Written Answers Nos. 66-84
66. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the catchment and flood risk management plan under CFRAM for County Louth; the progress on the implementation of same that has been made to date; the funding that has been allocated to the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30970/23]
View answerTo deliver the proposed measures set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans for County Louth, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed. The funding for these schemes has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The development of flood relief schemes, overseen by project Steering Groups with representatives meeting monthly from the OPW and Louth County Council, involves five distinct, sequential and related stages. The first stage involves assessing the flood risk and identifying options, followed by planning, detailed design, construction and maintenance. Public consultation forms part of each stage and project websites, available on floodinfo.ie, provide updates on each scheme’s progress.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects are being progressed simultaneously. The tender for Engineering and Environmental Consultancy Services was awarded in 2020 to a joint venture between Binnies (formerly Black and Veatch) and Nicholas O‘Dwyer. The preliminary project cost estimate for these schemes is circa €80m and the proposed scheme will protect some 1,880 properties when completed. The scheme option for Dundalk/Blackrock South is expected in Q1 2024. The scheme option report for Ardee is currently being finalised and is expected to be completed in Q3 2023.
In relation to the Drogheda and Baltray schemes, the tender for Engineering and Environmental Consultancy Services was awarded to RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd in September 2021. The preliminary project cost estimate for these schemes is circa €35m and the proposed scheme will protect some 450 properties when completed. The scheme option is expected by the end of Q3 2024.
Consideration is being given as to how best to progress the Carlingford and Greenore schemes and the OPW will continue to liaise with Louth County Council.
Funding of just over €3.3 million has been provided to Louth County Council across these major schemes since 2018.
As well as funding for major flood relief schemes, additional funding of €1.8m has been approved for Louth County Council under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme since 2009.
While the CFRAM process investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified, and so a review of the risk in these communities and the likely costs and benefits is to be undertaken. The Office of Public Works has put in place a process for undertaking such Scheme Viability Reviews (SVRs), including those for Annagassan and Termonfeckin. The purpose of the SVRs is to determine whether or not potential schemes should be taken forward to the full Flood Relief Scheme (FRS) project stages. Once the outcome of the SVR is known OPW will discuss the results with Louth County Council.
67. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether his Department is developing a financial strategy to deal with the impact of long Covid on society in the medium to long term; if so, the details of same; whether it is earmarking funds for use by the relevant Departments such as the Departments of Health and Education, to assist public servants who contracted Covid in the line of duty (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30796/23]
View answerSignificant funding of circa €35 billion has been provided for COVID expenditure since the onset of the pandemic. This funding has provided supports for society, business and the Public Service with the challenges of COVID. The Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2023 outlined the provision of COVID expenditure out to 2025. The use of this funding is considered as part of the relevant estimates process.
In terms of public servants specifically, it was decided at the onset of the pandemic that Special Leave with Pay should be used in lieu of sick leave for self-isolation or a diagnosis of COVID-19. Changes have been made to the arrangements over the course of the last three years in line with changes to public health, government guidance and the general return to the workplace. Special leave with pay currently applies for the duration of the HSE-recommended ‘stay at home period’ following a positive COVID-19 test result (whatever duration is in place at the time of the absence, currently five calendar days). These arrangements provide support to Public Service staff in addition to the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, which includes the areas of the public service referred to in the deputy’s question.
Under the Sick Leave Scheme staff can avail of the following payments during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:
• A maximum of 92 days on full pay in a rolling one year period
• Followed by a maximum of 91 days on half pay in a rolling one year period
• Subject to a maximum of 183 days paid sick leave in a rolling four year period
There is also the potential for access to additional sick leave in certain circumstances as guided by the Critical Illness Protocol. It is important to note that equity is a fundamental principle of the Scheme, and illnesses are treated equally to ensure fairness for all.
69. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when flood defence construction works will advance in the Upper Lee area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30969/23]
View answerTá Oifig na nOibreacha Phoiblí i gcomhpháirtíocht le Comhairle Contae Chorcaí ag plé go réamhghníomhach dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar an rogha is fearr inmhartha scéim tuilleadh fóirthine a roghnú a thabhairfidh cosaint suntasach do 90 mhaoin i Baile Muirne atá i mbaol tuille. Feighmeoidh Comharile Contae Chorcaí mar údaras ceannais don scéim agus tá siad ag plé le OPW raon an achoimre comhairleoireachta a sainmíniú le comhairleoir a chur ar fáil ina dhiaidh sin.
