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ARTICLE · 08 OCTOBER 2026

Updated Procurement And Contract Approach For Irish Public Infrastructure Projects

William Fry LLP
William Fry LLP
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William Fry LLP

William Fry LLP

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The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation has introduced significant changes to procurement and contracting approaches for Irish public infrastructure projects through Circular 25/2026. These reforms allow critical infrastructure projects to adopt internationally recognized contract forms like NEC and FIDIC, marking a departure from traditional public works contracts. The measures aim to accelerate delivery of major transport, water, wastewater and energy

IrelandGovernment, Public Sector
Cassandra Byrne
Cassandra Byrne
Jarleth Heneghan
Jarleth Heneghan
Liam McCabe
Liam McCabe
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The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) has published a number of measures aimed at accelerating infrastructure, particularly in the transport, water, wastewater and energy sectors.

Circular 25/2026 and contracting approach for critical infrastructure projects

In August 2026, the Minister published Circular 25/2025 (the Circular) which implements a number of the Actions set out in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action plan and in particular, Action 25: Reform Procurement Process.

The updates to procurement requirements within the circular apply only to Exchequer funded projects designated as critical under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 (the Act).

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