Ireland has unveiled a €24bn pipeline of road, public transport, aviation, maritime and active travel projects scheduled to begin within the next four years. The plan places strong emphasis on modernising transport networks while balancing investment across mobility modes.

Public transport receives more than €10bn, with priority projects including Phase 1 of the Cork Area Commuter Rail programme, construction of Dublin’s DART expansion and the replacement of the ageing DART fleet. MetroLink in north Dublin and the Western Rail Corridor link from Athenry to Claremorris are also advancing, alongside the rollout of new electric buses and multiple Core Bus Corridors in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Roads account for €9.7bn of the plan, focused on renewing the network, delivering regional bypasses and expanding EV charging infrastructure. Major projects slated to start construction by 2030 include the M20 Cork to Limerick, the Galway City Ring Road, the Slane Bypass and the upgraded Limerick to Foynes route via the Adare Bypass. A series of smaller schemes, such as the Mallow Relief Road and the N3 Clonee to M50 upgrade, also move ahead.

Active travel receives €1.8bn, targeting 1000km of new and upgraded walking and cycling routes by 2030, reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to low carbon mobility options.

The Government has pushed back against suggestions that the latest investment plan dilutes earlier commitments to favour public transport. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien argues that the volume of public transport schemes being delivered over the next five years is unprecedented, while maintaining that roads remain essential for connectivity, safety and economic growth.

New projects will be delivered under updated planning rules introduced last year, with key decisions such as the Galway Ring Road expected in the coming months.

Access the full article to explore the complete scope of Ireland’s transport plan.