Budget capital spending must deliver for our towns and cities and climate commitments, says Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland, the voice of business throughout Ireland, has welcomed Minister Michael McGrath’s statement this morning to the Budgetary Oversight Committee in which he outlined a focus by Government to deliver record capital spending to achieve key infrastructure priorities.

Acknowledging that national debt has increased, the organisation recognises the need for Government to begin efforts to return public finances to a more sustainable position. In the medium-term, it believes the most effective way to achieve this is to grow the economy.

Chambers Ireland Chief Executive, Ian Talbot said:

“The Government’s commitment to the capital investment programme is essential to our economic revival in the wake of Covid and Brexit shocks and will be critical to making our society resilient in the face of future challenges.

“As part of these efforts, Government must look towards activating our cities and towns as the sources of growth for Ireland. Investment in urban areas must be prioritised to unlock their enormous potential. Through this, communities will be revitalised, economic growth will become more inclusive, and resilience will develop.

“The delivery of sustainable transport will be fundamental as we embark on a crucial decade in our climate efforts. Unless government creates green travel options, behaviour will not change.

“Ireland has an unparalleled opportunity to benefit from the ongoing revolution in renewable energy. Offshore energy has the potential to transform our country into a net energy exporter, help secure Europe’s energy supply, and reduce our dependency on fossil fuels.”

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For more information, please contact Jonathan Baxter communications and media executive at Chambers Ireland on 086 608 1605 or jonathan.baxter@chambers.ie.

About Chambers Ireland

Chambers Ireland is the voice of business throughout Ireland, with 40 member chambers across every major city, town and region of the island. Aligning our strategic priorities with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, our aim is to make places better to live, work and do business.

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