Annual Report 2006

Infrastructure | Competitiveness | Knowledge

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 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

Contents

President’s Address Page 2

Chief Executive’s Address Page 4
Council Listing Page 6
Pictorial Review Page 7
Knowledge Economy Committee Report Page 8
Competitiveness Committee Report Page 9
Transport and Infrastructure Committee Report Page 10
Communications Committee Report Page 11
Business Development Committee Report Page 12
International Committee Report Page 13
Accounts Page 14
Staff Listing Page 16
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006
2
President’s Address
Eugene McCague
It has been my honour to represent the members
of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce over the
past twelve months as we led the debate on the
issues that affect Dublin business. Through the
excellent work carried out in our committees, the
Chamber has continued to strengthen its voice –
locally, regionally and nationally – ensuring that
the concerns and interests of our members
influence the decisions of tomorrow.
Dublin’s successes over the past decades have
been built by driven business leaders. While these
traits are still entrenched in our culture,
tomorrow’s growth and continued success will be
based on a ‘knowledge economy’ which will
necessitate the integration of technology
developments into the way we live and work as
well as the creation of an environment for
lifelong learning. To push forward these goals I
asked Martin Murphy, Managing Director HP
Ireland, to chair a new committee at the
Chamber to focus on the ‘Knowledge Economy’.
This committee along with our ‘Infrastructure’
and ‘Competitive Dublin’ committees formulated
our strategic policies which Dublin will need for
today and tomorrow.
In our meetings with Ministers and key officials,
we made clear our priority recommendations for
the future, calling for increased usage of ICT
technologies, greater levels of R&D, lower
commercial rates and business charges, improved
road and rail infrastructure, and better tourism
and port infrastructure within the Greater Dublin
Area. Action must be taken across this broad
range of policy areas. The Chamber is committed
to working with all involved – Government,
business and Higher Education Institutes – to
transform Dublin and make it competitive into
the future.
In our NDP 2007-2013 submission, we called on
Government to prepare an Environment 21,
Health 21, Housing 21 and Education 21, along
similar lines to the successful Transport 21 multi-
annual capital programme. Government must
take charge and provide the investment to meet
future population needs in the city.
Our influence on such strategies and initiatives
will make our vision of Dublin in 2020 a reality.
We believe Dublin and the Greater Dublin Area
must be a world class region – a safe, clean and
visually attractive place that attracts highly skilled
labour and encourages and promotes research,
enterprise and an entrepreneurial culture. The
Chamber’s members are critical to the realisation
of this vision. I would like to express sincere
thanks to the members of our committees for
their important contributions and commitment in
2006.
The Chamber has also played a key role in
presenting Dublin to business around the world.
Through international trade missions we brought
representatives from Dublin to India, Belfast, and
Hong Kong, while we also played host to a
number of receptions receiving delegations from
San Jose, Georgia, and China among others.
As President, it was a privilege (as well as
personally enjoyable) to welcome on behalf of
the Dublin Chamber the numerous distinguished
guests who addressed our meetings in 2006. The
success of our immensely popular AGM, Annual,
and Sporting Dinners was a testament to the
quality of speakers which the Chamber attracts.
From these feature events to our Dinner In
Camera and Business Breakfast series, Chamber
members have had the opportunity to listen to
engaging speeches and gain insight into the
international business environment. It is through
the generosity of sponsors and supporters that
such events are made possible.
The Port Tunnel, which opened in December,
was first announced by the Taoiseach at a
meeting of the Chamber ten years ago. As
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

decisions are made for the next decade, the

Chamber will continue to make sure that the
voice of Dublin business is heard and our policies
are implemented. We are able to ensure this
through the active participation and backing of 1
all our members. Thank you for this continued
support.

I would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the

members of the Executive Committee and
Council for the tremendous amount of time,
effort and assistance that they gave to the
Chamber and me as President through out the
year.
2
I would like to wish the Chamber and its
members continued success in the coming years.

Eugene McCague
President

1 Eugene McCague (right), Chamber President, met with

the Attorney General, Rory Brady.

2 The 2006 Annual Dinner with guest speakers David O’Reilly

(left), Chairman & Chief Executive of Chevron Corporation,
and Brian Cowen TD (right), Minister for Finance, greeted by
Eugene McCague (centre), Chamber President.

3 Michael Smurfit (right), Chairman of Smurfit Kappa Group,

and Eugene McCague, Chamber President.

