when the Chengdu authorities met represen
Calls for growth of Dublin Port

Irish Examiner, 31/05/2011, Page: 16, Author: , Clip ID: 873086 Dublin: Dublin Port needs better facilities, deeper berths and improved supporting infrastructure as part of its growth strategy for the next 30 years, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. In maki
Dublin Port 'needs better facilities'

Irish Independent Broadsheet, 31/05/2011, Page: 28, Author: , Clip ID: 873091 TRADE DUBLIN Port needs better facilities and supporting infrastructure as part of a strategy for the next 30 years, according to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, in response to Dublin Port's Master Pl
Dublin Port makeover

The Queen welcomed with open arms

Business & Finance, 30/05/2011, Page: 20, Author: , Clip ID: 873321 What do you reckon? Of her jaunt over the Irish Sea. Yes, the big Q. Did she deliver as you'd experted or surpass those very same expectations? Looking on from London, the international media coverage
THANKS A BILLION
Irish Independent Broadsheet-Review, 28/05/2011, Page: 5, Author: , Clip ID: 871215 Gemma O'Doherty says that the boost to our business and tourism after the big visits is already being felt Nanotechnologists are meant to be nerds; dry, bookish types who devote their lives to making
Capital idea to become city of design

Irish Times, 26/05/2011, Page: 13, Author: FRANK MCDONALD, Clip ID: 868613 INCREDIBLE AS it may seem, Dublin is bidding to be designated World Design Capital 2014. Given the unfinished state of the city, and its curtent penury, the bid is audacious and insouciant. Nearly two
Queen's visit will generate 2 billion in British trade

Sunday Business Post, 22/05/2011, Page: 11, Author: By Nicola Cooke Industry Correspondent, Clip ID: 865721 Irish exporters and business leaders anticipate that Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland
Queen's Parting Gift

Evening Herald, 20/05/2011, Page: 1, Author: , Clip ID: 864616
Visit 150m 'advert' coup for country

The Sun-Eire, 19/05/2011, Page: 5, Author: , Clip ID: 862813 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=47739804
Wall-to-wall coverage puts us all back in shop window

Irish Independent Tabloid, 19/05/2011, Page: 27, Author: , Clip ID: 862923 SHOPOWNERS have suffered short-term pain for long-term gains of over 150m. Sales slumped by up to 50pc in Dublin city centre shops as the streets emptied and some outlets closed, while gardai mounted
Queen makes headlines

Evening Herald, 19/05/2011, Page: 24, Author: , Clip ID: 863477 THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce said that Ireland has received a huge amount of publicity since the queen's visit, with over 5,000 articles published in 95 countries within the first 24 hours. Analysis
Dublin Chamber's surplus at 1.6m

Irish Independent Broadsheet, 13/05/2011, Page: 20, Author: , Clip ID: 858222 THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce boosted its annual surplus to 1.6m last year, according to accounts just filed with the Companies Office. The business group took in 1.8m over the year.
Chamber suggests jobs initiatives

Irish Examiner, 06/05/2011, Page: 18, Author: , Clip ID: 852409 Dublin: The Government should stimulate job growth through small changes to VAT, PRSI rebate scheme and stamp duty, Dublin Chamber of Commerce has suggested in its submission to the Minister of Financ
Master plan for Port

Evening Herald, 07/04/2011, Page: 18, Author: , Clip ID: 829547 THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the announcement of the public consultation process to devise a master plan for the long-term development of Dublin Port. Gina Quin, chief executive of Dubl
Business body opposes plan for Metro as threat to trade

Irish Times, 28/03/2011, Page: 6, Author: OLIVIA KELLY, Clip ID: 820530 A DUBLIN business organisation has decided to withdraw its support from the Metro North rail project, despite having the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) as a member. The Dublin City Business Associat
80m boost expected for tourism industry

Irish Independent Tabloid, 17/03/2011, Page: 16, Author: Shane Hickey, Clip ID: 811916 VISITORS flooding in for St Patrick's Day are expected to give the beleaguered tourism industry a 80m cash injection. The combination of the St Patrick's Festival and Saturday's rugby international b
18m boost to economy is just Grand

Daily Mirror-Eire, 17/03/2011, Page: 14, Author: , Clip ID: 811993 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=45628605
Smiles around the world for Patrick's Day

Irish Examiner, 17/03/2011, Page: 7, Author: by Evelyn Ring, Clip ID: 811939 SAINT Patrick's Day is now rated one of the friendUest days of the year, not only in Ireland but throughout the world, a new global study reveals. Eight out of 10 people in the United States, Australi
18m bonanza as 20,000 England fans hit Dublin

Evening Herald, 17/03/2011, Page: 6, Author: By Michael lavery, Clip ID: 812137 DUBLIN is set to score a 18m bonanza from thousands of rugby-mad English fans. They will arrive in the city over the next few days for Saturday's Six Nations clash at the Aviva Stadium. They're expec
80m boost expected as tourists flock in

Irish Independent Broadsheet, 17/03/2011, Page: 10, Author: Shane Hickey, Clip ID: 811875 VISITORS flooding in for St Patrick's Day are expected to give the beleaguered tourism industry a 80m cash injection. The combination of the St Patrick's Festival and Saturday's rugby international b
Overseas rugby fans to help out our economy

Broadband importance stressed

Sunday Business Post, 13/03/2011, Page: 4, Author: , Clip ID: 808827 The chief executive of Vodafone Ireland has told businesses that development of next generation broadband must be a key priority for the new government, and that private sector funding will be availab
Bring out the leader in you

Women Mean Business, 01/03/2011, Page: 75, Author: , Clip ID: 799534
Changing Places
Irish Director, 01/03/2011, Page: 65, Author: , Clip ID: 810619
New Dublin Chamber of Commerce President

Public Sector Times, 01/03/2011, Page: 10, Author: , Clip ID: 808745 Imelda Reynolds has been appointed to the position of President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce for 2011. Ms. Reynolds is a Partner of Beauchamps Solicitors, where she served as Managing Partner fro
Chamber calls for change

Northside People West, 23/02/2011, Page: 6, Author: , Clip ID: 794454 THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce says it wants the abolition of upward only rent reviews, modernisation of bankraptcy laws and 'root and branch' public sector reform as part of the next programme for Go
How to make Dublin a far better place

Sunday Business Post, 20/02/2011, Page: 16, Author: Gina Quin, Clip ID: 792922 As we face the most significant general election of our generation, it is time for businesspeople, who have a strong vested interest in this country's wellbeing, to work actively with the next governm
Brick by Brick
Irish Independent Broadsheet-Business Supplement, 17/02/2011, Page: 2, Author: , Clip ID: 790655
The building blocks for success

The Star, 17/02/2011, Page: 44, Author: , Clip ID: 790303
movers & SHAKERS

Sunday Business Post-Money & Markets, 13/02/2011, Page: 11, Author: , Clip ID: 787949 Dublin Chamber of Comimerce has appointed imelda Reynolds as its president for 2011. Imelda Reynolds is a partner with Beauchamps Solicitors, where she also served as managing partner from 2001 to 2
STRIKING A DEAL AND HIGH-END HOTELS AT ROCK BOTTOM PRICES

Evening Herald, 11/02/2011, Page: 40, Author: , Clip ID: 787071 THURSDAY Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller is gratuitously magnanimous at the Dublin Chambers evening, apologising to customers who have had their lives disrupted by the Impact dispute, and saying he u
Chamber's campaign
LITTLE THINGS
Irish Times-Business, 11/02/2011, Page: 14, Author: , Clip ID: 786426
'I'm disappointed things seem to be as they were'

Irish Examiner, 08/02/2011, Page: 8, Author: by Juno McEnroe, Clip ID: 783727 COMMUNITY and business groups have expressed disappointment at the failure of Labour and Fine Gael to meet promises after an investigation by the Irish Examiner revealed undelivered pledges made at th
Aer Lingus chief 'confident' roster row will be settled

Irish Independent Broadsheet, 04/02/2011, Page: 4, Author: John Mulligan and Fergus Blacli, Clip ID: 781270 AER Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller said last night the airline is "very, very confident" that the three-week cabin crew roster dispute will be resolved. Addressing the annual general meeting
Parties challenged on recovery plans

Irish Times, 03/02/2011, Page: 7, Author: STEVEN CARROLL, Clip ID: 780266 POLITICAL PARTIES have been pushed to outline how, if in government, they would reduce business costs, modernise bankruptcy laws and improve infrastructure in order to get the economy moving again. Th
Mueller to give speech

Evening Herald, 01/02/2011, Page: 18, Author: , Clip ID: 779392 AER Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller will lead the speeches at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce's AGM Dinner. Mr Mueller was appointed CEO and a member of the Board of Aer Lingus in September 2009 and prior
Garda- get power to clamp down on beggars

Daily Mail Eire, 10/01/2011, Page: 24, Author: Eva Marie Gibney, Clip ID: 763993 http://www.nla-eclips.com/NLAAPI.dll/GetObject?ObjectID=43385697
Chamber calls for local government reform

Sunday Business Post, 02/01/2011, Page: 2, Author: By Nicola Cooke, Clip ID: 759438 Dublin needs to have a single local authority system in areas such as IT, local planning processes, budgets and business rates, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The business organisation said
'Spillane hotline' jammed as fans search for tickets

Louise Hogan
THE Spillane hotline has been hopping. Disappointed hopefuls, in the Kingdom of Kerry at least, have been dialling the number of the famous Templenoe family in a desperate bid to make it into those famous stands on Sunday to see their heroes contest the All-Ireland Senior Football Final. With tickets being offered for over 1,000 on eay, a last minute ring-around is always worth a shot. Cara Spillane (21), the daughter of Kerry legend and sports pundit Pat Spillane, said the home phone had been ringing non-stop with calls from ticketseeking friends and family. "I'm going to watch it with
have got a ticket but, in solidarity with all the friends who couldn't go, we'll enjoy it somewhere else," Ms Spiliane, who will return to UCC the day after the clash for her final year studying Law and Irish, said. "All the family will be up in Croke Park dad will be working for RTE, and my mom, brother Pat, and sister Shona will be
friends on the television. I could
afterwards. Family friends fly in from London for it," she added. It has proved one of the most anticipated clashes in years, with Croke Park bosses admitting they could easily fill the 82,300-seater stadium twice over. Thousands of ticketless fans will be watching it on the small screen in pubs and hotels after a
proposal to erect big screens in the Phoenix Park and Dublin city centre failed to get the green light. A spokesman for Dublin City Council said the council, gardai
watching," she said. Pat Spillane Jnr (14) is on the South Kerry development squad and Shona (19) also plays. "I'm the black sheep," the Assets Agency model quipped. "Particularly with my brother at that age the run-up to an AllIreland is exciting.
"The traditional All-Ireland
day is: we all meet in the Hill 16 pub and go to Mulligan's
and the Dublin County GAA Board felt people would have sufficient access to the match as it was on free-to-air television. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has forecast a boost for businesses in the capital over
the weekend.
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02 launches webinar for SMEs

02 has launched a free cloud computing webinar aimed at SMEs, to help them understand the opportunities and solutions that cloud computing can bring. The webinar follows a recent ieach survey for 02 which found that over half (54%) of businesses are confused about the
Dublin:
term cloud computing. The webinar, in partnership

viewed any time at
with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, can be www.o2.ie/cloud.
Businesses support restored Cork-Dublin air route, survey shows

by Scan O'Riordan
are BUSINESS leaders hoping the results of a survey may convince an airline carrier to re-launch the Cork-Dublin flights which Ryanair is pulling from next month. The survey of nearly 500 businesses carried out by the Cork and Dublin chambers revealed that while 47% travel by road a substantial 30% chose to fly, with a further 23% favouring the train. The survey results, given to the Irish Examiner followed a yesterday, high-level meeting attended by representatives of Cork Airport, Cork Chamber, Cork city and county councils, the Irish Hotels' Federation, the Cork Business Association and Enterprise Ireland. All expressed confidence in the viability of the route with the appropriate business model. Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said: "The high propensity of Cork's business community travelling between Cork and Dublin for business reasons was instantly validated by the overwhelming response to the survey." He said the most important factors for commuters were timetable convenience, frequency of flights/trains, and the travel time.
"Respondents indicated a demand for two return flights per day as the optimum number of flights between Cork and Dublin, with the strongest preference to depart Cork for Dublin between 7am and Bam and a return departure time from Dublin Airport of between 6pm and 7pm." He added that a regular and frequent air connection from Cork to Dublin (and vice-versa) "is key if we are to support existing multinationals and indigenous businesses and attract further foreign direct investment". Gina Quin, chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said the survey illustrated the strong business relationships between the two cities and said it was important this connectivity was retained. She said it is now open for another carrier with a more relevant business model to adopt the route. Kevin Cullinane, Cork Airport marketing manager, said management will continue to talk to airline order to "in partners deliver a more appropriate, long-term sustainable solution to air connectivity between the two cities". Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Tim Lombard, said he hoped other airlines would see there was a major need for the service.
Cork Chamber urges action over Cork - Dublin route

The Cork Chamber has reiterated its call for a proactive and considered response to last week's announcement that Ryanair are to withdraw their Cork Dublin service from October. The Chamber, as weU as requesting an "urgent meeting" with regional stakeholders, have also launched a business travel survey which they hope might pave the way for the
development of a new service. Chamber Chief Executive Conor Healy, in announcing the launch of the survey, also stressed the importance of finding a new carrier for the route as quickly as possible. The travel survey, according to Healy, "sees Cork Airport, Dublin Chamber and Cork Chamber join forces to assess the demand for air services between Cork and Dublin.
This short survey assesses the travel needs for air connectivity between Ireland's two largest cities, and will help enhance the business case to those Airlines who remain open to the proposition of a
route". The survey, which is being circulated widely, is also available on the Chamber website, corkchamber.ie.
Cork-Dublin/Dublin-Cork
THE National Transportation Authority's proposed congestion charge would not have

charge for motorists for thejkext five years.
use
The'
like
of major roads and the M5O
National
charges
according
to
behalf
made sense due to the lack of public transport for the Greater Dublin Area, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has welcomed the decision by Minister Transport Leo Varadkar TD, to rule out a congestion
AuTransportation thority (NTA) had put forward the proposal
as
of their part 'Greater Dublin Area Draft Strategy 2011-2030'. The proposal envision
congestion charging not just the city centre between the canals, but an extra charge for the
sections driven by motorists. "The NTA's congestion charge prohave posal would Greater punished Dublin commuters for the lack of public transport investment that has occurred," said Aebhric Mc Gibney, Dublin Chamof ber's Director
"Speaking on of businesses throughout the region, strongly opposed the proposal at recent meetings with the Minister and the NTA. There is no case for even discussing it until proper public transport alternatives are in place." Minister's "The decision recognises the importance of the
Policy.
efficient and effective transport of goods and urban in people areas," said Mr Mc Gibney.
building now,'' said Mr Mc Gibney. The NTA strategy

had been drawn up to be consistent with the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020, both of which need to be refocused in the light of the economic downturn.
"Any congestion charge would be unjust and unfair on

commuters until our
transport network is imsignificantly proved, and the census figures show that this is a moving target so we better start
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Gina Quin, CEO, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said, "The introduction of the combined property and water charge is welcome news but it is imperative that the income generated from the charge goes directly towards the funding of local government.

Combined property to Dublin
Gina Quin, CEO, Dublin Chamber of Commerce
and water charges of 100 per household must be directed straight back the local authorities in which they were raised, according to Chamber of Commerce. The announcement by Minister Hogan that the local tax base would be broadening was welcomed by Dublin Chamber, who say the charge must be clearly allied to local services received by the taxpayer.
said, "The introduction ofthe combined property
and water charge is welcome news but it is

imperative that the income generated from
the charge goes directly towards the funding of local government. Dublin Chamber has long called for a fairer administration of taxes, in order to create a direct linkage between local
service usage and locally raised charges. In doing so we will not repeat the
problems created the Local through Government Fund."
Ms Quin continued, "If these charges are directed locally, local authorities and councillors will be directly accountable to local taxpayers for how they spend their money. It is necessary that all citizens appreciate the need for local
authorities to be run effi-
ciently and push for implementation of efficiency programmes. For example, the Independent Review on Group Report Staffing Levels in Dublin City Council, stated that
staff numbers could be reduced by nearly 20% with payroll savings of
46 million by the end of 2014."

and water charges of 100 per household must be directed straight back to the local authorities in which they were raised, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement by Minister Hogan that the local tax base would be broadening was welcomed by Dublin Chamber, who say the charge must be clearly allied to local services received by the taxpayer.
Gina Quin, CEO, Dublin Chamber of Commerce
said, The introduction
Combined property
of the combined property and water charge is welcome news
but it is
the imperative income generated from the charge goes directly towards the funding of local government. Dublin Chamber has long called for a fairer administration of taxes, in order to create a direct linkage between local that
service usage and locally
raised charges. In doing so we will not repeat the problems created through the Local Government Fund." Ms Quin continued, "If these charges are directed locally, local authorities and councillors will
be directly accountable to local taxpayers for how they spend their

money. It is necessary
that all citizens appreciate the need for local authorities to be run efficiently and push for implementation of efficiency programmes. For the example,
Independent
Review
Group Report on Staffing Levels in Dublin City Council, stated that
staff numbers could be reduced by nearly 20% with payroll savings of 46 million by the end of 2014."

