In a bold move to address the country’s growing infrastructure and housing demands, the Irish Government has announced a sweeping update to the National Development Plan, injecting an estimated €100 billion into capital projects over the next decade.
The revised plan, due to be formally unveiled later this year, places a strong focus on accelerating housing delivery, upgrading water systems, expanding energy capacity, and resuming stalled transport projects.
Aimed Squarely at the Housing Crisis
Housing remains the government’s top priority. With soaring rents, limited supply, and long waiting lists, the crisis has become one of the most pressing issues facing Irish society. This plan is expected to earmark tens of billions specifically for new housing developments, public housing schemes, and infrastructure that supports rapid construction.
“This is about breaking the bottlenecks,” said a senior government source. “If we want to get homes built, we need to make sure the roads, utilities, and services are ready to support them.”
Transport and Utilities Get a Long-Awaited Boost
Transport projects that had stalled in recent years may finally get the green light. Funding is likely to go towards regional road improvements, public transport extensions, and a renewed emphasis on balanced regional development—especially in areas outside the Greater Dublin Area.
Uisce Éireann and ESB Networks are also set to benefit from the spending, with nearly €3 billion proposed for major water and electricity upgrades. This is seen as essential to support housing growth and transition towards greener, more resilient infrastructure.
Protecting Ireland’s Economic Future
While the funding is significant, government officials argue it is necessary to future-proof the country against economic headwinds. With international markets becoming more volatile, this homegrown investment is seen as a stabilising force.
“Strategic investment now will pay dividends in stability and competitiveness later,” said Minister for Finance Jack Chambers. “We’re laying the foundations—literally and figuratively—for Ireland’s next phase of growth.”
Next Steps
The final details of the plan are expected to be published in time for Budget 2026. It will set new capital spending ceilings out to 2030, with projected frameworks reaching as far as 2035. The Government has confirmed that this will be one of the largest infrastructure packages in the history of the State.
With the spotlight firmly on delivery, the challenge now lies not just in allocating funding—but in ensuring the projects are implemented efficiently and on time.