4 John Howard MP (left), Australian Prime Minister, with 4

Chamber President Eugene McCague prior to a jointly hosted
business lunch by the Chamber and IBEC.

5 Chamber’s AGM Dinner (l-r): Rt Hon Peter Hain, MP;

Eugene McCague, Chamber President; and
An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD.

5
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006
4
Chief Executive’s Address
Gina Quin
Last year was an excellent year for the Chamber
thanks to the continued support of our members
and the hard work of all our staff. Over the past
five years we have seen consistent growth in
services to our members (+9%) and in our
membership numbers (+5%) and an increasing
respect for and attention to the voice of the
Dublin Chamber in making a difference to doing
business in the Greater Dublin Area.
Once again our unrivalled events brought
thousands of guests to be informed by leading
political figures (Australian Prime Minister John
Howard, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD, Rt Hon Peter
Hain MP, Minister Brian Cowen TD and Minister
Michael McDowell TD), to be inspired by eminent
world business leaders (David O’Reilly, Hugh Friel,
Dr. Michael Smurfit, Denis O’Brien, John Herlihy
and Jean-Philippe Courtois) and to be entertained
by prominent personalities (Gordon Ramsay and
Peter Alliss).
The Chamber has also developed itself as a
model for business, from technology
developments to highlighting the importance of
corporate social responsibility. Over the course of
2006, we have been working on a new IT system
that will help improve our services to members
and our ability to capture their views on
important current issues. We expect to launch
this system in 2007. We have also focussed on
the importance of involvement in Dublin’s
communities through the Irish Times Living
Dublin Awards, which recognises the significant
contribution made by individuals and
organisations to the communities within which
we live and work.
This year the Chamber sought to improve and
strengthen North-South business links. We
formalised these efforts by signing a
Memorandum of Understanding with the
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and
Industry. The signing took place at an historic
first joint meeting of the Councils of both
Chambers, followed by a reception with guest of
honour President Mary McAleese. We continued
the successful Network + Getwork series which
was started in 2005 with the support of
InterTradeIreland. Network + Getwork has
successfully encouraged and assisted companies
in Ireland and Northern Ireland in developing
cross border business.
We made sure that in 2006 our members’ voice
was heard on key decision makers on the issues
that mattered. The Chamber’s key policy focus
for 2006 was infrastructure, the knowledge
economy and competitiveness.
We continued to monitor progress under
Transport 21 and to campaign for the Dublin
Transport Authority as a key delivery mechanism
for this capital programme. In our Budget 2007
submission, we argued that the central
challenge facing the Greater Dublin Area is its
infrastructure deficit and called on the
Government to re-direct funds from the failed
public service decentralisation programme to a
¤1bn capital allocation towards completing the
primary roads programme and strategic non-
national roads.
Realisation of Dublin’s potential to develop as a
knowledge city, where life long learning is the
norm, drove our recommendations in this policy
area. We called on Government to implement
PC penetration schemes, and the introduction of
tax and capital incentives to accelerate PC
ownership as a critical delivery mechanism in the
learning process. The transformation of Dublin
into a leading ‘knowledge city’ will require
engagement, co-operation and active
participation from all relevant actors –
Government departments, agencies, Higher
Education Institutes and business – and the
Chamber is leading this dialogue for Dublin.
Thus throughout 2006 we maintained a firm eye
on business costs, in particular local authority
charges, in order to maintain the
competitiveness and attractiveness of the GDA.
Our policy progress on these issues will ensure
that Dublin becomes a competitive world-class
city. Dublin competes with the cities of the
world for investment and not with other cities
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

and regions on this island. It is critical that Dublin’s skill

base and infrastructure compares favourably with other
cities. We have maintained this year a firm eye on business
costs, local authority charges and on the implementation
of Transport21, in order to maintain the competitiveness 1
and attractiveness of the Greater Dublin Area.

The Chamber’s 2020 vision (www.dublinchamber.ie)

remains our guiding strategy for achieving a Dublin which
is agile to global demands and achieves harmonious
growth. Our progress toward accomplishing this vision will
take the continued active participation of all our members
for which we are very grateful.

I would like to thank sincerely all the sponsors and 2

supporters of our policy development and events,
committee chairs and members, and all the other
individuals who played a vital role in making the past year
a success. In particular I would like to thank the members
of the Executive Committee and Council for their
considerable time and effort in making the Dublin
Chamber the success that it is. We are a membership-
based organisation, and it is only through the active
support and involvement of both sponsors and members
that our successes can be achieved.
3
I look forward to your valued contribution in 2007.