property and water charges of 100 per household must be directed back to the local authorities in which they were raised, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement by Minister Hogan that the local tax base would be broadening was welcomed by Dublin Chamber, who say the charge must be clearly allied to local services received by the taxpayer.
Gina Quin, CEO, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said, "The introduction of the combined property and water charge is welcome news but it is that imperative the income generated from the charge goes directly funding towards the
Combined straight
government. Chamber has long called for a fairer administration of taxes, in order to create a direct linkage between local service usage and locally raised charges. In doing so we will not repeat the problems created through the Local Government Fund."
Dublin
of
local
Quin continued, "If these charges are directed locally, local authorities and councillors will be directly accountable to local taxpayers for how they spend their money. It is necessary that all citizens appreciate the need for local authorities to be run efficiently and push for implementation of efficiency programmes. For example, the Independent Review on Group Report Staffing Levels in Dublin
Ms
City Council, stated that staff numbers could be reduced by nearly 20% with payroll savings of 46 million by the end of 2014"

and water charges of 100 per household must be directed the local authorities in which they were raised, according to straight back Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement by Minister Hogan that the local tax base would be broadening was welcomed by Dublin Chamber, who say the charge must be clearly allied to local services received by the taxpayer.
tjina
Combined property to
tûin, utiu, uuDlin
Chamber of Commerce
said, "The introduction of the combined property

and water charge come news but
imperanve
mat
is wel-
it
is
tne
income generated from me cnarge goes airecuy
towards the funding of local government. Dublin Chamber has long called for a fairer administration of taxes, in order to create a direct linkage between local service usage ana locany raised charges. In doing so we will not repeat the created problems through the Local Government Fund." Ms Quin continued, "If these charges are directed locally, local authori-
ties and councillors will be directly accountable to local taxpayers for how they spend their money. It is necessary that all citizens appreciate the need for local authorities to be run ciently and push implementation of ciency programmes. effifor effiFor
the example, Independent Review on Report Group Staffing Levels in Dublin City Council, stated that
staff numbers could be reduced by nearly 20% with payroll savings of 46 million by the end of 2014."

and water charges of 100 per household must be directed the local authorities in which they were raised, according to straight back Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The announcement by Minister Hogan that the local tax base would be broadening was welcomed by Dublin Chamber, who say the charge must be clearly allied to local services received by the taxpayer.
Gina Quin, CEO, Dubbn Chamber of Commerce
Combined property to
said, "The introduction of the combined property

and water charge is welcome news but it is
the imperative that income generated from the charge goes directly towards the funding of local government.
Chamber has long called for a fairer administration of taxes, in order to create a direct linkage between local service usage and locally raised charges. In doing so we will not repeat the problems created through the Local Government Fund." Ms Quin continued, "If these charges are directed locally, local authorities and councillors will be directly accountable to local taxpayers for how they spend their money. It is necessary that all citizens appreciate the need for local authorities to be run efficiently and push for implementation of efficiency programmes. For the example, Independent Review Group Report on Staffing Levels in Dublin City Council, stated that staff numbers could be reduced by nearly 20% with payroll savings of 46 million by the end of 2014."
Dublin
Chamber survey on Ryanair route axing

Cork: Cork Chamber is conducting a survey of its members following the axing of the Cork-Dublin Ryanair route, which comes into effect from October 30. Chamber chief executive, Conor Healy, said: "Both
Cork and Dublin Chambers
believe that a Cork-Dublin air connection is necessary and an alternative carrier needs to be secured without delay. "Cork Chamber, in
conjunction with Cork Airport and Dublin Chamber, are asking members to complete a short survey to help determine the preferences of those travelling between
Cork and Dublin."
Chamber to survey over axed air service

By VINCENT KELLY
CORK Chamber is conducting a survey which it hope will strengthen its hand in calling for a replacement company to take over air services on the Cork-Dublin
route.
It has announced that it is to survey its 1,000-plus member companies about their requirements for a service between the two
cities. The initiative follows on last week's announcement from Ryanair that it will cease its Cork-Dublin service from Sunday, October 30, due to low usage. Chamber president, Conor Healy, in a note to companies asking them to take part in the survey, said an alternative carrier needed to be secured without delay. In it he said that their colleagues in Dublin Chamber also believed that a Cork-Dublin air connection was necessary. The survey is being conducted by Cork
ences of those travelling between Cork and Dublin, aMr Healy said. The information in the survey would provide useful information in relation to the route and indicate how best to meet the air travel needs of Cork business customers. One hope is that a smaller plane can be sourced to service the route. The Ryanair flight carried close on 200 passengers, but in recent times, due to the economic downturn, usage had dropped considerably. Aer Arann, which previously provided a service on the route, said it had no plans to return to it. Ryanair, in making its announcement, also said that more people were travelling between the two cities by road because of the improved road network. Chamber members can access the survey by going to : https://corkdublinair.survey-
Chamber, m conjunction with Cork Airport and Dublin Chamber. The need was to determine the prefer-
console.com.
Derek and Lorainne Walshe, proprietors of the Elm Tree, with head chef, Richella Leahy, and her team, following the presentation of the Great Carvery Pub of the Year award to the establishment. Picture: Diane Cusack
Chamber calls for greater measures

to deliver greater savings
Dublin: Government needs

in current expenditure than
the 2.1 bn agreed in the EU/IMF memorandum of

to Dublin
understanding, according
for recovery to clearly outline the path that greater overall fiscal management will take. This reform of the public sector may need to exceed the bounds of the Croke Park Agreement with public service unions or at the very least test the agreement to its limits. What's needed now is certainty," said
Chamber of Commerce. "Government must produce a 'business plan'
Dublin Chamber chief executive, Gina Quin.
Dublin Chamber calls for more cuts

THE Government needs to cut spending even further than the 2.1 billion agreed with the IMF, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. In its pre-Budget submission, the Chamber said that business, international markets and consumers want to have confidence in this Budget but that it will need to include an implementation plan for further public sector reform as part of it.
Confidence is crucial for business performance

Budget 2012 must clearly detail Ireland's 'business plan' to restore confidence among citizens,
businesses and investors
the most important tasks the business. It sets out what is needed from key activities and functions and how core departments need to operate in the short and medium term. It gives the long term direction and vision. This is how we must address Ireland's business recovery plan. The broad brush strokes of this are set out in the EU /IMF Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), but much greater detail is required and soon. The government said there would be no increases in income taxes; now it is saying there will be an increase. How can consumers plan their spending without knowing what will be left in their pay packets?
to restore
In
recovery plan identifies
the business world, a
dress cash-flow issues. These recommendations are designed to be cost-neutral and sensitive to concerns regarding Exchequer cashflow and the cost of capital. Above all, clarity is needed, as it will foster stability, and out of stability we will have growth.
Current expenditure
The primary issue that must be addressed in Budget 2012 is current expenditure. In the EU/IMF memorandum, the targeted current expenditure savings are 2.1 billion. We feel that this needs to be nearer 2.5 billion. Central to this should be reform of the public sector, focusing on the effectiveness of its delivery, pushing or exceeding the bounds of the Croke Park Agreement. June's progress report on the agreement was welcomed by unions and why not? The agreement in effect rules out outsourcing public services and continues a flawed expenditure reform approach. Reform needs to focus on the effectiveness of public service delivery, which will require departments to not only know how much is spent but how much is bought. Each department manager and public servant needs to demonstrate the linkage between resources and outputs against other options, such as outsourcing.
Business and enterprise

Businesses throughout Ireland's cities and towns are aware that fiscal correction is
Local government and commercial rates

Local government is a huge cost, but can produce significant savings in this budget. In 2010, the budget for Ireland's local authorities was 4.7 billion. This current spending was higher than all but three government departments: Social Protection, Health and Education. We strongly believe that this is unsustainable and our submission recommends that each local authority should be given a current spending reduction target of 3 per cent per annum, in addition to any cost- saving measures that may already be under way. This 3 per cent target, which would exclude the savings of
hard but, as our export sector has demonstrated, such a correction makes businesses competitive and sustainable. Unfortunately for businesses serving the domestic market, the lack of a government 'business plan' has citizens worrying rather than spending. Dublin Chamber's pre-budget submission includes recommendations on how the government can enable small businesses to expand and ad-
346 million already identified
faced
over the past three years.
Capital investment
Times are tough but Ireland is continuing to grow and needs to be a competitive location for enterprise. In the Greater Dublin Area alone, the preliminary census figures showed the population had grown by 136,000 since 2006, with a further growth of 600,000 in the next 15 years forecast by
Ireland needs to be a competitive location for

enterprise by the Local Government Efficiency Review Group, would
TONY O'SHEA
generate over 130 million in savings in 2012 and take about 500 million off the cost of local government by the end of 2015. This approach has been effective for local authorities in
England.
management and councillors,
As an incentive to local
a portion ofthe additional savings made should be retained at local level for discretionary spend on services and projects. A reduction in spend for local authorities does not necessarily mean a poorer output of services. It is possible to deliver the same quality of service at a reduced cost by exploring alternative options such as the outsourcing of local services. For example, in 2010, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council outsourced its waste disposal service that had losses of 3.5 million annually. It is important that the savings generated from increased efficiency in local government should be evenly distributed between reductions in Exchequer funding and the commercial rates paid by business, which currently account for about 40 per cent of local authority revenue in Dublin alone. If, for example, the 46 million in savings identified by overstaffing at Dublin City Council was passed on to the ratepayers of that area it would mean a 16 per cent reduction. Such a figure is in keeping with the cuts that businesses have
strategic investment is an essential component of regional and national competitiveness and as such, further reductions in capital expenditure should be avoided. Last year's budget saw a drop of 2.8 billion in capital expenditure from 2007 levels. While there have been major improvements to Ireland's infrastructure, we came from a low base and our competitors have continued to invest during this period. We accept that the money is not available in the immediate future for projects such as Metro North and Dart underground; however, we believe that these plans should be deferred and not shelved completely. In particular, we believe that no measure should be taken to impede the later implementation of these projects. Innovative means of funding using private finance should be fully explored.
the CSO. Future
Conclusion
We believe that our recommendations offer tangible opportunities for the government to foster enterprise in a costsensitive approach. We have to increase confidence in the market, support SMEs and keep a long-term vision in place to continue to attract and retain multinational corporations. The success of Budget 2012 will be measured in terms of its boost to consumer and business confidence.
Gina Quin is chief executive of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce
GINA QUIN
Cork-Dublin air link is vital for business in our region

THE decision by Ryanair to end its Cork-Dublin service from Sunday, October 30, is to be very much regretted. As the only airline providing service on this route, it provided a vital link between the two cities. The company has given a number of reasons why it decided to pull the plug on the link, but the primary one has to be that it was no longer viable to run the service because of falling usage. The company also said that more people were now going to Dublin by road because of the travelling time between the two cities was down to 2.5 hours. It also said that its decision had been dictated by the high level of charges it has to pay to use Cork and Dublin, airport. In reply, the Cork Airport Authority (CAA) said passenger and landing charges haven't been increased in Cork since 2004. It also said that it had engaged in joint marketing and advertising promotions with Ryanair in order to try and boost usage on the route. It would be futile to engage in a blame game in relation to the matter. The inescapable fact is that the
downturn in the economy has led to the present situ-
In the good old days of the Celtic Tiger, business-owners didn't have to be as careful as they do to be now about how they spend their money. In addition, the contraction in business has hit every company in the country, with the result that only journeys which are absolutely necessary are undertaken. In this climate, an increased amount of day-to-day communication is being done via the internet and video link-ups. Having said all that, it is absolutely vital that an air link is restored between the two cities, even if it is on
It is far better to have a service that operates two or three times a week than have no service at all. Nor will people take offence if an incoming new carrier doesn't provide the same capacity as was provided by Ryanair. In the words of Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy, the over-riding need is to have a replacement service as quickly as possible.
ation.
scaled-down basis.
He added that while recent improvements to road and rail options offered additional choice and competition for those wishing to travel between the Cork region and Dublin, flight connections were still very important for those wishing to use Dublin Airport for domestic travel, in addition to onward mainland European and international connections. It was a point backed up by Aebhric McGibney, the director of policy at Dublin Chamber of Commerce, who said the south-west region had significant requirements for international connectivity in order to meet the travel demands of both the business community and the tourism sector. The Dublin route played an integral part in meeting these needs. The Cork-Dublin route was also the means by which business travellers accessed international headquarters and customers/suppliers with relative ease. For all these reasons, there is an urgency about restoring the link. VINCENT KELLY
vincent.kelly@eecho.ie.
Cork goes pop as airlines struggle to make their old Tiger routes pay
Ryanair's closure of the Cork-Dublin link has been blamed on what would have been unthinkable 10 years ago - a decent road
Thomas Molloy and John Mulligan
AER
ice marks the
it up years ago, and now Ryanair has come to the conclusion that the Dublin-Cork route just can't pay its way. This week, Ryanair blamed its decision to axe the service on something that less than a decade ago would have been unthinkable a decent road linking the capital to the country's second biggest city. Ryanair said that its passenger traffic on the route declined from 340,000 in 2007 to 150,000 last year. The termination of the servdecline of domestic routes, but is also just another chapter in Ireland's slowly dwindling direct air connectivity.
Former Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion dallied with the Celtic Tiger's love of bling, when he launched a service between Dublin and Dubai in 2006. It came in what would effectively be the death throes of
Lingus gave
Boston, Chicago and Orlando, leaving business people being forced to use connecting services to reach American west-coast
past few years. In 2007 there
vice versa.
destinations from Ireland and The US east coast remains
"Changing planes in Chicago, New York or Heathrow adds a vast amount of unpredictability to a trip," says Fergus Sullivan, the 42-year-old director of a Silicon Valley internet company who often returns home to Dublin for work and pleasure. He adds that delays due to weather, lost bags and missed connections aren't just "theoretical risks", but that disruptions
well served by airlines including Delta, United-Continental and US Airways.
were 89 airlines servicing 200 destinations. Last year there were 63 serving 177 still more than there was in 2006, however. Yet even as some routes have been canned, others have prospered, such as Abu Dhabi-based Etihad's service between Dublin and the Gulf emirate. It has proved a popular
Ryanair, the airline subsequently added 11 for the current
summer season and even has two aircraft based there again
up until early next month.
choice for Irish travellers making their way to Australia many of them emigrating to find work. The Dublin-Abu Dhabi route is profitable for the airline.
in recent years, axing popular routes linking Dublin and Hamburg and reducing routes between the capital and Berlin. Despite this, German-Irish
Nine of the summer routes were routes it had previously culled. Ryanair has also slashed links between Ireland and Germany
continuing
seems to happen regularly.
between eastern Europe and Ireland during the boom years
Other carriers that relied on a vibrant transfer of labour

quickly found that demand was
executive Ralf Lissek believes the moves have had very little effect on business. He notes instead that Aer Lingus has opened a new route to Stuttgart which is the capital of Baden Wurttemberg Germany's
Chamber of Commerce chief
Bting dalliance
"A non-stop from California to Dublin would make doing business in Ireland vastly simpler," he thinks. "I'd rather spend 10 hours getting to Ireland than 16. 1 want to get on a plane, work a little, read a little,
watch a movie and nap.
stunted as the global economic downturn took hold. The local impact of route closures can be significant. When Ryanair decided to cease oper-
economic powerhouse.
Routes
Ryanair's closure of routes to Germany from places such as companies but "the roads to
ating a base at Marseille earlier this year following a row

labour laws, the reaction of the local chamber of commerce which controls the city's
Shannon has hit individual Dublin are so good nowadays that it is not really an issue," he adds. Sources in the airline industry suggest that a new route
between Dublin and Leipzig in the links between Ireland and our third-largest trading partner. As Ireland slowly claws its way out of the economic mire it finds itself in, new routes and additional services will probably become more attractive to airline operators. But those services are also certain to remain dominated by just two carriers Ryanair and Aer Lingus, with Ireland's relatively small population and peripheral location continuing to make it a largely unappealing prospect for many potential
with French authorities over
Terminal
Ireland's then decade-long economic expansion. The service ceased in March 2008, just months before the global meltdown but at a time when it was
already apparent that the domestic economy was getting
whether snow, thunderstorms, long immigration queues or lost bags are going to turn a four-day trip into a train wreck." that despite having had talks with airports on the US west coast, it wouldn't be recommencing any services in the near future as they're likely to be
loss-making.
Aer Lingus said last week
"I don't want to hare from terminal to terminal working out
-airport
tion. Its president, Jacques Pfister, said that Ryanair had brought hundreds of millions of euro into the local economy in the previous four years.
was one of consterna-
eastern Germany is also likely to open soon, further enhancing
Later that year, the direct service to Los Angeles got the chop, while Aer Lingus services to Washington DC and San Francisco were euthanised in late 2009. There's little prospect at the moment of the carrier expanding its current portfolio of US routes beyond New York,
into trouble.
"Ryanair, thanks to its planes based on our territory, has enabled the creation of 1,000 jobs directly or indirectly
and brought into the local economy over 550 m," he said. He added that a court ruling which said that Ryanair employees based in France should be subject to French rather than Irish employee and tax laws, was akin to "putting the brakes When Ryanair sabre-rattled the previous year that it was
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce claimed the lack of a direct service from Dublin to San Francisco or Los Angeles was a "major obstacle" to Irish
companies seeking venture capital. But it's hardly a surprise that many routes dried up as the
stalwart
on development".
competitors.
DublinHeathrow route stopped basing an aircraft in Dublin in 2010, resulting in the loss of 33 jobs, although it continued to operate the service. It said the move was to do with the more efficient deployment of aircraft. The Dublin Airport Authority's annual reports reveal just how services at the capital's airport have been affected in the
on
Irish economy withered. Lufthansa-owned BMI long a
the
be destabilised. Ryanair is nothing if not As long as the economics sense, it will jump right back in to airports it has previously abandoned. Even while Marseille suffered from 13 routes being cut by
could But fickle. make
considering leaving Marseille, Mr Pfister described it as an "alarming threat to the future" and even went as far as to suggest the "whole country"
Airports failed to come up with Plan B despite warnings

ANALYSIS
Moltoy
Thames
theoountry** largest regional airports has bean a long time coming and was watt flagged as earty
UKE so many UMxpoctad evente In Irish We, this week's lalbacfc far two of
ruMlc Jtmfcw OMlgotlon (PSO) routes which are at
comerm was the central rote of steta^sponsorod
MttMlnartofOMM-
theccreoffieostreglonot airports' bualnassinodaU.
BÎ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Î^^^H^Si ^B_^_n-B^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_l_a_^_^^^r^_^_^_^_l_H
fl^^^HH^H^^^^^^^^B__B||^^^^^H
__H-_-_-_99nWJ9Bâ___S_^_^_-HI H^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_K^_I
_Haa_^_^_^_^_^_^_H_l_Ha_^_^_^_^_l P-tk>n
already wainkig that SUgo wastood^peiidentonlts A*rArarw-op>rat<lPSO
conUnuas. Back In 2003, OMI was
route.
Moore, president of the SUgo Chambar of Cosiiinoma mil general manager of tiieti^lvlng SUgo Parti HoteL
A further Issue ws* the new EU rates that cams Into foroa three years ago and changed PSO
guldallnasiiy raoulrlng
transport
H^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H
to aerial view of
ttienaraay at
as 2003.
MfchMlO'Uary
the demise of six regional airports back In 2008 and oonsutlantiDKM

predtated
ittentber states to have ->rtciilar regard to other

especfaHy where there are
suttsi)Uti-fa
I^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H San-^__^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^_l aaBBBaeaarB^BBaBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

