Jack Chambers
Dublin West · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“We have been clear about the absolute necessity to protect the huge ecosystem of digital and infrastructure investment in Ireland over the past ten to 20 years. Part of that has been the wider and ongoing discussion on the security of subsea cables.”
“Progress in achieving balanced regional development and detailing the delivery of the NDP is monitored through regular updates on the capital investment tracker and the MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer.”
“The tax strategy group examines the different options that are available to the Government during the summer. That informs the respective tax package that will advance. We have to honest about the measures we take in terms of taxation. They have to be sustainable and affordable in the long term. USC brings in about €5.5 billion per year.”
“I am not privy to the interaction the Deputy had with the Minister for housing on this, but the Local Government Fund distributes the respective funding across different local authorities, and Galway County Council and Galway City Council would receive allocations through that. I was clear in my initial response to Deputy O'Hara.”
“My Department has taken a proactive and co-ordinated approach to supporting the responsible and effective adoption of AI across the public service.”
“More broadly, the achievement of balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040, which includes the national planning framework, which sets out the wider spatial strategy for the next 20 years, along with the national development plan, NDP.”
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“He knows the huge importance of regional connectivity from a roads' perspective, which the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, has restored in the context of the national development plan. There are also objectives around other capital investment projects for the midlands region, and that is a continued focus of Government. We want not only to match the capital investment which we have set aside but also to get things done and accelerate delivery across the board.”
“I do not have a specific breakdown for the enterprise sector. All I say is that if we look at wider job creation, the prioritisation that has emerged on the part of both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland and the facts that have emerged in 2025, we can see that there has been significant growth in job creation outside of Dublin. This reflects our broad strategy and shows the huge resilience in the Irish economy, notwithstanding global conflict and major geopolitical pressures. There is continued investment and positivity around Ireland's economic proposition for many companies that want to build their base in Ireland, many of them are SMEs but there are also FDI companies. I have been with the Deputy in Offaly.”
“The total number of jobs created was over 12,600. Some 69% of new jobs created in 2025 in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland were located outside the Dublin region. In the higher education sector, €4.5 billion in capital funding was allocated to the Department of further and higher education as the number of projects and programmes continued to be advanced and deliver on the ambitions of Ireland's higher education sector. These projects will expand capacity in higher education institutions and support a pipeline of talents and skills aligned with national and regional needs.”
“This aims to maintain and enhance Ireland's status as a competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base, providing high quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions. Under the plan, €3.68 billion was allocated in respect of enterprise and skills, including €400 million of additional funding to Irish start-up enterprises. Over 15,300 new jobs were created from the 323 investments in IDA Ireland-supported client companies in 2005. The numbers directly employed in the multinational sector in Ireland in 2025 were 312,400. The existing base of FDI has shown continued resilience, and more than half the investments went into regional locations. Employment in client companies of Enterprise Ireland increased to a total of over 234,000 in 2025, which is the highest number ever reported.”
“As Minister for public expenditure I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at departmental level. Responsibility for the management and delivery of the wider investment and sectoral policies within the allocations agreed under the national development plan involves working with Ministers and other colleagues across Departments. Each Minister is responsible for deciding which programmes and projects will be delivered under the national development plan. The latter contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of national strategic outcomes, including NSO 5, which relates to a strong economy supported by enterprise, innovation and skills.”
“Nearly everybody in the Opposition would share the objective of getting them delivered, whether it is critical grid infrastructure, which we need to build our low-carbon, renewable future, whether it is some of the public transport projects that have been referred to, or I can list some of the other areas as well. The Bill is a very clear enabling framework, and I want to be able to enact it quickly. Again, I want to work with everyone to get it right as well.”
“Absolutely. What we have tried to do in the first instance is build the evidence base as to where the issues were, which we did last year. There has been strong stakeholder engagement. The report was published last July. There has been engagement with the Oireachtas committee on the challenges and the delivery gaps which exist. There has been a co-ordinated response from the stakeholder community and others in what has informed the drafting process around this Bill. The issue with doing pre-legislative scrutiny is that there is a risk this would lapse into the autumn, and we want to use the Bill to get projects done.”
