Tralee Chamber Alliance

Intent: The following was discussed with the Minister Peter Burke. 1. The reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate.2. The rising cost of doing business. 3. Garda numbers and local security. 4. Connectivity, with a strong focus on re-establishing a direct Kerry Airport - Schiphol route. 5. The completion of the Astellas Plant and for further investment. 6. Tralee has an University town.::It was a productive discussion, and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on these critical matters. By working together, we can ensure Tralee and Kerry continue to grow as a thriving hub for business, education and connectivity.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: The following was discussed with the Minister Peter Burke. 1. The reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate.2. The rising cost of doing business. 3. Garda numbers and local security. 4. Connectivity, with a strong focus on re-establishing a direct Kerry Airport - Schiphol route. 5. The completion of the Astellas Plant and for further investment. 6. Tralee has an University town.::It was a productive discussion, and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on these critical matters. By working together, we can ensure Tralee and Kerry continue to grow as a thriving hub for business, education and connectivity.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: The following was discussed with the Minister Peter Burke. 1. The reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate.2. The rising cost of doing business. 3. Garda numbers and local security. 4. Connectivity, with a strong focus on re-establishing a direct Kerry Airport - Schiphol route. 5. The completion of the Astellas Plant and for further investment. 6. Tralee has an University town.::It was a productive discussion, and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on these critical matters. By working together, we can ensure Tralee and Kerry continue to grow as a thriving hub for business, education and connectivity.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: The following was discussed with the Minister Peter Burke. 1. The reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate.2. The rising cost of doing business. 3. Garda numbers and local security. 4. Connectivity, with a strong focus on re-establishing a direct Kerry Airport - Schiphol route. 5. The completion of the Astellas Plant and for further investment. 6. Tralee has an University town.::It was a productive discussion, and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on these critical matters. By working together, we can ensure Tralee and Kerry continue to grow as a thriving hub for business, education and connectivity.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: The following was discussed with the Minister Peter Burke. 1. The reinstatement of the 9% VAT Rate.2. The rising cost of doing business. 3. Garda numbers and local security. 4. Connectivity, with a strong focus on re-establishing a direct Kerry Airport - Schiphol route. 5. The completion of the Astellas Plant and for further investment. 6. Tralee has an University town.::It was a productive discussion, and we appreciate the Minister's engagement on these critical matters. By working together, we can ensure Tralee and Kerry continue to grow as a thriving hub for business, education and connectivity.

Methods: Meeting

Intent: A reduction of 10% on the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV)::Two year exemption from rates for new independent businesses opening in town centres.::A commitment to lobby government colleagues on behalf of businesses facing rising costs.

Methods: Meeting, Virtual Meeting

Intent: Our CEO Colette O Connor asked a question for looking for more support to increase visibility of Gardaí on our streets directly to the ministers

Methods: Virtual Meeting

Intent: Tralee Chamber Alliance representatives and our members would like to highlight the ongoing and escalating challenges faced by retailers, particularly small independent business, across Tralee and the broader region. Despite the efforts made by the finance and public expenditure & reform departments last year, the same critical issues persist, jeopardizing the survival of the essential contributors to our local economies.::We urge the government to take immediate and decisive action to address these issues. Specifically, we request: A review and adjustment of the pace of minimum wage increases to better align with the economic realities facing small businesses.::The introduction of a zero-cost policy for the first three days of statutory sick pay to prevent abuse of the scheme.::Targeted financial support for small businesses to help manage the costs of extended parental leave and the upcoming auto-enrolment pension scheme.::Interventions to stabilize energy and insurance costs and add

Methods: Email

Intent: Tralee Chamber Alliance held a debate with the upcoming candidates for the Tralee Municipal District for the local elections. Tralee Chamber sent a survey to their members with the following questions. Q1 Which of the following is most important to you? Choices are Small Business Grants, Active Travel, Town Centre First, Tackling Vacancy/Dereliction and the top 3 responses were Tackling Vacancy, Town Centre and small business grants. ::Q2. Has your business been impacted by rate increases? The majority of responses said yes 54.55%. Q3. What are the challenges currently facing your business? The members said rising costs, anti-social behaviour, accommodation, skilled employees, inflation, tourism, Gardaí. Q4. Rank from 1-5 the most important social issues you would like to see a Local Election Candidate priortise? In Housing the majority went with Rank 1 (41.18%), Local Transport the majority went with Rank 3 (32.35%), ::Increase in Garda presence the majority went with Rank 1 (38.24%),

Methods: Event / Reception

Intent: The Chamber were keen to highlight with both Ministers the challenges that are facing businesses at present particularly SME's. Tralee continues to be economic driver for the South West region with the recent news of Astellas investment a fantastic example of the future potential for FDI in North Kerry.

Methods: Meeting