Written Answers Nos. 76-91
76. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made to date with the survey of coastal erosion damage on Inishbofin Island; when a decision will be made on funding necessary works there, including the reinstatement of Roisin Pier (east end); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17768/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) approved funding of €90,000 in 2015 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to Galway County Council in respect of a Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management study for Inishbofin Island as a whole, including the issues of concern at the East End Pier.
A comprehensive study was required to assess coastal erosion and flood risk on Inishbofin Island to examine the current processes effecting the coastline and to advise on appropriate measures to address these issues.
Galway County Council has since commissioned and completed the Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Management study, and a draft final report is under review by the Council in consultation with the OPW. This study examined three individual areas of interest on Inishbofin Island, which included Cloonamore Bay where the East End pier is situated, Southern Shore and North Beach.
The main objective of the study is to develop a sustainable plan to best manage the risks to human health and life, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity posed by coastal erosion and flooding. This study will also assess the feasibility of the potential coastal management measures.
It is envisaged that the report will be agreed and finalised in the coming months, and it will form the basis for subsequent applications for future works.
Funding for these works by Galway County Council is available under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website.
The Government recognises the clear challenge posed by coastal erosion and established an Inter-Departmental Group on Managing Coastal Change Strategy to scope out an approach for the development of a national co-ordinated and integrated strategy to manage the projected impact of coastal change to our coastal communities. The Report of the Group, which was published in October 2023, sets out 15 recommendations centred on developing responses to coastal change and developing a comprehensive whole of Government approach to the development of policy response to the challenge of coastal change.
77. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress on the new Garda station in Bailieborough and if there is an estimated completion date. [8319/24]
View answerThe project for a new Garda Station at Bailieborough, Co. Cavan includes conservation of the existing former National Irish Bank building and the construction of a new three storey over basement building to the rear on a site located on the town’s main street. A significant portion of the works have been completed to date.
The purchase of a neighbouring property by the Office of Public Works (OPW) allows the provision of extra secure parking spaces and safer processing of those being arrested. Plans to facilitate this were approved by Garda Estate Management and Planning Permission for the works was granted in September 2023.
The Contractor submitted costings and timescales for these works which have been approved by the Office of Public Works and An Garda Síochána. It is expected that all works, including the extra works, will be completed in Q2 2025.
78. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the OPW’s response to ongoing flooding and rising waters at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon. [17597/24]
View answer82. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the emergency solution for ongoing flooding and rising waters at Lough Funshinagh, County Roscommon. [17596/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 82 together.
I visited Lough Funshinagh on Friday 12th April and have seen at first hand the devastating impact the situation there is having for home owners and the community.
Since January 2024, the average daily levels are rising by about 1cm and are at their highest ever recorded levels some 3.35m above the normal annual high level of 66 mOD (metres Ordnance Datum), spanning an extended area of circa 178 hectares.
Roscommon County Council has deployed every emergency response measure it can and is achievable through road raising, pumping and sandbags, to keep the rising water levels from entering people’s properties.
The OPW is currently supplying seven pumps to Roscommon County Council, and servicing these pumps on site, to support the Council’s efforts to mitigate and manage the flood risk.
Lough level changes are being closely monitored and risk assessed on site by Roscommon County Council.
The excess levels in the lake have reduced the ecological status of Lough Funshinagh that is a designated site under the EU Habitats Directive.
Since 2021, Roscommon County Council started works to lay an underground overflow pipe to take the excess waters, by gravity, to the River Shannon. These works are 60% complete. Roscommon County Council has been stopped, through judicial reviews, on two occasions from undertaking and completing these emergency works, to reduce the levels back to their normal high level of 66 mOD.
As a result, Roscommon County Council, since March 2022, is progressing the design and environmental assessments to find a solution to flooding in this area and established a Steering Group and Expert Group with cross government representatives, including the OPW and National Parks and Wildlife Service, to inform and support this approach.
On Friday 12 April 2024 I visited the area and, together with OPW officials met with local residents, elected representatives, Roscommon County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service and held constructive discussions towards finding a solution as quickly as possible, involving the completion of the underground overflow pipe and including completing temporary works, as an emergency and conservation measure, to manage the flooding in this area.
Logistically and technically works can be completed as soon as possible and a request for legal advices is with the Attorney General to identify, legally, if a statutory or planning consent process can support these works and conservation measures in these circumstances at Lough Funshinagh.
