Dublin Chamber welcomes NDP commitment to public transport

+ Business group stresses need for clear timelines for delivery of major projects

+ Infrastructure and housing remain top concerns for businesses in Dublin

Monday 4^th October: Dublin Chamber has welcomed the revised National Development Plan (NDP) which was launched today, lauding its strong commitment to investment in public transport and housing. However, the business group cautioned that greater clarity is needed on the timelines for delivery of major projects.

Dublin Chamber, which represents businesses in the Greater Dublin Area, said that the promised investments in transport, housing, and water infrastructure will be critical to support population growth, improved quality of life, and the transition to a sustainable economy.

Speaking following the launch of the revised NDP this afternoon, Dublin Chamber’s Head of Public Affairs Fergus Sharpe said: “Infrastructure and housing consistently rank among the highest policy priorities for businesses in the Greater Dublin Area. If Dublin is to become a sustainable city, it will need radically improved infrastructure, including a modern public transport system, a sustainable water supply, and housing at appropriate densities. Projects like MetroLink, BusConnects, DART+ and the Water Supply Project are essential to achieving this vision. Businesses are heartened that the Government remains committed to these projects, but there is disappointment about some of the vague timelines for delivery.”

“Dublin has seen too many important projects fall victim to delay and deferral in the past. Businesses need assurance that this revised National Development Plan will be different.” Mr Sharpe said.

Housing, traffic congestion, and a lack of city infrastructure are currently the top three concerns for businesses in Dublin other than Covid-19, according to Dublin Chamber’s Q2 Business Outlook Survey. In recent months, the Chamber has been advocating increased Government support for infrastructure investment to address these issues, while also supporting measures to improve international connectivity such as the new runway in Dublin Airport.

Dublin Chamber, which has championed business sustainability through its Sustainability Academy, also welcomed the climate assessment component to the revised National Development Plan.

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Note to Editors:

Dublin Chamber’s Q2 Business Outlook Survey is available here. Dublin Chamber’s submission on Budget 2022, which argues for continued infrastructure investment, is available here on the Chamber website, along with other recent submissions.

For further information please contact:
Róisín McAtamney | Public Relations Executive | Dublin Chamber | roisin@dublinchamber.ie