Infrastructure Investment Priorities 2010 - 2016

In July 2010 the Government published a new seven year Infrastructure Investment Priorities Plan for the period 2010 - 2016. The Plan provides for total capital investment of €40 billion with the Exchequer investment being supplemented by significant private investment through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in major public transport projects, roads and social infrastructure projects. This will also be complemented by significant investment by commercial semi-state companies in areas such as energy, ports and airports. Public investment is projected at an average of 4.0 per cent of GNP over the period, twice the EU average.

Under the Plan, the Government has allocated €12.2 billion for investment in transport infrastructure over the period 2010 - 2016 with the aim of building a sustainable and economically valuable transport system. The focus of public investment will increasingly switch to public transport infrastructure, offering alternatives to car travel with projects including metro north and the expansion of the LUAS network. Other major capital infrastructure projects include the upgrade and expansion of primary and secondary schools, third level facilities, increased research funding, investment in the Agri-food and Fishing sector and investment in enterprise development programs.

There will be significant employment generated in the delivery of infrastructure and the investment of €40 billion has the potential to support 30,000 direct jobs per annum in the Irish economy. The Strategy provides a framework within which a return to growth can take place, and Government capital investment can play an important role in restoring competitiveness.