Critical Infrastructure Bill fast-tracks common sense – Neville

The decision to waive pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposed Critical Infrastructure Bill is another big step to ensuring the Government delivers on infrastructure, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael Spokesperson on Infrastructure and Delivery, Deputy Joe Neville said “Delivering on infrastructure projects is one of the most important tasks facing the Government.

“As a country we need to ensure that our delivery on infrastructure keeps up with the pace of population growth.

“Once approved, this Bill will allow for the specific projects or critical infrastructure, which are deemed to be in the country’s interests to be fast-tracked and prioritised.

“The Oireachtas Infrastructure Committee’s successful vote last week enabled the motion to be presented to Cabinet today for approval.

“Requiring relevant statutory bodies to prioritise important projects will ensure delays will be reduced massively,” Deputy Neville continued.

“While we can’t pre-empt exactly what projects will be used under this Bill, we must consider major projects such as the Metrolink and the Greater Dublin Drainage project.”

Deputy Neville emphasised the importance of all parties backing infrastructure delivery and called on opposition to evaluate stances which they may be taking politically which could impede infrastructure growth and development.

“To deliver key infrastructure all stakeholders must come together. If we want to be able to deliver critical projects, we need to prioritise this legislation,” concluded Deputy Neville.