“Greater devolution” for counties like Mayo as Chambers Ireland send out message to Government
Chambers Ireland has today welcomed the Programme for Government.
Speaking this afternoon, Chief Executive Ian Talbot issued a challenge to the new Government to deliver on its commitments, “Success will hinge on execution.”
A detailed programme for government document was produced as a Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government will be supported by an array of Independents.
Talbot noted the urgency to complete big-ticket tasks for it to be viewed as a successful period in office and for local businesses, “the next five years of policy must prioritise infrastructure delivery as a cornerstone for driving and sustaining competitiveness. The new Government must act pragmatically to expedite progress on infrastructure including housing, energy, water and wastewater treatment, and transport.”
He continued, “Improving our delivery capability should be a central theme across all areas of governance. This is why we called for greater devolution to local authorities in our General Election manifesto. It’s time to get things moving.”
The Government needs to be bold in leveraging our renewable energy potential and investing in our ports. This will be fundamental to driving our economic growth and achieving our climate targets and planning reform will be a critical enabler of this progress.”
He also called for progress on Free Trade Agreements, “We have long called for greater progress on advancing the Free Trade Agenda and strongly support the ratification of CETA. The next Presidential Election offers a timely opportunity to hold a referendum on this crucial agreement.”
Talbot continued, “while the measures in the Programme will need to be assessed in greater detail, we also welcome the emphasis on skills, developing our data centre infrastructure, childcare and safety in our communities.”
The business body's Chief Executive concluded by stating, “We look forward to a successful outcome of the approval processes now commenced.”