Review of the National Development Plan a key milestone in identifying Priority Public Investments in Cork

The decision by Government to commence a review of the National Development Plan (NDP) is a welcome and timely move to ensure we are investing in the right infrastructure for Cork, said Fine Gael Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea

Deputy O’Shea said “The announcement by the Government to commence a review of the NDP allows us to prioritise the delivery of critical infrastructure across housing, energy, transport and digital services in Cork over the next five years. A particular focus will be on increasing investment to support housing delivery and competitiveness by prioritising infrastructure such as energy grid capacity, water supply, transport connectivity and digital health systems”.

To meet the ambitious timeline for the review, officials in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery & Reform have commenced work identifying the objectives, priorities and critical milestones for the review. Individual departments will now be asked to identify their priority programmes, with particular delivery focus on 2026 to 2030 and on any projects that are concluding.

A public consultation process will also be launched in the coming months, offering stakeholders and members of the public the chance to make submissions. The review will include a climate assessment for all programmes receiving funding.

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform Emer Higgins said: “This review gives us a real opportunity to review all public capital investment to 2035 and will include Exchequer funds, the Apple Escrow funds, the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, and proceeds of the AIB share sales. The Government will prioritise the delivery of transformative, critical and growth-enhancing infrastructure over the next five years. While there will be a record level of funding available, we will have to make strategic choices, targeting projects that boost economic growth and competitiveness, while delivering real value for money”.

Deputy O’Shea added “Stable, long-term delivery of essential infrastructure is an absolute priority for me and for the Government. The review of the NDP announced this week refocuses and reenergises the delivery of vital infrastructure for Cork and ensures the continuation of sustained growth and prosperity for our country.”