David Kelly’s Address at AGM urges Government to move from planning to construction as Ireland faces pivotal moment for competitiveness and echoes Taoiseach’s call for cut in Capital Gains Tax

Newly elected Dublin Chamber President and CEO of Gas Networks Ireland, David Kelly, is urging Government to “match ambition with action” and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects needed to secure Dublin’s long-term competitiveness and future growth.

In his keynote address to over 500 business leaders attending the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting Dinner, Mr Kelly said that delivery is the “credibility test” of Ireland’s competitiveness agenda.

David Kelly highlighted housing, water, transport and energy as urgent priorities. He also emphasised the need for prioritisation of critical energy infrastructure to strengthen grid capacity, support renewable integration and secure long-term energy resilience.

Mr Kelly said “With over one-third of Ireland’s jobs located in Dublin, investment in the capital’s infrastructure is not optional, it is essential. These projects are the backbone of a competitive, sustainable and resilient Dublin.”

In his opening address, David Kelly also highlighted the need to reform the tax system to help growing and scaling indigenous firms access capital. He echoed the Taoiseach’s recent remarks calling for a cut in Capital Gains Tax to better support entrepreneurship and scaling businesses.

“If Ireland is serious about strengthening its indigenous enterprise base, improving incentives for investment and risk-taking must be a central priority,” he said.

Addressing Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, Mr Kelly said the country has an opportunity to show leadership on productivity and innovation, regulatory simplification and energy security.

Concluding his remarks, he said Dublin Chamber would continue to advocate for delivery and accountability. “Dublin’s future will not be decided by what we say we intend to do, it will be decided by what we actually build.”

Also appointed on the night as Dublin Chamber Vice President was Patrick Spicer, Senior Partner and Chairperson of Matheson.

ENDS

Full speech can be read here

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.