The County Carlow Chamber of Commerce hosted its Presidents Christmas Lunch on Friday 2^nd December in the Seven Oaks Hotel, with guest speaker for the afternoon, Michael McGrath T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

This year’s lunch was especially important as the Chamber is celebrating its 75^th year representing and working on behalf of members businesses across the county.  Over 120 guests attended the lunch in the Seven Oaks Hotel, including many of the past presidents of the Chamber who have contributed so much over the years to the Chamber and the wider business community.

The event was supported by Business IT Solutions and opened with a welcome and introduction to their services from Paul Byrne, Director of BITS.  Colin Duggan, 37^th President of the Chamber spoke of the work pf the chamber and the contribution of the past presidents and boards over the years, further touching on some of the key challenges for business in the current environment.  Jennifer Murnane O’Connor T.D then discussed some of the key priorities for Carlow and some of the challenges and concerns of businesses in the county.

Minister McGrath discussed the new Technological University of the South East and how is a game changer for Carlow and the South East Region, however noted that there is more to be done in the area in terms of housing and student accommodation.  Prior to the lunch, the Minister held a meeting with the board of the Chamber to discuss some of the key challenges for businesses in the county and region, while additionally he met with the Council Executives in relation to funding and the Carlow 2040 project.

The Chamber presented Minister McGrath with a selection of The Busker Irish Whiskey from the Royal Oak Distillery to mark his visit to Carlow, Brian O’ Farrell highlighted how the distillery is the only one in the world where all the different styles of Irish Whiskey are produced under the one roof.