Thursday, 3rd July: Dublin Chamber has today unveiled its Pre Budget Submission ahead of Budget 2026, outlining a targeted set of recommendations aimed at supporting businesses through current economic headwinds while safeguarding Dublin’s long-term competitiveness.
With Dublin firms continuing to grapple with rising operational costs, strained infrastructure, and ongoing economic uncertainty, the Chamber is calling for immediate, practical policy interventions to ensure Dublin remains a world-class city in which to live, work, invest, and visit.
Launching the submission, Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke said, “Budget 2026 is a critical opportunity to invest in Dublin’s future and support the businesses that power its economy. Our members are clear - decisive action is needed now to relieve cost pressures and build long term economic resilience. Dublin must remain globally competitive, and that demands bold investment and forward-thinking policy”
Informed by extensive consultation with its members, the Chamber’s submission sets out five key priorities for Government:
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Reduce Capital Gains Tax: Lower the CGT rate from 33% to 20% for disposals of investments in unquoted, actively trading Irish companies to foster entrepreneurship and scale indigenous enterprise.
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Invest in Water Infrastructure: Secure multi-annual budgets for Uisce Éireann to progress the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and the Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme, with construction starting by January 2028 and completion by 2035.
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Deliver Strategic Transport Projects: Fully fund and expedite delivery of critical public transport projects, including MetroLink, DART+ expansion, BusConnects, and LUAS extensions to Finglas, Poolbeg, and Bray.
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Accelerate Housing Supply: Increase investment in schemes such as Croí Cónaithe Cities, Project Tosaigh, and the First Home Scheme to align housing supply with population and economic growth.
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Support Affordable Childcare: Introduce structured, multi-annual funding to reduce childcare costs to €200 per child per month by 2030, enhancing workforce participation and supporting family wellbeing.
Mary Rose Burke concluded, “Over the weeks ahead, Dublin Chamber will continue to engage with policymakers and Government departments to ensure that the voice of Dublin’s business community is central to Budget 2026”.
Contact Information
Stephen Browne
Head of Public Affairs
Dublin Chamber
085 710 3329
stephen@dublinchamber.ie
About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1000 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.