Housing shortages, business costs and policing among key issues highlighted by Limerick Chamber ahead of Budget 2025

Business group said policing is now one of its main priorities, with businesses facing 'serious issues' with anti-social and criminal behaviour

Gardai wearing body cameras in Limerick city. Credit: Karlis Dzjamko

Housing shortages, business costs, talent retention and policing have been listed as the key issues facing Limerick and the broader Mid-West ahead of Budget 2025, with renewed calls for the Government to support the region's competitiveness on a global level.

In its pre-Budget submission, Limerick Chamber noted three pillars which it called essential to fostering "a robust, resilient, inclusive and competitive economy" that benefits businesses, employees and the broader community. 

Talent retention

Limerick Chamber is pushing for several measures to enhance talent retention in the region, citing the need for education and skills development programmes to meet market demand, reducing tax burdens on middle-income earners, and strengthening public service sectors such as healthcare, education and policing.

The business group noted that policing is now one of the main priorities among members, noting that retail-focused businesses are facing "serious issues" with anti-social and criminal behaviour. 

"There is an urgent need to reassign Gardai from the local courthouse to active-duty policing roles," the Chamber said. "The significant shortage of Gardai members necessitates a substantial increase in funding for this area resulting in increased Garda numbers."

Shaping the built environment

Limerick Chamber has also called for a "substantial increase" in affordable housing through investments and streamlined planning processes, as well as the improvement of transport infrastructure and amplification of the Living City initiative to reduce vacancies. 

Housing took the top spot in the list of priorities among Chamber members ahead of Budget 2025, with 65% of businesses calling for enhanced measures to alleviate housing shortages in the region. 

The cost of doing business took the second spot, with those who cited this also highlighting a myriad of issues from energy to insurance, sick pay, minimum wage and pension auto-enrolment. 

Fuelling the Future 

The Chamber has noted energy independence and security as "paramount" for long-term sustainability, with its submission highlighting the need for "investments in renewable energy, modern infrastructure and solutions to position the region as a leader in green energy. 

"We surveyed Chamber members to pinpoint their top priorities for our budget submission," said Noel Gavin, President of Limerick Chamber. "The primary concerns are clear: housing and the cost of doing business. Issues surrounding talent attraction and retention are critical, driven by a lack of housing and childcare as well as other social and infrastructural gaps."

"The issue of policing has become a top priority, underscoring the urgent need for adequate staffing and visible police presence. Limerick Chamber is firmly pressing the Department of Justice for a stronger police presence on our streets."

Seán Golden, Chief Economist and Director of Policy with Limerick Chamber noted that while the region have "no issue" creating jobs and attracting large private businesses, the Government must match these ambitions with investment in housing and other critical activities.

"That is why much of our submission is based around competitiveness and how we can support a region that is more competitive on the national and international stage."