“It is important to have flexibility around it being an enabling framework to allow future governments to drive delivery. That is why we have not specified the particular projects or programmes in the Bill. I have set out the broad definition, as the Deputy mentioned, regarding how the designation process will work and what is defined as infrastructure within-----”
“As to what we have tried to do, the Deputy and others will appreciate that if we were to list a load of projects in primary legislation, there may be another project which will emerge and which is of a critical nature. The other challenge is that this particular list then gets caught in 2026. In four years, or when a future government wishes to update the national development plan, there needs to be an ability to utilise this legislative framework to continue to designate projects appropriately. That is why we have established the statutory framework around how projects will be designated. Obviously, they are connected to the national development plan. It relates to State-funded projects, and I have set out the broad legislative framework as to how the decision will be made.”
“The process of considering which programmes or projects I may recommend to the Government will commence after the Oireachtas has passed the-----”
“Project and programme are defined in section 1 of the Bill. A project means a project, the purpose of which is the delivery of infrastructure and that is funded by capital investment, by or on behalf of the State or by or on behalf of a public body. Infrastructure is also defined in the section. The definition refers to any infrastructure that enables essential facilities and systems of the State to function effectively and includes, but is not limited to, energy, transport and water systems. Following a recommendation from the Minister for public expenditure, the Government will, by order, designate projects or programmes as critical infrastructure. Every designation order will be laid before Dáil Éireann, which may nullify the order within 21 days.”
“The text of the Bill has been published in full along with an explanatory memorandum. This section of the Bill allows the Minister for public expenditure to make a recommendation to Government that a designation order be made in respect of a project or programme. There are a number of matters that I may have regard to in making a recommendation. They are set out in section 3 of the Bill. They include: the need to ensure effective and efficient delivery of a project or programme; whether delay or failure to deliver a project or programme may have adverse economic or social consequences for the State; whether a project or programme may impact in a positive or negative manner on the delivery of any other project or programme; the national development plan; and such other matters in relation to infrastructure as I may consider appropriate.”
“Allowing the Government to designate certain projects or programmes as critical infrastructure is the core of the Critical Infrastructure Bill. In response to a designation, all public bodies involved at any stage in the authorisation process must prioritise and accelerate the authorisation process applied to the maximum extent possible. By establishing a clear legal basis for prioritisation, the legislation will reduce ambiguity and ensure that critical projects and programmes receive focused and co-ordinated attention across Departments, regulators and agencies. It will address the unacceptable delays in our infrastructure-approval processes by mandating whole-of-State co-operation and create a fast-track pathway for critical projects and programmes to drive delivery. Section 3 of the Bill deals with the designation process.”
“I have had this relayed to me and we have integrated some of the OGP procurement team into the infrastructure division so that there is wider industry engagement in terms of delivery. However, it is about the balance. There is a need for a framework which attaches liability and responsibility to how contracts are delivered, while ensuring we drive competition. The Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, will be publishing a national procurement strategy in the coming weeks to drive more SME involvement in the broader procurement process for the delivery of infrastructure but also in the wider economy for public contracts. I have had that relayed to me by engineers and others in the community. There is always ongoing engagement with my Department relating to this matter.”
“This is also reduced in half upon completion with the remaining portion held in place for 15 months post completion. We have a government contracts committee for construction, ensuring we develop the model with construction and manufacturing expertise so that there is a collaborative approach at the design phase in terms of the projects which are advanced. This issue has been related to me and particular sectors have raised it. It is about striking a balance and ensuring that there is respective liability. We also need to ensure we do not crowd out competition in the wider sector.”
“I might conclude what I was about to say. I appreciate the points the Deputy has raised. The standard form of public works contract requires the contracting authority to set a financial cap on liability. That depends on the complexity of the project. There are also number of other requirements that are designed to mitigate the risk of non-performance, including holding back a specified percentage of each interim payment - half the total retention sum held is released upon completion with half retained over the defects liability period. It is only released if all the recorded defects are addressed or it may be paid to a different contractor where the original one fails to address the defects. On most public works contracts, there is also a requirement for a performance bond, normally 10% of the contract sum.”
