On Monday, Chartered Accountants Ireland hosted the second “Trusted Business Leadership: The Chartered Roundtables” event on infrastructure and the National Development Plan (NDP). Held at our Pearse Street offices, the event drew strong member attendance and featured a lively discussion with President Pamela McCreedy and Seán Fleming TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee for Infrastructure and NDP Delivery. The roundtable provided robust insights into Ireland’s most ambitious investment plan to date. Members raised questions around planning delays, judicial reviews, and the impact of housing and childcare shortages on business competitiveness. The discussion addressed operational challenges, funding, and the government’s proposed reforms, emphasising the need for streamlined planning and delivery processes and decisive action as Ireland’s population grows. The event reinforced the Institute’s commitment to member advocacy in shaping policy, and we will remain engaged as NDP delivery accelerates.  

Chartered Accountants Ireland’s latest roundtable brought members together to discuss the revised National Development Plan - Ireland’s strategic €275.4bn investment in infrastructure and public services. President Pamela McCreedy opened the session, highlighting the Institute’s advocacy for members as the country faces significant delivery challenges. 

Seán Fleming TD outlined the NDP’s aims: improving housing, childcare, energy, transport, and water to support growth and prosperity. Members’ questions reflected real-world concerns, including planning delays, judicial review issues, and the impact of “gold plating” regulations. The discussion highlighted progress in accelerating delivery as new legislation is being proposed to tackle planning challenges and the cabinet committee on infrastructure considered measures that could reduce delivery timelines for major projects by up to a year, as part of plans to cut red tape and accelerate progress. 

Funding and operational readiness were debated, with a focus on protecting capital spending amid economic volatility. Other topics included the Shared Island initiative, labour shortages in construction, and sustainability targets. Historic successes such as the Ardnacrusha power plant project were cited as examples of what can be achieved with ambition and urgency. 

The event underscored the importance of clear communication, transparency in delivery, and continued advocacy throughout the life of the NDP. As Ireland’s population grows and infrastructure demands intensify, members’ insights will remain central to shaping policy. 

You can view photos from the event here.