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 lack of renewable energy infrastructure, paired with restrictive regulations on Large Energy Users (LEUs), has majorly prevented FDI in the region and across the country. Investment must be made that promotes circular economy activity, from the use of district heating from LEUs, to the use of biomethane gas while providing operational supports for biomethane, as well as other projects that encourage reusing sustainable energy such as wind and solar. Immediate investment in such projects will allow for a more reliable and secure renewable energy supply, delivered at more stable costs. It is critical that sufficient grants and educational supports are made available, with drastically simplified application processes, to ensure all businesses regardless of size or sector can contribute to Ireland’s NetZero ambitions.
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
For further information, please contact: aebhric@dublinchamber.ie or (01) 644 7229.
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