Latest news with #ProjectIreland2040
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
New Zealand's largest infrastructure event begins
Close to 1000 delegates are expected, making this one of the largest events in the summit's near two decades' history. ANZ chief executive Antonia Watson will give the opening address, followed by Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaking for the Government. ANZ chief executive Antonia Watson. Photo / Mark Mitchell All eyes will be focused on Minister for Infrastructure, Housing, RMA Reform and Transport Chris Bishop who will speak to the Government's vision for delivering a 'resilient, future-ready infrastructure system'. He will share insights on long-term planning, funding priorities, and the critical policy shifts needed to drive delivery and improve outcomes across the country. The first international keynote speaker, Andrew Tan, will talk to one of New Zealand's most pressing issues — how to build a bipartisan vision to drive infrastructure investment. A former Temasek International managing director with a prior three-decades career spanning high-profile roles in Singapore's senior administrative service, Tan will explore how bipartisan approaches can unlock long-term investment, accelerate delivery and lift national productivity. The keynote address is billed as challenging delegates to think beyond political cycles and focus on the partnerships, policies, and funding strategies that can transform infrastructure outcomes for generations to come. 'As a nation, we have always viewed infrastructure as strategic to the country's economic growth, prosperity and well-being,' says Tan. 'This cuts across the political spectrum. 'There is broad-based recognition that sustained investment in core infrastructure such as roads, ports, airport and public housing have been an essential element of Singapore's competitive advantage. 'Singaporeans themselves expect no less.' Bishop and Labour's Infrastructure spokesperson, Kieran McAnulty, will later take the conference inside the in-depth discussions on cross-party collaboration taking place, which are critical to unlocking long-term infrastructure progress. On the international front, Tan will be tomorrow by followed by former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland Leo Varadkar, who will take the stage to talk on excellence in delivery and ensuring equitable outcomes. He is billed as bringing a global perspective on how governments can deliver major infrastructure projects that not only meet performance targets but also ensure fairness and equity for communities. Leo Varadkar, former Taoiseach of Ireland Varadkar served as Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2024. Through the Project Ireland 2040 plan, investment in public infrastructure budget more than doubled during his time as Prime Minister from under €6b a year to more than €12b a year with major investments in transport, rural broadband, energy, climate action, healthcare and education. Other sessions will include presentations from Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Infrastructure New Zealand's Strategy and Engagement Manager Katie Bradford, who is also the summit's MC, will host a range of panels throughout the two days. Bradford notes the symposium is an opportunity to explore practical, systems-based thinking for sustainable growth. 'Building Nations provides a platform for the industry to engage in and explore how we can do things differently, using our existing infrastructure more effectively and investing in the right assets to achieve a coherent vision for Aotearoa's infrastructure.' The 2025 programme also includes focused sessions on Treaty partnership, regional collaboration, and community inclusion. Panels will examine how the infrastructure sector can work in true partnership with Māori, unlock the potential of local government, and embed diversity and accessibility into infrastructure planning. Winners of the Building Nations Impact awards will be announced at a gala dinner tonight. ● Programme is at Singapore keeps its infrastructure in good health Andrew Tan has a message: 'Singapore transformed itself from a Third World to First World country by putting in place a first-class infrastructure that enhances our global hub status and connectivity with rest of the world, including our region.' The city state lacks both natural resources and a natural hinterland. The upshot is the Singaporean Government takes a long-term view towards infrastructure, starting with optimal land use to balance the needs of current versus future generations. 'We have developed long-term concept plans and master plans for the whole island, taking a 30-40 years' timeframe down to actionable five-year timeframes,' says Tan. 'The beauty is not in the planning but having a process that allows close co-ordination across government departments along with consultations with the private sector and civil society, to the final execution of these plans. This requires trust and confidence in the process, transparency and open communications, especially in land sales/allocation, bidding for projects and their evaluation.' Andrew Tan was formerly managing director with Temasek International; a global investment firm headquartered in Singapore. He joined as an operating partner in the Enterprise Development Group, and later as managing director of the new Strategy Office.' Singapore looks after its infrastructure. Photo / 123rf Prior to joining Temasek, Tan spent nearly three decades with the Singapore Administrative Service in senior positions across key agencies across defence and foreign affairs, environment and water resources and transport. He also served in the Prime Minister's Office as the principal private secretary to Senior Minister/Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. He later became CEO of the National Environment Agency and founding director of the Centre for Liveable Cities, He was also CEO of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). These days he holds a number or private sector roles. Tan makes the point the bulk of the funding for basic infrastructure in Singapore comes from the Government's budget. 'Over the decades, the Government has been able to generate surpluses as well as maintain healthy reserves. This allows government agencies responsible for key infrastructure as public housing, transport, schools/universities and hospitals and other social facilities to be upkept,' he explains. 