🇮🇪 Ireland is a nation that says “no worries” with a smile while quietly carrying a wishlist it’s too polite to say out loud.

Behind the charm and the “ah sure, it’ll be grand,” there’s a quiet but growing desire for something more—more fairness, more vision, more courage. And while we might not shout it from the rooftops (unless it’s about GAA), here’s what we’re really thinking—but too polite to demand.

This isn’t just a youth manifesto. It’s a shared vision—from students to retirees, rural towns to city centres, migrants to Mná na hÉireann. It’s what Ireland wants—and what’s already being done to make it happen.

🌟 20 Big Projects That Could Transform Ireland for the Better

From housing to hydrogen, culture to climate—these bold, hopeful ideas are more than just plans. They’re the building blocks of a fairer, greener, and more connected Ireland.

🏠 1. A National Housing Infrastructure Agency

A state-backed agency to deliver 50,000 homes annually—public, affordable, and sustainable—would tackle the housing crisis head-on. Budget 2025 allocates €1.65 billion to the Housing Finance Agency. Inspired by Vienna’s model, this agency would work with local authorities and the Land Development Agency, supported by EU cohesion funds and the European Investment Bank.

🚆 2. Ireland’s Green Rail Renaissance

A modern, electrified and hydrogen-powered rail network would connect every major town and city. Budget 2025 allocates €3.9 billion to transport. Projects like MetroLink, Dart+ West, and the All-Island Strategic Rail Review are in motion. Hydrogen trains, already in use in Germany and the UK, could serve rural lines. Hydrogen cars could also offer a clean, fast-refuelling alternative to EVs, especially in rural areas.

👶 3. A Universal Childcare and Early Years System

Ireland could follow the Nordic model with a publicly funded childcare system. Budget 2025 increases subsidies and wages, and the EU’s Child Guarantee supports access for all. This would reduce costs for families, support working parents, and give every child a strong start.

🧠 4. A National Mental Health and Wellbeing Service

A 24/7, community-based mental health system is within reach. Budget 2025 includes €2.9 million for CAMHS expansion. Mental Health Ireland’s strategy and EU4Health funding support trauma-informed care, digital therapy, and school-based services.

🌾 5. A Climate-Positive Rural Economy Plan

With €235 million allocated to rural revitalisation and CAP support, Ireland can lead in rewilding, regenerative farming, and community energy. A €5 billion Just Transition Fund—co-financed by the EU—could create green jobs and restore biodiversity.

💻 6. A National Digital Commons and Data Trust

Ireland could lead in digital democracy with a public data trust and open-source civic tech. The National Digital Strategy and EU Digital Europe Programme support digital inclusion and ethical data use. Estonia’s e-governance model is a blueprint.

🧑‍🎓 7. A Youth Guarantee 2.0

A new national programme could offer every under-30 a guaranteed path: job, training, education, or entrepreneurship. Budget 2025 includes €1.2 billion for upskilling. The EU’s Social Fund+ can co-finance apprenticeships and innovation hubs.

🎨 8. A National Arts and Culture Dividend

A €100 “culture credit” for every resident, plus a permanent Basic Income for the Arts, would democratise access and support creators. Budget 2025 continues the pilot for 2,000 artists. France’s “Pass Culture” shows how it can work.

🤝 9. A Shared Island Innovation Campus

A cross-border research hub in Monaghan or Derry could focus on peacebuilding, climate tech, and social enterprise. Funded by the Shared Island Fund and Horizon Europe, it would deepen North-South collaboration and create high-quality jobs.

💚 10. A Wellbeing Budget for Ireland

Inspired by New Zealand and Wales, a Wellbeing Budget would measure success by health, equality, and sustainability—not just GDP. Budget 2025 includes €150 million for community wellbeing. It’s time to put people first in public finance.

🚴‍♀️ 11. A National Greenway and Blueway Network

Expanding Ireland’s walking, cycling, and waterway trails would boost tourism, health, and rural economies. The Active Travel Fund and EU cohesion funding support this. Think of it as a national park you can cycle through.

🏡 12. A National Retrofit and Energy Efficiency Mission

With SEAI grants and EU Green Deal support, Ireland can retrofit 500,000 homes by 2030. This would cut emissions, lower bills, and create thousands of green jobs—especially in construction and engineering.

📚 13. A National Lifelong Learning Platform

A free, digital learning platform—offering micro-credentials, upskilling, and career coaching—could empower workers at every stage of life. Budget 2025 supports lifelong learning, and the EU’s Digital Education Action Plan provides funding.

🗳️ 14. A National Youth Parliament

A permanent, youth-led assembly could advise government on education, climate, and inclusion. Backed by the Department of Children and the EU Youth Strategy, it would ensure young voices shape national policy.

♻️ 15. A National Circular Economy Accelerator

Ireland could become a leader in zero-waste innovation with a national accelerator for circular startups. Budget 2025 supports green enterprise, and the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan offers funding and frameworks.

🏦 16. A National Public Banking Network

Community-owned banks could support local SMEs, housing co-ops, and green projects. Inspired by Germany’s Sparkassen model, this would decentralise finance and build economic resilience.

🌽 17. A National Food Sovereignty Strategy

Ireland could invest in local food systems, urban farming, and seed banks. The EU Farm to Fork Strategy and CAP reform support sustainable, resilient agriculture that feeds people—not just exports.

👐 18. A National Volunteer and Civic Service Year

A paid “civic year” for young people to work in climate, care, or community projects would build skills and solidarity. The European Solidarity Corps offers a model and funding.

🎮 19. A National Creative Tech Campus

A hub for gaming, animation, and immersive media—co-funded by Screen Ireland and Creative Europe—could make Ireland a global leader in creative tech. Think “Silicon Docks meets Studio Ghibli.”

😊 20. A National Happiness Index

Let’s measure what matters. A national index tracking wellbeing, trust, and life satisfaction—like Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness—would guide better policy and a more compassionate society.

💬 Final Thought

These aren’t just dreams—they’re blueprints. With political courage, community leadership, and smart investment, Ireland can build a society that works for everyone. The future isn’t something we wait for. It’s something we build—together.

#FutureIreland #BuildBetter #GreenFairConnected #Ireland2030 #HopeInAction