Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
363. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of projects in his Department that were delayed in 2023 and 2024 due to the change of document from the Public Spending Code to the Infrastructure Guidelines, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [75104/25]
View answerMy Department, through its agencies and bodies under its aegis, works to deliver climate action, the transformation of our energy systems, the protection and resilience of our environment, and a resource–efficient economy. As set out in my Department's NDP Sectoral Capital Plan, published on www.gov.ie on 12 November, my Department will provide up to €5.64 billion in capital funding between 2026 and 2030 for investments in essential infrastructure to support the wider economy, including the delivery of secure and sustainable supplies of energy, a robust system for the regulation of Ireland’s energy markets and infrastructure, and the protection of Ireland’s environment and reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions.
The Infrastructure Guidelines, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, set out value for money guidelines for Government Departments for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects in Ireland. The guidelines came into effect on 1 January 2024 and mandate various checkpoints and approvals to ensure that projects and programmes align with strategic priorities, are financially viable, and deliver value for money. The guidelines updated and replaced the previous Public Spending Code guidance for capital expenditure, with strengthened approaches to financial appraisal, cost estimation, and risk management. My Department manages its capital expenditure allocations in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines. The issues raised by the Deputy have not arisen in my Department.
