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Irish Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Slowing pace of capital project delivery has knock-on effects for Irish society
Purgatorial delays and escalating costs in delivering capital projects in Ireland is not a new phenomenon. A trawl back to the turn of the century will uncover many examples. They include the National Children's Hospital , the Luas tram system , the Galway Ring Road, the Metro project, offshore wind, and the proposal to extract water from the River Shannon for use in Dublin (first tabled by Dublin City Council in 2011). More than a decade ago prominent management consultant Eddie Molloy created a phrase to describe it: implementation deficit disorder. The latest in a long line of Government reports to grapple with the issue was launched on Tuesday by Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers . This one is short (less than 50 pages) and is essentially a scoping exercise with a brief to pinpoint the reasons for such long delays in completing infrastructure. Thinking up solutions will come later, with a report and action plan due in the autumn. READ MORE The report has identified 12 distinct barriers to timely completion and has not pulled its punches in presenting its findings. In short, the time it takes for big projects to be completed has 'lengthened considerably'. This has meant knock-on effects for society. For example, a wastewater system that is delayed in an area means housing estates cannot be built. The delays of often five years or more can result in the final costs ballooning to a multiple of the initial estimate (look no further than the National Children's Hospital). The 12 barriers are all related. Many of them link in one way or another to the most highlighted impediment of all: judicial review challenges. One key finding is the public is not sufficiently aware of the consequences of poor infrastructure for communities. That lack of knowledge of the real benefits of a project tends to 'magnify opposition'. [ Increase in High Court challenges a key barrier to timely completion of infrastructure, report finds Opens in new window ] There are ongoing developments and expansion plans for the Luas tram system. Photograph: Getty Images That opposition often becomes a High Court challenge. The report cites the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, which has been held back since 2020 by a successful challenge on a single ground. The project will not now be completed until 2032. In the meantime, costs have doubled and could have an impact on further development of housing in north Dublin. The key evidential finding is that the number of judicial review cases is increasing. In 2014, there were 42 cases. In 2024, that figure was 147. Already in the first six months of 2025, there have been 88 such court applications, a 20 per cent increase on last year. A judicial review case can result in a project taking between three and five years longer to complete. Red tape is another significant factor. Chambers cited an Irish Water project that has required 30,000 pages of information. When transposing EU directives, Ireland has often followed the highest possible standard. Elsewhere in Europe, an environmental impact assessment is required for a wastewater treatment plan if it serves a population of 150,000 or more. In Ireland, the threshold is much lower: only 10,000 people. Consequently, it takes more than six years to complete consent for each project in Ireland, many years more than in other EU States. The report has also identified a culture of risk aversion in the public service, partly caused by the increase in High Court cases. It has found that regulatory bodies and Government departments have spent more time scrutinising applications. 'The number of decisions that face judicial review and the associated reputational risk inevitably drives a more conservative approach to decision-making than might otherwise be the case,' it says. What is the impact? It takes a decade to complete a small water treatment plant. It takes seven years to develop a modest electricity substation. Major road projects can take 15 years. Capital projects have seen a doubling of timelines compared to 20 years ago.
Irish Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Increase in High Court challenges a key barrier to timely completion of infrastructure
A 20 per cent increase in judicial review challenges this year has been identified as a key barrier to timely completion of big capital projects and housing . This assessment is made in a new report examining the sluggish delivery of critical infrastructure in the State. The document points to a culture of risk aversion and excessive caution within the public service at the expense of timely decisions on projects. Increased regulatory burdens (including examples of applications requiring 30,000 pages of information), slow appraisal processes and inconsistent planning decisions are also cited as drags on delivery. READ MORE Delivering the report on Tuesday, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers said people are 'immensely frustrated' at the pace of delivery and how this drives up costs. The report, which identified 12 key barriers to development, said that despite record investment in capital projects, the time it takes to complete these projects has lengthened considerably. Mr Chambers said it is clear from the report that delays are imposing limitations on the State's growth and development. 'Our electricity and water systems are approaching crisis points in many parts of our country that, if not addressed, will limit our ability to build the homes that we need and indeed provide for any of the other infrastructure, social or economic, that we need . . . We simply must do better by removing the barriers.' A higher number of High Court judicial review cases is pinpointed, with evidence to show challenges to planning decisions have risen by a fifth this year compared to 2024. The Minister said: 'I am deeply concerned that judicial review is too often being used as a mechanism and a tactic to obstruct and delay. This distorts the intended purpose of judicial review from a remedy of last resort to a tactical tool to delay infrastructure development.' Saying Irish court processes were among the slowest in Europe, he argued the net effect is inordinately long delays and a significant spike in project costs. He said it was having a 'serious chilling effect' on the commencement of projects. Mr Chambers outlined the example of a judicial review challenge to the Greater Dublin Drainage Project in 2020, which necessitated the need for a revised planning application in July 2025. The project, aimed at dealing with waste water on the north side of the capital, will now not be completed until 2032, while the project development costs have doubled in the interim. The delay of almost a decade might also impede the development of housing in that area of Dublin . [ Local authorities told to zone more land for housing, as national target more than doubles Opens in new window ] Mr Chambers said: 'It's easy to say that public bodies should simply ensure that all documentation is correct. But when Irish Water has to develop a planning application for projects that come to more than 30,000 pages, it's clear to me that process has grown far too excessive and is getting in the way of the common good.' Mr Chambers said risk aversion in the public service is also a theme of the report. The risk of judicial challenge has resulted in regulatory bodies carrying out more in-depth assessments of applications to mitigate risk. 'While this increased scrutiny may have some benefits, it appears to be coming at the expense of timely decisions,' he added. Over decades, he said, there has been a pattern of decentralising significant policy decisions to different agencies and regulatory bodies. This has slowed policies and decisions, he said. His department received 170 submissions from the public and other stakeholders. A final report and an action plan addressing the identified barriers will be published in the autumn.
