Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke met with members of the Mallow business community at a post-Budget 2026 breakfast briefing in the Hibernian Hotel this week, outlining the Government’s focus on long-term economic sustainability and regional development.
Addressing a full room of local business owners, community leaders, and public representatives, Minister Burke said Budget 2026 aims to ensure continued economic buoyancy while maintaining high levels of employment and growth. He described the Budget as a shift away from short-term relief measures toward policies designed to deliver stability and resilience.
The Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment to capital investment across key areas including housing, infrastructure, energy, and water services, which he described as “the backbone of balanced regional development.” He also acknowledged Ireland’s reliance on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as both a strength and a vulnerability, stressing the importance of building domestic enterprise capacity to safeguard against external shocks.
Among the measures of particular relevance to local business, Minister Burke announced that the VAT rate for hospitality, food services, and hairdressing will be reduced from 13.5% to 9% from 1 July 2026, providing a much-needed boost to sectors that have struggled in recent years. He also confirmed that the reduced 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas will continue until 2030, aimed at easing energy costs across all sectors. The Minister further highlighted ongoing support through Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), and the new Small Business Unit, which will help SMEs improve productivity, digital capability, and competitiveness.
During an engaging Q&A session, local business owners emphasised the urgent need for progress on the Mallow Relief Road, describing it as vital to alleviating congestion, supporting inward investment, and positioning Mallow as a regional growth hub. Several attendees also underlined that Mallow, now the third largest town in Cork County, must be supported not only as a commuter town but as a self-sustaining centre of employment and enterprise. Discussions also touched on energy affordability for SMEs and the potential use of the Apple Escrow Fund for targeted local investment in infrastructure, amenities, and sustainable enterprise projects.
Mallow Chamber said it was delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Minister Burke and to discuss Mallow’s specific needs in person. In a statement following the event, the Chamber welcomed the Government’s focus on long-term sustainability and economic growth, but noted that “the true value of this investment will only be realised through effective delivery in line with the National Development Plan, with funding ring-fenced for specific allocation in Mallow.”
The Chamber also welcomed the VAT rate reductions for the hospitality sector and the continued relief on energy costs, describing them as measures that will have a tangible impact on local businesses. However, it expressed disappointment that Budget 2026 included no provisions to offset the cost impact of auto-enrolment, the rise in the National Minimum Wage, or statutory sick pay obligations , all of which, it said, “place additional pressure on small local employers.”
Following the session, Minister Burke met individually with business owners and community representatives to discuss specific local concerns and opportunities before taking a short tour of Mallow town centre.
