Strengthening environmental considerations in public investment in Ireland
Assessment and recommendations
Infrastructure is an essential consideration when it comes to both climate change
mitigation and adaptation. It plays a pivotal role in achieving climate neutrality
and resilience but is also susceptible to certain risks. As infrastructure has a long
lifespan, it is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change over time.
Poor planning and management of infrastructure assets can also increase dependency
on fossil fuels and lock in climate risks. It is thus important that infrastructure
is implemented in a way that helps address environmental and climate challenges.
Developing effective strategies to meet environmental and climate objectives is one
of the main priorities of the Irish Government. Project Ireland 2040 offers a unique
opportunity to ensure that infrastructure investments support climate mitigation and
adaptation efforts. Building on this impetus, the OECD has provided technical support
to the Irish Government to strengthen climate and environmental considerations in
its public infrastructure decision making process.
This policy paper sets out a detailed overview of infrastructure planning, project
appraisal and budgeting practice in Ireland, and identifies challenges and opportunities
for environmental and climate considerations.
Published on July 10, 2023
In series:OECD Public Governance Policy Papersview more titles