Ireland’s upcoming National Development Plan will favour practical, shovel-ready projects over prestige architecture, according to Minister of State Seán Canney. With €200 billion to be spent across housing, transport, water, and energy over the next decade, the focus will be on delivering infrastructure that works — not winning design awards.

Canney criticised inflated, aesthetically driven projects, hinting at the €2.2 billion National Children’s Hospital, and emphasised that the public want homes and facilities that are “comfortable and functional.” Potential US tariffs remain a looming risk, but the Government aims to prioritise speed and utility as funding rolls out.

See how Ireland plans to reshape its infrastructure priorities. Read the full article.