Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien today secured Cabinet approval for the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent National Development Plan (NDP) Review. The NDP Review is the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State, supporting comprehensive upgrading of our water, energy and transport infrastructure to support all other necessary economic development.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport commits €22.3 billion to a diverse range of transport options, including public transport, active travel, roads, maritime, and aviation, over the next five years. An additional allocation of €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund will support the development of MetroLink, bringing the total NDP Exchequer investment in transport to €24.3 billion between 2026 and 2030.  
This investment will maintain and improve existing transport infrastructure, as well as supporting new initiatives, to improve connectivity across urban and rural areas and support sustainable growth.
Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said:
“This €24.3 billion investment marks a transformative moment for Ireland’s transport system. It is not just about building infrastructure—it is about shaping the kind of transport system we want, delivering sustainable and accessible options to connect us all. By integrating innovation, climate action, and regional development, we are creating a transport system that supports economic growth, protects our environment, and improves quality of life for every citizen.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said:
“This investment enables us to maintain and upgrade our road network to the highest standards, while introducing measures that protect all road users. By prioritising safer infrastructure, supporting EV charging, and addressing climate-related challenges, we are creating roads that are not only resilient but also safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. It will also enable further development of our rail network in line with the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, covering the DART+ programme, Cork Area Commuter Rail and the Western Rail Corridor.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, said:
“Reliable and accessible transport is essential for rural communities to thrive. This investment will strengthen local connectivity by enhancing and supporting rural transport infrastructure, improving the services on offer in regional hubs, and supporting active travel options that make everyday journeys easier and safer. We are building a transport system that supports people to travel safely and easily to connect with each other.”
Indicative allocations and priorities for key sectors from 2026 to 2030 are: 
Public Transport: 
 The allocation of approximately €10.1 billion will: protect and renew the heavy rail network; support the replacement of the existing DART train fleet; deliver Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and start Phase 2; and commence construction on both the DART+ programme and the Western Rail Corridor. Under BusConnects, the purchase of new electric buses will continue, there will be the construction of multiple Core Bus Corridors in Dublin, and construction works should start in Cork and Galway.
In addition, €2 billion from the Government’s Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund will support the construction of MetroLink, given its unique scale and importance for the country.
Road Networks and Road Safety: 
 The approximately €9.7 billion investment in roads will: protect and renew our existing road network, deliver many new national road projects, mitigate seasonal and climate-related impacts; roll out EV charging infrastructure;  and deliver new strategic regional roads and bypasses.
The Plan details major national roads projects – those with an estimated cost range over €200 million – which are expected to start construction or procurement by 2030. This detail is to provide clarity for both citizens and contractors on the procurement and construction activity over the next five years.
Smaller projects under the €200 million threshold, such as the Mallow Relief Road or Ardee Bypass, are not specifically listed but are also expected to enter construction by 2030.  Similarly, while the majority of regional and local roads funding is dedicated to protection and renewal of the existing network, strategic projects which are expected to entre construction by 2030 are also listed.
Active Travel and Greenways: 
€1.8 billion investment in the delivery of 1,000km of new and upgraded walking and cycling infrastructure by 2030. Major projects in 2026 include the Sustainable Transport Bridge in Waterford, the Glanmire Urban Greenway in Cork City, and the Ballybane and Castlepark Cycle Network in Galway. 
Civil Aviation: 
 €44.6 million for continued investment in regional airports under a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030, focusing on safety, security, and sustainability.
Maritime Transport and Safety:
€145 million for delivery of Irish Coast Guard building programme and the proposed  replacement of the Commissioners of Irish Lights’ vessel ILV Granuaile.
 
ICT and Digital Innovation: €231 million investment in advanced traffic management systems, Connected and Autonomous Vehicle readiness, and a Digital Hub consolidating digital and ICT functions.
Notes for Editors
The NDP Sectoral Investment Plan details national roads projects with an estimated cost range of over €200 million that are scheduled to commence construction or main procurement by 2030. Please note that a number of regionally important national roads projects with an estimated cost range under €200m are also scheduled to commence construction by 2030, such as:

• N52 Ardee Bypass
• N72/73 Mallow Relief Road
• N3 Clonee to the M50
• Foxford Transport Project.

Details on these smaller projects are set out in the annual allocation booklets produced by TII each year.
 
The full NDP Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport can be viewed here.

Tonn Nua auction secures highly competitive price compared to recent auctions internationally
Result shows international confidence in Ireland’s offshore wind industry
900MW of clean renewable energy can power almost 1 million homes, reduce energy prices, and heighten Ireland’s security of supply
Offshore energy project will bring jobs, community benefit funds and wider economic benefits
 
The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has today welcomed the provisional results of the State’s second offshore wind auction under the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS). The extremely positive results mark another milestone moment in Ireland’s offshore renewable energy (ORE) ambitions, showing a vote of confidence internationally in Ireland’s ORE potential.
 
