Government plans emergency laws to fast-track major infrastructure projects

Proposed legislation would create a higher legal threshold for critical projects while Cork Commuter Rail receives priority status

State agencies will now be instructed to prioritise delivery of the Cork Commuter Rail project. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Government is preparing emergency legislation that would allow certain major infrastructure projects to bypass parts of the planning process.

Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers confirmed plans are under way to draft legislation that would allow the Government to "circumvent some of the decision-making processes" relating to critical infrastructure projects.

Mr Chambers said there would be a "higher legal bar" for projects seeking to bypass approval processes.

“But I think it's important it's in the arsenal of government, because people want to see us get things done and drive delivery against the record level of capital investment we have.”

The emergency legislation is expected to be drafted in the autumn. Any project seeking to bypass elements of the planning process would have to satisfy a legal test demonstrating it meets the required threshold.

The proposed legislation would be separate from the existing Critical Infrastructure Bill, under which designated projects are given priority in the planning system rather than exempted from it.

A map showing the proposed locations of new and commuter train stations on the proposed Cork Commuter Rail network.

Cork Commuter Rail among first designated projects

Mr Chambers was speaking as he announced the first projects to be designated under the Critical Infrastructure legislation, with the Cork Commuter Rail upgrade among nine projects to receive priority status.

State agencies will now be instructed to prioritise delivery of the Cork Commuter Rail project, with Mr Chambers saying the designation would "improve wider timelines" for its delivery.

For projects that already have planning permission, State agencies will be required to process other approvals, such as licences, in parallel rather than sequentially.

Speaking about the Cork Commuter Rail project, Mr Chambers said there can be an "excessive focus" on planning permission, while other statutory consents can "take months" to secure.

A Government source indicated that the proposed Cork Luas is "the type of project that could be considered" for designation as critical infrastructure.

Further designations planned

Alongside the Cork Commuter Rail project, the first projects designated as critical infrastructure include:

• MetroLink 
• Galway City Ring Road 
• Greater Dublin Drainage Project 
• Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region

An artist's impression of the Tara Street MetroLink entrance at night

Mr Chambers said he expected to designate more projects in the coming months, with the aim of making "real, tangible improvements for the lives of Irish people".

“There are very real consequences from our infrastructure deficit. It means too much time stuck in traffic with limited public transport options, and we know the impact that infrastructure gap has on wider housing supply,” he said.

Mr Chambers said there would be "clear discipline" within his department to ensure only projects capable of delivering a tangible benefit through critical infrastructure designation would be selected.

He said the Government intends to designate projects every "two to three months".

“I don't plan on bringing a list every week, because I want my team in my department, with other government departments, to be clear on the priorities,” Mr Chambers said.

He added that the approach should drive "better oversight" of State agencies to ensure resources are aligned with critical infrastructure projects.