90. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will detail the way in which the new accelerating infrastructure task force will address persistent delays and cost overruns in major public projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27773/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

The new accelerating infrastructure task force is a welcome move to tackle delivery delays and cost overruns in major public projects such as the national children's hospital, MetroLink and thousands of social and affordable homes that are delayed or over budget. The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council has noted that our infrastructure delivery is 25% below European norms. How will the task force overcome these systemic challenges and deliver projects on time and within budget?

Sentiment score: 0.12

The appointment of 12 experts to the taskforce, including from the ESRI, the NTA and IDA Ireland, is encouraging. Its focus on high-impact reforms and boosting productivity is crucial. With construction productivity around 30% lower than our European peers and an estimated shortfall of 80,000 workers, delivery risks falling short, according to the CFI. Will the Minister outline which specific reforms the taskforce will prioritise? Will it be, for example, digital planning, modular construction, or streamlined approvals? Will the Minister consider private sector input into the taskforce to ensure we harness all available expertise? How will the Minister guarantee swift implementation and oversight of these reforms?

Sentiment score: 0.15

It is encouraging to hear about engagement with the private sector on the taskforce. With €165 billion committed under the national development plan, delivery must keep pace with ambition. How will the taskforce work with industry to close workforce gaps and improve productivity, to which Deputy Byrne also alluded? Would the Minister consider establishing dedicated delivery units within agencies to ensure a focused, agile approach? Finally, KPMG has highlighted the need for balanced regional investment. How will the Minister ensure that areas like Kildare North are not left behind while much of the focus remains on Dublin? We need delivery timelines that work for every region.

Sentiment score: 0.41