On 1st October, Dublin Chamber and Chambers Ireland addressed the Oireachtas Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on apprenticeships. We welcomed the growth in apprenticeship numbers under the Action Plan on Apprenticeships but warned that programme development, especially for consortia-led apprenticeships, remains too slow. We called for greater flexibility to align programmes with market needs, improved access for SMEs through a formalised transfer option, and stronger promotion of apprenticeships to both employers and learners.
On 8th October, we addressed the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to highlight the growing cost pressures and competitiveness challenges facing Dublin businesses. We warned that delays to vital infrastructure projects, particularly those that enable housing, are undermining Ireland’s attractiveness for investment and called for urgent progress on key water, transport, and energy projects currently stalled in the planning system. We also emphasised the need to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, helping firms cut costs and administrative workload so they can focus more on innovation, productivity, and growth. Watch our contributions back here (from 24 minutes) or read our full statement here.
This month, Dublin Chamber also welcomed the decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to approve the Railway Order for Metrolink, marking a major milestone for Dublin’s long-awaited metro project. Metrolink is a transformative, once-in-a-generation project that will improve connectivity across the capital, reduce congestion, support climate targets, and strengthen Dublin’s competitiveness as a leading European city for business and investment. It will also unlock significant housing development potential across North County Dublin. Now that planning approval has been secured, Dublin Chamber will continue lobbying to ensure that construction begins without delay. Read our press release here.
In addition to the above, we were delighted to welcome Richard Shakespeare, CEO of Dublin City Council, for an engaging presentation to members on Building a Dublin that Works earlier in October. Richard outlined the Council’s key priorities across housing, traffic, and public realm enhancement - many of which align with the Chamber's own priorities - and highlighted the visible progress already underway, including the Talbot Street Public Realm Scheme. Dublin Chamber commends Dublin City Council’s ongoing efforts to shape a thriving, sustainable capital and will continue to support our shared vision. Our next Local Government event is on 4th November with AnnMarie Farrelly, the Chief Executive of Fingal, and will be held in Fingal County Council Head Offices in Swords
This week, we launched the results of our Q3 Business Outlook survey to Dublin Chamber members and elected officials. This quarter’s findings show that many businesses remain sceptical of Government performance, with 41% rating it “Fair” and nearly four-in-ten saying it is falling short on promises. Housing emerges as the primary benchmark by which members judge Government delivery, followed by infrastructure delivery. In response to these findings, Dublin Chamber has urged Government to fully commence the Planning and Development Act to accelerate housing and infrastructure delivery and commit to multi-annual funding for projects to restore business confidence. Read our press release here.