Written Answers Nos. 56-70
56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the proposals, if any, there are to amend the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 to include areas in County Cavan that are subject to flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29487/24]
View answerThe Arterial Drainage Act 1945 is one of the legislative mechanisms utilised by the Office of Public Works and Local Authorities in the delivery of flood relief schemes in the State. Flood schemes are also delivered via direct application to An Bord Pleanála under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The decision on which planning framework to utilise for a given scheme is a matter for the OPW and the relevant Local Authority to consider following the completion of the preliminary design phase. The preferred planning framework will be determined by the OPW and Local Authority on a case by case basis and will be influenced by factors such as access to embankments and adjoining lands for the purposes of both construction and ongoing maintenance of the proposed scheme when completed.
As the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have a very specific, statutory role under the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, as the competent authority for schemes progressed under the Arterial Drainage Act. This involves ensuring that the environmental impacts of the scheme are compliant with relevant national and EU legislation including; the EIA Directive, Habitats Directive and the Water Frameworks Directive.
In an effort to ensure that the discharging of these functions is done in as timely a fashion as possible, officials in my Department are examining any administrative and legislative measures which are available in this regard. This work is ongoing.
57. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under the National Strategic Outcome 6 of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29490/24]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. 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. National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 6 deals with the delivery of high quality international connectivity. As a small open economy, wider global challenges and the recovery and return to operations following COVID-19 continues to frame the context in which Ireland does business with the world. High quality international connectivity through our ports and airports is essential for our economy.
In terms of our airports a range of investments are planned and underway. The new North Runway at Dublin Airport has enhanced capacity and will help to meet future demand in the greater Dublin area. A major infrastructure investment is planned by daa to increase the capacity of Dublin Airport. The National Aviation Policy recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport in meeting national social and economic policy goals and includes a specific objective of developing Dublin Airport as a secondary hub airport with the necessary capacity to connect key existing and emerging global markets.
In 2023, daa applied for planning permission for a suite of infrastructure projects at Dublin Airport. The proposed investment is an opportunity to ensure Dublin Airport can continue to develop as a leading European and transatlantic hub.
The Shannon Airport Group has continued with development of its property portfolio in the Shannon Free Zone, assisting IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland in their drive for inward investment and increased employment in the region. The Shannon Airport Group continues its work to upgrade, deep retrofit and build high quality, energy efficient property solutions for both FDI and indigenous companies.
With the objective of supporting high quality connectivity, continued Exchequer support for smaller regional airports is provided under the Regional Airports Programme 2021-2025, including, Donegal, Kerry and Ireland West Airport (Knock).
In relation to ports, the Port of Cork Company's Ringaskiddy Redevelopment Project was completed and became operational in April 2022.
The development of the Foynes Port by the Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) consists of a 38-hectare site development for a new logistics park at Foynes Port and the reinstatement of Foynes railway. This investment will further improve our international connectivity.
Dublin Port is progressing implementation of its Masterplan in order to ensure that the Port can provide for future sustainable growth and changes in facilitating seaborne trade in goods and passenger movements to and from Ireland and the Dublin region in particular.
Further details of projects and programmes being delivered under NSO 6 can be found in the latest capital investment tracker, which I published on 1 May 2024 and 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, 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.
The Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
60. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on refurbishment works to be carried out on Carlow Courthouse railings during 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/24]
View answerDue to Covid-19, along with other unforeseen delays during the procurement and construction stages, the pilot phase for this project, focusing on 10 sections of the railings surrounding the Courthouse, was successfully completed in early March 2023. The defects liability period came to a close on the 6th March 2024.
This pilot scheme has set out the way forward to complete the rest of the conservation and restoration works to the historic Carlow Courthouse railings. Repairs and restoration works remain to be carried out on 50 sections of railings.
The extent of the next phase of repair works will need to be agreed with the Courts Service and a cost estimate for the works will be provided for approval by the Courts Service before preparation of tender documents by the Office of Public Works is undertaken. This process may take up to 18 months, subject to the necessary planning approvals being in place and from the Courts Service.
In parallel, there has been a proposal developed between the OPW Property Maintenance Waterford Office and the Courts Service, where it is planned to include the refurbishment of both sets of gates located on the Athy and Dublin Roads, respectively, and three sections of railings only on the Dublin Road side. The Waterford OPW Regional Maintenance Architects' Office have agreed to apply for Part 9 Planning with the proposal to refurbish all the remaining gates and railings, but to carry out the proposed conservation and refurbishment works to two sets of gates and three sections of railings associated with the carpark upgrading works, in the first instance, subject to Part 9 Planning Approval. It is currently with the Courts Service to review the provision of funding for the remaining railings, comprising of 47 decorative railing panel sections and the pedestrian front gates.
