Five key takeaways as Government announces €112bn infrastructure plan
Speaking to Extra.ie, a junior minister said that the plan will focus on the functionality of projects as opposed to 'award-winning' designs.
However, the lack of detail with regard to any specific projects was questioned as the Taoiseach and Tanaiste detailed the proposed outlays, saying it was the 'Government's plan to transform Ireland.' (left to right) Tanaiste Simon Harris, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Sean Canney, Independent TD for Galway East, depart after speaking to the media at a press conference for the launch of the Government's Summer economic statement and the National development plan for the next 5 years, at the Government Buildings, Dublin. Picture date: Tuesday July 22, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
In the plan, €200billion will be spent across various departments over the next ten years.
It is understood that negotiation between most of the large departments and Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, went down to the wire last night over what they would be allocated.
The plan, funded by taxpayers' money, some of the €14billion in Apple tax money and windfalls from sold State shares in AIB, focuses on housing, energy, water and transport infrastructure.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, the Taoiseach stressed that housing was still the Government's priority with a total of €36bn set to be spent on housing and water over the next five years.
However, there was some awkwardness as the Taoiseach claimed €36bn would be spent on housing 'excluding water' while an official document detailing the plan showed the €36bn allocated would include close to €7.7bn on water. Tánaiste Simon Harris, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Sean Canney, Independent TD for Galway East, speaking at a press conference for the launch of the Government's Summer Economic Statement and the National Development Plan for the next five years. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Although a plan for the Dublin Metro was not specifically detailed, over €22bn has been allocated for the transport sector up to 2030 with an official plan with regard to the metro expected in the coming weeks or months.
The Taoiseach said that the Dublin Metrolink has now been committed to and details will be forthcoming.
As to when actual tunnelling will begin on the long-awaited project, no specific information has yet been forthcoming.
When grilled on the lack of detail, the Taoiseach said that the plan simply outlined the 'envelopes' for each respective department.
He added that it is up to the department heads/Ministers to decide how those envelopes or budgets will be allocated in terms of projects. Tánaiste Simon Harris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking at a press conference for the launch of the Government's Summer Economic Statement and the National Development Plan for the next five years. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Explaining this approach to Extra.ie, Junior Transport Minister Sean Canney said: 'It gives departments the flexibility to look at the projects they have coming up, look at which projects are shovel-ready, and we can get them moving as quickly as possible, because in every department there is an urgency to implement, rather than to be creating more strategies.'
Defence spending is also set for a major increase with €1.7bn set to be allocated over the coming years.
The full National Development plan can be found here.
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