Dublin Chamber of Commerce

Lobbying Organisation Dublin Chamber of Commerce

Date published 19 May, 2017

Relevant Matter Matters involving public funds

Public Policy Area Budgetary matters

Period 1 Jan, 2017 to 30 Apr, 2017

Specific Details Increase investment in infrastructure in Dublin to improve the efficient movement of people and goods into, through, and around the Greater Dublin area, particularly the City Centre, and to address previous under-investment in infrastructure in Dublin and Nationally. The policy recommendations for these objectives were contained in Dublin Chamber's submission on the mid-term review of the capital spending plan.

Intended results Government should adopt a 20 year time frame in its next capital investment plan, and coordinate investment with the NPF. An increase in Government spending on infrastructure to the EU average. Removal of the self-imposed limit of 10% of capital spending for the use of public private partnerships. Greater use of public private partnerships. Secure additional EIB funding for capital investment. Review of the EU Fiscal Rules to seek a deviation from the adjustment path. Publishing more regular breakdown of data of capital expenditure, including a ranking of all infrastructure projects by CBA. Publication of cost benefit analysis from previous projects. Targeting capital investment in urban areas. Prioritising the following projects: Metro North, DART Underground, Eastern By-pass, security of water and energy supply, urban public transport (bus, Luas, Irish Rail Commuter Services), Outer Orbital Route for GDA. More priority and bus-only corridors. Upgrading of the public transport ticketing system. Implementation of segregated cycle lanes. Clarification of the implications for capital spending arising from the decision to keep Irish Water on the Balance Sheet.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Mr. Aebhric McGibney, Director of Public and International Affairs

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? Yes

What is the directive you gave to the grassroots campaigners? Dublin Chamber advised its membership - via emails, speeches, and other communications - to communicate the issues & recommendations outlined above.

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (2-5)

Meetings were held with DPOs regarding the Chamber's above listed policy recommendations.

Submission (1)

A submission was made to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

Event / Reception (2-5)

The Chamber hosted events with a DPOs as a speaker who then engaged in a question and answer session on the Chamber's policy agenda.

Informal communication (2-5)

Chamber staff have had informal communication with DPOs, particularly at events not organised by the Chamber. During these communications, the Chamber's policy positions have been advocated for.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Eoghan Murphy TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Eamon Ryan TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Noel Rock TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Shane Ross TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

John Lahart TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Michael McGrath TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Dara Calleary TD (Dáil Éireann, the Oireachtas)

Shane Ross Minister (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport)

Simon Coveney Minister (Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government)

Derek Moran Secretary General (Department of Finance)

Owen Keegan CEO (Dublin City Council)

Dermot Lacey Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Aisling Dunne Special Adviser (Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport)

Paul McAuliffe Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Ciaran Cuffe Councillor (Dublin City Council)

Brendan Kenny Director of Services or Equivalent (Dublin City Council)

Paschal Donohoe Minister (Department of Public Expenditure and Reform)