Five-year investment programme includes MetroLink, BusConnects expansion and Western Rail Corridor
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has unveiled an ambitious five-year transport investment plan featuring major rail, road and public transport projects including DART extension to Wicklow Town, a new Spencer Dock station, and significant road upgrades across the country.
The National Development Plan Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 outlines what the government describes as an “ambitious programme of investment” totaling approximately €20 billion over the next five years, building on the broader National Development Plan published during the summer.
The plan commits to construction of the DART+ Programme, MetroLink, the Western Rail Corridor and expansion of BusConnects, representing the most significant investment in Irish transport infrastructure in decades.
Construction will commence on new bus corridors in Cork (subject to planning), Dublin and Galway, significantly improving infrastructure to support continued investment in bus services. On the heavy rail system, Iarnród Éireann will start construction on the DART+ Programme, including the new Spencer Dock station and a new DART+ depot, electrification of DART+ West, extension of DART services to Wicklow Town, and improvements on the Bray to Greystones section of the line.
The new DART+ fleet will enter service on the network in 2027, starting with the Northern Line, while construction may also commence on other elements of DART+ Coastal North. Funding will see the Navan Rail Line progress through the statutory planning system to Railway Order stage, while supporting construction of new train stations across the network.
Construction on the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris will begin, in line with recommendations from the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. On light rail, construction will commence on Luas Finglas, with a Railway Order application expected for Luas Cork.
With the Independent group of TDs supporting the government, significant priority has been placed on road network construction and maintenance. The plan will see construction of many new national and regional roads across the state, with others commencing construction or advancing through planning and procurement processes.
Funding will allow Transport Infrastructure Ireland and local authorities to complete schemes including the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy, N21/N69 Limerick to Foynes (including Adare Bypass), and the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge projects. Construction will also begin on the Donegal TEN-T Project, the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction, and the Slane Bypass.
On regional and local road networks, projects including the Coonagh Knockalisheen Distributor Road in Limerick, Eastern Garvoge Bridge and Approach Roads in Sligo, and the Great Island Connectivity Scheme (R624 Cobh Road) will commence construction. Investment will also improve connections to Dublin Airport from the north and west, complementing improved public transport infrastructure and services.
The report highlights that congestion costs represent a significant economic burden, with the Department of Transport estimating costs of approximately €330 million annually for the Greater Dublin Area, forecast to increase to €1.5 billion per annum by 2040. Cork and Galway face congestion costs of approximately €100 million per annum each.
“Congested traffic makes public transport less reliable, often discouraging people from using it. It also makes the environment for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, less safe, again leading people away from using active travel, particularly for shorter journeys,” the report states.
The plan allocates €360 million per year for active travel, €10.1 billion over five years for public transport, and €9.7 billion for roads and road safety. Funding will also commence delivery of the long-delayed Next Generation Ticketing system.
The comprehensive investment programme represents the government’s strategy for addressing Ireland’s transport challenges while supporting economic growth and meeting climate commitments through expanded public transport and active travel infrastructure.