Minister Canney welcomes new Government approach to streamline regulation for critical infrastructure
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 Government agreement on a new set of principles aimed at simplifying and speeding up the delivery of critical infrastructure.
The memo to Government outlines a clearer, more practical approach to how infrastructure projects are regulated across key sectors like transport, energy, water and housing. It is designed to cut through complexity, reduce delays and give greater certainty to communities and project developers.
Welcoming the update, Minister Canney said: “This is about making the system work better for people. We know that critical infrastructure – whether it’s roads, rail, water or energy – is essential to how our country functions and grows. But too often, projects can get slowed down by overly complex or overlapping processes.
“These new principles are about bringing clarity and common sense to the system. They will help ensure decisions are made in a timely way, that processes are proportionate, and that there is clear accountability right across the system.”
The new framework is built around eight key principles:
- Necessity – regulation should only be introduced where it is clearly needed to address a defined problem
- Effectiveness – measures must directly address risks and be grounded in strong evidence
- Proportionality – requirements should be balanced and not create unnecessary burden or delay
- Coherence – regulation should work together across sectors, avoiding duplication or conflict
- Efficiency – processes should deliver outcomes quickly while minimising administrative burden
- Timebound – clear timelines should apply to decisions, with performance tracked
- Transparency – processes and decisions should be open, clear and accessible to all
- Accountability – responsibility for decisions should be clearly defined and monitored
Minister Canney added: “This is about practical change. Departments and agencies will now be expected to actively review and simplify both existing and new regulatory processes.
“That means fewer unnecessary hurdles, better coordination between bodies, and ultimately faster delivery of the infrastructure people need in their daily lives.”
Minister Canney concluded “There is a clear focus now on delivery. These reforms will help us move projects forward more quickly while still maintaining high standards. That balance is crucial.