Ballina businesses reveal their priorities for upcoming elections

Ballina Chamber of Commerce has unveiled manifestos for the upcoming Local and European Elections, urging candidates to adopt bold visions for Ireland’s long-term growth and prosperity.

The manifestos highlight the slow pace of infrastructural development in recent years, citing housing shortages, energy costs, skills gaps, and planning system failures as pressing issues. Ballina Chamber is calling for "proactive and visionary representatives" at both local and EU levels to drive accountability and ensure the delivery of essential infrastructure.

Mary Moyles, President of Ballina Chamber, said that through the Chamber’s recent business survey, members have raised many issues affecting their businesses, as well as concerns about the long-term development of the town.

“Many have asked these questions, specifically for local election candidates, during the survey feedback: What will you do to support business grow and prosper? How do you see our area developing over the next five years? What are the key opportunities and threats for Ballina and the wider municipal district?

“This is a very challenging time for businesses to operate and we must ensure every opportunity is afforded to businesses in Ballina to remain open for business.”

Mags Downey-Martin, CEO of Ballina Chamber, said: “At a local authority level, we call on candidates to foster safe, thriving and inclusive towns and cities that are attractive places for our growing population to live, work, visit and invest, to build more homes and ensure essential infrastructure developments can progress."

Meanwhile, MEP candidates are urged to prioritise a robust EU industrial strategy for renewable energy, global competitiveness, reducing regulatory burdens, and promoting regional development.

Ballina Chamber encourages voter registration and active participation in the elections, urging businesses to support employees in exercising their right to vote.