“In the case of a member of a joint venture or a tenderer who is a subsidiary, if they are unable to meet the financial requirements of the tender, they would normally be required to provide a parent company guarantee. The terms of the contract define the extent of liability that the successful tenderer is required to bear. Under the standard public works contract, that liability may extend to a period of six to 12 years after completion of the asset. The choice will normally be predetermined by the level of complexity associated with the project. The terms of the contract also specify the levels of insurance that the successful tenderer is required to maintain for the duration of the contract. The standard form of public works contract requires the contracting authority to set a financial cap on liability.”
“While SPVs are a legitimate means to limit a business’s liability, careful scrutiny is required in the procurement process so as to ensure that the successful tenderer has the capacity to undertake the contract to completion and to bear the liability that is placed upon them under the contract. Where public private partnerships are concerned that liability can extend to 20 years or more beyond construction of the asset. The PPP company is liable for the maintenance and operation of the asset as well as its handover upon completion to a predetermined standard. The financial standing of the PPP company and individual members of any joint venture are assessed and minimum financial thresholds for individual members of a joint venture may be specified.”
“A special purpose vehicle is a separate legal entity established for a specific, predefined financial objective. From a public sector perspective, there can be risks with regard to long-term liabilities for defects, maintenance failures or operational issues. The Government has already taken action to address some of these risks. With respect to public works projects, SPVs are extensively used in the area of public private partnerships. They occasionally arise in conventional delivery models in the form of subsidiaries or joint ventures. They may also feature in housing delivery models such as turnkey or development agreements where private developers establish SPVs for specific developments. However, these agreements are contracts to purchase, rather than what would be considered a traditional construction contract.”
“Notwithstanding what was raised earlier, and earlier in the week, many of the projects from a transport perspective are in public transport, in low-carbon projects in terms of bus, rail and others that we want to see advanced over the next five years.”
“We have significant immediate volatility in pricing but the inflationary context is something that takes a more sustained impact. There is still wider uncertainty on that. Next week we will publish the annual progress report, where the Department of Finance will set out updated forecasts on the inflationary environment and the predictions around that, and will also provide a scenario analysis depending on how this evolves. We have good flexibility within the public works contracts, which are important. We want to proceed with our national development plan and with a lot of the priorities we have. Transport, in particular, has one of the biggest allocations for the next five years, with over €24 billion or just under one in four euro going to transport.”
“The amended price variation provision represents a proportionate and balanced approach to the risk posed by inflation to the delivery of critical public works projects. Like the Deputy, I want to see that project move quickly. It has been going on for decades. It is hugely important for housing supply in Galway and also for wider industrial development, in addition to other public transport objectives which we want to achieve in the west of Ireland. I know all of us want to see it move quickly now over the period ahead.”
“I was about to say that we introduced a suite of amendments to the public works contracts to address risks relating to the price inflation of materials, fuel and energy in public works contracts. These amendments introduced a risk-share approach to price inflation of materials, fuel and energy prices. We utilise specific indices published by the Central Statistics Office which address the main input cost categories that are common to most construction projects. Price movements in the specified indices above a predetermined threshold result in an adjustment to each interim payment to reflect inflation, taking into account the weightings applied to the different materials and fuel categories.”
“That is why, over the last number of weeks, we implemented a significant cut in excise duties, reducing the price per litre of both diesel and petrol. We have also extended the fuel allowance. That package was €250 million, and a new package of measures on fuel costs has been introduced in support of particular sectors. This is all about keeping supply chains moving, supporting jobs and making sure our economy continues to function. In 2023, my Department introduced a suite of amendments to the public works contracts to address the risks. I will return to that when I come back in.”
“While construction inflation in Ireland moderated through 2024 and 2025, recent fuel price increases are reintroducing cost volatility and will impact in a number of ways, including on direct construction costs, materials manufacture and the wider supply chain. Global fuel prices have increased sharply, driven primarily by geopolitical conflict in the Middle East and disruption to oil and gas supply chains, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. International Energy Agency analysis indicates that this represents the most significant oil supply disruption in decades, with severe short-term volatility in crude and refined product prices. The OECD and IMF have both warned that sustained high prices will place upward pressure on inflation and weaken growth prospects across energy-importing economies, including Ireland.”
