ByrneWallace to host Business Forum to explore opportunities for business community from the Government’s Project Ireland 2040

ByrneWallace, one of Ireland’s largest law firms, announced the launch of its Business Forum setting out the significant opportunities that lie ahead for Ireland’s business community in helping to bring the Government’s ambitious Project 2040 plan to fruition. 

The Business Forum, taking place on Tuesday, 8 May, will gather together some of Ireland’s most influential business leaders to discuss the opportunities that this ambitious plan brings to the business community. The Forum will also explore the steps that companies are taking – or should be taking – to ensure that their business remains sustainable and relevant in the years ahead. This ByrneWallace hosted event will create an opportunity for debate and discussion on the national planning and investment framework, assessing its capacity to foster sustainable growth over the coming decades, and identifying areas in which the private sector can most effectively play a role in helping to deliver some of the critical projects. 

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, will provide the keynote address outlining the objectives behind Project 2040 and how public-private sector collaboration can drive investment and growth. Following An Taoiseach’s address, leaders from across the sectors of banking, retail, technology, law and FDI will engage in a constructive debate under the theme ‘Opportunity Economy Ireland: Pathway to 2040’.  

Moderated by broadcaster Matt Cooper, panel participants include: 

• Bernard Byrne, Chief Executive Officer, AIB
• Catherine Guy, Managing Partner, ByrneWallace
• Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland
• John Paul (JP) Scally, Managing Director, Lidl Ireland
• Martin Shanahan, CEO, IDA

Speaking ahead of the Business Forum, Catherine Guy, Managing Partner, ByrneWallace comments: 

“The Government’s Project 2040 heralds an exciting new vision for our country. Through an investment of €116 billion over ten years, there is significant potential to transform our economy. It is critical that companies plan for this new economy in an increasingly digital world. Transformation of every kind is required, not only to compete effectively with local and international players but also to ensure that we harness every opportunity that the changes ahead present. With an anticipated increase in population of one million people by 2040, not only should we consider infrastructure, schools and health, we also need to look at how traditional sectors such as banking, retail and hospitality should adapt and evolve to remain both relevant and competitive in a different Ireland.”

Guy continued “The Government’s plan is ambitious, and it is welcomed by the business community. The level of investment dedicated to future-proofing Irish society is significant – it is now time for the business community to look at the role we can play in helping to ensure it is delivered, while also taking advantage of the commercial opportunities that investment of this scale present.”

“I am looking forward to having robust dialogue and debate on this topic on the 8th of May and look forward to hearing the range of perspectives on the subject from our guest panellists. Their strategic insights will provide the basis of an informative discussion that will encourage businesses across Ireland to think to the future with a renewed sense of optimism and to effectively position themselves for future growth.”   

Further coverage on the outcomes of the Business Forum will be published on our website.

Alternatively, tune into the discussion live on Twitter on Tuesday, 8 May via #ByrneWallaceBizForum or follow us @Byrnewallace