Tralee Chamber Alliance is calling on the Government to take urgent action to protect jobs and support local businesses in Budget 2026.
The chamber has published its pre-budget submission.
Tralee Chamber CEO Colette O’Connor says small businesses are the backbone of Kerry’s economy and if they fail, our towns and people will feel the impact.
In this pre-budget submission Tralee Chamber Alliance CEO Colette O’Connor outlines the severe impact of escalating labour costs on SMEs, retailers, and hospitality businesses, which she says are sectors that employ almost 20% of Kerry’s workforce.
She says urgent action is needed to address rising employment costs, housing shortages, and infrastructure gaps that are placing unprecedented pressure on local businesses across Tralee and Kerry.
Chamber research shows that 68% of local SMEs now cite employment costs as their number one concern, with nearly half considering reducing hiring or cutting operating hours in the year ahead.
Ms O’Connor says without targeted supports in Budget 2026, the cumulative effect of higher labour costs, new pension auto-enrolment, and extended sick pay will push many small businesses to the brink.
In its submission, Tralee Chamber Alliance is calling for reform of employer PRSI and social charges to ease cost pressures, as well as enhanced wage subsidy and SME support schemes to protect jobs.
The chamber also wants investment in apprenticeships, lifelong learning, and language training to strengthen workforce resilience, and a greater focus on housing, town-centre regeneration, and infrastructure to sustain long-term growth.
Colette O’Connor says Kerry has shown resilience and innovation in skills, tourism, and business development, and with the right policy decisions, jobs can be protected, investment can be attracted and we can ensure Kerry remains vibrant and competitive.