79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to identify best practice in respect of public expenditure and reform, having regard to prevailing economic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15402/24]
View answerIn recent years the Government’s public expenditure policy has allowed for a proactive and balanced approach to fiscal policy while also being flexible in addressing economic trends and unforeseen events.
A dual pronged approach was taken by the Government where non-core expenditure, temporary in nature, was used as part of the response to key economic and social challenges while the core expenditure continued to be assessed in terms of changes to existing levels of service and the particular demands within each Department.
This approach of separating core and non-core expenditure enabled the Government to:
• Ensure adequate provision of supports while protecting core day-to-day expenditure;
• Provide transparency on the costs of driven by external challenges;
• Facilitate withdrawal of supports when no longer required by ensuring these costs did not become embedded in permanent expenditure.
This has been largely successful, with non-core spending reducing year-on-year since the start of the pandemic. It has reduced from over €15 billion at the height of the pandemic to a provision of just over €5 billion this year, including the final tranche of benefits from the Cost of Living package in the Budget 2024.
Central to any best practice, my Department regularly engages in international fora, including with OECD working parties and committees in order to gain insights and share in discussions surrounding fiscal policy. These discussions, focussing on areas such as budgetary reforms and evaluation practices, strengthen our ability to respond to economic, social and environmental challenges.
As part of my Department’s reform programme, resources are committed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of policy delivery, and improve and support the evaluation capacity of line Departments. This is supported by the Irish Government Economic Evaluation Service (IGEES).
In the forthcoming Summer Economic Statement I will again assess expenditure in line with any significant changes in the economy.
80. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has engaged with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the potential of extending his remit to cover commercial public bodies in a dual-audit capacity in order to ensure greater oversight and accountability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17729/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, many State Bodies classified by the Central Statistics Office as commercial are already solely audited by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG). While Section 1438 of the Companies Act 2014 provides that companies not trading for the gain of its members may be audited by the OCAG, only regulated private sector audit firms can act as statutory auditors for companies, including public enterprises, that have been set up for commercial gain under the Companies Acts.
Commercial State companies established for commercial gain are generally held at arm’s length by Central Government for a number of reasons. These companies are usually expected to make profits that will generate dividend payments which can be utilised to fund public services. It is, therefore, an important principle that commercial State companies should be treated the same as their private sector competitors so as not to be put at a competitive disadvantage.
Every commercial State Body is expected to meet the highest standards of corporate governance and to follow the requirements set out in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. As the Deputy is aware, it is the responsibility of each Minister and their Department to manage each of their shareholdings in State Enterprises.
Ministers are also supported in managing the shareholdings of many State enterprises by the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA) through its provision of expert advice in areas such as accounting, actuarial analysis, commercial management, economics and finance. Any expansion of the dual audit practice would also have to be evaluated in the context of Ministers already receiving professional services from NewERA.
There are a small number of State enterprises where there are dual auditor arrangements between the private sector statutory auditor and the OCAG. The further extension of such arrangements would need to be considered on a case by case basis by each Minister with policy responsibility for a particular enterprise. Such a review would be required to take into account the specific circumstances and commercial environment of the commercial body. Furthermore, in considering the business case for OCAG being dual auditors, we also have to take into account that there already exists a strong parliamentary review process in respect of commercial State bodies given the wide-ranging terms of reference of Oireachtas Committees. Following such a review, if it is considered appropriate that a particular commercial enterprise under their aegis should have the OCAG as a dual auditor, and the relevant legislation for that enterprise allowed the appointment of the OCAG, I would then engage with the Comptroller and Auditor General in regard to making the necessary legal and administrative provisions.
81. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the lower Lee flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15531/24]
View answerThe Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is one of the largest flood relief scheme in the country and is supported by €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan to 2030. The study area consists of all areas potentially prone to flooding from the River Lee downstream of Inniscara reservoir to the discharge of the River Lee into Cork Harbour and adjacent to Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The proposed scheme includes flood defences along the River Lee downstream of Inniscarra reservoir and through Cork city. The scheme will involve discharges from both the Carrigadrohid and Inniscarra reservoirs for the purposes of flood risk management. A flood forecasting system will be employed to assist with decision-making on when the required reservoir discharges are necessary and if the erection of temporary demountable defences downstream in Cork city are required.
