In May, Dublin Chamber was pleased to launch its Local Election Manifesto. This manifesto, informed by Dublin business and reaffirmed by Dublin Chamber’s policy council, underscores the pressing concerns that Dublin businesses have at local government level. It is important that Elected Members of Council are aware of these issues, which are outlined in the manifesto under four key pillars: Housing, Infrastructure, Competitiveness, and Sustainability.

Housing

Affordable housing remains the number one concern for Dublin businesses. To address this, Local Government needs to implement a planning system that boosts the availability of affordable housing. This includes, prioritising the redevelopment of low-to-medium density residential areas, supporting greater building heights in appropriate areas of Dublin, and accelerating the use of brownfield sites that are serviced by public transport for housing development.

Infrastructure

Dublin’s growth is constrained due to the lack of essential services including housing, water, electricity, and public transport. To overcome these constraints, Dublin Chamber calls on local government to support MetroLink, BusConnects, and Dart+, ensuring the earliest possible delivery. Additionally, sustainable transport models should be prioritised and enhanced efforts should be made to ensure clean, attractive public spaces with appropriate facilities in Dublin’s urban areas.

Competitiveness

The over-reliance on commercial rates by local authorities is unsustainable and burdensome for businesses, leaving many feeling that their needs are not being met. To tackle this, a more balanced approach to revenue generation needs to be adopted. Local Property Tax (LPT) variations should be kept to a modest level, with additional revenue used to improve infrastructure. In addition, all LPT raised in Dublin should be retained and reinvested locally.

Sustainability

Ireland has untapped, green energy resources that can be harnessed to achieve energy independence and allow the country to become a net energy exporter. To facilitate the green transition, Dublin Chamber urges local government to better align county development plans with national climate action policies, support wind, solar, hydrogen and biomass energy creation, and provide support for businesses and large energy users transitioning to greener practices.

With elections in June fast approaching, these priorities will be crucial in ensuring successful business in a successful Dublin. The document can be read in full here.