ThsrewfllbenoinnraeenoiierclaelfU^^
that thaoU modal wa* In ut>ubU, little was done to prepare airports for these new commercial and regulatory realities. Some airport maiiagers admr_dpubucry that they dldnt even have a Plan BH ttwPSOwasaboUslwd. Tha first airport to shut, but almost eertaJray not the last, was SUgo Airport wNcJi (natty otosadtts doors to uiNiaiiarall traffic last month auhough the ak--saa rescue
*inthaslisoncaofsoma otherformof n^sMbMlork, SUgo Airport would ptato to oomniarclal baffle (without the PSOs},** DKM oonctuded eight years ago.
saUlng point anymore even though SUgo was designated a gateway cJty," says Mr Moore*
"Wedon^liomthat
modes*
Why
Afcpiirt,a-aii-h-l.
pubUshadascathkig
raport on tha natkm'* regional airports In 2003 wtilcli oorioUidad that most would ooUapaa In the absence of statesponsored routes.
)ouritey time* of less than
sendees with
three hours". SUgo, Knock and Batway are aU less that) three hoursfrom DuoUn. Despite the overwtiaun-ig evidence
came tnw a few weeks ago after Transport Msntstar Lao Varadkar puUad ttw plug on ttia abporTs PSa The decision means that KwMbemoredrfflcultto aUieiA foreign db vol aiveaunant to the county and the north west, says the thougntful Oerard
Sty. tn-t prw-cUon
Wh-le the naH connection Is good* there are still probtoms wllh the H4 road and ptanmd bnpi uvemcnts hove been shelved to sove money, he
notes.
While this wont do too much to deter Irish people from travel Kwtl deter iNislnesf executives who cutoff the oowUi y Uauugh DubUn airport, Mr Moore adds.
Ryanair to pull out of Cork- Dublin route

RYANAIR is to pull out of its CorkDublin route from Sunday, October 30 citing a decline in air traffic due to motorway improvements as the reason for the decision. Passengers who have booked to travel on this route after the closure will receive a full refund in due course.
have voiced their disappointment at the move and have called for another carrier to resume the flight. Cork Chamber Chief Executive Conor Healv said: "while recent
improvements to road and rail options

have
region and Dublin, flight connections are still very important for those wishing to use Dublin Airport for domestic travel, in addition to onward international connections." Ryanair is also ending its daily return flights from Kerry Airport to Dublin from September 7. However, Aer Arann will take over the route from early November under a government subsidised PSO contract.
between the Cork
competition for those wishing to travel
offered additional choice and
Cork Chamber and Dublin Chamber
IN A BAD week on the employment front, there was some good news for the Southside with the creation of over 100 new jobs.
The Minister for Jobs, Enand Innovation, Richard Bruton, announced recently that over 400 jobs will be created over the next three years in new start-up companies, with one in five going to the Southside. Supported by the Government through Enterprise Ireland in the second quarter of 2011, the new jobs come on top of 310 others created earlier in the year as part of the High Potential Start Ups programme.
Jobs boost for Southside

by Neil Fetherston
in 24 new high potential startup companies across the country. "I am delighted that one
out of every five of these jobs is on the Southside," he added. "Many of these companies are operating in precisely the innovative sectors that the Government is tar-
terprise
2008, when it first opened in Belfast Victoria Square, the international restaurant that is famous for its Peri-Peri chicken dish has grown significantly and now employs over 150 people in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. With the opening of Mary Street in September and St Andrew Street in November, the staff levels will exceed 215.
cision to increase its workforce in the Dublin region. However, the good news for Dublin was overshadowed by that from Carrick-onShannon where hundreds of jobs are at risk at the MBNA operation. A further 350 are to go at Anglo Irish Bank.
Prime
Boost
Biometric in Carridonines has announced the creation of 34 new jobs, DOCOsoft in UCD is creating 14, Handle Hygiene in Dundrum is creating 13 and XI in Leopard stown is creating 24 jobs. Deputy Peter Mathews, (FG) welcomed the announcement, saying it was a welcome boost for the area. "This comes on the back of Vodafone Ireland's recent commitment to retain jobs in Leopardstown," he said. "Creating jobs is the Government's number one priority and a huge amount of work has been done between Enterprise Ireland and the department to create these jobs
geting for growth, including clean tech, life sciences, ICT and financial services. "If we are to rebuild the economy and create jobs of the future here, we must not only continue to attract highend multinational companies, but also ensure that more high potential small businesses can establish and expand here. an Only indigenous engine of economic growth can create the successful future we all want for Ireland." Meanwhile, a total of 65 jobs have been created with the opening of two new restaurants in the city centre. The legendary Nando 's chain is opening the two outlets on Mary Street and St Andrew Street. Operating in Ireland since
Alan Snyman, Regional Managing Director, Ireland said: "We have been on the search for two Dublin city centre locations to add to our family of restaurants for some time. "We are delighted to have secured two prime locations on both Mary Street and St Andrew Street. In opening these two restaurants we are reaffirming our commitment to Ireland and are very confident that with the creation of 65 new jobs, our two new restaurants will prove to be as successful as the Nando's story itself." Also in Dublin, the Northside was welcoming a decision by Pay Pal to create an additional 200 jobs at its European headquarters in Blanchardstown. Gina Dublin Quin, Chamber CEO, said they were delighted by Pay Pal's de-
Chamber: Dublin air link must be replaced

CORK Chamber which repres- port said it hadn t increased passenger ents more than a 1,000 firms or landing charges since 2004. Now frantic behind-scenes efforts has joined with Dublin Chamcalling for urgent action are being made to see if another airber in to find a replacement company line will take on the route. One option is to secure a plane with to provide a link between Cork a small capacity than the one used by and Dublin airports. was carThe move came after it was revealed yesterday that Ryanair, the sole provider of services between Cork and
Dublin, is to end its flights between the two cities at the end of October. The company said that it was withdrawing from the route because of a dramatic fall off in the numbers using the services and because recent road improvements meant that more people were opting to make the trip between the cities by car. It also blamed the high costs it is being charged for using the airports. However, a spokesperson for Cork Air-
region and Dublin, flight connections are still very important for those wishing to use Dublin .Airport for domestic travel, in addition to using it as a hub
onward international connections". Aebhric McGibney, director of policy, Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said air connectivity within Ireland was a must for the tourism sector and was the s means by which business travellers accessed their international headquarters and customers/suppliers. The South West region had significant requirements for international for
Ryanair capable of which rying 189 passengers. Aer Arann operated a service on the route with a smaller plane than Ry-
anair's up until last year. Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said that an urgent search needed to be launched to find an alternative carrier, one capable of providing more flexible capacity and a long-term solution on the route, appropriate to the changing needs of the market. "While recent improvements to road and rail options have offered additional choice and competition for those wishing to travel between the Cork
in order to meet the travel demands of both the business community and the tourism sector.
connectivity,
The Cork/Dublin Cork route played an integral part in meeting these needs, he added.

THE National Transportation Authority's proposed congestion charge would not have made sense due to the lack of public transport for the Greater Dublin Area, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has welcomed the
decision by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar TD, to rule
like the M5O and charges according to sections driven by

motorists.
fective transport of goods and people in urban areas," said

Mr Mc Gibney.
Strategy 2002-2020,
nomic downturn, ac-
both of which need to be refocused in the light of the eco-
cording
to
the
Dublin Chamber.
out a congestion charge for motorists for the next five

years.
The
National
Au-
Transportation
thority (NTA) had put forward the proposal as part of their 'Greater Dublin Area Draft Strategy 2011-2030'. The proposal envision congestion charging not just the city centre between the canals, but an extra charge for the use of major roads
"The NTA's congestion charge proposal would have Greater punished Dublin commuters for the lack of public transport investment that has occurred," said Aebhric Mc Gibney, Dublin Chamber's Director of "Dublin Policy. Chamber, speaking on behalf of businesses throughout the region, strongly opposed the proposal at recent meetings with the Minister and the NTA. There is no case for even discussing it until proper public transport alternatives are in place." "The Minister's
decision recognises
The new Census figures showed a population growth of

nearly 140,000 in the
Greater Dublin Area. Past census data has
the importance of the efficient and ef-
also shown that these commuters have the longest travel times. "Any congestion charge would be unjust and unfair on commuters until our transport network is significandy improved, and the census figures show that this is a moving target so we better start building now," said Mr Mc Gibney. The NTA strategy had been drawn up to be consistent with the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the Spatial National
NEWS of 200 new jobs the local community.
Pay Pal jobs boost welcomed

at
the Pay Pal Centre of Excel-
lence in Blanchardstown has been warmly welcomed by

1 be global online payments company made the announcement last week saying the new customer service positions will
support its growing European business which contributed to a 1 billion revenue quarter be-
by
Jack
Gleeson
West TD Leo Varadkar also welcomed the new jobs which he said will further enhance the area's status for information
technology companies. "The new jobs are particularly welcome in these difficult times, and are just the sort of new positions we need to get the economy back to strong growth," he said. "I'm particularly pleased
that Blanchardstown has been able to attract global companies like Pay Pal and eay and I hope this move will attract further high-calibre jobs to the area." Dublin 15 Labour Party councillor and Deputy Mayor of Fingal Patrick Nulty described last week's announcement as "a good news story for
tween April and June. The jobs are in addition to
150 positions announced last
IDA for their continued support and its CEO, Barry O'Leary, said he was delighted that Pay Pal was continuing to successfully develop its Irish operation. "It underlines Ireland's continuing ability to attract high-
Over the past number months companies such as Linkedln, Zynga and 2PaperDolls have joined the growing cluster of Dublin based hitech firms with established
players including Google,
nouncement shows we're succeeding in getting top global internet companies to choose
Dublin.
"Although we are a small city, we have the big players in the internet service industry here and that's good for all
February and Pay Pal, which began its Dublin operation with a staff of just 25 back in 2003, currently employs more than 1,350 people at its Blan-
site, Last week's announcement offers further opportunities for permanent positions in customer service, risk operations, financial operations, sales and account management for individuals fluent in English and a second European language. Pay Pal's Louise Phelan said she was proud to be able to make the announcement. "This announcement is a testament to the excellent work and commitment of our current employees," she said. gone "We have from strength to strength since the official opening of our Centre of Excellence here in Blanchardstown two years ago. Ms Phelan also thanked the
chardstown
calibre direct foreign investment," he added. "Pay Pal's decision represents a key endorsement from one of the world's leading online companies, building on Ireland's reputation as the internet capital of Europe." Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD, believes Pay Pal will soon employ well over 1,550 people in Dublin. "If Ireland is to get out of this crisis and get jobs growing again, we must build determinedly existing on our strengths as an economy," he
Facebook, Microsoft, Dell, Intel, AOL and HP. "We are delighted and encouraged by Pay Pal's decision to increase its workforce in the Dublin region," said Dublin Chamber CEO, Gina Quin, "We strive to make Dublin the best place in the world to do business and today's an-
Dublin businesses." Meanwhile, there was more good news on the local employment front with the announcement that a total of
65 jobs have been created with the opening of two new Nando 's restaurants in Dublin city centre, including one on Northside's Mary Street.
Fingal and the Blanchardstown area in particular''. "Getting people back to work represents a huge challenge for this country and the fact that Pay Pal are creating more jobs in Dublin 15 shows that we continue to have a
skilled and educated work-
said.
"One key aspect of this is our base of world-leading internet companies who have established major operations
force," he said. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the decision by

Pay
here." Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport and Dublin
firmed that the capital was still a global leader in attracting international internet service businesses.
Pal
to create the jobs con-
SISTER CITIES: Quinn
AER Lingus has decided not to relaunch its flights to the US west coast despite speculation that it was considering returning the cross-Atlantic service. The airline was in talks with San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Los Angeles about operating a service there. However, yesterday it revealed the route would not be "commercially viable".
Aer Lingus will not offer US

Dublin Chamber of Commerce boss Gina Quin said the news was disappointing given that Dublin and San Jose have been Silicon Valley "sister cities" for 25 years. "Such a route would have been
west coast flights

extremely valuable to the continued development of our strong economic links with Silicon Valley and other West Coast hubs of US companies with European HQs here in Ireland," she said.
Patrick o'Leary, age 6, and Ella Hanamy, 5, celebrating the announcement of a new strategic partnership between Waterford Airport and Aer Arann as Wexford Opera Festival's new Official Airport Partner and Official Airline, with Picture: Patrick attendees receiving 1 0% off specific flights to Waterford Airport. See www.wexfordopera.com
Browne
Aer Lingus denies plans to resume US west coast flights

by Gooff Perdval AER LINGUS has stated it will not be resuming services to the west coast of the US in the foreseeable future, despite speculation to the
Media reports suggested that the airline which pulled its west coast routes towrards the end of 2009 in a bid to arrest mounting losses was looking to resume flying to California next year and had entered talks with four airports, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland and San Jose, regarding possibly restarting services.
contrary.
the However, airline yesterday said that it had analysed the potential of such routes but had come to the conclusion that they would probably generate "significant losses". Dublin Chamber of Commerce was one of the loudest voices supporting a resumption of Aer Lingus' services California and expressed its disappointment that the routes will not be returning in 2012. "Such a route would have been extremely valuable to the continued development of our strong economic links with Silicon Valley and
other west coast hubs of US companies with European headquarters here in Ireland," its chief executive, Gina Quin, said yesterday. "Silicon Valley companies thousands of employ workers throughout Ireland. alone has Employment grown by 6% in this area in 2010 and there is still the promise of more to come. "We believe that the lack of routes between Dublin Airport and the west coast is a major obstacle for Irish companies in search of venture capital and for multinationals attracting from the west coast technol-
ogy sector," Ms Quin said. "We believe this route can and will be good business for an airline and Ireland," she added. Meanwhile, the Irish Aviation Authority has said it controlled an average of 1 ,648 flights in Irish airspace on a daily basis last month up by 0.4% on a year-on-year basis. En-route traffic in Irish airspace (flights which don't land in Ireland) was up by 2%; although commercial terminal traffic for Shannon, Dublin and Cork airports dropped by 0.8% compared to the same month last year.
No congestion charge in city says Varadkar

FAILING: Public transport must be better
By
Cormac Murphy
DUBLIN'S public transport sys-
tem is not good enough to jus-
tify a congestion charge on motorists, according to Transport Minister Leo Varadkar. He was responding to proposals by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to levy a fee on drivers for bringing cars into the city. The minister insisted an alternative to commuting by private car must be available before the charge is introduced. The proposal for Dublin city and the greater Dublin area had been envisaged in a new NTA strategy. Previous ministers had appeared to favour the move. In addition, the option for the charge was included in the NTA_ Greater Dublin Area draft transport strategy 2011-2030. The authority also said it wanted to bring in a distance-
based road user charge to discourage car use and encourage travel by buses, trains and the Luas. Following public consultation, the NTA prepared a final draft strategy for Mr Varadkar and submitted it in June. The strategy document warned of ever-increasing traffic volumes in coming years.
to encouraging greater
use of
public transport, "congestion charging was not currently being promoted," he said.
Former Transport Minister Noel Dempsey announced in 2009 that the so-called demand management levy was being considered. At the time, the Government
was committed to investing

16bn under Transport 21 to improve public transport, which included delivering a new Metro
PROSPECT
However, the minister has now shot down any short-term prospect of the charge. He pointed out cities like London where a congestion levy exists already have a public transport system of sufficient quality to provide an alternative for commuters. Irish cities are not capable of providing such an "extensive public transport alternative", Mr Varadkar said in an interview with a newspaper. While the Government was committed
and Luas extensions. However, many of these projects are now in doubt, making the introduction of the new tax much more difficult. Business groups have long been opposed to any such charge. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce said last month it endorsed indications from Mr Varadkar that the proposal would not be implemented.
comurphy@herald.ie
Aebhrlc McGibney Is Dublin Chamber's director of policy and communications. Established In 1783, the chamber
provides networking, learning, business development and export services to 1,300 member companies. It employs 23 people.
business. How would you describe your work style? Direct and open. What rates as your best business decision to date? Dublin Chamber put a social media strategy in place about three years ago, somewhat ahead of the curve, providing an online forum through which members could connect and debate. We have the biggest business network in Dublin on Linkedln, with over L5OO members. I tweet, therefore I am. What is the most valuable professional lesson you have learned?
to make Dublin the best location in which to live and do
months ahead?
What are the main responsibilities of your job?
I head up the Dublin Chamber team dealing with research, public affairs and communications. I meet lots of companies on a daily basis and my job is to channel and represent their views to government. Our goal is to improve the business environment in the Dublin region in order to generate investment and jobs. I am also responsible for our sustainable business network, the Green Economy Forum, and for the business matching and intelligence services we provide to exporting companies through the Enterprise Europe Network. What are your professional motivators? Right now, my motivation is to help companies to survive the downturn and find new opportunities.There are a lot of practical ways in which government can help businesses to grow by improving cashflow and reducing costs. Dublin is very well placed to compete with other cities internationally, but there is still room for improvement. I want
Aebhrlc McGibney
My professional background is as an economist and a wise old lecturer once pointed out to me that the original name for the subject was 'political economy'. It is not just about the theory, it is about the application of the theory. It is not just about the business, it is about the wider world that business operates in and contributes to.
Who do you most admire In Irish business?
tough question. The Dublin Chamber members elect our president, so that is one straw poll to consider. I have a fine list of past and future businessmen and women to pick from. However, I am going to say Senator Feargal Quinn, the founder of Superquinn. I met him years ago, as a customer, when he asked my mother to go on one ofthe customer panels he was pioneering at the time. He was a perfect gentleman. I have come across him many times since, most recently when he was honoured at University College Dublin's Alumni of the \ear Awards, and he remains a gentleman. I reminded him where I worked. "I work for. . ." I said. "No," he interrupted, "\bu work for yourself. \bu are employed by. . ."
What are your expectations for Irish business In the
I am not one for 'false dawns' or blind optimism, but Ireland has proven resilient to the challenges of a banking and fiscal meltdown. We are still here. Business is still being done, perhaps not to the same degree and certainly not in the same way, but it is still being done. As the Programme for Government is implemented by the Fine Gael / Labour government, we will have a lot more certainty about the business environment and that is good for business and jobs. The country has signed up to a plan, now government must implement it.
What Is your ultimate professlonal goal at this point?
I want to keep learning, be good at what I do and enjoy doing it. I want to make a difference.
I have been fortunate to work with many leading people in business, so this is a
The Harder You Work, the Luckier You Get
_B
______________ Hi
9______9____________________________r
__^^_
Iridt Ruby Captain Brian O-MscoU gave a crowd of over 350 bwrness leaders Us first ever speech aboat his corporate (access. O-M^ 9~ke at the DnNiii Chamber of fttwi his mistakes that wm crucial dements to his own .occess on and off tlw pitch. Qnotfa^kged-B^golfH', Gary Player, CDriscofl told the captivated audience, "The harder yon work, die tedder yon get".
Cobra targets the gastropubs

