AmCham yesterday welcomed the opening of the Dunkettle Interchange in Co. Cork.

The completion of this project has been a key and consistent ask of AmCham in recent years and showcases a commitment towards supporting business and talent in the region and enhancing Ireland’s regional development.

AmCham’s Southern region chair, Paul Kelleher said: “The opening of the Dunkettle Interchange marks a positive enhancement of transport infrastructure for Cork. The project aims to alleviate congestion, improve safety, and streamline traffic flow for the region’s residents and businesses and will be significant in supporting the continued development of Cork and the Southern region.

Cork is already home to over 190 multinational companies and in 2022 there were over 52,000 people employed in the FDI sector in the South-West region. The delivery of key infrastructure investments such as the Dunkettle Interchange will be crucial in continuing to attract and retain business and talent to the region. As we look to further enhance and support balanced regional development, infrastructural investment will be key in supporting growth and investment in Cork and the South-West of Ireland.”

AmCham’s 2024 President Elaine Murphy said: “The official opening of the Dunkettle Interchange is a significant development for Cork and the South-West.

The delivery and enhancement of vital transport infrastructure is essential in ensuring our regions are firmly connected with global supply chains into the future. In 2023 there were 132 FDI investments secured across regional locations in Ireland representing 54 percent of the total multinational investment last year. The FDI sector now supports 163,471 jobs in regional locations. The delivery of key infrastructural investment can further support Ireland’s regions as global hubs for the most in-demand international talent and innovation in the years and decades to come.

The opportunity exists to further support balanced regional development through the delivery of key infrastructure projects throughout Ireland’s regions.”

Building on this AmCham has also advocated for the continued delivery of the National Broadband Plan, global campaign to showcase the attractiveness of Ireland’s regions as a destination of choice for investment, including a focus on clusters of excellence and the delivery of key infrastructure projects including the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, the establishment of a sustainable public transport solution for Galway with a particular focus on access to Parkmore Industrial Zone and the development of the A5 route between Derry and Dublin.