Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
353. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a direction to scale back on capital expenditure has been issued to each Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12518/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NDP published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland out to 2030 delivering total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030 and establishes the Government’s over-arching investment framework and broad direction for investment priorities for this decade. The level of capital investment in public capital infrastructure provided for over the lifetime of the NDP is necessary in order to provide the vital infrastructure needed to meet the requirements of our growing population and will help build resilience in our economy to provide a robust response to current and future needs.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, 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.
I can confirm to the Deputy that no direction to scale back on capital expenditure has been issued to Departments. This country has seen a step change in capital investment in a short period of time - in 2017 just before the first NDP we spent €4.6 billion on capital, in 2023 the equivalent figure is over €12 billion. However, to achieve the high quality stock of infrastructure that is required to meet our overall Project Ireland 2040 goals, this concerted and continual investment will be required beyond the life of this NDP. The Government is committed to delivering significant and essential infrastructural projects that will transform this country’s employment prospects, economic development and regional growth.