Gina Quin
Chief Executive

1 Gina Quin (left), Chamber Chief Executive, and Eugene McCague

(centre), Chamber President, welcome Michael McDowell TD,
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, before a Chamber
Dinner In Camera.

2 Dublin Chamber discussed Transport 21 with Martin Cullen TD, 4

Minister for Transport. (l-r) Ronan King, Chamber Vice President; Gina
Quin, Chamber Chief Executive; Minister Martin Cullen TD; Margaret
Sweeney, Chair of Chamber’s Transport Committee; and Eugene
McCague, Chamber President.

3 Country Manager for Microsoft Ireland, Joe Macri (left), with Gina
Quin, Chamber Chief Executive, and Eugene McCague, Chamber
President.

4 Gina Quin, Chamber Chief Executive, took part in the 2006 Liffey Swim.

5 Getting tips from golfing great Peter Alliss before the

2006 Sporting Dinner. (l-r) Peter Alliss; Gina Quin, Chamber Chief
Executive; Eugene McCague, Chamber President; and Leslie Morrison,
CEO of Invest Northern Ireland. 5
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006
Council listing
6

Mr. Eugene McCague (President) Chairman, Arthur Cox 10 of 10

Mr. Ronan King (Vice President) Director of Business Development, Howard Eurocape 9 of 10
Ms. Margaret Sweeney (Deputy Vice President) CEO, An Post/Fortis Banking Venture 7 of 10
Ms. Áine Maria Mizzoni (Immediate Past President) Managing Director, Grafton Recruitment 6 of 10
Mr. Patrick Coveney (Honorary Treasurer) Chief Financial Officer, Greencore 6 of 10
Mr. Peter Brennan Managing Director, EPS Consulting 8 of 10
Mr. Clive Brownlee Chairman, Dublin Convention Bureau 9 of 10
Ms. Grainne Byrne Managing Director, gbc Public Relations Ltd 8 of 10
Mr. David Carson Partner, Deloitte 7 of 10
Ms. Maeve Donovan Managing Director, The Irish Times 2 of 10
Mr. Des Fahey Chief Executive, Dublin Business Innovation Centre 9 of 10
Mr. Niall Feely Business Markets Director, Eircom plc 9 of 10
Mr. Niall Geoghegan Chief Executive, Jurys Doyle Hotel Group 2 of 10
Mr. Jack Golden Human Resource Director, CRH plc 7 of 10
Ms. Jacqueline Hall Managing Director, Political Communications Limited 7 of 10
Cllr. Vincent Jackson Lord Mayor of Dublin 3 of 5
Mr. John Kelly Head of Consumer Strategy, AIB Group 6 of 10
Mr. Mark Kelly President, JCI Dublin 6 of 8
Mr. Declan Lawler Area Director – Dublin, AIB Group 7 of 10
Mr. Aidan O'Hogan Managing Director, CB Hamilton Osborne King 6 of 10
Mr. Pat Maher Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland 7 of 10
Mr. Tom McAleese Managing Director, Barclays Bank Ireland Plc 7 of 10
Ms. Sharen McCabe Managing Director, McCabe Pharmacy 3 of 6
Ms. Denise Moroney Chief Executive, Brand Dynamics 5 of 10
Mr. Cathal Muckian Director of Business Banking, Bank Of Ireland 6 of 10
Mr. Martin Murphy Managing Director, Hewlett-Packard Ireland Ltd 6 of 10
Prof. Brian Norton President, Dublin Institute of Technology 8 of 10
Mr. Frank O'Connell Director Retail, Dublin Airport Authority 7 of 10
Prof. Joyce O' Connor President, National College of Ireland 2 of 10
Mr. David O'Halloran Group Marketing Director, Coyle Hamilton Willis 7 of 10
Mr. Tiarnan O'Mahoney Chief Executive, ISTC – International Securities 7 of 10
Mr. Dalton Philips Chief Executive, Brown Thomas 2 of 10
Mr. David Pierce Head of Inward Investment, Ulster Bank 7 of 10
Mr. Maurice Pratt Managing Director, Cantrell & Cochrane Group Limited 6 of 10
Mr. Liam Quirke Managing Partner, Matheson Ormsby Prentice 3 of 10
Ms. Imelda Reynolds Managing Partner, Beauchamps Solicitors 9 of 10
Dr. Michael Somers Chief Executive, National Treasury Management Agency 6 of 10
Mr. Peter Stapleton Managing Director, Lisney 7 of 10
Mr. John Tierney City Manager, Dublin City Council 2 of 5
Mr. P. J. Timmins Chief Executive, Clery & Co. 10 of 10
Mr. Peter Webster Chairman, Image Now 7 of 10
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

