Investment in world class public infrastructure across the EU is fundamental to creating the conditions necessary for a strong, competitive and resilient economy and society.
The provision of high-quality infrastructure across our transport modes and critical utilities has a direct impact on a firm’s productivity, competitiveness and investment potential to expand. Access to sustainable transport modes, greater capacity at our ports, furthered connectivity through our airports and prioritisation of our underpinning infrastructure such as water, wastewater and broadband will allow European industry to remain competitive and grow sustainably. Investment in world class public infrastructure across the EU is fundamental to creating the conditions necessary for a strong, competitive and resilient economy and society.
The removal of barriers to delivery for critical infrastructure is imperative. In Ireland and across the EU, the ability to deliver critical infrastructure and keep pace with growing demand has been frustrated by costly and cumbersome planning processes. Streamlining of permitting processes is crucial for enabling industry to deliver on the ambitions of the twin transition while remaining competitive with third countries. Industrial permitting processes must be simplified and quickened to address strategic bottlenecks that hinder, delay and prevent companies from deploying green and digital solutions. While the actions to address permitting are mostly at Member State level, the problem is EU-wide and could be well supported by a strategic and structured dialogue at EU level.
Read the full document
