The independent body set up by the State to advise on keeping Ireland competitive has called on the Government adhere to spending limits.
The warning from the National Competitive and Productivity Council comes after a series of authorities cautioned the coalition about its accelerating expenditure which is growing faster than any other eurozone country.
The council has also recommended faster investment and renewal of the electricity grid and ensuring that EirGrid is appropriately resourced and incentivised to deliver investment.
It has called for delivery of phase one of Ireland’s offshore wind energy projects which includes six major developments off Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, Arklow, Wicklow and Galway, as well as the North-South electricity interconnector.
It also backed plans to put liquid natural gas (LNG) storage facilities in place “as quickly as possible” to ensure Ireland has better energy security.
On industrial relations, it recommends the Government consider how the new public service agreement could lead to “reform, increased digitisation and productivity improvements”.
It has told the Government to exploit opportunities that AI presents to maximise the benefits for the labour market.
Alan Barrett, chairman of the National Competitive and Productivity Council, said: “Competitiveness must be continually earned through sound economic management, investment in critical infrastructure, modern public services, affordable and secure energy, and the successful adoption of new technologies such as AI.”
He added the recommendations were intended to help ensure Ireland remains competitive and resilient to seize future opportunities.
