Dave O'Brien was elected president of the Cork Business Association (CBA) at the organisation's AGM on Thursday (27 February).

O'Brien is head of tax at accountancy Xeinadin Ireland, which oversees tax planning, company restructures, succession planning, and VAT matters across 30 offices in Ireland following its 2023 acquisition of Quintas.

The accountancy group now employs over 2,000 staff in Ireland and the UK.

O'Brien has been actively involved with the Cork Business Association for over five years, serving as secretary, treasurer and vice-president in that time.

As vice-president, he played a key role in restructuring the organisation. He takes over as president from Aaron Mansworth, during whose tenure the association significantly expanded its membership and launched several impactful initiatives.

"Dave’s strengths in finance, strategy and leadership will make him a great asset to CBA and our members as we continue to grow the organisation and what we deliver," said Cliona Barnes, director of the Cork Business Association.

Speaking at the AGM, O’Brien said: “As I step into this role, I am mindful of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and I am committed to ensuring Cork Business Association plays a pivotal role in our city’s growth and progress.  

"We have fantastic working groups in place now and lots of impactful initiatives in the pipeline.”

Outlining his priorities for the year ahead, he emphasised a continued focus on two key areas: making Cork the safest and cleanest city, and the long-term vision of Cork City 2030.

Over the past year, the CBA set up an active Safe and Clean committee, playing a critical role in advocating for and securing increased Garda presence and a new community safety van.  

The organisation also launched successful initiatives such as Leave a Light On and Coffee House Lates, which have helped create a safer, more vibrant night-time economy.

A major achievement in 2024 was securing funding for Community Safety Wardens, a new initiative aimed at increasing visibility and support on city streets.

O’Brien stressed that implementing the Community Safety Wardens initiative effectively will be his top priority for 2025, working closely with key stakeholders such as the Department of Justice, Cork City Council, An Garda Síochána, Tusla, and the HSE.

Another key focus will be the roll out of the CBA’s Cleaning & Greening Initiative in 2025, which will focus on improving the aesthetics of selected streets in partnership with local businesses and Cork City Council.

“This is a substantial task, but one that will have a lasting impact on the look and feel of our city.  We will work with one street at a time,” he said.

O’Brien will also work closely with the CBA’s Cork City 2030 committee this year to develop a strategy and initiatives for the future of Cork, including housing, transport, and infrastructure.

On housing, O'Brien will advocate for solutions such as increased Living Over the Shop initiatives, tax incentives for property developers, and a more streamlined planning processes to encourage residential conversions.

Ensuring efficient transport links and infrastructure improvements will be another key focus to support both businesses and residents in the city.

O Brien said the CBA will continue to champion initiatives that drive economic activity and make Cork a more attractive destination for business and investment.

At the AGM, O’Brien also acknowledged the dedicated volunteers across the board, executive and committees who drive the association forward.

The CBA will host its Annual President’s Dinner on 29 March at Vienna Woods, featuring Matt Cooper as MC, an address by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and a keynote speech by European Commissioner Michael McGrath.

Photo: Dave O'Brien, president of the Cork Business Association. (Pic: Darragh Kane)