A chara, – On the face of, it there appears to be some merit in the suggested establishment of a new Department of Infrastructure, given the clear opportunity that exists to improve delivery of major capital projects.
This proposal would benefit from the application of the very same processes that we expect on the initiation of capital projects themselves.
It would be particularly helpful at the outset to understand clearly such matters as the strategic objective to be met; an appraisal of options to meet this objective; the intended role and remit of the new department, including planned expertise, resources and funding; the proposed timescale for establishment; the likely impact on other departments and agencies; and, not least, how it is proposed to protect existing capacity to deliver the many unheralded but excellent public sector capital projects already completed and currently progressing across the country.
How these and related matters are addressed may give us a very clear insight into the likely future performance of a new department. – Is mise,
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PAULDE FREINE,
Shankill,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I would be in disagreement with John McManus (“Last thing we need is a Department of Infrastructure”, Business, Opinion & Analysis, September 4th) regarding his opposition to the Taoiseach’s very valid proposal to establish a new much-warranted Department of Infrastructure.
The challenges the State faces on building infrastructure are set to grow extensively to an extent where a dedicated minister will need to oversee the tempo of strategy in ensuring all communities in Ireland can be supported by the necessary foundations for the provision of continuing reliable electricity supplies; high-speed broadband upgrading for every urban as well as rural home; water; new high frequency public transport services, and other areas into the next decades.
While these areas are handled under the remit of existing ministries separately, a minister for infrastructure could review interlinkages between the different areas – public transport will become more reliant on electricity in a more sustainable manner as a case in point.
Recent talks undertaken actively by the Taoiseach with President Emmanuel Macron of France in relation to collaboration between Ireland and France on interconnectors concern an area which could and should proceed primarily under the oversight of an infrastructure minister. – Yours, etc,
Cllr JOHN KENNEDY,
(Fine Gael),
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Offices,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.