Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the establishment of a new Infrastructure Regulatory Simplification Unit.
The Unit is being established under the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan and will focus on reducing unnecessary regulatory delays that are slowing down the delivery of housing, transport, water and energy projects.
Minister Canney said: “We are investing at an unprecedented level in infrastructure through the National Development Plan. But investment on its own is not enough. Projects must move from paper to reality much faster.
Too often, infrastructure projects face long and complex consenting and licensing processes. While safeguards are essential, we must also ensure that regulation is clear, proportionate and efficient.
This new Unit is about cutting duplication, improving coordination between agencies and removing unnecessary bottlenecks without lowering standards.”
The National Development Plan Review 2025 provides for €275 billion in capital investment to 2035. However, recent analysis has shown that pre-planning and regulatory processes for major infrastructure projects can take several years before construction even begins.
The new Unit will examine permitting, licensing and consenting systems across key sectors including transport, water and energy – all of which are critical to unlocking housing supply and supporting regional development.
Minister Canney added: “If we are serious about delivering homes, improving transport connectivity and strengthening our water and energy networks, then the system must work better.
This is about practical reform. It’s about asking what is necessary, what is duplicative, and where we can make smarter decisions.
The Unit will work closely with Government Departments, regulatory bodies, State utilities and the Attorney General’s Office. Initial work will focus on identifying quick solutions, reducing duplication in environmental and licensing processes and introducing clearer principles for better regulation.
The reform programme forms part of a broader Government effort to accelerate infrastructure delivery while maintaining high environmental and planning standards.
