Laois views sought on crime and housing impact
Laois Chamber Alliance invites Laois businesses to give their views
Laois businesses are being asked if crime such as theft and vandalism, or public safety, negatively impacts their trade, while views are also sought on whether the availability of housing in the county is impacting staff recruitment or retention.
Laois Chamber Alliance is inviting businesses across the midlands county to give their views on these and other issues for a pre-Budget 2027 Business Survey.
The business and tourism group says it wants to get feedback that will shape its submission to the Government on issues that matter most to local businesses, which can be used in the business case being made to the Government as it prepares for Budget 2027.
Respondents are asked about the extent to which anti-social behaviour, theft, vandalism, or public safety concerns “negatively impacted” their business, employees, or customers in the last 12 months. An increase in Garda resources and visibility is also a choice of answer in a question about actions that would have a big impact on trading.
Laois employers are also being asked to grade significantly how housing availability, childcare or transport affected the ability to recruit or retain staff.
The chamber also wants to find out how infrastructure and public services in Laois are keeping pace with population growth and economic development. Business people are also being asked which area requires the most urgent attention.
Companies are also being given a list of options to choose from on three actions that would have the greatest impact on your business and Laois’ economy. These include PRSI, insurance costs, housing delivery, garda deployment and supports for the SME sector.
The Chamber also wants to know how confident entrepreneurs are about 2027 and what one thing would help you recruit next year. They also want to know what one Government action would make the greatest difference to your business in Budget 2027.
The Chamber says the findings will inform engagement with Government, Oireachtas members, local authorities, and national agencies ahead of Budget 2027. Encouraging businesses to participate, they say every response strengthens our voice and helps ensure that the priorities of Laois businesses are heard at national level.
The survey can be completed HERE.