Public transport, in particular, will receive a major boost.
The Government is set to announce its revised National Development Plan (NDP) to the tune of over €165 billion following a meeting in University College Cork on Monday morning, 4 October.
The NDP, which will be launched by Taoiseach Michaél Martin in Páirc Ui Chaoimh, will see the government commit to a number of areas including public transportation and infrastructure throughout the country.
As part of the 10-year-plan up until 2030, €35 billion will be allocated to transport, including €12 billion on public transport, €6 billion on roads, €4 billion on walking and cycling frameworks, and €13 billion on related maintenance.
One high-profile project expected to be highlighted is the €185 million Cork Commuter Rail service, set to run from Mallow to Midleton via Cork city centre with a 10-minute frequency.
It has been speculated that the system could be in place within five years.
There are fears, however, that the government’s proposed ‘two to one’ favouring of public transport will lead to many projects previously earmarked for development not receiving due attention.
The government is said to be especially mindful of climate emergency in regards to the particulars of the plan.
The overall figure of €165 billion represents a marked increase on the previous NDP figure of €116 billion.
Significant investment on housing has been promised, with around €5 billion per year allocated.
€4.3 billion will be put towards education, while a further €5 billion will be dedicated towards the health system.
The Taoiseach is expected to formally outline the NDP on Monday afternoon.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme on Monday, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath insisted that the plan will not run over its outlined budget.
“Rather than delaying projects, it will actually streamline their development overall,” he said.
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