Cork Chamber: Budget a missed opportunity to ease burden on business

Although Cork Chamber has welcomed Budget 2027’s focus on strengthening economic resilience in Ireland, it also claimed it was a missed opportunity to further address the cost burden on business.

Welcoming investment measures for businesses, Cork Chamber president Susie Horgan said further support for business is also needed.

Ms Horgan said: “Today’s measures contain a number of positive steps, particularly through investment in critical infrastructure, skills, enterprise, childcare and other supports that can help reduce costs for business.

“Cork Chamber welcomes measures to reduce the cost of childcare, particularly the reduced monthly fee caps and the increase in the childcare services relief tax exemption.

“The commitment of €150m over three years from the National Training Fund towards reskilling and upskilling in response to AI is particularly timely.

She continued: “However, further action is needed to build capacity, strengthen the workforce and expand flexible childcare provision. We also continue to advocate for greater employer-supported childcare solutions, including tax incentives for corporate creches.”

Cork Business Association board member Dave O’Brien told The Echo that although, from a business perspective, there were small wins in Budget 2027, it could have delivered more.

“The CBA will continue to champion for businesses in Cork,” he said.

“However, this budget has not moved the dial, and unfortunately cannot be described as pro-business. However, employees should be happy with the personal tax changes — and they were needed.

“We need to continue to push this Government to ensure over the term of this Government that they think of the overall cost of doing business in Cork and Ireland, and manage ways to reward risk.”