Infrastructure Plan is the most ambitious reforms by any Irish Government – Butterly

The Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan will deliver more homes, better transport as well as the critical infrastructure Ireland’s growing population needs, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly says: “These reforms mark a turning point in cutting delays, streamlining planning approvals and ensuring that major infrastructure projects the country needs don’t stay on paper.

“Families need homes, commuters need better transport, while businesses need certainty. This plan will deliver on all three.”

The plan has 30 time-bound actions that will cut red tape, reduce regulations, and remove barriers.

It will ultimately knock months and years off the time it takes to build homes, water treatment plants, energy grid infrastructure, roads and other essential capital projects like public transport, schools, and hospitals.

The plan includes emergency legislation to fast-track critical infrastructure projects through planning and approval processes, while also reform the Judicial Review system to limit how projects can be opposed through the courts.

Deputy Butterly said the Fine Gael General Election manifesto in 2024 called for a dedicated Department of Infrastructure, “while that remains our ambition, this plan is the next best thing.

“We are facing a growing population and rising demand for housing, transport and energy. This plan will ensure Ireland can keep pace and build stronger communities.”

She concluded by highlighting the ambition with the plan and described it as “the most ambitious reforms any Irish Government has ever introduced. It is the most important piece of work the Government will deliver in terms of meeting our housing need.”