IEI warns NDP delays damaging competitiveness

The Institution of Engineers of Ireland has warned that delays in implementing the National Development Plan are damaging Ireland's economic competitiveness.

The organisation said a review it had conducted concluded the plan would not be implemented by 2013 unless Government funding for the initiative was significantly increased.

The NDP, which includes major infrastructural projects throughout the country, was originally due to be completed by 2006.

The IEI, in a submission to the Government, has called for major revision of the scheme with a view to ensuring Ireland's infrastructure is brought up to EU standards by 2015.