Chambers Ireland visit to Brussels

Last week Chambers Ireland including Carlow Chamber CEO Brian O’Farrell and President elect Mr Michael Quinn of Robert Quinn Ltd were in Brussels among a delegation of 26 representatives from businesses and the chamber network across Ireland for a productive and engaging series of events and meetings.

Brian said of the visit ” An Interesting, insightful and busy few days here in #Brussels at the European Parliament of Enterprises #epe2023 with over 800 entrepreneurs in the European Parliament, great to hear from businesses across the EU in the discussions covering #Skills #Energy #Trade.  Thanks to Micheal O Conchuir for his time in the European Committee of the Regions, great to catch up and discuss funding and other opportunities.  Always good to get an update from our MEP’s this morning Frances Fitzgerald Seán Kelly MEP Billy Kelleher MEP and discuss the challenges and views of Carlow Busineses.”

On Tuesday, Eurochambres hosted the 6th edition of the European Parliament of Enterprises in the European Parliament Hemicycle. Over 700 individuals representing businesses from right across Europe were in attendance to debate and vote on issues relating to skills, energy, trade and the single market. The normally biennial event is a forum providing policy-makers with direct, ground-up feedback on how EU policies affect the business community. We also had exceptional interventions given on the Irish delegation’s behalf by Eveanna Ryan from Galway Chamber on skills and Seán Murphy from ESB on energy. #EPE2023

On Wednesday, we were delighted to spend the morning meeting with Irish MEPs including Barry Andrews, Ciarán Cuffe, Frances Fitzgerald, Billy Kelleher MEP, Seán Kelly MEP, Colm Markey MEP and Maria Walsh. The event offered the opportunity to discuss important issues for different Chambers with our elected representatives in Europe.

Finally, on Wednesday afternoon, we met the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU to hear more about the current agenda relating to competitiveness, trade, energy, and climate.