Written Answers Nos. 41-60
41. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the additional funding allocated under this NSO following the review of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70490/25]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
In the 2021 NDP review, the Government originally committed €165 billion in capital investment for the period 2021-30, and subsequently agreed to additional funding of €2.25 billion in March 2024 for 2024-2026.
The revised National Development Plan, published in July, set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State. Following the agreement of the revised NDP in July 2025, gross capital expenditure ceilings for all sectors have now been set out to 2030.
National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 9 relates to the Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources. Investment in water and wastewater services is a key strategic priority under the 2025 NDP Review. Across all sources, including the NDP investment and equity injections, a total of €12 billion has been earmarked specifically for critical water infrastructure. This includes a €2 billion equity injection into Uisce Éireann in 2025, with a further €2.5 billion earmarked for 2026 to 2030 specifically to support large scale water infrastructure projects.
This is on top of the previous funding to Uisce Éireann to date, including €1.372 billion in 2024 and €1.289 billion in 2023.
Resources from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund have also been employed under the NDP review allocating a further:
• €500million to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to fund projects and programmes that will support climate mitigation and renewable energy development; and
• €500 million to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for projects and programmes that will support improvements in water quality.
Each Minister is now responsible for designating the environmental resource projects that will be funded under the INCF for 2026-2030.
A range of projects have been delivered under NSO 9 since the 2021 NDP review, including for example:
• Over 60 water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades
• Over 123,000 people have been removed from ‘Boil Water Notices’ that had been in place for more than 30 days; and
• Over 51 water supplies were removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Remedial Action List improving water quality for over 1 million people.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Sectoral Investment plan for Water Services and Water Quality was published on 13 November and is available to download from gov.ie. The plan sets out in detail the commitments to delivery for the water sector – with €11.7 billion earmarked for Uisce Éireann to support a wide range of projects to deliver the additional water services capacity required to meet our housing target of 300,000 new homes by 2030 and €230 million to be invested in rural water infrastructure. A further €306 million is invested to restore and improve water quality in rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
A full list of projects and programmes for each of the ten National Strategic Outcomes can be found in the regular publications by my Department on the gov.ie site;
• The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million.
• 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 health facilities.
• And, the Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports highlight achievements and give a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country, including detail from across Government on the national strategic objectives. The forthcoming Project Ireland 2024 Annual and Regional Reports will provide full and up to date detail on delivery of the National Strategic Outcomes.
42. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the additional funding allocated under this NSO following the review of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70486/25]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
In the 2021 NDP review, the Government originally committed €165 billion in capital investment for the period 2021-30, and subsequently agreed to additional funding of €2.25billion in March 2024 for 2024-2026. The revised National Development Plan, published in July, set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State. Following the agreement of the revised NDP in July 2025, gross capital expenditure ceilings for all sectors have now been set out to 2030.
While Government has prioritised investment towards the critical growth-enabling sectors of housing, energy, water and transport all Departments are now tasked with developing sectoral plans for the upcoming 5 years out to 2030, which will detail priority projects to be progressed. Departments must ensure that the plans are affordable within the gross capital expenditure ceilings as agreed by Government. These plans will be published in the coming weeks.
National Strategic Outcome 2 (NSO 2) relates to enhanced regional accessibility. Given the nature of this strategic outcome, many projects take a number of years to fully deliver, and transport has been highlighted as a critical growth-enabling sector in the NDP Review.
A total of €22.3 billion was allocated to the Department of Transport for the 2026-2030 period.
A range of projects have been delivered under NSO 2 since the 2021 NDP review, including for example:
• Cabinet approval of the N21/N69 Limerick to Adare to Foynes in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup;
• N5 Westport to Turlough, Mayo officially opened in June 2023;
• The M8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange upgrade was officially opened in February 2024; and
• The N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom road was opened in November 2023.
Further works on the construction of the National Train Control Centre are ongoing with full commissioning expected in 2026 and ongoing investment in Inter-City Railcars.
The Department of Transport Sectoral Investment plan was published on 26 November and is available to download from gov.ie. The plan sets out in detail the commitments to delivery for the sector.
A full list of projects and programmes for each of the ten National Strategic Outcomes can be found in the regular publications by my Department on the gov.ie site;
• The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million.
• 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 health facilities.
