Michael Moynihan
Question:262. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action that he has taken to enhance and expand public investment since 27 June 2020. [61717/22]
View answerTuesday, 13 December 2022
Questions (262)
Written answers
When this Government took office in June 2020, we immediately signalled our intention to bring forward the review of the National Development Plan which was originally planned for 2022. Following a thorough process of engagement, analysis and reflection, the revised National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP) incorporating a public investment package of €165 billion was published in October 2021.
The NDP provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland over the next 10 years. It has a particular focus on the all-of-Government priorities of housing and climate action ambitions, as well as on supporting other national strategic objectives as set out in Project Ireland 2040.
The NDP is the largest in the history of the State. Our annual capital investment budget is now among the largest among EU countries. From this total level of investment set out in the NDP, over €12 billion will be available next year for public capital investment which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, and, most importantly, delivering the infrastructure to support our future climate, social and economic requirements.
The NDP also sets out a range of actions that are being taken to strengthen delivery, maximise value for money and ensure to the greatest extent possible that projects are delivered on time, on budget and with the benefits targeted at the outset.
The Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board oversees the delivery of the NDP and earlier this year I appointed five external members to the Board to bring additional expert knowledge, independent and regional perspectives, and an enhanced challenge function to the deliberations of the Board.
In addition, two elements were introduced to strengthen the assurance process for major public investment projects to provide more structured scrutiny. The External Assurance Process (EAP), to provide independent scrutiny for major public capital projects over €100m at two key stages in the project lifecycle under the Public Spending Code and the Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) who scrutinise project proposals and external reviews as a prerequisite to seeking Government approval for major projects at the relevant decision gates.
The Government is committed to continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country.