Letterkenny Chamber calls for investment for the north-west in 2026 Budget

Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce has today published its Pre-Budget Submission 2026, setting out clear priorities for Government to tackle long-standing underinvestment in Donegal and the wider North West region.

The Chamber has warned that without urgent action on infrastructure, housing, energy, and labour mobility, the region will continue to lag behind the rest of the country, undermining Ireland’s ability to achieve balanced national growth and competitiveness targets.

Chamber President Jimmy Stafford said the upcoming Budget is a crucial opportunity for Government to deliver on regional balance. He said: “Budget 2026 is an opportunity for Government to deliver on balanced regional development.

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"Roads, water, wastewater, and grid connections are not luxuries – they are the basic building blocks of a modern economy. The State is in a unique position to deploy strategic investment in infrastructure to enable the North West to become a net contributor to Ireland’s growth. We need commitment, urgency and delivery,” he said.

In its submission, the Chamber calls for progress on long-promised infrastructure projects, including the Ten-T road scheme, countywide grid upgrades, and essential water and wastewater systems. It also urges Government to accelerate delivery of social and affordable housing, tackle the defective blocks crisis and ensure homes are built where they are most needed. Other key asks include resolving tax residency issues that create barriers for cross-border workers and employers, and maintaining targeted business supports while simplifying taxation and providing incentives for innovation and sustainability.

Chamber CEO Toni Forrester highlighted the resilience of local businesses but stressed that long-delayed commitments must now be delivered. “Our members are resilient – they continue to invest, innovate, and create jobs despite rising costs and increasing bureaucracy,” she said. "But resilience has its limits. What we need now is action – clear commitments in Budget 2026 that deliver long-delayed infrastructure and unlock the true potential of the North West."

The Chamber stressed that addressing these challenges is not just about Donegal, but about closing regional gaps that will make Ireland stronger, more competitive, and better placed to attract investment on the global stage.