The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) has said the Government's Critical Infrastructure Bill must be paired with long-term, integrated spatial planning to meet the needs of a growing population. Without such an approach, only the most urgent gaps will be tackled and Ireland will struggle to move beyond "emergency mode" on housing, electricity and water.

Responding to the Bill's publication, the RIAI called for statutory development plans with a multi‑decade horizon. "We need statutory development plans that look 25 to 50 years ahead if we're serious about providing clarity on infrastructure. This is standard practice in major European capital cities and it is what gives governments, investors and communities the confidence to commit resources to long-term infrastructure delivery," said RIAI President, Fionnuala May.

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The Institute welcomed proposals to cut red tape in infrastructure planning, noting that the Bill would allow Government, subject to Oireachtas approval, to fast-track selected critical projects in water, energy and transport. The RIAI said expediting these schemes would help create the conditions to address Ireland's housing deficit in the years ahead.

May also highlighted procurement reform as essential to speeding up delivery. "Targeted reform of the public procurement process is vital to meeting our public infrastructure goals. This means early intervention at the planning stage; strengthening the tender process, ensuring that high design standards, embracing innovation and supporting effective collaboration among all teams involved."

While welcoming the Bill's intent, the RIAI warned it pays limited attention to design quality and to the role of architects in delivering durable, cost-effective public works. "The quality of the design is critical to achieve the best long-term value. It improves public outcomes and provides better returns on investment for the State. Strategic infrastructure requires cross-government coordination, forward planning and evidence-based design, with architects playing a central role in this process," said RIAI President, Fionnuala May.

The RIAI said it stands ready to engage with Ministers, Departments and stakeholders to support improvements that raise quality and accelerate delivery, aiming to help meet infrastructure and housing needs by creating more enduring, inclusive and sustainable places that deliver long-term value.