Dublin Chamber President and Gas Networks Ireland CEO, David Kelly is tonight calling on Government to build on recent progress and accelerate delivery to secure Ireland’s future success.
Speaking to more than 1,000 business and political leaders at Dublin Chamber’s Annual Dinner, sponsored by AIB, Kelly is acknowledging progress made in recent months, particularly on infrastructure, while stressing the need for continued reform, greater resilience and a renewed focus on delivery.
With Ireland’s EU Presidency underway, Budget 2027 just days away and growing geopolitical uncertainty, Kelly is urging Government to focus on the areas within Ireland’s control.
David Kelly said, “Eight months ago, I said the test for Ireland was not the scale of our ambition, but our ability to deliver.
“Since then, we have seen progress and that should be acknowledged. Our challenge now is to build on that momentum and secure Ireland’s success for the future.
“That means having the courage to reform, the discipline to deliver and the determination to build resilience against the risks ahead.”
Kelly is highlighting the safety and vibrancy of Dublin city centre as an area where greater progress is needed.
Dublin Chamber’s latest Business Outlook Survey found that more than half of businesses believe safety in the city centre has worsened over the past 12 months.
Kelly is calling for the recommendations of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce to be translated into visible improvements on the ground, with adequate policing resources and a visible and sustained Garda presence in the city centre.
On infrastructure, the Dublin Chamber President is welcoming progress on major projects, including the designation of MetroLink, the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and Greater Dublin Drainage as critical infrastructure, as well as the commencement of physical works under EirGrid’s Powering Up Dublin programme.
He is stressing that the focus must now be on getting these projects delivered.
“We cannot deliver the homes Dublin needs without water and wastewater infrastructure. We cannot support a growing population without better transport. And we cannot sustain economic growth without a secure and resilient energy system.”
Kelly is also highlighting the importance of strengthening Ireland’s energy resilience in an increasingly uncertain international environment.
He is welcoming Government’s decision to develop a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve and stressing the need to reduce Ireland’s exposure to external energy shocks.
“Resilience is not about predicting exactly where the next crisis will emerge. It is about making sure Ireland is prepared when it does.”
Turning to Budget 2027, Kelly is calling on Government to translate its competitiveness agenda into practical measures for business.
Dublin Chamber is calling for a more competitive Capital Gains Tax regime, a stronger R&D offering and action on the cumulative cost pressures facing firms.
Kelly is also calling for greater investment through the National Training Fund in lifelong learning and the skills required as AI and other technologies reshape the economy.
“The pace of change is remarkable and the opportunities are significant, but realising them will depend on how well we prepare our people. We need to ensure that Ireland and its workforce are match-fit for this new world of work.”
At European level, Kelly is highlighting Ireland’s EU Presidency as an opportunity to champion a deeper Single Market and create an environment where businesses can innovate, compete and scale with less unnecessary complexity.
Kelly is also emphasising the importance of continued cooperation between Government, business and wider society in securing Ireland’s future prosperity.
“Our responsibility now is to secure that success for the next generation.
“Ireland’s greatest progress has come when Government, business and communities have found a way forward together.
“That is how we built our success. And that is how we will secure it for the future.”
The Dublin Chamber Annual Dinner 2026 is taking place tonight at the Convention Centre Dublin. Attendees are also hearing from Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D., keynote speaker Fergal Keane, BBC journalist and author, and Colin Hunt, Chief Executive of AIB. The evening is being MC’d by Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke.
The full speech can be accessed here.
ENDS
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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.