Temporary works – the unsung hero of Ireland’s national development plan

The National Development Plan 2018-2027 sets out Ireland’s biggest ever investment in public infrastructure, with ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSO) and a total estimated investment of €116 billion over the period. Of these NSOs, two areas in particular stand out: transport and water.  

With an expected population increase of over one million people by 2040, the plan sets out major upgrades to public transport – including the Metro Link and Dart expansion in Dublin – as well as a wider programme of road and rail improvements to strengthen regional connectivity. At the same time, billions are earmarked for modernising and futureproofing water and wastewater services, including addressing capacity deficits, protecting against leaks and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.  

That said, the National Development Plan (NDP) isn’t just about investing in the new. A key focus is on long-term asset management; treating infrastructure as national assets that require lifecycle planning, rather than as one-off headline projects. For transport, this means maintaining networks, upgrading outdated systems and leaning into proactive management. By shifting towards strategic asset maintenance, the NDP aims to avoid the inefficiencies of reactive fixes and instead maximise the value of every euro invested. 

To make this happen, the NDP emphasises the role of rigorous project appraisal, governance reform, coordination with state enterprises and the need to maintain oversight through expenditure framework. 

But where do temporary works fit in?

Behind every rail extension, water upgrade or road expansion sits an often-overlooked enabler: temporary works. In many ways, temporary works are the ‘unsung heroes’ of the NDP, ensuring projects can be delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standard. Whether it’s temporary bridging providing site access to rural locations for project teams, materials and plant equipment; propping and groundworks safely shoring up buildings and excavations; or monitoring technology, providing contractors with valuable structural and environmental insight. 

At MH International, our comprehensive portfolio of temporary works equipment and dedicated team of over 60 engineers regularly provides bespoke, engineered solutions that transform vision into reality, with extensive experience across civil infrastructure and building sectors.