'It has been a central tenet of the Government not to allow any public infrastructure to deteriorate beyond its normal lifespan. It is a reflection of the state of the country and how well it is run. Further, the upgrading of existing infrastructure, such as public housing has led to their values rising over the years for homeowners.' Andrew Tan speaking in Auckland in 2023. It has been a central tenet of the Government not to allow any public infrastructure to deteriorate beyond its normal lifespan. Andrew Tan He says in recent years, the Singaporean Government has also undertaken several private-public sector projects on a design-build-own-operate basis (DBOO) as well as leveraged on bonds to finance major infrastructure projects such as transport network and public utilities, eg desalination water plants and waste-to-energy plants. Notably, as part of Singapore's climate change and green transition efforts, the public sector will take the lead to issue green bonds of up to S$35 billion of green bonds by 2030. This will serve as a reference for the corporate green bond market, deepen market liquidity as well as attract issuers, capital and investors for green financing. Tan adds, beyond public infrastructure, through the Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme, land is also sold to the private sector for various development purposes. Rather than simply outright sales of land, the GLS allows the Government to shape the developments in line with its strategic objectives based on various planning parameters and built-in incentives. 'It has been used for urban renewal after our independence, later, positioning Singapore as a tourism hub, and business and financial hub in the 2000s, as well as heritage and conservation needs. This ensures that other than receiving revenues from land sales, land is optimised for the greater well-being of the country.' Through the Long-Term Planning Review (LTPR) led by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Singapore Government engages the private sector and civil society to define the key features of how they envision Singapore in the future. In the recent review, for example, four themes emerged from public consultations - a Singapore that is Inclusive; Adaptable and Resilient; Sustainable, and Distinctive & Endearing. This feeds into the overall long-term strategies. Tan says the URA has also partnered community and business groups to support ground-up ideas for local precincts and neighbourhoods such as for mixed-use developments involving the Singapore River Precinct, Tanjong Pagar, Marina Central and Raffles Place to create more buzz and vibrancy. 'That said, private developers are always keen to provide inputs to the plans and the Government is equally open to new ideas while balancing the greater needs of society and reconciling short versus long-term gains. It is an ongoing, open-ended dialogue with all stakeholders. The enhancements to the Government Land Sales Programme is one such example of continuous feedback and improvement.'
Irish Examiner
30-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Shannon Airport calls for rail link for over 10,000 daily commuters
The Shannon Airport Group is calling for the prioritisation of a rail link, which it says will enhance regional accessibility for its more than 10,000 daily commuters. The group has submitted a proposal to the Government urging for decisive action to address what it has called critical infrastructure deficits in the southern region. The group has warned that unless the National Development Plan (NDP) prioritises infrastructure in the South, the national vision for equitable economic and population growth risks falling short. Among its demands is the airport's inclusion in the regional airports programme to enable targeted capital investment. 'Aviation is a key enabler of economic growth by connecting markets, facilitating trade, and unlocking opportunities for tourism and investment,' the group said. Shannon Airport has a key role to play in advancing the objectives of Project Ireland 2040, serving as a key driver for both the national and regional economy 'By investing in infrastructure improvements and expanding route networks, Shannon Airport can reinforce Ireland's long-term economic resilience, ensuring that the West of Ireland thrives economically.' The group has submitted a proposal to the Government urging for decisive action to address what it has called critical infrastructure deficits in the southern region. It is also asking for recommendations from the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce (SEET) to be implemented, with the group urging the Government to integrate SEET priorities into the updated plan. The estuary's potential as a hub for renewable energy, sustainable industry, and tourism is immense, the group said, adding that strategic investment in the region will unlock 'significant economic and climate action benefits.' Commenting on the group's submission, Shannon Airport Group chief Mary Considine said: 'The National Development Plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebalance regional development. 'Our group's submission reinforces the need for a more equitable distribution of capital investment, aligning with minister [Jack] Chambers' vision of boosting economic growth, enhancing competitiveness, and achieving balanced regional development. 'Shannon Airport is a vital economic engine for the Irish economy, and we are calling on Government to ensure that the updated NDP delivers the infrastructure and investment needed to realise the full potential of this region.' Read More Kerry Airport to hit record passenger numbers with new facilities
Irish Independent
28-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Construction to begin in Limerick on new building at TUS campus
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Limerick County TD Niall Collins welcomed the confirmation from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD. 'I am delighted that construction can now begin on a new Applied Science and IT building at TUS Limerick,' said Minister Collins. 'The building will consist of undergraduate and postgraduate science laboratories, general teaching space, learning resource space, administration space and ancillary space.' Minister Collins also confirmed that the new facility will allow for the addition of around 700 student places at TUS Limerick. The TUS Limerick project is one of five new buildings included in the second phase of the Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) Programme. Other sites include Atlantic Technological University (ATU) campuses in Galway and Letterkenny, and South East Technological University (SETU) campuses in Waterford and Carlow. Minister James Lawless described the programme as a crucial step in strengthening Ireland's regional higher education system. 'This significant capital programme demonstrates both my own and the Government's commitment to excellence across all our higher education institutions,' he said. 'With construction now commencing on five new buildings across five campuses, this €380 million programme will significantly expand student capacity, modernise teaching spaces, and bring state-of-the-art labs, studios, and workshops to regions across the country,' he added. The PPP contract has been awarded to the Invesis Consortium, which includes BAM Building Ltd as the construction contractor and BAM FM Ireland Ltd for facilities management. Under the terms of the agreement, the consortium will finance, build, and maintain the buildings for 25 years, with the Department of Further and Higher Education making monthly payments once construction is completed. The entire programme is being delivered under Project Ireland 2040.
