Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In the context of global economic turmoil, investment in infrastructure is very important. In 2021, the national development plan set a target of 5% of GNI* to be invested in capital projects for the period 2021 to 2030. We know this target has not been met in any of the years so far. In 2021, the national development plan was underfunded by almost €1 billion. In 2022, it was underfunded by €2.2 billion, in 2023 by €2.3 billion, and in 2024 by €2.4 billion. Nor have the budgets been adjusted for inflation. This underfunding has led to real implications for infrastructure projects in the State, particularly in County Mayo and throughout the west and north west. We know this from the EU infrastructure investment index, which ranks us in the bottom 7%. The western rail corridor has not yet been reopened. There is no rail connectivity to Ireland West Airport Knock. The Government has failed to increase grid infrastructure to harness the potential of renewable wind energy on the western seaboard. Water and sewerage treatment plants, such as the one in the town of Newport, have not been delivered. The lack of housing is seriously impacting our competitiveness. Has the Taoiseach identified the shovel-ready projects that can protect us in the turmoil we are experiencing and maintain our competitiveness for foreign direct investment and real sustainable growth in our country?

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