€24.3 billion investment plan confirmed for Ireland’s transport sector
The Government has today approved the allocation of €22.3 billion to invest in a range of transport options, including public transport, active travel, roads, maritime, and aviation, over the next five years.
An additional allocation of €2 billion will support the development of the MetroLink in Dublin, bringing the total investment in transport to €24.3 billion between 2026 and 2030.
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said: “This investment enables us to maintain and upgrade our road network to the highest standards, while introducing measures that protect all road users.
“By prioritising safer infrastructure, supporting EV charging, and addressing climate-related challenges, we are creating roads that are not only resilient but also safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. It will also enable further development of our rail network in line with the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, covering the DART+ programme, Cork Area Commuter Rail and the Western Rail Corridor.”
Road Networks and Road Safety
The approximately €9.7 billion investment in roads will: protect and renew the existing road network, deliver many new national road projects, mitigate seasonal and climate-related impacts; roll out EV charging infrastructure; and deliver new strategic regional roads and bypasses.
The Plan details major national roads projects – those with an estimated cost range over €200 million – which are expected to start construction or procurement by 2030. This detail is to provide clarity for both citizens and contractors on the procurement and construction activity over the next five years.
Smaller projects under the €200 million threshold, such as the Mallow Relief Road or Ardee Bypass, are not specifically listed but are also expected to enter construction by 2030. Similarly, while the majority of regional and local roads funding is dedicated to protection and renewal of the existing network, strategic projects which are expected to enter construction by 2030 are also listed.
ICT and Digital Innovation
An investment of €231 million in advanced traffic management systems, Connected and Autonomous Vehicle readiness, and a Digital Hub consolidating digital and ICT functions.
Public Transport
The allocation of approximately €10.1 billion will: protect and renew the heavy rail network; support the replacement of the existing DART train fleet; deliver Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme and start Phase 2; and commence construction on both the DART+ programme and the Western Rail Corridor. Under BusConnects, the purchase of new electric buses will continue, there will be the construction of multiple Core Bus Corridors in Dublin, and construction works should start in Cork and Galway.