Cork Business Association has delivered a comprehensive wishlist to Government ahead of Budget 2026, calling for urgent action on housing, city centre security, and the soaring costs threatening local businesses.
The submission, delivered before the Dáil Summer Recess, outlines practical solutions to protect Cork’s vibrant business community while acknowledging recent wins including the transformed Kent Station and progress on the Cork Luas.
Dave O’Brien, President of Cork Business Association and Head of Tax at Xeinadin:
“Kent Station has never looked better. Projects like the Cork Luas and the long-awaited M28 motorway to Ringaskiddy are also gathering momentum, thanks in part to continued advocacy from the business community.”
However, O’Brien warned that positive momentum alone won’t solve Cork’s underlying challenges.
Dave O’Brien:
“Bold decisions are needed now. We are calling on Government to take positive action on housing, to increase Garda numbers in the city centre, to alleviate the increasing cost of doing business to save further closures, and to prioritise investment in key transport infrastructure.”
Housing Takes Top Priority
The CBA has placed the housing crisis at the top of its agenda, criticising the current “piecemeal, politically driven approach” and demanding a long-term, evidence-based strategy.
Key proposals include expanding the Living City Initiative by removing income caps and extending building date limits, introducing a new Apartment Living Initiative for modern apartment construction, and enhancing the Help to Buy scheme to cover renovations of vacant or derelict properties.
The submission pulls no punches on the political implications: “If the Government fails to act decisively now, re-election will be a tough ask.”
Cost Crisis Threatens Local Businesses
With continued closures hitting Cork’s hospitality sector, the CBA is demanding the Government follow through on promises to reduce VAT for food-related services. They also want a comprehensive review of energy market charges, citing multiple fees that are driving up business costs.
While supporting the principle of a living wage, the CBA warns that without State support, smaller businesses will be disproportionately affected by minimum wage increases.
Insurance costs remain another major headache, with the Association pushing for improved market competition and better underwriting capacity.
More Gardaí Needed Despite Progress
The CBA acknowledged positive developments including their Cleaning and Greening programme and the new Community Safety Wardens pilot, launched with the Department of Justice, Cork City Council and An Garda Síochána.
Dave O’Brien:
“These initiatives are helping to make Cork a more attractive and welcoming place for businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
However, they’re demanding significantly increased Garda numbers and a review of court procedures that currently tie up officers all day, suggesting alternatives like affidavits to return more Gardaí to street patrols.
Tax Reform to Support Growth
The submission includes detailed tax proposals: reducing Capital Gains Tax from 33% to 20% to match EU averages, improving Entrepreneur Relief by changing the €1 million lifetime limit to a per-project basis, and clarifying Revenue guidance on business succession planning.
Dave O’Brien:
“We’re proud of what has been achieved over the past year through collaboration, but Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to take practical steps that will support small businesses, increase housing supply, and enhance public safety. These changes will help ensure Cork’s momentum is maintained. The time for incremental adjustments has passed. What we need now is bold, transformative policy intervention.”
The message from Cork’s business community is clear: support us now, or risk stalling the hard-won momentum in Ireland’s fastest-growing city.
Full submission details available at www.corkbusiness.ie