Engineers Ireland has reiterated its plea to government to boost plans for Project Ireland 2040 with the forthcoming Budget 2019.

The engineering body has urged the government to boost the project through capital investment, institutional reform and capacity building.

Engineers Ireland's top five priorities for Budget 2019 are:

• 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% Modified 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.

Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: "Earlier this year, a survey of Chartered Engineers found that just 20% believe that Ireland's infrastructure is in good condition with capacity for future development. We are calling on Government to future-proof our economy and facilitate a modern capital infrastructure by making significant long-term investments in infrastructure projects in rural and urban regions."

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Engineers Ireland's renewed calls for sustained investment come as the organisation today, 03 October, announced the shortlist for the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards, held in association with ESB.

Ms Spillane continued: "Engineers are vital to achieving a knowledge-based, sustainable future for Ireland and are crucial for the delivery of Project Ireland 2040 goals and ambitions. The shortlisted projects for the Engineering Project of the Year Award, and indeed, for the each of the 12 categories within the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards are a testament to the reputation and talent of engineers.

"Engineers deliver so many creative and ingenious solutions for communities in Ireland and overseas and they will be at the forefront of Project Ireland 2040 delivering design-led engineering solutions for communities and families across Ireland. We look forward to showcasing and celebrating the work of talented engineers for many years to come."

Shortlisted in the Engineering Project of the Year Award, sponsored by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, are:

• Kevin Street Garda Head Quarters by Atkins

• M17/M18 Gort to Tuam Motorway PPP by Barry Transportation and Arup

• Kerry Central Regional Water Supply Scheme by Nicholas O'Dwyer, TOBIN, Irish Water and Glan Agua

• Northern Spire Bridge by Roughan & O'Donovan, Buro Happold, Farrans and Victor Buyck

• Shannon Airport Rehabilitation of Runway 06-24 by RPS

• BXD 400 - Luas Cross City by Sisk Steconfer JV

Members of the public are encouraged to have their say and vote for their favourite project by visiting: www.engineersireland.ie/awards/excellence-awards/outstanding-engineering-project-year.aspx.

The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Friday, 09 November at the InterContinental Hotel in Dublin.

(CM/MH)