Chambers Ireland, the voice of business in Ireland, has launched their two manifestos for the Local and European Elections, which are taking place in June.
They are calling for Local Government and MEP candidates to step up and be ambitious with their vision for the long-term growth and prosperity of Ireland.
The pace of delivery of key infrastructure projects across the country has been too sluggish over the past decade and they are now starting to see the repercussions of such inaction and slow progress.
They feel our competitiveness is being challenged by housing shortages, energy costs, skills gaps and the failure of the planning system to adequately facilitate the development of key infrastructure. We need MEPs and Councillors with long-term views on how to maximise the opportunities on our doorstep and defend against challenges that will arise over the coming years. This requires proactive, visionary and ambitious representatives that will take accountability and ensure delivery of the infrastructure we need for the future.
Speaking at the launch, Chambers Ireland’s Chief Executive, Ian Talbot, said Chambers Ireland and the Chamber network across the country are calling on candidates in the Local and EU Elections to be ambitious in their vision for Ireland. National development in housing, energy, transport, and water and grid infrastructure has been too slow and the decades of neglect has created crucial deficits that are hindering our economic development.
“Our towns and cities across the country need more support to reach their potential. Fostering thriving and vibrant communities is good for all. For residents it creates economic opportunities, enhances social cohesion, improves their quality of life and leads to a greater sense of belonging and pride of place. While for businesses, it attracts visitors and investment, and encourages innovation and growth.
“This is why we need proactive elected representatives at all levels that understand the challenges facing Ireland and have the ambition to catalyse radical social, economic and environmental change for our future prosperity. In doing so, they will also be helping us meet our national obligations under the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.”
At a Local Authority level, we call on Councillor candidates to:
Foster safe, thriving and inclusive towns and cities that are attractive places for our growing population to live, work, visit and invest.
Build more homes, and streamline and support the planning system to ensure essential infrastructure development can progress.
Take action to maximise the opportunities associated with the green transition in relation to green energy and sustainable transport.
At an EU level, we call on MEP candidates to:
Deliver a robust EU Industrial Strategy for Renewable Energy.
Ensure a globally competitive Europe that facilities trade across the world.
Reduce the regulatory burden facing businesses.
Ensure EU investment is identified and rolled out across the country for vital regional development.
Eradicate obstacles facing the single market and the free movement of goods, capital, people and services.
Develop skills strategies for growth in green and digital technology sectors.
Above all, we encourage everyone that is eligible to vote to ensure they are registered and use their voice on polling day. We would also call on businesses to support employees by making time available to them to vote.
