The Cork Business Association (CBA) embarked on an invigorating new chapter this week during its 68th Annual General Meeting, hosted within the refined elegance of the Metropole Hotel Cork. The gathering celebrated the election of Dave O’Brien as President—a leader whose formidable expertise and bold vision are set to elevate both the organisation and the city it champions.
O’Brien, a towering presence in financial strategy, holds the position of Head of Tax at Xeinadin Ireland, a leading accountancy group with a robust presence across Ireland and the United Kingdom, boasting a workforce exceeding 2,000. Since Xeinadin acquired Quintas in 2023, he has orchestrated tax planning, corporate restructurings, succession strategies, and VAT compliance across 30 Irish offices. His deep-rooted connection with the CBA stretches over five years, during which he has ascended from Secretary to Treasurer, and most recently Vice-President, leaving an enduring legacy through his instrumental role in redefining the association’s structure and aspirations.
This leadership handover caps a year of extraordinary progress under outgoing President Aaron Mansworth, whose term delivered a surge in membership, a retooled operational framework, and a series of pioneering initiatives. Mansworth’s ongoing involvement ensures continuity as O’Brien steps into the spotlight.
A Visionary Agenda Emerges
Addressing the assembly, O’Brien struck a note of determined optimism. “As I take up this mantle, I am keenly aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” he proclaimed. “The Cork Business Association will serve as a catalyst for our city’s rise, propelled by exceptional working groups and a slate of initiatives destined to leave a lasting mark.”
His appointment earned glowing praise from CBA Director Cliona Barnes, who underscored his rare fusion of financial mastery, strategic insight, and leadership finesse. “Dave’s strengths will amplify our mission, enriching the support we provide to members as we forge new paths,” she affirmed.
A Blueprint for 2025
O’Brien’s presidency hinges on two towering ambitions: establishing Cork City as Ireland’s safest and cleanest urban centre, and bringing to life the transformative promise of the Cork City 2030 vision. Building on last year’s achievements—such as enhanced Garda presence and the deployment of a community safety van, secured through the Safe and Clean committee—he committed to prioritising the rollout of newly funded Community Safety Wardens in 2025. This scheme, designed to bolster street-level security and engagement, will unfold in collaboration with the Department of Justice, Cork City Council, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, and the HSE.
Alongside this, the Cleaning & Greening Initiative will launch, a meticulous endeavour to rejuvenate Cork’s streets in partnership with local businesses and civic leaders. “This is no minor undertaking,” O’Brien admitted, “but by transforming one street at a time, we’ll craft a city that radiates pride and potential.”
Crafting Cork City 2030
Leading the CBA’s Cork City 2030 committee, O’Brien will steer a far-reaching strategy encompassing housing, transport, and infrastructure—foundations critical to a flourishing metropolis. With housing poised as a defining challenge, he plans to wield his financial acumen to advocate for innovative measures: revitalising Living Over the Shop programmes, securing tax incentives for developers, and expediting planning reforms to unlock residential growth. Improved transport networks and infrastructure enhancements will also take prominence, ensuring Cork remains a city where commerce thrives and residents prosper.
“The CBA will be relentless in championing initiatives that spark economic vitality and solidify Cork’s appeal as a hub for innovation and investment,” he vowed.
Celebrating a Collective Drive
O’Brien reserved heartfelt recognition for the unsung stalwarts of the CBA—the volunteers whose tireless efforts across its board, executive, and committees have fuelled its recent resurgence. Their creativity has birthed triumphs like the Leave a Light On campaign and Coffee House Lates, weaving safety and vibrancy into Cork’s nocturnal fabric.
A Grand Launch
To herald this bold new term, the CBA will host its Annual President’s Dinner on 29 March at the historic Vienna Woods. The evening promises a blend of prestige and insight, with broadcaster Matt Cooper serving as Master of Ceremonies, an address from the Taoiseach, and a keynote by Minister Michael McGrath—a fitting commencement for a presidency defined by ambition and resolve.
Under Dave O’Brien’s stewardship, the Cork Business Association stands poised to weave a future where strategic foresight and unwavering commitment converge to elevate the city it serves.
