Government Outlines Infrastructure Delivery, Planning Fast-Tracks, and Judicial Review Fee Reforms
Wednesday 4 November 2026
Dáil statements have detailed planning reforms and infrastructure funding, including fast-track designations for critical projects and statutory fee scales for environmental judicial reviews.
The Government has outlined infrastructure investments and planning reforms, including designated fast-track approvals and statutory fees for environmental judicial reviews.
Speaking during Dáil questions on cabinet committees, the Taoiseach outlined progress under the revised National Development Plan, which provides more than €275 billion in critical infrastructure investment up to 2035. The programme includes more than €24 billion for transport and €12.2 billion for the water sector.
Planning Reforms and Judicial Review
Addressing project delivery systems, the Taoiseach highlighted regulatory and legal changes aimed at accelerating strategic schemes. These include introducing a scale of fees for environmental judicial review, intended to establish a clearer cost framework for applicants, curb unpredictable costs for the State, and limit prolonged infrastructure delays.
Additionally, the Government confirmed that strategic projects can now receive designation as critical infrastructure to access fast-tracked approval procedures. The Galway City Ring Road was designated as critical infrastructure under this mechanism in July.
Water and Housing Infrastructure
Capital funding allocated to Uisce Éireann for 2027 stands at €2.35 billion, which will advance more than 400 projects. Priority schemes include:
- The Eastern and Midlands Region Water Supply Project
- The Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme
- Wastewater treatment plant upgrades across counties Limerick and Waterford
To unlock residential land, the Housing Activation Office is overseeing 82 infrastructure projects funded through the €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund. These works are intended to directly enable the delivery of 86,000 homes.
Transport and Grid Investment
Exchequer capital spending in Budget 2027 exceeds €20 billion, representing a €1.1 billion increase on 2026. Within this allocation, the Department of Transport receives €5.5 billion for road and public transport networks. MetroLink has been allocated an additional €6 billion over the 2027–2030 period, with procurement advancing and site enabling works scheduled to commence early next year.
In energy, €1.28 billion is allocated to support transition programmes, alongside network investment of up to €18.9 billion approved under the Commission for Regulation of Utilities price review 6, supported by €3.5 million in State equity for the national electricity grid.