February Policy Update
Over the past month, we have been advancing the key priorities of the Chamber network across a number of critical policy areas. Through targeted engagement at national and international level, we have focused on ensuring that decisions affecting infrastructure, skills, competitiveness and trade deliver practical, measurable benefits for businesses and communities.
We have summarised our February submissions to public consultations below. Click on the title of each one to read them in full.
Revenue Control 4 (RC4)
RC4 will shape how water and wastewater infrastructure is funded and delivered between 2025 and 2029, with direct implications for business costs and regional development. We have emphasised that any increases in non-domestic charges must be clearly linked to measurable service improvements. Strategic investment in critical infrastructure, stronger oversight and accountability, and a clear focus on supporting sustainable growth are essential to ensure the programme enhances competitiveness rather than adding to cost pressures.
Ireland’s Action Plan on Apprenticeships 2026–2030
A well-functioning apprenticeship system is central to addressing skills shortages and sustaining economic growth. We have been highlighting the need to build on recent expansion by deepening employer engagement, ensuring programmes respond quickly to labour market needs and strengthening financial supports. Greater promotion of apprenticeships as a first-choice pathway, alongside quality assurance and inclusivity, will be key to delivering a skilled and diverse talent pipeline aligned with national priorities.
Uisce Éireann’s Non-Domestic and Trade Effluent Tariff Framework Review
Changes to business water and wastewater tariffs have significant cost implications, particularly for SMEs. Our perspective has centred on the need for transparent and equitable tariff structures that reflect cost causation while safeguarding competitiveness. Proportionate transition measures and protections against sudden bill increases are critical, alongside maintaining the polluter-pays principle and ensuring clear, consistent communication so businesses can plan with certainty.
Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Bill 2026
Ireland’s connectivity supports trade, tourism and investment, making airport capacity a strategic economic issue. On the proposed legislation concerning the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport, we have underlined the importance of enabling efficient and timely growth in capacity. Clear regulatory arrangements and a balanced approach to impacts on service quality and competitiveness will be essential to support sustainable expansion.
14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (MC14)
In addition to our submissions, we have also been engaging directly with Government in advance of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (MC14), where ministers and negotiators will gather in Cameroon later this month for a key moment in the future of global trade rules. We have emphasised the need for meaningful progress, particularly for Irish SMEs who depend on clear and predictable trading conditions. At a time of rising protectionism and geopolitical uncertainty, Ireland must support ambitious WTO reform and the renewal of the E-Commerce Moratorium to strengthen the rules-based system and safeguard our economic resilience.