Ireland is heading into a new era with a wave of engineering and construction projects that are set to transform the nation. These initiatives while addressing pressing challenges in housing, healthcare and connectivity, promising to create thousands of jobs across various sectors. Let’s take a look at some of the projects you should be aware of:
1. Project Ireland 2040
One of the most ambitious infrastructure strategies in Ireland’s history is Project Ireland 2040. This multi-billion-euro initiative focuses on sustainable growth, aiming to accommodate an additional one million people by 2040. At its core is the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030, targeting improvements in housing, transport, healthcare, and education. Here are two of the most significant projects part of Project Ireland 2040:
National Children’s Hospital: With a budget of €1.73 billion, the National Children’s Hospital in Dublin is set to be one of the world’s most advanced pediatric facilities. Located on the campus of St. James's Hospital, the project includes over 6,000 rooms equipped with cutting-edge medical technology. (TheJournal). An estimated 2,000 construction jobs and 300 jobs in services will be created during the construction phase, with 3,700 employees joining the new campus (NewChildrensHospital.ie).
Dublin MetroLink: The Dublin MetroLink expansion, which is estimated to create 4,000 construction jobs (EngineersIreland) aims to transform the city’s transport system. This project, estimated to cost around €9.5bn to deliver, is being bid on by the world’s biggest developers. The development is crucial to support Dublin's growing population and contributing to Ireland’s sustainability targets (Irish Independent).
2. EirGrid Transmission Development Plan
The EirGrid Transmission Development Plan (ETDP) is pivotal to modernising Ireland’s energy infrastructure, with a focus on integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing energy security. Two leading projects include the Celtic and North South Interconnectors:
Celtic Interconnector: One of the most prominent projects under the ETDP, the €1 billion Celtic Interconnector will connect Ireland’s electricity grid to France’s, enabling the transfer of 700 MW of power. Due for completion in 2025, the interconnector will play a vital role in securing Ireland’s energy future and supporting its carbon neutrality goals (EirGrid). Nigel Beresford, Greenlink CEO, said: “In addition to the 250 jobs which will be created during construction, interconnection will improve energy security, regional investment and competitive energy costs for consumers, as well as facilitating the integration of low carbon renewable energy sources.
North South Interconnector: This initiative will see the addition of a new 400 kV overhead line to the network, connecting the electricity grids in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. (EirGrid).
3. Housing and Urban Developments
With Ireland's housing crisis intensifying, large-scale urban developments are crucial in meeting the growing demand for residential and commercial buildings. Here are a few major projects across Ireland's largest cities:
Dublin: Shanganagh Castle Estate: One of the largest public housing projects in Ireland, Shanganagh Castle Estate is a collaboration between the Land Development Agency (LDA) and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The project will deliver 597 homes, combining affordable purchase, cost-rental, and social housing, making a significant contribution to addressing the housing shortage (LDA.ie).
Limerick 2030: Opera Square: Part of the Limerick 2030 project, the 3.7-acre Opera Square project will serve as a landmark commercial development, both regionally and nationally, showcasing Limerick’s position as a leading city in sustainability and innovation. The fully developed site will be capable of employing 3,000 people. (Limerick2030).
Cork City Development Plan: Over the next five years, Cork is expected to see up to €2.5 billion in investment for urban growth and infrastructure development in projects such as the Cork City Docklands, which aims to develop a new urban centre and more housing. (CorkCity.ie).
4. Water, Environment and Climate
The Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund supports a wide range of investments, including the below highlights in environmental projects:
The Eastern and Midlands Region Water Supply Project: This project aims to extract water from the River Shannon and transport it 170 km to a reservoir in Dublin to meet the growing water demand in the region. The project is expected to cost over €1 billion, with construction scheduled from 2028 to 2032 (Matheson).
Flood Relief Schemes: Flood relief projects in Arklow, Cork, Clare, and Limerick, along with the Greater Dublin Drainage project are expected to cost around €1 billion (Matheson).
These key projects signal a significant shift for Ireland, bringing thousands of jobs and a chance for professionals in the engineering and construction sectors to thrive. Elite Talent Hub is ready to connect you with key roles in these transformative projects—reach out today to learn more or view our open construction and engineering jobs now.