Cross-project issues in Ireland shows the need for continued attention on reform of project delivery.

APM has called for continued reform of how publicly funded projects in Ireland are initiated, governed and delivered, including using the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan to create a formal Project-Delivery Authority in Government. 

In its latest report, ‘Cross-project issues in Ireland’ APM identifies repeating structural weaknesses that have led to spiralling costs, delays, and reputational damage. 

Drawing on cross case analysis of four high profile projects — the National Children's Hospital Project (NPH); the Arts Council’s Business Transformation Programme (BTP); the Office of Public Works (OPW) Leinster House Bicycle Shed; and RTÉ’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and IT system, the report examines selected issues, themes, and trends to better understand the barriers to project delivery that present across each of the projects, and more broadly in Ireland.

The common cross project failings identified by APM include governance and accountability; initiation, scope definition, and cost management; schedule and delivery delays; social, economic and political pressures; and procurement and contract management issues.

“These cases are not isolated mishaps; they reveal a pattern,” says Andrew Baldwin Head of Policy and Public Affairs at APM. “Ambiguity in accountability, weak business cases, and poor procurement discipline are recurring across sectors.

We are pleased to see the Government is addressing this. The renewed focus on project delivery, with the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, is beginning to address some of these problems. 

The Government should continue to strengthen project leadership, skills and standards to restore public trust in megaprojects and megaproject delivery.”

APM’s recommendations to drive future success of project across Ireland include:

·      Establish clear accountability and transparency around public spending and communication of spending decisions. An examination of project standards and processes across all areas of projects.

·      The Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce must continue to consult project professionals from existing internal and external bodies on how the Government should lead project delivery and consider the creation of a new Project-Delivery Authority. 

·      Research into, and investment in, project expertise in both Government-led projects and publicly funded projects. A focus on enhancing project disciplines where weaknesses have been identified.

·      Enhanced focus on continuous professional development and skills in projects. Consideration of the training and resource already available and develop this across Government departments and public bodies.

Last year, APM launched a Regional Network in the ROI following increasing demand for qualifications and Chartered Project Professional status in Ireland. The Network brings together a community of project professionals and holds various events and activities including CPD (Continuing Professional Development) sessions, workshops, networking events, and conferences.