Government plans to speed up major infrastructure projects

As part of the Government’s accelerating infrastructure plan, public expenditure minister Jack Chambers has established a simplification unit to carry out the review of regulations, focusing on environmental and maritime licences and consents.

The Government is to review regulations underpinning the delivery of major infrastructure as part of plans to speed up projects.

Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers will tell Cabinet ministers on Tuesday that pre-planning processes are taking as long as four years to complete, with numerous approvals, consents, and licences required.

Cabinet will hear that regulations for transport infrastructure, including new roads, require up to 30 licences, consents, and approvals, while there are 21 such processes for water projects and 20 for electricity infrastructure.

It is understood that Mr Chambers will say that these processes can take as long as four years for wastewater projects, three years for electricity grid upgrades, and one year for road projects.

As part of the Government’s accelerating infrastructure plan, Mr Chambers has established a simplification unit to carry out the review of regulations, focusing on environmental and maritime licences and consents.

National maritime security strategy

Defence minister Helen McEntee, meanwhile, will seek Cabinet approval for the Government’s new national maritime security strategy, which is due to have a focus on protecting undersea infrastructure.

The plan contains a number of measures, including the establishment of a national maritime security centre, strengthening partnerships with Britain and France, as well as engagement with Britain and Nato.

It also calls for stronger co-operation between the State and private companies who own much of Ireland’s offshore infrastructure.

New legislation to give the Defence Forces clearer enforcement powers while at sea are also being proposed by Ms McEntee. It is likely this will be done in the short term, while more comprehensive maritime security laws are developed.

Housing scheme

Meanwhile, housing minister James Browne will seek Cabinet approval to expand the defective concrete blocks scheme to Wexford and Fingal, Dublin.

At present, five counties are covered by the scheme for pyrite and mica remediation, with impacted homeowners eligible for grants of up to €420,000 for remediation work.

It is estimated there are 39 homes impacted by defective concrete blocks in Fingal and two in Wexford.

The Government expects the cost of expanding the scheme to the two areas will be between €10m and €15m.

Cost-of-disability payment

Social protection minister Dara Calleary is expected to update Cabinet surrounding the proposed cost-of-disability payment, with public consultation ongoing.

Following this consultation, there will be a summit with stakeholders and Government departments in May, with proposals to be brought to Cabinet before the end of June.

Regional airports investment

Elsewhere, transport minister Darragh O’Brien will seek approval for a €45m investment in regional airports over the next five years.

The programme has been revised to fund airports handling up to 3m passengers, up from 1m under the previous plan.

This change allows Shannon Airport to qualify for funding, alongside Knock, Kerry, and Donegal airports.

Funding will also support public service obligation flights, including the Donegal-Dublin route that has faced criticism recently after afternoon services were removed.

Third-level places

Higher education minister James Lawless will announce €75m worth of capital funding to increase the number of third-level places in healthcare courses.

Funding will also go towards a new four-story medical school in University of Galway, a pharmacy and veterinary building at SETU in Waterford, and repurposed space for pharmacy courses in ATU Sligo.

The plan will add 461 places to health and social care courses and 35 extra places in dentistry each year.

The Government is expected to unveil its circular economy strategy, which contains proposals to reduce waste and keep materials in use for as long as possible.