Laois businesses demand rising costs be a top priority in Budget 2027

Laois Chamber Alliance surveyed businesses in Laois to hear their views

Published 5th Oct 2026, 10:30 BST Laois Senator Maria McCormack, Margaret Considine from Chambers Ireland, and CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, Jackie Carroll. Photo: Conor McCabe Photography. Laois Chamber Alliance surveyed businesses in Laois to hear their views Laois businesses are looking for a wide range of issues to be tackled in the 2027 Budget, including high employment costs and gaps in local infrastructure.

Laois Chamber Alliance met with Laois Senator Maria McCormack and Deputy Willie Aird in recent days to discuss pressures facing local businesses ahead of the Budget on Tuesday, October 6.

Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

Small, medium and large businesses in Portlaoise, Portarlington, Mountrath and other areas of the county were surveyed by Laois Chamber Alliance to examine what the most pressing issues were for businesses heading into the Budget.

Laois Chamber Alliance is looking for Budget 2027 to reduce the cost of employment, complete critical infrastructure and make it easier for businesses to recruit and invest.

Laois TD Willie Aird, Margaret Considine from Chambers Ireland, and CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, Jackie Carroll. Photo: Conor McCabe Photography. The survey found that 83% of respondents had been moderately or significantly affected by rising costs. Wages and labour costs were identified as a main pressure by 70% of businesses.

Recruitment was another serious concern raised. Of the businesses surveyed, a staggering 87% said that housing, childcare or transport had affected their ability to recruit or retain staff.

Additionally, 61% believe that infrastructure and public services are not keeping pace with growth in the county.

Among the issues raised was anti-social behaviour. 39% of respondents said anti-social behaviour, theft, vandalism or other safety concerns had affected their business, employees or customers and 22% believed increased Garda visibility would have the greatest economic impact.

Free interview workshop to take place at Portlaoise Library Commenting on the feedback from businesses, CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance, Jackie Carroll, said: “Laois businesses want to invest, grow and create jobs. The confidence is there, with 83% of respondents positive about their prospects for 2027. High employment costs and gaps in local infrastructure are limiting what they can do.

“As part of the Chambers Ireland Pre Budget Submission day, we met Senator Maria McCormack and Deputy Willie Aird last week to bring these findings directly to our local representatives. We asked them to support practical measures that will reduce the cost of employing people and running a business.”

She added: “We also raised the urgent need for firm delivery dates for electricity, water, wastewater, transport and serviced business sites in Laois. Businesses cannot plan an expansion or take on new staff without knowing when these services will be available.”

The Chamber’s submission calls for employer PRSI reform, action on energy and insurance costs and practical investment supports for small and medium-sized businesses.

It is also calling for a ready-to-occupy building at the Portlaoise Business and Technology Park, along with serviced business properties in Portarlington and other suitable Laois towns.

Housing and transport are included as business priorities because they directly affect recruitment. The submission seeks increased housing delivery, more reliable rail services at Portlaoise and Portarlington, protection of services at Ballybrophy and continued funding for Local Link.