Fast-tracking of Critical Infrastructure finally begins – Neville

Cabinet’s decision to designate the first tranche of projects under the Critical Infrastructure Act is a significant step forward for delivery, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Joe Neville, Fine Gael’s spokesperson on Infrastructure and Delivery said, “This shows Government is committed to critical infrastructure delivery and removes the red tape which was slowing major projects.

“The introduction of the Act ensures all state agencies work together efficiently with unnecessary delays reducing where possible.”

Nine projects have been announced under the first tranche:

• Metrolink in Dublin.
• the Cork Area Commuter Rail.
• the Galway Ring Road.
• the Eastern & Midlands Water Supply Project.
• the Greater Dublin Drainage scheme.
• the Bunlicky Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade in Limerick.
• the North-South Interconnector.
• the Moneypoint series Capacitor Project in Laois.
• the Letterkenny Station Redevelopment in Donegal.

Deputy Neville said, “There is a variety of projects announced in the first tranche from water upgrades to roads, to electricity and public transport.

“It’s important to have a wide range of delivery, as all forms of infrastructure are needed to keep up with the country’s expected growth in population.

“Paired with the Government’s €275bn allocation of capital for infrastructure under the National Development Plan, the Critical Infrastructure Act is another piece of the jigsaw in ensuring we can deliver infrastructure effectively.

“As spokesperson for Infrastructure and Delivery for Fine Gael, I know the importance of this announcement and I look forward to seeing its impact on infrastructure growth in the coming years,” Deputy Neville concluded.