Budget 2018 Cannot be Brexit-Proofed but Measures Needed to Mitigate Against Serious Challenges

Chambers Ireland Pre Budget Submission Calls for Increased Infrastructure Investment

27/6/17 NO FEE Pictured are Chambers Ireland’s Chief Executive Ian Talbot and President Niamh Boyle, as Chambers Ireland Pre-Budget Submission Calls for Increased Infrastructure Investment and Measures to Mitigate Against the Serious Challenges of Brexit. Ahead of the commencement of the National Economic Dialogue, Chambers are calling for Budget 2018 to address the concerns of business through committing to significant additional investment in capital projects across the country. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke NO REPRO FEE

Ahead of the National Economic Dialogue commencing tomorrow, Chambers Ireland today (27 June 2017) called for Budget 2018 to address the concerns of business through committing to significant additional investment in capital projects across the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Chambers Ireland Pre Budget 2018 Submission, Ian Talbot Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said, “The National Economic Dialogue is an important forum for stakeholders and Government to openly discuss Budget priorities. This year, Chambers Ireland will be strongly calling for increased levels of investment to ensure that Ireland can meet both the needs of a growing economy and population, as well as the challenges emerging from Brexit.

“The message received from businesses across our Chamber Network is loud and clear; Ireland must invest in infrastructure to meet the demands of a modern economy, to enable business to grow and thrive and to improve the quality of life for our citizens. In order to rectify existing infrastructural deficits and in order compete internationally Ireland must increase the level of investment in infrastructure to at least 4% of GDP. Through significantly increasing investment in key transport, broadband, housing and water projects across Ireland, Government can ensure that the economy is resilient to potential economic shocks.

“Brexit will undoubtedly create many challenges for the Irish economy and while it is not possible to fully Brexit-proof a Budget, Government can and should focus on strengthening the domestic economy and competitiveness to ensure that we are prepared for whatever the final outcome of Brexit negotiations may be. Our Pre-Budget 2018 Submission calls on Government to increase investment in areas that can help mitigate Brexit challenges, particularly: invest in our ports and ports access through improvements to our road network; protect the tourism sector by maintaining the 9% VAT rate; assist SME exporters through implementing an Export Working Capital Scheme; and ensure that state agencies and our overseas networks are adequately resourced.”

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For further information contact Susan McDermott, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4331, 086 6081605 or email susan.mcdermott@www.chambers.ie.

Notes to Editor:

Chambers Ireland Pre Budget 2018 Submission is available online here

Chambers Ireland – Ireland’s largest business network creating the best environment for members locally, regionally and nationally.