Competitiveness tops Cork Chamber’s agenda in pre-Budget meeting with Minister Jack Chambers

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, met with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers to discuss key priorities for Cork’s business community as Budget 2026 approaches. Cork Chamber’s Budget Committee, representing key sectors of the Cork region’s economy, joined the meeting to discuss the importance of prioritising competitiveness in all budgetary measures and government decision-making. 

Cork Chamber President, Rob Horgan, said, “We welcome the opportunity to engage directly with Minister Jack Chambers and his team on some of the most critical priorities for business in this year’s budget. From housing and transport to innovation and skills, Cork Chamber members have consistently highlighted the importance of prioritising competitiveness across all areas of policymaking and investment in Budget 2026.”

Minister Jack Chambers said, “I was delighted to meet with Cork Chamber this week to discuss key priorities as we prepare for Budget 2026. Engaging with the Chamber’s membership represented a valuable opportunity to hear the unique perspective of Cork’s business community and discuss the critical investments needed to chart a course for balanced, sustainable regional growth in Ireland’s fastest growing city region, Cork.”

Chair of Cork Chamber’s Budget Committee and Tax Partner at KPMG, Stephen Keohane, added, “Cork city and county play a vitally important role in Ireland’s economy. With considerable population growth and economic development projected for the years ahead, it is absolutely critical that this growth is accompanied by sufficient infrastructure investment; from public transport and active travel projects, to strategic investment in roads, rail and more.

“We thank Minister Chambers and his team for their positive engagement this week as we continue to advocate for measures that will support sustainable development in the Cork region.”
Cork Chamber has published a detailed pre-budget submission, outlining concrete steps that government can take in this budget to reduce administrative burdens for business, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and accelerate infrastructure delivery, all of which contributes to the creation of a more competitive business environment.

Cork Chamber’s pre-Budget 2026 submission is available here.