State spends €2bn more per year on NDP than advised

THE Government will spend nearly €2 billion more every year on the National Development Plan (NDP) than recommended by its own economic think-tank.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has warned the Government that pumping so much money into the economy when the ability to deliver major infrastructure on budget was questionable would only threaten the economy and lead to higher prices.

The ESRI recommended a total spend on capital projects, such as transport, housing, health and education, of about €65bn.