7
2006 Pictorial Review

1 2

1 The 2006 David Manley Award winners received ‘the gift of time’ worth
¤80,000 from a selection of top Irish companies. The David Manley
Award was established by a group of his friends in the Dublin Chamber
of Commerce to honour his contribution to, encouragement and
mentoring of SMEs. (clockwise from left) David Pierce, Chairman, David
Manley Award Committee; Sean Coughlan, Social Entrepreneurs
Ireland; Dermot Egan, Chairman of judging panel; and Rowena Neville,
Business2Arts.

2 An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern TD, addressing members at the 2006 AGM

Dinner

3 At the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch 2006 guest speaker Gordon Ramsay

(centre), Chamber President Eugene McCague (right), and Cathal
Muckian, Bank of Ireland’s Director of Business Banking, brought gifts
to the dinner which were donated to the Society of Saint Vincent de
Paul and ISPCC.
4
4 Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs; David Marsden, Director,
HKTDC; Brian Norton, President, Dublin Institute of Technology; and
Aengus McClean, Vice President, AOL Technologies Ireland.
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006
8
Committee Report: Knowledge Economy
Martin Murphy, Managing Director, HP Ireland
Microsoft International’s
President, Jean-Philippe
Courtois, briefed members of
the Chamber on knowledge
economy and the launch of the
National Productivity Centre.
(l-r) Margaret Sweeney,
CEO An Post/Fortis, Banking
Venture; Jean-Philippe Courtois;
Cllr. Vincent Jackson, Lord
Mayor of Dublin; and Joe Macri,
Country Manager, Microsoft
Ireland.
The creation of the ‘Knowledge Economy’
committee in 2006 was an important addition
to the policy scope of the Dublin Chamber of
Commerce. Helping to drive forward the
Chamber’s vision that by 2020, Dublin shall be
a ‘knowledge city’ driven by creativity,
imagination and innovation, the committee
focused upon the key areas where
improvements could be made to raise the
productivity and efficiency levels of all
organisations.
Drawing from the wealth of knowledge and
understanding of the members of the
committee, which included representatives from
the city’s third level institutes, and major IT and
telecommunications companies, our 2006 work
programme focused upon:
Encouraging PC penetration and the adoption
of broadband technologies in the home and by
business;
Encouraging and supporting a knowledge based
entrepreneurial culture within SME’s
Strengthening the link between Government
sectors, industry and the region’s educational
providers;
Encouraging the development of R&D centres
of excellence;
Promoting life-long learning for all citizens; and
Creating an environment where IP is nurtured,
protected and exploited in all sectors.
We believe that Government must be the linchpin in
the transformation of Dublin into a knowledge city.
We warmly welcomed the publication of the Strategy
for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013
this year and support its goal that "Ireland, by 2013,
will be internationally renowned for the excellence of
its research, and will be to the forefront in generating
and using new knowledge for economic and social
progress, within an innovation driven culture".
However, we believe that the success of this
ambitious Strategy will lie in its timely delivery and full
implementation, and have communicated this to the
Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Throughout 2006, the Chamber held a series of
business breakfasts, dinners and briefings for all
members focusing on technology. Guest speakers
from companies where ICT is at the heart of their
operations - Google, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard,
MyHome.ie – continuously reaffirmed the important
role ICT shall play in the transformation of Dublin into
a knowledge city.
A key area of policy in 2006 was the strengthening of
Dublin Chamber’s link with the city’sHigher Education
Institutes. These institutes shall play a central role in
developing Dublin as a learning society that promotes
life long learning. Over the coming years, we shall
continue to encourage all actors to make the
necessary investments to develop a vibrant and
successful 4th level of education and to provide SMEs
and owner-managers with relevant training and
resources ‘on the ground’ to develop their businesses.
The transformation of Dublin into a leading
‘knowledge city’ shall require a cohesive vision and
strategic approach to be taken and shared by all
Government departments, agencies, Higher Education
Institutes and industry. Realisation of this vision shall
require engagement, co-operation and active
participation from all involved, the Dublin Chamber of
Commerce included. Thus I would to thank each
committee member for their valuable input and time
throughout the year. Your efforts have ensured that
the Chamber’s contribution is substantial and of a
high quality.
Martin Murphy
Chairperson
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

