Unlocking Ireland’s future: Why programmatic thinking is the key to sustainable infrastructure
Ireland has a once-in-a-generation moment to create an infrastructure model that will serve its people for decades to come. The question now is — will we seize it, writes Beverley Stinson.
At the launch of the Ireland Annual Review 2025 back in January, I had the privilege of joining a panel of industry experts to discuss the future of infrastructure in Ireland. The conversation spanned housing, real estate, transport, energy, healthcare and water.
It was good to see the water sector included in the conversation. Water is fundamental to every aspect of economic and social progress. Without it, there is no housing expansion, no industrial growth, and no way to sustain a thriving population. We often say that economic growth is thirsty work, and it is good to see that Ireland recognizes that investing in resilient, future-proof water infrastructure is just as important as building roads, rail and housing.
But water is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. What I see happening in Ireland today — just as I have seen in many other parts of the world — is an urgent need for a shift in how we approach infrastructure delivery. The key to solving the challenges ahead is embracing programmatic thinking — an approach that moves beyond isolated projects and instead delivers infrastructure in a strategic, coordinated and efficient way.
What programmatic thinking really means
For too long, infrastructure delivery has been fragmented, with different agencies and sectors working in silos. In many cases, projects that should be connected — such as housing developments, water supply systems and transport networks — are planned and executed independently. This lack of coordination not only drives up costs but also leads to inefficiencies, delays and missed opportunities.
Programmatic thinking changes that. As we explain in this year’s report, it is not just about delivering a collection of projects; it is about delivering a vision of success. It allows us to:
- Maximise efficiency by leveraging economies of scale and reducing duplication.
- Attract international expertise by creating a clear and reliable pipeline of work.
- Accelerate delivery by streamlining procurement and approval processes.
- Ensure long-term sustainability by designing infrastructure that meets future needs, not just today’s.
In my experience working across the globe, the most successful infrastructure programs have been those that break down silos and bring together multiple sectors. In Los Angeles, for example, we have seen transport, healthcare, water management and urban development integrated under a single strategic framework. Instead of competing for resources and attention, different agencies work collaboratively, resulting in faster, more effective project delivery.
These large programs present a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change across our communities. To maximize their impact, they must be integrated, leveraging their scale to attract investment, talent and innovation — ultimately strengthening the economy and supporting national growth. This is why complex programs require cohesive, strategic leadership, ensuring alignment across sectors and delivering long-term benefits for all.
Ireland’s unique opportunity
Ireland is at a critical juncture. Unlike many other nations struggling with infrastructure deficits, Ireland has a rare combination of strong economic growth, budget surpluses and a growing population. The country has the ability — and the resources — to invest in infrastructure strategically, rather than reactively.
However, to fully capitalize on this opportunity, Ireland needs to provide certainty and commitment. As I emphasised at the event, international infrastructure firms and investors are watching closely. They need to see long-term stability in government policies, clear pipelines of work, and a commitment to follow through on major projects. Without that, the best talent and resources will go elsewhere.
This is especially true in the water sector. While Ireland is a water-rich nation, the supply is not always where it is needed most. Climate change is adding new pressures, with more frequent flooding in some areas and water scarcity in others. These challenges cannot be solved with short-term fixes. They require a comprehensive, programmatic approach that prioritises resilience, efficiency and sustainability.
The supply chain challenge — and how to fix it
One of the most pressing concerns in infrastructure delivery today is the strain on the global supply chain. This is not just about materials — it is also about people, skills and expertise.
Ireland, like much of the world, faces a significant shortage of skilled workers in engineering, construction and infrastructure management. This is a challenge that could impact the pace and cost of delivery if not addressed proactively.
At the event, I spoke about how infrastructure investment is happening everywhere — from the United Kingdom’s AMP8 water investment program to Australia’s massive transport projects and the United States’ historic infrastructure bill. This means that the best talent and global contractors have options.
In my experience, programs that overcome the issues around supply chain are the most successful. If Ireland wants to attract top-tier firms and expertise, it needs to become the location of choice by offering:
- A clear, long-term pipeline of work to give companies confidence in investing here.
- Efficient procurement and approval processes to avoid unnecessary delays.
- A collaborative contracting environment that fosters shared risk and shared reward.
- Commitment to workforce development — building talent at home while also attracting international expertise.
We also need to rethink traditional working models. In this new digital age, we do not need to rely solely on in-person expertise. Many aspects of infrastructure planning and design can be done remotely.
One of the most effective examples of this has come from Uisce Éireann (Irish Water), which has successfully opened its doors to global expertise and leveraged international talent to support local delivery. This model demonstrates how organizations can broaden their talent pool and ensure that vital infrastructure projects move forward efficiently.
Collaboration is key
Another major takeaway from the discussion was the need for collaboration across all levels of infrastructure planning and delivery. The projects we develop today are far more complex and interconnected than they were in the past. A new housing development is not just about homes — it is about water supply, transport access, energy efficiency and climate resilience.
To get this right, we need a unified strategy that brings together all key stakeholders — government agencies, private sector partners and global experts. We need to create shared success metrics, where everyone, from designers to contractors, is working towards the same vision. And most importantly, we need to commit to long-term thinking rather than short-term political cycles.
This is exactly the approach that has worked in other global infrastructure programs, such as in Los Angeles. These collaborations did not happen by accident — they were intentional, strategic and focused on the bigger picture.
A once-in-a-generation moment
What excites me most about Ireland’s future is that the potential is enormous. The country has the resources, the ambition and the opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable, strategic infrastructure delivery.
But to do that, Ireland must embrace programmatic thinking, commit to long-term planning, and foster a culture of collaboration over competition. It is time to move beyond the old, fragmented approach and build an infrastructure system that works as a whole, not just in pieces.
A programmatic approach is not one that just delivers a project, it delivers a vision of success. The vision for success in Ireland is going to be underpinning of economic growth and success in providing housing for a growing population.
This is Ireland’s once-in-a-generation moment to create an infrastructure model that will serve its people for decades to come. The question now is — will we seize it?
Read this article to learn more about the increasingly successful application of programmatic principles across the island of Ireland.