CEOs call for investment in infrastructure

One in two of Ireland's leading chief executives have said that Government spending should be directed towards transport infrastructure over the next five years.

Over 24% prioritised public sector spending on education with 10% voting for health and law and order respectively.

On other issues polled, 85% of CEOs support the proposed smoking ban, while 88% voted 'yes' to a second independent terminal at Dublin Airport.

The results support a recent international study undertaken by Deloitte, which confirms that people around the world are choking on traffic gridlock.

A possible remedy suggested was in pricing road use in the same way as utilities, food and other sectors.

The findings of the survey were presented at a Deloitte / Enterprise Ireland CEO Forum at the Leopardstown Pavilion, Dublin today.

Over 350 of Ireland's CEOs from a range of businesses throughout the country were present.

Speakers included Sean O'Driscoll, group chief executive, Glen Dimplex; John Teeling, chairman, Cooley Distillery Plc and John FitzGerald, research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute.