Delays to infrastructure projects are damaging job prospects – Taoiseach

Micheál Martin was speaking at the National Maritime College of Ireland, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, at the launch of the new Maritime and Offshore Safe Pass Pilot Programme offered by Cork Education and Training Board in partnership with the NMCI, a constituent college of MTU. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said too many vital infrastructure projects are being held up in the courts and the delays are damaging good job prospects for future generations and the country’s economic growth.

He said it is “urgent and critical” that Ireland get to grips with major infrastructure development and utilities have never been under so much pressure to deliver them.

Mr Martin said the Government anticipated a drop-off in the commencement of housing construction this year and claimed it has set up “a significant number of measures” to aid future growth for commencements and completions.

He said in particular the Government is focused on initiatives to attract more private developer investment into housing, primarily construction of more apartments.

He made the comments while announcing a new course to be offered in offshore green energy construction by the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork. He said it is hoped the centre will become a “skills hub” for that emerging industry.

Fall-off in home-building

Mr Martin said the Government anticipated there would be a reduction in house commencements this year because of a waiver of the development levy in 2024.

Last month there were just 1,356 housing unit commencements, the lowest monthly figure since 2020 when covid seriously impacted construction.

Up to June this year, 6,325 houses are under construction, compared to 34,581 during the comparative period in 2024.

Mr Martin said: “We expected a fall-off this year given the record number that came in last year. The first quarter of this year, completions are up and that's important.”

He insisted measures adopted by Government have yet to impact on the housing market and there are thousands of houses now in the pipeline.

"We do need to unblock some of those (held up by objections etc) and that's why the National Development Plan is important in enabling the unblocking of some projects that are already about to happen, or in the pipeline itself,” the Taoiseach said.

"Between 2023 and 2024 you're looking at close to 50,000 commencements. So if we can get those completed in addition to those already in the pipeline, I think you'll have a significant number of houses completed. What will be key next year and in the years ahead will be getting more private sector construction, particularly in apartments. We need to really increase the level of apartment building,” he said.

NMCI offshore energy construction course

Mr Martin said another key infrastructure development is the creation of offshore green energy platforms as he announced ‘a first of its kind’ course at NMCI.

It has launched a Maritime and Offshore Safe Pass Pilot Programme, aimed enhancing safety standards and awareness for those working in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy sector.

It is designed to provide essential health and safety induction training for people entering or currently employed in the maritime industry, mirroring the success of the existing land-based construction Safe Pass programme.

It includes training in emergency preparedness, vessel safety, environmental awareness and personal protective practices.

Mr Martin said as Ireland begins to deliver significant offshore wind energy generation (5 Gigawatts by 2030) the need for skilled, safety informed workers will increase, and this course is the first step to ensuring the safety of all involved in that sector.