Rising costs threaten Irish businesses, jobs

By Niall O'Connor

"Our recent economic success has changed Ireland's profile as a location for investment. Basic operative skills are now available at lower cost throughout the developing world. We cannot be the cheapest, but we must be the best," he said.

Mr Dorgan said shortfalls in infrastructure would also affect competitiveness. He said work on the roads network was deeply disappointing and that Ireland could not afford to wait for essential infrastructure.