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Crews working to restore Leitrim water supply to customers following ‘significant burst'
Uisce Éireann crews are working to repair a significant burst to a water main supplying the Ballinamore area this morning. Some customers in Ballinamore, Fenagh, and surrounding areas may be experiencing a disruption to their water supply as a result of the burst. Repairs are due to be completed by 4pm this afternoon (Wednesday). Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network. Uisce Éireann's Kevin Love assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply water as quickly as possible. 'We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers impacted for their support while our repair works are ongoing. "We also acknowledge and regret the frequency of bursts on this water main over the last two weeks and the impact that supply disruptions have had on our customers in the Ballinamore area. "I also want to acknowledge the efforts of our frontline crews who have been working hard to return supply to our customers as quickly as possible when these unplanned outages have occurred in recent weeks. 'Uisce Éireann is collating records of the locations of bursts, burst history and frequency. We will use this information to inform water mains replacement projects under our Leakage Reduction Programme. This will be subject to prioritisation with other emerging needs in the region and available funding,' said Mr Love. Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Independent
Crews working in Leitrim restore water to customers following ‘significant burst'
Some customers in Ballinamore, Fenagh, and surrounding areas may be experiencing a disruption to their water supply as a result of the burst. Repairs are due to be completed by 4pm this afternoon (Wednesday). Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers affected by an unplanned outage. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network. Uisce Éireann's Kevin Love assured customers that every effort is being made to restore a full water supply water as quickly as possible. 'We understand the inconvenience of an unplanned outage and we thank customers impacted for their support while our repair works are ongoing. "We also acknowledge and regret the frequency of bursts on this water main over the last two weeks and the impact that supply disruptions have had on our customers in the Ballinamore area. "I also want to acknowledge the efforts of our frontline crews who have been working hard to return supply to our customers as quickly as possible when these unplanned outages have occurred in recent weeks. 'Uisce Éireann is collating records of the locations of bursts, burst history and frequency. We will use this information to inform water mains replacement projects under our Leakage Reduction Programme. This will be subject to prioritisation with other emerging needs in the region and available funding,' said Mr Love. Vulnerable customers who have registered with Uisce Éireann receive direct communications from us for planned and unplanned outages lasting more than four hours. To register as a vulnerable customer or as an alternative contact, visit Uisce Éireann is committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278. Uisce Éireann has a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Appeal to save water in Ireland due to 'pressure' in warm weather
A nationwide appeal has been issued to people in the Republic of Ireland to help protect the country's water supplies ahead of an expected spell of warm supplies are now in drought status across several counties in Éireann (Irish Water) said the water network is experiencing increased pressure on supplies across several regions including Donegal, Dublin, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Cork, Galway, Meath, Westmeath, Clare and conservation orders have been in place for Milford in County Donegal, Mullingar in County Westmeath and Kells-Oldcastle in County Meath since Water is also asking people to be mindful of water usage over the weekend. Forecasters are predicting a heatwave this weekend, with temperatures possibly reaching over 25C. Uisce Éireann said the aim of its appeal is to remind the public that saving water does not have to be difficult. 'Simple steps can have a big impact' "We're committed to ensuring a reliable water supply throughout the summer months, and the support of our customers is an important element to achieve this," Margaret Attridge, Uisce Éireann's head of water operations, said. "In the days and weeks ahead, we would appeal to customers to take the opportunity to really consider their water usage and reflect on the daily and easy actions they can take to play their part in ensuring our water resources are used wisely and in a way which benefits not only your own household but also the wider community." She said that "while the warmer weather is certainly a welcome change, it does place additional demands on our water supplies". Uisce Éireann has the following water saving tips for households: Water the garden with a watering can, not a hoseWash the car with a bucket and spongeTurn off the tap while brushing teethTake shorter showersEnsure appliances like dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded Earlier in 2025 Irish weather service Met Éireann reported that rainfall was below average at most weather stations in the Republic during organisation also reported that autumn in 2024 was the 17th driest since records began in 1940. What is the water situation like in Northern Ireland? NI Water has said its reservoirs are in a "healthy position" for this time of year, with its overall storage sitting at 78%. However, a spokesperson said there is a concern that "sustained high temperatures can create a huge demand surge from lots of properties trying to use vast quantities of water at the same time". They said that if thousands of households try to "use large quantities of water at the same time, the treatment works and distribution system can begin to struggle to keep up with demand". "If you think of your own water use, you may be using more water intensive equipment, such as power hoses, sprinkler systems, large pools," the spokesperson said."If you couple that with the fact that a lot of people will be off work enjoying the bank holiday weekend, it can lead to a massive demand for water that our treatment works simply cannot supply."Ahead of the weekend, NI Water said businesses and households could consider putting off water intensive activities. Businesses that are closing up for the bank holiday weekend are asked to check their meters which can indicate if they have a leak on their property, ensure taps are off and that toilets are urinals are not leaking.
