'TACKLE DUBLIN INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT' CALL - The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has called for prioritisation of the needs of the Greater Dublin Area. The Chamber says inadequate infrastructure is leading to increased business costs and a diminished quality of life. This is hindering Dublin's ability to compete internationally for investment and jobs.
Gina Quin, the chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, said the body wanted political parties to take account of the fact that Dublin was responsible for almost half of national output.
She called for moves on infrastructure, such as the Eastern by-pass, the outer orbital route and the delivery of Transport 21. Ms Quin said a Greater Dublin Authority should be planning for massive population growth of 500,000 by 2020.
She said infrastructure and competitiveness went hand in hand, and Dublin was now competing with other city regions from Boston to Bangalore.
Pat Gunne, the managing director of CB Richard Ellis, says commercial property is performing strongly, with high demand for good office buildings in Dublin.
He said he was happy with the initiatives in Transport 21, citing the example of Sandyford, which was now the second most popular area of investment because of transport improvements such as the Luas and M50 extension.
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NEWS IN BRIEF - Exploration company Providence Resources will own almost 100% of the Singleton oil field in the UK following a deal which could be worth up to $22m. Providence is buying Star Energy's 79% stake. The deal will increase its oil production to around 219,000 barrels a year.
