Government publishes updated National Development Plan
- Published on: 22 July 2025
- Last updated on: 22 July 2025
- transformational investment to safeguard our future
- €275.4 billion of public capital investment to 2035
Government has today published the updated National Development Plan, with unprecedented levels of investment, to secure Ireland's future, unlock housing, upgrade water and energy infrastructure, deliver more roads, and provide better public transport.
The plan sets out:
- total investment of €275.4 billion over the period 2026 to 2035;
- sectoral capital allocations of €102.4 billion for the years 2026 to 2030; and
- a further €100 billion for 2030 to 2035
The review includes an additional €34 billion relative to the previous 2021-2030 NDP including equity funding of €10 billion to 2030 to fund large strategic projects in energy, water and transport.
This is the largest ever capital investment plan in the history of the State and will enable the delivery of thousands of new homes, provide more childcare and school places, invest in children’s disability services and ensure better healthcare for all.
The NDP is Ireland's long-term strategic investment plan, outlining how the government will invest in the country's infrastructure and development. Against a changing and uncertain global economic backdrop, this is the plan to grow the Irish economy, protect jobs and enhance our competitiveness to secure our future prosperity.
The review encompasses total public investment of €275.4 billion, from Exchequer and non-Exchequer funding, and the release of once-off funds, including the ECJ Escrow Fund, proceeds from the sale of bank shares, and broader State funds such as the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.
The review sets out departmental capital ceilings to 2030 and overall expenditure ceilings to 2035 to provide the necessary investment to:
- deliver transformative, critical and growth-enhancing infrastructure;
- scale up and strengthen our water, energy and transport systems;
- unlock housing supply;
- improve the living standards of the people of Ireland; and
- boost our international competitiveness
Strategic Projects Investment
Key investment allocations include:
- a total of €3.5 billion in equity has been earmarked for energy projects with ESB Networks and Eirgrid to meet the growth to deliver on the housing target of 300,000 new homes
- €12.2 billion for the water sector for water and wastewater services
- €24.3 billion for the transport sector including low carbon transport projects such as Metrolink
Departments will now progress development of sectoral investment plans that will provide specific details on the projects that will be delivered between 2026 and 2030. These plans will be published later this year.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin underlined the significance of the review in addressing Ireland’s infrastructure needs, stating:
“This NDP Review is a landmark moment for Ireland’s future. With a record €275.4 billion 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.
“This plan is about building homes, connecting communities, and creating opportunities. It reflects our ambition to support a growing population, meet our climate goals, and ensure that every part of Ireland can thrive.
"We are laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient Ireland with strategic and focused investment.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighted the review as a critical step in delivering national priorities, commenting:
"Against the backdrop of global uncertainty, this plan presents a once in a generation opportunity to transform Ireland’s infrastructure and secure the country’s future. It is a powerful statement of intent that recognises the scale of the challenges we face and will deliver the infrastructure that underpins sustainable growth.
“By prioritising investment in water, energy, and transport, we are laying the groundwork for 300,000 new homes by 2030. Quicker approval processes and less red tape will be critical to delivering a plan that will enable the delivery of not just new homes, but more schools and childcare places, and improved disability services and health outcomes.
"This is a whole-of-government effort to ensure that Ireland remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Our focus is on delivering for people living in Ireland, now and into the future.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney described the review as a strategic response to current and future challenges, noting:
“Transport is at the heart of a modern, connected Ireland, and this review reflects that. Investment in transport plays a vital role in enhancing economic performance and regional development. With significant investment in low-carbon transport solutions, we are not only improving mobility, but also supporting our climate commitments.
“The NDP ensures that transport infrastructure keeps pace with housing and economic development, enabling people to live and work in well-connected, sustainable communities across all areas of our country.”
Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers noted the importance of the review, saying:
“This review has considered some of the most important challenges facing Ireland: the need to provide for a growing and changing population, supporting Ireland’s competitiveness, ensuring balanced regional development and meeting our climate obligations. Government is responding with the largest ever capital injection in the history of the State.
“We are prioritising and delivering transformational investment in our critical infrastructure across the country focused on future development for the next decade and beyond.
“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 at a time of growing international uncertainty.”
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe emphasised the value of the review in strengthening capital investment planning, stating:
“The NDP review represents a fiscally responsible and forward-looking investment in Ireland’s future. With €275.4 billion in planned capital expenditure, this plan balances ambition with sustainability, ensuring that our infrastructure keeps pace with population growth, housing demand, and climate commitments.
“The use of non-Exchequer funding sources - such as the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund and proceeds from asset sales - 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.”