The Tonn Nua auction process invited renewable energy project developers to compete against each other, by bidding as low as possible, in order to win a contract to provide renewable electricity for a 20-year period. The result of the hugely competitive auction has surpassed expectation, with a renewable energy price secured of €98.719 per megawatt hour (MWh). This price compares very favourably to recent offshore energy auctions in other jurisdictions and the price secured in Ireland’s recent onshore RESS 5 auction. For comparison, the average wholesale electricity price in Ireland to date in 2025 is €114/MWh.
 
The winning applicant is Helvick Head Offshore Wind DAC, a joint venture partnership between ESB and Denmark-based renewable energy developer Ørsted. ESB is involved in two major offshore wind energy projects in Scotland. Ørsted operate offshore wind farms in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Taiwan, the US, and the UK. In June 2023, ESB and Ørsted announced a 50/50 partnership to develop a pipeline of offshore wind development projects off the Irish coast.
 
The Tonn Nua auction was the first to be held for a site within the State’s first spatial plan for ORE development – the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan SC-DMAP. The Tonn Nua site (meaning ‘New Wave’) is located off the Waterford coast. It will procure 900 megawatts (MW) of clean energy, enough to power almost 1 million homes. It will save 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions each year after its construction, making a sizable contribution to Ireland’s wider climate and renewable electricity targets. Tonn Nua is one of four maritime sites within the SC-DMAP identified for future offshore wind development.
 
The SC-DMAP was approved by the Oireachtas in October 2024 following a comprehensive environmental assessment process, and an almost year-long engagement process with coastal communities and key stakeholders, including fishers, environmental NGOs and Local Authorities. An independent analysis has highlighted that implementing the SC-DMAP will deliver considerable economic benefits and employment opportunities.
 
Welcoming the results, Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, said:
 
“The provisional results of the Tonn Nua auction mark an important milestone in the State’s offshore renewable energy ambitions. The highly competitive price secured represents positive news for Irish energy consumers and our nation, bringing us closer to overcoming the challenges of energy security and affordability, and towards achieving energy independence. It’s also a positive reflection of Ireland that we, as a country, can develop and produce enormous quantities of clean energy. It’s a clear sign that international companies are confident in Ireland’s ambition and infrastructure. Ireland has enormous offshore wind potential – not only to deliver cleaner and more secure energy to our homes and businesses, it has the potential to deliver tens of thousands of new green jobs for many communities across the State. The deployment of offshore renewable energy will also importantly ensure that Ireland continues to play our part in addressing the climate change emergency.”
 
Minister of State with special responsibility for the Marine Timmy Dooley said:
 
“Ireland is already a wind energy success story. Today’s announcement is the next chapter in that story, and an exemplar project as we move towards a national DMAP for offshore renewable energy.  This is a key milestone in delivering a clear and sustainable framework for developing offshore renewable energy, balancing economic growth, environmental protection and community engagement to support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon future.”
 
The Tonn Nua results announced today are provisional and are subject to the normal RESS confirmation processes. Final auction results will be announced on 9 December.
 
Community Benefit Fund provisions
 
Under the community benefit fund provisions of Tonn Nua, the successful project is required to make payments to local coastal communities in the vicinity of the development. The Tonn Nua fund established by the winning auction bidder will now see communities benefit from €140 million over a 20-year period, beginning before construction and continuing until after the site begins to produce renewable energy. The €7 million a year fund will support the sustainable environmental, economic, social, and cultural well-being of the local community, with grants to local clubs and other community groups and projects.
 
In May 2023, the results of Ireland’s first offshore wind auction, ORESS 1, was a breakthrough moment for the State’s ORE ambitions, with a hugely competitive price secured – at an average of €86.05/MWh. Five ‘Phase One’ projects that participated in ORESS 1 have submitted applications for planning consent with An Coimisiún Pleanála. Their collective capacity of 3.8GW represents more than 60% of Ireland’s present peak electricity demand.
 
The Government will now move towards making arrangements to bring the remaining three SC-DMAP sites to market, working closely with EirGrid to develop grid connection options. This will ensure a consistent pipeline of offshore developments will take place over the coming years.
 

Training programme builds on the success of the GAA’s ground breaking Green Clubs Programme
 
Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, today (20 November) launched a new Sustainable Sports Programme to help sports National Governing Bodies (NGBs) adopt environmentally sustainable actions across their organisations.
 