My office will keep the deputy updated on progress on the refurbishment works at Carlow Courthouse.
61. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what plans the OPW has to refurbish or upgrade the courthouse in Donegal town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29481/24]
View answerThe Courts Service has overall responsibility for Courthouses with the Office of Public Works (OPW) providing professional services as required.
The Courts Service has approved works in relation to the conservation, fabric restoration and repairs to flat roofs at Donegal Town Courthouse.
The OPW is progressing this project and works are expected to commence later this year. The Courts Service are also liaising with the OPW in relation to external fabric works to the building.
62. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how he intends to address the inadequate occupational pension provision for serving personnel who joined the Defence Forces after 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22157/24]
View answerThe Single Public Service Pension Scheme is a statutory Public Service Career-Average Defined Benefit Pension Scheme, established on 1 January 2013 under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012. The Single Scheme was established to place publicly-funded retirement benefits on a more sustainable footing in the context of longer life expectancies.
All new entrants to the public service, hired after 1 January 2013, are members of the Single Scheme.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force, firefighters, members of An Garda Síochána and Prison Officers are categorised as members of the ‘Uniformed Accrual’ cohort of Single Scheme members. The uniformed grades have certain enhanced benefits that other members of the Single Scheme do not have, in recognition of their earlier retirement age, such as early payment of scheme benefits. This enables them to accrue more Single Scheme benefits over the expected shorter public service careers in these roles.
Once members of the ‘Uniformed Accrual’ cohort reach their normal retirement age, as provided for in Section 26 of the 2012 Act, they can retire at that earlier age and receive their occupational retirement benefits accrued at a higher rate, including their retirement lump-sum and the commencement of their pension benefit payments.
Government Policy is to facilitate longer active working lives, with the social welfare system continuing to provide a safety net for those who, for health or other reasons, are not in a position to work longer. Single Scheme pension benefits are integrated with the State Pension (Contributory), as members pay Class A PRSI.
In the period between a uniformed member's retirement and the State pension age of 66, members receive pension benefits under the Single Scheme. These benefits are separate, and in addition to any future entitlement that they may have to the State Pension (Contributory) administered by the Department of Social Protection.
Whilst members of the Defence Forces and other Uniformed Accrual members have mandatory retirement ages lower than the State Pension (Contributory) retirement age, they are still able to work in other employment in the intervening period, while fully accessing their Single Scheme pension benefits (subject to abatement, where applicable).
An increased mandatory retirement age of 62 for members of the Defence Forces was recently proposed and was approved by Government. My officials are at an advanced stage of drafting the legislation to enact the necessary amendments and are working with colleagues in other relevant departments to progress through all stages of the legislative process as quickly as possible.
63. Deputy Michael Moynihan 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 (NSO) 3 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29335/24]
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 or sectoral policy strategies, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Each Minister is responsible for deciding on the priority programmes and projects that will be delivered under their remit within the NDP and for setting out the timelines for delivery.
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 3 which relates to strengthening rural economies and communities. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), launched in 2018, is providing the investment needed to support rural renewal, strengthen and build resilience in rural towns, villages and communities and deliver on the objectives of Project Ireland 2040. The RRDF is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and is complemented by a range of additional programmes and schemes delivered under the Department’s Rural Regeneration Programme as part of Project Ireland 2040, which helps maintain and develop the growth and vitality of rural areas and supports communities and organisations to meet their needs. The four schemes funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are the RRDF Category 1 and 2, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
The RRDF Category 1 and Category 2 funding is targeted towards revitalising rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas. This is being achieved through addressing dereliction, ensuring the re-use of heritage and other buildings and providing essential facilities and infrastructure, including remote working and digital hubs.
Under the RRDF, funding of €577 million has been approved for 245 projects worth €768 million. On 13 May, my colleague, Minister Humphreys TD announced the latest round of RRDF funding of €164 million for 30 landmark regeneration projects across the country.
Efforts to bring broadband to all parts of rural Ireland, regardless of remoteness, are part of the commitment in the NDP under NSO 3. By extending high-speed broadband to rural areas, it will ensure digital inclusion and economic opportunities to all of our citizens. I welcome the positive progress being made under the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and I note that, as of 21 June 2024, over half a million premises have been surveyed with 279,200 premises now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection from National Broadband Ireland. The NBP programme is active in every county and is currently ahead of schedule.