In the interim, Cork County Council has been approved funding of circa €187,250 in 2018 under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This funding is for the provision of temporary flood defence measures, including sand bag defence structure, increasing the ground level with ramps, and installation of 2 non-return valves.
Malachy Walsh and Partners (MWP) Consulting Engineers have been commissioned by Cork County Council to complete the design of the interim flood relief measures in Baile Mhuirne/Ballyvourney. This detailed design work is now well underway with the intention of going to tender for construction in Q3, 2023.
While the OPW has since 2018 trebled, to 90, the number of schemes at design and construction, it is proactively planning to commence the balance of some 60 Tranche II schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans. While the Government has given the financial commitment for these schemes there are a number of constraints, including the highly professional engineering skills needed in the area of hydrology and hydraulic modelling. The limited resources available for this specialised area means that the OPW must balance the schemes progressing with the resources available. However over the past number of years the local authorities have developed their project management capability in the area of flood relief schemes. The OPW is therefore exploring with local authorities ways to identify and prioritise how their shared capacity, and the experience gained by local authorities since 2018, can be utilised to progress new schemes.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Ballingeary is a Tranche II scheme which will be progressed at a projected cost estimate of circa €3.1 million which will be revised during the options development. This proposed scheme consists of Installation of flood walls and embankments and will provide protection to 46 properties when completed.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Inchigeelagh is also a Tranche II scheme which will be progressed at a projected cost estimate of circa €2.6m which will be revised during the scheme options development. The proposed measures consist of flood walls and embankments to protect vulnerable properties in Inchigeelagh. These defences range from 0.6m – 1.9m in height and will provide protection to 28 properties when completed.
Once consultants are appointed to progress these schemes, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the schemes.
Each of the above mentioned flood relief schemes will be funded from within the allocated €1.3 billion for flood risk management over the period of the National Development Plan to 2030, that forms part of the Government’s planned investment in Flood Relief measures nationally.
70. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the transfer of Brexit adjustment reserve funding to the REPowerEU fund; if he will confirm whether the funding will be ring-fenced for agricultural purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25140/23]
View answer256. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how he envisages spending the €150 million of Brexit adjustment reserve funding his Department has transferred to the RePowerEU initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31317/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 70 and 256 together.
REPowerEU is the EU’s plan to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels, boost the independence and security of the Union’s energy supply and accelerate the green transition. In practical terms, REPowerEU will be financed via the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). This facility is a performance based instrument and is contingent on the delivery of milestones and targets. Ireland’s allocation in grants under REPowerEU is worth circa €90m. In addition, the Government agreed to request a transfer of €150 million from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) to the REPowerEU programme, bringing the total amount available to €240 million. A further transfer request from BAR to REPowerEU is currently being considered by the Commission.
To access this funding, Member States, including Ireland, will be required to amend their National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRP) and add a specific chapter to outline the key investments and reforms to help achieve the REPowerEU objectives. A key consideration for projects proposed is timely deliverability as failure to deliver on the agreed milestones and targets will directly impact drawdown of the allocated monies. Proposals must be in a position to deliver within the RRF timeline and meet the stringent management, reporting, audit and verification requirements. My Department has commenced informal discussions with the Commission and is engaging with Departments on potential proposals including from the Departments of Environment, Climate and Communication, Education, Transport, Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the OPW. Following this engagement, I will bring a Memorandum to Government seeking approval for the proposed REPowerEU programme to be negotiated and agreed with the European Commission.
71. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress to date under national strategic outcome No. 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30987/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of these NSOs, including NSO 2 which relates to Enhanced Regional Accessibility.
This strategic outcome seeks to enhance intra-regional accessibility through improved transport links between key urban centres of population and their respective regions, as well as improving transport links between the regions. The Government is investing in active travel, bus, rail and road projects across the country to deliver on this strategic outcome. The NDP provides funding of €35 billion for transport infrastructure over the next ten years. Among the projects recently completed were the N5 Westport to Turlough road. This road will enable economic development in the West of Ireland, while greatly enhancing connectivity within the region, as well as improving the link between the midlands and the West of Ireland. Other regional transport projects under construction are the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom road and the M8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange.
The maintenance and renewal of the rail network is also a focus of this strategic outcome. The NTA and Iarnród Eireann have ordered 41 Inter-City Railcars (ICRs) which are entering service and will further enhance and expand the rail fleet. Construction of the National Train Control Centre was completed in November 2022 and will be a key enabler for the expansion of rail services as it will enhance rail traffic management and will underpin both the planned and potential future expansion of rail services across the network.