Since entering a (49.9 per cent/51.1 per cent) deal for 14 million with Molson Coors UK just over two years ago, Lord Karan Bilimoria, founder of Cobra beer, has stated that the first of three phases that of 'focus' has now been completed for the brand. Here, off-trade distribution for Cobra in Ireland is at "its highest in three years" with more than one in two stores now stocking the brand, according to Niall Phelan, Country Manger for Molson Coors. Now, Cobra is targeting gastropubs as the beer goes well with food. Lord Bilimoria was in Dublin recently to give a presentation to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on how he started Cobra in 1990 when he was over 20,000 in debt and the country was in recession. Shortly after his presentation, Molson Coors announced that it had just
purchased a majority stake in his Indian operation too. When Drinks Industry Ireland meets up with him in the Maldron Hotel, he states that Cobra has deliberately not gone for growth in this first 'focus' phase of its partnership with Moslon Coors, "Now we're going for growth," he adds.
The first set of results under the Cobra Partnership produced "healthy profits" although, when asked to be more specific, he demurs. However he does venture that the Cobra brand enjoys a "96 per cent share of the Indian restaurant trade in the UK". It's marketed as having the smooth and drinkable qualities of an ale, but as refreshing as a lager, which now holds 6,000 Indian restaurants in the palm of its hand there. "Women love Cobra too," he adds,
"They find normal beers too bloating, too bitter." It must be so, for Cobra has won 55 Golds in the Monde Selection over the years since it was first brewed and is now exported to 30 countries around the world. It's presence here in Ireland is mainly Indian and other ethnic restaurants in in keeping with its genesis in the UK. "People see a 660 ml bottle in the gastropub and see something 'different'," he explains, "They become interested in trying it". Some 3,000 outlets in the UK have already installed it on draught and innovations such as Cobra Zero (alcoholfree) have led to it's becoming the second-top seller in the UK off-trade, he
states.
In the absence of any concrete figures,
COBRA FOUNDER INSPIRES BUSINESS LEADERS

LORD Karan Bilimoria (right), founder and chairman of Cobra Beer, was joined by Dublin Chamber of Commerce President Imelda Reynolds and Niall Phelan, Molson Coors Country Manager, as he addressed more than 120 representatives from a range of companies including Bank of Ireland Group and Vodafone Ireland Pic, at an event at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Lord Bilimoria talked about how he started his business in 1990 when he was over 20,000 in debt and the country was in recession and transformed it into an international beer brand, growing his company into an operation with offices on four continents, brewing operations in five countries and exports to over 45 countries.
Savings must support jobs and business

POTENTIAL savings of 46 million at Dublin City Council should lead to lower commercial rates for businesses in Dublin City, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. potential The savings was identified in the Independent Review Groups Report on Staffing Levels in Dublin City Council, which was launched today by the Minister for the
Environment, Community and Local
Government, Phil Hogan TD. The Report states that staff numbers could be
reduced by nearly 20% with payroll savings of 46 million by the end of 2014. All these staff reducwould be tions achieved through natural wastage or through a voluntary, targeted redundancy scheme. Aebhric McGibney, Director of Policy, Dublin Chamber of Commerce said, "In Dublin, busi-
nesses who are the main hinders of local government have been calling for reform to make it more efficient for years. It is clear from the report's findings that the quality and effectiveness of services can be improved while reducing the cost of providing such services. We welcome the IndeReview pendent Groups report but must stress that any savings should directly lead to a reduction in
commercial rates and charges to help businesses grow and create jobs." In a further bid to reduce costs, the report also outlined als
Government proposto introduce comwaste
petitive tendering for
local
collec-
tion services where
the private sector can bid to provide services in an entire local authority area for a set time frame.
Mr McGibney
commented, "More services should be
provided across local authority boundaries and more should be contracted to the private sector. The cost of services should be tested in the market. The move first made by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to leave waste collection to the private sector is just one example of how the same or better service can be delivered more efficiently."
100 charge to hit I.Bm

by Mary Regan
PENSIONERS, struggling and mortgage-holders thousands of cash-strapped families will be hit with a 100 household charge early next year. The flat charge will apply to an estimated 1.8 million property owners, regardless of income, with exemptions for those in social housing, stuck in ghost estates or anyone in receipt of mortgage inter-
supplement. The Government has been warned the move will be met with a "national reaction" and the start of a fight back against the EU-IMF bailout deal. The Socialist Party said there will be a national campaign of boycott and refusal to pay. Minster Environment Phil Hogan warned "there be enforcement will proceedings, there will be penalties for those who don't comply," but said local authorities will have discretion to allow for cases of "extreme hardship." The Government criticised opposition calls for the new charge to be boycotted yesterday.
est
the Mac Gill Visiting School, Summer Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said: "It's [the boycott] ill-conceived. I think it's important we are seen to meet our obligations. With any taxes, you'll always have those who don't agree with it." He said funds were needed to maintain local government services, that would be sourced from the household charge. The charity for older people, Age Action, said the charge will equal one week's pension when combined to cuts that have already been made to fuel and electricity allowances. It said it was concerned at "the Government's failure to acknowledge that many older people are asset rich, but cash poor in that they own their own homes but depend heavily on the state pension as their main means of income." But Mr Hogan said the charge is "modest" and will amount to just 2 a week. "It's a small amount of money relative to what the overall problems are. "I hope people will come to reflect on that and will be prepared to pay a small contribution of 2 a
households
week for the provision of essential local services." He said it is the "lowest possible charge" that could be introduced in order to meet the requirement to raise 160 m for local authorities as agreed with the EU and IMF as part of the bailout deal. "I'd prefer not to be introducing any charge. But I'm obliged because we've ceded our economic sovereignty," he said. Mr Hogan said 250,000 properties will be exempt from the flat charge, which an is intended to be interim measure lasting two years before the rou out of a fairer property tax system in 2014. Those who will not have to pay include people in that is: I Commercial. Government-owned. Charity-owned. In an unfinished housing estate. Social or council housing. Owned by a person who has moved to a nursing home. Owned by a person on interest mortgage supplement. The fee will be separate
Sroperty
to a water charge which will be imposed ori households from early 2014, once a metering system has been introduced and the Irish Water agency is set up this October. "I expect that to be a modest charge for people who are going to conserve water." Mr Hogan disputed claims by Engineers Ireland that installing water meters would cost 1.5 billion. The minister said he still believes it will cost 500 m and said Engineers Ireland should "stop frightening people." Socialist TD Joe Higgins said there will be a camof "mass opposition" ased on "mass boycotting and refusal to pay." He said people will "fight back" against the "injustice that has been perpetrated in this state for a number of years". Mr Hogan said Ireland is one of the last countries in Europe to introduce local taxation to fund local services. But Dublin Chamber of Commerce warned there must be a more "direct association between such charges and the services being provided."
Caign
Dublin council eyes savings of 46m

Dublin: Potential savings
City Council should lead to lower commercial rates for businesses in the city, according to Dublin
of 46 million
at
Dublin
Chamber of Commerce.
The potential savings
were identified in the Independent Review Groups Report on Staffing Levels in Dublin City Council.
Staff numbers could be reduced by nearly 20%, with payroll savings of 46m by the end of 2014. All these staff reductions
redundancy scheme, the report states.
would be achieved through natural wastage or through a voluntary, targeted

that Dublin host Heineken Final The announcementthere positive will Irish the 2013and tourism.CupDublin thecaps of for Chamber Rugby month that has been economy. Commerce that be boost visitor numbers and
a past
says Dublin Gina Quin, Chamber chief executive
will
a significant
to
said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish We estimate economy. that the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generate 1 8 million from out-ofstate visitors. This estimate of course depends on who goes to the final
and the number of travelling fans they bring. We're hopeful that Leinster Rugby will be
playing
Heineken for its fourth
Rugby.
surrounding counties ol
Kildare,
Dublin's hospitality secmajor tor relies on events, from the international rugby matches
Meath boost.
also
Wicklow and report a
to
Cup in the 2013 final and our figure is passed on one major club team travelling for
the
match.
This
announcement has topped off what has been a great season for Irish
international concerts festivals. While and businesses closest to the city centre usually report the greatest increase in during sales match weeks, corporate hospitality businesses in the
For hotels it is likely that spend additional on
just over sm. While restaurateurs and publicans will be expecting just under 5m from the
match weekend.
accommodation will be

that Dublin will host Heineken caps The announcementthere will be significant the 2013and tourism.Cup Final the economy. Dublin Chamber of month that has been positive for Irish Rugby boost visitor numbers and Commerce that
a past
says
to
Gina Dublin Quin, Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish
We estimate economy. that the 2013 Heineken
Cup Final
will generate 18 million from out-ofstate visitors. This estimate of course depends on who goes to the final
and the number of travelling fans they bring. that hopeful We're Leinster Rugby will be playing for its fourth Heineken Cup in the 2013 final and our figure is passed on one major club team travelling for the match. This announcement has topped off what has been
a great season
for Irish
Rugby."
surrounding counties of
on
Dublin's hospitality sector

relies
major
events,
from the interna-
tional rugby matches to international concerts and festivals. While businesses closest to the city centre usually report
the greatest increase in
Kildare, Wicklow and Meath also report a boost. For hotels it is likely that spend additional on accommodation will be just over sm. While
restaurateurs and publicans will be expecting just under 5m from the
match weekend.
during sales match weeks, corporate hospitality businesses in the
Dublin Chamber Looks Forward to Working with Lord Mayor Montague to Dublin
Commenting Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber Chief
which
traces
its
own
Dublin
and
acts
as
Chamber of Commerce is looking forward working with Cllr Andrew Montague, the newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin. He is Dublin's 342 nd Mayor and was elected by Dublin City Councillors at the Annual Meeting of the City Council which was held in City Hall last night.
worked closely with him as a councillor and Chair of Transport the
Strategic Policy Committee to make Dublin an even better place to live and work. As Lord Mayor, we look forward to tradition of
Executive, said: "Dublin Chamber congratulates Cllr Montague on his election and looks forward to working closely with him as Lord Mayor of Dublin. We have
Cllr Montague joining the governing board of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce." The office of the Lord Mayor is few Dublin institutions with older roots than the Dublin Chamber of Commerce,
establishment back to 1782. The Mayor of Dublin position was created in June 1229 by Prince Henry 111. This title was elevated to Lord Mayor in 1665 by King Charles II .Before 1840, the Lord Mayor was selected through a complicated method from the City Assembly. Since 1840, the Dublin City Council has elected the Lord Mayor from among its own members. In the present day, the Lord Mayor of Dublin is the symbolic head of the in city government Dublin. The Lord Mayor is known as first citizen of
Ambassador for the city locally and internationally. During their term of office, the Lord Mayor
lives and works in the official residence, the

Mansion House Dawson Street.
on
The Lord Mayor presides at meetings of the City Council, signs its records of proceedings, and represents the city at
public events. "Dublin Chamber would like to thank outgoing Lord Mayor, Cllr Gerry Bree'n, for his positive contribution to Dublin City and the Dublin Chamber as a Council
member," said Ms Quin.
Dublin Chamber Looks Forward to Working with Lord Mayor Montague to looking Dublin ing Montague, newly elected 342 nd Mayor Mayor
forward Chamber of Commerce is with Cllr Andrew the and was of Dublin. He is Dublin's ed by Dublin City Councillors at the Annual Meeting City Council which was held in Cfty flail last night.
worked closely with him as a councillor and Chair Transport the of
Commenting Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber Chief
workLord electof the
Executive, said: "Dublin

Chamber congratulates Cllr Montague on his election and looks forward to working closely with him as Lord Mayor of Dublin. We have
Strategic Policy Committee to make Dublin an even better place to live and work. As Lord Mayor, we look forward to tradition of
Cllr Montague joining the governing board of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce." The office of the Lord Mayor is few Dublin institutions with older roots than the Dublin Chamber of Commerce,
which traces its own establishment back to 1782. The Mayor of Dublin position was created in June 1229 by Prince Henry 111. This title was elevated to Lord Mayor in 1665 by King Charles 11. Before 1840, the Lord Mayor was selected through a complicated method from the City Assembly. Since 1840, the Dublin City Council has elected the Lord Mayor from among its own members. In the present day, the Lord Mayor of Dublin is the symbolic head of the in city government Dublin. The Lord Mayor is known as first citizen of
Dublin
and acts as Ambassador for the city locally and internationally. During their term of office, the Lord Mayor lives and works in the official residence, the
on
Mansion House Dawson Street.
The Lord Mayor presides at meetings of the City Council, signs its records of proceedings, and represents the city at
public events.
"Dublin Chamber would like to thank outgoing
Lord Mayor, Cllr Gerry Breen, for his positive contribution to Dublin City and the Dublin Chamber as a Council member," said Ms Quin.

Final that Dublin will host Heineken The announcementthere will be significant the 2013and tourism.CupDublin the economy. Chamber of month that has been positive for Irish Rugby boost visitor numbers and Commerce that
caps a past
says
to
We estimate economy. that the 2013 Heineken
and the number of travelthey bring. that hopeful We're Leinster Rugby will be ling
fans
Rugby.
Dublin's hospitality sector

relies
on
major
playing
for
its
fourth
will generate 18 million from out-ofCup Final state visitors. This estimate of course depends on who goes to the final
Heineken Cup in the 2013 final and our figure is passed on one major club team travelling for This the match.
from the international rugby matches to international concerts and festivals. While businesses closest to the
events,
surrounding counties of Kildare, Wicklow and Meath also report a boost. For hotels it is likely that
additional
spend
on
city centre usually report the greatest increase in during sales match weeks, corporate hospitality businesses in the
accommodation will be just over sm. While restaurateurs and publicans will be expecting just under 5m from the
match weekend.

that Dublin will host Heineken Cnp Final caps The that that there positive for Irish the 2013and tourism. Dublin Chamber of month has been Rugby Commerce be
announcement
a past
says
will
a significant boost to visitor numbers and the economy.

Rugby.
Dublin's hospitality sector relies major on
Oina
Dublin Chamber chief executive
Quin,
and the number of travel-
said, "The decision to the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate that the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generate 1 8 million from out-ofstate visitors. This estimate of course depends on who goes to the final
stage
fans they bring. We're that hopeful Leinster Rugby will be playing for its fourth Heineken Cup in the 2013 final and our figure is passed on one major club team travelling for the match. This announcement has topped off what has been a great season for Irish
ling
events, from the international rugby matches to international concerts While and festivals. businesses closest to the city centre usually report
the greatest increase in sales match during weeks, corporate hospitality businesses in the
surrounding counties of Kildare, Wicklow and Meath also report a boost. For hotels it is likely that on spend additional accommodation will be just over sm. While restaurateurs and publicans will be expecting just under 5m from the match weekend.
that Dublin will host Heineken caps The that that been positive for Irish the 2013and tourism.Cup Final Chamber of month has Rugby Dublin Commerce
announcement

says
and the number of travelling fans they bring. hopeful We're that Leinster Rugby will be playing for its fourth Heineken Cup in the 2013 final and our figure is passed on one major club team travelling for match. the This announcement has topped off what has been a great season for Irish
Rugby."
a past
Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate that the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generate lB million from out-ofstate visitors. This estimate of course depends on who goes to the final
there will be a significant boost to visitor numbers and the economy.

