Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
110. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when the Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026 will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38260/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Critical Infrastructure Bill is a central pillar of the Government’s broader infrastructure acceleration agenda. The need for a Bill to fast track a limited number of strategically important projects through approval processes was identified in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action published last December.
This Bill has been drafted and is being brought through the Oireachtas on a priority basis to respond to this need. Its primary aim is to allow Government to designate certain projects or programmes as critical. This then requires all public bodies who may have an authorisation function for these projects or programmes to prioritise consideration of them within their approval processes.
I plan to commence the Act as soon as is practicable after it is approved by the Oireachtas and signed by the President.
