Ibec statement on the publication of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum Report

Share this:

Copied

Sharon Higgins, Executive Director of Membership and Services said:

“We strongly welcome the final report from the Cost of Business Advisory Forum and its recommendations. Managing the cost of doing business- including core labour pressures such as wage costs- is critical to the survival and global competitiveness of Irish business. This report provides a clear roadmap for addressing many of the cost pressures facing Irish businesses.

Proactive Government engagement, backed by full Cabinet support, signals a strong commitment to driving meaningful structural reform. The report’s 63 recommendations directly align with Ibec’s key priorities to inject long-term productivity and operational resilience into Irish business. However, the ultimate value of this report depends on decisive implementation. We urge the Government to maintain momentum and translate these recommendations into action to secure Ireland’s long-term economic resilience.

While tangible progress on addressing business costs will require significant delivery across the majority of the report recommendations, delivering immediate relief requires a sharp focus on some key areas - such as energy, infrastructure & planning, and regulation. Priority actions include:

• Energy: As energy is the biggest non-pay-related business cost, targeted interventions are needed to bring Irish prices closer to European norms. This includes examining energy pass-through costs, updating the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) mandate, strengthening energy grants and supports, and urgently publishing the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) final report.
• Infrastructure and Planning: Priority must be given to transitioning fragmented approvals into parallel timelines, fully resourcing the EPA and planning authorities, and expanding exemptions for minor upgrades to fast-track grid, water, and housing delivery.
• Regulation: Easing the administrative burden requires shifting Enhanced Reporting Requirements (ERR) to monthly submissions and mandating the SME Test across all government departments.

Ibec looks forward to working with the Government and stakeholders to ensure these recommendations are translated into tangible outcomes for enterprises across the country.”

ENDS