“The programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the NDP review to ensure that investment can be maximised in the coming five years for strategic infrastructure. This includes the key energy, water and transport networks on which all future development relies. This is critical to allow Government to meet the additional targets in terms of building more homes and also to support our competitiveness. My Department’s Build Report 2025 identified cost volatility and capacity constraints as key risks to NDP delivery and the recent fuel price developments accentuate these risks.”
“When it comes to what the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, is doing on LNG, there are also energy security concerns which have been brought to light in recent weeks which we have to respond to and be honest about. He is working on that separately. We are very clear that the definition in respect of infrastructure relates to State-funded projects or programmes. Obviously there would be a limited number which are designated in that context, which we brought to the Dáil as well. We have to get momentum in this. If we continue to be deferential, provide ambiguity and have multiple legal avenues and judicial reviews, no matter how much spending we put aside for infrastructure, we will not improve delivery.”
“We want to lift the passenger cap. I do not believe it is a matter for broad deference to the courts to decide on that matter. We are very clear in our objective within Government to lift the passenger cap and to grow passenger numbers at Dublin Airport. I do not believe the climate legislation should be used to undermine that. It is an economic necessity for Ireland to do that. Similarly, we have critical infrastructure which should not be undermined because certain NGOs can take cases in respect of it, or anybody can bring uncertainty. People have a right to take judicial reviews but we as legislators should seek to remove ambiguity within our legislative framework. This presents risk within our legislative framework. That is the context around critical infrastructure.”
“It is my point that this has gone through all the approval stages and has been going on for decades, and we should get it done and built. We should not have further legislative ambiguity in a piece of legislation which potentially undermines a critical piece of infrastructure. Most of the infrastructure that we are seeking to build out is in public transport and our grid development, all to build a low-carbon future. For regions in the west of Ireland and elsewhere, we do need to build out important strategic road projects which also enhance connectivity and growth.”
“I do not have the legislation in front of me right now but if the Deputy looks at the Bill itself, the infrastructure definition refers to State-funded projects, for example. The designation is clearly around State-funded or supported infrastructure. I hope that clarifies that point. I know it was raised; I referenced that in my closing remarks on Second Stage as well. What we are trying to do here is remove this ambiguity and broad statutory interpretation that could emerge from section 15 relating to critical infrastructure projects. I used the example of the ring road simply because in the aftermath of it receiving permission, we already had NGOs saying they were going to use section 15 to try to get it caught up in more knots in the courts.”
“Under this Bill, climate and environmental obligations will still apply, such as the use of low-carbon cement in construction and many other areas. Disapplication simply removes an unnecessary layer that could drive further judicial reviews that undermines the development of critical infrastructure.”
“The impact or risk of this is that it could slow the pace of infrastructure development and introduce additional uncertainty. Delays to infrastructure roll-out are, in my view, a key reason, in many instances, why we are not building the low-carbon economy we all want to build, particularly in the climate and renewable space. The report by Mario Draghi on EU competitiveness, for example, specifically identified Ireland as having the slowest approval process across the entire EU for renewable electricity. Designated projects or programmes will still have relevant climate considerations built into their development. Every Exchequer-funded project, for example, is already required to measure and price its greenhouse gas emissions under infrastructure guidelines.”
“In practical terms, this means that relevant bodies will be required to prioritise, avoid delay, reduce timelines, parallel processes and co-operate to fast-track designated infrastructure but, other than modifying the application of section 15, the draft does not undermine or change any existing statutory processes or rights. The Bill and associated explanatory memorandum were published and, as I said, Second Stage progressed on 14 April. It is my intention to bring the Bill through both Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess and then commence the Act without delay. I propose to disapply section 15 of the climate Act to designated projects because of the delays this section may give rise to. It has opened up and risks a new channel for judicial reviews of the decisions of public bodies.”
“The Critical Infrastructure Bill is a central pillar of the Government’s broader infrastructure acceleration agenda. The need for a Bill to fast-track a limited number of strategically important projects through approval processes was identified in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan published last December. This Bill has been drafted and introduced. It passed Second Stage only this week. Its primary aim is to allow Government to designate certain projects or programmes as critical. This then requires all public bodies that may have an authorisation function for these projects or programmes to prioritise consideration of them within their approval processes.”
