CBA President: ‘Cork is emerging with renewed belief in its potential as a modern European city’

As we wrapped up 2025, I was proud to reflect on a year defined by collaboration, resilience and real progress for Cork’s business community.

While businesses across the city have continued to face challenges, rising costs and tight margins, there is no doubt that Cork City is moving forward with confidence, ambition and purpose.

The economic environment last year had been complex but encouraging. Footfall strengthened at key trading periods, confidence had returned to investment decisions, and there was renewed momentum in the city centre driven by public-realm works, private-sector commitment and strong partnerships between business and local government.

Cork is emerging from a turbulent period with renewed belief in its potential as a modern European city.

Against this backdrop, the Cork Business Association (CBA) has worked tirelessly to represent, support and champion our members.

We are very much a growing family. Over the past 12 months, our membership has almost doubled, with businesses recognising the value of being part of a strong network of like-minded people who share a deep passion for Cork and its future. This growth reflects trust in the CBA as an organisation that listens, advocates and delivers.

To support this growth, our office has expanded and new positions are opening on our board and executive, ensuring the association continues to evolve and represent the diverse sectors that power Cork City.

A safe and clean city centre underpins everything. We wholeheartedly welcome the allocation of 48 new Gardaí to Cork City, something the CBA has campaigned tirelessly for over a number of years. We will continue to push for Garda allocation into Cork City to ensure safety on our streets.

A major achievement last year was rolling out the Cork City Wardens Programme in collaboration with Cork City Council, which we secured funding for in 2024, with four wardens now patrolling our streets.

The presence of both has made a tangible difference to safety, reassurance and the overall city-centre experience for businesses, workers and visitors.

The CBA also hosted a major Safety and Cleaning event, bringing together businesses, Cork City Council and An Garda Síochána to address challenges and identify practical solutions. We also hosted two Cleaning and Greening days in the city. Our Leave a Light On campaign continued in partnership with Cork City’s nighttime economy directive, encouraging businesses to help create a brighter, more welcoming city after dark with grants available. Initiatives such as Coffee House Lates also helped boost evening footfall, social liveliness, and attract visitors and families into the city centre.

Housing continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing businesses. Working closely with our members, we developed a Housing Solutions paper, presented to Seamus McGrath TD, and were encouraged to see several recommendations reflected in the most recent Budget. We also hosted a dedicated lunch focused on the housing crisis, recognising that without housing solutions, businesses cannot attract or retain staff.

Sustainability remains a growing priority for businesses. In response, the CBA hosted Climate Action Clinics to help members access climate and energy grants, supporting cost reduction while advancing environmental goals.

From an infrastructure perspective, we strongly welcome long-term commitments such as the Cork Luas and the Northern Distributor Road, both of which will be transformative for accessibility, connectivity and economic growth.

Advocacy is central to the CBA’s role. Throughout the year, we met with numerous ministers to keep Cork firmly on the national agenda.

While we were extremely grateful to see the reduction in the VAT rate reintroduced, further measures are urgently required to support the hospitality sector. Margins are simply too tight. Cork is positioning itself as Ireland’s food region, but unsustainable cost increases threaten the very businesses that underpin this ambition. Without swift and decisive action, we risk losing independent food and hospitality operators at the heart of our city.

Retail remains a cornerstone of Cork City’s economy, and 2025 showed clear signs of confidence. Our Retail Committee continues to represent the specific needs of Cork’s retail sector, linking into broader association efforts on safety, cleanliness and city revitalisation.

Significant public-realm investment around South Main Street, Bishop Lucey Park, and ongoing Public Realm and Flood Defence Works at Morrison’s Island are reshaping the city and improving the trading environment.

Networking and collaboration remain key. In 2025, CBA hosted numerous events. We also established a network for festivals and events operating across the city.

One of the highlights of the 2025 was celebrating businesses making a positive impact through the CBA Cork Business of the Year Awards, the Cork Better Building Awards, and the Christmas Windows Competition, recognising excellence in innovation, sustainability, customer experience and care for Cork’s built heritage. They are a reminder that great businesses help create great places — and Cork benefits enormously from both.

Looking ahead to 2026

As the saying goes, “A rising tide raises all boats.”Cork’s business community understands the strength that comes from collaboration, membership and partnership.

Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate the reopening of the former Debenhams/Roches Stores, the development of Queens Old Castle, renewed investment in Merchants Quay Shopping Centre, and new openings including Oakberry, Normal, and The World of Food food court, with further updates expected on The Savoy. In 2026, the CBA will continue to champion our members’ concerns while delivering practical, creative solutions under our Cork City 2030 pillar. We will help launch Cork Cocktail Week in the city, and will continue our collaborations with Cork on a Fork Festival, and the Night Time Economy Office, and deliver our awards, grant supports, briefings, seminars, and cleaning and greening initiatives. The CBA is ultimately a wide group of businesses coming together and working on the ground in the city. We roll up our sleeves, we get stuck in, and we do so because we care deeply about Cork.

Cork is a city of character, creativity and enterprise. The accomplishments of 2025 - from awards that uplift local champions to boots-on-the-ground collaborations that improve city life - remind us that when businesses work together for the common good, our impact is multiplied.

As we reflect on the festive season and look ahead to 2026, let us take pride in how far we’ve come — and look forward with optimism to what we will build together in 2026.

Here’s to a peaceful and prosperous New Year.