Economy

Concerns mount over ‘huge holes’ in budgets as NDP talks set to begin

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warns €19 billion shortfall in government’s capital budget could force projects to be delayed or axed

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure: negotiations are due to start with department ministers over the next allocation period of 2025-2028. Picture: Fergal Phillips

Negotiations on the National Development Plan (NDP) are set to get under way, as concerns continue to mount over large inflation-related holes in departmental budgets.

The NDP committed €160 billion to 2030 for major state projects from broadband to transport projects to housing. However, inflation has resulted in the cost of individual projects increasing substantially, with the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council warning that a €19 billion hole in the government’s capital budget could force projects ...