The Programme for Government presents a crucial opportunity to make significant progress in addressing our key infrastructure needs. We cannot afford to let this chance slip by, writes Chris McLean, KPMG Infrastructure & Government.
The Programme for Government has significant aspirations for Northern Ireland, focusing on three key areas:
- Doing what matters most today
- Building new foundations
- Shaping a better tomorrow
It recognises that delivering essential infrastructure is critical to achieving the desired outcomes for Northern Ireland. This includes growing our economy sustainably, connecting communities, delivering better public services, increasing housing development, managing our water infrastructure, and supporting our move to a Net Zero future.
Shifting the dial
The Programme outlines significant ambitions for improving Northern Ireland's infrastructure, including:
- Delivering an improved road network, such as the A5 Western Transport Corridor
- Managing our water resources
- Building upon the Union Connectivity Review
- Creating more accessible public transport for rural and disabled communities
- Developing our rail networks and leveraging the momentum created by the All-Island Strategic Rail Review
In advance of the upcoming Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, the Programme for Government acknowledges the constraints posed by the current budgetary position and single-year budgets. However, the successful delivery of projects such as the Glider and Belfast Grand Central Station in recent years demonstrates that meaningful change and infrastructure development are possible even in challenging environments.
We cannot let this opportunity pass us by and we need to harness the momentum created by these past successes, the new Programme for Government, and the upcoming Investment Strategy to deliver the essential infrastructure required if we are serious around delivering significant outcomes for our citizens.
Conclusion
Overall, the Programme for Government presents a promising vision for addressing Northern Ireland's critical infrastructure needs. However, action needs to be undertaken to prioritise investment in capital spending to support the Government as it takes significant steps to enhance economic resilience and foster regional development, improving outcomes for our People, Place, and Planet.
It is our view that, to deliver lasting change, the public sector cannot do this alone. It is our belief that, if allowed, the private sector remains willing and able to support the public sector to accelerate project delivery to achieve the outcomes outlined in the Programme for Government. Strong political consensus and accountability are imperative for changing mindsets and the trajectory of our infrastructure programme.
The success of these initiatives also hinges on evidence-based assessment of need, effective implementation and sustained political consensus. Boldly committing to infrastructure investment and insulating infrastructure priorities from political changes are crucial for maintaining momentum and delivering on our critical infrastructure needs.
The ambition is to be applauded, and we remain ready to support the Government in building Northern Ireland into a more sustainable and attractive place to invest, work and live.
How KPMG is responding
At KPMG we collaborate with various sectors and stakeholders to address challenges with infrastructure delivery and find better ways of working.
As the market evolves, and in alignment with the Programme for Government, we have expanded our services to ensure we provide a whole project life cycle offering to clients that is credible, of value, and ensures a comprehensive range of supports are available to assist in navigating complexities and achieving policy objectives.
Contact us for expert guidance and support for your infrastructure project needs.
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