Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers is introducing a new “risk appetite statement” to Cabinet to accelerate the delivery of critical infrastructure. The reform encourages civil servants to accept higher risks—such as purchasing land before final project approval—to combat a culture of risk aversion that has doubled delivery timelines for energy and transport projects over the last 20 years, according to a report by the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce.
Why is the Irish government changing its approach to public sector risk?
Government officials believe excessive caution is currently driving project delays, increasing costs, and slowing the rollout of essential water, transport, and energy plants. According to Minister Jack Chambers, this risk-averse culture stems from fears over legal challenges, planning complexities, reputational damage, and cost escalations.
The new framework acknowledges that some investments may not ultimately proceed or meet every intended benefit. However, the government views this as a necessary trade-off to speed up the wider system. Under these reforms, agencies may now accept the risk of litigation if strong governance is in place.
How will this impact water, energy, and transport projects?
The reform isn’t a one-size-fits-all policy. Individual regulators and government departments responsible for water, transport, and energy will be encouraged to create their own sectoral Risk Appetite Statements. This allows for specific risk thresholds based on the unique challenges of each industry.
Real-world applications of this shift include:
- Land Acquisition: Buying necessary land before final project approvals are secured to prevent later delays.
- Legal Strategy: Proceeding with projects despite potential litigation, provided governance frameworks are robust.
- Infrastructure Focus: Prioritizing the rapid build-out of energy stations and water plants over absolute risk elimination.
What is happening with public service apprenticeship targets?
Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless is urging Cabinet colleagues to renew efforts to increase apprentice recruitment. While the Public Service Apprenticeship Plan (2023-2025) failed to hit its target of 750 annual registrations by 2025, Lawless reports that the plan expanded opportunities beyond traditional craft roles.
The government has expanded the total number of national apprenticeships to 87. New pathways launched in 2026 include apprenticeships in:
- Business and Operations
- Social Care
- Paramedicine
A new action plan for apprenticeships is expected to launch shortly to address the registration gap.
What are the latest figures for flood relief and exports?
Recent reports brought to Cabinet highlight significant investment in national resilience and trade. The Office of Public Works (OPW) 2025 annual report, presented by Mr. Chambers on behalf of Minister of State Kevin Boxer Moran, confirms that 56 flood relief schemes have been completed to date with an investment exceeding €588 million.
Currently, 11 flood relief schemes are at the construction stage. Once finished, these schemes will protect approximately 2,900 properties. Meanwhile, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke reported that Enterprise Ireland invested €49 million in Irish companies last year. Despite the impact of tariffs, 2025 was a record year for exports, with client exports reaching €39 billion.
Public Infrastructure and Economic Performance Summary
| Metric | Data Point | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total OPW Investment | >€588 million | OPW 2025 Report |
| 2025 Client Exports | €39 billion | Enterprise Ireland |
| Apprenticeship Target | 750 annual (Not met) | PS Apprenticeship Plan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the government be spending more money on failed projects?
According to Minister Jack Chambers, the government recognizes that some investments may not proceed or deliver all benefits, but views this as justified if it results in faster overall delivery of the system.
Which sectors will see the most change in risk management?
The primary focus is on critical infrastructure, specifically water, transport, and energy sectors.
How many apprenticeships are now available?
The total number of available apprenticeships nationally has increased to 87.
How many properties will the current OPW schemes protect?
The 11 schemes currently at the construction stage will protect some 2,900 properties upon completion.
What do you think about the move to allow more risk in public projects to speed up delivery? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on Irish public infrastructure.
