Minister Burke welcomes publication of Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2026

16th July 2026

The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke today welcomed the publication of Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2026 by the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC).

The NCPC’s annual report contains recommendations to Government on ways to address challenges to Ireland’s international competitiveness and productivity performance. The report forms the basis for discussions at the annual Competitiveness Summit (held on 13 July 2026).

Minister Burke said:

“I welcome the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council’s analysis and recommendations, as set out in the Competitiveness Challenge report. The report provides a timely assessment of both the challenges and opportunities facing Ireland’s economy, at a time of significant global uncertainty. This report formed the basis for a constructive and valuable engagement between the Government and the Council Chair at this year’s Competitiveness Summit on Monday.

“I particularly welome the Council’s recognition of Ireland’s continued strong performance in the IMD World Competitiveness Rankings, where Ireland ranked 7th globally and remains the most competitive economy in the euro area. This highlights the many strengths of our economy, including our openness, skilled workforce and reputation for sound economic management.  It also underlines the need for continued action to address areas where improvement is required, particularly around infrastructure and the cost of doing business.”

Minister Burke added:

“As a small, open economy, Ireland is highly exposed to developments in international markets. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, evolving trade patterns, energy security concerns and increasing global competition reinforce the importance of building resilience while maintaining our competitiveness.

“This work by the Council is highly valuable in informing Government policy. We will carefully consider the recommendations outlined in the Competitiveness Challenge 2026 report and will continue to work across Government to ensure Ireland remains an attractive, competitive and resilient location in which to live, work, invest and do business.”

This year’s Competitiveness Challenge report highlights six key areas. These include building economic resilience and security, improving energy security, reducing the cost of doing business, accelerating public sector reform and infrastructure delivery, harnessing the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and leveraging Ireland’s EU Presidency to advance the EU competitiveness agenda.

The Minister noted that the Council’s 19 recommendations build on the work undertaken through the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity (published last September) which is at an advanced stage of implementation.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) was established in 1997 (then the National Competitiveness Council) to report to the Taoiseach, through the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, on key competitiveness issues facing the Irish economy. In 2019, the NCPC was designated as Ireland’s National Productivity Board.

As part of its work, the NCPC makes recommendations on policy actions required to enhance Ireland’s competitive position.

The members of the Council are:

Back to Department News