Taoiseach: ‘Cork is a region with real momentum’

Cork’s soaring ambitions as well as some of the key infrastructure issues were among the key messages coming from the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner 2026 last Friday.

More than 1,000 business leaders, policymakers and key regional stakeholders came together for the event sponsored by AIB.

Speaking at the event, guest of honour An Taoiseach Micheál Martin reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to progress and economic growth.

He said: “Cork is a region with real momentum. Its business community is investing, innovating and delivering, and that progress matters for Ireland as a whole. Continued partnership between enterprise and Government is essential to ensuring that regions like Cork can realise their full potential and continue to play a leading role in Ireland’s economic future.”

In his address, Cork Chamber President Rob Horgan spoke of Cork’s growth trajectory and looked ahead to Cork’s next chapter.

“Cork has become a global hub for life sciences, technology, services and advanced manufacturing," he said.

He added: "We have built a diverse, outward-looking economy. We have attracted international investment while growing strong indigenous enterprise. Ireland, and Cork in particular, relies on an open economy. Our businesses trade internationally, our supply chains cross borders, our tourism depends on connectivity and confidence, and our prosperity depends on stable, predictable global relationships.

“If Cork is to compete globally for people and ideas, we must continue to be a place of welcome, a place where those who choose to come here, whether to work, to study, to invest or to build a life, find communities that are open, inclusive and ready to share this wonderful corner of the world that we call home.”

Mr Horgan also acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead as Cork’s business community sets a course for renewed growth: “The defining challenge of this decade is not ambition. Ireland has ambition. Cork has ambition. The defining challenge is pace of delivery. Across housing, infrastructure, transport, energy and skills, the question is no longer what we want to do, but how effectively and reliably we can deliver it.”

Award winners

Qualcomm Technologies was named as the International Category Winner and the Overall Cork Company of the Year 2026. Cork Chamber’s event honoured companies across four categories: Emerging, SME, Large and International. The Sibly Food Co were Emerging Category Winner while Réalta Technologies took the SME Category Winner. EPS Group took the gong for Large Category Winner.

Now in its third decade, this flagship Cork Chamber initiative, delivered in association with KPMG Ireland and media partner The Irish Examiner, honours companies across four categories Emerging, SME, Large and International that exemplify leadership, innovation and a strong contribution to regional economic growth.

Qualcomm’s recognition comes in the same year the company announced further investment into its Cork operations, expanding its advanced R&D capabilities in artificial intelligence, next-generation computing and high-tech innovation and strengthening Cork’s global position in the tech sector.

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, added: “Our region’s success is built on the combined strength of indigenous enterprises and international companies, each contributing to a vibrant and competitive economy. This year’s winners demonstrate the depth of talent and capability across all stages of growth, from emerging innovators to established market leaders. Qualcomm’s recognition underscores Cork’s position as a leading location for advanced technology and global operations, while our other winners highlight the ambition and resilience of businesses rooted here and scaling from Cork.”

Paul Kelleher, Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies Ireland said: “We are honoured to receive this recognition. Cork continues to be an outstanding location for our teams and our investment in AI, advanced computing and next-generation technologies. This award reflects the dedication of our people, the strength of our partnerships and our commitment to contributing to Cork’s innovation ecosystem.”

Chris Wood, Partner – Audit, KPMG said: “On behalf of KPMG, I congratulate Qualcomm on being named Overall Cork Company of the Year 2026 – an award that recognises their innovation ambitions and further elevates Cork’s reputation as a key location in the rapidly growing global AI and semiconductor sectors. This year’s winners exemplify the breadth and dynamism of Cork’s enterprise landscape, combining innovation, resilience and sustainable growth, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all category award winners. At KPMG, we are proud to support Cork Chamber in celebrating excellence across the business community.”