• And, the Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports highlight achievements and give a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country, including detail from across Government on the national strategic objectives. The forthcoming Project Ireland 2024 Annual and Regional Reports will provide full and up to date detail on delivery of the National Strategic Outcomes.
43. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 8 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the additional funding allocated under this NSO following the review of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70491/25]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
In the 2021 NDP review, the Government originally committed €165 billion in capital investment for the period 2021-30, and subsequently agreed to additional funding of €2.25 billion in March 2024 for 2024-2026.
The revised National Development Plan, published in July, set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State. Following the agreement of the revised NDP in July 2025, gross capital expenditure ceilings for all sectors have now been set out to 2030.
National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 8 refers to climate action and a transition to a low carbon and climate resilient society. Under the 2025 NDP review, the Government allocated €5.64 billion to the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment for the 2026-2030 period with an additional €3.5 billion in equity funding provided to ESB and Eirgrid over the period to fund enhanced energy grid capacity.
A range of projects and projects have already been delivered under NSO 8 since the 2021 NDP review, including for example:
• Over 400 megawatts of onshore wind and over 1,500 megawatts of solar power approved under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in 2022;
• Over 90,000 home energy upgrades between 2021 and 2023;
• Rehabilitation of over 5,000 hectares of Bord na Móna peatlands in 2022; and
• Completion of over 100 flood relief schemes between 2021 and 2023.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment Sectoral Investment plan was published on 23 November and is available to download from gov.ie. The plan sets out in detail the commitments to delivery for the sector, with a key priority being allocation of a share of annual carbon tax proceeds for investment in energy efficiency programmes, enabling expansion of the National Retrofit Plan and increasing delivery of home energy upgrades through the Warmer Homes Scheme.
A full list of projects and programmes for each of the ten National Strategic Outcomes can be found in the regular publications by my Department on the gov.ie site;
• The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million.
• 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 health facilities.
• And, the Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports highlight achievements and give a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country, including detail from across Government on the national strategic objectives. The forthcoming Project Ireland 2024 Annual and Regional Reports will provide full and up to date detail on delivery of the National Strategic Outcomes.
44. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeline for the passage and enactment of his Department’s Critical Infrastructure Bill; if he envisions this Bill being applied retroactively to stalled critical infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70228/25]
View answerLast week Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This sets out 30 high-impact reforms targeted at the most significant barriers to the delivery of critical infrastructure. The actions contained in the report are grouped into four pillars.
Pillar 1 focuses on Legal Reform. While Ireland’s legal system is widely considered to be effective and fair, current regulatory and legal processes are acting as significant barriers to the timely delivery of infrastructure. Reforms to the legal system will support better balance towards the common good by addressing the incentives that drive a disproportionate reliance on the courts. These reforms will reduce incentives for excessive litigation, clarify rules on standing and remedies, and introduce fast-track pathways for nationally significant projects that are in the common good, through the development of new legislation.
Within the package of legal reforms detailed in Pillar 1, Action 2 specifically commits to the development and enactment of legislation to accelerate critical infrastructure.
It is envisaged that a Critical Infrastructure Bill will create a legal obligation for State bodies to recognise and accelerate key projects through planning, licensing, and other consenting stages. In addition, the Bill will explore options during drafting for incorporating statutory timelines, positive presumptions, and other measures to reduce procedural delays. This legislation will be accompanied by governance arrangements to maintain and communicate a critical infrastructure projects list and track delivery outcomes.
In parallel with the development of the legislation, I have committed to the creation of an administrative system that will allow Government to designate specific works as critical infrastructure. During the development of this system consideration will be given to the specific projects that might be suitable for designation as critical infrastructure. Any list that may emerge will be subject to Government approval and on passage of a Critical Infrastructure Bill.
By establishing a clear legal basis for prioritisation, it reduces ambiguity and ensures that critical projects and programmes receive coordinated attention across departments, regulators, agencies and the courts. The Bill’s provisions for statutory timelines and streamlined processes will shorten consenting periods and reduce the risk of judicial reviews. It will give a clear articulation of the projects that are in the country’s long-term interests. This clarity will also encourage early engagement and problem-solving, shifting the focus from compliance to delivery.
45. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 10 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the additional funding allocated under this NSO following the review of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70595/25]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
In the 2021 NDP review, the Government originally committed €165 billion in capital investment for the period 2021-30, and subsequently agreed to additional funding of €2.25 billion in March 2024 for 2024-2026.
