Infrastructure Plan will Kick-Start Critical Projects in Cork – O’Shea

The new Infrastructure Action Plan will deliver more homes, better transport and critical infrastructure in Cork, Fine Gael TD for Cork North West Deputy John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea said: “These reforms mark a turning point in cutting delays, streamlining planning approvals and ensuring that the infrastructure projects Cork needs don’t stay on paper.  With the growth of our population and economy, we need this plan. Families in Cork 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 O’Shea pointed out that the Fine Gael General Election manifesto in 2024 called for a dedicated Department of Infrastructure and 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 to remove barriers and streamlining process must lead to efficient development and real outcomes for communities in Cork. “