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

As previously outlined to the Deputy in response to his parliamentary question on this matter in September and at other points, I will bring forward a review of the capital plan that will highlight some key themes which will closely inform and be incorporated into the analysis leading to finalisation of the new ten-year plan for public capital investment for the period from 2018 to 2027. The themes include confirmation of the central role of public capital investment and addressing overheating risks, as well as supporting social progress, the need to align public capital investment with a changing demographic profile, the critical importance of public capital infrastructure in meeting the essential requirement for balanced regional growth and promoting the societal transformation required to achieve climate action objectives, responding to Brexit, driving value for money and having in place strong business cases to underpin important projects.

Based on this analysis, the review of the capital plan identified a number of key sectors as priorities for investment including transport, education, housing and health.

Consequently, between 2014 and 2021, public capital investment in Ireland will have more than doubled and as set out by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, this will see public investment in Ireland moving to among the highest in the EU. Capital expenditure will reach €7.8 billion in 2021, which is 3.5% of gross national income (Star), GNI*, and 11% of total voted expenditure.

As I have said on a number of occasions, it is my intention and that of the Government to integrate the capital plan with the national planning framework. The latter, as the Deputy correctly said, is out for consultation.. I believe that consultation will conclude quite soon. Once that is finished, we will finalise the national planning framework which will, in turn, determine the capital plan and we aim to publish both early in the new year.

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