Dublin's hospitality sector relies on major events, from the international rugby matches to international concerts and festivals. While businesses closest to the
city centre usually report
surrounding counties of
Kildare, Wicklow and Meath also report a

boost.
For hotels it is likely that spend additional on accommodation will be just over sm. While
match weekend,
the greatest increase in sales match during weeks, corporate hospitality businesses in the
BALL'S IN YOUR COURT: Rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll Is pictured with Imelda Reynolds and Gina Quin, of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce at a gathering of over 350 business leaders.
By Gavin Daly
Ireland rugby captain Brian O'Driscoll has revealed plans to set up a nationwide rugby coaching academy when his playing career ends most likely within the next two years. The Ireland and Leinster number 13 said his "exit strategy" included developing a network of rugby camps that could play a part far making rugby "less elitist". "Hopefully, we can get the masses playing and steal some of those GAA players that are oat there," said O'Driscoll, who already runs a summer rugby camp in north Dublin. Giving his first corporate speaking engagement to a Dublin Chamber of Commerce event last week, O'Driscoll said he was trying to gauge what he would do for the "30-40-50 years" after his rugby career ended. "I ant a realist," he said. "I would be only too happy if I could get another two years out of this
that his "brand" had integrity. Describing alcohol advertising as a "non-runner", he said he had been approached a few times by Red Bull, but was put off by its association with alcohol. He also revealed he could not renew a credit union advertising deal because there was perceived to be a conflict with Bank of Ireland, which is the Leinster team sponsor. "It was one of my favourite sponsorships,' 'he said. "We argued there were differences between the credit union and the bank, but we had to concede and we weren't able to renew it" O'DriscolNaid he had taken action against two firms for unauthorised use of his name or image, including an eye laser surgery firm that implied he had used its service. After being sent a solicitors' letter, the firm agreed to pay a charity donation. "It's not about making a few .
That timeframe could allow O'Driscoll to take part in the next Lions tour, to Australia in June and July 2013. However, it is understood that he is already exploring his options as a corporate and motivational speaker and is working with the London Speaker Bureau, whose speakers include David Beckham, Pele and Neil Armstrong. O'Driscoll said it was important
game."
quid, it's about making sure people didn't push things too much," he said. He said he hoped to maintain his relationships with sponsors "postrugby" and was active about bringing ideas to them. He said that his four personal sponsorship deals with 02, Adidas, Gillette and Lexus had all been in place for at least seven years.
"It's important to keep brand exclusivity," he said. "Less is more." He said that some sponsors got nervous when he had a "dip in form" in 2007 and 2008. "Thankfully, 2009 followed and we won a few things," he said, referring to Ireland's Grand Slam victory and Leinster winning the Hetneken Cup. He attributed part of his recovery from that "slump" to a sports psychologist he saw at the time. "He said: 'Rather than practise the things you're bad at, why wouldn't you practise the things you're really good at and become absolutely sensational at them?' That struck a chord with me," said O'Driscoll. He said he found Twitter useful for keeping in touch with his supporters. He has almost 68,000 followers, but said there was "a fine balance between having a laugh and protecting yourself '. Last month, when he posted a picture of himself in bed with the Heineken Cup trophy, his sister sent him a message in block capitals saying: "Remember your brand." O'Driscoll said he and his wife, actress and author Amy Huberman, had agreed not to do joint sponsorship or advertising deals. "We decided to keep our public and private lives separate," he said. "There have been some very lucrative offers, but that's our position. Hopefully, there isn't a figure that makes me eat those words. Or hopefully there is."
two years out of this game'
Brian O'DriscolI: 'I would be only too happy If I could get another
sportsfile

THE new improved Airlink bus service from Dublin Bus has been described as a "positive step" by die Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Launched last week, the Airlink 747 route will now get to and from Dublin Airport quicker as it will be allowed use the Port Tunnel. Director of Policy at Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Aebhric McGibney, said providing efficient public transport connections to the airport was vital to Ireland's economy. "Dublin Airport is a key port for our island economy and the Dublin Port Tunnel is a supporting piece of infrastructure that's use should be maximised for the benefit of the economy," he said. "The improvements in the Airlink service will now mean that business travellers can now expect a 15 to 20 minute frequency of
service to access the international headquarters and customers and suppliers that have located in Dublin with relative ease. "The announcement by Dublin Bus is an important step in improving the connectivity between Dublin Airport and the city centre." "This is part of the improvements needed to create an integrated transport network in Dublin that serves not only the region but the nation. "Years of investment developing our international connectivity and domestic transport network need now to be connected up so that benefit of this infrastructure is maximised."
City car toll is ruled out

A LONDON-style congestion charge for Dublin has been ruled out by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar. The levy had been proposed in a new National Transport Authority strategy paper. But after Ministerial discussions with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, the charge is now off the table. The previous Fianna Fail-led government had mooted a 'demand management' charge to reduce rush-hour gridlock in the capital. A Dublin Chamber spokesman said there should be no charge until proper public transport initiatives are in place.
Varadkar rules out congestion charge

By Nicola Cooke
A congestion charge for Dublin has been ruled out by transport minister Leo\&radkar. The charge for Dublin city and the greater Dublin area had been envisaged in a new National Transport Authority (NTA) strategy. But the minister recently met with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce to discuss the matter and his spokesman confirmed to The Sunday
Business Post that such a charge was not now under consideration. Under the previous government, a "demand management" charge, to reduce rushhour gridlock and increase use of public transport, was
mooted
user charge was included as an option throughout the greater Dublin area to discourage car use and encourage a transfer to public transport. It also looked at an option of
McGibney said the business body had "strongly opposed" congestion charges, and made this case to the minister and
The option was included in the NTA's most recent publication, the Greater Dublin area draft transport strategy 2011-2030. Under measures to meet 'smarter travel' targets for reducing private car use, a substantial distance-based road
reducing public transport fares by 20 per cent at off-peak times, and increasing them by 10 per cent during on-peak
times.
Following public consultation in the last few months, the NTA prepared a final draft strategy for Varadkar, which was submitted last month. Dublin Chamber of Commerce policy director Aebhric
the NTA. "This was not just a congestion proposal for the city centre between the canals. It was an extra charge for the use of like the M5O major roads and charges according to sections driven by motorists. "We welcome and strongly endorse the minister's decision, as it recognises the importance of the efficient and effective transport of goods and people in urban areas,"
said McGibney. He said the strategy had been drawn up to be consistent with the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020, "both of which no longer reflect or appropriately address the current economic environment". "The new census figures also show major population growth in the counties of Dublin, Kildare and Meath, so until there is proper public transport alternatives for these people, such charges make no sense," said McGibney.

that Dublin The that that there positive month has been Commerce be
announcement
will host the 2013 Heineken Cup Final caps a past
says
will
for Irish Rugby and tourism. Dublin Chamber of a significant boost to visitor numbers and the economy.
Rugby.
Dublin's hospitality secon major tor relies
events,
economy. We estimate
and the number of travelthey bring. that hopeful We're Leinster Rugby will be ling
fans
surrounding
counties or
from the internato
playing
for its
fourth
tional rugby matches
Kildare, Wicklow and Meath also report a boost. For hotels it is likely that
additional
that the 2013 Heineken

Cup Final will generate 1 8 million from out-ofstate visitors. This estimate of course depends on who goes to the final
Heineken Cup in the 201 3 final and our figure is passed on one major club team travelling for the match. This
international concerts and festivals. While businesses closest to the city centre usually report
the greatest increase in during sales match weeks, corporate hospitality businesses in the
spend
on
accommodation will be just over sm. While

match weekend.
announcement
a great season
topped off what has been
has
for Irish
Dublin signs twinning with Beijing
agreement
both cities as destinafor education, tourism, and foreign
tions investment.
China have grown significantly. There are more than fifty formal
direct
bilateral agreements
in
Dublin's designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and European City of Science in 2012 will also be highlighted. Commenting on the the twinning, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry
In
Beijing at 11am (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing. This momentous occasion comes on the heels of Dublin City Council's December decision to formally twin with Beijing.
Breen, stated, "We are honoured to have this important link with one
student/staff exchanges and the development of joint programmes and research activities. There are currently over 3,500 Chinese students studying in Irish Higher Education Institutions.
place between Irish & Chinese institutions for
- Beijing. This agreement is more than a

cities
of the world's
greatest
symbolic piece of paper; it is opening wider a door of friendship and opportunity for both cities. Dublin wants to
be
the
gateway
for
The Dublin delegation is led by the Lord Mayor of

Dublin and includes the
into the Beijing European market, offering an ideal investment location. The new wave of Foreign Direct Investment, especially in technology, will come from China. And through the relationship for which we set the groundwork today, we will work hard to make that investment create opportunities for both cities." Ireland was recently honoured with being voted the
City Manager, John Tierney, Councillors Bourke Paddy and Paddy Crimmins, Deputy Eric Byrne, rep-
"Destination
with
the
Most Potential for 2011" in a recent poll conducted by the Beijing news-
paper
"Life
resentatives from several third level colleges and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The Twinning is expected to open up business opportunities between Dublin and Beijing. The mission
will also be used as an opportunity to support
Recent changes
Style" . in Visa
arrangements with the United Kingdom will also open up the tourist market and will attract Chinese tourists visiting London to make Dublin a destination on their
itinerary.
Education
Additionally,
links with

agreement
both cities as destinations for education, tourism, and foreign direct investment. Dublin's designation as a City UNESCO of Literature and European City of Science in 2012 will also be highlighted. Commenting on the twinning, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry
China have grown sigThere are nificantly. more than fifty formal
In
Beijing at 11am (Irish time) on Thursday the 2nd June, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo This Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing. momentous occasion comes on the heels of Dublin City Council's December decision to formally twin with Beijing.
Breen,
stated,
"We are
honoured to have this important link with one of the world's greatest This Beijing. cities agreement is more than a symbolic piece of paper; it is opening wider a door of friendship and opportunity for both cities. Dublin wants to be the gateway for into the Beijing European market, offering an ideal investment location. The new wave of Direct Foreign Investment, especially in technology, will come from China. And through the relationship for which we set the
bilateral agreements in place between Irish & Chinese institutions for student/staff exchanges and the development of joint programmes and research activities. There are currently over 3,500 Chinese students studying in Irish Higher Education Institutions.
The Dublin delegation is led by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and includes the City Manager, John
Councillors Tierney, and Paddy Bourke Paddy Crimmins, Deputy Eric Byrne, rep-
groundwork today, we will work hard to make that investment create opportunities for both cities." Ireland was recently honoured with voted being the
resentatives from several third level colleges and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The Twinning is expected to open up business opportunities between Dublin and Beijing. The mission will also be used as an opportunity to support
"Destination with the Most Potential for 201 1" in a recent poll conducted by the Beijing newspaper Style". "Life Recent changes in Visa arrangements with the United Kingdom will also open up the tourist market and will attract Chinese tourists visiting London to make Dublin a destination on their
itinerary.
Education
Additionally,
links
with
Dublin signs twinning

agreement
with Beijing
both cities as destinafor tions education, tourism, and foreign direct investment.
Dublin's designation as a
China have grown significantly. There are more than fifty formal
City UNESCO of Literature and European City of Science in 2012 will also be highlighted. Commenting on the twinning,
the Lord
In
Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, stated, "We are

honoured to have this important link with one of the world's greatest This Beijing. cities agreement is more than a symbolic piece of paper; it is opening wider a door of friendship and opportunity for both cities. Dublin wants to be the gateway for
bilateral agreements in place between Irish & Chinese institutions for student/staff exchanges and the development of joint programmes and research activities. There are currently over 3,500 Chinese students studying in Irish Higher Education Institutions.
The Dublin delegation is led by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and includes the City Manager, John Tierney, Councillors
Bourke and Paddy Paddy Crimmins, Deputy Eric Byrne, rep-
into the Beijing European market, offering an ideal investment location. The new wave of Direct Foreign Investment, especially in technology, will come from And China. through the relationship for which we set the groundwork today, we will work hard to make that investment create opportunities for both was cities." Ireland recently honoured with voted the being
"Destination
with
the
Most Potential for 201 1 " in a recent poll conducted by the Beijing news-
paper
"Life
Style"
resentatives from several third level colleges and the Dublin Chamber of The Commerce. Twinning is expected to open up business opportunities between Dublin and Beijing. The mission
will also be used as an opportunity to support
Recent changes in Visa arrangements with the United Kingdom will
also open up the tourist market and will attract Chinese tourists visiting London to make Dublin a destination on their
itinerary.
Education
Additionally,
links with

agreement
opportunity to support as destinaitinerary.
Additionally,
both
tions
cities
for
tourism, direct
education, and foreign investment.
Dublin's designation as a of City UNESCO
Literature and European City of Science in 2012

will also be highlighted. Commenting on the
twinning,
the
Lord
In
Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, stated, "We are honoured to have this important link with one
Education links with China have grown significantly. There are more than fifty formal bilateral agreements in place between Irish & Chinese institutions for student/staff exchanges and the development of joint programmes and research activities. There are currently over 3,500 Chinese students studying in Irish Higher Education Institutions.
of the world's
cities Beijing. This agreement is more than a
greatest
symbolic piece of paper; it is opening wider a
door of friendship and opportunity for both cities. Dublin wants to be the gateway for Beijing into the European market, offering an ideal investment location. The new wave Foreign of Direct Investment, especially in technology, will come from China. And through the relationship for which we set the groundwork today, we will work hard to make that investment create opportunities for both cities." Ireland was recently honoured with being voted the
"Destination with thc Most Potential for 2011" in a recent poll conducted by the Beijing newsStyle". "Life paper Recent changes in Visa arrangements with the United Kingdom will also open up the tourist market and will attract Chinese tourists visiting London to make Dublin a destination on their
The Dublin delegation is led by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and includes the City Manager, John Tierney, Councillors Bourke and Paddy Paddy Crimmins, Deputy Eric Byrne, representatives from several third level colleges and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The Twinning is expected to open up business opportunities between Dublin and Beijing. The mission will also be used as an

agreement
with Beijing
opportunity to support both cities as destinations for education, tourism, and foreign
China have grown sigThere are nificantly. more than fifty formal
direct
investment.
bilateral agreements
in
Dublin's designation as a City UNESCO of
In
will also be highlighted. Commenting on the twinning, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, stated, "We are honoured to have this
Literature and European City of Science in 2012
place between Irish & Chinese institutions for student/staff exchanges and the development of joint programmes and
research activities. There

are currently over 3,500 Chinese students studying in Irish Higher
Education Institutions.
important link with one of the world's greatest cities Beijing. This agreement is more than a symbolic piece of paper; it is opening wider a door of friendship and opportunity for both
cities. Dublin wants to be the gateway for

into the Beijing European market, offering an ideal investment location. The new wave Foreign of Direct Investment, especially in technology, will come And from China. through the relationship for which we set the groundwork today, we will work hard to make that investment create opportunities for both Ireland cities." was recently honoured with being voted the "Destination with the Most Potential for 201 1" in a recent poll conducted by the Beijing newspaper Style". "Life Recent changes in Visa arrangements with the
The Dublin delegation is led by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and includes the City Manager, John Tierney, Councillors
Bourke and Paddy Crimmins, Paddy Deputy Eric Byrne, rep-
resentatives from several third level colleges and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The
Twinning is expected to
opportunities between Dublin and Beijing. The mission will also be used as an
open up business
United Kingdom will also open up the tourist market and will attract Chinese tourists visiting London to make Dublin a destination on their
itinerary. Additionally,
Education
links
with
agreement
with Beijing
InThursday at Gerry Mayor Dublin,

Beijing
11am (Irish time) on the 2nd June, the Lord of Breen, signed a twinning agreement with Mayor Guo This Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing. momentous occasion comes on the heels of Dublin City Council's December decision to formally twin with Beijing.
The Dublin delegation is led by the Lord Mayor of Dublin and includes the City Manager, John Tierney, Councillors Paddy Bourke and Paddy Crimmins, Deputy Eric Byrne, representatives from several third level colleges and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The Twinning is expected to open up business opportunities between Dublin and Beijing. The mission will also be used as an opportunity to support both cities as destina"trons
tot
foreign and direct investment. Dublin's designation as a City UNESCO of Literature and European City of Science in 2012 will also be highlighted. Commenting on the twinning, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, stated, "We are honoured to have this important link with one of the world's greatest Beijing. cities This agreement is more than a symbolic piece of paper; it is opening wider a door of friendship and for both opportunity cities. Dublin wants to be the gateway for Beijing into the European market, offer-
tourism,
educarioTrr
ing an ideal investment location. The new wave Foreign of Direct Investment, especially in technology, will come from China. And through the relationship for which we set the groundwork today, we will work hard to make that investment create opportunities for both cities." Ireland was recently honoured with being voted the "Destination with the Most Potential for 2011" in a recent poll conducted by the Beijing newsStyle". *trfe Traper Recent changes in Visa arrangements with the United Kingdom will also open up the tourist market and will attract Chinese tourists visiting London to make Dublin a destination on their itinerary. Additionally, Education links with China have grown significantly. There are more than fifty formal bilateral agreements in place between Irish & Chinese institutions for student/staff exchanges and the development of joint programmes and research activities. There are currently over 3,500 Chinese students studyin Irish ing Higher Education Institutions.
that Dublin host Heineken Final caps The that that there positive will Irish the 2013.and tourism.CupDublin Chamber of month has been for Rugby Commerce be
announcement

will
a past
says Dublin Quin, Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another welcome boost to the Irish economy. We estimate that the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generate 1 8 million from out-ofstate visitors. This estimate of course depends
Gina
a significant boost to visitor numbers and the economy.

Rugby."
Dublin's hospitality sector relies major on
ling
fans
We're Leinster Rugby will be playing for its fourth Heineken Cup in the 2013 final and our figure
is passed on one major club team travelling for the match. This
they bring. hopeful that
surrounding counties of Kildare, Wicklow and Meath also report a

boost.
on who goes to the final
from the international rugby matches to international concerts and festivals. While businesses closest to the city centre usually report the greatest increase in during sales match weeks, corporate hospitality businesses in the
events,
For hotels it is likely that additional spend on accommodation will be just over sm. While restaurateurs and publicans will be expecting just under 5m from the match weekend.

that Dublin will host Heineken Final caps The that that there positive for Irish the 2013and tourism.CupDublin Chamber of month has been Rugby Commerce be boost visitor
announcement
a past
says
will
a significant
to
numbers and the economy.

surrounding counties of Kildare, Wicklow and Meath also report a boost. For hotels it is likely that spend additional on
accommodation will be just over sm. While restaurateurs and publicans will be expecting just under 5m from the
Dublin Quin, Chamber chief executive said, "The decision to stage the 2013 final in Dublin is another wel-
Gina
Rugby."
Dublin's hospitality sector relies on major events, from the international rugby matches to
international
ling
fans
come boost to the Irish
economy.
that
We estimate
We're Leinster Rugby will be playing for its fourth Heineken Cup in the 2013 final and our figure
is passed on one major club team travelling for match. This the
they bring. hopeful that
concerts
the 2013 Heineken Cup Final will generate
and festivals. While businesses closest to the

city centre usually report the greatest increase in during sales match
weeks, corporate
18 million from out-ofstate visitors. This estimate of course depends

on who goes to the final
hospiin
the
match weekend.
tality businesses
'200 leads a year' to Crimestoppers

the public every year, writes Tom Brady. The organisation was set up in 1998 by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and gardai to provide an independent and confidential means for the public to supply information on crime
CRIMESTOPPERS is receiving around 200 useful calls from
and said many of the calls have resulted in vital information. It admitted that payments had been made to callers on the basis of garda advice, but would not divulge the size of the payments. But it is known that
through a freephone line. Crimestoppers has issued appeals in more than 160 cases
rewards of up to 10,000 are usually on offer for informa-
tion leading to the arrest and conviction of a prime suspect for a crime. The freephone number, 1800 252525, is open from 9am until 9pm daily. Calls are answered by trained gardai and treated in strict confidence.
Councils praised for savings

