The Minister for Public Expenditure National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, has today [05, October, 2023] published the Project Ireland 2040 Annual Report for 2022 which highlights the delivery of publicly funded capital projects throughout the country last year. Accompanying the 2022 Annual Report are three Regional reports which provide a detailed synopsis of the public investments which have been made in three Regional Assembly Areas: the Eastern and Midland Region, the Northern and Western Region and the Southern Region. The reports are all available to view on gov.ie/2040. 2022 saw clear progress in the delivery of major capital projects. Some examples highlighting achievements in delivery in 2022 include:
- In the Education sector: Investment in the School Building Programme exceeded €1 billion;
- In the Health sector: seven Community Nursing Units were completed including Clonakilty Community Hospital in Cork. Two Ambulance Bases were completed at Ardee and Mullingar;
- In the transport sector: Construction was ongoing in major road projects: N5 Westport to Turlough; N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom and the M8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange. Clear progress was made on the goal of delivering a more environmentally sustainable public transport system including BusConnects;
- In support of regional connectivity: Over 109,000 homes, farms and businesses had a network connection available by the end of 2022 as the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan continued.
Project Ireland 2040 encompasses Ireland’s clear long-term strategy for capital investment as set out in the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030. The successful delivery of Project Ireland 2040 is an essential element in securing Ireland’s economic, social and environmental sustainability over the next two decades.
This Government’s €165 billion investment through the National Development Plan is already providing vital infrastructure across the country including homes, schools, and primary healthcare centres. The renaming and reconstitution of Minister Donohoe’s department, to specifically include NDP Delivery, has brought about a greater emphasis and mandate for the delivery of the NDP. In light of this new mandate, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve project delivery under the NDP and these continue to be progressed well in 2023. For example, in July Minister Donohoe and Minister of State Smyth announced significant amendments to the Public Works Contract to provide greater certainty with respect to risk in response to continuing challenges in the construction market. The package will rebalance the risk involved in delivering public works projects, while maintaining expenditure control for contracting authorities.
This Government is firmly committed to ensuring that the level of investment is maintained and moreover ensuring the continued and timely delivery of NDP projects and programmes. In 2023 alone over €12 billion will be invested from the Exchequer in vital infrastructure projects. In the recent Summer Economic Statement, an additional €2.25 billion of windfall receipts has been made available to boost delivery of critical infrastructure over the period 2024 to 2026. This represents a solid pipeline of activity that will have a transformative impact on employment opportunities, economic development and regional growth to support our growing population through the provision of new homes, schools, roads and hospitals.
Speaking on the publication of the reports, Minister Donohoe said:
“Today’s publication of the Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports for 2022 showcases the significant and steady progress that was made in the delivery of Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan last year. Advancement in the delivery of vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action is outlined in these invaluable reports. Today’s publications highlight the delivery of 7,433 social housing new builds, 180 completed school building projects, 16 new Primary Care Centres delivered and the National Forensic Mental Hospital, Portrane becoming operational.
This Government’s €165 billion foresight in investment through the National Development Plan is already delivering homes, schools, and primary healthcare centres across the country.
I am determined to continue efforts to boost this NDP delivery still further so that this Government can deliver on its mandate in securing the delivery of better public services for the people of this country in vital areas such as education, health and climate infrastructure.”
ENDS