Government Approves Extra 2.25bn for National Development Plan [Video]

The government has announced a further €2.25bn in funding for public capital projects under the National Development Plan to the end of 2026.

The additional funding will facilitate the progression of important projects and accelerate the development of the Programme for Government commitments around climate action, housing and education.

The funding, which was signed off by cabinet on Wednesday, is a supplement to the €165bn announced in October as part of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.

The Department of Public Expenditure, NPD Deliver and Reform said the additional funding will be allocated to public transport projects such as DART+, BusConnects and Cork Commuter Rail as well as social and affordable housing programmes.

Funding will also be used for delivery of student accommodation through universities, additional acute hospital beds in excess of the 1,500 already funded by NDP, and enhanced biomethane investment.

Funds will also be distributed for investment in regional laboratories; upgrading embassies abroad; the Level of Ambition 2 programme in the …