9
Committee Report: Competitive Dublin
PJ Timmins, CEO, Clery & Co.

Capital city-regions are internationally recognised drivers of
economic development. They are the homes of most jobs,
businesses, Higher Education Institutes and seats of
Government, all central to achieving innovation,
entrepreneurship and business growth and employment for
the whole country.
The Greater Dublin Area region plays this important role
within the Irish economy, and throughout 2006, the
committee focused on maintaining the competitiveness and
attractiveness of the GDA as a location in which to live and do
business. Our work programme focused on two key areas –
business costs, in particular Local Authority charges, and the
infrastructure deficit in our tourism industry.
During 2006, the committee continued to strengthen
collaboration and cooperation with our essential business
partners - Dublin City Council. Local Authority charges place
great pressure on the cost base of companies. Accordingly,
during our quarterly meetings with Dublin City Council, we
encouraged them to continue to take steps to increase their
accountability and the efficiency of their operations.
ring-fenced basis. Overall we continued to pursue our goal of
regenerating the city’s tourism "product" to attract higher
value-added customers to the city.
Another key area focused upon during 2006 was the Dublin
Port and Bay Area. We have called on the Taoiseach to bring
together all stakeholders and ensure that a robust long-term
development master-plan, encompassing the retail and
tourism heart of the city and future transportation needs of
goods in the GDA region, is created.
Maintaining the competitiveness of Dublin city and the GDA
requires Government, state agencies, businesses and citizens
to work together. For its part, Dublin Chamber continues to
engage with all actors, and the excellent work carried out by
the members of the ‘Competitive Dublin’ committee and
‘Tourism’ committee who gave so generously of their time
and effort throughout 2006 enables the Chamber to
contribute in a comprehensive and ‘value-added’ manner. To
each committee member, your contributions have been
invaluable throughout 2006 and I thank you for all your
effort and dedication.

Given the results of the Census 2006, showing strong

population growth in the GDA, we are calling on Central PJ Timmins
Government to augment the level of financial assistance given Chairperson
to rapidly expanding urban Local Authorities. Increased use of
services and higher standards are placing huge pressure on
the revenue of Local Authorities. In response to this we
recommended that a ‘Greater Dublin Area Authority’ be
established to Minister Cowen during our 2006 Annual
Dublin Chamber presented John O’Donoghue TD, Minister of Arts, Sport and
Dinner. This ‘Greater Dublin Area Authority’ would focus on
Tourism, with a key policy paper, entitled ‘Tourism ABC: Promoting Dublin as a
issues currently spanning across numerous Local Authorities, location for Arts, Business and Culture’.
ensuring an integrated vision for our city. This Authority
would build upon the proposed Dublin Transportation (l-r) Gina Quin, Chamber Chief Executive; P.J. Timmins, Chair of the Chamber’s
Authority and be under the leadership of a directly elected ‘Competitive Dublin’ Committee; Minister John O’Donoghue TD; Eugene McCague,
Chamber President; and Niall Geoghegan, CEO JurysDoyle Hotel.
Mayor. A popularly elected Mayor would allow citizens of the
Dublin region give input into the policies and vision that drive
their region, thereby enhancing accountability.

