Ireland commits €24.3bn to transport infrastructure

The Irish government has approved €24.3 billion in transport spending through 2030, with public transport receiving €10.1 billion and roads allocated €9.7 billion under the National Development Plan Review approved by Cabinet this week.

The Irish government has approved a €24.3 billion transport investment plan covering 2026 to 2030, with allocations spanning public transport, roads, active travel, and aviation infrastructure.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien secured Cabinet approval for the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the National Development Plan Review.

The plan commits €22.3 billion across diverse transport modes, with an additional €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund dedicated to MetroLink development.

Public transport receives largest allocation

Public transport will receive approximately €10.1 billion to protect and renew the heavy rail network, replace the existing DART fleet, and deliver Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme.

Construction will commence on the DART+ programme and Western Rail Corridor. The BusConnects programme will continue purchasing electric buses and constructing Core Bus Corridors in Dublin, with works starting in Cork and Galway.

Road networks and safety will receive €9.7 billion to maintain existing infrastructure, deliver new national road projects, and roll out EV charging infrastructure.

The plan details major national roads projects over €200 million expected to start construction or procurement by 2030, while smaller projects including the Mallow Relief Road and Ardee Bypass will also proceed.

Active travel and greenways will receive €1.8 billion to deliver 1,000km of new and upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure by 2030. Major 2026 projects include the Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford and the Glanmire Urban Greenway in Cork.

Additional allocations include €44.6 million for regional airports under a new programme focusing on safety and sustainability, €145 million for maritime transport including Irish Coast Guard facilities, and €231 million for digital innovation and traffic management systems.