Dublin Chamber has welcomed the Government's decision to designate the first tranche of projects under the Critical Infrastructure Act, describing it as an important milestone in accelerating the delivery of the infrastructure Ireland urgently needs.
The announcement represents the first use of the new powers provided for under the Act and marks the beginning of its implementation. Dublin Chamber has consistently called for reforms to speed up the delivery of strategic infrastructure and welcomed the legislation when it was enacted earlier this month.
Following the passage of the Act, Dublin Chamber wrote to Minister Jack Chambers calling on Government to use the new designation powers ambitiously and prioritise nationally significant projects including the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project, DART+, and the planned LUAS extensions. Dublin Chamber welcomes the announcement that Metrolink, The Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project has been designated as Critical Infrastructure.
Stephen Browne, Head of Public Affairs at Dublin Chamber, said:
"Today's announcement is a significant step forward and demonstrates that Government is moving quickly to implement one of the most important reforms to Ireland's infrastructure delivery system in decades.”
"Ireland has recognised the infrastructure needed to support housing, economic growth and competitiveness but delivery has been too slow. The Critical Infrastructure Act has the potential to change that by ensuring nationally important projects receive greater priority across the planning and consenting system.”
"Passing the legislation was only the first step. The real measure of success will be whether it results in infrastructure being delivered more quickly. That momentum must now continue."
Dublin Chamber believes the Critical Infrastructure Act provides Government with a unique opportunity to transform the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure.
Contact Information
Stephen Browne
Head of Public Affairs
Dublin Chamber
085 710 3329
stephen@dublinchamber.ie
About Dublin Chamber: Dublin Chamber is Ireland’s largest chamber of commerce with over 1000 member companies. It is the most representative and broadly-based business group in the Greater Dublin Area, providing representation and networking services. Its policy work focuses on developing the Dublin region’s infrastructure & transport, promoting competitiveness, and improving local governance. Dublin Chamber is also one of the oldest chambers of commerce in the world, tracing its origins back to 1782.