UCC School of Law’s Alison Hardiman appointed to Government’s Major Projects Advisory Group

4 Jan 2022

The group has been formed by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, to further strengthen project management and to assist his Department in its project assurance role for major capital investment projects.

The introduction of this new External Assurance Process will see independent external experts reviewing and scrutinising investment projects, as per commitments made in the recently revised National Development Plan to restructure the oversight and implementation of capital projects and to strengthen scrutiny of major public investment proposals.

The Major Projects Advisory Group (MPAG) will scrutinise project proposals and external reviews in advance of decision to proceed.

Alison Hardiman is a PhD candidate at the UCC School of Law, completing a research project with sponsorship from EirGrid on planning law considerations affecting Ireland's ability to achieve its climate change targets in respect of the development of renewable energy projects. A qualified lawyer, Alison has significant experience in the development of strategic infrastructure projects in Ireland as a planning and development law expert.

Speaking following her appointment to MPAG, Alison Hardiman said:

The Major Projects Advisory Group is an excellent initiative of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and I am delighted to have been appointed to it. I very much look forward to working with my new colleagues in relation to upcoming major projects across Ireland in support of the wider external assurance process.

For more information on the MPAG appointments from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, please see https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/13a36-minister-mcgrath-introduces-new-assurance-process-for-major-capital-projects-and-establishes-advisory-group/