DLR Business Community Turns Out in Force as Chamber Launches 2026 County Business Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday 13th July 2026
More than 90 business leaders gathered aboard Dublin Bay Cruises as entries officially open for this year's Awards.
More than 90 business leaders, entrepreneurs, elected representatives and community partners gathered aboard Dublin Bay Cruises last Thursday morning as Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber officially launched the DLR County Business Awards 2026, marking the beginning of one of the county's most anticipated celebrations of business excellence.
Against the spectacular backdrop of Dublin Bay, over 90 attendees came together to celebrate the innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience that continue to make Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown one of Ireland's leading places to live, work and do business. The exceptional turnout reflected the growing momentum behind both the Awards and the Chamber, as businesses from across the county gathered to celebrate success and look ahead to another exciting year.
The launch comes as DLR Chamber continues to experience significant growth in its membership, influence and programme of activity, reinforcing its position as one of Ireland's most active and influential Chambers of Commerce.
Master of Ceremonies, the ever-entertaining Alan Shortt, guided guests through a morning of celebration and inspiration. Guests heard addresses from Frank Curran - Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Colin Brown - President of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber and Colette O'Sullivan - Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber of Commerce, each highlighting the importance of recognising business excellence and celebrating the businesses that continue to drive economic growth, innovation and prosperity across the county.
Among those attending were An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Barry Saul; Frank Shivers, President of Bangor Chamber of Commerce; TDs Barry Ward and Cormac Devlin; together with County Councillors, previous award winners, sponsors, DLR Chamber Board Directors and business leaders from across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The Chamber was extremely honored to have Yaroslav Humeniuk, First Secretary in the Embassy of Ukraine to Ireland in attendance.
The launch also celebrated what has been a transformational period for DLR Chamber. Over the past year, the Chamber has significantly expanded its programme of business engagement and advocacy, delivering a record number of networking events, publishing its landmark Economic Intelligence Report, securing Purple Flag accreditation for Dún Laoghaire, establishing the Shared Island Economic Partnership with Bangor Chamber of Commerce, and making more than 80 policy and lobbying submissions on behalf of businesses. Between January and April 2026 alone, DLR Chamber ranked as the fifth most active lobbying organisation in Ireland, reflecting its growing influence as the voice of business for the county. Together, these initiatives are helping to build a stronger, more connected and more competitive business community.
Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul, said:
"I was delighted to be present at the launch of the DLR Chamber County Business Awards this morning, which celebrate and recognise the thriving and vibrant business community across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. These awards shine a spotlight on the innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience that drive our local economy and contribute so much to the region's success. I look forward to seeing the outstanding achievements of businesses across the county acknowledged and celebrated through this important initiative."
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, said:
"The DLR County Business Awards continue to showcase the innovation, resilience and ambition that define businesses across our county. It is inspiring to see so many organisations striving for excellence, creating employment and making such a positive contribution to our local economy and communities."
Colin Brown, President of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber, said:
"The DLR County Business Awards are about recognising the people and businesses who continually raise the bar. Every day across this county we see innovation, determination and excellence that deserves to be celebrated. These Awards shine a spotlight on those achievements while inspiring the next generation of business success."
Colette O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Chamber, added:
"The launch of the awards aboard Dublin Bay Cruises perfectly captured the confidence, optimism and ambition that exists across our business community. Seeing over 90 people come together before 8.00am demonstrates the value businesses place on celebrating success, building connections and supporting one another.
The DLR County Business Awards celebrate the people behind that success – the entrepreneurs, employers, innovators and community leaders who are shaping the future of our county. We look forward to discovering this year's finalists and celebrating their achievements at what promises to be our biggest Awards Gala yet."
Now in their tenth year in their current format, and building on the Chamber's earlier Sustainability Awards programme, the DLR County Business Awards continue a proud tradition of recognising excellence across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown's business community for 20 years in partnership Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
Entries are now officially open across the following categories:
Start-Up Business of the Year Innovation & Digital Transformation Award Inclusive Employer of the Year Award Climate Action Award Climate Leadership Award Social Enterprise of the Year Professional Services Excellence Award (Over 10 Employees) Professional Services Excellence Award (Under 10 Employees) Financial Services Excellence Award Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality Excellence in Sports & Leisure Award Retail Excellence Award Destination & Placemaking Award
The winners will be announced at the DLR County Business Awards Gala on Thursday, 12 November 2026, at the Royal Marine Hotel, where hundreds of business leaders from across the county will gather to celebrate the very best of business in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
The Chamber expressed its sincere appreciation to its valued Awards partners and sponsors, whose continued support makes the programme possible: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Local Enterprise Office DLR, RWE, AIB, EirGrid, KeyGreen, PTSB, Royal Marine Hotel, RBK and BusinessPlus.
A special acknowledgement was also extended to Dublin Bay Cruises for hosting the launch in such a unique and iconic setting, providing the perfect backdrop for the official start of the 2026 Awards programme. The Chamber also thanked Michael Chester for capturing the occasion through his photography.
Applications for the DLR County Business Awards 2026 are now open, and businesses of all sizes from across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown are encouraged to enter and showcase their achievements.