The revised National Development Plan, published in July, set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State. Following the agreement of the revised NDP in July 2025, gross capital expenditure ceilings for all sectors have now been set out to 2030.
National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 10 refers to access to quality childcare, education and health services and aims to ensure that the co-ordination and provision of childcare places, primary and post-primary schools places and health infrastructure is consistent with the objectives of the national planning framework.
Since 2020, significant delivery of health infrastructure has been achieved, including:
• 1,445 Acute Beds have been delivered between December 2020 to early October 2025
• 82 Critical Care Beds have been completed, bringing capacity to 340 beds across the country
• 51 Primary Care Centres (PCC) have been delivered as of Q3 2025, through a combination of HSE Own-Build and Operational Lease, and
• 26 CNU projects have been constructed since 2020 under the HIQA compliance programme.
The Health Sectoral Plan published in November 2025 sets out priority capital projects and programmes within its NDP allocation of €9.25 billion for 2026 to 2030 across areas including acute care, women and children's health care, acute bed capacity, urgent and emergency care, elective services, cancer services, primary care and community care among other areas.
With regard to education, €7.55 billion was allocated to the Department of Education and Youth for 2026 to 2030 as part of the NDP Review 2025 to support capital investment in new school buildings projects as well as maintenance and upgrades of existing schools.
The 2026 provision of €1.6 billion is supporting the progression of over 300 school building projects and extending capacity for special education needs through repurposing and developing modular capacity.
A further €795 million was allocated to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) as part of the NDP Review. The DCDE Capital Sectoral Plan was published in November 2025 and set out €188 million of investment in early learning and childcare to increase capacity and supply of early learning and childcare places, including through state-led infrastructure, as well as investment in existing service infrastructure.
46. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if consideration has been given to the inclusion of the University Hospital Galway Development Control Plan within the forthcoming sectoral allocations of the National Development Plan; the criteria and mechanisms by which the success of the revised National Development Plan will be measured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70758/25]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) Review published in July 2025 set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035. This represents the largest ever capital investment programme in the history of the State. As part of this, the allocation of NDP funding prioritised investment in the critical growth-enabling sectors of housing, energy, water and transport. Investment in these sector of critical economic infrastructure is essential to deliver on the core ambition of the Review - to enable the delivery of 300,000 homes by 2030 and to boost our international competitiveness.
As Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, I am responsible for the provision of capital expenditure allocations to departments and the monitoring of monthly expenditure returns. Responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects or sectoral policy strategies, within the agreed NDP allocations, rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. The prioritisation of individual projects, such as the University Hospital Galway Development Control Plan, is a matter for the Minister responsible for the policy area, in this instance, the Minister for Health.
To that end, Ministers across Government have been publishing sectoral investment plans setting out their capital priority projects to be delivered across 2026 to 2030. The Department of Health's Capital Sectoral Plan was published in November and set out that department's capital priorities to be delivered from its €9.25 billion capital allocation across 2026 to 2030. Further information is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/national-development-plan-review-2025-sectoral-investment-plan/.
47. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the measures to improve cost control in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70823/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to strong financial oversight and cost control. We achieve this through strategic planning, rigorous monitoring and operational efficiency.
Each year, we prepare detailed estimates of expenditure. This is a robust process that examines current spending, identifies opportunities for savings and reallocates resources to priority areas. Every Department submits its estimates to the Vote sections within my Department, which are then carefully scrutinised to ensure that only essential resources are sought.
All spending is subject to review and approval in line with established policies and circulars. Earlier this year, I committed to carrying out a review of Public Financial Procedures (PFP) with a view to further enhancing accountability in regard to public expenditure management and ensuring value for money in government decision making. This review process, which is now underway, is about understanding what supports and structures can help to deliver accountability and performance improvements in:
• budgetary discipline within the limits voted by Dáil Éireann;
• clarity around accountability and financial responsibility to Government and the Oireachtas;
• how financial accountability rules enable responsible delivery; and
• evidence based expenditure decisions.
The review process and updated PFP and related supports will look to better assist Accounting Officers, Finance Officers and other expenditure officials over programmes carry out their duties. It will also assist parliamentarians to better understand where responsibility and accountability lie on questions of value for money and budgetary management that will support scrutiny by the Oireachtas of spending decisions and compliance with governance requirements. The updated PFP should ensure that all officials who are responsible for public expenditure are clear in terms of their personal and legal accountability for budgetary discipline.
