Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
394. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the new infrastructure plan will accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72360/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn December 3rd, the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This is a comprehensive programme of actions designed to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure across the State. The Action Plan responds to well-documented challenges of lengthy development timelines, fragmented processes, and rising costs. These have all been identified as major barriers to achieving Ireland’s housing, energy, and climate objectives.
The report is evidence-based. It has been built on the research and analysis of my Department, the views received during the public consultation and stakeholder engagement undertaken by my Department over the summer, and the expert input and advice from the members of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
The Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform. The actions address the twelve barriers to the timely delivery of infrastructure that were highlighted in the Report on Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement with Emerging Themes on Infrastructure, published by my department in July.
A four-week online and in-person public consultation last summer supported the preparation of that Report published in July, by providing an opportunity for stakeholders and the general public, from across the country, to feed into this work. I hosted events during this consultation period, including a regional event in Athlone.
The actions selected represent a transformative approach to streamlining development processes and significantly reducing delivery timelines, ensuring a more efficient and timely delivery of critical infrastructure nationwide.
Together, these actions will ensure that the record investment under the National Development Plan (NDP) translates into faster, more efficient delivery of housing, energy, and transport infrastructure, supporting Ireland’s economic growth, climate commitments and Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The actions will benefit every county and region of Ireland as infrastructure projects play an essential role in supporting Ireland’s balanced economic growth and meeting the demands of a rapidly expanding population.
