4.4 | Conclusion

4.4 | Conclusion

sector. Improved multi-modal integration between transport options, such as space for bikes on public transport or increased availability of micro mobility, can also assist with first and last mile issues and make sustainable transport options more accessible to those who have mobility issues.

To ensure value for money, future investment in the transport system will continue to be subject to rigorous appraisal and the requirements of the Public Spending Code and sectoral guidance set out in the Common Appraisal Framework for Transport Projects and Programmes. Alongside these technical requirements, some of which are discussed in greater detail in Section 5, NIFTI puts in place Investment Priorities and Hierarchies to ensure the strategic alignment of future transport investment and to support the NPF.

Both Hierarchies serve as a framework to enable the delivery of investments to address the four Priorities. In some cases, it will not be possible to meet infrastructure needs via the higher tiers of the Hierarchies. For example, significant investment in new and expanded public transport is needed to enable sustainable urban mobility, while targeted bypasses and completing missing links can bring substantial network benefits and make sustainable mobility more viable. More generally, investment will be priorities-led and needs-based, and where Investment Priorities cannot be addressed by maintaining or optimising existing infrastructure, appropriate improved and new infrastructure will continue to be part of future investment plans.

The four NIFTI Investment Priorities address the challenges identified in the supporting analysis, informing investment decisions each year as well as longer-term capital planning. The priorities recognise that many of the challenges can be addressed, at least partially, by protecting and renewing existing assets so that they are maintained in an adequate condition and resilient to the impacts of climate change, particularly in locations served by a small number of vulnerable links. Meeting protection and

National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland | Investment Priorities

renewal requirements also helps ensure the value for money of past investment and encompasses necessary improvements to ensure safety and accessibility.

assist, at both the project and budgetary levels, to identify the most appropriate solution to a given problem. Their application in investment planning will be pragmatic, weighing up trade-offs between, for example, maximising the value of the existing network and developing new infrastructure for more sustainable modes of travel.

The priorities also recognise the urgency of decarbonising the transport sector. Addressing urban congestion through sustainable mobility measures will contribute to decarbonisation and an improved natural environment, quality of life and, alongside securing the use of strategic links for goods of high importance, support balanced economic development. Finally, targeted enhancements to connectivity can support positive outcomes relating to society, the environment, levels of service and the economy.

The NIFTI Investment Priorities are reflected in the Modal and Investment Hierarchies. Whereas the Investment Priorities identify the types of investment we will undertake, the Hierarchies establish how we will do so. Both Hierarchies are principles-based tools rather than strict rules. Investment planning will continue to be needsbased and objectives-led, and the Hierarchies will

National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland | Project Ireland 2040

5 Implementation

National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland | Implementation

Implementation

To ensure the success of NIFTI, sectoral appraisal guidance will be updated so that the framework is reflected at the level of individual projects. Strategic Assessment Reports will be a key new output to demonstrate alignment with NIFTI, both at the level of individual schemes and when capital planning across schemes. To further inform future policy development, we will continue building the evidence base in priority areas.