During a meeting with Minister O’Donoghue to discuss our

paper Tourism ABC: Promoting Dublin as a location for Arts,
Business and Culture, we reiterated the need for swift
completion of the National Conference Centre and the
importance of having a ‘cultural ambassador’ for the city. We
successful lobbied for the creation of a taxation climate to
support the overseas conference business, with Budget 2007
allowing for deductibility of accommodation expenses on a
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006
10
Discussing Transport 21 with
the four Chief Executives of the
agencies in charge of the plan’s
implementation.
(l-r) Dick Fearn, Iarnrod Eireann;
Joe Meagher, Dublin Bus;
Eugene McCague,
Chamber President;
Frank Allen, RPA; and
Fred Barry, NRA.
Committee Report: Infrastructure
Margaret Sweeney, Chief Executive, An Post/Fortis Banking Venture
In 2006, the ‘Infrastructure’ committee focused on
the delivery of all projects outlined in Transport 21,
on time and interlinked. During a transport briefing
on the first anniversary of T21, we articulated to
the Chief Executives of the agencies present -
Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, the National Roads Authority
and the Railway Procurement Agency – that slow
physical progress of projects and significant cost
overruns must not occur. With the population of
the GDA continuing to grow rapidly, and projected
to increase by 34.4% by 2021, we highlighted that
infrastructure must be developed ahead of demand,
and projects must be set at a scale that anticipates
the possibility of growth being higher than forecast.
Accounting for roughly half of all national output
and two in every five jobs in the country, we
believe that it is important for the needs of the
GDA to be prioritised. That was the message of our
NDP submission, in which we supported balanced
regional development but highlighted that as the
only city in Ireland with the critical mass necessary
to be recognised as a major European city, Dublin
must be given its due balance of investment
resources to help it fulfil its role as driver of regional
and national growth and employment. We also
pressed the Government to prepare other long-
term multi-annual capital programmes, including an
Environment 21, Health 21, Housing 21 and
Education 21, to indicate how Dublin’s population
increase will be accommodated in the future.
Steady progress was made during the year on a
number of infrastructural projects, including:
Public consultation on three additional Luas
extensions;
Selection of route for Metro North;
Commencement of an alignment study for the
Underground Rail Interconnector between
Connolly and Heuston Station;
Increases in Dublin Bus fleet;
The appointment of the preferred bidders for the
construction of the National Conference Centre;
The opening of the Port Tunnel on December 20th;
and
Commencement of the upgrade of the M50.
Each of these projects are a welcome addition to the
infrastructure jigsaw. Their timely completion shall
contribute greatly to improving Dublin’s transport
deficit and freeing up the city centre for shoppers,
workers and tourists.
During meetings with Minister Cullen, and through
our participation in the Public Transport Partnership
Forum, we have continually reiterated the need for
immediate progress to be made on the formation of
the DTA. We believe that the critical success factor
for the delivery of Transport 21 shall be the
establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority. The
current myriad of State Agencies and organisations
responsible for transport and transport planning must
work in a co-ordinated manner.
We have continued to strengthen our links with
Dublin City Council and have articulated members
concerns to them regarding traffic management in
the city and the need to ensure plans, such as the
HGV plan, are effective and successful in their
objectives.
I would like to thank every member for their tireless
work and contribution throughout 2006 in relation
to the transport and infrastructure policy
development of the Chamber.
Margaret Sweeney
Chairperson

