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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:
The full NDP Review 2025 Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport can be viewed here. Comments are closed.
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NEWSArchives
February 2026
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