Ten-point plan calls for coordinated investment in housing, enterprise, the Blue Economy and cross-border collaboration – as Chamber warns hospitality and retail can absorb no further cost increases
Dún Laoghaire, 21 September 2026 -Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Chamber has today published its Pre-Budget Submission 2027 – A Strategic Partnership Proposal to Government, setting out ten evidence-based actions to unlock the county’s full economic potential and support Ireland’s wider national competitiveness.
The submission sets out the Chamber’s ambition for Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown to become “Ireland’s most competitive county” — building on an already exceptional concentration of talent, enterprise, innovation and economic activity while tackling the housing, infrastructure and business-cost constraints that risk limiting future growth.
With the highest level of third-level educational attainment in the country, Ireland’s highest median gross household income, a highly concentrated knowledge economy and a local economy generating €6.2 billion in Gross Value Added, the Chamber argues that targeted investment in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown can deliver economic returns far beyond the county itself.
Drawing on the Chamber’s own economic intelligence, including its Bespoke Locale Report 2026, its Purple Flag work and direct engagement with businesses and cross-border partners, the ten-chapter submission calls on Government to accelerate housing-enabling infrastructure at Cherrywood, Dundrum Central Kilternan-Glenamuch and Woodbrook; recognise Dún Laoghaire Harbour as a national Blue Economy asset; target support at SMEs facing the greatest financial pressures; expand the county’s successful Purple Flag evening-economy model to four additional centres; and resource the developing DLR–Bangor East Coast Economic Corridor as a practical model of Shared Island cooperation.
The submission also carries a direct message to Government on behalf of the county’s hospitality and retail businesses: having already absorbed the increase in the National Minimum Wage to €14.15 per hour and the introduction of mandatory employer pension contributions under auto-enrolment in January 2026, these sectors cannot sustain further increases in the cost of employment in Budget 2027.
Commenting on the pressures facing businesses, Colin Brown, President of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Chamber, said:
“Businesses across Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown are ambitious, resilient and want to grow, invest and create employment. But for many, particularly in hospitality and retail, the cumulative cost of doing business has reached a critical point.
“Employers have already absorbed significant increases in employment costs this year. Our message to Government ahead of Budget 2027 is clear: businesses need breathing space. We cannot continue adding costs and still expect SMEs to invest, grow and sustain jobs.
“This submission is not simply about seeking support. It is about creating the conditions in which businesses can succeed and, in doing so, continue contributing to the economic strength of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown and Ireland.”
Colette O’Sullivan, CEO of Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Chamber, said the submission was deliberately designed as a partnership proposal rather than a traditional list of Budget asks:
“Our ambition is clear: Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown should be Ireland’s most competitive county — not simply measured by economic output, but as a place to start and grow a business, attract talent, invest, innovate and build a sustainable future.
“DLR already delivers €6.2 billion in Gross Value Added and supports over 90,000 jobs nationally. This submission shows Government where targeted investment can deliver significant economic return — and it does so with evidence, not assumptions.
“We are not simply asking Government to invest in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown. We are offering a partnership to help deliver Ireland’s national ambitions — from housing and infrastructure to enterprise, the Blue Economy, sustainable growth and Shared Island cooperation.”
The Chamber is also inviting Government to see that partnership in action.
On Friday, 30 October 2026, DLR Chamber, together with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and Bangor Chamber of Commerce, will host a flagship day at the Royal Marine Hotel marking Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The programme will combine a morning EU Democracy, Innovation and Blue Economy Forum with an afternoon Sustainable Business Exchange, culminating in the launch of the DLR Chamber & Bangor All-Island Sustainability Committee.
The Chamber said it will continue to work with Government Departments, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council and State agencies to progress the ten recommendations, both ahead of Budget Day on 6 October 2026 and as part of a longer-term partnership for the county’s economic development.
CEO
Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Chamber of Commerce