I am delighted to be here today to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the Ouzel Galley Society.
As we are all aware, Dublin today is a dynamic, ever-developing city. Here at Dublin Port that change is clearly in evidence. From the docklands to the port, we have witnessed major investment, enabling the ongoing growth of a strategic maritime hub – serving both business and the community – right in the heart of our city.
One of the most positive aspects of Dublin’s recent growth is that despite ongoing development, we have managed to preserve a sense of the historical importance of this city.
And nowhere is that better reflected than in the Ouzel Galley Society, the society out of which the largest Chamber in Ireland – the Dublin Chamber of Commerce – has grown.
Standing here today in Dublin Port, one can only begin to imagine the consternation surrounding the return of the Ouzel Galley to Dublin in 1700. Having long been considered lost at sea, the ship’s owners had received their insurance payouts, not to mention the sea-merchant's wives who had turned elsewhere for comfort!
But as Professor Cullen describes in his history of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce – Princes and Pirates – the rapid growth of Dublin “meant that it was a magnet for men of ambition and ideas”.
That was certainly fortunate for Dublin merchants embroiled in the Ouzel Galley debate! Those ambitions and ideas became the cornerstone of the Ouzel Galley society, whose success as an arbitration forum later enabled the formation of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
And today, we have occasion to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the foundation of that visionary society. It is particularly appropriate that, given the maritime association of the society, this event is taking place in Dublin Port. I would like to pay tribute to the Dublin Port Company for hosting today’s luncheon and for your ongoing work in the development of this, the principal port in Ireland.
Whilst, the Ouzel Galley Society is rooted in history, I am glad to see that this has not prevented it reflecting a more modern aspect today.
I referred earlier to the men of ambition and ideas that were central to the Society’s formation in 1705. Fortunately today, we recognise that it is not just the male populace who have the vision to lead in our society and economy! I have no doubt that Mary Finan will be an excellent captain of the Society in this celebratory year. The fact that the positions of President and Chief Executive of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce are also occupied by women just goes to prove how enlightened a society you are.
Over the past three centuries, the Ouzel Galley Society and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce have provided a strong and independent voice for the business community in this city. A city cannot thrive, unless its trade and commerce are in a healthy condition and guided by progressive individuals and organisations.
In particular, you have become an important vehicle of contact between business and the State. I have had the honour myself of addressing you at the Chamber’s AGM on many occasions. Such events provide a useful opportunity to exchange views and debate in depth the economic and social issues of the day. In so doing, you have enabled a constructive relationship to develop between the business community in this city and those working in the state sector.
As Professor Moore’s analysis of 18th century Dublin highlights – trade, manufacturing and parliament were the factors which in combination made Dublin an exceptionally fast-growing city!
Again, in the 21st century, Dublin is witnessing phenomenal growth. From Dublin Port to Smithfield, the Luas to the DART, and the M50 to the Port Tunnel, we are ensuring the ongoing development of a city catering for modern day living and business needs. And, just as three hundred years ago, the success of that development relies on the successful partnership between business, the Government and the wider community. I have no doubt that the constructive and progressive relationship that we have enjoyed to date will continue well into the future.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Ouzel Galley Society and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce the very best in their ongoing work. I congratulate you once again on reaching this historic milestone.
Thank you.
ENDS