This month, Dublin Chamber was disappointed to see further delays to the Greater Dublin Drainage (GDD) Project following a judicial review. We have consistently stressed that this project is critical, not only for Dublin but for the entire Eastern Region. First submitted for planning in 2018, the project remains stalled in 2025 due to continued objections. Such prolonged delays risk severely undermining housing delivery across the region. Dublin Chamber urges Government to prioritise this vital infrastructure and ensure it proceeds without further delay. Read our press release here.

Dublin Chamber also recently made a submission on behalf of members to the public consultation on the Review of the Occupations Lists for Employment Permits. In our submission, we highlighted ongoing inefficiencies in the system, including lengthy processing times and inconsistencies between the current occupation lists. Given Ireland’s ambitious Housing for All and National Development Plan targets, we recommended that elementary construction roles be temporarily added to the Critical Skills List to better support the delivery of housing and infrastructure. We also called for the classification system underpinning the Critical and Ineligible Skills Lists to be modernised, ensuring it reflects emerging and high-growth digital roles such as Artificial Intelligence. Read our submission here. (Link to be added on Friday)

Dublin Chamber recently made an appearance on Newstalk to reiterate the strong support of Dublin’s business community for the timely delivery of MetroLink. Our latest Business Outlook Survey shows that more than two-in-five companies rank MetroLink as the single most important infrastructure project to progress. Speaking on behalf of members, Chief Executive Mary Rose Burke emphasised that MetroLink is vital not only for connecting the Airport and City Centre, but also for unlocking access to Swords and the wider north county, easing congestion, and safeguarding the region’s long-term competitiveness. While healthy debate around major projects is welcome, Dublin Chamber urges Government to prioritise MetroLink and accelerate the planning and approval process to get shovels in the ground without further delay. Read Dublin Chamber’s press release in full here. Listen back to our coverage on Newstalk here.

Dublin Chamber reinforced its support this month for the ratification of the EU-Mercosur trade deal, following the publication of new proposals by the European Commission. The agreement has the potential to open new markets and create valuable opportunities for Ireland’s small, open economy, which relies heavily on international trade. In today’s uncertain global environment, diversifying trade partners and expanding beyond traditional markets will be vital to strengthening Ireland’s resilience and competitiveness. Dublin Chamber is calling on Government to back ratification without delay, ensuring that businesses across Ireland can benefit from enhanced market access. For more on Dublin Chamber’s response, see here.

With Budget Day fast approaching, Dublin Chamber will conclude its pre-budget lobbying campaign by meeting with a number of Dublin TDs next week to discuss our key business priorities. Our asks for Budget 2026 include simplifying supports for businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to strengthen Ireland’s indigenous enterprise ecosystem, as well as securing multi-annual funding for major infrastructure projects to guarantee their timely delivery. You can read back on our budget submission here.