Welcome to the latest public affairs digest from the ACEI (covering March 2026).
We’ve been busy again with 6 political engagements including;
- 1 Minister
- 2 TDs
- 2 Special Advisors and
- 1 Contracting Authority
Political Backdrop:
International events in Iran look soon to impact the Irish energy market with guidance from Government expected to conserve energy in the coming period. This puts into sharp focus Ireland’s continuing need to upgrade renewable infrastructure in the years ahead to expand our capacity to meet national demand from native sources. At national level, items are beginning to move onto the books to progress actions from the Accelerating Infrastructure taskforce. Progress across each of its actions can be followed here https://infrastructuretaskforce.org/
Despite our importance to delivery the government is resisting any introduction of NCCs at present and the HFA remains intransigent in adopting fairer contractual terms. What is working is you the member fighting for NCCs on contracts. This changes government perception on what is considered ‘standard’ industry practice and increases the likelihood of movement on public sector work. Keep working together and demand these contractual arrangements where possible. We are working with the RIAI and others to have their members demand NCCs as well.
Key priorities for the sector and ACEI remain:
- Introduction of more flexible contract types (to include NCCs)
- Median pricing on government procurement
- Issues around collateral warranty extension within contracts from state-funded bodies.
ACEI Political Engagement:
3 March: Secretariat work with TDs to answer and give guidance on Parliamentary Questions submitted to the Department for Infrastructure
3 March: Meeting in Merrion Hotel with Darragh Gallagher, Special Advisor to Minister Dara Calleary (Fianna Fáil)
5 March: Meeting with Harry Fay, former assistant to Paula Butterly (Fine Gael).
12 March: ACEI leaders meet with former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney on government engagement policy
19 March: Meeting with Conor Sheehan TD (Labour) *Rescheduled
19 March: Meeting with OPW on Flood Relief
24 March: Meeting with the Department of Education
25 March: Meeting with Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fáil)
26 March: Meeting with Deputy John Clendennen (Fine Gael)
Remember: the ACEI will represent you directly with clients if and when issues arise. Contact us, we can help.
