Critical infrastructure facing delays?

Ireland's consulting engineers discuss barriers to infracture and other projects in Ireland.

The Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI) has welcomed the Government’s Critical Infrastructure Bill but warned that without fundamental reform of procurement and delivery systems, delays to major housing, transport and energy projects will continue. Speaking at the Engineering Ireland’s Future conference at Croke Park recently, new ACEI President Ciarán McGovern said that while the Bill is a positive step toward accelerating the delivery of essential infrastructure projects, it must be matched by wider reform of how infrastructure is planned and delivered.

Ciarán McGovern

McGovern said a more collaborative approach is needed between contracting authorities and the architectural, engineering and construction sectors if Ireland is to deliver its planned €275 billion on roads, schools, hospitals, water and energy grid and homes by 2030.

“The Government’s commitment to the National Development Plan and the scale of planned investment require a fundamental reset in how the public sector bodies collaborate and share risk with the construction and engineering sectors.
We have some of the world’s leading consultancies operating in Ireland, alongside strong domestic expertise. But the current system has become adversarial and legalistic, which undermines better outcomes for the State.
Regarding the Critical Infrastructure Bill, the improved coordination and faster decision-making across public bodies should help reduce delays and provide greater certainty for project delivery across energy, transport and water sectors. It is important that implementation is matched by adequate resourcing and efficient procurement processes, while maintaining robust regulatory and environmental standards.”

Jack Chambers TD

Jack Chambers T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation also addressed the conference. He provided an update on progress under the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report.

“The government is committing historical investment, combined with unprecedented system reform, to deliver on the promises set out in the National Development Plan and Programme for Government. As we look towards a new era, consulting engineers will be at the heart of infrastructure delivery in the State and I look forward to working with the industry to ensure we deliver for the people of Ireland.”

International keynote speaker Professor Bent Flyvbjerg, a leading authority on megaproject delivery, will also address the event, focusing on international lessons in infrastructure reform and project performance.

Shane Dempsey, Director General at the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland also spoke, "As Ireland embarks on a decade of transformative infrastructure projects, we must recognise that investing properly in the design phase is the best insurance policy we have against delays, disputes and decision paralysis that beset projects. Infrastructure projects don't go wrong, they start wrong. Whether it's a mega-project like Metro, or a home renovation, the more investment in time and resources into the design phase is the key indicator of success for project outcomes.
If the accelerating infrastructure report is followed through, then critical infrastructure projects that our society and economy prioritise, will get the go-ahead in months rather than decades. This should reduce the pressure to quickly get a hole in the ground to prevent further delays whilst allowing more time for proper project planning and design.
The Government need to now view engineering design as an investment rather than a service, as it reduces the scope creep, delays and disputes that often beset large scale projects."

The conference brought industry leaders, policymakers and international experts to examine how engineering could shape Ireland’s future in housing delivery, infrastructure development and climate adaptation.

It explored whether infrastructure delivery is accelerating at a rate that could match demand, the role of Irish consulting engineers in the global economy, and the barriers currently impacting project delivery. It also examines major challenges facing the sector, including the engineering talent shortage, the growing use of digital and AI-driven solutions, and the need to build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure.

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