I am delighted to publish my ‘10 Missions for a future Little Island’ for my term as President of Little Island Business Association. As the largest business district in Ireland South with over 1,000 companies operating here and over 18,000 living, working and visiting here every day, the area is exceptional and has enormous future potential for Cork. My plan includes –
1. Enhancing the existing infrastructure and in particular the infrastructure in the older parts of the island.
2. Seeking a better balance between residential and commercial development for the area with a focus on wanting to see 1,000 new homes for the area by 2040.
3. Creating a stronger community support network for the residential and civic community by their corporate neighbours.
4. Enhancing the strong relationship between the Little Island, Glounthane, Carrigtwohill and Glanmire communities.
5. Seeking to progress the necessary third access route to enter and exit Little Island.
6. Seeking a greater contribution for Little Island of the estimated €12m in annual commercial rates that the commercial community pays.
7. To enhance the marketing and promotion of the Little Island & District model so that more local and global businesses see it as their preferred location to base their operations.
8. To explore the possibility of creating the following new operations for the overall benefit of everyone living, working and visiting Little Island –
* The Little Island Showgrounds as a new location for external businesses to be able to showcase their businesses.
* The Little Island Market as a new indoor/outdoor food, craft and retail market to facilitate residents, local employees and visitors to the area.
* The Little Island Security Association as a new body to implement and oversee a community CCTV system for the entire area with active monitoring so as to make Little Island a safe and secure community for everyone.
9. To establish LIBA Connects as the new connections agency that will allow any business from any part of Ireland to connect with the more than 1,000 companies in Little Island.
10. To establish The Little Island Executive Forum as the board to represent the largest companies and employers of the area.
