Sandyford Business District has called on the government to prioritise investment in sustainable transport in Budget 2027, highlighting rising fuel costs and the urgent need to reduce dependence on private vehicles. The district, home to over 1,000 businesses and employing 26,000 workers, insists that workers can only make the transition away from cars where “reliable, frequent, and well-connected alternatives exist.” Without these improvements, the shift away from driving will remain out of reach.
Major employers in the area, including Mastercard, Microsoft, Google, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, rely heavily on efficient transport networks to maintain operations. To address this, the district has outlined key priorities: expanding the capacity of the Luas Green Line, enhancing bus services, and establishing mobility hubs to eliminate gaps in first- and last-mile connections. These upgrades would not only reduce traffic congestion but also cut emissions while supporting broader economic growth without exacerbating roadblocks.
The proposal includes faster Luas frequencies, optimised bus routes, particularly along Blackthorn Drive and Blackthorn Avenue, and a €100 per employee allowance for registered employers purchasing annual TaxSaver tickets. This tax incentive would cost the government an estimated €2.6 million annually. Additionally, the district seeks funding for demand-responsive transport solutions and coordinated planning across major initiatives like BusConnects and MetroLink.
Ger Corbett, CEO of Sandyford Business District, described the push as essential for both environmental and economic reasons. Rising fuel costs are making the daily commute increasingly expensive for thousands of people travelling to and from the district. Corbett emphasised that sustainable transport is an environmental measure and an investment in Ireland’s competitiveness. “Businesses need to be able to attract employees, and employees need affordable and reliable ways of getting to work,” he said. Corbett added that Budget 2027 is an opportunity for the Government to accelerate investment and ensure major employment centres such as Sandyford Business District have the infrastructure required to continue growing.
The district’s immediate focus lies on infrastructure upgrades, but the broader challenge involves ensuring alignment across transport services. Without cohesive planning between Luas, bus networks, and metro systems, even expanded capacity risks failing to create smooth travel experiences. The effectiveness of these proposals will hinge on whether Budget 2027 treats transport as an isolated issue or integrates it into a wider strategy for sustaining economic hubs like Sandyford.
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