Competitive tax policies needed in Budget 2026, says Cork Chamber 

The business group is also calling for the delivery of between 7,500 and 10,000 housing units in Cork per year

Cork Chamber has published its pre-Budget 2026 submission. Photographed at the launch are Stephen Keohane, KPMG and Cork Chamber Budget Committee Chair, Rob Horgan, President, Cork Chamber, Aoife Moriarty, Public Affairs & Communications Executive, Cork Chamber and Cathal McSweeney, Director of Public and International Affairs, Cork Chamber.

A competitive taxation policy and a reduction in administrative burdens are needed to support businesses, Cork Chamber has said, with the group outlining a list of proposals ahead of Budget 2026. 

In its submission, Cork Chamber said the Government needs to enable innovation and entrepreneurship against the current backdrop of evolving global trade dynamics to ensure the city's future economic competitiveness. 

Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber, said, “Cork’s business community is acutely aware of the economic imperative of investing in our competitiveness, now more than ever. 

"Businesses of all sizes, from start-ups to large domestic and multinationals firms, know that enhancing our competitiveness demands a whole-of-government approach to address challenges across all areas of the economy.

“The proposals in our Budget 2026 submission are designed to be complementary, driving forward Ireland’s overall competitiveness in a meaningful and achievable way through targeted measures to encourage innovation, to support scaling domestic firms and to ensure that SMEs are not unduly impacted by regulatory changes.” 

As part of its submission, Cork Chamber said housing delivery must keep pace with both current and projected future demand, which requires a step change in government policy and budgetary provisions for the sector. The group has called for the delivery of between 7,500 and 10,000 housing units per year.

To further increase housing availability, the chamber is calling for increases in cost rental income limits, timebound tax measures for apartment developments, and accelerated reliefs for brownfield sites. 

Infrastructure

The business group is also calling for enhanced infrastructure, urging for public transport spending to be accelerated to facilitate a growing population. Among its demands are funding commitments for the Cork Luas, enhanced intercity rail services, and further investment in Cork Airport.

The group also said addressing skill gaps is crucial in attracting and retain foreign direct investment, adding that it was critical that government takes steps to support the development of talent, through robust further and higher education funding, as well as upskilling and reskilling opportunities.

“Our asks for Budget 2026 address the critical areas of housing; infrastructure; education, talent and skills; renewable energy and sustainability; and urban evolution and tourism," said Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber. 

"Each proposal in Cork Chamber’s budget submission is grounded in the priorities, challenges and needs of our members.

“The priorities for members are clear: investments in housing and infrastructure are needed now, alongside a sustained effort to support businesses to grow and thrive in Ireland. What we need to see from government in Budget 2026 is a clear commitment to the delivery of projects and initiatives, on budget and on time.”