By Rory McGinn

Copyright independent

Expectations from Budget 2026 have been fairly downbeat among business leaders outside the hospitality sector. However the minister said he expects the Coalition to deliver “an enterprise budget,” with a strong emphasis on research and innovation.

“No matter what sector you’re in, we need so much more expenditure in that area,” he said.

Speaking to an audience of exporting firms at the Enterprise Ireland’s International Markets Week conference he added that, “the Government would look to strengthen supports through grant aid, research and development (R&D) tax credits and a successor to the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme.”

He acknowledged the cost pressures facing businesses, particularly energy, but insisted Ireland had “a huge amount to offer” in renewable power and infrastructure investment.

Mr Burke pointing towards what he calls a “simplification agenda,” on the government’s plans for this years budget and future strategies to help streamline Irish business operations, “we have to do things simpler, faster and lighter.”

However, overall Irish exporters remain confident about growth prospects despite rising costs and global uncertainty.

Enterprise Ireland chief executive Jenny Melia told attendees at the RDS event that 95pc of client companies plan to expand into new international markets next year.

With almost two-thirds forecasting export growth this year and 93pc also expecting additional growth in 2026.

“Our exporting businesses and our entrepreneurs are proving to be agile, innovative, resilient and optimistic for new growth,” she said.

“Now is the time to scale up, to be more competitive, and to invest in people and in talent.”

Enterprise Ireland’s survey also found that nine in ten firms are either integrating or planning to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, with two-thirds identifying AI and digitalisation as critical for securing future international business.

The top three challenges cited by companies staffing, energy and other costs, and wider global uncertainty including tariffs and regulation.

However the mood at the event, which gathered more than 700 Irish exporters for 2,000 one-to-one meetings with Enterprise Ireland’s network of international market advisers, was upbeat.

Melia stressed that the Budget should send “a strong signal of stability and support for exporters.”

Energy costs remained “very tough on our businesses, particularly fixed network costs”, but she welcomed the Minister’s focus on R&D innovation.

Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson who was also in attendance, called for urgent investment in infrastructure and a resolution to the long-running passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

“We need an efficient airport system,” he said in relation to infrastructure investment.

Regarding the passenger cap, Mr Wilson says. “They just need to legislate for this, it’s anti-competitive and American carriers are not happy because they can’t launch routes.”

On the Budget, Wilson said the Government must push ahead with capital projects in energy, roads and airports.

“Lower taxes to stimulate demand in the economy is the right way to go,” he concluded.