Dublin Chamber has welcomed the Government’s Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, but warned that rising business costs, regulatory burdens and ongoing infrastructure delays are putting Ireland’s competitiveness at risk.
Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke said: “The Action Plan is a positive step and signals real ambition from Government. It is long on commitments and short on concrete deadlines. However, the reality is that businesses are already feeling the strain. High input costs, growing regulatory pressures and planning delays are eroding competitiveness and threatening Ireland’s ability to attract and retain investment.”
The Chamber said the commitments to reduce costs, cut red tape and support SMEs are important, but stressed that delivery must be immediate and measurable.
Ms Burke added: “Our members welcome initiatives such as the Small Business Unit and Cost of Business Advisory Forum, but firms cannot wait years for progress. There are similar bureaucratic delays in delivering infrastructure. Unless timelines are accelerated and barriers removed, these challenges will continue to undermine Ireland’s competitive position.”
Dublin Chamber also called for closer alignment between the new Action Plan, the National Development Plan and the upcoming Budget to ensure joined-up action on housing, energy, skills and transport.
Ms Burke concluded: “Government has set out a plan to “control the controllables” in terms of planning bottlenecks, onerous regulations from State Bodies and increases in Taxation. Now it must be backed up by delivery, accountability and urgency. Ireland’s competitiveness cannot be taken for granted.”
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.
For further information, please contact:
Stephen Browne | Head of Public Affairs | Dublin Chamber | stephen@dublinchamber.ie