The Italians have proved to be the most efficient and cost-effective builders on infrastructure in Europe. Why do we lag so far behind?
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review aims to revitalise and expand the country's rail network by 2050. That's 25 years away
How did Serbia, hardly a bastion of financial and political stability, manage to roll out hundreds of kilometres of high-speed railways with new trains travelling at over 200km/h? They outsourced it to China. The Chinese built Serbia’s new railways, which will ultimately link the Greek port of Thessaloniki with Budapest and Serbia and on to central Europe. The lines within Serbia were up and running in four years, even more impressive taking into account Covid lockdowns.
If we don’t want to take the Chinese option, it is clear that we can’t afford to leave such large infrastructure projects in the hands of Irish bureaucracy. The State has an abysmal track record of delivering big infrastructure projects – something that might be considered a fundamental competency and of critical importance when building capacity to meet the needs of a growing population.the estimated budget for construction jumped from €790 million in 2013 to the most recent estimate of €2.
The Italians have proven to be the most efficient and cost-effective builders of infrastructure in Europe. A large cross-country study,, found that on average Italian transit projects cost 57 per cent less than global averages. What’s more, unlike almost everywhere else in the world, Italian construction costs fell over the past 30 years. In fact, using Italian expertise to build stuff in Ireland would not be new.
Weekendreview Transport-Infrastructure-Ireland
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
David McWilliams: Ireland has French Revolution-style levels of income inequalityYet, when it comes to social uplift, the past few decades in Ireland have been truly remarkable. Simon Harris’ dad was a barman - that’s Irish upward mobility in action
Read more »
David McWilliams: Decaying Dublin city centre could already be caught in an urban doom loopOur capital is no exception to the rule that cities are fragile ecosystems that can go into decline rapidly
Read more »
David Reidy and Clare expect to face a ‘different animal’ against Cork in All-Ireland finalBanner forward believes Munster rivals have upped their game since Clare win at Páirc Uí Chaoimh back in April
Read more »
Congestion charges: Why Ireland's public transport must improve firstThe Department of Finance has suggested congestion charges would be more “efficient” and “equitable” than a car parking levy
Read more »
Olympics at a glance: Men’s double sculls set best time; Ireland to play All Blacks for fifth placeDefending champions Belgium too strong for Ireland; Ireland swimmers start campaign; Eventing team in dressage action
Read more »
IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland struggle for staffMinister admits agencies claim pay packages that are ‘sometimes not competitive’ can deter applicants
Read more »