Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
411. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when his Department intend to publish the heads of Bill for the proposed new Critical Infrastructure Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5764/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs per the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, the Government has committed to the development of a Critical Infrastructure Bill. This purpose of this Bill is to create a legal obligation for State bodies to recognise and accelerate key projects through planning, licensing, and other consenting stages.
In addition, the Bill will explore options during drafting for incorporating statutory timelines, positive presumptions, and other measures to reduce procedural delays. This legislation will be accompanied by governance arrangements to maintain and communicate a critical infrastructure projects list and track delivery outcomes.
As noted in the Action Plan, I intend to draft and publish this legislation in Q1 2026.
