953. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he plans to designate the Sandymount Flood Alleviation Scheme as a critical infrastructure project under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62623/26]

954. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he plans to designate the Sandymount flood alleviation scheme as a critical infrastructure project under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62660/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 953 and 954 together.

The Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 allows the Government to designate certain infrastructure projects developed by or on behalf of the State as being of critical national importance. This provides a statutory basis for accelerating decision making in respect of designated projects and programmes.

In announcing the enactment of the legislation, I stated that my initial focus would be on identifying a small number of projects so that the new framework could be implemented effectively and its operation monitored. The Government approved this first tranche of designated projects in July 2026. These projects were drawn from the transport, energy and water sectors, reflecting the strategic importance of these sectors to the delivery of wider national priorities, including housing and economic development.

The Act establishes an ongoing framework through which projects and programmes of strategic national importance can be considered by Government on a rolling basis. Further designation orders will be brought forward at regular intervals throughout the year to ensure continued progress on nationally important infrastructure projects.

While the Act specifically highlights transport, energy and water infrastructure, it does not preclude the designation of other types of infrastructure where this is considered appropriate. Any future recommendations will be assessed having regard to the criteria set out in the Act, including the importance of the project or programme to the State, the potential economic or social consequences of delay, and its contribution to national strategic objectives.

Any decision to designate a project remains a matter for Government.