Irish engineers are calling on the Government to use the 2019 budget as a stepping stone towards activating Project Ireland 2040.

As the Government's overarching policy initiative to make Ireland a better country, Project Ireland 2040 emphasises social outcomes and values ahead of economic targets.

Following consultations with its 25,000-strong membership base, Engineers Ireland have now lodged a series of recommendations with the Department of Finance for Budget 2019, which the organisation states will activate Project Ireland 2040 through capital investment, institutional reform and capacity building;

• Implement Project Ireland 2040 investment commitments, including the promised €1.5 billion increase in capital investment to €7.3 billion as a stepping stone to 4% Gross National Income (GNI)

• Reform infrastructure policy, planning and delivery, including funding for a single infrastructure authority

• Increase the supply of high-quality connected housing, surpassing Rebuilding Ireland targets and reinforcing building regulations

• Build up safe and secure water and flooding systems by providing multi-annual funding to Irish Water and strategically delivering flood relief schemes

• Incentivise professional skills and experience in STEM to overcome the shortage of engineers and other skilled professionals

In its recommendation, Engineers Ireland stated: "Over the next 20 years, our population is expected to increase by one million people. In line with international trends, we must prepare for the majority of this population and jobs growth to be focused in urban centres. This will mean putting in place strategic systems of infrastructure to support sustainable, compact and smart growth.

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"In the shorter term, greenhouse gas emissions and emerging shortages of capacity in several sectors have the potential to hamper environmental, social and economic progress. As the economy grows and as the need for climate action becomes all the more pressing, the Irish State must continue to plan, invest in and deliver infrastructure and services which meet the needs of its citizens both now and in the long-term.

"Overall, we find that there needs to be a substantial increase in the allocation of capital investment in various forms of infrastructure to underpin economic growth, raise living standards more equitably and build a sustainable environment."

Peter Quinn, President of Engineers Ireland said a survey of 1,000 Chartered Engineers earlier this year discovered just 20% believe Ireland's overall infrastructure is in good condition with capacity for future development.

"Our housing system in particular was highlighted as key area for concern, unable to meet demand and requiring immediate investment to avoid adverse impact on the national economy," he said.

"Overall, we find that there needs to be a substantial increase in the allocation of capital investment in various forms of infrastructure to underpin economic growth, raise living standards more equitably and build a sustainable environment."

Caroline Spillane, Director General, Engineers Ireland added: "Engineers Ireland has been very supportive of Project Ireland 2040. Budget 2019 is Government's opportunity to truly activate this strategic plan for the future development of our country. Implementing the promised €1.5 billion increase in capital investment is an absolute priority for us and is a stepping stone towards achieving a level of 4% GNI.

"Reform in the area of infrastructure policy, planning and delivery would help to achieve integrated outcomes and a stronger return on this investment. We repeat our call for a single infrastructure authority to develop a long-term vision and strategy, identify priority projects and explore innovative funding."

To view Engineers Ireland's Budget 2019 submission, visit here.

(LM)