Economic Trends - Economic Trends Q2 2026

Economic Trends - Economic Trends Q2 2026 https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/ en-us 09 Jul 2026 02:38:46 IST 09 Jul 2026 02:38:46 IST https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/rss.xml Newsweaver conor@corkchamber.ie (Cork Chamber of Commerce) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Renewable energy https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/apq2hci7opp?lang=en&rss=true Investment in asset resilience emerged as the key priority for respondents when it comes to government security measures, followed by a focus on the diversification of energy sources, and an emphasis on awareness and training. The importance of energy security to responding businesses is clear, with 63% expressing support for investment in alternative and renewable energy sources. 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 IST 01acc3179c31d707623455d43ef123dc Feature Article Image Right <img align="center" src="https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/da/81101a6f41e84d668fce1c.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="352" height="200" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   Investment in asset resilience emerged as the key priority for respondents when it comes to government security measures, followed by a focus on the diversification of energy sources, and an emphasis on awareness and training. The importance of energy security to responding businesses is clear, with 63% expressing support for investment in alternative and renewable energy sources. Confidence https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/5tuh70ajn7a?lang=en&rss=true 73% of respondents expressed confidence in the Irish economy at the close of Q2 2026. Of the 27% who cited a lack of confidence in the Irish economy, rising business costs, inflation and housing supply were the top concerns. 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 IST 3844253cdfb571e8487baf89b3d8cd23 ARTICLE_1_COLUMN-clone-32694128-20220414-090440 73% of respondents expressed confidence in the Irish economy at the close of Q2 2026. Of the 27% who cited a lack of confidence in the Irish economy, rising business costs, inflation and housing supply were the top concerns. https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/88/12d0ca0f97916c561c7f89.jpg Cybersecurity https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/1ew5a55hy2r?lang=en&rss=true The majority of respondents reported investing in cybersecurity over the past year, with new software and systems, employee training and risk planning cited as the top three areas of investment. When it comes to barriers to improving cyber resilience, respondents reported the associated costs, as well as a lack of time, resources and expertise, as the most significant challenges. 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 IST b5d97f53dcdd3a58637b0e6c152f0953 ARTICLE_1_COLUMN-clone-32694133-20220405-141712 <img align="center" src="https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/a4/4255de4ad8edd6248d9bcd.jpg" style="margin: 0px;" width="344" height="176" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   The majority of respondents reported investing in cybersecurity over the past year, with new software and systems, employee training and risk planning cited as the top three areas of investment. When it comes to barriers to improving cyber resilience, respondents reported the associated costs, as well as a lack of time, resources and expertise, as the most significant challenges. Changes to employee numbers https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/w074ge3uyxr?lang=en&rss=true 39% reported an increase in employee numbers this quarter, while 42% predict an increase in employee numbers over the next 12 months, an increase on recent surveys. 19 Apr 2022 12:00:00 IST a2404c0c18801400212ad03460892352 Two Column Articles - Hero Image 39% reported an increase in employee numbers this quarter, while 42% predict an increase in employee numbers over the next 12 months, an increase on recent surveys.  https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/47/8cb0ec735df3a8601cf712.jpg Barriers to hiring https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/sy6nma7qc4t?lang=en&rss=true Of the 49% of respondents with vacancies advertised at present, 36% report difficulties with filling these roles, with specialist skills shortages emerging as the top barrier to filling vacancies, consistent with recent surveys. 19 Apr 2022 12:00:00 IST ffdb5d966b6c7139a2823fe4e4cad1d3 Two Column Articles - Hero Image Of the 49% of respondents with vacancies advertised at present, 36% report difficulties with filling these roles, with specialist skills shortages emerging as the top barrier to filling vacancies, consistent with recent surveys. https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/54/44a11bb8046889571203f4.jpg Charity winner https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/14fqrelhrwq?lang=en&rss=true Thanks to all respondents who contributed to our Economic Trends Survey. The lucky winner of a €200 OptionsCard digital gift card this quarter is James O'Donnell, Emagine Expertise. 17 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT a9958211c373066e45c176c8ad79ea3b Standard Articles - Image Right <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; max-width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="width: 19.1285%;"><img src="https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/9d/3a5aba1a1090d8d4282180.png" style="margin: 0px;" width="150" height="54" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt=""></td> <td style="width: 80.7843%; text-align: center;">Thanks to all respondents who contributed to our Economic Trends Survey. The lucky winner of a €200 OptionsCard digital gift card this quarter is James O'Donnell, Emagine Expertise.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>   Survey Results https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/13kk4cz8hwm?lang=en&rss=true The Q2 2026 Economic Trends Survey of Cork Chamber members gathered insights into their experiences of doing business across April, May and June 2026. Sponsored by PTSB, this edition of the Economic Trends survey also sought members’ views on Ireland's current security landscape. 71% of responding businesses expressed concern about Ireland’s security landscape, with geopolitical instability emerging as the most significant security concern for respondents. The threat of cyberattacks or data breaches, and energy supply disruption were also cited as significant concerns by respondents. 09 Oct 2024 12:00:00 IST b5eb39262078cb917105f32f08965d23 FEATURE_ARTICLE-clone-32694127-20220414-090757 The Q2 2026 Economic Trends Survey of Cork Chamber members gathered insights into their experiences of doing business across April, May and June 2026.   Sponsored by PTSB, this edition of the Economic Trends survey also sought members’ views on Ireland's current security landscape.   <img src="https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/ac/798e755902f3315760e5b3.jpg" width="313" height="224" hspace="0" vspace="0" alt="">   71% of responding businesses expressed concern about Ireland’s security landscape, with geopolitical instability emerging as the most significant security concern for respondents. The threat of cyberattacks or data breaches, and energy supply disruption were also cited as significant concerns by respondents. Browse Full Results Online https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/92gv4l1ukx/31jhhbtz2a8?lang=en&rss=true View more stats and results from our latest Economic Trends, which captures a snapshot of business experiences and of the overall operating landscape at the close of Q2 2026. 19 Apr 2022 12:00:00 IST f88179f1e7ff9315e405a4031a2c1297 FEATURE_ARTICLE-clone-32694126-20220711-152607 View more stats and results from our latest Economic Trends, which captures a snapshot of business experiences and of the overall operating landscape at the close of Q2 2026.  https://corkchamberofcommerce.newsweaver.ie/v3files/shard1/8881/e3/397d5d50c1dc948c5d995f.png Browse results here https://www.corkchamber.ie/quarterly-economic-trends/