Committee Report: Communications
Imelda Reynolds, Managing Partner, Beauchamps Solicitors
Building upon the re-branding carried out in 2005, the
‘Communications’ committee continued to strengthen
recognition, amongst members and the Dublin business
community, of the brand identity of the Dublin Chamber
of Commerce.
A key strategy was the integration of our media channels
to ensure consistency in our messages. Connectivity
between our magazine Business Ireland, newsletter Dublin
Business, ezine Dublin Business Live and website
www.dublinchamber.ie, created synergy for our
readership. It helped to re-enforce our policy messages
and increased coverage of networking in the Chamber.
Dublin Chamber’s profile in print media rose considerably
over 2006. Since 2004, our coverage in both national and
local print increased by 50%, highlighting the prominent
voice the Chamber has across the wide spectrum of issues
affecting business and citizens in Dublin city and the
Greater Dublin Area. To strengthen and ensure a
coherent and harmonised voice, all Chamber
communications were aligned around three key messages
- competitiveness, knowledge and infrastructure.
The production of a ‘template for media communications’
by the committee in 2006 further assists in consolidating
the method and style of Chamber communication when
engaging with the media. This harmonisation shall
continue to deliver the Chamber’s policy messages
effectively into the future.
From a member’s perspective, the committee has been
involved in the creation of a new management
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006
11
information system, which shall be launched in 2007. A
considerable degree of internal preparation work has been
carried out to ensure that the new system facilitates an
improved interaction between the Chamber and all
members. The existing website shall be restructured to
enable simplicity of interaction between the Chamber and
members, especially in relation to financial transactions.
The addition of a new web front end will allow member
to access their accounts, book places at events and renew
their membership online. This investment shall increase
the effectiveness of Chamber interaction with members
and increase efficiency through online electronic
payments.
Driven by the Chambers vision, ‘Imagine Dublin 2020: Our
vision for the future of the city’, the communications
committee has worked tirelessly throughout 2006 to
ensure Dublin Chamber’s voice is heard clearly.
Continuously improving the communication of our key
policy issues and initiatives will allow us to do more to
enhance the business environment and quality of life for
all in Dublin. I would like to express a special thanks to
each one of the committee members for their
commitment and dedication to driving the media agenda
of the Chamber over the past twelve months.
Imelda Reynolds
Chairperson
The Chamber’s quarterly publication is distributed to all
members and looks at a wide range of issues that matter to
business.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006
12
Committee Report: Business Development
David Carson, Partner, Deloitte
The focus of the Business Development Committee
has been to continue to examine the business and
commercial elements of current and future
services. On an overall basis, it was agreed that
Dublin Chamber should engage in activities which
help create the financial resources to improve our
services to members and to continue to raise the
profile of Dublin Chamber. The Committee felt
that those Chambers with commercial resources
have raised their profile considerably. Since 2002
the Dublin Chamber has seen great improvements
and changes that have resulted in an increase in
total income of 17% and an increase of 9% in
commercial revenue. Membership subscription
income has increased by 26% with an increase of
19% in new member recruitment.
3 objectives were set for the year.
1. The Committee should review the existing sources
of revenue which can be generated other than
from members subscriptions in order to alleviate
the reliance on member subscriptions.
2. The Committee should review the commercial
services offered by Chambers Ireland and UK
Chambers to see whether we should engage in
such services.
3. The Committee should convert a number of
business category members into the corporate
category.
The committee focused on the following major
areas:
Sponsorship
New Business
Cross-border Initiatives
Initiatives with other agencies/organisations
Training
International
Membership Upgrades
Successful business plans have been completed in
some areas. The area of sponsorship has been
analysed and a concise plan has been drawn up
in terms of targeting and planning to maximise
return. A cost - benefit analysis was completed in
the area of training and a decision was made to
concentrate resources into training collaborations
and Dublin Chamber information briefing
sessions. Other major areas for consideration
under the remit of this Committee are ongoing
and working groups have been assigned to
analyse the potential of these concepts. The
Business Development Committee wishes to
thank the following sponsors who have kindly
supported the Dublin Chamber over the last year
- Ulster Bank, AOL Technologies Ireland, Bank of
Ireland Business Banking, COLT Telecom, Arthur
Cox, Grafton Recruitment, Blueprint
Appointments, BT, AIB, O'Callaghan Hotels,
TypeTech, DTZ Sherry FitzGerald, A & L
Goodbody, Invest NI, Department of Foreign
Affairs, ACC Bank, The Irish Times, The Irish
Museum of Modern Art, PwC, Temple Bar Hotel,
Microsoft and Lisney.
I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all those
involved in the Business Development Committee
for their contribution and support in 2006.
David Carson
Chairperson
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

13
Committee Report: International
Pat Maher, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has a vibrant and
exciting international programme providing members with
unique opportunities to expand and develop their
business. Working with International Chambers of
Commerce, embassies and other business organisations
worldwide, we offer members valuable opportunities to
access a global network, of which the Chamber is an
integral part. 2006 proved to be a year packed full of
international activities through, inward & outward
missions, the InterTradeIreland Network & Getwork
Programme and the Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum.
The ‘International’ committee would like to thank our
sponsors in 2006: Ulster Bank, Irish Independent News &
Media, and InterTradeIreland as well as the procurement
departments from Dublin City Council, Accenture and
the Health Service Executive. I would personally like to
thank the members of the committee who volunteered
their time and energy during 2006.
Pat Maher
Chairperson

Highlights of 2006 included a high-level council &

member delegation visit to Belfast in May, this was the
first Chamber delegation to visit Belfast and participants Mark Sweeney, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI)
President, Eugene McCague, Dublin Chamber President, Mike Maloney, COO of BT,
had a very in depth briefing on opportunities for southern
and Frank Hewitt, CEO NICCI, met with President Mary McAleese after the historic
companies in the North. This visit to Belfast was followed signing between the Dublin Chamber and NICCI of a Memorandum of
later in the year by a joint council meeting of both the Understanding.
Dublin and Northern Ireland Chamber’s. Our Hong Kong
Business Mission in November, involved a programme of
information and networking events. These missions
offered participants an effective and efficient way of
identifying new international business opportunities and
acquiring knowledge and connections critical to success.

The International Programme also encompassed a number

of Dublin based events, which focused on providing
interested members with relevant information on chosen
markets worldwide. These ranged from seminars and
conferences to business luncheons and breakfast briefing
sessions. In 2006 we held events highlighting
opportunities in the Hong Kong, Guangzhou, San Jose,
Atlanta, Malaysia, Malta and Yorkshire. One of the major
highlights of the year was a lunch event in honour of the
visiting Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard.

