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The CIF has welcomed the additional investment committed to infrastructure and housing supply in Budget 2027 announced today.
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of the CIF, said: “CIF welcomes the continued commitment to investment under the National Development Plan in Budget 2027, and the Government’s recognition that this investment must be sustained through current economic and geopolitical uncertainty to strengthen Ireland’s resilience.
“Water, wastewater, energy and transport infrastructure are critical to unlocking land, enabling development and increasing housing supply at the scale required. The increased capital investment announced today, underpinned by the €275.4 billion National Development Plan, is therefore vital to Ireland’s future growth, housing delivery and to addressing the infrastructure emergency.
“We welcome the €2.3 billion investment in Uisce Éireann, including €1.5 billion in capital funding, to increase water and wastewater capacity, progressing more than 400 projects and advancing strategically important projects including the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme. This is precisely the type of enabling investment required to support housing and wider economic growth.
“The substantial investment in transport is also important, including €5.5 billion for the Department of Transport, continued investment in DART+, BusConnects and rural transport infrastructure, and the commitment of €6 billion between 2027 and 2030 to progress MetroLink.
“On housing, we welcome the €9.4 billion investment announced today. While we are disappointed that the VAT reduction has not been extended to all apartment types, including duplexes, the increase in the Help to Buy Scheme is a positive step that will support more people in accessing home ownership.”
Andrew Brownlee continued: “Last year, the construction industry stressed that barriers to critical infrastructure delivery were undermining national progress. The Accelerating Infrastructure reforms have represented an important step forward by streamlining approval processes and providing greater certainty for decision-makers.
“We welcome the acknowledgment of the impact of rising costs, which have impacted the construction industry, particularly SMEs, this year. Reductions to carbon taxes are positive. However, we continue to await clarity on the details of the fuel subsidy scheme for construction announced earlier this year.
“In terms of Revenue’s work on withholding tax, we look forward to further, ongoing engagement and the opportunity to work with the Department of Finance and with Revenue on the roll-out of some of the modernisations proposed.
“The priority from here must be delivery. The CIF urges Government to consider expanding ring-fenced capital funding approaches for all contracting authorities responsible for the delivery of critical infrastructure, climate action and housing. This would support the publication of the project tracker and market confidence.
“Maintaining momentum in investment in infrastructure is critical and this Budget is a positive signal as the country works towards the successful delivery of Accelerating Infrastructure. There is also clear commitment by Government to support indigenous Irish businesses to scale and succeed at home and overseas, and we welcome the supports announced today on research, innovation and growth.”