“In fact, we are on profile or below profile across many Government Departments, which shows there is a much closer relationship between what was budgeted for and how Departments are spending, notwithstanding the challenge that exists within the Department of education and we are working with it on that. I will provide full, detailed information to the Dáil when that matter concludes within Government.”
“There is ongoing engagement with the Department of education. No decision has been made within Government on any additional funding at this point. There is a specific demand, particularly around special education, the demand of which was bigger than the budget forecasted and allocated. We are working constructively with the Department of education on that. When that concludes, I will be able to set out the broader context from a budgetary perspective. Some of the statements the Deputy has made are unfair. If she takes the quarter 1 position, as I have said, the aggregate variance from profile on spending shows an underspend of 1.6%.”
“To be clear, the expenditure ceiling increased to €117.8 billion, a significant expansion of public services and investment infrastructure in the economy. All I hear from the Deputy is to massively increase spending, which would significantly undermine the public finances. What we are seeking to do is moderate the overall growth in expenditure. In regard to the Department of education, in fact, there was a significant expansion year on year. It increased funding compared to the 2025 Revised Estimates Volume, REV, allocation funding increase, by 10%, reflecting a clear expansion for the Department of education specifically. My Department is in ongoing discussions on funding for the Department of Education and Youth. That discussion and engagement is ongoing across Government relating to any further allocation for 2026.”
“End-of-quarter 1 spending was at €23.7 billion, or an increase of 6.2% on the end of March last year. This reflects budget 2026 measures such as social protection rate increases and front-line health and disability services. The Vote groups with the largest year-on-year increases were the Departments of Social Protection and Health. Current spending is €0.2 billion or 0.9% behind the plans set out by Departments. The majority of Vote groups are under profile. My Department actively monitors spending developments and is in ongoing engagement with all Departments to identify any spending risks and mitigations. There are other areas. I will continue on them in my next contribution.”
“This will work in tandem with reforms to support the delivery of critical infrastructure in electricity, transport, housing and energy. Capital spending at the end of March was €2.7 billion, showing an increase of 8% on the same period last year. The largest year-on-year increases were in the Department of Education and Youth, which was up €89 million; the Department of Transport, which was up €57 million; and the Department of housing, which was up €56 million. Capital spending, as the Deputy knows, tends of ramp up as the year progresses, with the highest spending levels in quarter 4. Budget 2026 also provided for a significant increase in the level of current expenditure, advancing key priorities in health, social protection and public services.”
“Budget 2026 set out an expenditure ceiling of €117.8 billion. This reflects a significant uplift in expenditure to support the delivery of our programme for Government commitments. Expenditure figures from March were published on 7 April as part of the fiscal monitor. This is published monthly and sets out the spending position for each ministerial Vote group. It compares expenditure to the profile set out by Departments and to the previous year. Quarter 1 showed total gross expenditure was €26.4 billion. This was €1.6 billion, or 6.4%, higher than the same period last year. At an overall level, end-of-March spending is broadly in line with the plans submitted by Departments, with the aggregate variance from profile showing an underspend of 1.6%. Budget 2026 provided total capital spending of €19.1 billion, a record level of investment.”
“We have taken note of the wider debate this evening and as we look to the coming decade the choices and the reforms we make about infrastructure delivery will determine our economic competitiveness, our climate resilience, housing construction and the quality of life enjoyed by communities across the country. I look forward to working with colleagues as we advance this legislation through the House.”
“This infrastructure is necessary to support the development of all other social and economic infrastructure right across society. It is expected that reforms introduced as part of this process will not simply benefit critical infrastructure projects but will also serve to simplify regulatory processes for infrastructure more generally. If timelines can be reduced and systems paralleled, all projects will move quicker from conception to final delivery, thereby allowing them to open up and be delivered in a more accelerated way for people across the country.”
