Minister Harkin welcomes record €275.4bn National Development, pledges regional investment for Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal
This brings the total investment to €102.4 billion over the next five years, with a further €100 billion earmarked through to 2035.
This revised NDP represents the most substantial capital allocation in the history of the State, aiming to secure Ireland's future and deliver on vital infrastructure projects.
'This is a once-in-a-generation investment that must deliver real progress for people in Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal' said Minister Harkin
The revised NDP focuses on transformational infrastructure across key sectors including housing, water, energy, and transport, alongside major investments in health, disability services, and education.
Speaking after the launch Minister Harkin said ' I support the plan's emphasis on Balanced/Equitable regional development, ensuring all parts of the country benefit from this investment. This is absolutely crucial for me because we have seen a history of underinvestment in the Northern and Western region.
"This Review commits to ensuring a 50:50 distribution of future growth as outlined in the National Planning Framework and this will mean more investment in infrastructure, roads, rail, water, electricity, the construction of homes for families and individuals in the region and the provision of adequate services especially in healthcare and education including lifelong education which relates to my Department.
"We also need to ensure sensible, long-term planning, particularly in the face of global trade tensions and ongoing economic uncertainty. Equally investing in children's disability services and expanding access to childcare and school places is an important part of the plan.'
In regard to her own Department she stated: 'Investing in further education and vocational training to meet the growing demand for construction workers required to deliver the expanded pipeline of national projects is central to the delivery of housing.
"My department's emphasis on expanding the number of apprenticeships especially in construction and green skills will play a central role here and combined with the drive to embed modern methods of construction in our apprenticeship courses we hope to see an acceleration of construction delivery in the next number of years'.
'Each Government Department has now been charged with delivering essential infrastructure, and I will continue to ensure that the revised NDP achieves meaningful outcomes for the people of Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal,' she said.
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