Value for money is an ongoing priority for this Government. In July this year, my Department issued a circular to set out the value for money obligations on all civil and public servants, so that the public sector demonstrates the highest standards of financial judgement and due diligence when developing and implementing policy. I continue to work to improve cost control through every lever available to me.
48. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current status of progress on the Blackpool (River Bride) flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70780/25]
View answerThe River Bride (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme was submitted for confirmation under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 by the OPW in August 2018. In early 2021, the scheme received Ministerial confirmation under Section 7 of the Act. This decision was then subject to Judicial Review challenge, during which a stay was also granted on works being carried out pending the resolution of these proceedings.
Acting on legal advice, in early 2022, my Department conceded the matter on a single ground related to public consultation procedures as part of the confirmation process and consented to an order reverting the evaluation of the Blackpool Flood Relief scheme back to an earlier phase of the process.
A request for supplementary information was subsequently made to the OPW under section 7B(4) of the Act to which the OPW complied by supplying information in October 2022. Following an examination of all material provided to date, the environmental consultants retained by my Department recommended that a further supplementary information request be made to the OPW. This request was made to the OPW in November 2023 and the OPW have supplied further information to this effect, most recently in April 2025 and August 2025.
Following receipt of this information, a further period of public consultation was carried out as prescribed by the Act. This period of public consultation ended in October 2025 with over 1,000 submissions made to my Department. The submissions received are being examined by the environmental consultants retained by my Department which will inform next steps and associated timelines for consent process.
49. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the plans and strategies to ensure value for money and fit for purpose procurement framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70257/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to reviewing the public procurement process to make it more transparent and encourage greater participation from SMEs. Working towards this aim, and to set out the strategic direction of public procurement for the next five years, my Department is developing a first national public procurement strategy.
The strategy has been subject to an extensive consultation process, which has been critical to understanding the primary challenges and opportunities for both public bodies and suppliers. My Department undertook the following as part of the consultation for this strategy:
• A public consultation to ensure that all those with an interest in the future direction of public procurement had an opportunity to inform the new strategy.
• Regional workshops in Dublin, Cork and Athlone, which included public buyers and policy makers from across the public sector, representation from across the broad spectrum of Irish business, representatives from civil society and members of the public.
• A dedicated webinar for suppliers so they could feed into the development of the strategy.
• Bilateral meetings with government Departments and key stakeholders.
My officials are currently drafting the strategy in accordance with the feedback from the extensive consultation. Discussions with colleagues across government and other key stakeholders will be held to agree desired outcomes and actions for inclusion in the strategy.
Once finalised, the strategy will include objectives and cross-departmental actions to support the delivery of strategic, innovative, sustainable and transparent public procurement that promotes competition, more effective and efficient procurement practices and value for money.
The Government is committed to ensuring that projects are delivered in a timely manner and that value for money is always paramount. In July, my Department published new guidance (Circular 18/2025: Value for Money Obligations), which set out the value for money obligations on all civil and public servants. Building on the work undertaken to date, value for money will constitute a key theme permeating the strategy.
I intend on bringing the strategy to Government in Q1 2026.
50. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he is considering modernising the framework of accountability for senior civil and public servants as regards their operational and policy delivery responsibilities and performance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70847/25]
View answerThe Public Service Management Act 1997 ("the PSMA") was introduced to provide a statutory underpinning for the Strategic Management Initiative. It provided for a new management structure for the Civil Service to enhance the management, effectiveness and transparency of the operations of Departments of State and certain other offices of the Civil Service. The PSMA must also be viewed in the context of the wider suite of accountability and transparency measures in the Civil and Public Service taken at the same time and in the years since its enactment. This includes all of the legislation in the areas of Freedom of Information, Ethics in Public Office and Regulation of Lobbying, and the range of budgetary and expenditure reforms.
Specifically in relation to expenditure, as the Deputy may be aware, earlier this year, I committed to carrying out a review of Public Financial Procedures (PFP) with a view to further enhancing accountability in regard to public expenditure management and ensuring value for money in government decision making. This review process is underway. The Review of the PFP is about understanding what supports and structures can help to deliver accountability and performance improvements in:
• budgetary discipline within the limits voted by Dáil Éireann;
• clarity around accountability and financial responsibility to Government and the Oireachtas;
• how financial accountability rules enable responsible delivery; and
• evidence based expenditure decisions.
