Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The fiscal and policy context section of the capital plan, Building on Recovery, sets out the objectives of State investment in infrastructure. It emphasises the Government's commitment, through the capital plan, of supporting strong and sustainable economic growth and raising welfare and living standards for all. Promoting environmental sustainability is, of course, integral to achieving and maintaining sustainable economic growth.

The incorporation of environmental sustainability as a key encompassing policy goal in the capital plan is demonstrated throughout the plan document and through progress made in the implementation of key elements of the plan itself, as well as through other important policy and legislative developments focused on environmental sustainability.

It is important to stress, however, that there is a detailed governance framework already embedded in the allocation of capital resources through which significant investment decisions must be aligned with all Government policy, including environmental policy. For example, when the plan sets out the budget management framework, it explicitly states that all Departments are responsible for ensuring projects meet appropriate regulatory requirements, including environmental impact assessments.

In addition, when outlining the drivers of long-term public investment requirements, the plan highlights environmental concerns such as developments in climate change and the need to meet EU emissions targets that require intervention in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as the need for investments in flood protection. Moreover, the area of environment and climate is allocated 7% of available capital resources in the plan, which amounts to €870 million over the course of the plan.

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