Project Ireland 2040 - Linking People and Places - Capital investment in transport, tourism and sport 2018 - 2027

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross T.D. and Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Brendan Griffin T.D. today launched ‘Linking people and places’ and details of the almost €25billion which will be invested in our transport, tourism and sport infrastructure over the next 10 years.
 
The Ministers were joined at today’s launch in Dublin Port by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D., and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D. as part of Government’s Project Ireland 2040 capital investment programme.
 
Speaking at the event, An Taoiseach stated: “Our transport, tourism and sport sectors impact all of us in our daily lives. That’s why the almost €25billion committed by Government over the next ten years to improve our transport, tourism and sport infrastructure is so important. It will deliver improved bus, road and rail infrastructure across the country, increase capacity at our ports and airports and provide enhanced tourist and leisure facilities for visitors and citizens alike.”
 
Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Ross stated: “Here in Dublin Port we can see how ambition can be matched by delivery as the port continues to realise its masterplan through the provision of new infrastructure and services. ‘Linking people and places’ is similarly ambitious in outlining the transport, tourism and sport facilities and services we will see delivered by 2027. Whether it is the €8.6 billion investment in public transport, the €6.6billion in national roads or the €308million to be invested in tourism and sport, each of these investments will improve transport systems and the attractiveness of Ireland as a place to visit, do business and, importantly, as a place to live. Just like here in the port, I am confident that the investment committed by Government in ‘Linking people and places’ will ensure fulfilment of that ambition and help deliver a better Ireland for all our citizens.”
 
Linking people with places categorises the investment programme into –
 
  • Linking our cities and regions: €19.7billion will be invested in our public transport and road networks;
  • Linking with the wider world: €4.8billion will be invested by our State airports and ports;
  • Linking with our communities: €308million will be invested in our tourism and sport sectors.
 
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D. commented: “The link established in Project Ireland 2040 between strategic planning and investment is a first and allows for the type of certainty required to properly plan and deliver significant infrastructure projects such as those outlined in ‘Linking people with places’. Our transport network – be it road, rail, air or sea – has a vital role to play in linking us with each other and the wider world; while our tourism and sport sectors are an intrinsic part of who we are as a people and a community. The investment committed in this plan will ensure better services and infrastructure across the country and help fulfil the ambition of Project Ireland 2040.”
 
Minister of State Griffin stated: “Across the country both tourism and sport have an important role to play in developing, and sustaining, economic and social progress. ‘Linking people and places’ will see almost €108million invested in tourism between now and 2021 and around €200million in sport over the same period. This investment will benefit all regions of the country and deliver jobs and improve sports facilities in every county and we’re committed to maintaining, or improving, that level of investment out to 2027.”
 
Notes for Editors
 
Linking people and places’ is available on the Department’s website here.
 
The investment planned under ‘Linking people and places’ will support delivery of the National Strategic Outcomes as envisaged under Project Ireland 2040:
 
  • compact growth:  enhanced public transport connectivity and targeted investment in local sports facilities and cycling infrastructure will support the sustainable growth of compact cities, towns and villages and create more attractive places in which people live and work;
  • enhanced regional accessibility: improvements to the national road network as well as increased investment in mainline rail will provide better transport within and between our regions;
  • strengthened rural economies and communities: strategically targeted investment in tourism branding and infrastructure will strengthen rural economies and communities, while improved transport links, including upgrades to regional and local roads and enhanced public transport, will support their continued development;
  • sustainable mobility: the National Development Plan provides for an acceleration of investment levels in public transport infrastructure and services which will assist with the required shift to sustainable modes of transport;
  • high quality international connectivity: our State Owned Enterprises in both the aviation and maritime sectors are currently undertaking significant investment programmes which will enhance and improve Ireland’s access to trade and facilitate tourism in the years ahead; these will be complemented by public investment in land transport links to our main international gateways, by both air and sea;
  • enhanced amenities and heritage: enhanced supports to sporting organisations will contribute significantly to communities throughout the country while there will also be increased investment in other recreational facilities, such as greenways and visitor attractions;
  • transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society: overall the transport sector has the ability to support the transition toward a low-carbon and climate resilient society and the investment available under the NDP enables progress in this important area.
 
Ends