The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has called for the establishment of a task force to seek innovative ways to attract private investment into transport and other infrastructural projects. In its pre-Budget submission the Chamber highlights what it says is Dublin's pivotal role in the economy, particularly as a leading centre for inward investment. But it warns that increasing traffic congestion in Dublin is already a high cost factor to businesses and is posing a threat to future investment in Dublin.

"Despite a high level of existing and planned investment in transport, the Government's ability to invest further in infrastructure will be severely constrained after 1999, both by the fall-off of EU funds and by the borrowing limitations imposed by the Stability Pact. By then, Dublin's transport infrastructural needs will continue to be of critical importance and the scale of investment will be sizeable" according to the Chamber.

In its submission the Dublin Chamber goes on to mention a number of potential projects where private and public sectors could work together. These include the creation of a fast-rail link to Dublin airport, connected to the national rail network, enhancing the infrastructure of Dublin Airport.

The Chamber has called on the Government to consider a central railway station for the city, that could be developed with commercial, leisure and residential elements and the development of further distribution centres around the port and airport.

Chamber president, Mr John McNally said it was now "highly opportune" to bring private sector finance into worthwhile public infrastructure projects. "We have had some good experiences already in Ireland of such investment, such as the East and West Link toll bridges," he said.