The programme includes a toolkit for clubs, and the provision of training to NGBs, so that they can empower their clubs to act at grassroots level in the areas of biodiversity, water, energy and travel. The Sustainable Sports Programme recognises that each club and organisation is unique and is suitable for all sports regardless of size, activity, facilities or means.
 
Welcoming the Programme, Minister O’Brien said:
 
“The challenges we face to achieve a climate neutral society are significant. Communities have a huge role to play in this and sport is at the heart of community here in Ireland. This training programme builds on the success of the GAA’s ground breaking Green Clubs Programme and shares learnings from their vast experience.
 
“A key learning has been that grassroots programmes are more likely to succeed and be maintained when they are supported by the kinds of top-down structures that NGBs can implement.”
 
The Sports Sustainability Programme will be featured at the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s Playing for the Planet Conference which is taking place at the Sports Campus Ireland Indoor Arena today. The conference is an initiative of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and will showcase best practice both nationally and internationally on the role sport can play in climate action.
 
Speaking at the conference, Minister for Culture, Communication and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD said:
 
“I would like today to acknowledge the sustainability work sporting organisations all over the country are doing. The toolkit allows every national sports body to learn key skills such as identifying what to prioritise, the actions they can take in areas like travel and biodiversity and, crucially, how to implement and track these actions.”
 
To view the Sustainable Sports Programme Toolkit click on this link: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/national-dialogue-on-climate-action-ndca/#sustainable-sports-programme.
 

Minister Darragh O’Brien has announced a €90 million investment package for the 2026 Climate Action Summer Works Scheme. The funding will support a range of schools across Fingal and forms part of a national approval of 297 projects.
A central feature of the national package is a €30 million allocation for the refurbishment and improvement of science laboratories in post primary schools. This investment will assist the introduction of the new Leaving Certificate curriculum and strengthen science education nationwide.
Minister O’Brien described the announcement as a significant boost for schools in Fingal and said it will allow schools to upgrade essential facilities while contributing to Ireland’s climate goals.
Schools across Fingal and the wider county have received approval for works that include climate action measures, electrical and mechanical upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, building repairs, and supports for curricular needs.
Approved projects for schools in Fingal include:
·       St. Finians Community College, Swords for climate actions and science labs.
·       Fingal Community College, Swords for climate actions and science labs.
·       Scoil Phadraic Cailini National School, Donabate for climate action.
·       S.N Cholmille Swords for fabric defects.
Speaking after the announcement Minister O’Brien said:
“The funding secured for local schools will help modernise buildings and improve how they use energy while also providing students with updated science laboratories.
“These improvements will support the new Senior Cycle programmes and give young people the resources they need to succeed in a modern skills driven education system
“I am especially pleased that the scheme places such a strong emphasis on climate action. Many of our schools can now carry out important sustainability projects including better insulation, LED lighting, the installation of electric vehicle chargers and the development of active travel facilities.
“These steps will lower energy costs and help meet national climate commitments.”

Minister leads Irish delegation in advocating for progressive global climate action, sustainable finance, and practical outcomes to deliver energy affordability and climate resilience
 
Minister to co-lead EU’s negotiating team for adaptation with Minister Multala of Finland
 
Minister meets UN Assistant Secretary General Neto to discuss new UN Development Programme Project Office in Dublin
 
Minister Darragh O’Brien has arrived at Belém, Brazil for COP30. COP30 comes at a moment which has seen the multilateral system challenged. Ireland remains committed to multilateral climate action to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement and champion progressive global climate action. Ireland comes to COP30 with credibility. We have a Climate Action Plan that sets out legally-binding sectoral emissions ceilings, and we’ve seen three successive years of emissions reductions. Emissions are now at their lowest in three decades despite a larger population and economy, demonstrating that economic growth and emissions reductions can go hand in hand.
 
Adaptation is central to Ireland’s national and international climate policy, and it is crucial that this COP also produces a strong adaptation outcome. Minister O’Brien has been asked by his Danish counterpart to act as one half of the EU’s Ministerial negotiation team for adaptation. He will be joined in this by Minister Sara Multara, Finland’s Minister of Climate and the Environment. The COP30 Presidency have been clear that they see adaptation as one of the primary deliverables for the COP, with the Minister’s role putting him at the heart of these crucial negotiations.
 
In one of his first engagements in Brazil, Minister O’Brien met with Marcos Neto, UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Bureau of Policy and Programme Support. Ireland will host a new UNDP Project Office in Dublin, dedicated to advancing sustainable finance – mobilising the capital that will power a fair, inclusive, and global green transition.
 
The UNDP Global Project Office for Sustainable Finance represents a landmark partnership between the Government of Ireland and the UNDP. Supported by €7.5 million in Irish Government funding over three years, the initiative showcases Ireland’s global leadership in mobilising and deploying sustainable capital to drive climate action - particularly in support of developing economies and the most vulnerable.
 
