Business leaders contribute to ‘National Conversation’

Waterford business leaders gathered at City Hall this week for a ‘National Conversation’ hosted by Waterford Chamber and Dublin Chamber.

Led by Dublin Chamber President Anne O’Leary, who is also CEO of Vodafone Ireland, the event took the form of brief presentations, followed by workshop discussions on Technology and Education and the importance of them to the local, regional and national agenda.

Opening the event, Waterford Chamber President Kathryn Kiely said: “Through the National Planning Framework, Waterford has been designated as the Capital of the South East and let me be clear – we are ready to play our part as the fifth largest city, in leading the region and achieving its full potential. We are eager to play our part on the national stage – in partnership with the other cities, Cork, Limerick, Galway and of course Dublin.”

Anne O’Leary has led this discussion with the other regional cities and was keen to point out “Dublin isn’t just for Dubliners”. She went on to ask what do we expect from Dublin and what would we like it to be? “I believe we need to be much more joined up in our thinking”, she said. “We need to understand we’re not competing, we need to be collaborating, co-operating and supporting and from a Chamber perspective, I know that together the Chambers are better.”

Meanwhile Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke presented the findings from their Great Dublin Survey, indicating that based on international trends, the capital is certain to grow and to achieve that and manage it effectively, a well planned capital city we can all be proud of is crucial.

Interestingly, based on the criteria for a great city, according to Mercer, among the list are a high quality of life, easy to get around, family friendly, sustainability and affordable accommodation – all attributes Waterford has in abundance.

Waterford Chamber CEO Gerald Hurley concluded the event by saying: “It is heartening that we now have a strong dialogue going on between the four regional cities and the capital, particularly in light of Ireland 2040. There is certainly plenty of work to do and we look forward to playing a crucial role in that.”