This month, Dublin Chamber brought a delegation of members to Leinster House for an Oireachtas reception to engage directly with Ministers and elected representatives. The reception provided an opportunity to raise member priorities and discuss the policy measures needed to support Dublin’s competitiveness and future growth.
Hosted by James Geoghegan TD and Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, the reception brought together Ministers Jim O’Callaghan, Darragh O’Brien, James Lawless and Martin Heydon, alongside Shay Brennan TD, Ivana Bacik TD, Cormac Devlin TD, Paul McAuliffe TD, Shane Moynihan TD, James O’Connor TD and Barry Ward TD. The engagement took place as the Oireachtas debated and voted on the Critical Infrastructure Bill, creating a timely opportunity to discuss the importance of accelerating delivery and removing barriers to growth.
Drawing directly from member engagement, Dublin Chamber used the reception to outline our eight key priority areas that will continue to shape our advocacy and policy engagement in the months ahead:
1. Deliver Critical Water Infrastructure
Government must accelerate delivery of the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme. Expanding water and wastewater capacity is essential to supporting housing delivery, economic growth and long-term resilience across the Greater Dublin Area.
2. Remove the Passenger Cap at Dublin Airport
As Ireland’s primary international gateway, Dublin Airport plays a critical role in supporting trade, tourism and investment. Removing the passenger cap is necessary to protect connectivity, support employment and strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness as an open economy.
3. Prioritise Investment in Shovel-Ready Transport Projects
Dublin’s continued growth requires sustained investment in public transport infrastructure. Priority should be given to progressing projects including DART+, LUAS Finglas, BusConnects and other strategic transport investments that reduce congestion and improve connectivity.
4. Accelerate Housing Delivery Across the Greater Dublin Area
Increasing housing supply remains central to supporting competitiveness and economic growth. Government should prioritise delivery in the Greater Dublin Area, support brownfield development and enable growth in commuter locations connected by public transport.
5. Support the Regeneration of Dublin City Centre
The recommendations of the Dublin City Taskforce must now move into delivery. Dedicated, ring-fenced funding will be critical to improving the public realm, strengthening economic activity and ensuring Dublin city centre remains an attractive place to live, work and visit.
6. Strengthen Support for Indigenous Enterprise and Investment
Supporting indigenous business growth will be essential to Ireland’s long-term resilience. Measures that encourage domestic investment, improve access to capital and support innovation can help businesses scale and remain competitive.
7. Invest in Skills and Workforce Development
Businesses require access to a skilled and adaptable workforce to remain competitive. Greater investment in employer-led training, apprenticeships and lifelong learning will be critical to meeting future labour market demand.
8. Reduce the Cost and Complexity of Doing Business
Rising costs and increasing regulatory requirements continue to place pressure on firms, particularly SMEs. Government should focus on reducing administrative burden, improving regulatory clarity and creating a more supportive environment for business growth.
Delivering on these priorities will require sustained engagement and coordinated action across Government. Over the coming months, Dublin Chamber will continue working with the relevant Departments and Oireachtas members to advance these priorities and support delivery.