Oireachtas committee outlines roadmap for energy and infrastructure

The Joint Oireachtas Committee has published a comprehensive report addressing challenges in renewable energy, construction, and community infrastructure. Its recommendations focus on improving planning, procurement, and accessibility to support Ireland’s evolving infrastructure needs.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery has released a detailed report examining the delivery of energy projects, construction sector capacity, design reform, and community infrastructure resources.

Established in May 2025, the Committee’s mandate has been to anticipate future projects and ensure their efficient and timely completion. Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Seán Fleming TD emphasised the importance of transparency and delivery to keep infrastructure development aligned with Ireland’s demographic growth.

Key highlights from the report include:

Renewable energy

Licence planning extensions for wind farms: Wind farms nearing the end of their approved operational period should undergo inspections to evaluate the feasibility of licence and planning extensions.

Offshore wind farm targets: The report urges the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, energy companies, semi-state bodies, and joint ventures to strive towards achieving the 5-gigawatt offshore wind energy production target by 2030 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Grid capacity upgrades: Priority must be given to upgrading the grid in areas where renewable energy producers are frequently instructed to halt supply due to grid limitations.

Construction sector

Procurement reform: Government departments and local authorities are encouraged to adopt procurement practices that balance suitability, future availability, quality, and price rather than defaulting to the cheapest options. Emphasis should be on value for money over merely low tender costs, to ensure better quality outcomes.

Disability and active travel

Accessibility improvements: Active travel policies require reform to guarantee safety for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and those with visual impairments. The report calls for legally binding national accessibility standards for all transport and active travel infrastructure, with inclusive design embedded throughout project delivery.

Deputy Fleming highlighted that these recommendations aim to build upon existing streamlined processes and provide clear guidance for positive reforms in infrastructure delivery across Ireland. The full report is available through the official Oireachtas website for further review.