Minister Canney backs major reforms to speed up delivery of housing and infrastructure
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, saying its reforms are vital to delivering homes, wastewater upgrades and major infrastructure projects.
Minister Canney said the Taskforce’s four-pillar programme – Legal Reform, Planning & Regulatory Reform, Coordination & Delivery Reform, and Public Acceptance – directly targets the delays that have slowed major projects for years. “This plan tackles the real blockages: lengthy judicial reviews, complex regulatory processes, and fragmented delivery structures. These reforms are essential if we are to deliver vital infrastructure more quickly and more predictably.”
He said the actions set out today will streamline legal processes, including reforms to improve the efficiency and timeliness of Judicial Review proceedings, simplify regulation, strengthen coordination across Government, improve procurement processes and enhance public engagement and communication around major projects.
“These changes will make the system faster, clearer and more efficient. They give local authorities, utilities and project teams the tools they need to get infrastructure delivered.”
“The recent approval of €29.9 million in Government funding for the Clarinbridge-Craughwell scheme – an uplift from €21.9 million – shows the scale of investment now being directed into these communities. With funding secured, it is vital that local authorities now fully engage with the new processes set out today and expedite these projects as a matter of urgency.”
Minister Canney also welcomed the introduction of the new developer-led infrastructure model, noting that industry has been calling for it for some time.
“Developer-led infrastructure is one of the most important reforms in this plan. When applied properly and under strict national standards, it has the potential to unlock housing in towns and villages that have been stalled for years. In Galway alone, there are more than 30 towns and villages that cannot grow because they do not have wastewater treatment infrastructure. This is one of the biggest blockages to building homes in our rural villages. Uisce Éireann need to embrace this reform and assist developers in a quick meaningful way. This is a very significant and long-awaited change.”
He said accelerating wastewater, housing, transport, energy and digital projects is essential for regional development and national progress. “For the West and for Ireland as a whole to reach their full potential, we need a system that delivers infrastructure at the pace communities and the economy require. These reforms provide a clear path to doing that. I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government to ensure implementation happens quickly and consistently.”