Over the last two months, Chambers Ireland has been highlighting the key priorities of the affiliated Chamber network.
One of our main focuses in December was our submission on the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU which takes place later this year. Our proposals focussed on delivering real economic and social impact across the EU, and we highlighted the importance of boosting competitiveness, supporting innovation and strengthening the Single Market, while also cutting unnecessary regulatory burdens. We also outlined the opportunity the Presidency presents in terms of influencing key EU priorities including sustainable growth, trade, energy, skills and the digital transformation.
Read the full submission here.
We engaged this month with the consultation on the regulation of costs payable under section 294 of the Planning and Development Act 2024. Our focus was on promoting a fair, transparent and proportionate approach to planning-related costs that supports timely decision-making and legal certainty. We highlighted the importance of avoiding unnecessary complexity or expense that could delay projects, particularly those critical to housing, infrastructure and economic development, while maintaining appropriate safeguards within the planning system.
Read the full submission here.
A key focus was our submission to the consultation on Ireland’s Third SDG National Implementation Plan, welcoming the opportunity to contribute to a renewed framework for delivering the Sustainable Development Goals. We emphasised the importance of aligning economic competitiveness with social and environmental sustainability, and of ensuring meaningful engagement with business in achieving the SDGs. We stressed that clear governance, measurable outcomes and strong cross-sector collaboration will be essential to translating ambition into tangible progress across Ireland’s economy and communities.
Read the full submission here.
Following engagement with our members, we have identified the following policy priorities for 2026. These areas reflect our members’ key concerns and will be central to our lobbying efforts and advocacy throughout the year:
- Infrastructure
- Housing
- Competitiveness
- Thriving Towns and Cities