Dublin needs €70bn infrastructure investment, says report

The Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin's docklands. Dublin will need a capital investment of €70bn in key infrastructure over the next 15 years, according to new estimates by consultancy KPMG.

Dublin will need a capital investment of €70bn in the key infrastructure areas of housing, transport, energy, water, and climate risk over the next 15 years, according to new estimates by consultancy KPMG.

The projections come as KPMG released its inaugural Dublin 2040 report, based on surveys of more than 300 business owners and leaders in Dublin, evaluating Ireland’s capital as a city to live, work, and do business.

Infrastructure was rated the most important area for improvement in Dublin, receiving 24% of the total focus from businesses, with the need for affordable housing the urgent priority. This was followed by education at 14%, and urban appeal also at 14%. In terms of urban appeal, effective consensual policing was the top priority, with only 19% of businesses feeling the city performs well in this area.

Governance and leadership (13%), talent (12%), economic strength (12%) and sustainability (11%) rounded out the list.

Businesses rated Dublin’s global and national connectivity highly, with 55% saying the city performs well in this area. Some 58% of respondents felt Dublin offers a strong talent pool, and 65% rated the city positively for its overall economic strength.

"Dublin is beyond an inflection point in a number of critical areas and today’s choices will determine tomorrow’s success as a capital city. Thus, the pace of decision making needs to reflect the urgency of evolving human needs, climate change, population growth, economic shifts and technological advancements. We need to act now,” said KPMG in Ireland managing partner Ryan McCarthy.

“The findings of our Dublin 2040 report highlight significant areas for improvement and opportunities that we believe are critical for fostering a vibrant and sustainable business environment."

KPMG itself employs 3,000 people in Dublin and is opening its new headquarters on Harcourt Square next summer.