Ireland announces record €275.4bn infrastructure investment plan to 2035. Updated National Development Plan targets housing, transport, and energy with largest capital investment in State’s history.
The Irish Government has unveiled an updated National Development Plan featuring €275.4bn in public capital investment through 2035, representing the largest infrastructure spending commitment in the nation’s history.
The plan allocates €102.4bn for 2026 to 2030, with a further €100bn designated for 2030 to 2035. The review includes an additional €34bn compared to the previous 2021-2030 plan, including €10bn in equity funding to support major strategic projects in energy, water, and transport.
“We are laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient Ireland with strategic and focused investment”
Key investment allocations include €24.3bn for transport sector projects such as Metrolink, €12.2bn for water and wastewater services, and €3.5bn in equity for energy projects with ESB Networks and Eirgrid to support Ireland’s housing target of 300,000 new homes by 2030.
5 takeaways for businesses
- Infrastructure-Driven Growth
SMEs in construction, engineering, and utilities will benefit from increased demand due to housing, transport, and energy projects. - Opportunities in Green and Digital Sectors
The focus on low-carbon transport, renewable energy, and digital public services opens up new markets for SMEs in cleantech, IT, and sustainability consulting. - Regional Development Focus
Investment is spread across Ireland, not just urban centres—creating opportunities for SMEs in rural and regional areas. - Public Procurement Potential
With €275.4bn in capital investment, there will be significant public procurement opportunities. SMEs should prepare to compete for tenders. - Supportive Ecosystem for Scaling
Improved infrastructure (transport, broadband, energy) will reduce operational barriers and help SMEs scale more efficiently.
Building a better Ireland
| Sector | Planned Investment / Focus |
| 🏠 Housing | – Enable 300,000 new homes by 2030 – Infrastructure support (energy, water, transport) |
| 💧 Water | €12.2 billion for water and wastewater services |
| ⚡ Energy | €3.5 billion in equity for ESB Networks and Eirgrid – Grid upgrades for housing & renewables |
| 🚆 Transport | €24.3 billion including low-carbon projects (e.g. Metrolink) – Roads and public transport |
| 🏥 Health & Social Care | – More healthcare facilities – Children’s disability services – Childcare and schools |
| 🌍 Climate & Nature | – Funded via Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund – Climate adaptation and biodiversity |
| 🖥️ Digital & Public Services | – Digitalisation of public services – Infrastructure for remote work, e-health, education |
The investment plan draws from Exchequer and non-Exchequer funding, including the ECJ Escrow Fund, proceeds from bank share sales, and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. The Government aims to deliver transformative infrastructure, scale up water and energy systems, unlock housing supply, and boost international competitiveness.
“This NDP Review is a landmark moment for Ireland’s future. With a record €275.4bn in public capital investment, we will deliver the infrastructure that will help us meet the economic and social needs of the Irish people for generations to come,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin. “This plan is about building homes, connecting communities, and creating opportunities. We are laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient Ireland with strategic and focused investment.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris emphasized the plan’s role in addressing national priorities amid global uncertainty. “This plan presents a once in a generation opportunity to transform Ireland’s infrastructure and secure the country’s future,” Harris said. “By prioritising investment in water, energy, and transport, we are laying the groundwork for 300,000 new homes by 2030. This is a whole-of-government effort to ensure that Ireland remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
Clearing infrastructure bottlenecks
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers highlighted the plan’s comprehensive approach to Ireland’s infrastructure challenges. “Government is responding with the largest ever capital injection in the history of the State,” Chambers said. “Our plan to invest in our capital infrastructure and address our infrastructure deficit is the best way to safeguard our economy, drive growth, protect jobs, increase competitiveness and ensure prosperity for our people and communities.”
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe stressed the fiscal responsibility behind the investment strategy. “The NDP review represents a fiscally responsible and forward-looking investment in Ireland’s future,” Donohoe said. “The use of non-Exchequer funding sources demonstrates our commitment to prudent financial management while delivering transformative outcomes. This is a strategic investment in our economy, our communities, and our long-term prosperity.”
Minister of State for Transport Seán Canney noted the transport sector’s central role in the plan. “Transport is at the heart of a modern, connected Ireland, and this review reflects that. With significant investment in low-carbon transport solutions, we are not only improving mobility, but also supporting our climate commitments,” Canney said.
Government departments will now develop detailed sectoral investment plans specifying projects to be delivered between 2026 and 2030, with these plans to be published later this year. The full National Development Plan review is available through the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
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