Dear Chamber Member,

As we move through the final quarter of the year, there’s much happening across the Chamber network. The recent publication of our Q3 Economic Trends report has provided fresh insight into local business sentiment and performance.

The latest issue of ChamberLink magazine is also now in circulation, featuring member news, thought leadership and updates on Cork’s evolving business landscape. We also look forward to celebrating excellence and innovation at the Cork Digital Marketing Awards later this week – always a highlight in our events calendar.

This week’s Budget 2026 announcements brought a clear focus on maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness, a welcome signal for business at a time of international uncertainty and rising costs.

Measures such as the increase in the R&D tax credit to 35%, enhanced Capital Gains Tax Revised Entrepreneur Relief and the extension of the KEEP scheme are among the positive developments that will support innovation and business growth across our region. However, while these measures are positive, more must be done to ease the cost and administrative pressures facing SMEs.

On housing, the reduction in VAT on the sale of completed apartments and enhanced corporate tax deductions for apartment development, along with the expansion of the Living City Initiative, are encouraging and have the potential to increase supply and rejuvenate urban centres.

Yet feedback from across our membership has been clear – that delivery on infrastructure and housing must keep pace with the growth of our region.

We look forward to seeing the detail of funding allocations published by each government department in the coming weeks, and we will continue to work with government and stakeholders to ensure these commitments translate into real progress for Cork businesses.

I welcome you to contact me directly on 087 9471858 or by e-mail HERE to discuss any issues affecting your business. We are here to represent you.

Best regards,

Conor Healy CEO