Following an eventful lead-up to the June elections, Dublin Chamber is pleased to see its advocacy efforts yielding positive results. As the newly elected and re-elected councillors assume their roles on the four Dublin Local Authorities, it is evident that they have embraced our message of prioritising public safety and cleanliness in the City to ensure that public spaces are more accessible. Early signs are promising, with Dublin City Council emphasising the enhancement of the public realm, including cleaner streets, well-kept parks, and climate resilience – principles all outlined in Dublin Chamber’s Local Election Manifesto.

Dublin Chamber has congratulated all elected and re-elected council members and reiterated its key priorities at local government level. These priorities, essential for the success of Dublin businesses, include:

• Developing a planning system that encourages the building of more affordable housing and increased density.
• Supporting the rollout of new public transport links, including Metro and BusConnects.
• Keeping any LPT variation to a modest level and using the additional revenue to tangibly improve Dublin’s infrastructure, services, cleanliness and quality of life.
• Aligning county development plans with national policies on climate action and renewable energy and supporting wind, solar, hydrogen and biomass energy creation.

Dublin Chamber also outlined one of the biggest issues facing our members is housing and the provision of adequate childcare facilities. While the expansion of housing in Co. Dublin is certainly welcome, the development of corresponding infrastructure, particularly childcare facilities, has not kept pace. This gap is acutely felt by working families and businesses striving to attract and retain staff. To support the growing number of working parents, it is essential to integrate childcare facilities into housing development plans. Ensuring that childcare services grow alongside residential areas is a critical step in effectively addressing shortages in affordable and appropriate childcare and supporting parents, especially mothers, in balancing childcare responsibilities with workforce participation.

As the new Council term begins, it is crucial that these priorities guide decision-making in the Capital to ensure Dublin’s success, both as a place to work and live. Dublin Chamber will continue to engage with representatives from the four Local Authorities, as well as the newly appointed Dublin MEPs, to ensure that the voices of Dublin’s business community are understood and effectively represented at the highest levels.