Geopolitical instability a key concern for Cork’s business community
Economic Trends Q2 Survey
Sponsored by PTSB, the Cork Chamber Economic Trends Survey found that 71% of Cork businesses are concerned about Ireland's security landscape. Geopolitical instability is the top source of concern for Chamber members, followed by cyber threats and energy supply disruption.
Confidence in the Irish economy remains high, however, with 73% of businesses surveyed expressing confidence in the economy at the close of Q2. Over 40% of respondents also report an increase in turnover and net profit this quarter.
Browse the results in full
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Choose Cork - ChamberLink Issue 2 2026
Main sponsor Vodafone
Welcome to the latest edition of ChamberLink.
Inside, you'll find stories that reflect the people, businesses and ideas shaping Cork today, from our new President, Susie Horgan, and Board, to the issues driving our advocacy and the achievements of members across our network.
We hope this edition provides fresh insights, sparks new conversations and highlights the strength of our business community. Thank you for being an active part of it, and we look forward to continuing to connect, support and represent you in the months ahead.
Browse online
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Budget 2027 an opportunity to strengthen Cork’s competitive edge
Chamber pre-budget submission launched in meeting with Minister Jack Chambers
Cork Chamber's pre-budget submisison sets out targeted, actionable recommendations across critical areas of the economy, including housing, transport, infrastructure, energy, talent and skills. Cork has a unique role to play in the national economy as the state's second city region and the economic driver of the south. Enhancing the region's competitiveness through targeted investment will enable the considerable population and economic growth projected in the coming years.
Cork Chamber was pleased to have the opportunity to outline members' key priorities for Budget 2027 in a meeting with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers in recent days, and we look forward to continued engagement on behalf of members ahead of this year's budget.
Read Cork Chamber's Budget 2027 Submission
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Public Consultations
As the voice of business in Cork, we welcome feedback from you, our members, to help inform our public consultation submissions.
To help shape our responses to the following public consultations, please contact Aoife, amoriarty@corkchamber.ie:
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Applied Analytics for Business
Member Price: €1,000
From Tues 15th Sept | Online
This course will benefit team members and operational staff who constantly interact with data and need professional data literacy skills to enable them to handle, interpret, and communicate data to support innovation, strategy development and data-driven decision making.
More details & booking
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Fundamentals of AI for the SME
Member Price: €2,000
Thurs 17th Sept | Online
The Certificate in Fundamentals of AI for SMEs is a 20-credit programme designed to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
More details & booking
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Golf Classic 2026
Tues 25th Aug | 7am-2pm | Lee Valley Golf Club
This will be a 4-Person team scramble event and whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice player, this event offers something for everyone, with opportunities to take a break from the day to day tasks, play and network.
Adding to the excitement, our Hole-in-One Charity Challenge, sponsored by O'Donovan Baker LLP Solicitors, offers an incredible prize of a Bucket List Golf Trip for Four to Pebble Beach, Monterey, California, valued at $33,000. One perfect shot could see you and three guests enjoying one of the world's most iconic golfing destinations.
More Details & Bookings
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Networking Lunch on Board Brittany Ferries Pont Aven
Sat 12th Sept | 12pm-3pm | Pont Aven, Ringaskiddy Port
This event will provide you with an exclusive opportunity to explore the fantastic facilities on board the luxury ship as you enjoy a charming afternoon in Cork Harbour.
We will wrap up your French experience with lunch prepared by the best of French chefs and served with specially selected French wines. All served while you network with the French-Irish business community in Cork.
More Details & Bookings
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Choosing Cork
Article by Jay Puntay, Deutsche Börse Group
For Jay Puntay, VP and Head of Order and Cash IT at Deutsche Börse Group, the move from Manila to Cork opened the door to leading AI-driven innovation on a global stage while embracing a new professional challenge.
In this article, Jay reflects on his career journey and the opportunities that brought him to Cork.
Read more
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How Cork SMEs are growing internationally
Enterprise Europe Network Ireland at Cork Chamber
How are fellow Cork SMEs unlocking new international opportunities? From securing overseas partnerships to improving sustainability, discover how local businesses are harnessing the Enterprise Europe Network and Local Enterprise Office supports to grow with confidence.
See what worked for them and how it could work for your business.
Read more
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Driving Sustainable Growth through Energy Savings
From food and logistics businesses across Europe to a Cork-based SME, the REEValue project is helping businesses cut energy costs and improve efficiency through practical tools like the free REEValue.eu Energy Evaluation Tool.
Read the full story on ChamberLink to see how targeted energy investments are building long-term business resilience.
Read more
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Member Spotlight
InterTradeIreland
AI is not just a technology issue. For SMEs, it is becoming a business issue.
For many SMEs, the real question is not whether AI matters. It is where to start, what is worth investing time in, and what support would make adoption easier.
Take part in a survey and receive a personalised AI Readiness Scorecard for your business.
InterTradeIreland wants to hear from SMEs as part of current independent research on AI adoption.
Complete the survey here
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