DUBLIN'S four local authorities have been praised for making savings of tens of millions of euro under the provisions of the Croke Park Agreement on public sector costs and pay.
Dublin City Council, FinCounty . Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have contributed more than 81.3 million of the 162 million in savings made to date by local government under the provisions of the deal that was made with trade unions last year. The figures were presented recently -to the national body overseeing the implementation of the agreement, which is carrying out the first official review of the deal for the Government. The Implementation Body has said all claims relating to savings made by Government departments will be verified independendy as part of the review. The Department of the Environment submission to the Implementation Body said the 162 million in savings was divided equally between pay and non-pay. Figures released by Fingal
gal County Council recently show that it has saved some 16.5
per cent.
A spokesman at the Department of the Environment said Dublin City Council has made total savings of 44 million to date. The figure includes some 9.6 million saved as a result of the introduction of more competitive procurement in the area of waste disposal.
by
Jamie
1
Deasy
payroll savings and other savings accruing from what the council calls 'operational efficiency . Payroll costs in terms of
million in the IS months since the agreement on pay was made. That total savings made by the local authority comprise
salaries and wages have been slashed at the council since 2008 and 251 staff who have left the council for a variety of reasons since the beginning of 2009 have not been replaced. A spokeswoman for Fingal County Council said it had also reduced its energy costs by over half a million euro through a series of energy-saving initiatives that have been carried out in the local authority over the last four years. In 2010, electricity consumption in Fingal County Hall in Swords was down by 24 per cent compared to 2007, while gas consumption was down six per cent. Electricity use in Grove Road in Blanchardstown dropped by 11 per cent between 2008 and 2010, while gas consumption dropped by 25 per cent. There was a reduction of almost 1 5 per cent in electricity use for both Blanchardstown and Balbriggan.libraries, while
gas consumption dropped 12
Gina Quin, chief executive of the Dublin Chamber of said it was Commerce, "proud" to see that local authorities in Dublin were leading the way in making savings under the agreement. "The cost of inefficient
Government is a burden that neither businesses nor taxpayers can afford during these times," stated Ms Quin. "We believe by tackling this issue, the cost of doing business in Dublin can be reduced. "A lower cost of doing business, such as a reduction in commercial rates, supports the creation of enterprise and jobs and is only possible if there is
tighter cost management by local government."
Dublin officially twinned with

Beijing
CLIFFORD COONAN
DUBLIN (POPULATION 1.2 million) has been officially twinned with Beijing, (population 19.4 million) and Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen hopes it will give business in Ireland's capital a boost. On a balmy day in the Chinese capital yesterday, Mr Breen and vice mayor of Beijing Hong Feng signed the agreement, which twins two cities that superficially have little in common, but which share the hauteur that comes mayor in the autumn, and now it's the turn of the private sector, be it the third-level institutions, the tourism companies or the private companies, to take up the
recent plans to give a visa waiver to Chinese tourists who visit
visas made easier, and welcomed
cudgels."
There are about 4,000 Chinese students in Dublin at any one time, and the Chinese community is about 30,000 strong in the capital. The number of Dubliners in Beijing is not clear. One plan that attracted a lot of interest from Mr Hong was the Dublin Bike scheme, which has
of Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism, Lv Yong. The Beijing delegation included representatives from many of the
Britain first. Mr Breen also met the director
capital's universities and colleges. Among those taking part in the Dublin delegation were city manager John Tierney, Eric Byrne TD and Gina Quin, Dublin
endorsement." Once migrants and those living here illegally are factored in, Beijing has a population of 22 million, although the recent census came up with the figure of 19.4 million. Some rights organisations had opposed the move to twin with
Beijing, including Amnesty
poor human rights record, but the agreement to twin with Beijing was reached in December. City councillor Mannix Flynn
get more companies out here to capitalise on the government
International, because of China's
from being their respective countries' seats of government. Mr Breen said three main areas should benefit from the twinning third-level education, tourism and business via foreign direct
investment.
"This twinning means as much or as little as we make it," he said. "There's a return visit by the
massively encouraged bicycle travel in the city. While Beijing is famous for its bicycles, years of economic growth has seen a dramatic decline in their number, and there are calls at senior levels to bring back the two-wheelers as the city's streets becoming thronged with cars. To facilitate Chinese people coming to Ireland, Mr Hong said he hoped to see the issuance of
Chamber of Commerce chief
executive. "The essence of doing business in China is having government endorsement, and twinning with a city of the stature of Beijing is an
amazing development," said Ms Quin. "From the perspective of supporting business efforts and education and tourism, this will
successful twinning recemly when he expressed concern over the safety of outspoken artist Ai Weiwei, who has been detained by for 60 days without charge.
relations with China and the
mentioned Dublin's good
excite more interest. We need to
County Council visit to China

Europe.
Officials and councillors from Fingal County Council spent a week in China last month to discuss a proposal for the possible establishement of a "China Trade City" in the Fingal county area. The purpose of such a project would be to establish a centre where Chinese businesses could showcase Chinese products for sale throughout
The invitation to visit Chengdu, a city of 11 million people, for the International Sister Cities Week, resulted from a recent Chengdu trade mission to Dublin when the Chengdu authorities met representatives from Fingal County Council, Dublin Airport Authority, Fingal Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and Fingal County
to
Chengdu city centre

us to explore the potential for Chinese enterprises to invest in Fingal and for Fingal and Irish companies to develop export opportunities to China." The Fingal delegation, comprises two councillors, Ciaran Byrne (Labour) and and Tom O'Leary (Fine Gael) along with Peter Caulfield,
allow
Enterprise Board. According to a spokesperson

for the county council it was felt that "Fingal provides a unique location with direct access Dublin Airport and Dublin City."
The official leading the Fingal delegation to
ronment, Business and Enterprise, explained how the visit "is a great opportunity for Fingal to make direct business and tourism connections with this major Chinese city. We must
Chengdu, PJ Howell, Fingal's Director of Envi-
Deputy County Manager and PJ Howell. They are also being accompanied by John Wood-
house of Aer Rianta International who is representing the Dublin Airport Authority.
be proactive in this economic climate,
looking forward with confidence and taking advantage of opportunities to develop business and trading exchanges between Ireland and the world's fastest growing economy," he said. PJ Howell said on departure, "as home to Dublin Airport, Fingal's location in the Dublin City Region gives us a significant advantage for foreign investment. This visit to Chengdu will
Anticipating possible negative reaction to the cost of such a trip in the current economic climate, a spokesperson for the county council emphasised that "all expenses in China for the visit are being covered by the Chengdu authorities as an indication of their enthusiasm to develop trading and tourism links worldwide, and in this case, in Fingal."
jfcjft-Rfll^ftlfc
(Welcome to Fingal)!
Calls for growth of Dublin Port

Dublin: Dublin Port needs better facilities, deeper berths and improved supporting infrastructure as part of its growth strategy for the next 30 years, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. In making its contribution to the Dublin Port Company's public consultation process for its 30-year growth strategy, the chamber said Dublin Port must have the capacity to provide for Ireland's future export needs. The chamber's policy chief, Aebhric McGibney, said: "Dublin Port is a key part of national economic infrastructure. It is well connected and attractively located. But ships are getting longer with deeper draughts and the demands on moving containers off and out of the ships quickly are growing. "In order to continue providing a reliable gateway to international markets and the primary access point for raw materials to industry Dublin Port will need to prove it has a place that will be attractive for all to use," he said.
Dublin Port 'needs better facilities'

DUBLIN Port needs better facilities and supporting infrastructure as part of a strategy for the next 30 years, according to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, in response to Dublin Port's Master Plan 2011-2040 public consultation.
TRAOE
Kudos to Oueenie for her almost apology; Lagarde leads the field to replace embattled Strauss-Khan; and superinjunctiongate opens a fresh can of worms on online privacy
The Queen welcomed
with open arms
in the room head on in her speech that was surprisingly frank. Not beating around the bush, she said: "With the benefit of historical hindsight we can all see things which we would wish had been done differently, or not at all." A stunning sentence that stops just short of a full apology. We all know that saying sorry is often the hardest word to say
but her hinting at an apology was effective. Her tone was just right. And her words were healing. Overall, a massive success. Kudos Queenie. And
What do you reckon? Of her jaunt over the Irish Sea. Yes, the
big Q. Did she deliver as you'd expected or surpass those very same expectations? Looking on from London, the international media coverage of Queen
Barack Obama didn't do badly as a second act.
Elizabeth's historic state visit to Ireland took me by some surprise. There was front page coverage from the British broadsheets as well as the red tops. The Financial Times, The Independent, The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, The Times, Daily Mirror and Daily Express all featured Queen Liz's visit with prominence on page numero una In fact, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce announced that more than 5,000 articles were
published in nearly 100 countries within one day of her arrival to the Irish shore. And deservedly so. It was clearly a groundbreaking occasion and ultimately a hugely successful four days. Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein leader, admitted that while he
still harbours disdain for the idea of monarchies in principle, he didn't in fact hold any ill feelings against the Queen herself. He hoped the visit would accelerate all sides towards the day when a
new and better relationship
could be formed between the two islands. He noted that a lot would ride on what exactly the Queen said. And boy did she deliver.
In her speech, which the Queen kicked off in Irish (a well
| brows
advised idea), she raised eye

by tackling the elephant
Gemma O'Doherty says that the boost to our business and tourism after the big visits is already being felt
THANKS A BILUON
"The impact was almost immediate, literally from Saturday. We've had calls from foreign multinationals who saw footage of the institute on the BBC and wanted to know if we could do research for them. "The enquiries are in the dozens at this stage. Already this week we've shown a team around as a direct result of the publicity from the queen's visit. A lot of people didn't realise that Ireland had such a hi-tech facility."
Back in the capital, the lofty corridors of Trinity College are still bristling with excitement since their royal encounter, and queues to see the Book of Kells are unseasonably high. "We've been out the door," says Angie Kenny of customer services. "We've had emails from as far as America from people saying they saw the footage of Queen Elizabeth viewing the book, but what's really interesting is the sudden surge in Irish people coming in to see it for the first time." Now the convoys of black BMWs have left our streets and the manholes are unsealed, boffins in the business of selling Brand Ireland have been buried in their calculators trying to quantify the economic windfall that could accrue from the visits of the most famous man and woman in the world. The fact that, since their departures, both President Obama and the queen have been singing the praises of the country has helped to sustain these badly-needed good news stories. At Chelsea Flower Show this week, Her Majesty hailed her trip as "brilliant" while Moneygall's most famous ancestor has been hawking tales of the black stuff and his new hurl to anyone who'll listen. At this early stage, it's impossible to put a precise figure on the countless ways in which their resounding endorsement of Ireland could boost our beleaguered economy, though some estimates have soared beyond the billion-euro mark. What is certain is that it was a badlyneeded tonic for a nation on its knees. After three years of gut-wrenching headlines, there is an undeniable feelgood factor in the air. Economists have their fingers crossed that it might result in householders dipping into their pockets and spending again. could take on more.
Nanotechnologists
meant to be nerds; dry,
are
bookish types who
devote their lives to
comes to shows of emotion.
making things smaller. They don't do big, especially when it
there'd been a helium leak. Julie Dorel calls it happy dust the sense of euphoria that has taken hold since Queen Elizabeth dropped by last Friday week. "It's as if she came in with a magic wand and sprinkled it all over us," she says, "and even though it's a week since her visit, it shows no sign of going away. The mood is just electric. We're all on a total high." As marketing manager, Julie's office has been flooded with queries from around the world about the work the research centre does and whether it
But drop into the cutting-edge Tyndall Institute in Cork, where some of the country's finest scientists work, and you'd be forgiven for thinking
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce estimates their combined visit could be worth 150 inm pro-bono advertising for the nation alone, a theme picked up by US magazine Time, which was gripped to learn of their president's affection for stout. "Celebrities, step aside," goes an article which now tops their website's most-read list A presidential endorsement can be the most lucrative of all. "President Obama downed a pint of black brew in four sips on Monday. Call it the luck of the Irish, but Guinness is and seeing green. The rejoicing endorsement dozens of photos of Obama slurping down the pint and declaring it 'delicious' afterward is the best type of advertising for the company: candid and cost-free." The LA Times carried a headline: 'According to Obama, the Guinness in Ireland is much better than the stuff they sell in the US'. Joe Byrne, Tourism Ireland's top man in the US, was at his New York gym when he turned to the TV and saw the crowds who had gathered to welcome the president in Dublin. "I looked up from my exercise bike and saw a sea of people on College Green and a big broad smile on Obama's face beaming out from three TV screens. It was just incredible. "I'm not going to pretend that it was covered as a 15-minute item. It wasn't but it featured on all of the major channels and the tenor of the coverage was universally positive. "I have no doubt the way the US media covered the Irish visit will really help our cause. It sent out a signal that Ireland is very pro- American and that we know how to run a great party and how to look after our visitors." For the millions of Americans who have yet to visit, there was a reassurance that the old-fashioned Ireland of their dreams still exists as pictures from Offaly of quaint villages, cosy pubs and red-haired women clutching Obama like a long-lost son were beamed into their homes.
"We're putting a package together right away," says Ciaran Barry of Sceptre Tours, New York, which specialises in travel to Ireland. "There are still lots of Irish-Americans who want to explore their roots just like Obama
did and meet cousins they didn t know they had and that's what we're going to focus on, on foot of his visit." eyeing up the country as a place to do business took home a different message. Images of smiling Irish faces lapping up the words of their new leader portrayed a picture of a stable nation willing to put its best foot forward despite the hardships ahead. They were in stark contrast to the scenes of protests and worker walkouts from our bailout partners Portugal and Greece, where the public are
"That
is
Those
railing against austerity measures.
ship between Ireland and England. That perception was changed by the images of the extraordinary welcome she received, which is much warmer than anywhere else in the world." From his office in Paris, Billy Condon, Byrne's counterpart in France, has been poring over the morning papers. In the last week alone, almost 400 articles from Cherbourg to Cannes have appeared in the press recording the queen's visit to Ireland in glowing terms. Coverage ed to pull Wednesday, his pint in
warms my heart because he had a preconceived notion about the relation-
the sort of comment that
And as the world watched a British queen receive a warm welcome on old enemy soil, from Sydney to Seattle, stereotypes of cold Anglo-Irish relations were banished as out-of-date. "I was at the tennis club," says Byrne, "and an Italian-American with no Irish connections I was playing against said, 'that was a great welcome you guys in Ireland gave the queen'.
of Obama's visit is expectin similar amounts. On

a picture of him drinking Moneygall was splashed
across the cover of Le Monde. "To get a picture of President Obama slugging back a pint of Guinness on page one of a serious paper like Le Monde is just incredible for us," he says. "There was another of a T-shirt with
sport."
What s the craic, Barack?'. "This all reinforces the idea that Ireland is a land of welcomes, which is very important to the French, who don't always feel welcome when they travel abroad, but it also portrays it as a place of fun synonymous with pubs and music and stout, and all the things people want when they go on holiday." For President Obama, a round of golf is on the itinerary when he returns, but it is the Irish horse that will bring our royal visitors back. "Their visit has been a fantastic boost to the whole industry," says Anne-Marie O'Brien, wife of Ballydoyle trainer Aidan O'Brien, who met the queen last week. "The fact that she visited three equine centres during her short stay speaks volumes. Her great affection for the Irish horse will no doubt raise awareness for the racing industry around the world and remind people that Ireland is at the pinnacle of the
Capital idea to become city of design

What are the chances of Dublin being named World Design Capital 2014? Today, a determined group of designers, architects and other professionals launches its bid
that. It drew together a variety of designers as well as representatives from Government, local authorities, the education and business sectors. Some 100 designers met in Wood Quay Venue in March last year to discuss their hopes and fears. "It was an intense, animated afternoon of discussion, debate and dissent," Grehan says. Last month, a feasibility study to mount a bid for the designation set out a bold plan of action. The idea of "Pivot Dublin" was born, articulating the role Irish designers could play in meeting the fundamental challenges of a society at such a pivotal point. The initiative attracted the support not only of the four local authorities and the Department of the Environment, but also design bodies ranging from the Crafts Council of Ireland to the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland and many in between, including fashion designers and advertising practitioners. "We looked for fresh eyes and new voices," says Grehan. "Pivot was Maria Hinds's idea. Maria a young graphic designer working between Dublin, New Orleans and New York, with Dublin colleagues Keith Nally and Rory
but it was one we needed to tell ourselves, as well as the world," Grehan recalls, adding that the bid was an opportunity to do
to tell,
Nearly two years ago, after hearing that Helsinki and the relatively small Dutch city of Eind-
INCREDIBLE
AS it may seem, Dublin is bidding to be designated World Design Capital 2014. Given the unfinished state of the city, and its current penury, the bid
is audacious and insouciant.
Design Capital 2012, City architect Ali Grehan floated the idea in casual conversations with other designers after a Pecha Kucha night in the Sugar Club on Earlsfort Terrace. (Pecha Kucha night is when designers get together to discuss "small ideas with big impact".) "Dublin? A design capital?" was the immediate response. Although it's a city of many designers and some design achievements, Dublin hasn't been known as a design city. But what about its international profile in animation, computer games and graphic design? Not to mention its renowned
architects? Not only is Dublin the birthplace of internationally known businesses with strong design identities such as Ryanair, Aer Lingus, Guinness, Jameson, and home to many more, it is also where James Joyce "located his re-design of the modern novel" and is now a hub for "smart city" collaboration, according to Grehan. Dublin is emerging as the new-media capital of Europe, according to the bid promoters. Decisions by Google and Facebook to locate their headquarters here yvere aided by the transformation of Dublin into a multi-national,
hoven had been shortlisted for the title World
The group also designed the website, pivotdublin.com, which thrust the bid into a world of bloggers and spread the word online
McCormack offered pivot as a word that best expressed Dublin's unleashed potential."
Una Burke and Sorcha 6 Raghallaigh have both designed outrageous outfits for Lady Gaga, even though the flamboyant pop diva didn't quite get 6 Raghallaigh's name right on the Graham Norton Show (she pronounced it as O'Reilly). "So we realised there was a story
multi-lingual city.
The lavishly illustrated bid document, designed by Areaman Productions, Red & Grey Design, architect Emma Curley and Dr Linda King, is a masterpiece in itself. "All this happened against a backdrop of unprecedented political and economic upheaval," says
ration,
Grehan. "That level of prepa-
that Dublin was serious.
of
dedica-
This is a chance to reinvent the city, to make the undervalued valued, the ordinary extraordinary
tion, underpins everything

