Regional infrastructure delivery must change drastically if Ireland’s regions are to prosper, the president of the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACEI) Tim Murnane has warned.
Mr Murnane, who is managing director of Limerick firm Punch Consulting Engineers, said planning delays are exacerbating issues and that the rate and scale of delivery on major projects in Ireland must rapidly increase.
“The Government wants to see growth in areas like Limerick outpace that of Dublin by 2:1 – if this is to become reality there needs to be significantly accelerated delivery in this region,” said Mr Murnane. “Irish citizens and communities face longer timeframes for essential housing and transport infrastructure due to drawn-out pre-construction delays.”
Mr Murnane was speaking ahead of the ACEI’s regional event in Limerick’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday February 17, which will attract members and stakeholders from across the South West. The event in Limerick will shed light on foundational issues facing the industry.
In December, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers published the action plan to drive the efficient delivery of infrastructure across Ireland. Mr Murnane welcomed the report. Mr Murnane said the Government has gone a long way in addressing industry concerns in the latest Action Plan, but “if we’re serious about upgrading the Mid-West and exploiting the potential of a truly balanced Ireland, that plan now needs to be delivered.
“Addressing our infrastructure challenges now, will revolutionise the State and ensure that those who wish to build a life for themselves here can do so. If the government can grasp this moment and blast away the cobwebs of an antiquated and sluggish delivery system, then we can again lead the way in building the infrastructure that powers our next century.”
