Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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332. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will designate the TEN-T Priority Improvement Project Donegal as a critical infrastructure project, as requested by Donegal County Council. [68034/26]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 allows the Government to designate certain infrastructure projects developed by or on behalf of the State as being of critical national importance. This provides a statutory basis for accelerating decision making in respect of designated projects and programmes.

The Act establishes an ongoing framework through which projects and programmes of strategic national importance can be considered by Government on a rolling basis. Further designation orders will be brought forward at regular intervals to ensure continued progress on nationally important infrastructure projects.

While the Act specifically highlights transport, energy and water infrastructure, it does not preclude the designation of other types of infrastructure where this is considered appropriate. Any future recommendations will be assessed having regard to the criteria set out in the Act, including the importance of the project or programme to the State, the potential economic or social consequences of delay, and its contribution to national strategic objectives.

Any decision to designate a project remains a matter for Government.