DUBLIN, Ireland: Despite increased public investment, Ireland remains behind other countries in key infrastructure areas such as health, housing, transport, and electricity, according to the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.

Ahead of its ninth conference on long-term public finance in Dublin, the council highlighted major concerns about the country's ability to deliver infrastructure efficiently. It warned that while Ireland has ramped up spending, the public is not feeling the same results.

The watchdog urged the government to focus on securing enough construction workers to complete projects while also ensuring that planning regulations do not create unnecessary delays.

"There are many areas where Ireland can improve its infrastructure, including in health, transport, and energy," said council chairman Seamus Coffey. "Ireland may not be stuck for resources right now. What we are stuck for is workers, with unemployment at record lows, and a strategy to deliver more effectively."

The report emphasized the economic risks of ongoing infrastructure shortages, particularly in housing, where rising rents are pushing up wage demands and business costs, making the country less competitive.

While advocating for a steady, well-planned approach to closing infrastructure deficits, the council cautioned that simply raising spending without improving efficiency could create additional problems. It also called for stronger external oversight in the early stages of major projects to ensure better value for money.

The conference brings together national and international experts to explore solutions for faster and more efficient infrastructure delivery.