The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers T.D., has announced updates as part of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan (AIRAP) to enhance transparency, strengthen communication with the public and support evidence-informed regulatory reform.
The updates include the issuing of circular to all Government Departments to strengthen communication on the benefits of critical infrastructure projects, and a Benefits Realisation Framework which will place an emphasis on communicating benefits of critical infrastructure and costs of inaction at the heart of project delivery (Action 30 of AIRAP). The Framework is supported by a policy and principles document, a practical “How To” guide and a Benefits Blueprint tool.
The initiative is intended to support faster delivery by improving how the economic, social and environmental benefits of infrastructure investments are identified and communicated, while also highlighting the cost of inaction.
The Minister has also announced the publication of Best Practice KPI Guidance for Regulators of Critical Infrastructure, containing guidance for regulators of critical infrastructure. This is designed to identify bottlenecks, streamline processes and monitor the implementation of reforms, and thereby to strengthen stakeholder confidence and support evidence-based reform.
The announcement comes the week after the enactment of the Critical Infrastructure Bill, following its signature by the President. The legislation is designed to address delays in the development of major pieces of national infrastructure, including (but not limited to) infrastructure necessary for the delivery of transport, energy, water, waste management systems.
You can find out more about infrastructure and Ireland’s economy, and the role of Chartered Accountants Ireland and our members in advocating for and delivering infrastructure here.
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