The Government is committed to detailing progress on the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency of the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This is achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer which list projects and programmes on a regional and county level. These datasets list the stage of the project lifecycle from strategic assessment to completion, thereby allowing users to see what projects are planned, in construction or completed for each county and region.
The capital tracker and interactive map are key tools in overseeing the progress of Project Ireland 2040. The latest editions of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and interactive map, were published on the gov.ie website in February 2023. The tracker includes comprehensive details on almost 320 large scale projects and 140 individual programmes, while the interactive map database includes an overview of 1,240 individual projects.
72. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30907/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the National Development Plan (NDP) published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of these NSOs, including NSO 10 (Access to Quality Childcare, Education and Health Services).
In terms of childcare, during 2022, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth spent almost €60 million across its various capital programmes to support a range of key services in respect of children and young people and international migrants. In addition, in 2022, over 180 school building projects were delivered under various programmes and schemes, such as the Large Scale Capital Programme, and the Additional School Accommodation Scheme. Approximately 300 school projects are currently in construction, with a further 1,000 schools projects in the pipeline.
In terms of healthcare, new elective hospitals are planned for Cork and Galway. Significant progress is being made on the National Children’s Hospital, and 16 new Primary Centres were added in 2022. As of June 2023, there are 167 Primary Care Centres operational nationally, with a further 13 currently in construction, with 10 of these due to open during 2023.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available to Departments to spend on vital infrastructure in areas such as transport, education, and health, as well as housing, water infrastructure and cultural amenities. NSO 10 will continue to be prioritised as we continue to deliver our National Strategic Outcomes across the country in line with the National Planning Framework.
73. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30882/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan 2021 - 2030 (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case.
NSO 9 relates to the Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources. This NSO highlights the centrality of our sustainable water resources to the implementation of the National Planning Framework to underpin our environmental and economic well-being into the future which is against the backdrop of the deficits in water services capacity and quality arising from past underinvestment. Investment in the water and waste water network will support environmental and economic wellbeing, deal with population growth and the effects of a changing climate.
The relevant sectoral strategies under this NSO are the Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025, Uisce Éireann’s National Water Resources Plan and the Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. These strategies play a critical role in identifying the goals and priorities for this area and are therefore critical in informing the investment projects set out in the NDP.
In terms of water management a range of investments are planned and underway. In the period from 2021-2025 almost €6 billion of investments will be undertaken by Uisce Éireann. This investment includes major projects such as the Cork City Water Supply Project, Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade and the ongoing National Leakage Reduction Programme.
Major capital infrastructure programmes across all of Ireland are currently ongoing and investment will continue to be prioritised to improve water and waste water quality through significant capital projects and delivery of national programmes.
Strategic investment priorities to ensure water quality include: works to address issues with public water supplies on the EPA’s Remedial Action List, ending the discharge of untreated sewage at the locations identified under the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, and Undertaking waste water upgrades at EPA designated priority areas.
Furthermore, a range of investment relating to the Circular Economy will also be delivered over the coming years.
These are just some of the many investments which will be delivered under NSO 9 in the coming years to support Project Ireland 2040. Further details on projects, by NSO, can be found on the investment tracker on gov.ie/2040.
74. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cumulative value of the investments to be made in counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, respectively, under the timeframe of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the estimated funding drawdown to date in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30881/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which have been determined by the relevant Departments as central to the delivery of the National Planning Framework vision.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming weeks. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Eastern and Midland Region, including in Counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
75. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the Government’s review of the operation and functionality of the Freedom of Information Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30827/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his interest in the review process and welcome the opportunity to provide the House with the following update.
The review process has been an open and collaborative one, taking in the views of a wide range of stakeholders. It commenced with a scoping process which sought the views of stakeholders across all sectors in setting the direction of the review. Approximately 1,200 responses were received at this stage of the process from individuals, organisations, and public bodies.
In addition, a customer satisfaction survey was undertaken, which sought the views of both requesters and the staff of public bodies involved in processing requests. 1,100 further responses were received in this project.
Based on key themes identified in the previous stages of information gathering, a full public consultation was undertaken, with 60 further responses received. In order to further tease out particular issues, a series of focus group sessions and interviews were carried out with key stakeholder groups.
This process of engagement was accompanied by a review of international approaches to FOI, seeking to identify best practices and innovations globally.
A progress update was issued to stakeholders at the end of 2022, which summarised key findings in the information gathering process to date, and set out in broad terms the matters under consideration.