Irish Times
13-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Eight new Cork rail stations to go to public consultation
Eight new potential rail stations and other Cork transport works are to be considered in a public consultation next week. The proposals include new stations at Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Water Rock, Ballynoe, Blarney and Dunkettle. A new fleet maintenance depot, which will be designed to cater for an electrified fleet of up to 150 carriages, will also be considered during the public consultation due to open on Wednesday. The proposals are part of the second phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme which, if fully delivered, will enable up to a 10-minute service frequency on all three Cork commuter lines. READ MORE The programme is funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under Project Ireland 2040, which also aims to address population growth, job creation and housing needs. It represents the largest investment in the Cork commuter rail network, and is noted as a key project in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040, which aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles in the area. Phase one of the programme involved the opening of a new platform at Kent Station in April. Commuters can now travel between Mallow in the north of the county and Cobh in the east without having to change trains at Kent. The first phase also incorporated the upgrading of the existing rail line between Glounthaune and Midleton to a twin track, which is expected to be finished next year. The project is set to facilitate a tripling of service frequency along the line. Former minister for transport Eamon Ryan previously said the programme represents 'the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. It will completely transform transport in and around the city'. The consultation will be launched at Kent Station by Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, and will remain open to public submissions until Wednesday, July 23rd.
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
The major infrastructural projects needed to give the West a boost and how much they will cost
At a breakfast briefing in Dublin, a delegation from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) presented Government Ministers, TDs, Senators and Senior Government officials with the report. The report, 'Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region' identifies the need for a minimum €9 billion in capital investment needed across the region's transport, energy, education, water, and climate infrastructure. These are specifically for the projects that could be costed at the time, with other projects to be costed at a later date. These initiatives are designed to address significant infrastructure deficits, unlock economic potential, and advance climate resilience in Ireland's most underfunded region. NWRA Economist, John Daly said: 'Despite Ireland being regarded as one of the wealthiest economies in the EU, the Northern and Western Region of Ireland's transport infrastructure ranked in the bottom 20 at 218th out of 234 regions according to the European Commission's Regional Competitiveness Index'. The publication of the report coincides with the public consultation on the revised National Development Plan (NDP), which remains open until 26th June 2025. The NDP is the Government's long-term vision and investment strategy for national infrastructure and public services, a crucial component of Project Ireland 2040. Speaking at the event, NWRA Director Conall McGettigan stated: 'The Northern and Western Region has consistently received below-average investment in national infrastructure. 'This report aligns with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032 and presents a clear roadmap—with several projects already costed—to bring the region in line with national policy goals. It supports compact growth, regional accessibility, and sustainable development'. Among the key projects proposed are: · The N17 Knock to Collooney road scheme (€600 million) · The Carrick-on-Shannon bypass and N4 upgrade (up to €500 million) · Donegal TEN-T Projects (€790m to €915m) · Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor (€400–600 million) ADVERTISEMENT · The Galway City Ring Road (€500 million to €1 billion) · Strategic grid enhancement projects by EirGrid (€1.3 billion) · Investments at Ireland West Airport Knock · New capital projects at the Atlantic Technological University (€50m - €150 million) NWRA Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly added: 'The report highlights the severe regional imbalance in public capital investment. Between 2016 and 2024, the Northern and Western Region received just 5.7% of public tenders worth over €20 million, despite accounting for over 17% of Ireland's population'. The NWRA developed the report following extensive consultation with all nine local authorities in the region, along with key infrastructure agencies including Transport Infrastructure Ireland, EirGrid, Uisce Éireann, and Atlantic Technological University. The report will be transposed into a submission from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly on the review of the National Development Plan (NDP). The submission to the NDP will aim to ensure the Northern and Western Region, through the provision of critical infrastructure, is fully empowered to meet Ireland's targets on housing, climate action, connectivity, and economic development. The report on the Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region will be submitted as part of the NWRA's submission to the NDP consultation. The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is one of three Regional Assemblies in the Republic of Ireland. It works with key stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development. As a public body charged with formulating Regional Policy, the NWRA advocates for greater economic development in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland, which covers the counties of Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.
