Tariffs and Infrastructure Top Cork Chamber Agenda in Meeting with Tánaiste
In a meeting today with Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, Cork Chamber highlighted the importance of maintaining stability in international trade relationships, particularly in the context of ongoing EU/U.S. discussions on tariff arrangements. A key decision is expected in the coming weeks on whether the U.S. will impose higher tariffs on EU imports creating uncertainty for businesses with transatlantic exposure.
Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, said, “With the upcoming EU/U.S. negotiations deadline, today’s discussion was a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of clear, coordinated communication from government to the business community and the continuation of strong diplomatic engagement to help mitigate uncertainty and protect Ireland’s international trade position.”
The meeting also coincided with Cork Chamber’s formal submission to the National Development Plan Review. The submission outlines a number of strategic priorities to ensure Cork remains competitive and well-positioned for sustainable growth.
“Cork is uniquely positioned to drive Ireland’s economic and environmental future, but this can only happen if the National Development Plan delivers meaningful, sustained investment in the Cork region,” Mr. Healy continued.
“The time for ambition matched by delivery is now. If Ireland is serious about balanced regional growth, meeting climate targets, and sustaining competitiveness, then Cork must be enabled to lead. The priorities we have outlined are not just about Cork, they are about unlocking national potential. We look forward to working with government to turn plans into progress.”
Aligning trade policy, infrastructure delivery, and regional investment remains essential to ensuring that businesses can grow with confidence amid an increasingly complex global environment.
Cork Chamber’s full submission to the National Development Plan Review can be found HERE.
