Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
16. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when he will bring forward a public investment Bill; the rationale for the Bill; the likely objectives of such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10565/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn December 3 I published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. It sets out a comprehensive programme of reforms to speed up the pace of infrastructure delivery in Ireland. It contains thirty actions grouped into four pillars, i) legal reform, ii) regulatory simplification, iii) delivery and, iv) coordination and public acceptance.
The reforms set out in the Action Plan have been developed in an evidence-based manner, incorporating feedback from extensive public consultation, and with expert advice and input from the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce. It is among the most ambitious action plans ever adopted by Government and is necessary to unlock serviced land for new homes, expand and decarbonise the electricity grid, reduce the time we spend in traffic and provide sustainable jobs.
Action 2 of the Report commits the Government to the development of a Critical Infrastructure Bill. The 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 further reforms to assist with the acceleration of critical infrastructure. 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 Quarter 1 this year.