The review process and updated PFP and related supports will look to better assist Accounting Officers, Finance Officers and other expenditure officials over programmes carry out their duties. It will also assist parliamentarians to better understand where responsibility and accountability lie on questions of value for money and budgetary management that will support scrutiny by the Oireachtas of spending decisions and compliance with governance requirements. The updated PFP should ensure that all officials who are responsible for public expenditure are clear in terms of their personal and legal accountability for budgetary discipline.
51. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to report on the way in which in 2021 arboreal maintenance, costing the taxpayer €9,363.75, was spent by the Office of Public Works at a location (details supplied). [70825/25]
View answerArboreal maintenance work at An Rinn Garda Station in 2021 (resulting in €9,363.75 expenditure) required the mobilisation of specialised machinery and crews to carry out, in a controlled and safe manner, the following works;
On the western side of the property, a row of 14 number mature Spruce & Leylandii were growing in close proximity to the main road. The Tree's were over-mature and shedding branches.
The Arborist recommended that the trees along the road be felled to eliminate the risk of falling branches and debris. These works were carried out in line with the Arborist's recommendations.
To the North of the property, an over mature Poplar was growing adjacent to, and overhanging, an adjoining shed. The Tree was over-mature and prone to wind-throw in high winds, so it was removed.
The Eastern side of the property is populated with mature Pine that were deemed safe, with no further work required.
A traffic management plan was required, to facilitate the tree felling and pruning that was conducted. The 'stop - go' traffic management plan was concentrated primarily along the Western boundary for the duration of the works.
52. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 6 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the additional funding allocated under this NSO following the review of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70489/25]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, 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. National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 6 deals with the delivery of high quality international connectivity.
The relevant sectoral strategies under NSO 6 include the Department of Transport's NDP Sectoral Investment Plan, the National Aviation Policy, the National Ports Policy, and the Telecommunications chapter of the National Marine Planning Framework, which relates to international telecommunications connectivity. These strategies play a critical role in identifying the goals and priorities for the sector with regard to capital investment.
In terms of our airports, a range of investments are planned and underway:
• Improving access to Dublin airport, our key international gateway, through strengthened public transport access and improved connections from the road network from the west and north will be critical to facilitating the further growth of the airport to underpin our competitiveness. As part of the NDP Review 2025, €2 billion in funding from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund was provided for low-carbon transportation, such as MetoLink. As well as providing access to Dublin Airport, MetroLink will directly support the delivery of approximately 31,700 additional housing units along the corridor to support a population growth of close to 90,000 people.
• The Programme for Government has also committed to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
• The Shannon Airport Group continues to implement its investment plan, including upgrades to airport infrastructure including new R&D engineering/manufacturing units. Clare County Council is also advancing plans for future investment in the Shannon Airport Access road.
In relation to ports:
• The Port of Cork’s Ringaskiddy Redevelopment CCT 2 project is underway which will see redevelopment and the extension of existing CCT 1 facility to accommodate larger seas vessels and increase port capacity.
• The Shannon Foynes Port Company is progressing with capacity extensions at Shannon Foynes Port, further strengthening freight and trade connectivity.
• Dublin Port is actively implementing its Masterplan 2040, ensuring sustainable growth and long-term capacity planning.
Further details of projects and programmes being delivered under NSO 6 can be found in the latest capital investment tracker, which 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 provides details on specific projects by county and contains smaller investments. 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 available at gov.ie/2040.
53. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps his Department has taken to help reduce increasing costs on ICT projects across all departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70802/25]
View answer81. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has implemented steps which each department must take before they can begin an ICT project to ensure that there will not be an overspend of public funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70803/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 81 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that I will be taking PQs 70802/25 and 70803/25 together.
My Department’s Circular 14 of 2021directly addresses the steps that each department must take before starting a new ICT project. Circular 14/2021 sets out Arrangements for Oversight of Digital and ICT-related Initiatives in the Civil and Public Service and is operated by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), a division of my department. Additionally, this Circular provides for the Peer Review process, which specifically applies to digital and ICT initiatives of significant scale, risk and/or strategic importance. The Circular requires that Public Service Bodies seek approval for all new digital/ICT initiatives prior to any government decision, the publication of any procurement documents, or otherwise committing to the project, including expenditure. Furthermore, specific approval of OGCIO is required where there is significant variation to the scope, schedule, deliverables, cost or quality since an original approval was conveyed by this Department. For projects with lifetime costs of over €5 million, the OGCIO manages a peer review process to ensure governance arrangements are robust and risks are managed.
