Damien Owens
Director General, Engineers Ireland
High-quality infrastructure is the invisible engine behind thriving businesses, vibrant communities, and sustainable development.
Transport infrastructure is not simply about roads and rail; it is the foundation of a modern economy and society. It enables growth, drives competitiveness and ensures that communities remain connected and resilient in the face of change.
The backbone of a modern economy
The Government’s commitment to €165 billion in public capital investment between 2021 and 2030 is a welcome step. However, in a recent submission on accelerating infrastructure, Engineers Ireland noted that many critical infrastructure systems — particularly transport — are operating at, or near, capacity.
Big plans, bold investments
Ireland is investing heavily in infrastructure, with significant allocations to housing, rail, EV charging and climate-resilient roads in Budget 2026. €24.3 billion has been earmarked for transport under the National Development Plan Review 2025 to 2030.
Flagship projects like MetroLink, DART+ and BusConnects promise cleaner, faster public transport. Rural mobility schemes such as Local Link and active travel networks will ensure that no community is left behind.
Ireland’s future depends on engineering.
Climate action on the move
Transport emissions account for nearly 20% of Ireland’s overall emissions. The Climate Action Plan sets a bold target to halve those emissions by shifting from car dependency to sustainable mobility such as electric vehicles, expanded rail and safe cycling routes.
The role of engineers
Engineers are responsible for providing the social, economic and productive infrastructure required to sustain growth and competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment. Ireland’s future depends on engineering.
To meet the challenges of sustainability, energy and housing, we will need over 22,300 additional engineers in the next decade. That is why it is more important than ever to attract and retain talent in the engineering sector, including construction and energy generation areas.
I encourage young people to consider a career in engineering, whether through university degrees, QQI FET (PLC) courses, apprenticeships or a combination of these routes. There is a path into engineering for everyone.
