The pace of delivery of major infrastructural projects such as MetroLink and the DART+ programme will be key to the future success of the capital, according to the incoming President of Dublin Chamber.
Speaking at the organisation's annual general meeting dinner tonight, Vincent Harrison said much hinges on the delivery of vital infrastructure, as well as progress on the "seemingly precarious" nature of Dublin’s water supply and energy security.
Mr Harrison, who is the managing director of Dublin Airport, said that public transport projects in the pipeline for the city would be transformative, "but as we know major infrastructure projects in Ireland can take a long time. The pace of delivery will be key."
He told the audience of 450 business leaders that these projects would underpin the future development of the city for decades to come and enable a much-needed increase in the supply of housing in the region.
The incoming President told the dinner that when it comes to delivering that housing there are no quick fixes and that it’s a big issue which requires a holistic response.
He said the question of vacant properties arises time and time again and added that Dublin needs to avail of underutilised spaces in more effective and productive ways.
The planning process also needs to be reconfigured, he claimed, so that it acts as an enabler rather than a mechanism for delay.
"Its objectives should be about finding a way to ensure that we can meet the needs of our citizens, deliver economic growth and the sustainability of indigenous and foreign direct investment," he said.
He also said that the Irish economy needs 2-way connection with the rest of the world to be maintained.
"For this reason, the extent and frequency of Ireland's network of air travel remains of paramount importance," the airport boss said.
Mr Harrison also called for a new plan to re-energise the city centre which he said has lain dormant for much of the past two years because of pandemic restrictions.
He also suggested that if Dublin does not get a directly elected mayor with delegated power and responsibility, at county level, then consideration should be given to having a Minister for Dublin similar to the current Minister for Rural Affairs.
A renewal of the arts and cultural scene in the city will also be key to protecting Dublin's character and its economic and social vitality in the long-term, he stated.
"We need ambitious plans to support the arts and cultural life of the city," he said.
The chamber boss added that Government policy must support urban growth and invest in it ambitiously to improve the quality of life for all of its people.
He also said that Dublin Chamber condemns Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, and acknowledges that "passively bearing witness to these events is not an option, on an individual, organisational, or societal level."
"It is important that we act through the means available to us, no matter how great or small. I know that businesses in Ireland are keen to play as strong a role as they possibly can," he said.
