We are delighted to bring you this update on Dublin Chamber’s lobbying agenda and recent developments affecting businesses in the Dublin region.
In recent weeks, local authorities across Dublin have concluded their budgets for 2022. Since the summer, Dublin Chamber has been lobbying Councillors in Dublin for a freeze on commercial rates in light of the ongoing uncertainty and pressure on businesses due to Covid-19. We are pleased to report that, as of Monday, all local authorities have agreed to hold back from any commercial rates increase next year notwithstanding considerable budgetary pressures.
Numerous businesses have been reporting concerns about the security atmosphere and Garda visibility in the city centre specifically, and following months of lobbying by the Chamber, the Gardaí have recently launched ‘Operation Citizen’ to reassure shoppers and visitors in the coming months. Below, you will find the details of a special briefing for Chamber members on the new policing measures from the Garda Assistant Commissioner.
Following the announcement of new restrictive measures in recent weeks, we have also contacted the Taoiseach to stress that all our members want to prevent another lockdown over the vital Christmas period, and to suggest wider use of Covid-19 passport checks and regular anti-gen testing as potential alternatives.
To minimise the chances of another lockdown, it is important that all businesses continue to do their part. Please note that the Work SafelyProtocolhas been updated in accordance with the most recent public health advice. The Government has also launched a Layer Up campaign to encourage layering up on the behaviours which protect from Covid-19, including vaccination, mask wearing, hand washing/sanitising, indoor ventilation, and meeting up outdoors where possible. A pack for campaign partners is available here, while a handy series of posters can be downloaded herefor use on business premises.
You can find out more below. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your comments or concerns by contacting policy@dublinchamber.ie.
New global research on the Future of Work and Skills from PwC shows that many companies have boosted workforce productivity and performance during the pandemic, but cultural and leadership speedbumps have arisen that are inhibiting the creation of robust workforce strategies. It’s alarming that only 28% of leaders strongly agreed that they can rapidly adjust their workforce strategies.
Join us at 12pm on Tuesday 7th December for this special briefing with Anne Marie Cagney, Garda Assistant Commissioner on new measures to combat anti-social behaviour and make the city a safe and welcoming place over the vital Christmas period. This briefing will be of value to businesses operating in the retail, hospitality, tourism, and events sectors, and to all members based in the city centre.Book now.
If your business trades with Great Britain, there are two developments you should be aware of. The UK Government has published new procedures for moving goods into Britain from the EU, and it has also published an updated border operating model which will affect EU exporters of animal by-products and products of animal origin.
Dublin Chamber will be making submissions to Government in the coming weeks on a number of important policy developments affecting Dublin’s economic competitiveness. We would be keen to hear your views:
1 Draft Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area
We had a fantastic morning and were delighted to partner with Huawei at their European Innovation Day. The topics discussed included how technology can help protect the environment, how innovators are working together to build a digital Europe, and ways in which a collaborative ecosystem could be built to train young talents for the ICT industry. The live stream view has reached a total view of 1.4 million people on all Huawei global social media channels as of yesterday. Please click hereif you wish to listen back to the event.
