Minister Chambers updates Cabinet on the Establishment and First Meeting of the Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House to Accelerate Infrastructure Delivery

The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD today updated Cabinet on the establishment and first meeting of the Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House. The establishment of the Clearing House marks the commencement of Action 21 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan which aims to improve utility coordination at national and local level.

This group brings together the lead Departments responsible for infrastructure with utilities, transport authorities, and representatives of local Government. Its purpose is to establish a structured forum where issues affecting the coordination and timely delivery of infrastructure can be discussed and resolved. The group has a clear mandate that will allow it to identify and address any structures and processes across Government that may impede the delivery of critical infrastructure.

The Clearing House creates a structured approach, replacing the previous bespoke arrangements that varied between projects with a more consistent model that supports clearer roles, shared processes, and stronger collaboration. The initial work of the Clearing House will focus on identifying and addressing the most pressing administrative barriers to infrastructure development.

Examples of the likely work of the Clearing House in 2026 includes the creation of structures for early and ongoing engagement on major electricity, water, and transport projects, updating codes of practice and technical standards to make sure they are fit for purpose and improving the coordination of linear infrastructure works to reduce duplication, disruption, and cost.

Commenting at the initial meeting, Minister Chambers said:

“The creation of this Clearing House is a practical step to break down barriers and accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure. By bringing utilities, transport authorities and local government together in one forum, we can identify and resolve issues quickly, keeping critical projects on track.

It is about driving a culture of delivery, coordination and accountability so that every euro of public investment delivers maximum impact. I want to see all participants engaging in this process with a spirit of cooperation. We are doing this because the pace at which we deliver critical infrastructure must accelerate if we are to achieve our national housing, transport and climate goals and we can only do this by working together effectively and collaboratively. This may mean compromising on specific sectoral issues but by doing so and accelerating the pace of infrastructure delivery we are acting in the interests of the common good.”

Relevant Links

• Report on Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement with Emerging Themes on Infrastructure
• Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan
• Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce
• National Development Plan Review 2025

ENDS