Dublin Chamber welcomes the continued capital spending commitments in Budget 2026 on housing, water, transport and energy as well as the forthcoming measures to accelerate delivery. Additional Garda training places are also welcome.
Mary Rose Burke, CEO of Dublin Chamber said “We welcome the fact that Government has reaffirmed its revised National Development Plan commitment to bridge the infrastructure gap: €2 billion for Metrolink, €12 billion for water infrastructure and €3.5 billion for energy infrastructure. However, we await the detail from Government as to how this investment is going to be delivered more effectively and efficiently, and without protracted delays. We also need greater clarity from the “sectoral plans” mentioned in Budget 2026, which we hope will specify in detail which capital projects are to be commenced over the next five years and detail the associated multi-annual funding to complete them.”
On housing, Dublin Chamber welcomes the additional measures to support density and city living. These include the reduction in VAT for apartment construction, the enhanced corporation tax deduction on the construction of apartment developments and for the conversion of non-residential buildings into apartments, and the increase in the relief from €200,000 to €300,000 on works carried out as part of the Living Above the Shop Initiative. A new Derelict Property Tax is also welcome and has the potential to activate property previously laying idle.
Ms Burke continued: “With a more uncertain trading environment, businesses face increased pressures on cost and competitiveness, as well as funding. The failure to reduce the rate of Capital Gains Tax to 20% for disposals of investments in unquoted actively trading Irish firms is a missed opportunity for Government to revitalise indigenous enterprise across all sectors of the economy. The increase in the lifetime limit on gains in the Revised Entrepreneur Relief scheme from €1m to €1.5m will do little to encourage experienced entrepreneurs to set up new businesses in Ireland or unlock the scaling potential of existing firms."
Dublin Chamber welcomes the increase in the R&D Tax Credit rate from 30 per cent to 35 per cent and the increase in the first-year repayment threshold from €75,000 to €87,500. This latter measure will help address the cash flow problems many SMEs face when trying to avail of the scheme.
We also welcome the additional allocation of €77 million to facilitate the recruitment of up to 1,000 new Garda trainees in 2026. Dublin Chamber has consistently called for increased investment in frontline policing as a vital measure to increase visibility and ensure a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors alike, particularly in Dublin city.
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.