There are three main strands. Firstly, a more coherent approach to information governance and access. Secondly, supplementing formal FOI requests with less bureaucratic and more direct ways of achieving transparency, including proactive publication of information. Finally, the review addresses various issues and proposals for improving the FOI request process.
The process of preparing the final review report commenced earlier in the year. This has been undertaken in close collaboration with the Office of the Information Commissioner, but also other policy-holders in related areas, such as the National Archives. The report is now nearing completion, and will be finalised with the intention that it is brought to Government for consideration in the third quarter of this year.
76. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to clarify the current position of the Blackpool flood relief scheme; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31046/23]
View answer80. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the OPW plans for flood relief in Blackpool. [31023/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 80 together.
The consent process underpinning the River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme under the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019 was reverted to an earlier phase following the outcome of a Judicial Review in January 2022. Following these proceedings, my Department sought supplementary information from the Office of Public Works in February 2022. The OPW submitted supplementary information to my Department in October 2022. This information can be found on the scheme website at floodinfo.ie.
My Department has retained independent consultants to assess the Environmental Impacts of the scheme as required by the Regulations. It is my intention to hold a period of public consultation into the scheme as required under Section 7(c)(1) of the Regulations. Details of this consultation will be made available on the Department's website in due course.
77. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will comment on how the 2023 well-being framework will feature in the National Economic Dialogue, the summer economic Statement and budget day documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30968/23]
View answerFrom 2022, the Government has committed to featuring the Well-being Framework within the budgetary process. This follows from a commitment in the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future to use a well-being perspective to inform budgetary priorities as a complement to existing economic measurement tools. This commitment regarding the budgetary process is part of a wider undertaking to develop a set of indices to create a holistic view of how Irish society is faring and utilise this in a systematic way across government policy making.
As the budgetary process is a whole-of-year process, the well-being initiative is being developed in a way that seeks to inform this process as a whole. Within this broader context, in December 2022, my Department published a working paper that sets out an approach to integrating the Well-being Framework into Ireland’s budgetary cycle. The overall approach seeks to introduce a well-being perspective at key points in the budgetary process. In this context, my Department is progressing an initiative that seeks to develop a cross-governmental description of budgetary expenditure decisions in terms of well-being dimensions. It is intended that this will complement the existing Vote Group approach to presenting such decisions and “tag” expenditure so as to describe the overall level of allocated resources in terms of well-being dimensions.
The use of a well-being perspective has been evident at the National Economic Dialogues over the past few years. At this year’s Dialogue I chaired a breakout session that was informed by a well-being perspective. In particular, this breakout session sought to provide participants with an opportunity to consider longer-term economic, social and environmental factors as part of their discussions of budgetary prioritisation.
Since autumn 2021, the CSO has hosted their ‘Well-being Information Hub’ which provides an interactive and up-to-date view of the Well-being Framework’s 35 indicators that measure life and progress in Ireland. This month, the Government published the second annual analysis of the Well-being Framework. This report was prepared by the Department of the Taoiseach and is intended to support a broad discussion of the impacts of policy decisions.
The Summer Economic Statement (SES) provides the key anchor for budgetary policy each year and outlines the fiscal parameters within which discussions will take place ahead of Budget 2024. Each year the SES sets out our plans for sustainable expenditure growth to provide for the delivery of investment in public services and infrastructure to support a strong, fair and equal society into the future. Such plans are key to addressing issues of well-being for our people. It is intended that this year’s Summer Economic Statement will again include information on the Well-being Framework and provide a summary of the analysis of the Dashboard’s indicators.
More broadly, the Spending Review process offers an opportunity to develop, present and publish policy analysis that applies a well-being perspective to existing public policies and programmes.
78. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on a flood scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30950/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has sought consent for the scheme in accordance with the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019. An initial round of public consultation was held beginning on the 1st December 2020 and concluding on the 11th January 2021. Following this period of public consultation, my Department sought additional information regarding the scheme from the Office of Public Works. The OPW provided this information to my Department in July 2021. On foot of receiving further information, a further period of public consultation was then required and this took place over the period from the 6th May 2022 to the 1st July 2022.
My Department has retained independent environmental consultants to review the submissions received during the consultation and to carry out any necessary environmental assessments as required by EU Directives 2011/92 and 2014/52. Section 7E(4) of the regulations provides that I have access to sufficient expertise to examine an environmental impact assessment report submitted by OPW. The work being carried out by the Department's independent consultants is at an advanced stage and I have been advised that is due to be completed shortly. On completion, I expect to receive a recommendation regarding the scheme. Under Section 7E(1) of the Regulations it is open to me to:(a) make an order confirming the scheme;(b) refuse to confirm the scheme, or(c) refer the scheme back to the Commissioners of Public Works for revision in specified respects. Any decision made under Section 7E(1) will be published on the Department's website as required under Section 7F(1)(a) of the Regulations.
79. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cumulative value of the investments to be made in counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly, respectively, under the timeframe of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the estimated funding drawdown to date in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30883/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which have been determined by the relevant Departments as central to the delivery of the National Planning Framework vision.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming weeks. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Eastern and Midland Region, including in counties Longford, Westmeath, Laois and Offaly, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
81. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cumulative value of the investments to be made in counties Cork and Kerry, respectively, under the timeframe of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the estimated funding drawdown to date in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30877/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which have been determined by the relevant Departments as central to the delivery of the National Planning Framework vision.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including counties Cork and Kerry, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming weeks. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Southern Region, including in Counties Cork and Kerry, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
82. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cumulative value of the investments to be made in Dublin under the timeframe of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the estimated funding drawdown to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30885/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which have been determined by the relevant Departments as central to the delivery of the National Planning Framework vision.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including Dublin City and County, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming weeks. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Eastern and Midland Region, including in Dublin City and County, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
83. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the role his Department has taken in the review of occupancy status of public buildings. [31024/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works is only in a position to respond with information pertaining to public buildings that are owned or leased by them.
A key function of the Office of Public Works is to provide good quality functional accommodation for all Government Departments. In this regard, the OPW holds a portfolio of property throughout the country to meet the various operational needs of the Civil Service, the Gardaí and various other State Bodies.
The OPW’s objective is to hold, manage and maintain a property portfolio that is aligned to Government business delivery needs in terms of size, location, specification, value for money and optimum utilisation.
As of Year-end 2022 the Office portfolio, which forms a key part of the overall accommodation portfolio, comprised 543 buildings with a total floor area of 896,842 sq.m (9,653,527 sq ft).
While the implementation of Blended Working by individual Departments will no doubt have an impact on the occupation of the office portfolio managed by the OPW, the level of this impact will take some time to manifest itself, and must be considered in the context of the overall accommodation demands of Government, and the make-up of the existing accommodation portfolio. The OPW are actively engaged with their Clients on how the workplace can be adapted to support their business and operational requirements in the context of hybrid work strategies. This engagement will continue over the coming months as Departments review their blended working policies.
Active asset management in close collaboration with all occupiers - Departments, Agencies, Public bodies etc. - will ensure that every opportunity will be taken to improve occupational efficiency in line with Client business models and OPW Strategic Plans, resulting in an office portfolio that is fit for purpose and delivers value for money for the taxpayer aligned with meeting the States Climate Action Targets.
84. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide the schedule of work and detail on the plans under way by the State in relation to Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street; and to clarify if these plans could involve a chance of causing damage to the neighbouring buildings of Nos. 13 or 18, which also date from before the 1916 Easter Rising. [23716/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the OPW is substantively addressing the project at the 14 – 17 Moore St. National Monument in order to create a 1916 Commemorative Centre. This is being done on foot of a Government Decision which is, in turn, informed by Securing History, the third report of the Moore St. Advisory Group, (of which, of course, the Deputy was a member) and the complementary work done by the Irish Heritage Trust to inform the conservation and presentation of the site.
To date, a Design Team has been appointed and they have begun work on the key Phase 1 project which is the work to conserve the original range of houses and the creation of a historic visitor experience within them. In the short term, this will involve carrying out a review of the design previously created and assessing if any changes need to be made to bring it up to date with current Building Regulations. In tandem, a number of surveys are also being arranged to assess the state of the buildings currently and to provide a baseline for the subsequent design activity.
When this has been completed, the Design Team will move forward to the detailed planning phase, drawing up plans and specifications in a sufficient level of detail to enable tenders to be sought from suitably experienced Contractors.
At this stage in the process, it is difficult to estimate with complete precision how long this project will take to complete; however, at this stage, the OPW estimate that the Phase 1 work will be onsite in mid 2024, with completion expected in late 2026.
As I have said, the work being done currently is on assessing the earlier plan and assessing whether it needs any amendment to bring it up to date. This means that the entire and sole focus is on the 14 – 17 National Monument and the structures which are in the ownership of the State. There are no plans to do any work outside of that and the OPW are not anticipating that there will be any impact from their works on the adjoining structures of no 13 and no 18.