The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme was initiated in 2013 following major flooding in 2009 and 2012 and is expected to provide protection against the 100-year fluvial flooding event from the River Lee and the 200-year tidal flooding event for circa 2,100 properties. A statutory public exhibition was held from December 2016 to January 2017 with over 1,000 public submissions received by the OPW. These submissions were reviewed, analysed and where appropriate, incorporated into the scheme’s design.
Since that public exhibition, significant legislative changes in the areas of environmental assessment, climate change and biodiversity were introduced. Most notably was the passing of the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations in 2019, giving effect to the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU, and as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU. These changes in legislative and policy frameworks have led to a significant body of additional analysis and design work being undertaken by OPW and its consultants. A second public consultation is now planned to take place in the first half of 2025. As before, once public consultation has concluded, a revised design will be developed to accommodate those public submissions considered appropriate. It is intended to submit the final design for planning by the end of 2025, with tendering for construction commencing when the scheme has received approval to proceed.
Flooding in Cork city is also being mitigated through the flood relief scheme at Morrison's Island. Cork City Council are the leading authority for the Morrison’s Island scheme, which combines both public realm and flood relief works. The scheme is intended to protect large areas of Central Island and over 400 properties from flooding during an extreme tidal event. The tender process for construction has successfully concluded, with construction of the Morrison’s Island scheme expected to begin in Q2 2024.
83. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the action being taken to strengthen flood defences in Athlone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17795/24]
View answerThe Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme is being led by Westmeath County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW). Construction of the Scheme is also being undertaken directly by the OPW.
Defences are largely in place now in many areas of the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme with 94% overall of the flood defences constructed, and a number of the flood cell defences now complete. There are still a number of ancillary works to be completed, such as pumping stations and masonry cladding and steelworks.
Delays to the scheme were incurred as a result of prolonged elevated water levels on the River Shannon, Covid-19 and the introduction of high quality masonry finishes to the flood walls. Progression of the works is in general, dependent on suitable water levels in the Shannon to allow works to be carried out and on landowner permissions being in place.
The Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme is expected to be substantially completed in Q4 2024 subject to progression of the works as programmed and the progression of works at Flood Cell 7 - the River Al. However, re-instatement works and snagging will continue in 2025.
It is anticipated that the works undertaken to date in conjunction with the implementation of Westmeath County Councils Emergency Response Plan will significantly reduce the risk of the town flooding during a future extreme weather event.
84. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when a flood defence scheme (details supplied) will advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17785/24]
View answerSince 2009, the Office of Public Works, (OPW) has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €5.7 million to County Cork for some 45 projects.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie.
Funding approval under this scheme of €295,027 was allocated to Cork County Council in 2021 for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of a flood defence, a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works at the location concerned. Cork County Council confirmed that they are providing additional funding to allow an enhanced scheme to be developed, building on the elements of the approved OPW funding. Hydraulic modelling work that was completed in early February 2024 will further inform the scheme and Cork County Council plan to advertise the tender for a Consultant to undertake the detailed design, planning, procurement and management of the delivery of the project in the coming weeks.
85. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department is considering increasing investment in flood relief schemes in 2024 and 2025 to expedite the delivery of necessary schemes as a means of preventing major flooding events in urban communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15765/24]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk.
Since 2018, a phased approach to scheme delivery, in partnership with Local Authorities, has allowed the OPW to treble the number of schemes at design, planning or construction at this time to some 100 schemes. While the OPW strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with minimum delay, major flood relief schemes involve complex engineering and construction operations that can impact on people's living, built and natural environment and, therefore, require lengthy planning and decision lead-in times.
Expenditure in the earlier stages of a project represents a small proportion of the overall budget of a flood relief scheme. Schemes at construction incur the greatest expenditure, and there is no legislative or regulatory means of fast-tracking schemes to this stage.
The OPW is currently profiling to meet its total allocation for flood relief expenditure of over €80m for 2024 and has a current profile of some €100m for 2025. This anticipated expenditure is not without risk and is dependent on a number of factors which can affect total spend in any given year. Delays against profiled programme can occur due to a variety of constraints and factors, including: demand in the market for highly specialised surveys; extended timeframes for planning decisions and Judicial Review processes; extensive and detailed environmental assessments. Consequently, it is not currently envisaged that supplementary funding will be required above the current allocation.
