EU Competitiveness and trade in focus: CEO Ian Talbot on RTÉ
CEO Ian Talbot recently appeared on RTÉ’s Nine O’Clock News following the announcement of new US tariffs, where he discussed the uncertainty facing businesses and the importance of diversifying trade relationships while strengthening the EU’s competitiveness.
He also joined RTÉ’s Morning Ireland after the informal meeting of Europe’s Competitiveness Council to discuss the policy changes needed to support business growth, including cutting unnecessary regulation, reducing energy costs, deepening the Single Market and improving access to finance. Together, these issues will play a significant role in creating the right conditions for the EU to deliver on its economic ambitions.
Links to both interviews are available below:
Chambers Ireland 2027 Pre-Budget Submission
Our 2027 Pre-Budget Submission was produced through extensive consultation with Chambers and businesses across the country and is framed around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While Ireland’s economy continues to perform strongly, the submission highlights the growing challenges businesses face, including housing shortages, infrastructure gaps, rising costs, skills shortages, and delays in delivering key projects. It also sets out practical recommendations to help strengthen Ireland’s long-term competitiveness and support sustainable economic growth.
The submission identifies five key national priorities:
- Reduce the cost of doing business by tackling energy, labour, regulatory and operating costs, and deliver meaningful reform through the Cost of Business Advisory Forum Report.
- Turn committed infrastructure investments into visible results through binding delivery targets, multi-annual funding, clearer accountability for major public projects and continued support for the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
- Scale housing and infrastructure delivery to remove constraints on competitiveness and regional growth.
- Focus on energy security and move climate and energy policy from ambition to delivery by accelerating the roll out of renewable generation, grid and storage infrastructure.
- Respond faster to economic and technological change, including better use of the National Training Fund and targeted support for SME innovation and AI adoption.
Submissions
Over the past two months, we have submitted responses to a range of consultations which focused on key issues including planning reform, major infrastructure projects, renewable energy, water infrastructure and social policy. Across each submission, we highlighted the need for policies that support sustainable economic growth, provide certainty for business and ensure the infrastructure and services needed for continued development are delivered in all regions.
- Arklow Bank Wind Park 2 – Read more
- Potential New Working Age and Targeted Child Payments – Read here
- Luas Cork Preferred Route Public Consultation – Read here
- National Planning Excellence Framework – Read here
- Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region – Read here
Recent Oireachtas Committee Engagement
We also appeared before the Oireachtas Committees where we discussed priorities for Budget 2027, the cost of doing business, and developments in international trade. You can read more about our engagement at the links below.
- Committee on Budgetary Oversight
- Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development
Press Releases
Read our statements on:
- 24/07/2026: Chambers Ireland Warn Against Growing Trade Uncertainty as US Introduces New Tariffs – Read here
- 22/07/2026: Chambers Ireland responds to the Summer Economic Statement and calls for Government to back business in Budget 2027 – Read here
- 30/06/2026: Budget 2027 – Read here
- 16/06/2026: Eurochambres and Chambers Ireland meet Taoiseach to discuss EU Presidency priorities – Read here
For More Information:
Contact Abbie Brennan at abbie.brennan@chambers.ie