Dublin Chamber has said that the development of the MetroLink is a necessity for the future development of the capital and that data centres and other large energy users should be viewed as part of an opportunity for Dublin and not as a constraint.
The business groups new president, Gas Networks Ireland CEO David Kelly, also called on the government to "match ambition with action" and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure projects needed to secure Dublin's long-term competitiveness and future growth.
In a speech to more than 500 businesspeople attending the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting dinner, he said that delivery is the "credibility test" of Ireland's competitiveness.
"With over one-third of Ireland’s jobs located in Dublin, investment in the capital’s infrastructure is not optional, it is essential. These projects are the backbone of a competitive, sustainable and resilient Dublin," he said.
He said the MetroLink project should not be dismissed as unnecessary as other infrastructure projects in the past had been.
"We cannot allow the same type of narrative to take hold around MetroLink. This is a once-in-a-generation project - for Dublin and for Ireland.
"Underground infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a necessity," Mr Kelly said.
Mr Kelly also said that data centres and large energy users present opportunities for the capital.
"Energy infrastructure stands out as both an area of progress and a source of real challenge. Reliable, affordable energy underpins competitiveness, investment and quality of life.
"By building out grid capacity, renewables, interconnection and energy security, Government can strengthen resilience and reinforce Ireland’s position as a destination for high-value investment," he said.
Large energy users and data centres part of opportunity, says Kelly
Mr Kelly added: "Large energy users and data centres should be viewed as part of this opportunity, not a constraint. Retaining and growing energy-intensive firms strengthens the business case for renewables, grid development and long-term affordability.
"Competitiveness and climate ambition can, and must, reinforce each other."
He also said the protection of energy systems and subsea cables and pipelines around the country must be a key part of national planning.
"As the energy system becomes ever more critical to our economic activity, security must also be treated as part of our critical infrastructure.
"That includes the physical security of our energy networks and the protection of subsea cables and pipelines that are vital to Ireland’s energy supply, connectivity and digital economy," he said.
"These assets are strategic, and their protection must be embedded in national planning."
The Dublin Chamber president also called for a cut in Capital Gains Tax to better support entrepreneurship and scaling businesses.
"If Ireland is serious about strengthening its indigenous enterprise base, improving incentives for investment and risk-taking must be a central priority," he said.
He also said that Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency is an opportunity to show leadership on productivity and innovation, regulatory simplification and energy security.
Read more: 'Pivotal milestone' - First phases of MetroLink project go to tender
