Key sustainability announcements include:
€275.4 billion total investment in the years from 2026 to 2035 focused on housing, energy, water, and transport, as well as climate, health, and education infrastructure.
The ICNF will specifically allocate €3.15 billion for climate transition projects from 2026 to 2030, targeting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality, and enhance nature restoration.
Additional funding is reserved to provide countercyclical support for the economy and ensure ongoing capital investment during downturns, with a cap of €14 billion by 2030.
Sectors Directly Impacted:
Housing and critical infrastructure projects (including water and energy upgrades) underpin NDP priorities, which are key areas for climate and biodiversity goals.
Significant funding for public transport and active travel, supporting clean mobility and helping halve emissions by 2030.
How can BDO Help?
The revised NDP and ICNF set a demanding but opportunity-rich course for Ireland’s sustainable future. Businesses, particularly those seeking public contracts, green funding, or market advantage, must align rapidly with these priorities. BDO’s Sustainability Department can help clients with:
Eligibility for funding: Failure to align with new expectations could mean missed funding opportunities, increased regulatory risk, and reputational harm. BDO’s Sustainability Team can help clients create credible, measurable sustainability strategies and targets, with the aim of unlocking new funding opportunities, especially in renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management, nature restoration, and circular economy projects.
Competitive advantage: Though the exact criteria and favoured projects for ICNF resources are still being shaped, early movers who proactively adapt to these increased expectations around climate, biodiversity, and ESG will enhance market positioning and investor appeal.
Strategic risk management: With the government aiming to anchor the investment cycle, BDO can help clients better plan for long-term sustainable infrastructure and resilience against regulatory change by interpreting evolving regulatory mandates, such as the ICNF criteria and capital allocation.
For more information, please refer to:
