Budget can enhance Cork reputation for talent and investment, says Chamber

On Thursday, Cork Chamber representatives met with public expenditure minister Jack Chambers to outline Budget priorities

Public Expenditure minister Jack Chambers and departmental officials met with Cork Chamber president Susie Horgan, Chamber CEO Conor Healy, Chamber Budget Committee chair Stephen Keohane and Chamber members at the launch of their Budget 2027 submission. Picture: Darragh Kane

Cork Chamber says prioritising economic competitiveness and regulatory simplification in Budget 2027 can enhance the region's reputation as a prime location for talent and investment.

On Thursday, Cork Chamber representatives met with public expenditure minister Jack Chambers to outline their priorities in the autumn budget, which including housing, transport, infrastructure, energy, talent, and skills. Cork Chamber represents over 1,200 members together employing 130,000 people throughout the city and county.

“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," said Cork chamber president Susie Horgan. 

Ms Horgan said the Chamber’s pre-budget submission draws on consultation with members. "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.”

Regulatory simplification 'essential'

Cork Chamber Budget Committee chair Stephen Keohane, a tax partner at KPMG, called 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," said Mr Keohane.

“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.”

Mr Chambers said that as the State's second city, Cork has a unique role to play in the national economy. "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.” 

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said Cork is the economic driver of the southern region. “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.”