Oireachtas Publishes Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026 for Fast-Track Approval of Energy, Transport and Water Projects (data.oireachtas.ie)

• Enables fast-track approval for critical infrastructure projects (energy, transport, water).
• Designation by Government order with 21-day Dáil annulment option.
• Disapplies section 15 of the Climate Act 2015 for these projects.

"The Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026, published on 8 April 2026, seeks to create fast-track approval processes for critical infrastructure projects in energy, transport and water. The Government may designate projects as critical by order, which must be laid before Dáil Éireann and is subject to annulment within 21 sitting days. Public bodies must cooperate, coordinate and prioritise resources. The Minister may issue binding directions. Section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 is disapplied for acts under the Bill."