Chambers Ireland: Weekly Digest 3rd April 2017

  1. EESC February 2017 Newsletter

Please find attached the EESC Information Centre and the European Parliamentary Research Service – CIN & EPRS Newsletters for February 2017.

Please contact fpgreene@eircom.net for further information

  1. Capital Plan Mid-Term Review

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, T.D.,) launched a public consultation on the Mid-Term Capital Review on Friday 31st March 2017. The Capital Plan, which was published in 2015, set out a six year framework for substantial infrastructural investment in Ireland out to 2021. Submissions will be accepted up until close of business on 30th April 2017. Further information is available here. Should you have any feedback or comments, please contact elisha.collierobrien@chambers.ie

  1. DJEI & Enterprise Ireland launch Brexit SME scorecard

On the 31st March, Enterprise Ireland launched the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’, a new interactive online platform which can be used by all Irish companies to self-assess their exposure to Brexit under six business pillars. Based on answers supplied by the user, the Scorecard generates an immediate report which contains suggested actions and resources, and information on events for companies to attend, to prepare for Brexit. The platform can be accessed at: www.prepareforbrexit.ie

  1. DJEI launches Vodafone & SIRO National Gigabit Hub Initiative

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, today launched Vodafone and SIRO’s national Gigabit Hub Initiative, which aims to spark a digital transformation in 15 towns across Ireland.  A first of its kind, the companies will offer a 1 Gigabit broadband connection to qualifying business, technology and start up hubs free of charge for two years with the initiative having the potential to significantly strengthen and grow thousands of jobs across Ireland.

The initiative is now open to hubs based in 15 towns – Dundalk, Cavan town, Carrigaline, Sligo, Letterkenny, Wexford town, Drogheda, Portlaoise, Castlebar, Mullingar, Newbridge, Ennis, Ratheniska, Tralee and Carlow town. The application process is now open and will run until Friday 21st April. Hubs interested in applying for the 1 Gigabit broadband connection can find out more about the initiative and register their interest at www.vodafone.ie/connected-futures

  1. Invest a Morning in Business Development with NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry

On the 12th April, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce will host an event at the Titanic Centre in Belfast for businesses who want to get practical information on external markets through workshops and one-to-one meetings with overseas representatives. For example, the SE Asia Hub, the US Hun, the Africa Hub  and the UAE Hub. Book your place here.