All Q1 2026 Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan Commitments Delivered and New Reforms to Dispute Resolution in Public Construction Now in Place

• 6 months saved on the Waterford Wastewater Treatment Plant project
• 12 months expected to be cut from timeline for Greater Dublin Drainage project

The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, confirmed today that delivery of the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan is on track and all Q1 2026 commitments have been completed.

The Plan, which includes 30 targeted actions to address key barriers to infrastructure delivery, is already delivering results, with legislative, regulatory and process reforms progressing strongly across Government.

Key milestones include significant progress on the Critical Infrastructure Bill, now advancing through the Oireachtas, and the signing of the Statutory Instrument on the Environmental Scale of Legal Fees. Revisions to Infrastructure Guidelines and enhanced support from the National Development Finance Agency are also strengthening project delivery and coordination.

Early impacts are now visible. Up to 26 weeks have been saved on the Waterford Wastewater Treatment Plant project, while timelines for Marine Area Consents have been reduced by approximately 30% for fit and proper bodies following reforms introduced by MARA. These shorter timelines for licences and consents are also expected to shorten delivery timelines for the Greater Dublin Drainage project by up to 12 months.

Coordination across Government has improved through new structures such as the Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House, which is actively addressing bottlenecks and simplifying processes, alongside ongoing work with the Environmental Protection Agency to streamline licensing.

This update demonstrates that the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan is already delivering tangible improvements, with a clear focus on maintaining momentum and ensuring faster, more efficient delivery of critical infrastructure nationwide.

Minister Chambers said:

“This is not a plan in waiting—it is a plan in motion. Every Q1 2026 commitment has been delivered and we are already seeing tangible results. Reforms are reducing delays, improving coordination across Government, and giving greater certainty to those delivering critical infrastructure.

For a programme of this scale and ambition, that is a strong delivery rate with so many Government actors working together and all stakeholders delivering. The focus now is on maintaining that momentum and ensuring that these changes continue to translate into faster, more efficient delivery on the ground.”

Reforms to Strengthen Dispute Resolution in Public Construction

The Minister also announced reforms to improve dispute management in public construction projects, supporting more timely and efficient infrastructure delivery.

The changes strengthen public works contracts through earlier engagement, enhanced oversight, and faster arbitration. Key measures include encouraging early resolution through structured co‑operation, appointing Standing Conciliators to chair Project Boards on major projects, and maintaining fast-track arbitration alongside options for more complex cases.

The reforms, informed by an independent review and industry consultation, aim to reduce disputes and improve cost and time certainty. Updated provisions apply to public works contracts for projects over €1 million.

Progress on accelerating infrastructure and these reforms represent a significant step toward a more efficient and predictable construction environment, helping to minimise delays, reduce disputes, and support the timely delivery of public infrastructure projects nationwide.