The Network & Getwork Programme continued with huge

interest from members; in 2006 suppliers & service
providers were given the opportunity to meet with buyers
from Belfast City Council, Dublin City Council, Accenture,
FG Wilson, Regional Supplies Service and the Health
Service Executive.

Clive Brownlee (left), Chair Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum,

at the 2006 Chinese New Year Lunch.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

14
Accounts

Consolidated Income and Expenditure Account

Year Ended 31 October 2006
2006 2005
¤ ¤
Income
Subscriptions 1,141,832 1,060,944
Export documentation 256,168 217,961
Secretarial services, projects and sponsorship 2,158 3,581
Membership services (net of direct costs) 413,253 333,877
1,813,411 1,616,363

Expenditure
Staff costs (net of allocation to membership services) 993,049 900,384
Promotion and international representation 113,943 100,896
Financial and administration expenses 182,771 201,400
Establishment costs 106,054 105,709
Depreciation 110,088 104,994
Relocation Costs - 57,067
1,505,905 1,470,450

Net surplus 307,506 145,913

Interest income 475 1,470
Interest expense (13,517) (2,188)

Net surplus on ordinary activities before taxation 294,464 145,195

Corporation tax on interest income (95) (462)

Net surplus on ordinary activities after taxation 294,369 144,733

Accumulated surplus
Surplus in the year 294,369 144,733
At beginning of year 282,542 137,809

At end of year 576,911 282,542

The surplus on a historical cost basis would be greater for the year to 31 October 2006 by ¤37,514 (2005
¤37,514) due solely to the charge for depreciation on the revalued amount included in land and
buildings. The company has no recognised gains or losses other that the result for the year as set out
above.

On behalf of Council
Eugene McCague, President
Ronan King, Vice-President
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

15

Consolidated Balance Sheet As at 31 October 2006

2006 2005
¤ ¤
Current assets
Debtors 426,018 530,083
Bank and cash - carnet deposits 324,003 267,901
- other 684,416 340,088
1,434,437 1,138,072
Current liabilities
Creditors 814,680 828,290

Net current assets 619,757 309,782

Fixed assets 2,785,773 2,796,997

3,405,530 3,106,779
Represented by:
Capital reserve 1,875,742 1,875,742
Accumulated surplus 576,911 282,542
2,452,653 2,158,284
Subscriptions received in advance 580,213 547,163
Long term liabilities 372,664 401,332
On behalf of Council
3,405,530 3,106,779 Eugene McCague, President
Ronan King, Vice-President

Company Balance Sheet As at 31 October 2006

2006 2005
¤ ¤
Current assets
Debtors 426,018 530,083
Bank and cash - carnet deposits 324,003 267,901
- other 684,416 340,088
1,434,437 1,138,072
Current liabilities
Creditors 814,680 828,290

Net current assets 619,757 309,782

Fixed assets 2,785,773 2,796,997

3,405,530 3,106,779
Represented by:
Capital reserve 1,875,742 1,875,742
Accumulated surplus 576,911 282,542
2,452,653 2,158,284
Subscriptions received in advance 580,213 547,163
Long term liabilities 372,664 401,332
On behalf of Council
Eugene McCague, President
3,405,530 3,106,779 Ronan King, Vice-President
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2006

16
Staff Listing

1 Gina Quin, Chief Executive

2 Deirdre Power
PA To Chief Executive

3 Ruth Spain
Receptionist/ Administration

4 Richard Brown
Export Services Manager

5 Maire Walsh
International Services 2 3 4 5
Executive
6
Sorcha Flynn
International Trade Manager

7 Lisa Hughes
International Trade Assistant

8 Michelle Doody
Finance Manager

9 Joanne Brophy 6 7 8 9
Finance Assistant

10 Aebhric McGibney
Director of Policy &
Communications

11 Patrick King
Policy & Communications
Executive

12 Catherine McCabe
Policy & Communications
Officer 10 11 12 13

13 Kay Gibbons
Credit Controller

14 Jean Hoey
Director of Business
Development

15 Annie FitzGibbon
Membership Development
Manager
14 15 16 17
16 Aideen Ryan
Membership Development
Executive

17 Ciara Duncun
Events Manager

18 Daniella McCahill
Events and Training Executive

19 Bernadette Carton
Housekeeper
18 19
connecting influencing

Dublin Chamber of Commerce

7 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
T +353 (0)1 644 7200
F +353 (0)1 676 6043
W www.dublinchamber.ie
E info@dublinchamber.ie

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