LIMERICK Chamber has called on the Government to prioritise human capital, housing, transport, and renewable energy in the upcoming Budget.
In a pre-Budget submission, the Chamber said that addressing the housing crisis in the Mid West is “paramount”, and highlighted the importance of revitalising the built environment in Limerick City.
The business representation body’s pre-Budget submission reflects the voice of over 400 members across the Mid West, and emphasises the urgent need for strategic investments in the region, as well as policy reforms to ensure a resilient and competitive regional economy.
As part of the submission, the Chamber stressed the importance of targeted education and training programmes to address the pressing need of retraining workers transitioning to low-carbon jobs, as well as reducing tax burdens on middle-income earners.
The Chamber also highlighted the need to enhance public services including health and policing in order to retain talent and make Ireland a more attractive place to live and work.
The submission also calls for an increased investment in affordable housing and a streamlined planning process, as well as revitalisation of urban areas through the Living City Initiative and improving transport infrastructure to support regional growth.
There is also a need for further investment in renewable energy, the Chamber insisted.
Limerick Chamber president Noel Gavin said that the submission clearly shows the top concerns of businesses in the region.
“The primary concerns are clear: housing and the cost of doing business. Issues surrounding talent attraction and retention are critical, driven by a lack of housing and childcare as well as other social and infrastructural gaps,” Mr Gavin said.
He added that “the escalating costs of doing business are highlighted by concerns over energy prices, insurance, sick pay, minimum wage increases, and pension auto-enrolment”.
Chief economist and director of policy with Limerick Chamber Seán Golden said that it is crucial to ensure that the Mid West’s ambition is matched by Government.
“Limerick and the wider Mid West have no issue in creating jobs and attracting large private businesses to invest to grow the number of jobs available. However, we need to ensure that this ambition for the region is matched by Government through investment in housing and other critical activities,” Mr Golden said.
