Chambers warn Government to tackle critical infrastructure or face 'managed decline'

Irish Examiner

15 hours ago

Failure to deliver critical infrastructure now threatens Ireland's future prosperity, the chief executive of Chambers Ireland has warned, urging the Government to act or risk 'a period of managed decline'.
Ian Talbot was speaking at the launch of Chambers Ireland's pre-budget submission, reflecting the shared concerns and aspirations of affiliated Chambers of Commerce around the country.
The submission stressed that while the housing crisis remains front and centre, it has overshadowed other fundamental service shortfalls particularly in energy, public transport, water, and wastewater treatment. Mr Talbot said the Government now needs to take decisive and long-term action to tackle these areas.
'Our economy continues to grow but our critical infrastructure has not kept pace with rapidly increasing demand,' he said. 'Few would have predicted today's economic strength during the challenges of the past 20 years and inadequate delivery now means the infrastructure gap threatens our continued prosperity. Bridging that gap is critical and if we fail to act then we risk entering a period of managed decline.
'The era of being able to tolerate delays caused by lengthy planning challenges, judicial reviews and other hurdles is over.'
Chambers Ireland includes 36 affiliated chambers representing 10,000 business right across the country. Some of Chambers Ireland's key recommendations include:
A commitment to multiannual funding in water and wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Continued investment in transport networks.
Grid reinforcement and upgrades.
Increased housing targets and investment, with a recommendation that Housing for All targets increase from 33,000 units per year to at least 60,000 units per year.
Initiatives to stimulate modern methods of construction.
Increased funding for port infrastructure.
The introduction of a Strategic Capital Investment Scheme to support large scale, high growth projects across key sectors.
Expansion and acceleration of non-domestic retrofitting supports.
Further investment in childcare. "While the €1.37bn funding announced under Budget 2025 is a significant step forward, core funding should be increased and strategically allocated to address existing gaps in childcare accessibility and affordability," the report notes.
Increased funding for apprenticeships.
Facilitating SME engagement in international trade.
Other recommendations include the roll-out of the single permit system for living and working in Ireland in advance of the 2027 deadline. It also calls for a portion of the National Training Fund surplus to deliver intensive language courses to people seeking international protection.
The submission proposes the introduction of tax-incentivised investment schemes to channel household savings into more productive markets and opportunities that support infrastructure expansion and green energy projects.
"Over €150bn in household savings remain in low-yield bank accounts, representing a missed opportunity for both savers and the wider economy. Redirecting even a portion of these funds into other productive markets could deliver stronger returns for individuals while providing much needed capital for essential infrastructure and generate increased tax revenues through improved returns and buoyancy," the report states.
Mr Talbot drew attention to the State's competitiveness amid global uncertainty, driven by protectionist policies, tariffs and the mounting impact of climate change:
'The significant financial resources available to this Government mean there is a real opportunity to invest in core infrastructure and breathe new life into our towns and cities. This will help build a more sustainable economy and provide the certainty businesses need to stay competitive,' continued Mr Talbot.
'Our climate goals and energy security must also remain at the heart of the next Budget. The Sustainable Development Goals continue to guide the Chamber Network as we work to balance our economic ambition with environmental responsibility.
"Economic growth and job creation is being constrained at a time of great opportunity to lead on sustainable growth and embrace new opportunities. We must now act with urgency.'