Overview and Purpose
The NDP Review 2025 sets out Ireland’s capital investment framework to 2035, totaling €275.4 billion.
It aims to transform infrastructure nationwide: housing, transport, water, energy, and public services.
It builds on Project Ireland 2040 and aligns with the National Planning Framework.
🔹 Key Priorities
1. Housing:
Delivery of 300,000 new homes by 2030, including 12,000 social homes/year and a 15,000/year starter homes programme.
€28.3bn allocated for housing; €7.7bn for water infrastructure.
2. Transport:
€22.3bn allocated, including €2bn for MetroLink (funded from Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund).
Expansion of walking, cycling, Greenways, and road networks.
3. Energy:
€3.5bn equity for EirGrid and ESB to upgrade the electricity grid.
4. Water:
€4.5bn in additional equity for Uisce Éireann to support housing and water infrastructure.
5. Climate Action:
All NDP projects assessed for climate impact.
ICNF funding (€14bn total) supports low-carbon transport, water quality, and biodiversity.
🔹 Capital Allocations (2026–2030) – Selected Departments:
Department Capital Allocation (€m)
Housing, Local Gov. & Heritage €35,955
Transport €22,330
Health €9,250
Education & Youth €7,550
Climate, Environment & Energy €5,640
Shared Island Fund €990
🔹 Drivers of Capital Need
Population growth: Projected to reach 6.1 million by 2040.
Aging population: Increased need for health, housing, and accessibility.
Balanced regional development: 50:50 growth split targeted between Dublin and the rest of Ireland.
Climate obligations: 51% GHG reduction by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.
🔹 Labour Market and Construction Sector
Construction employment must rise by ~80,000 to meet housing and retrofit targets.
Emphasis on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to improve productivity.
New policies will require standardised designs for social housing.
🔹 Governance and Delivery Reforms
Streamlined Infrastructure Guidelines reduce approval stages from 5 to 3.
Established Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) to assess large-scale proposals.
Public Spending Code revised for efficiency and international best practice.
🔹 Shared Island Initiative
Over €550m invested to date, and €1bn allocated to 2035.
Supports cross-border projects (e.g., Ulster Canal, Narrow Water Bridge, Belfast-Dublin rail).
Aligned with UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement and Good Friday Agreement.
🔹 Public Consultation Insights
Top priorities identified by respondents:
Transport (77%)
Housing (58%)
Energy (47%)
Water (36%)
Major constraints cited: Planning delays (66%), fiscal limits, labour shortages, environmental vs. development trade-offs.