The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland has today launched its Pre-Budget 2026 Submission to the Department of Finance, stating that Ireland has a unique opportunity to remain a destination of choice for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by maintaining a pro-business ecosystem.
Paul Sweetman, Chief Executive, AmCham, said: “In the current challenging environment with tariffs to the fore, competition for investment and talent is continuing to increase. When uncertainty abates, it will be the countries with the strongest contender attitude and those who have delivered on national competitiveness, that will succeed. In this regard, it is encouraging that 90% of respondents to a recent AmCham member survey said their corporate headquarters have a positive view of Ireland as an investment location, and 68% said their headquarters already have plans to invest in Ireland over the next 5 years. However, infrastructural gaps in key areas including housing, energy and transport are a challenge to Ireland’s competitiveness. The recently announced revised National Development Plan commits to strong investment across a number areas, but it is vital Ireland addresses infrastructure gaps with great urgency. This can position the country for continued success in attracting and growing FDI into the future.”
Key recommendations in the AmCham Pre-Budget 2026 Submission are:
A recent survey of American Chamber members showed that 63% of US Multinationals in Ireland believe Ireland’s highly educated and skilled talent pool is the country’s main competitive advantage. 100% of respondents said the enhancement of Ireland’s public transport infrastructure and security of Ireland’s energy grid are both important in supporting business operations and maintaining US investment in the country.
96% of respondents believe the ability to meet climate targets is critical in preserving Ireland’s competitiveness, while the same number of respondents expressed concern over the impact that reaching full capacity at Irish airports and ports would have for growth and investment. 98% indicated the availability of housing is a challenge for their employees. Regarding the deployment and use of AI, 77% of companies surveyed plan to increase AI investment in the coming year.
Paul Sweetman said: “It is more important than ever for Ireland to focus on the economic levers within our control. Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to protect Ireland’s competitive edge and secure economic growth. The commitment set out within the Programme for Government to deliver an Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity will be critical in enhancing Ireland’s competitiveness on a global stage and ensuring resilience against unprecedented challenges. Our Pre-Budget Submission outlines smart investment and policy decisions that will best prepare Ireland to leverage opportunities in talent attraction, research and development, digital solutions and energy over the years to come.”
“Winning the next wave of FDI is achievable if Ireland builds upon its existing strengths. This, in turn, will support the growth of the 970 US operations in Ireland, directly employing 210,000 people and a further 169,000 people indirectly.”
“Ireland’s unique position both economically and geographically places it at the heart of the EU-US transatlantic relationship. It is essential the government moves forward with policy and investment decisions at speed, centred on retaining Ireland’s reputation as an attractive economy for business growth, investment and job creation.”
Read AmCham's full 2026 Budget Submission here