Written answer
Capital Expenditure Programme
The Minister said implementation of all 30 Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan measures remained on track: two-thirds were complete by Q3 2026, including 85% of commitments due by then. Legislative and planning reforms have accelerated projects, saving an estimated 26 weeks on Waterford wastewater works and 12 months on Greater Dublin Drainage.
27. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a report on the implementation of the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan. [74410/26]
Comment on this
58. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on progress delivering the commitments set out in the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan. [74849/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 58 together.
The Programme for Government established a clear priority for the National Development Plan Review: to maximise investment in the strategic infrastructure required to support Ireland’s future development. This includes the energy, water and transport networks that underpin housing delivery, economic growth and regional development. These sectors were subsequently identified as critical infrastructure in the Accelerating Infrastructure Actions Report and Action Plan.
The Plan sets out 30 targeted actions across four pillars of reform. Measures include increasing exemption thresholds for critical infrastructure projects, streamlining processes involving agencies and regulators, advocating for reforms at EU level, and establishing a duty on State bodies to cooperate in making land available for nationally significant projects.
Implementation continues to maintain strong momentum, with delivery on track across all 30 actions and major reforms progressing from policy development into implementation. As of the end of Q3 2026, two-thirds of the overall Action Plan has been implemented, with 85% of commitments due by end-Q3 complete.
Key milestones achieved during 2026 include significant progress on the enactment of the Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026, with the first orders laid before the Oireachtas. The Government has also designated the first nine Critical Infrastructure Projects for accelerated delivery under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026, enabling faster processing and decision-making for projects of national importance.
The Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2026 has been signed into law, with initial provisions commenced in August, including measures relating to plan-making, environmental assessment, judicial review and planning permission durations. Government has also approved the drafting of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Bill 2026, which will consolidate existing SEA regimes into a single cross-sectoral framework and support a more coordinated approach across Government.
Most importantly, these reforms are already delivering tangible benefits. An estimated 26 weeks has been saved on the Waterford Wastewater Treatment Plant project, while changes to commissioning arrangements have reduced the timeline for the Greater Dublin Drainage project by approximately 12 months. This project will support the delivery of up to 185,000 new homes across north Dublin and parts of Meath and Kildare. In addition, timelines for Marine Area Consents have been reduced by 30% for approved bodies. Other notable impacts include Moneypoint 400 kV Series Capacitor and Letterkenny 110 kV Redevelopment both receiving planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála and Metrolink clearing Approval gate 2 of the Infrastructure Guidelines and moving to detailed procurement stage.
As we move into Q4 and beyond, the focus will remain on sustaining momentum, embedding reforms and realising further benefits across Ireland’s infrastructure system.