The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council
We analyse developments and policies in the field of productivity and competitiveness in Ireland
About usBudget 2027: Securing Ireland’s Competitive Position
Drawing on Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2026 and discussions at the Competitiveness Summit, the pre budget paper highlights the impact of geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, technological change and energy security risks, alongside domestic challenges such as infrastructure deficits and high business costs. The Council’s central recommendation is that Government should maintain fiscal discipline while prioritising productivity-enhancing investment. In particular, Budget 2027 should support the delivery of critical energy, water and transport infrastructure, reduce Ireland’s exposure to energy shocks, and address structural barriers that increase the cost of doing business and limit enterprise growth.
Pre-Budget Outlook
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NCPC Competitiveness and Productivity Framework
As concepts, competitiveness and productivity overlap and interlink in a variety of ways, and this framework speaks to the strong intersection of both. Productivity and competitiveness are depicted as two mutually-reinforcing concepts. The arrows in the inner circle visually capture this interconnected relationship. These two concepts overlap and interlink with each other through the drivers that determine them in achieving the overarching goal of sustainable growth and wellbeing. The main drivers included in the NCPC's framework are Business Environment, Macroeconomic Sustainability, International Environment, Technology and Innovation, Education and Skills, and Infrastructure.
Read More about the Framework