The rising cost of doing business in Ireland is the biggest challenge facing manufacturing firms here, according to a report from the High Level Group on Manufacturing published this afternoon.
The manufacturing sector here employs 221,000 people directly, and accounted for corporation tax worth €1.6 billion last year.
However, the chairman of the High Level Group, Joe Harford, called on the Government to address the loss of cost competitiveness as a matter of urgency - particularly in the areas of energy, waste, and local authority charges.
He highlighted the cost of professional services, including legal services, and called for the recommendations of the Competition Authority to be implemented as soon as possible.
He said there was a need for the Government to take key policy decisions without undue delays.
The report also highlighted the need for companies to focus on resesarch and development, improving organisational efficiency and productivity and upskilling staff.
It urged employees to embrace change.
