Introduction
The Role of Infrastructure The Capital Investment Context Challenges Journey to Net Zero
The Role of Infrastructure
High-quality infrastructure is the foundation of any competitive and sustainable economy. It touches all our lives – underpinning, enabling and delivering every aspect of how we live, work, learn, travel and communicate. And it helps shape our place within the wider world.
Effective infrastructure assets and networks are more vital than the sum of their parts. They create a unified framework for Northern Ireland that can benefit every individual, community and business.
The Capital Investment Context
Over the last 10 years, we have invested nearly £17bn in maintaining, upgrading and extending our infrastructure.
Looking ahead to 2050, we need to think differently, planning for:
- enhanced urban living and community spaces
- more active and public transport and less reliance on cars
- greener, more sustainable
- responses to the climate challenge
- fully resilient, responsive and sustainable public services
Challenges
There are major changes ahead in four key areas.
Financial Constraints
Most public services here are controlled by central government. We need to consider alternative governance and funding approaches.
Planning Issues
Issues with our planning system are well known and need to be addressed to support projects to deliver on our objectives.
Investment Planning & Delivery Capacity
We have recognised issues in our procurement system, skills gaps and shortages in the professions that need to be addressed urgently.
Decarbonisation
The climate crisis requires us to put in place processes, systems, legislation and funding to deliver on our environmental commitments.
The Journey to Net Zero
Our journey to Net Zero requires fundamental changes to our infrastructure, including:
how we generate energy
the design of, and standards for, our houses and our service delivery assets
our transport networks and vehicle fleets
how we manage flood risk, coastal erosion and surface water.
how we manage our land use and existing buildings and protect nature and biodiversity
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