Government unveils record €112bn infrastructure plan

Ireland’s €112 billion National Development Plan lays out an unprecedented five-year infrastructure agenda focused on housing, energy, water, and transport. It includes €30 billion in new funding, powered in part by Apple tax reserves and AIB share sales, to tackle long-standing infrastructure gaps and prepare for a projected population of 6.1 million by 2040.

The centrepiece is housing, with €36 billion earmarked to accelerate delivery and support the networks (electricity, water, transport) needed to sustain new development. A €24 billion transport budget includes €2 billion for MetroLink, while ESB, Eirgrid, and Uisce Éireann receive multi-billion boosts to modernise essential services.

Delivery now becomes the test. The Government is calling for a step-change in execution, noting construction sector employment may need to grow by 80,000 to meet demand. Investment in digital and innovation is being positioned as critical to closing this gap.

Yet, not all are convinced. Critics warn the plan rehashes old promises without real reform. Others say green priorities are being sidelined in favour of catch-up infrastructure spend. The success of this NDP will rest not on ambition, but on how effectively the sector cuts red tape, mobilises talent, and aligns resources to the nation’s long-term growth.

Read the full breakdown of Ireland’s biggest-ever infrastructure plan.