Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has called on government to pursue a more supportive enterprise ecosystem through Budget 2027. Confidence remains strong among Cork’s business community, however a continued focus on maintaining and enhancing the region’s competitive offering is vital to sustain economic development.
In a meeting with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers today, Cork Chamber members outlined actionable, targeted recommendations across critical areas of the economy, including housing, transport, infrastructure, energy, talent and skills, to enhance the region’s economic competitiveness in Budget 2027.
Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, said, “I welcomed the opportunity to meet with Cork Chamber today to discuss key priorities for Chamber members ahead of this year’s budget. As Ireland’s second city, Cork has a unique role to play in the national economy and engaging with Cork’s business community today was a valuable opportunity to consider the critical enablers needed to unlock sustainable growth in the region and drive economic competitiveness in the coming years.”
Susie Horgan, Cork Chamber President, said, “As Budget 2027 approaches, our economic fundamentals remain strong. Cork’s business community has consistently demonstrated its ability to remain agile and dynamic when faced with external challenges. However, Budget 2027 must ensure continued support for firms of all sizes to grow and scale here in Ireland, driven by an enterprise ecosystem that prioritises competitiveness.
“Cork Chamber’s pre-budget submission draws on extensive consultation and engagement with Chamber members operating across a broad range of sectors in the region. What emerged clearly across sectors was the importance of maintaining and enhancing Cork’s reputation as a location of choice for talent and investment.
“At a time when Ireland has an opportunity to influence discussions on Europe's future through its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it is important that we lead by example, delivering on the key priorities of Ireland’s Presidency: competitiveness, values and security.”
Stephen Keohane, Chair of the Cork Chamber Budget Committee and Tax Partner at KPMG, added, “This year, we are calling for a more competitive business and personal tax regime, and for enhanced innovation and R&D supports to position Ireland at the cutting edge of emerging sectors globally. Regulatory simplification is essential to ensure accessibility of supports and reduce administrative burdens on business, particularly SMEs. Fostering a more supportive ecosystem for start-ups and SMEs is critical in an increasingly competitive global market.
“Targeted investment and decisive policymaking can help to leverage the region’s existing strengths and ensure Cork is well equipped for a sustainable economic future. Cork’s world-class educational institutions already support a robust regional talent pool; targeted support for emerging sectors and future skills in areas such as AI will ensure Cork’s workforce remains aligned to evolving economic needs. Investing in a more secure and resilient energy system is vital too to unlock the associated economic opportunities and deliver on our climate targets.”
Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, said, “As Ireland’s second city and the economic driver of the southern region, Cork has a unique role to play in the national economy. With significant population growth forecast for the region in the coming decades, it is imperative that investment keeps pace with this growth, and transformative projects for Cork are delivered on time and on budget.
“Budget 2027 needs to lay the groundwork for sustainable economic development into the future. Housing, regeneration of the Docklands and city centre, transport projects like Luas Cork, BusConnects Cork and the Cork Area Commuter Rail, strategic roads projects, and investment in Cork’s international connectivity are all vital to achieve this vision and position Cork as a globally competitive region.”
Cork Chamber’s pre-Budget 2027 submission is available HERE.