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

We also need to recognise that this amount is one-off and equal to the sum we are already planning to invest in the national development plan next year alone. It is vital, therefore, that we make the best use of these funds and get the best outcome for the long term. The Government has agreed the principle that these funds will be invested to expand our infrastructure for the future development of the country. We have identified water, electricity, transport and housing as the four strategic investment pillars.

Investing in these areas will support the needs of our people, assist in growing our economy and help in meeting our climate and nature goals. Officials from my Department and the Department of Finance are now beginning work on developing the framework for the use of these funds to ensure co-ordination with decisions already made in the national development plan.

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Through the record investment in this plan, we are now increasing infrastructure delivery while also ensuring value for money. We are investing sums well above the average in the European Union through the national development plan. A significant number of capital projects have already been delivered, including 500 km of new walking infrastructure, 170 km of new roads and the expansion of rural public transport through the Local Link service.

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