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Limerick Chamber calls for decisive infrastructure action in programme for government 2025

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Limerick Chamber Calls for Decisive Infrastructure Action in Programme for Government 2025. Limerick Chamber CEO, Michelle Gallagher pictured with Noel Gavin, Limerick Chamber President

The Limerick Chamber urges Government to keep infrastructure a key priority as part of the Programme for Government 2025

The Limerick Chamber urges Government to keep infrastructure a key priority as part of the Programme for Government
Limerick Chamber CEO Michelle Gallagher says the submission “outlines clear, actionable steps to address” issues in the Mid-West region. Picture: Kieran Ryan-Benson

Limerick Chamber, the Mid-West’s largest business representative group, has unveiled its comprehensive submission for the 2025 Programme for Government, highlighting key priorities to address Ireland’s pressing challenges in housing, energy, infrastructure, and regional development. Representing over 400 diverse businesses employing more than 50,000 individuals, the Chamber’s recommendations aim to foster sustainable economic growth and enhance quality of life across the nation.

The submission underscores the urgency for strategic leadership to tackle persistent crises that have hindered Ireland’s progress in key areas. Among the highlights are ambitious measures for accelerating housing development, advancing offshore renewable energy, and boosting regional infrastructure to create a more equitable and resilient Ireland. The submission’s central themes are delivery, accountability, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that future policies translate into real-world improvements.

Strategic priorities highlighted in the submission include a call to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing, implement larger targets, and directly invest in social housing construction to reduce reliance on the private market. Key proposals include setting county-level affordable housing targets, incentivising worker housing in city centres, greater delivery by the Land Development Agency and streamlining planning processes.


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It also highlights the need to boost Ireland’s energy security and independence by supporting Ireland’s transition to renewable energy by advancing offshore wind projects on the West Coast, enhancing onshore generation capabilities through planning and policy improvements, advancing DMAPS for the West Coast and align Ireland’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) policy with the EU.

Limerick Chamber also calls for Governemnt to drive balanced development by prioritising improved hospital infrastructure, initiating a commuter rail network for the Mid-West, and leveraging the Shannon Airports existing capacity to hold more passengers.

They also ask Government to bolster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through targeted financial supports, expanded skills training, and energy efficiency grants. While decreasing track access charges for goods travelling by rail.

Mid West housing Regional Airports Programme
Limerick Chamber Chief Economist, Seán Golden said, “This is not merely a regional agenda—it is a national imperative”

Speaking on the need for transformative leadership, CEO of Limerick Chamber, Michelle Gallagher, stated, “We are at a crossroads. For too long, Ireland has struggled to meet its potential due to persistent inaction in addressing foundational challenges. Housing shortages, energy insecurity, and regional disparities are undermining Ireland’s economic resilience and long-term security. The next government must act with urgency, demonstrating that delivery is not just an aspiration but a guarantee.

“Our submission outlines clear, actionable steps to address these challenges. For instance, scaling up the direct construction of social housing will not only address the housing crisis but also remove undue pressure on the private market and over reliance of bulk purchasing homes from the private market which sees the state effectively competing with owner-occupiers for homes, benefiting all sectors of society. All the while ensuring the LDA starts to deliver outside Dublin through the direct delivery of homes

“Quality of life is increasingly a determining factor for where businesses choose to invest and where people choose to live, If Ireland is to maintain its status as a hub for innovation and talent, we must address these fundamental challenges. It is not just about building homes or roads—it’s about building communities where people want to live, work and grow businesses.”

Limerick Chamber’s submission places special emphasis on the Mid-West as a critical engine for Ireland’s growth. The region’s strategic location, highly skilled workforce, and abundant natural resources make it uniquely positioned to support the national economy.

Chief Economist of Limerick Chamber, Seán Golden, highlighted the importance of regional investment, “Regional disparities in infrastructure, housing, and energy development are holding Ireland back. By investing in transformative projects like a metropolitan rail network and the Shannon Estuary as a hub for offshore renewable energy and reopening the Limerick-to-Foynes railway line, we can unlock the Mid-West’s full potential.

“Advancing the Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for the West Coast is critical for this, both from a regional development perspective but also an energy security focus for Ireland. As part of this, Ireland must also align with EU policy on Liquefied Natural Gas to ensure security of supply in the short and medium term.

“This is not merely a regional agenda—it is a national imperative. A thriving Mid-West will catalyse growth across Ireland, alleviating pressure on Dublin while creating a more balanced, secure and sustainable economy.”

The submission calls for a renewed commitment to accountability, proposing mechanisms to track and report progress on key infrastructure projects. It also highlights the role of public-private partnerships in accelerating delivery, particularly in areas like renewable energy and transport.

Limerick Chamber also underscored the importance of fostering liveable communities, with proposals to enhance public transport, invest in childcare, and support cultural and recreational amenities.

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.