Advocacy

Dublin Chamber is the voice of Dublin business,we listen to our member companies. We hear their concerns and speak and lobby on their behalf, focusing on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure and housing supply, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance.

Outlined below are the key issues that Government must address to ensure that our vision for Dublin, as a city that is globally renowned for its quality of life, sustainability and economic vibrancy, is delivered.

1. Water

Complete the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project  and the Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme by 2030. Dublin faces a water crisis. At present 85% of Dublin’s water supply comes from the River Liffey. This is not sustainable. If investment in water and wastewater treatment is not made urgently, the city will be without water within a decade. The risk of a water shortage due to necessary maintenance and remedial work is rising. The lack of water and wastewater treatment is a direct limiting factor on the delivery of accommodation across Dublin.

2. Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is one of Ireland’s most important National Strategic assets. Restricting its capacity severely hampers Ireland’s prosperity as an open and outward-looking island nation. The passenger cap prevents the Airport from growing. Airlines are limiting services to Ireland and this is costing the country investment, trade and jobs.

3. Transport

Dublin’s population has grown rapidly since the last General Election in 2020. The population of Dublin now stands at 1.46 million people with 160,000 people commuting into the city for work. Problems with congestion have plagued the GDA for many years. Commencing work on public transport projects that have been in planning and consultation for far too long will go some way to get people moving efficiently. 

4. Childcare

The high cost and low availability of childcare prevents individuals from entering  the labour market. This untapped potential in the Irish labour market can be utilised by moving to a publicly-funded childcare service.

5. Housing

Delivering affordable housing in Dublin is at a critical juncture, severely damaging business and investment in the city region. Increasing the supply of affordable homes, incentivising construction, and enabling an environment that can activate urban regeneration must be a priority of the next Government. Ensuring that at least half of all homes (or at least 30,000 units) are delivered in the GDA, is necessary to alleviate the pent-up demand for housing. Brownfield development must be supported to bring more zoned serviced land into development. Equally, zoned and serviced land along Dublin’s commuter corridors must be activated.

6. Safety

Since the lifting of pandemic measures, the nature of the city core has evolved just as the functionality of the city has changed. This had led to the degradation of the city. The current strength of An Garda Síochana is not enough to effectively police Dublin. A new government must prioritise the recruitment and retention of Gardaí and bring the strength of the force to 18,000 members. This will go hand in hand with the rejuvenation of the city through intelligent use of public space, sufficient lighting and making sure the streets of Dublin are clean.

7. Capital Gains Tax

Ireland’s high flat rate of 33% CGT limits investment in homegrown small businesses. A cut in CGT from 33% to 20% for investment in unquoted indigenous firms would provide a funding stream for Irish small businesses and ensure that capital is recycled back into funding new businesses. Such a move would ensure that Ireland remains attractive to entrepreneurs. 

8. Sustainable Energy Infrastructure

Ireland’s high flat rate of 33% CGT limits investment in homegrown small businesses. A cut in CGT from 33% to 20% for investment in unquoted indigenous firms would provide a funding stream for Irish small businesses and ensure that capital is recycled back into funding new businesses. Such a move would ensure that Ireland remains attractive to entrepreneurs. 

Lobbying Tracker 

 

 

Dublin Chamber’s Lobbying Tracker provides an overview of the Chamber’s ongoing advocacy across our key policy areas. We have documented the background information, and our lobbying activities on a wide range of issues across housing and infrastructure, taxation, human resources and ESG. Updated regularly, our lobbying tracker aims to keep members informed on Dublin Chamber’s ongoing work to influence and shape policy in areas vital to the continued growth and success of Dublin’s business community.

 

Download our Lobbying Tracker for more information. 

 

Lobbying Tracker Powerpoint

Lobbying Tracker PDF

 


 
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