we have done to create this bid
want to
and everything we achieve as Dublin's World Design Capital
2014. Pivot Dublin will turn design on its head." Dublin is described as a paradox. "It's high and low, pristine and well-worn
playful and intense. Dublin provokes and engages. It's absurd and serious, shambolic and sharp. It's divided yet connected ... a social city; one that is vibrant, chaotic and quirky . . . built on relationships, open to conversation, full of ideas and always ready for
to use design as the vehicle to "turn things inside out, to become something else". It's also "a declaration of our intent to offer Dublin as a test bed for design solutions to local, national and global challenges . . . It's a chance to reinvent the city, to make the undervalued valued, the ordinary
debate." The "pivot" idea is
Making Cities Smile will explore how we can "reinvent" housing in Dublin by bringing difficult central urban sites into use, even by selfbuilders, and develop new housing models that are more sustainable, more easily achievable and more desirable. This is something Grehan is particularly keen on doing. The design capital bid has impressive support from such people as the Dublin-born president-elect of the Royal Institute of British Archientist, Prof Patrick Cunningham; the provost of Trinity College Dublin, John Hegarty; and the director of the National College of Art and Design, Declan McGonagle. Others batting for it include the chief executive of the ESB, Padraig McManus; Live Nation Ireland's chief executive Mike Adamson; the State architect, Pat Cooney; chief executive of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce Gina Quinn; Intel Ireland's head of corporate affairs Brendan Cannon; Irish Architecture Foundation director Nathalie Weadick; and Taoiseach Enda Kenny. WE WILL LEARN NEXT MONTH if Dublin has been shortlisted from 55 cities competing to be World Design Capital 2014, by grace of the Montreal-based International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. Its representatives will visit the shortlisted cities during the summer and the name of the winning city will be announced in the autumn. Dublin's lord mayor, Gerry Breen, will formally launch the Pivot Dublin bid at a breakfast in the Mansion House this morning. The four local authorities intend to develop the seed projects and implement the Dublin bid immediately even if Dublin is not shortlisted, according to Grehan, Win or lose, there is no doubt that the extraordinary effort being put into the bid has forged new relationships between Dublinbased designers of every hue and type and given them all something worthwhile to aim for in these hard times. None of them would have had the time to do it during the boom.
tects, Angela Brady,
the Government's chief sci-
extraordinary."
The bid is focused on four themes: Connecting Cities, Making Cities Lighter, Making Cities Flow and Making Cities Smile.
Work on each of these themes starts with a seed project that takes a specific angle on the theme, such as how digital technology could be used to network isolated communities and resources.
Making
Cities
Lighter
is
about making them more
environmentally sustainable, and the seed project in this category will

focus
on water,
ture and its connection to
looking at its consumption, production, its place in our cul-
will bring together city those dwellers, designers, involved in supplying water and new technologies. Making Cities Flow will look at redesigning the market for locally produced goods in Dublin, with the aims of stimulating micro-producers, reinvigorating local cultures of making things, and reducing wasteful distribution networks. It will also connect designers and craft makers to new technologies to stimulate innovation.
a global ecology of water. It
FRANK MCDONALD
Pivot Dublin
invited 30
designers and creative professionals
their bid document. Some of the 10 shortlisted include (clockwise from top left), Conor Swanton (DDFH&B); Bob Grey (Red & Gray Design); David Stone Twins
Joyce (Language) and The
to design a cover for
Queen's visit will generate 2 billion in British trade

By Nicola Cooke Industry Correspondent
exporters and business leaders anticipate that Queen Elizabeth's visit to Ireland and the associated media coverage and 'feelgood factor' will result in 2 billion-worth of extra trade with Britain this year. A new British Irish Chamber of Commerce was launched by British foreign secretary William Hague last Tuesday, and membership has already reached more than 50 companies. The new association was formally established last February, and some founding members include Aviva, AIB, Diageo, Fyffes, Smurfit Kappa and CRH. Fergal Naughton, executive director of Glen Dimplex, is interim president, and Peter Byrne, chief executive of south Dublin Chamber of Commerce, is interim chief executive. Byrne said the concept was first proposed almost a year ago by the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in
Irish
The Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth examine the hurley and sllotar they were given at Croke Park
Europe (COBCOE).
"I was approached to set up a new chamber for the two countries and met officials in the British Embassy. Last September, we invited a number of business people to give us their opinions on it, and in November, most came on board. The most common perception was 'does this not already exist?'. "We hired two people to help generate membership and last February, 21 companies
agreed to becoming founding members and form the interim board. Enterprise Ireland and the IDA gave us huge support, as did Irish ambassador Bobby Molloy and British ambassador Julian King. PwC managing partner Ronan Murphy took on the job of treasurer," Byrne said. Within two months, a new chief executive will be appointed to the organisation, and Byrne has received dozens of applications for the role. ESB deputy chief executive John Shine has started work on policy for the new chamber, and a
policy group
will be appointed for this. A London office is also planned and Byrne said he hoped a chief executive would be appointed to the British arm within six months, ahead of the opening of a base there. He said the body would benefit SMEs, corporations and other businesses in several ways. "If you are an SME, for example, you will be able to connect with real business people with experience of trading in both countries. What we will offer is different from state agencies, in that it can be one-
a firm could piggyback on someone's current business ties or further develop an idea that a member has developed. "Larger companies like to have a voice, and we will represent them on a range of issues and lobby the governments, when required, on both sides. We will be running seminars on the taxation differences between the two countries, and also working to develop trade missions. "We will be contacting other business organisations in Britain to boost membership. This has to be two-way traffic. "Something as simple as an SME being offered the advice to enter the Manchester or Liverpool market ahead of London, from someone with experience in their sector that is what we are aiming for not to replicate any of the supports already there." The value of Irish exports to Britain last year increased to 27.8 billion, after several years of decline. The value of services, at 14 billion, superseded goods at 13.8 billion for the first time in 2010. lEA chief executive John Whelan said the "boost in confidence" from the queen's visit would increase that by 2 billion this year, to put it on a par with 2007, when there was a record 30 billions of exports to Britain. "I think the hugely successful visit, and all the positive coverage of Ireland in recent days, will put trade with Ireland back on the agenda in British boardrooms." he said.
to-one partnership, or maybe
Wall-to-wall coverage puts us all back in shop window

SHOPOWNERS have suffered short-term pain for long-term gains of over 150 m. Sales slumped by up to 50pc in Dublin city centre shops as the streets emptied and some outlets closed, while gardai mounted a major security operation for the queen's arrival. But they picked up later after retailers decided to open late and crowds surged into the city centre yesterday ahead of the Europa League final. The biggest boost for the retail and tourism trade, though, is predicted in the months to come due to free back-to-back publicity, courtesy of the world media. Some 9,000 articles have already been published across the globe about the queen's trip, of which 5,000 appeared in 95 countries within 24 hours of her arrival here. Dublin Chamber of Commerce estimates the combined visit of the queen and President Barack Obama could be worth as much as 150 inm advertising terms for the country. The cost of a single page ad in one of the big UK newspapers is
worth over 113,000 alone, and the visit has enjoyed continuous coverage on Sky News. "This is one of the biggest international media stories of the year to date involving Ireland and, significantly, it is an overwhelmingly positive one," said Stephen CLeary, managing director of O'Leary Analytics, which is carrying out research on media coverage of the visit. Failte Ireland is also offering journalists covering Mr Obama's visit next week itineraries for their "down time". "We are extremely lucky to have the eyes of the world's media upon us over the next few days and this presents us with a priceless opportunity to present a positive, warm and welcoming image of Ireland," said Failte Ireland CEO Shaun
Quinn.
He said the images beamed around the world would boost the tourism industry, which employs 190,000 people. Meanwhile, Richard Guiney of the Dublin City Business Improvement District said although the official footfall figures were expected to show an initial drop when released later this week, retailers expected long-term benefits.
Queen makes headlines

THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce said that Ireland has received a huge amount of publicity since the queen's visit, with over 5,000 articles published in 95 countries within the first 24 hours. Analysis by O'Leary Analytics for Dublin Chamber outlined that over 9,000 articles have been published in May to date across the globe about the historic visit. The firm said it is one of the biggest international media stories of the year involving Ireland.
Dublin Chamber's surplus at 1.6

ACCOUNTS
THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce boosted its annual surplus to 1.6 last year, m according to accounts just filed with the Companies Office. The business group took in I.Bm over the year.
Chamber suggests jobs initiatives

should stimulate job growth through small changes to VAT, PRSI rebate scheme and stamp duty, Dublin Chamber of Commerce has suggested in its submission to the Minister of Finance on the upcoming jobs initiative. Dublin Chamber chief executive Gina Quin said: "Small and medium-sized enterprises are a central
component of the jobs initiative. "These businesses can be helped to survive and grow by tax changes which Dublin: The Government
improve credit flow changes that will increase exchequer receipts as these firms expand and generate employment."
She said cash flow has remained a significant problem for many businesses. "By shifting the payment of VAT until cash is received, the burden on a small business's cash flow will be reduced. "This will then a How them to put more focus on
growing their business rather than worrying how they will pay the tax man," she said.
Master plan for Port

THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the announcement of the public consultation process to devise a master plan for the long-term development of Dublin Port. Gina Quin, chief executive of Dublin Chamber said that for too long there has been a lack of certainty and clarity on future development of Dublin Port. "This has resulted in the capacity needs facing the Port suffering," she added.
Business body opposes plan for Metro as threat to trade

OLIVIA KELLY
A DUBLIN business organisation has decided to withdraw its support from the Metro North rail despite having the project, Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) as a member. The Dublin City Business Association said it can no longer support the project because of the damage it believed the construction phase would do to city businesses. Outgoing association chairman David McCormick said the association had a long-standing policy of promoting public transport projects in the city and had originally supported Metro North, but it was no longer the right project
"There comes a stage where you have to weigh the amount of pain against the gain. We have to be mindful of the changed economy. Jobs will be lost if this goes ahead and, once they are gone, it will be very difficult to get them back." There were more practical and cost-effective alternatives to the Metro, including the extension of existing rail lines to Dublin airport, and these needed to be given proper consideration. The Metro, which has had planning permission since October, has yet to be sanctioned by the new Government yet was already
causing problems, Mr McCormick
change in position, Mr McCormick

said. association agm last week to the change in position being made without discussion among members. However, he said the association's support for the Metro had Tom Agency spokesman Manning said he objected at the
said.
for Dublin. "In the good times we saw the merit of the Metro, but we have become more and more convinced that the effect on the host community will be devastating. This project will destroy the city."
ings were being left vacant, particularly in the Westmoreland Street area, because of the fear shoppers
way.
Business people were afraid to invest in their premises and build-
and tourists would abandon the city when construction was under "There has been an increasing groundswell among members and
The agency would continue to work with the association and individual members, he said. Lorcan O'Connor, of O'Carroll's Irish gift shops, which led the "no to Metro North campaign" was elected chairman of the association at the meeting. He said he intends to ensure that businesses are educated in relation to the project. The Government needs to make a decision on Metro as soon as possible to end the stagnation of investment in the city, he said.
A spokesman for Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said he was still familiarising himself with
always been "conditional at best".
changed utterly since the project was mooted, he said.
The
economic climate
had
While it would have been possible during the boom for businesses to survive the expected level of disruption, the city could no longer support a five-year construction project.
the consensus has been reached that Metro would be the straw that breaks the camel's back," he said. The RPA, the State agency with responsibility for the Metro, is a member of the association and had been made aware of the
his brief and a decision on Metro had yet to be made. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce said it remains in favour of Metro North.
80m boost expected for tourism industry

Shane Hickey
VISITORS flooding in for St Patrick's Day are expected to give the beleaguered tourism industry a 80m cash injection. The combination of the St Patrick's Festival and Saturday's rugby international between Ireland and England will be a major boost for the sector. Around 120,000 visitors mostly from the United States, UK, France and Germany are
expected to spend well over 50m during the festivities. Tourism chiefs are hoping English visitors will stay on for the crunch Six Nations match on Saturday, contributing even more to the local economy. Final touches were yesterday being made to the St Patrick's Day procession in the capital, which is expected to attract 500,000 people. Last year, the festival pulled in 50m from overseas tourists and another 9m from people living in Ireland, during what was perceived as being a poor year for the travel industry.
Yesterday, a spokesman for Failte Ireland said it hoped this year's spend would be lOpe up on the 2010 figure. The festival is usually seen as being the starting gun for the Irish tourist season. "This year we are already experiencing a pick-up," the spokesman said, adding that Saturday's rugby match was a "fortunate occurence". The game will decide whether England will return with the Grand Slam title and is expected to bring about 18m to the economy, according to the
The average rugby fan spends about 920 during a three- or four-night stay, said the chamber's chief executive Gina Quin. It is estimated that 7,500 will travel to Ireland for the match and more are expected to travel down from Northern Ireland. "Our estimates, based on historical data, indicate that the Six Nations match this weekend will generate significant gains to the Irish economy," said Ms
Quin.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
Smiles around the world for Patrick's Day

by Evelyn Ring
SAINT Patrick's Day is now rated one of the friendliest days of the year, not only in Ireland but throughout the world, a new global study reveals. Eight out of 10 people in the United States, Australia, Germany, Britain and Ireland believe the Irish holiday is one of the friendliest days of the year, according to the Guinness-commissioned survey. The day seems to bring out the best in us, with one in five saying it is the one day of the year when they can look forward to being greeted with a smile. According to Ireland's Census Bureau, there are more than 80 million Irish men and women throughout the world, yet only 4.2 live in Ireland. m than 150 countries, will be drunk today. A survey of Irish-American attitudes found that the day is not all about parades and drinking beer, with 25% intending to go to Mass. The Amarach Research/Irishcentral.com survey of more than 1,000 people found that 90% of Irish-Americans will celebrate the day. Almost half will do so with friends and family, with 70% enjoying a special dinner together. Two out of five will celebrate with drinks in an Irish pub and 43% will attend a parade in their local town or city. In addition, the physical ties to Ireland remain strong, with seven out of 10 having visited the
country.
at least rOm glasses of its stout, available in more
Guinness estimates that
One in five plan visit Ireland this year and almost two thirds hope to make the trip next year. Of those travelling to Ireland this year, 65% will visit Dublin, 55% Galway, 44% Cork and 31% Donegal. One in three believe that Riverdance is the most symbolic of modern Ireland and actor Liam Neeson is the person that Irish-Americans are most proud of. Meanwhile, another survey suggests that almost half of Irish people are fluent in Irish, with young adults having the greatest command of their native language. According to a survey conducted by travel and leisure website, lastminute.com, 47% said they could speak Irish fluendy, while 75% said
to
they spoke the language at some point last year. Younger people appear to have the greatest command of the language with 56% of 18 to 25-year-olds stating they could speak it fluendy. A little less than 20% of the 1,000 people surveyed could not remember when they last spoke Irish and 5% admitted they last spoke it for their Leaving Certificate. Meanwhile, Dublin Chamber believes that 18m will be spent by out-of-state sports tourists coming to the city this weekend for the final Six Nations clash between Ireland and England in the Aviva Stadium. It is expected that many fans without tickets will come just to experience the atmosphere.
18m bonanza as 20,000 England fans hit Dublin

SIX NATIONS: Pubs and hotels to cash in as supporters arrive for rugby showdown
By Michael lawery
DUBLIN is set to score a 18m bonanza from thousands of
BIG GAME: Up to 20,000
rugby-mad English fans. They will arrive in the city over the next few days for Saturday's Six Nations clash at
the Aviva Stadium.
England
Jenny
fans like Wood and Kristina Caxton will hit Dublin for the Six Nations clash this weekend for the Grand Slam, which will serve to further increase the number of fans without tickets that just come to experience the match atmosphere," Ms Quin said. While Dublin will take the lion's share of the bonanza, corporate hospitality businesses in Kildare, Meath and Wicklow will also get a boost. The chamber's Patrick King said that based on past experience, around 14pc or 7,700
Dublin Chamber of Commerce

estimate.
They're expected to bring a spending boost of at least 18m but it could be even bigger,
game. A spokesman for the IRFU said the English Rugby Football Union had been allocated 5,500 tickets and there had been no returns. UK airline Flybe is replacing some of its propeller-driven planes with jets to cope with the number of fans who want to fly
to
"It's like having the wind at your back for businesses in

hospitality and tourism," chief executive Gina Quin said.
being replaced by Brazilianbuilt Embraer 195 twin-engined jets which can carry 118 passengers on some flights.
prop Bombardier 0400 planes with 78 seats are Turbo
Dublin.
FIXTURE
ATMOSPHERE
The game has a sell out attendance of 51,700. "It's a highly important match to the visiting team. "This weekend could do even better than we expect," she added. Hotels, restaurants and pubs report a significant boost in sales during the Six Nations when England come to Dublin, she said. "This will be more significant now that the final match against England is a key decider
Flybe said it would operate 26 flights between Southampton

and Dublin this weekend and had also added an extra flight from Dublin on Sunday after-
England fans will go to the game. But thousands more will travel to Dublin for the atmosphere and will watch the game in nearby pubs. The hotel and pub sectors are expected to pick up 5m each from the rugby match. The French and English traditionally send the biggest
noon for those returning to England from the big match. Flybe's chief commercial officer, Mike Rutter, said: "When
the Six Nations fixture list was
published, we knew there would

be increased demand on our Southampton to Dublin route in particular and we acted swiftly in order to fulfill this need."
number of fans.
bers of those staying for the
The St Patrick's Day celebrations may also add to the num-
80m boost expected as tourists flock in

Shane Hickey
VISITORS flooding in for St Patrick's Day are expected to give the beleaguered tourism industry a 80m cash injection. The combination of the St Patrick's Festival and Saturday's rugby international between Ireland and England will be a major boost for the sector. Around 120,000 visitors mostly from the United States, UK, France and Germany are expected to spend well over 50m during the festivities. Tourism chiefs are hoping English visitors will stay on for the crunch Six Nations match on Saturday, contributing even more to the local economy. Final touches were yesterday being made to the St Patrick's
Day procession in the capital, which is expected to attract 500,000 people. Last year, the festival pulled in 50m from overseas tourists
and another 9m from people living in Ireland, during what was perceived to be a poor year. Yesterday, a spokesman for Failte Ireland said it hoped this year's spend would be lOpe up on the 2010 figure. The festival is usually seen as being the starting gun for the
Irish tourist season. "This year we are already experiencing a pick-up," the spokesman said, adding that Saturday's rugby match was a
"fortunate occurence". The game will decide whether England will return with the Grand Slam title and is
expected to bring about 18m to the economy, according to the
Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
Broadband importance stressed