Speaking in Belém, Minister O’Brien said:
 
“For COP30, I want to bring a very clear, practical message: the outcomes must speak directly to citizens and businesses – in Ireland and internationally. Climate diplomacy is not an abstract exercise. To have legitimacy and meaning it must deliver energy affordability, resilience to extreme weather and opportunities for workers. I’m delighted to take up a role as an EU Ministerial negotiator for adaptation this year. The delivery of a successful outcome on adaptation is crucial to the success of the overall outcome here at COP30. For Ireland, adaptation has and always will be central to our international climate diplomacy. I look forward to working with the rest of the EU’s excellent negotiating team to secure an outcome that responds the urgency of the moment here in Belem.
 
“I’m also delighted to meet Assistant Secretary General Neto to discuss Dublin’s Project Office for Sustainable Finance. We see COP as a chance not just to negotiate, but to learn from others and to forge partnerships with those who can help further our agenda. Partnering with the UN Development Programme on this flagship initiative is one example of how collaboration can deliver meaningful outcomes, in this instance demonstrating how finance can underpin climate action, particularly for the most vulnerable.”
 
Assistant Secretary General Neto said:
 
“Locating the Project Office in Dublin reflects Ireland’s strong reputation as a trusted and principled partner, its financial-sector excellence, and its ability to translate ambition into action through policy, regulatory, and market innovation. The initiative also underscores Ireland’s longstanding commitment to supporting the most vulnerable countries and communities in addressing the impacts of climate change, while further strengthening its leadership in sustainable finance and its contribution to global climate and development goals.”
 
COP30 is an important part of Ireland’s preparation for COP31, at which Ireland will hold the Presidency of the EU and lead the COP negotiations on its behalf.
 
On 5 November, Ireland and its EU partners agreed their new Nationally Determined Contribution, in which they committed to reduce GHG emissions by 66.25–72.5% by 2035. This target confirms our collective commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and to the global efforts that underpin it. Ireland looks forward to working with EU and global partners to ensure that COP30 in Belem delivers a balanced outcome that puts the world on track to keep warming below 1.5C.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, today published the Transport Sectoral Adaptation Plan (T-SAP II). This strategic document is designed to help Ireland’s transport system build long-term resilience, and better respond to climate-related impact that is already happening or projected to happen in the future. This includes preparing for storms,  floods, heatwaves, sea-level rise, and other climate-related events. 
Extreme weather disrupts journeys, damages infrastructure, and puts pressure on how we plan, build, and maintain our transport systems. Making transport more climate-resilient is essential for public safety, continuity of service, and long-term sustainability.
Minister O’Brien said: 
“Ireland’s climate is changing. We’re seeing more frequent and more intense storms, flooding, coastal surges and rising sea levels. These events can disrupt services, damage infrastructure and increase long-term risks, not just for transport, but for our entire communities.  
“Adaptation means preparing for these changes by building resilience into our transport systems now, so that we can safeguard critical infrastructure and keep people and goods moving into the future.”
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said: 
“Transport safety is a key priority for the Department. As we face a changing climate, building climate resilience will be key to ensuring the safe operation of Ireland’s transport infrastructure into the future, including our country’s ports and rail links. 
“Irish ports are already ensuring that new and updated infrastructure will be ever more resilient to climate change impacts to ensure operations can continue to the greatest extent possible. 
“In addition, the rail network is something that so many of us rely upon on a daily basis to get to work or, visit family and friends. It’s vitally important we do everything we can to make sure it remains fit for purpose well into the future.”
Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, said: 
“Transport is vital to the functioning of Ireland’s rural communities, supporting the movement of people and goods and providing access to essential services. Adaptation planning is critical to ensure transport infrastructure and services are resilient the effects of climate change.”
This Plan was developed in consultation with key stakeholders and the public under the umbrella of the National Adaptation Framework. It outlines how Ireland’s transport system can adapt to future climate risks across roads, rail, ports, airports, public transport, and active travel. 
The Plan sets a roadmap for 2025 to 2030 to achieve this objective. It identifies 40 key actions that were co-developed by the Department, transport operators and other stakeholders, to respond to the risks for transport identified through detailed climate change risk assessment. 
It is an ambitious and essential plan, underpinned by the most up-to-date climate science and risk assessments, including Ireland’s first National Climate Change Risk Assessment. It incorporates expert insights that guide ways of adapting across all modes of transport.. It builds on adaptation planning and action in the transport sector since 2019, when the first such plan (T-SAP I) was published. It reflects Ireland’s current and future transport infrastructure needs and climate priorities.