It is anticipated that this strong pipeline of future schemes will increase the number of schemes reaching construction by the middle of the decade, thereby notably increasing the programme expenditure from 2025 to 2030. The OPW engages with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on an ongoing basis regarding the Capital and Current funding required under the National Development Plan and through the annual budgetary process to ensure that adequate funding is available to continue to progress the programme of delivery of flood relief schemes.
86. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has made an application to his Department for increased funding in budget 2025 for the repair and maintenance of local and regional roads; if he will increase the funding for allocation to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in budget 2025 for the repair and maintenance of local and regional roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17850/24]
View answerThe Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has responsibility at Central Government level in relation to the local government system generally and for certain specific functional or service areas such as planning, housing and fire services. However, responsibility in relation to policy, funding, legislation, and general oversight and accountability at national level in respect of a number of functions of local authorities rests with the relevant line Minister. Responsibility for funding of roads rests in the first instance with the Minister for Transport.
87. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the criteria in terms of cost benefit used to assess flood mitigation works in areas subject to coastal flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17769/24]
View answerCapital flood relief schemes designed, developed and/or funded by the OPW are subject to an economic appraisal in the form of a cost-benefit analysis (CBA). This has been applied to flood relief projects since the amendment to the Arterial Drainage Act in 1995 that enabled the OPW to progress such schemes. The CBA assesses the benefits of a scheme, expressed as flood damages that would be avoided were the scheme to be built, relative to the cost of the scheme as measured over a 50-year period, to assess value-for-money. The methodology applied to the CBA has evolved over time to include the potential impacts of flooding on infrastructure, emergency services, transport disruption and on people, in terms of stress, ill-health and indirect costs, as well as direct damages to homes and businesses.
With a view to further developing the scope of the CBA process, a review of project appraisal for expenditure in flood risk management was undertaken in 2021 which produced sixty recommendations and a plan was produced for the implementation of relevant recommendations. The plan sets out a three-stage approach to the implementation of the recommendations according to impact and degree of analysis or research required for implementation.
An Interim Technical Guidance Note, available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/b15dd0-technical-specifications-and-guidance-notes/, has been completed for the implementation of the Stage I recommendations, including provision for increased flood damages over time due to climate change and for flood impacts on amenity and tourism. Implementation of the Stage II and III recommendations will commence in 2024.
In relation to the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, applications from local authorities are assessed by the OPW having regard to specific economic, social and environmental criteria, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding. The details of this scheme and the cost benefit criteria applied are available at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/242647-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme-explanato/
88. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department has received communication from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth requesting additional funding for capital projects for childcare in Cork. [15679/24]
View answerInformation regarding the location of applicants and/or beneficiaries of specific project funding should be available from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
In relation to overall funding, the Department of Children, Equality, Integration and Youth have an allocation of 20 million euro for capital projects in the childcare sector in 2024. The funding will go towards the Building Blocks capital programme, with plans in 2024 focused on expanding the capacity of existing services in areas where there is greatest need. My department has sanctioned this funding request.
As the Deputy will be aware this Government has invested significantly in the area of childcare. Total government investment in childcare in 2024 is over 1.1 billion euro. In 2023, the Government met its childcare investment target of 1 billion euro as set out in the First 5 Strategy. This was five years ahead of the planned time frame.
There is good reason for this investment, with research pointing to early childhood care being a key life stage experience with benefits to both cognitive and non-cognitive development.
This investment continues to benefit many of our citizens. At the end of March:
• over 143,000 children were benefiting from the National Childcare Scheme
• over 105,000 were availing of ECCE
• and over 7,000 had registered for the Access and Inclusion Model.
The Government is also supporting the providers in this sector through the Core Funding Model. Core funding is a supply side measure which provides a payment to providers determined by their capacity and qualifications of staff. At the end of March, 4,365 providers were signed up to Core Funding. This is an increase of 3.5% or 151 additional services on the same period last year.
89. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the initiatives he plans to promote better planning to promote a longer and more fruitful retirement, across all of government, harnessing technology, promoting optimal choices of accommodation and adapting existing services to the new requirements. [15266/24]
View answerMy Department’s mission is to drive the delivery of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for all the people of Ireland. In pursuing this mission and in implementing relevant commitments in the Programme for Government, my Department has sought to continually improve government services for all service users, including those referenced by the Deputy.
