Chambers Ireland has launched its pre-budget submission reflecting the shared concerns and aspirations of affiliated Chambers of Commerce around the country.
Calling on the Government to take decisive and long-term action, Chief Executive Ian Talbot highlighted the need for urgency:
“Our economy continues to grow but our critical infrastructure has not kept pace with rapidly increasing demand. Few would have predicted today’s economic strength during the challenges of the past twenty years and inadequate delivery now means the infrastructure gap threatens our continued prosperity. Bridging that gap is critical and if we fail to act then we risk entering a period of managed decline.”
The submission stresses that while the housing crisis remains front and centre, it has overshadowed other fundamental service shortfalls particularly in energy, public transport, water and wastewater treatment.
Talbot continued:
“The era of being able to tolerate delays caused by lengthy planning challenges, judicial reviews and other hurdles is over. Discussion on the impact on future generations has now been overtaken by the impact on the current generation. Each delay also increases both the pressure and the ultimate cost. We need a whole-of-Government and State Agency approach that uses every lever available including tax incentives and legislative change to accelerate the delivery of vital infrastructure and housing.”
He drew attention to the State’s competitiveness amid global uncertainty, driven by protectionist policies, tariffs and the mounting impact of climate change:
“The significant financial resources available to this Government mean there is a real opportunity to invest in core infrastructure and breathe new life into our towns and cities. This will help build a more sustainable economy and provide the certainty businesses need to stay competitive.
Our climate goals and energy security must also remain at the heart of the next Budget. The Sustainable Development Goals continue to guide the Chamber Network as we work to balance our economic ambition with environmental responsibility.
Economic growth and job creation is being constrained at a time of great opportunity to lead on sustainable growth and embrace new opportunities. We must now act with urgency.”
Some of our key recommendations include:
- A commitment to multiannual funding in water and wastewater treatment infrastructure.
- Continued investment in transport networks.
- Grid reinforcement and upgrades.
- Increased housing targets and investment in housing.
- Initiatives to stimulate Modern Methods of Construction.
- Increased funding for port infrastructure.
- The introduction of a Strategic Capital Investment Scheme support large scale, high growth projects across key sectors.
- Expansion and acceleration of non-domestic retrofitting supports.
- Further investment in childcare.
- Increased funding for apprenticeships.
- Facilitating SME engagement in International Trade.
Our recommendations are framed in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals. We have outlined these in the following terms:
1. Gender Equality – SDG 5
- Childcare
- Enabling Equality
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth – SDG 8
- Developing & Attracting Talent
- Business Supports
- Trade
3. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – SDG 9
- Planning Reform
- Essential Infrastructure Investment
- Transport Networks
- Fostering Innovation
4. Sustainable Cities and Communities – SDG 11
- Housing Development
- Optimise Building Stock
- Modern Methods of Construction
- Vibrant Cohesive Communities
5. Climate Action – SDG 13
- Energy Security
- Renewable Energy Generation
- Decarbonisation