Also under NSO 3, there has been significant investment in the Regional and Local Road Grant Programme, with expenditure of €658 million being allocated this year to maintain and strengthen the overall quality of 4,800 kilometres of our regional and local road network.
Further details of projects and programmes being delivered under NSO 3 can be found in the latest capital investment tracker, which I published on 1 May and 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, 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.
The Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
64. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under the National Strategic Outcome 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29489/24]
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 or sectoral policy strategies, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Each Minister is responsible for deciding on the priority programmes and projects that will be delivered under their remit within the NDP and for setting out the timelines for delivery.
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of the National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs), including NSO 9 which relates to the Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources. This NSO highlights the importance of sustainable water resources to the implementation of the National Planning Framework in order to underpin our environmental and economic well-being into the future. Investment in the water and waste water network will support environmental and economic wellbeing, and 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 under the NDP. Some projects completed in recent years include:
• The Cork City Water Supply Scheme and Upgrade of Water Treatment plant;
• The Cork lower harbour main drainage project;
• The Blanchardstown sewerage scheme;
• The Ballycoolen/Kingstown main scheme and
• The Roscommon sewerage scheme.
Under NSO 9, 2023 saw Uisce Éireann deliver the highest level of investment in water and wastewater services in its history, with €1.289 billion invested to fund critical infrastructure projects. Important achievements in 2023 included:
• Nine new Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) were completed (Kilcar, Ahascragh, Spiddal, Burtonport, Kerrykeel, Liscannor, Kilmore Quay, Castletownsend, and Inchigeelagh WWTP).
• Thirty-three upgraded WWTPs were completed including Ringsend, Blessington and Mallow WWTP.
• Eight Water Treatment Plant (WTP) upgrades were completed including Achill WTP.
Further details of projects and programmes being delivered under NSO 9 can be found in the latest capital investment tracker, which I published on 1 May 2024 and 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, 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.
The Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline, based on the achievement of the various economic targets set in respect of public expenditure and reform for the current year, the degree to which he expects to be in a position to encourage economic growth in the context of his preparation for Budget 2025, with a view to positively impacting on the domestic economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29514/24]
View answer243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he expects positive developments in the economy to be reflected throughout the public and private sectors in the next twelve months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29957/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 243 together.
The budgetary approach taken in recent years has ensured that this Government could build on and improve day to day public services and key infrastructure requirements whilst also responding to economic shocks such as the global pandemic and the spike in inflation in order to minimise the fall-out for households and businesses. This response successfully balanced the need to continue to invest in expenditure priorities against the risk of adding to inflationary pressures in a fiscally sustainable manner.
As shown in the Stability Programme Update (SPU) 2024, medium term forecasts for our economy are broadly positive. HICP Inflation is easing at a quicker pace than expected, with the SPU forecast at 5.2 per cent in 2023, and 2.1 per cent for both 2024 and 2025, and then to 2.0 per cent for 2026 and 2027. Inflation is expected to continue to ease and should support economic activity with a relatively robust pace of economic growth in the near term, driven by an expected increase in real income this year and next year.
One of the best barometers of the health in the economy is the labour market. The strong recovery in our economy has delivered record levels of employment with a projected almost 2.8 million in employment next year compared to just over 2.3 million pre-pandemic. Employment is forecast to grow by 1.9 per cent in 2024, by 1.5 per cent in 2025 and 2026 and 1.1 per cent in 2027.
Multi-year public service collective public service pay agreements have also contributed to stability within our economy by facilitating ongoing reforms and the maintenance of industrial peace in the public service.
This strong economic performance is supported by the increased level of investment in measures to continuously improve public services, living standards and infrastructure made by this Government. Investment in infrastructure is a critical component in supporting Ireland’s growth and in delivering better, fit-for-purpose public services. The Government is committed to continuing the delivery of the vital infrastructure we need to support our future economic and social requirements, as well as our climate change commitments with record investment through the National Development Plan.
End-June 2024 spending shows that capital expenditure remains on an upward trajectory, increasing by €1.6 billion or over 50 per cent compared to the same time-frame last year. This is increased investment in our schools, housing, and transport infrastructure. We are also investing in our people, with the continued expansion of supports and services in Health, Housing, Education and Childcare sectors in Budget 2024.
Budget 2025 is being framed in the context of a continued need to improve public services and infrastructure that will support a growing population and growth in our economy. Plans for Budget 2025 are underway with considerations of the performance of the domestic economy at the forefront of our planning.
69. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if any changes will be made to the CFRAM projects in Louth following analysis of the impact of severe flooding in north Louth last November; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29512/24]
View answerFollowing the severe flooding in north Louth last November, flood event drone footage was captured and surveying of the affected areas arranged. The Office of Public Works (OPW) met with Louth County Council engineers on 9th October 2023 to review the work completed to date on the Carlingford/Greenore Flood Relief Scheme and to plan for the scheme going forward. This included scoping requirements and data collection. The OPW met again with Louth County Council in November 2023 to assess the flood mechanisms and damages from the flood event and this will help to inform the proposed scheme.
Earlier this year, Louth County Council advertised a CCTV and Topographical Survey Tender competition for Carlingford and Greenore to collect data to develop the flood relief scheme. Contractors have been appointed by Louth County Council and it is expected that survey data will be available in Q4 2024 which will inform the development of the scheme. Following a request from Louth County Council the OPW has recently approved funding for additional staff to assist with the progression of the project at Carlingford/Greenore. OPW and Louth County Council Engineers continue to meet frequently to progress this scheme.
Currently the Dundalk/Blackrock South Flood Relief Scheme and the Drogheda/Baltray Flood Relief Scheme are at Development and Preliminary Design Stage (Stage 1) in the project lifecycle. Updates to the Hydraulic model for Dundalk following Storm Ciarán in November 2023 are ongoing and will inform the scheme design. An emerging options workshop is scheduled for Q3, 2024. The expected end date for Stage 1 of the Dundalk/Blackrock South Scheme is Q1, 2026 and Stage 1 completion for the Drogheda/Baltray Scheme is scheduled for Q2 2025.
In the interim it remains open to Louth County Council to apply for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This demand driven scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
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/.
70. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how the evaluation contained in the summer economic statement will alter his assessment of the profiles of current and capital spending in the years ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29482/24]
View answerIn drafting the Summer Economic Statement (SES) my Department and the Department of Finance evaluate the economic landscape and assess the overall revenue and expenditure position in terms of adequacy and sustainability over the short to medium-term. On an ongoing basis, departmental profiles of expenditure are examined every month as part of the Exchequer issues and returns process while decisions at an individual vote level are made at the time of the Budget each year.
The Medium Term Expenditure Strategy (MTES) was published in the SES 2021 and reflected the prevailing economic landscape at that time. Since then the Irish economy has been subjected to a number of external shocks; price pressures due to strong demand after exiting the pandemic and supply side issues, both compounded by the war in Ukraine, led to increasing cost pressures on households and businesses. The Government's response to these events was through a combination of once-off and permanent measures, which successfully managed to maintain a sustainable level of investment in public services over the short and medium term, while also providing a range of temporary and permanent cost of living measures that provided the greatest proportional support to those on lower incomes.
The current and capital ceilings for 2025 published in the SES today have been framed in the context of a continued need to improve public services and infrastructure that will support a growing population and growth in our economy next year. The strong recovery in our economy has delivered record levels of employment with a projected almost 2.8 million in employment next year compared to just over 2.3 million pre-pandemic. The growth in employment has been accompanied by strong growth in the population that is well above previous estimates, with the latest CSO estimate for the national population in 2023 being just under 5.3 million. Based on recent trends, Ireland’s population in 2025 will be at a level previously estimated for the end of this decade.
As set out in the SES 2024, for 2025 total expenditure will increase by €6.9 billion or 6.9 per cent. This will result in total available current resources of €90.9 billion and capital expenditure of €14.5 billion. The total expenditure ceiling for 2025 of €105.4 billion will facilitate a budget that can:
• provide further increased levels of investment in the NDP; we are increasing the amount provided to capital by €1.4 billion (a 10.6% increase) year on year for 2025,
• accommodate new measures in line with Government priorities including in relation to measures funded from the National Training Fund;
• cater for increased demand in existing service delivery from an increased population by increasing current expenditure by €5.5 billion (6.4%) over the 2024 allocation;
• continue to fund measures required to respond to external shocks from the Contingency Reserve.
This level of increased expenditure growth will deliver significant outputs and outcomes across a range of policy areas including; improved housing delivery, improved access to healthcare, increases in the numbers of nurses, Gardaí and teachers and the ongoing roll-out of enhanced funding for childcare schemes, including the National Childcare Subsidy and core funding. The recently published Public Service Performance Report outlines in detail the service and investment improvements on a Departmental basis.
