The updated National Development Plan outlines a wide-ranging strategy for infrastructure development from 2026 to 2030, focusing on housing, energy, water, and transport.
Ireland’s government has announced a major boost to infrastructure spending, unveiling a revised National Development Plan (NDP) that will see EUR 112 billion invested over the next five years—a 30% increase in exchequer capital outlay compared to previous plans.
Prime Minister Micheál Martin hailed the move as a “step change,” made possible in part by the EUR 14 billion Apple back-tax windfall and proceeds from bank share sales, notably from Allied Irish Banks (AIB).
The updated NDP outlines a wide-ranging strategy for infrastructure development from 2026 to 2030, focusing on housing, energy, water, and transport. Of the total EUR 112 billion investment, approximately EUR 30 billion represents new funding, backed by exceptional, once-off revenue sources.
Key allocations:
- Housing: The centrepiece of the plan, with up to EUR 36 billion in funding. This will support not just housing delivery but also the necessary electricity and water infrastructure. The government aims to enable 300,000 new homes by 2030.
- Transport: Allocated EUR 24 billion, including EUR 2 billion for Dublin’s Metrolink.
- Water Infrastructure: A combined EUR 4.5 billion in equity funding will go to Uisce Éireann, including: EUR 2 billion in 2025 to support housing-related water services and EUR 2.5 billion through 2030 for large-scale water and wastewater projects.
- Energy: The plan provides EUR 3.5 billion for upgrades to electricity services and the national grid, to be delivered by ESB Networks and EirGrid. This investment is seen as essential for accommodating both new housing developments and Ireland’s renewable energy transition.