In addition to its oversight role, the OGCIO delivers a portfolio of shared ICT/digital services available to Public Service Bodies including Government Networks, National Low Latency Platform, Managed Desktop, Government Private Cloud, Government Data Centre, the Enterprise Project Portfolio Management framework, Build to Share Applications suite and the gov.ie family of websites. Public service bodies are encouraged to avail of these services where these will meet their needs, thus maximising the impact of the investment in these services. The Deputy will find more details on the range of services available from the OGCIO in my Department’s annual reports which are published on gov.ie
The Deputy should note that Public Service Bodies continue to be directly responsible for the success of all digital and ICT initiatives, including associated expenditures, as well as engagement with the Expenditure Management Divisions of this Department in relation to funding. Furthermore, this Circular does not alter other compliance or reporting obligations required of Public Service Bodies including under the Public Spending Code/ Infrastructure Guidelines.
The Public Financial Procedures (PFP), set out the relevant statutory, parliamentary and administrative requirements, for all public expenditure. It also emphasises the need for economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and promotes good practice and high standards of propriety. The detailed procedures of PFP are required to be observed by Government Departments in their consumption of public funds to provide public services and develop the capital infrastructure of our country within budget and provide value for money.
The Infrastructure Guidelines sets the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister.
The Approving Authority, which in most cases is the funding Department, have ultimate responsibility for all projects and it is the responsibility of the relevant Accounting Officer to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. This is part of the overall Accounting Officer role in terms of accountability, delivery, regularity, propriety and ensuring value for money.
All Exchequer funded capital projects are subject to the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines and those developing the project must follow the project lifecycle and carry out all the required elements.
55. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date under the National Strategic Outcome 10 of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67800/25]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation, I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
In the 2021 National Development Plan (NDP) review, the Government originally committed €165 billion in capital investment for the period 2021-30, and subsequently agreed to additional funding of €2.25 billion in March 2024 for 2024-2026.
The revised National Development Plan, published in July, set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State. Following the agreement of the revised NDP in July 2025, gross capital expenditure ceilings for all sectors have now been set out to 2030.
National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 10 refers to access to quality childcare, education and health services. Under the 2025 NDP review, the Government allocated €795 million to the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and a total of €9,250 million to the Department of Health for the 2026-2030 period.
A range of projects and projects have already been delivered under NSO 10 since the 2021 NDP review, including for example:
• €6.9 billion invested in capital infrastructure primary and post primary level schools resulting in over 1,200 projects completed; and
• Under the Healthy Ireland Framework, 18 Sláintecare Healthy Communities have been established in disadvantaged areas, 4,500 people benefit from the Sláintecare Age-Friendly Healthy Homes Scheme and over 500 GAA clubs provide the holistic Healthy Clubs model to members and communities.
A full list of projects and programmes for each of the ten National Strategic Outcomes can be found in the regular publications by my Department on the gov.ie site:
• The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million.
• 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 health facilities.
• The Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports highlight achievements and give a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country, including detail from across Government on the national strategic objectives.
• The forthcoming Project Ireland 2024 Annual and Regional Reports will provide full and up to date detail on delivery of the National Strategic Outcomes.
56. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps his Department is taking to address the critical shortage of skilled labour and project management expertise identified as a major constraint on delivering the National Development Plan; and whether additional funding or incentives will be provided to accelerate recruitment and training in the construction sector. [70378/25]
View answerThe National Development Plan Review 2025 set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035, which represents the largest capital investment programme in the history of the State. My Department has taken several steps, working across Government, to identify and mitigate risks to NDP delivery.
Firstly, the allocation of capital investment through the NDP review prioritised investment in the critical growth-enabling sectors of water, energy, transport and housing. Investment in these sectors is critical to enabling the delivery of 300,000 additional homes and boosting our competitiveness. Clear prioritisation has provided for a structured and coordinated pipeline of the projects to be delivered, which manages labour constraints and allows for the building of expertise within sectors.
