Ireland has attracted infrastructure investment in the past, but the country now faces a new challenge: proving it can deliver on its promises. The economy remains stable and demand for development is high, yet the market remains unconvinced that projects will progress quickly or predictably. According to a recent survey by KPMG, investors are watching closely to see if the government can improve delivery timelines and project pipelines.
Delays and uncertainty are blocking growth
Most respondents to the KPMG Infrastructure Outlook 2026 survey see other European markets as more attractive for investment. Yet over one-third still rank Ireland as comparable or better than its rivals. The report states the issue isn’t a lack of capital or ambition. Instead, investors cite policy and regulatory uncertainty, slow planning, and limited utility capacity as key barriers.
Respondents repeatedly identify these structural issues as the most serious constraints on delivery. Many of these challenges sit outside the control of developers and contractors, requiring coordinated action from government departments, regulators, local authorities, utilities and delivery agencies. The market is not asking for another broad statement of ambition, but for implementation, accountability and measurable outcomes.
Reforming the planning process is essential to improve the current situation, as delays and uncertainty in obtaining permits hinder the development of housing and infrastructure projects. To address this, respondents suggest that faster permitting is key for sector growth, and that infrastructure coordination is equally important, requiring government departments and agencies to work together more effectively.
The report acknowledges that the government has taken steps to address these challenges, including the establishment of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, which has led to a series of reforms aimed at speeding up infrastructure delivery, such as the publication of the Critical Infrastructure Bill and key regulatory changes, indicating a shift in policy and a commitment to improvement.
KEO Rebrands to Boost European Operations
The firm will now operate under the KEO name, but ownership and structure remain the same. The local team will continue providing services and managing client relationships as before.
Using the KEO name will strengthen the company’s presence in Ireland and support growth across Europe. This move allows the group to apply its international resources to projects in the region.
Why housing is a test case for the wider market
The report argues that housing delivery cannot be achieved in isolation and requires a coordinated approach that incorporates investment in transport, utilities, and serviced land, with better alignment between land-use planning and infrastructure programmes necessary to increase the supply of development-ready sites, and while the government’s focus on infrastructure-led housing delivery is welcomed, respondents are cautious about its potential to deliver additional homes quickly.
Private capital’s role in the delivery pipeline
Private capital can play a significant role in supporting infrastructure development, but it requires a visible and investable pipeline of projects, and while investors and lenders are willing to support viable projects with credible long-term revenues and procurement arrangements, capital availability alone is not enough to deliver infrastructure, and a more transparent and long-term programme of investable projects is needed to strengthen the overall framework.
