As Carlow looks ahead to the economic horizon of 2026, local business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs will gather at the Breakfast Business Seminar: Challenge & Opportunity ’26 – Economic Forum on Tuesday, 22 October 2025 at the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow.
Hosted by County Carlow Chamber & Carlow County Council’s Economic Development Unit seminar aims to bring public and private sector voices together to explore how businesses can navigate the coming years with strategy, resilience, and collaboration. The free event runs from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and includes breakfast, a keynote address, and expert panel discussions.
The morning will focus on three core areas that are critical for businesses looking to grow sustainably and competitively in the near future:
- Public Procurement: Understanding how SMEs can access government contracts
- Business Efficiency: Embracing smarter, more sustainable ways of working
- Strategic Finance: Planning for long-term investment and financial resilience
The event will open with remarks from local leaders and will feature keynote speaker Fintan O'Toole, one of Ireland’s most respected public intellectuals and social commentators. His address, “Ireland at a Crossroads: Economic Choices for a Resilient Future”, will challenge attendees to think critically about the economic, political, and social choices facing the country in the lead-up to 2026 and beyond.
Speaking ahead of the event, Cllr. Ken Murnane, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council emphasised the importance of strategic dialogue at a local level:
“As a council, we are delighted to support this important forum, which brings together key voices from across our business community. It provides a valuable opportunity for local enterprises to gain insights, explore new opportunities, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. By working together, we can help shape a stronger, more resilient economic future for Carlow.”
Norah Ryan, President of County Carlow Chamber, speaking about why the business community should attend the event said “At County Carlow Chamber, we recognise that meaningful economic progress happens when the public and private sectors come together with a shared purpose. This forum reflects our commitment to fostering that collaboration — not just through dialogue, but through real, strategic engagement that helps businesses grow. Our members consistently tell us they need both a clear vision of the road ahead and practical tools they can apply in their day-to-day operations. This event is designed to deliver exactly that: expert insight, valuable connections, and concrete steps that businesses can take to become more competitive, innovative, and resilient. By working closely with our partners in the local authority and enterprise sector, we aim to ensure that Carlow is not only prepared for the economic challenges of the coming years, but positioned to lead.”
The event will include a keynote from Fintan O’Toole. Fintan O’Toole is a renowned Irish journalist, author, and cultural critic. A long-time columnist with The Irish Times, he is known for his insightful analysis of Irish society, politics, and history. O’Toole has written extensively on topics ranging from the financial crisis to Brexit, Irish identity, and democracy. He is a regular contributor to international publications such as The New York Review of Books and has won multiple awards for journalism, including the Orwell Prize.
Speaking about the event, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council outlined that “2026 promises both headwinds and opportunities. Our goal with this event is to equip businesses with the knowledge and networks to thrive — whether in procurement, cost management, or strategic investment. Carlow must be ready, proactive, and resilient.”
To register for this free event contact the Local Enterprise Office on 059-9129783 or e-mail enterprise@carlowcoco.ie