Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
116. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an overview of NSO 5 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55876/21]
View answerAt the outset it should be noted that my Department, in carrying out its role in coordinating the NDP Review, does not consider the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies as this is primarily a matter for individual Departments and Agencies.
However I would be happy to give an overview of NSO 5 which aims to deliver A Strong Economy, supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills.
A competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base is essential to provide high-quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions. While the impacts of Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to challenge businesses in the first part of the decade, the digitalisation of entire sectors and the transition to a low-carbon economy will be even more transformative.
Sectoral strategies include the Economic Recovery Plan, the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030, the National Further Education and Training Strategy, and new National Strategy for Research and Innovation which is being developed.
Investment priorities on the enterprise side include: a Green Transition Fund – driving decarbonisation and enterprise resilience in the transition to a low carbon economy; a Digital Transition Fund – building a future focussed SME base; establishing the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs; Brexit Business Transformation through firm level assistance – including delivery of the Agri-Food Transformation Fund; and the expanding IDA Ireland Regional Property Programme – attracting investment to regional locations.
Investment priorities in higher education include the need for expansion to cater for demographics and skills development with projects planned for:
- Maynooth University Technology Society and Innovation Building
- UCD Future Campus Project
- Cork University Business School
- NUI Galway Learning Commons
- IT Sligo Central Campus Extension
- LIT Coonagh Engineering Campus
A significant step up in funding for Further Education and Training infrastructure is envisaged under this NDP. Continued investment in research and innovation will support Ireland’s economic and societal transformation. The funding provided in the NDP will also deliver a new National Cyber Security Centre.
These are just some of the many investments which will be delivered under this NSO in the coming years to support Project Ireland 2040. Further details are contained in chapter 10 of the NDP.
