This month, Dublin Chamber launched our Pre-Budget submission, laying out key recommendations to Government ahead of Budget 2026. This upcoming budget comes at a critical time for Dublin businesses, with firms continuing to grapple with rising costs, ongoing uncertainty and the growing strain of Dublin’s overstretched infrastructure system. In this challenging environment, it is critical to safeguard Dublin’s competitiveness and ensure that it remains an attractive and accessible place to live, work, do business and invest in.  

Following extensive consultation with our members, Chamber taskforces and our Policy Council, as well as meetings with the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Enterprise over the course of this year, we have produced a focused submission that addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing businesses in Dublin. We are calling for practical measures that will support firms through current pressures and also strengthen Dublin’s long-term ability to compete on the global stage.  

Our five priority recommendations for Budget 2026 are: 

• Reduce Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Cut the rate of CGT for disposals of investments in unquoted, actively trading Irish companies from 33% to 20%. 

• Fund Water Infrastructure: Secure dedicated multi-annual budgets for Uisce Éireann to begin the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and the Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme by January 2028, with completion by 2035. 

• Accelerate Public Transport Projects: Fully fund and deliver critical transport projects including MetroLink, DART+ schemes, BusConnects, and LUAS extensions to Finglas, Poolbeg, and Bray. 

• Boost Housing Delivery: Increase funding for housing supply schemes such as Croí Cónaithe Cities, Project Tosaigh, and the First Home Scheme to ensure housing stock keeps pace with demand. 

• Invest in Childcare: Commit to structured, multi-annual investment in childcare, aiming to reduce costs to €200 per child per month by 2030. 

Over the coming weeks, we will continue our engagement with Government and the relevant departments on these priorities to ensure that your business’s voice is heard in the lead up to Budget 2026. If you have any feedback on our submission or questions relating to our pre-budget lobby, please contact policy@dublinchamber.ie.