With less than two months to go until Budget 2027, the Government’s Summer Economic Statement 2026 has set out the parameters within which the key decisions on tax and spending will be made. The Statement provides for an overall Budget 2027 package of €8.5 billion, comprising €7 billion in additional expenditure and €1.5 billion in taxation measures. Of the additional spending, €5.9 billion will go towards current expenditure, while €1.1 billion will provide for additional capital investment, with Government highlighting critical infrastructure including housing, transport, water and energy.
Government has identified four pillars for Budget 2027: rewarding work and effort, improving public services, investing in critical infrastructure and investing for the future. Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has indicated that the €1.5 billion tax package will have a strong focus on workers and improving take-home pay, while Government has also signalled further action on childcare affordability.
The publication of the Budget 2027 Tax Strategy Group papers shortly after the Summer Economic Statement has moved the Budget process into its next phase, setting out a range of tax policy options and considerations ahead of Budget Day on 6 October.
For Dublin Chamber, the focus must now be on ensuring the resources available are used to address the structural constraints affecting businesses and Ireland’s long-term competitiveness. Our Pre-Budget Submission calls for investment in critical infrastructure, housing and skills, alongside measures to stimulate a more competitive environment for businesses to invest, innovate and grow.
On infrastructure, Dublin Chamber is calling for funding to be prioritised for shovel-ready projects including DART+ South West and West, Luas Finglas and BusConnects, while maintaining commitments to MetroLink and accelerating the delivery of critical water infrastructure projects. We are also calling for measures to support enterprise and investment, including a 20% Capital Gains Tax rate for investments in unquoted, actively trading companies and further enhancements to the R&D Tax Credit.
Budget 2027 also provides an opportunity to make more ambitious use of the National Training Fund to support workforce upskilling and lifelong learning, particularly as AI adoption accelerates and skills needs evolve. The Chamber is also calling for measures to enable the delivery of at least 30,000 homes annually across the Greater Dublin Area, alongside action to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and costs on businesses.
As Budget Day approaches, Dublin Chamber will continue to engage with Government and elected representatives to make the case for a Budget that prioritises competitiveness, accelerates infrastructure and housing delivery, supports enterprise and equips Ireland’s workforce for the future.
Read the Summer Economic Statement 2026 here.
Read Dublin Chamber’s Pre-Budget Submission here.