The Government of Ireland has published a €24bn National Development Plan for 2026–2030, outlining ambitious investments across roads, rail, aviation, maritime, and active travel. Public transport is a key focus, with Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, Dublin’s DART expansion and fleet replacement, and MetroLink in north Dublin highlighted as priority projects. Core Bus Corridors are also planned for Cork, Galway, and Dublin, alongside new electric buses, with at least €10bn earmarked for public transport initiatives.

Road infrastructure remains central, with €9.7bn allocated to renewals, bypasses, new national and regional routes, and an expanded EV charging network. Major projects include the Slane Bypass, Galway City Ring Road, N17 Knock to Collooney, M20 Cork to Limerick, and the upgraded Limerick to Foynes route with Adare Bypass. Smaller schemes such as the Mallow Relief Road, Ardee Bypass, N3 Clonee to M50, and Foxford Transport Project are also set to commence.

Active travel and greenways will receive €1.8bn to deliver 1,000km of walking and cycling infrastructure by 2030, signalling a broader commitment to sustainable mobility. Construction on the Western Rail Corridor link from Athenry to Claremorris will also begin, further strengthening regional connectivity.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien emphasised that while the balance between roads and public transport may appear more even than previous plans, this is the most extensive delivery period for public transport projects seen to date. He noted that road projects remain vital for connectivity, safety, economic growth, and environmental considerations.

Future infrastructure projects will be managed under the new planning framework established by the 2024 Planning and Development Act, with key decisions such as the Galway ring road expected in the coming months.

See the full plan and project details for Ireland’s transport future.