The global infrastructure landscape is undergoing a major reset. National interests are driving new policies, supply chains are evolving, and economic and environmental pressures are reshaping priorities.
In this environment, decision-makers must act with clarity and confidence—balancing risk with opportunity to deliver the infrastructure of the future. Visionary leadership, collaboration, and innovative thinking will be key to navigating the road ahead.
For Ireland, this moment presents both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. The way we fund, plan, and deliver infrastructure is changing, with decarbonisation, digital innovation, and new financing models redefining what’s possible.
With a strong economy and the roadmap of the National Development Plan, Ireland has the resources and ambition to turn strategy into action. But progress will require smarter solutions, greater agility, and a commitment to unlocking investment at scale.
This edition of Emerging Trends in Infrastructure & Transport 2025 highlights 10 key trends shaping the global and Irish infrastructure landscape.
Explore the insights below to see what’s next and how Ireland can lead in this transformation.
Ireland has a unique opportunity to turn ambition into action and build infrastructure that drives sustainable growth and resilience.
Ten emerging trends for 2025
- Funding: The Great Privatisation - This year, we expect to see significant competition between states to attract and capture patient capital.
- Supply chain: In search of standards - A lack of supply chain standards will likely drive up costs, which can undermine efficiency and affect the environment.
- Sustainability: Fixing the missing middle - Sustainability is moving from a matter of principle into – simply – good business sense.
- Digitisation: Seeing value from digital twins - People have been talking about digital twins for decades. Finally, the pieces are in place to start turning models into value.
- New asset classes: Smarter infrastructure requires smarter strategies - As infrastructure assets get smarter, a more dynamic approach to asset management is needed.
- Construction: Innovation unlocked - Engineering and construction firms are under massive pressure to deliver more for less.
- Resilience: Complacency will likely lead to catastrophe - Asset owners and operators need to reassess their assumptions about the health and longevity of their portfolios.
- Capacity: Delivering the pipeline - Delivering the future infrastructure pipeline will likely require a complete reset of global construction and delivery capabilities.
- Energy transition: Prioritising pragmatism - The energy transition is entering a new phase driven by economic pragmatism.
- Shipping: Has the party ended? - The past four years have been a bonanza for global shipping lines and their investors. Has the party ended?
Delivering infrastructure at scale demands smarter solutions—by embracing innovation, Ireland can accelerate project delivery and maximise impact.
We can help
At KPMG Ireland, we help public and private sector leaders navigate the complexities of infrastructure delivery. From funding strategies to major project advisory, we provide insights and expertise to turn ambition into action.
Our team supports clients across the full project lifecycle—ensuring projects are sustainable, commercially viable, and future-ready. Whether it's unlocking investment, streamlining delivery, or integrating innovation, we’re here to help shape Ireland’s infrastructure for the future.
Contact us to learn more.
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