Launching its Policy Priorities 2026 today, Dublin Chamber said businesses continue to face longstanding structural challenges that are constraining investment, limiting growth and making it more difficult to attract and retain talent. While Ireland's economy remains strong, greater urgency is needed to deliver the projects and reforms that will underpin future economic growth, while investing in the workforce to future-proof Ireland's competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.
The priorities focus on accelerating the delivery of housing and critical infrastructure, strengthening air connectivity, supporting indigenous enterprise, investing in skills and reducing the regulatory burden facing businesses. Together, they set out Dublin Chamber's key policy asks ahead of Budget 2027 and will guide its engagement with Government over the coming months.
Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs at Dublin Chamber, said:
"Dublin's competitiveness is being constrained by challenges including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of housing, rising business costs and growing regulatory complexity. Addressing these issues is essential if Ireland is to remain an attractive place to invest, grow a business and create jobs."
Dublin Chamber welcomed recent progress on legislation to remove the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, but said sustained momentum is now needed across a wider range of nationally significant projects. The organisation reiterated the importance of progressing the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project, Greater Dublin Drainage Project, MetroLink, DART+, LUAS extensions and BusConnects, alongside measures to increase housing supply across the Greater Dublin Area.
Mr McGibney said Budget 2027 would be a key opportunity for Government to demonstrate that competitiveness remains at the centre of Government policy.
"Competitiveness is built on long-term decisions. That means investing in infrastructure, delivering more homes, supporting indigenous enterprise, developing the skills businesses need and reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens. Getting these fundamentals right will strengthen Dublin's economy and support sustainable growth across Ireland."
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.