The chief executive of Vodafone Ireland has told businesses that development of next generation broadband must be a key priority for the new government, and that private sector funding will be available to make this happen. Addressing a Dublin Chamber Business Breakfast last week, Jeroen Hoencamp said he believed the new government should prioritise delivering on the ambitious targets 30 megabit per second broadband for every home in Europe by 2020 set by EC vicepresident for the digital agenda Neelie Kroes. "The government simply cannot make this investment on its own," said Hoencamp. "We
must all work together,
and I can assure the government that Vodafone will be at the forefront in terms of supporting and helping to drive this."
New Dublin Chamber of Commerce President

Imelda Reynolds has been appointed to the position of President of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce for 2011.
Ms.
Partner of Beauchamps where she Solicitors, served as Managing Partner from 2001 to 2008. She holds several qualifications from University College Dublin, including a Bachelor of Civil Law, in and a Diploma Law. Most European
Reynolds
is
recently,
she
has
been
awarded a Diploma in Governance Corporate from the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Imelda was admitted as a solicitor in 1987 and practices in the areas of commercial property, banking, franchising and corporate governance. She is a member of the Governing Body of Dublin Institute of Technology, and a member of the of Practice Regulation Committee of the Law Society of Ireland.
With Dublin Chamber, Imelda has chaired the Communications and the Committee Dublin Competitive Committee. During 2009 she chaired the Governance Taskforce, resulting in the adoption a new of Code of Governance in January member of 2010. A Council since 2003 and of the Executive Committee since 2005, she was elected Vice-President of the Chamber in 2010.
Chamber calls for change

THE Dublin Chamber of Commerce says it wants the abolition of upward only rent reviews, modernisation of bankruptcy laws and 'root and branch' public sector reform as part of the next programme for Government. It's also calling for a commitment to invest in key infrastructure projects including the swift delivery of the DART underground and Metro North; sustained investment in next generation broadband; a new runway at Dublin Airport; an upgraded water distribution network; a waste-to-energy facility in Poolbeg; and the delivery of the Grangegorman Campus. President of Dublin Chamber, Imelda Reynolds, believes the new Government will need a resilient business sector to assist in rebuilding the economy. "In order to grow and generate employment, business needs leadership in Government to affect change," she says.
How to make Dublin a far better place

The next government must listen to viable strategies and seek counsel in a bid to further improve the standard of living in the capital
Gina Quin
Number one is quite simply
As
we face the most significant general
election of our generation, it is
time for businesspeople, who have a strong vested interest in this country's wellbeing, to work actively with the next government to restore confidence and regenerate enterprise and employment It is too easy to sit on the sidelines and criticise the government We cannot expect it to deliver in isolation. The government will not, of itself, create a recovery, but it has a vital role to play by creating a clear and decisive framework within which enterprise can grow and businesses can create value. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has called upon all political parties contesting the election to respond to a select number of pro-business measures that have been proposed to help existing enterprises survive and grow, to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs. The Dublin Chamber is proposing initiatives which have the aim of meeting three business needs which we want the government to implement
an environment which enables an enterprise culture, and supports the growth of domestic and export trading businesses and employment. Central to this are measures to reduce unsustainably high wage costs and rents, access to cash and credit, and root and branch productivity reforms to improve the cost and service
delivery of the public sector.
Make Dublin's Infrastructure attractive for

enterprise
We must continue to make the Greater Dublin area's infrastructure attractive for enterprise. The Greater Dublin area is the engine of growth for the Irish economy, accounting for 47 per cent of Ireland's services sector and nearly half of tax revenue. Last year saw the completion and opening of the A viva Stadium, Convention Centre Dublin and Dublin Airport's Terminal 2. These are wonderful additions to our city. However, we need investment in more key pieces of infrastructure, the better to connect and leverage off our existing infrastructure our attractiveness and competitiveness as a location for business depends on swift delivery of Metro North. We want sustained investment in next-generation broadband, and we want to see a second parallel runway at Dublin
strategic challenges facing

the We want a leader who will market Dublin internation-
region.
ally as a destination for tourism, culture, education and business. These business needs, which the chamber has asked each political party to commit to, are accompanied by a
range of initiatives outlined in our manifesto, which are listed below. Reform the bankruptcy law: Ireland's bankruptcy law is completely outdated, especially in comparison to our European counterparts. The Dublin Chamber of Commerce is calling on the bankruptcy law to be changed in order to encourage entrepreneurship and business start-ups. Entrepreneurs learn from their mistakes and fresh starts should be facilitated. 'Root and branch' public sector reform: necessary public sector reforms include
improving productivity in
Airport. We must have first-class connectivity not just technically, but physically.
environment which supports growth and employment
Create an
leadership for
Effective
Dublin
the management and operation of the public sector and the greater use of outsourcing; taking a proactive approach to privatisation, and creating an executive mayor for Dublin who is responsible for the cost-effective delivery of local services. Requiring Nama to release property into the market: the chamber is calling for Nama
to be required to release
We need a well-governed region with an efficient, costeffective and accountable administration, which is led by a strong, directly-elected mayor who will tackle the
way which will stimulate economic activity. Abolish upward-only rent reviews for existing busi-
property into the market in a
nesses: exceptional measures to restore our competitiveness may be required.

Upward-only rent reviews
ber is proposing the establishment of an Enterprise Advisory Council, made up
distort and delay the correction in the market, driving many otherwise viable firms out of business, with competition from more recent tenants who can avail of lower rents and more tenantfriendly leases.
Establish an Enterprise Advisory Council: the cham-
of leading businesspeople, to offer the government strategic advice on public policies and projects which will lead to the development of an enterprise-focused programme for government. Business and the government must work hand in hand to ensure that we can take the steps needed to
ensure the return of a vibrant economy, and make Dublin an attractive destination for investment and jobs. The citizens of Dublin deserve a city which is a great place to work, visit and live; a city which is attractive as a destination for business and for tourism. To achieve this, we must all work together. There is much at stake as we move on from a year that everyone
of the Dublin
Commerce
will want to forget. We encourage everyone to vote: this franchise is precious, as it will give the next government a mandate to take the tough decisions needed to restore confidence levels, and the country's credibility as a location of choice for business. Gina Quin is chief executive
Chamber
of
movers &
SHAKERS
Imelda Reynolds
2011. Imelda Reynolds is a

partner with Beauchamps Solicitors, where she also served as managing partner from 2001 to 2008. She is a member of the Governing Body of Dublin Institute of Technology and the
Dublin Chamber merce has appointed
of ComImelda Reynolds as its president for
Regulation of Practice Committee of the Law Society of Ireland.
STRIKING A DEAL AND HIGH-END HOTELS AT ROCK BOTTOM PRICES

THURSDAY Aer Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller is gratuitously magnanimous at the Dublin Chambers
evening, apologising to customers who have had their lives disrupted by the Impact dispute, and saying he ple's lifestyle concerns have to be addressed.
understands how peo-
Rumours of a deal with Impact are filling the city.
railing the length of the drop-off zone in T2 to prevent arriving passengers being picked up.
don't want you to pick up at the terminal, do they? DAA says people should park the car, walk into the building, pick up their passengers and then pay to get out At Tl there is a place where people can be picked up. They have built a
HMDAY White smoke over Aer Lingus. The deal struck looks suspiciously like the deal that was on offer 16 weeks ago when the workdecided within 20 minutes of talks resuming, but that is not how
to-rule started. It could have been
industrial relations works. We fall for the theatrics every time, without fail. We have fallen for it again. Impact saved face and Aer Lingus got a two-year "peace in our time" clause. Who won? Ryanair, of course. The sight of Ryanair planes in Heathrow and T2 were a shock, but may even be a portent of things to come. The new Government needs money and sells Aer Lingus. Up pops Michael CLeary to buy the airline. The no-union man says that he will allow Impact and Siptu to represent the workers and the airline will carry on just as before.
TURSDAY Another epic journey to the Aviva, a long walk over Herbert Bridge and back along the narrow Dodder path. Antarctic explorers have perished on less arduous trips. The Ireland and Wales kickaround is more cheerful than the streaker who forgot to take his clothes off. WRDNRSDAY Northern Ireland Tourist Board hosts us in Chapter One. Two of the best hotel offers of the past 12 months were in the North 60 (7l) per person sharing for three nights and two dinners. That's half the price of the best offers you can get down in the 26 counties.
SATURDAY
I'm not sure 2011 will bring offers like that, but the high-end hotels are still pitching in at three-star prices. A wee bit of advice: take the slow road to Enniskillen rather than the fast road to Belfast.
Rainy night in Ardclough. The Village at Lyons has 14 new suites to show off, for guests at weddings at the estate's converted mill, now a restaurant amid gushing fountains, a roaring water wheel and
cooking chestnuts.
Boogie the dancing is good Nights are giving it socks until

2am.
The rain is so heavy one of the taxis back to Dublin gets stranded in the flood. The food is late, to the chagrin of the invited tour operators, but
SUNDAY Ryanair threw 100 students off a plane In Spain. Yet another reason to travel with them. MONDAY The guys at T2 really KICKAROUND: Ireland and Wales at the Aviva
'I'm disappointed things seem to be as they were'

by Juno McEnroe
COMMUNITY and business groups have expressed disappointment at the failure of Labour and Fine Gael to meet promises after an investigation by the Irish Examiner revealed undelivered pledges made at the local elections. Government coalition Former partners the Green Party also warned about the use of "auction politics" by the opposition parties after the probe revealed a string of unfulfilled pledges made to voters. The Cork mother of a boy with a prosthetic leg said she was angry that the expected downgrading of St Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital was not being stopped. Fine Gael had pledged in a key manifesto launched just days before the 2009 local elections that it would fight the downgrading of local hospitals, including the north city hospital. The party went on to win a majority of local seats, effectively taking leadership of Cork City Council. Margaret Kiely said she was worried about the continuity of care for her 12-year-old son, Ronan, who lost his leg in a lawnmower accident when he was two-years-old, with staff in the hospital telling her facilities were being dropped. "I'm disappointed things seem to be as they were. This downgrading was always going to go ahead and nobody seems to have moved to stop it." Ms Kiely is part of a campaign, called Walk On, to retain prosthetic services in Cork. Examiner The Irish analysis also revealed a host of voter-friendly pledges by Fine Gael candidates before the 2009 polling day on transport, roads and funds for the city's development that were never fulfilled. The analysis also revealed that Labour, who took control of Dublin City Council after the local elections, have failed to deliver on attractive promises for voters. Business leaders in the capital
expressed disappointment at the failure far to deliver key pledges. "It's always disappointing when these things are not delivered. The cultural quarter would have had a good impact on business in the area," said Dublin Chamber of Commerce chief executive Gina Quin. "I think there's a need for realism among the candidates going forward for the election while also a need for vision and imagination." Meanwhile, the Green Party yesterday warned of candidates peddling "auction politics" on the doorsteps. "The Irish Examiner's investigation of what happens to Fine Gael and Labour election promises when they do attain power is timely and revealing, n 2009 these parties were writing cheques they couldn't cash," said party finance spokesman Dan Boyle. .
to so
Ronan Kiely with his mother Margaret in Boherbue, Co Cork. Picture: Dcs Barry
Aer Lingus chief 'confident' roster row will be settled

John Mulligan and Fergus Black
AER Lingus chief executive Christoph Mueller said last night the airline is "very, very confident" that the three-week cabin crew roster dispute will be
tions Commission going into their fourth consecutive day. Last night sources said the company had submitted a "final" position paper which was being considered by the IMPACT union. The dispute over a new work roster is now in its third week and has disrupted flights for thousands of passengers. Aer Lingus began cancelling flights more than two weeks ago after striking staff refused
to
plinary process that could lead to them being sacked. Since the dispute.began Aer Lingus has been hiring in planes and crews from other airlines to minimise disruption to its
schedules but IMPACT said that staff remain available for work. Mr Mueller warned that the future of the airline would not be endangered for the sake of a small number of employees. "We cannot endanger the whole species," said Mr Mueller. "There are some employees who simply cannot agree to-the
and are going through a disci-
always been my prevailing principle, to respect the individual and to honour the individual
new conditions. They cannot for a variety of reasons. It has
resolved.
needs." Mr Mueller praised staff for accepting drastic cuts under his 97m Operation Greenfield
Addressing the annual general meeting of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, he apologised to the business community for the disruption caused. He spoke as efforts to end the dispute continued with crucial talks at the Labour Rela-
cost-saving plan.
work the new rosters. More
"What we have achieved in the last year with our employees and with trade unions was fantastic," he said.
than 300 IMPACT cabin crew have been taken off the payroll
BUSINESS REACTION
Parties challenged on recovery plans

STEVEN CARROLL
POLITICAL PARTIES have been pushed to outline how, if in government, they would reduce business costs, modernise bankruptcy laws
government must push for the broadening of the Business Expansion Scheme to encourage investment and force the National Asset
parties has spoken of a need for change in the public sector.

them to commit to "root and branch" reform of the public sector, Mr McGibney said. In order to do this, it proposes more
The chamber has called on
and improve infrastructure in order to get the economy moving

again.
The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has outlined a series of "probusiness measures" in its election manifesto that it has called on the parties to respond to ahead of polling day on February 25th. The manifesto says that the abothe modernisation of bankruptcy laws to encourage entrepreneurship, and root and branch public sector reform must be part of the next programme for government. The chamber also says the next
lition of upward only rent reviews,
resilient business
property into the market to stimulate economic activity. "The next government needs a
sector
Management Agency to release
assist in rebuilding the economy and creating employment," Dublin chamber president Imelda Rey-
that will
nolds said yesterday. "The perception of Ireland as a so-called Celtic Tiger built solely on an overblown construction sector must be changed. The
outsourcing, taking a pro-active approach to privatisation and creating an "executive mayor of Dublin" responsible for the cost effective delivery of local services. The chamber is also seeking delivery of the Dart underground and Metro North rail services, the
growth of domestic and exporting trading businesses and employment is fundamental to [altering] this perception." Aebhric McGibney, chamber policy director, said each of the
roll-out of next generation broadband, an upgraded water distribution network and the delivery of the Dublin Institute of Technology campus at Grangegorman. The full manifesto will be unveiled at the chamber's agm dinner in Dublin tonight.
Mueller to give speech

AER Lingus CEO Christoph Mueller will lead the speeches at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce's AGM Dinner. Mr Mueller was appointed CEO and a member of the Board of Aer Lingus in September 2009 and prior to his appointment was most recently the Aviation Director at TUI Travel pic, a leading international leisure travel group operating a pan-
European airline
than 160 aircraft. The event will be held at The Four Seasons Hotel on Thursday at 6.15pm.
with more
Chamber calls for local government reform

By Nicola Cooke
Dublin needs to have a single local authority system in areas such as IT, local planning processes, budgets and business rates, according to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. The business organisation said that this would cut bureaucracy and produce substantial savings. The chamber also wants the powers of a directly elected Dublin mayor, for which legislation is likely to be passed next year, to be extended so that there is more consideration of shared services. Aebhric McGibney, the chamber's policy director, said a mayor could drive efficiencies on budgets, and that "much-needed" reforms could be rubber-stamped more quickly. "We have met Minister John Gormley [who published a bill on the matter last October] to suggest a raft of changes we believe should be made to it," said McGibney. "Local government reform is needed, but so is stronger local government. Under the current bill, the mayor would have powers in areas such as regional planning, housing, transport, and
waste.
"We believe a directly
elected mayor could promote better and more effective services, tourism and integrated retail planning, and be an advocate for the city." He said that businesses were paying rates but that there was no standardisation of service. "This needs to change and improve significantly," McGibney said. The chamber also wants to see an increase in Luas services and park-and-ride sites so people have more options to get into town. The organisation is part of the Transport 21 contingency group, which is now under the remit of the National Transport
Authority, and it believes a mayor could have more direct dealings with such a group. "For example, there are issues with the Samuel Beckett bridge that are having a knock-on effect in the IFSC," McGibney said. "The fact there is no right turn once you cross the river means a lot of illegal U-turns are happening near the convention centre, where the Luas also passes. "This is dangerous, does not bode well for business and needs analysis and remodelling."

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NewsAccess Media Summary

PLAY IT AGAIN SAM

'Spillane hotline' jammed as fans search for ticliets

02 launches webinar for SMEs

Businesses support restored Cork-Dublin air route, survey shows

Cork Chamber urges action over Cork - Dublin route

Congestion charge is no solution

The Ultimate Girls Day Out

Local Property and Water Charges 'Must Go Straight to Local Authorities*

Local Property and Water Charges 'Must Go Straight to Local Authorities'

Local Property and Water Charges 'Must Go Straight to Local Authorities'

Local Property and Water Charges 'Must Go Straight to Local Authorities'

Article Index (continued)

Local Property and Water Charges 'Must Go Straight to Local Authorities*

Chamber survey on Ryanair route axing

Chamber wants even more budget savings

Chamber to survey over axed air service

Chamber calls for greater measures

Dublin Chamber calls for more cuts

Confidence is crucial for business performance

LET'S PLAY BALL

Cork-Dublin air link is vital for business in our region

Ryanair to pull out of Cork- Dublin route

Jobs boost for Southside

Article Index (continued)

Chamber: Dublin air clinic must be replaced

Congestion charge is no solution

PayPal jobs boost welcomed

Aer Lingus will not offer US west coast flights

Aer Lingus denies plans to resume US west coast flights

No congestion charge in city says Varadkar

The harder you work, the luckier you get

Cobra targets the gastropubs

COBRA FOUNDER INSPIRES BUSINESS LEADERS

THE ubiquitous Brian O'Driscoll [...]

Article Index (continued)

Savings must support jobs and business

100 charge to hit 1.8m households

BOD: the day I was at a Monaco bash sponsored by a tobacco company

Dublin Chamber eyeing up 46m cuts in council

Dublin council eyes savings of 46m

Heineken Cup Final to Generate 18 Million

Heineken Cup Final to Generate 18 Million

Dublin Chamber Looks Forward to Working with Lord Mayor Montague

Dublin Chamber Looks Forward to Working with Lord Mayor Montague

Improved Airlink service welcomed

Heineken Cup Final to Generate 18 Million

Heineken Cup Final to Generate 18 Million

Article Index (continued)

Heineken Cup Final to Generate 18 Million

Ball's in your court

O'DRISCOLL PREPARES FOR LIFE AFTER RUGBY

O'Driscoll catches crowd attention

AN EAsY DECIsIoN For BoD

Improved Airlink service welcomed

City car toll is ruled out

Varadar rules out congestion charge

Heineken Cup Final to Generate 18 Million

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