“Some of that has a European context that we are working on in the context of the EU Presidency. There is also the wider simplification agenda where there are unnecessary layers and fragmented processes that have come from Europe. We are doing what we can achieve within our own legislative framework but there is a need for further reform. My wider point is that taking the 30 actions and interventions and reforms cumulatively is what builds momentum in the infrastructure cycle. That is why in other areas we are simplifying and streamlining the regulatory environment and we are currently working with key regulatory bodies and Departments to identify such reforms with a particular focus on consenting, permitting and licensing processes across sectors such as the energy, water and transport sectors.”
“If we want the industrial development to happen in the west and if we want to see housing built in the west, then we cannot have the weaponisation of the climate Act for a piece of critical infrastructure. That is just one example in the context of the wider reform piece, which is why it is important to disapply section 15 in the context of critical infrastructure for the State. The Critical Infrastructure Bill seeks to fast-track the process for designating projects and programmes through the existing processes, but more fundamental reform of our legal and regulatory systems is still necessary. That is what is happening in the context of my Department's regulatory simplification unit. Deputy Fitzmaurice mentioned other areas that require attention, which they do.”
“The disapplication of it means that public bodies can no longer be challenged on how they have assessed these considerations in their decision-making processes and it removes an avenue for judicial review, nothing more. I take the example of the reaction to the Galway ring road only last week and the concern by certain interest groups that they will not be able to use section 15 to try to use the courts to block a piece of critical infrastructure for the west. There are already many comments from Friends of the Environment wanting to use section 15 to stop a piece of critical infrastructure. I have canvassed in Galway and in the west, as have Deputies across the House. Every second door I knocked on wanted to see that happen.”
“I value and welcome a thorough and robust discussion on the legislation at the committee as well. I will engage constructively with all Deputies on that to get this right. It has been argued by some in this House, and there were many mentions here, that the solution to delays is more resourcing or staffing for public bodies. In fact, that is not the issue in many instances. An Coimisiún Pleanála has almost doubled its staffing in the last ten years while staffing in the Environmental Protection Agency is up nearly 50% in five years. Fundamentally, what we need to do is reform, simplify and accelerate much of the bureaucratic practice that has seen the development process for infrastructure double in the past 20 years. There has also been reference to section 15 of the climate Act.”
“The legislation gives the Minister power to issue a direction to any of the public bodies involved in the process, and this will be used to drive improved timelines and performance and, if necessary, mandate all public bodies to take the necessary steps to accelerate their processes. Deputies will be aware, and it was mentioned by a number of Deputies, that I was granted exemption from pre-legislative scrutiny, but this request was not made lightly. We have set an ambitious timeline for implementation because we want to drive delivery and it is in the overriding public interest that we find the means of accelerating certain critical projects and programmes that are fundamental to our provision of social and economic infrastructure. This is why the waiving of pre-legislative scrutiny is important in that context.”
“Once the Government has designated a project or programme, every public body that is involved in a licence, consent or permission associated with the critical infrastructure will be required to prioritise, avoid delay, reduce timelines, parallel processes and co-operate to fast-track critical infrastructure through their existing processes. It also allows and mandates whole-of-state co-operation and ensures critical projects and programmes receive co-ordinated attention across Departments, regulators and agencies. Establishing a clear legal basis for this prioritisation ensures that it receives the fast and co-ordinated attention across the system.”
“The Government will consider specific projects or programmes that may be designated as critical infrastructure following my written recommendation. It is important to consider that the process of designating projects can only work if restraint is exercised in the designation. Designating too many projects will not allow the licensing, consenting and planning bodies to effectively prioritise. It is intended that the process of identifying which projects or programmes are designated and subject to accelerated consideration will commence quickly after the Bill has been enacted.”
“It will provide the Government with the statutory power to designate projects or programmes as critical infrastructure by order. We have had some questions about whether it is all projects, public and private. It is clear in the definition of a project in the Bill that it is a project the purpose of which is the delivery of infrastructure and that is funded by capital investment by or on behalf of the State or by or on behalf of a public body. I think that clarifies this matter, which was raised by Deputies. Any such order will be laid before Dáil Éireann, and if a resolution annulling the order is passed by Dáil Éireann within the next 21 days on which Dáil Éireann has sat after the order has been laid, it can be annulled accordingly.”