This includes in particular Better Public Services, the Government’s public service transformation strategy, which was launched last year. Under this strategy, my Department requests all public bodies to identify and prioritise organisational actions aimed at putting the service user first when developing seamless and inclusive services for the public. In addition, the Government’s Action Plan for the Design of Better Public Services aims to ensure public bodies adopt a more user centred approach when designing and redesigning public services. This approach utilises proven methods, such as design thinking, to engage both service users and delivery teams to develop public services that are accessible, effective and value for money and it is my Department’s aim to embed these approaches in the Irish Public Service through this action plan.
My Department is also coordinating the development of a Digital Government ‘Life Events’ Service. This builds on existing supports and services to assist people accessing government services in a seamless manner at times when they are going through experiences that cause substantial change and readjustment.
Ensuring particular groups in our society are not left behind as we accelerate our digital transition is vital. This requires a focus on ensuring basic digital skills, widespread infrastructure for connectivity and access, and relative affordability of connectivity and devices. Furthermore, this requires us to prioritise a user-focused service design approach to implementing digital public services, including enabling assisted digital services where appropriate.
Consequently, I also introduced Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap, Digital for Good. The Roadmap seeks to make Ireland one of the most digitally inclusive States in the EU and give everyone the opportunity to use digital services, including digital public services, in a meaningful way. This includes people at all stages of life, including retirement. We are making digital inclusion a core part of designing and delivering quality digital public services, and by doing so, are encouraging those who can to choose to use digital public services. This approach is of benefit for everyone as it will allow government bodies to free up resources to assist those who may not be in a position to avail fully of digital services.
More generally, the Government is committed to supporting positive ageing across the life course, as well as to ensuring that older people can continue to live independently in their homes and communities for as long as possible. This commitment is enshrined in the National Positive Ageing Strategy, which provides a blueprint for promoting older people’s engagement in economic, social, cultural and community life and for fostering inter-generational solidarity.
Due to the nature of its role, my Department does not directly provide services to the public, including those who have retired or are planning to do so. Therefore, Questions about specific aspects of service delivery should be directed to the relevant Ministers. Finally, I would add that my Department does play a role in facilitating a pre-retirement programme for civil servants that are planning to retire.
90. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the discussions his Department has had with the Courts Service in relation to the courthouse in Kanturk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17777/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works can confirm that it inspects the courthouse site in Kanturk incrementally, and carries out external maintenance services as required by the Courts Service.
Emergency roof works have recently been undertaken on the Bridewell cell.
A consultant was engaged, on behalf of the Courts Service, to prepare a Conservation Report for the Bridewell only. This Report is completed and currently being reviewed.
The responsibility for the maintenance of Kanturk Courthouse remains with The Courts Service, with OPW providing professional services as required.
91. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the impact construction inflation has had on the cost of delivering flood protection projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17728/24]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100 schemes at this time. Investment of some €350m has taken place since 2018 on flood relief scheme measures.
Nationally, 55 schemes have been completed to date which are providing protection to over 13,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
It is anticipated that a strong pipeline of future schemes will increase the number of schemes reaching construction by the middle of the decade, thereby notably increasing the programme expenditure from 2025 to 2030. The wide range of uncertainties associated with progressing projects of this nature in the current environment, coupled with significant uncertainty around supply-chain and inflationary pressures in the market must be noted.
Six of the seven flood relief schemes currently under construction are being carried out by the OPW Direct Works labour force and some inflationary impact is being felt across energy, material and labour for these projects. In some cases, there is an impact on the supply chain, which can then impact on the programme and costs for flood relief schemes.
The only scheme that is currently at construction that is being delivered by a private contractor is the Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme. Inflation directly impacted the appointment of the contractor for this project. Cork City Council, as lead authority for the project, was not in a position to appoint a Contractor for the scheme due to the inflationary market that arose following the original tender process in 2022. In April 2023, Cork City Council, following a second tender process, awarded the civil works contract to Sorensen Civil Engineering and works commenced on site in July 2023. The construction costs in 2023 were significantly higher than those anticipated in 2022 largely due to construction inflation.
Overall, the impact of construction inflation experienced on flood relief schemes is in line with the construction sector generally.
