County Wexford Chamber is the leading voice of business across County Wexford, representing a broad membership base that spans all key sectors of the local economy - including medtech, manufacturing, technology, professional services, hospitality, tourism, and retail.
County Wexford Chamber plays a pivotal role in the economic and community development of the region by providing advocacy, networking, training, and promotional support to over 400 member businesses. We work closely with our local authority, elected representatives, state agencies, and educational institutions to advance a shared agenda of regional prosperity.
FOREWORD
County Wexford is a county of opportunity. With a growing population, a strong indigenous business base, internationally recognised employers, a strategic international port, and significant potential in sectors such as renewable energy, tourism, agrifood and advanced manufacturing, Wexford is well positioned to play an even greater role in Ireland's economic future.
Over the past year, County Wexford Chamber has engaged extensively with businesses across the county, as well as with policymakers, public representatives and key stakeholders. A consistent message has emerged: businesses remain ambitious and optimistic about the future, but they need the right conditions in place to invest, grow and create employment.
While Wexford has many strengths, businesses continue to face challenges that limit growth and competitiveness Infrastructure deficits, rising operating costs, workforce constraints and barriers to enterprise development are creating uncertainty and making it more difficult for businesses to plan for the future with confidence. These challenges are not unique to Wexford, but their impact is often felt more acutely in regional counties where access to infrastructure, housing, healthcare services and investment can be more limited.
Budget 2027 presents an important opportunity to address these challenges while building on the significant assets and opportunities that already exist Strategic investment and targeted policy measures can unlock economic growth, support balanced regional development and ensure County Wexford remains an attractive place to live, work, invest and do business.
Our recent Look to Wexford campaign highlighted the county's strengths as a location for investment, innovation and quality of life. However, if we are to fully realise this potential, we must continue to invest in the infrastructure, talent and business environment that will enable future growth
This submission outlines three priorities that we believe are critical to the future success of County Wexford: unlocking growth through strategic infrastructure, making Wexford a more competitive place to do business, and building the entrepreneurs, skills and innovation ecosystem that will drive the economy of the future.
We look forward to working with Government and stakeholders to advance these priorities and ensure that County Wexford continues to be a place where businesses can thrive, communities can prosper, and future generations can build successful careers and lives.
Murphy Paula Roche
Ed Murphy Paula Roche President, County Wexford Chamber CEO, County Wexford Chamber
Ed
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. Unlocking Growth Through Strategic Infrastructure
The Wexford Opportunity
Rosslare's future success is not only a regional issue; it is critical to Ireland's competitiveness, energy security, export capability and climate ambitions. Continued investment in port, transport, grid and supply chain infrastructure is essential to realise its full potential as a strategic national asset.
"Infrastructure is not simply about connectivity. It is the foundation upon which investment, jobs and regional prosperity are built."
Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber
County Wexford Chamber
Enable local authorities and development agencies to bring investment-ready Create the conditions necessary to attract indigenous expansion, foreign direc and job creation.
County Wexford Chamber Recommendations
County Wexford Chamber calls on Government to prioritise the following actions in Budget 2027
With timely investment in strategic infrastructure, County Wexford can become a significant hub for trade, offshore renewable energy, enterprise and regional grow challenge is no longer ambition, but delivery. Government must now turn commit and deliver the infrastructure needed to unlock Wexford's full potential.
2. Making Wexford a Competitive Place to Do Business
The Challenges Facing Businesses
"The businesses that will drive Wexford's economy in 2035 are being founded, developed and trained today. Investment in entrepreneurship, innovation and skills is therefore investment in the county's future prosperity."
Ed Murphy, President, County Wexford Chamber
County Wexford Chamber Recommendations
3. Building Wexford's Future Economy
The Challenges Facing Businesses
Support businesses to decarbonise through practical and accessible grant sch
County Wexford Chamber Recommendations
Invest in green skills and renewable energy workforce development. Align enterprise supports with opportunities arising from offshore renewable e climate transition
County Wexford Chamber calls on Government to prioritise the following actions in Budget 2027
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
County Wexford Chamber would like to thank all members who contributed their insights, experiences and recommendations in shaping this submission. The priorities outlined in this document have been informed by direct engagement with businesses across the county and reflect the challenges, opportunities and ambitions of the business community we represent.
We also acknowledge the ongoing engagement and collaboration of our elected representatives, government departments, state agencies, local authorities, educational institutions and industry partners The economic success of County Wexford depends on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to delivering sustainable growth, supporting enterprise and strengthening regional competitiveness
We wish to recognise the continued collaboration of Wexford County Council and its commitment to economic development, infrastructure investment and place-making initiatives that support businesses and communities throughout the county.
We also acknowledge the valuable research, policy development and advocacy undertaken by Chambers Ireland, whose national Pre-Budget Submission and policy work help inform and strengthen regional advocacy efforts across the Chamber network
Finally, we thank the many businesses, entrepreneurs, employers and stakeholders who continue to invest in County Wexford, create employment, support local communities and contribute to the county's economic success. Their ambition, resilience and commitment remain the foundation of a strong and prosperous County Wexford
