Kildare Chamber boss calls on government to follow through urgently on Budget announcements

County Kildare Chamber, the largest business organisation in the mid-east region of Ireland representing an employer base of 400 businesses and over 52,000 employees, has cautiously welcomed Budget 2025.

But the Chamber is strongly highlighting the urgency of the Government’s follow-through in the implementation of some of the funding announcements.

The Chamber referenced the immediate unlocking of the National Training Fund’s (NTF) €1.5bn to service the approximate 2,000 skilled employees needed by businesses in the county over the next 3 to 5 years.

The Chamber said this step is an essential and overdue measure to develop the skills required by the IT, pharma, biomed and technical environmental sectors within what is one of the main engine rooms in the Irish economy here.

Over the last number of years, the Chamber said it has consistently highlighted members' concerns regarding capacity issues for core infrastructure which has been of concern to its multinational and large expanding indigenous company members especially in the manufacturing, logistical and IT sectors.

The announcement regarding €1 billion in capital spending to Irish Water, an additional €1.25 billion to the Land Development Agency to accelerate the supply of new housing, and €750 million in capital spending to further develop our electricity grid infrastructure were welcomed by the Chamber.

Sinéad Ronan, CEO of County Kildare Chamber said “The Chamber welcomes the investment in infrastructure, including the establishment of an infrastructure fund and the funding announced for the Dart+ programme with the potential expansion of routes into County Kildare which has a population of 247,000 people and is one of the main commuter belt areas into the capital.

"This will address current sustainable transport needs, reduce congestion, and ensure that the county remains an attractive location for investment and talent. 

"However, it will be the follow-through and urgency in implementing these capital developments and announcements that will be important, this cannot happen soon enough and the civil service need to realise the urgency of this.” 

“County Kildare has consistently attracted significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the mid-east region, establishing itself as a leader in attracting international businesses. To maintain and expand this advantage, it is vital that investment in infrastructure—such as water, electricity, and housing continues unabated. These critical investments are essential to securing existing FDI and attracting new opportunities, which, in turn, support economic growth and job creation in the county and the broader region. Ensuring that Kildare remains competitive for FDI is not just about tax incentives, it is about creating an environment where infrastructure supports business growth, employees can access quality housing, and utility capacity meets future demands," she added.

An announcement linked to the Energy Subsidy Scheme for hospitality and retail, sees a 150 bedroom hotel in the county which has seen an increase of €350,000 in its energy costs in the last 12 months potentially benefit from this €170 million fund.

County Kildare Chamber also stresses the importance of vigilance in protecting Ireland’s competitiveness amidst rising operating costs and changes to labour costs.

It added that a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that businesses can continue to thrive without undue burden.