infrastructure and construction report
Emerging trends in infrastructure
Minister Michael McGrath TD: National Development Plan priorities for 2022 The National Development Plan (NDP) published in October 2021 represented the largest such plan in the history of the State. The initial period of its rollout will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, and most importantly, in delivering the infrastructure to support our future climate, social, and economic requirements, writes Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath TD. Effectively delivering on investment of this magnitude requires the necessary capacity in our construction sector, delivery-focused oversight and governance structures, the adoption of technology and sound public policy.
Reforms We have already put in place numerous reforms to support delivery, governance, and the implementation of capital projects and programmes. We have included professionals from industry early in the project lifecycle process to provide additional insight to support a rigorous decision-making process. In December 2021, I announced the introduction of the new External Assurance Process (EAP) for major capital projects which allows independent external experts to scrutinise investment projects. To support the EAP, I have also established a new Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG). The first meeting of the MPAG took place in January and will bring on board independent experts to further strengthen project management and support my department in its project assurance role. The Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board, the core function of which is to track the delivery of projects, is comprised of the secretaries general of the main capital spending departments. There will almost certainly be delivery challenges as we ramp up investment. To respond to these challenges, the Board will focus on the delivery
32
