Fine Gael calls for bespoke legislation for infrastructure projects

James Geoghegan TD said the government “must use its power and change the law” in the wake of reports that the Greater Dublin drainage project could be delayed by more than two years due to a judicial review.

He said: “The Shannon Electricity Act, 1925 saw the Ardnacrusha plant built in just four years, providing up to 80 per cent of Ireland’s electricity. Later projects like the Poulaphouca Reservoir were approved in the same way.

“Since 1963, however, decision-making has been handed over to the planning board and the courts. I believe we must return authority to the Oireachtas for crucial national projects.”

Other countries continue to use bespoke legislation to deliver important projects, with Mr Geoghegan pointing to the UK’s Channel Tunnel Act of 1987 and Crossrail Act of 2008, as well as examples from the US, Australia and Canada.

“Of course, EU rules must be respected, but there is much we can learn from Canada and Mark Carney’s recent One Canada Act,” he said.

“We should be bold and unapologetic about using the Oireachtas to deliver the infrastructure this country desperately needs.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he has asked the Attorney General to consider bespoke legislation on the Dublin drainage project.

Mr Geoghegan said: “The Taoiseach said it is shocking and unacceptable that such a crucial project is being undermined in this way. I agree.

“It is past time we used the Oireachtas to deliver these projects. This government has a mandate to deliver urgently needed infrastructure and housing. It is undemocratic and immoral that a small number of vested interests can delay projects at the expense of the whole country.”