This has been supported by each department publishing a sectoral investment plan outlining their priority capital projects and programmes to be delivered over 2026 to 2030. Together with the publication of five-year annual sectoral capital allocations, this provides clarity to the construction sector and prospective workers as to the level of funding and investment over the coming years. This in turn provides greater certainty to the sector to invest in hiring and scaling to prepare commercial bids and deliver on the planned investment.
My Department is also managing the phased rollout of the Building Information Modelling (BIM) mandate. This will provide for efficiencies in the design and construction stages of capital works projects. As of July 2025, consultants engaged to design and oversee the construction of public works contracts with a value in excess of €10 million have had BIM requirements included in the scope of service, applying to contracts with a value over €5 million from January 2026. The phased rollout of the mandate provides a clear signal to the sector to invest in digital transformation, while supports are also being provided for digital adoption and implementation through the Build Digital Project, which receives grant funding from my department. Greater digital adoption within the sector will help to improve productivity and mitigate labour capacity pressures.
In addition, my Department published the Build Report 2025 in November, which provides an overview of construction sector performance and capacity and identifies implications for NDP delivery. The report identifies a number of positive trends, including employment growth in the construction sector of 29,600 (18%) year on year to Q2 2025. Nevertheless, further employment growth will be required to deliver on the NDP.
My department organises the Construction Sector Group, which brings together policymakers and industry to exchange views on issues affecting NDP delivery. The findings of the Build Report will be used to inform these discussions, with a focus on construction sector capacity and productivity to maximise delivery of the record NDP investment.
58. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made with the revision to the minor works scheme, particularly with regard to removing river conveyance blockages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69533/25]
View answerLocalised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and a Local Authority may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
Local Authorities may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the 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.
Since its introduction in 2009, some €70 million has been approved under the Scheme for some 900 local authority led projects that are delivering flood mitigation and coastal protection for some 8,000 properties.
On 21st August 2025, I announced an increase in funding supports are to be made available to Local Authorities under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. I also announced €3m in funding is to be made available to Local Authorities for approved projects under this scheme to remove river conveyance blockages, which are causing an increase in flood risk from rivers to properties.
The OPW is finalising the details of these revisions and I expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme, including the €3m fund for the removal of river conveyance blockages, in the coming weeks.
59. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to report on the publication of the OPW’s Sectoral Investment Plan, including its strategic objectives, projected timelines, and funding allocations. [70816/25]
View answerI welcome the publication last week of the Office of Public Works (OPW) Sectoral Investment Plan for 2026–2030, which sets out a strategic, multi-annual investment programme under the National Development Plan (NDP). The Plan reflects the OPW’s central role in delivering sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure, modernising the State’s property portfolio, and conserving national heritage in support of regional tourism and public service excellence.
The €1.845 billion funding provided to the OPW in the NDP will strategically enable the delivery of comprehensive flood risk management programmes, including policies, strategies and defences for mitigating flood risk and its impact on people, property, infrastructure and communities. It will also provide funding for the development, management, maintenance, conservation and preservation of State Buildings, including heritage services in support of tourism. In addition the funding will allow for the provision of accommodation for the Civil Service, and delivery of property-related services to central Government Departments and Offices.
Funding amounting to €0.715 billion has been allocated to climate responsive flood risk management while funding of €1.130 billion has been allocated to estate management, maintenance, energy efficiency, heritage conservation, visitor estate investment, and civil service accommodation. The Plan covers the period 2026–2030, with annual allocations and a phased approach to project delivery. Major flood relief schemes and estate modernisation projects will progress to construction within this timeframe.
The plan was published on Thursday last 4th December 2025 and can be accessed at the following website. www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/
60. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the management of flooding at Seapoint, Termonfeckin, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70849/25]
View answerLocalised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Louth County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. The Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the 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. The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme in the coming weeks.
The OPW does not currently have any application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for the location referenced in this question. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of some €1.9 million to County Louth for some 26 projects.
The Scheme Viability Reviews (SVRs) for Annagassan and Termonfeckin have been completed. As the SVRs for these areas concluded that potentially viable Flood Relief Schemes have been identified, these areas will be brought forward as Flood Relief Projects in due course, through the second tranche of schemes. The OPW will discuss with Louth County Council the optimal means for progressing Flood Relief in these areas.
