Regulation, labour and property costs are among major constraints for businesses in the capital, according to a survey done by Dublin Chamber.
The capital's major lobby group for businesses conducted the survey in November last year, gauging the views of more than 150 companies in the Greater Dublin Area.
It found that 71% of respondents see Ireland’s regulatory system as limiting their ability to operate effectively, with the burden most felt in manufacturing, hospitality and real estate.
Tax and revenue compliance and employment and HR regulations emerged as the highest perceived cost drivers.
When it comes to the cost of doing businesses, 79% of the surveyed companies reported wages as the biggest driver of expenditure in 2025, while rent and consultancy costs are also among key pressures.
"Firms are adapting and investing where possible but rising labour costs and regulatory complexity are constraining growth and competitiveness," the Director of Public and International Affairs at Dublin Chamber Aebhric Mc Gibney said. "A stronger focus on cost, simple regulation and infrastructure investment is needed."
In a bid to manage financial pressures, the survey found, roughly half of businesses have changed the way they work by using artificial intelligence, increasing prices to customers and reducing staff numbers. Many are also delaying planned investment.
When asked where Government action would have the greatest impact, Dublin businesses first point to labour cost measures, i.e. PRSI reductions.
The increased housing and transport investment is another key demand from companies operating in the capital, according to Dublin Chamber, with housing shortages and infrastructure constraints affecting recruitment, retention, and overall competitiveness.
