How Ireland plans to deliver on the needs of its growing population

Population growth determines how governments set up infrastructure plans.

In Ireland, the population is predicted to rise by one million people by 2040.

At a recent EBI live event, Kevin Meaney, the principal officer from the National Investment Office, discussed how Project Ireland 2040 was designed to respond to future needs.

Ireland uses a spatial strategy, which combines policies for the development and use of land with policies that influence the value of places across the country.

This would lead to economic growth in areas that may have previously fallen behind.

This relates closely to principle 1 of the Enabling Better Infrastructure (EBI) guidance, which looks at how a clear vision helps governments achieve the outcomes they want for their country.

Ireland’s vision explained

The National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP) form Project Ireland 2040.

The project focuses on building a more resilient and sustainable future where all communities can meet their potential.

Also, to better understand what is needed and where, the NPF sets out a spatial strategy to accommodate one million extra people by 2040.

This includes a comprehensive plan for how social, economic, and cultural infrastructure will be delivered.

For example, this strategy will be used in Cork to secure long-term development by exploring ways to use publicly owned sites (e.g., building new housing developments). This is expected to attract more people to Cork and boost the city’s economy.

Engaging stakeholders to support buy-in

Implementing the spatial strategy requires buy-in from all relevant stakeholders.

The government set up two governing bodies to ensure the vision and spatial plan were well understood:

1. A delivery board for government department heads responsible for funding infrastructure projects was created. The board discusses issues preventing the delivery of priorities outlined in the NPF.
2. A coordination group for stakeholders who directly handle infrastructure projects and technical issues (e.g. engineers) share their expertise to remove barriers across different sectors.

Committees were also established to regularly consider key strategic plans and provide updates on Ireland’s long-term vision to high-level politicians.

This helps to ensure they understood the objectives and could track progress.

Using spatial planning to drive investment

Ireland’s strategy has helped to drive public and private investment in infrastructure at national, regional and local levels.

For example, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) supports the growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s five cities (Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford) and other large urban centres.

The fund encourages public and private investors to restore land for housing and commercial development, creating more employment opportunities.

Similarly, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) was established to combine investment to renew town centres and villages to prompt economic activity in rural areas.

Monitoring progress on delivering a wider vision

The government has developed ways to monitor Ireland's progress in addressing long-term needs.

Annual reports highlight the delivery of projects and new policy developments supporting Ireland’s vision.

For example, the latest report noted how several projects funded by the URDF will lead to more residential and mixed-use development in cities and large towns.

The government also developed an interactive online map enabling the public to see which projects are being delivered across the country.

Looking ahead to 2040

Ireland is taking steps to prepare for its future.

Following a spatial approach allows Ireland to properly plan for another one million people, but focusing on its infrastructure.

This approach has encouraged investment, supporting the development of social, economic and cultural infrastructure.

That way, Ireland can make sure that its people and environment can thrive, now and in the future.