06/10/2026
๐๏ธ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
Following the announcement of Budget 2027, Tralee Chamber CEO Colette OโConnor joined Deirdre Walshโs Talkabout Show on Radio Kerry to share her reaction and discuss what the Budget means for businesses across Kerry.
While there are some welcome measures around business energy supports, fuel costs and elements of housing and hospitality, Colette highlighted the ongoing pressures facing local businesses.
โThe biggest concern for Kerry businesses remains the cumulative cost of doing business, and particularly the cost of employment. Our pre-Budget survey showed that wages and labour costs were the single greatest pressure facing local firms, and with further increases now coming, we had hoped to see stronger measures to help offset that burden for SMEs.''
Colette also called for greater clarity on what Budget 2027 will deliver for Kerry, particularly around housing, grid capacity, transport, water and wastewater infrastructure, town-centre regeneration and skills.
As Kerry continues to play an important role in Irelandโs energy future, she stressed the importance of ensuring national investment translates into local jobs, procurement opportunities and stronger communities.
The real test now will be delivery - what reaches Kerry, how quickly, and whether it genuinely improves competitiveness for local businesses.