Written Answers Nos. 1-30
9. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider the use of agentic AI in procurement processes by his Department and the State generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27610/26]
View answerMy Department does not currently use agentic AI in procurement processes.
However, we recognise that AI offers immense possibilities to improve the provision of public services, including procurement.
In May 2025, my Department published Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service. These guidelines are intended to support widespread public-sector adoption of AI tools, emphasising transparency, safety, data protection, and human oversight.
In recognition of the risks associated with the use of agentic AI systems that may autonomously influence or make procurement decisions, public sector bodies may be exposed to increased risks. These risks must be mitigated through the mandatory application of robust governance and control measures, including clearly defined human oversight. The Guidelines include the principle of Human Agency and Oversight to ensure that human oversight structures are in place, human responsibility remains central in decision-making, allowing for public trust in AI and public adoption of AI applications.
The Office of Government Procurement is currently assessing the feasibility of establishing AI-specific procurement supports and is currently engaged in Pre Market Consultation which will inform its future plans.
The consultation seeks market input on procuring AI technologies across the public sector, which implicitly includes process-supporting AI used by procurement teams. This reflects a proactive stance towards structured use of AI in procurement operations.
Also in May 2025, the Office of Government Procurement, a Division within my Department updated the Cloud Services Procurement Guidance Note, to include references and high-level guidance relevant to the procurement of AI solutions, solely in the context of cloud services.
16. Deputy Cormac Devlin 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) 8 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27629/26]
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. 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 National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs), including NSO 8, which relates to the Transition to a Climate-Neutral and Climate-Resilient Society. This NSO highlights the need for a radical restructuring of our society and economy to reduce fossil fuel use and move rapidly to a climate-neutral economic model by 2050. Investment in NSO 8 will not only contribute to the objective of a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 but also lay the pathway to achieve the national climate objective of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The Climate Action Plan 2024, which was published in December 2023, sets out the actions, measures, policies and plans to meet the emission reduction targets required by our carbon budgets and sectoral emission ceilings. The plan contains actions Ireland must implement to meet our emissions reduction targets and to achieve net zero emissions no later than 2050.
In recognition of the need for additional investment to assist Ireland to deal with the transition to climate neutrality, and deal with nature, water and biodiversity degradation, the Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Bill 2024 was enacted in June 2024. The fund will support designated environmental projects specifically related to the achievement of climate and nature goals.
Under NSO 8, a range of investments are planned and underway under the NDP. Some projects completed in recent years include:
• Oweninny Wind Farm Project (Phases 1 and 2)
• The 500mw Greenlink Interconnector commenced operation in January 2025
• River Dodder Flood Relief Scheme (Phase 2)
• Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme
• Ennis Lower Flood Relief Scheme
• Grousemount Wind Farm
• Douglas Flood Relief Scheme
• Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme
• Skibbereen Flood Relief Scheme
• Cloncreen Windfarm
As of late 2025/early 2026, 56 major flood relief schemes have been completed across Ireland, protecting over 13,500 properties and investing in schemes like those in Kildare (Lower Morrell, Rye Water), Cork (Bandon), and Clare (Sixmilebridge, Springfield). These projects are part of a €1.3 billion National Development Plan investment targeting 80% of at-risk properties.
Further details of projects and programmes being delivered under NSO 8 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.
In addition to the tracker, the sectoral plans which were published by Departments at the end of 2025 include planned investment and projects across the country, including a range of projects and critical infrastructure works. These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on a sectoral basis.
The Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
18. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the action taken regarding the assessment of the National Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme in relation to Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27269/26]
View answer23. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the engagement there has been between his Department and Louth County Council on the issues of progressing CFRAM projects and shorter term flood mitigations in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27342/26]
View answer75. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on planned flood relief schemes for Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27268/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 23 and 75 together.
In 2019, the Bellurgan Flood Relief Scheme was completed and is protecting 35 properties from significant flood risk.
The Office of Public Works, (OPW), is funding 6.5 staff in Louth County Council who lead the delivery of five flood relief schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/ Greenore, Baltray and Ardee. The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South scheme is to protect 1,880 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. When I visited Blackrock in December last year, I discussed the options for Blackrock. The emerging options for Blackrock were presented to the public in March 2026 and the emerging options for Dundalk are due to be presented to the public at the end of this month. The preferred options for the scheme are expected later in the year with planning consent submitted in 2028.
The combined Drogheda and Baltray Scheme is to protect 425 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in September, 2021. Emerging Options will be presented to the public in Q3 2026 and the preferred option is expected in Q4 2026, with planning consent submitted in 2027.
The OPW approved €339,480 for a viable option to protect 30 properties in Ardee. The option, identified by Louth County Council, is to be complete at the end of this year.
Louth County Council and the OPW are reviewing requirements for a brief to procure engineering and environmental consultants for the Carlingford and Greenore Scheme. In the interim the Council is assessing areas where works could improve the conveyance characteristics. The OPW approved €27,685 in April 2025 for improved conveyance works at Brown’s Lane/Newry Street that are now complete. Further funding of €924,636 was approved by OPW in March 2026 for an upgrade to the Carlingford Watercourse Culvert.
Following Storm Chandra, in late January this year, I met with the Chief Executive of Louth County Council and other members of the Council's senior management team on 2nd March to discuss potential interim measures that could be introduced over the coming months, to protect against any future event. The Council has recently submitted a business case which is being reviewed by my Office. I hope, shortly, to inform Louth County Council of the outcome of this review.
Scheme Viability Reviews have indicated that potentially viable schemes can be achieved for Annagassan and Termonfeckin and will be progressed through the next round of projects under the national programme of flood relief schemes.
Since 2009, funding of some €1.9 million has been approved for Louth County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, for 26 projects. I expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria and details for the scheme shortly, including an increase in the funding limits for each project from €750,000 to €2m.
20. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to review the accessibility of public services for older people, particularly those with limited IT literacy given that increasingly services are moving online with limited telephone or face-to-face contact available. [26361/26]
View answerEnabling access to public services for all our people is very important to me and indeed all my colleagues in Government. As we work together to accelerate a transformational change in how we deliver public services and to digitalise public services, we are taking a Life Events approach as outlined in the Digital Public Services Plan 2030. This will not only reorient service design around key moments in people’s lives, but it will also ensure a more proactive approach by Government in providing services. All this is being done with inclusion and accessibility as guiding principles, ensuring no one is left behind. Indeed, inclusion and accessibility continue to be guiding principles for Government as can be seen in Digital Ireland - the National Digital and AI Strategy.
We acknowledge that concerns exist for older people and others who may not have the skills, confidence or access required to use online services. Through the Better Public Services reform programme, led by my Department, there is a clear and explicit commitment to redesigning public services around the needs of users, ensuring that services work equally well for people who engage digitally and for those who do not.
Furthermore, as public services continue to modernise and take advantage of digital tools, including AI, Government’s aim is to make the digital transition a positive one for those who can engage digitally and to provide support or an alternative for those who cannot.
Our approach is very clear: we are digital by desire, not digital by default. At the same time, as part of service design and delivery, we actively consider the needs of all people including older people and those are not confident using digital channels. To that end, we will examine the use of blended/ complementary channels and support as well as the potential of a single front office for Government, mirroring the gov.ie online service, and building on the work we are already doing to increase accessibility for example through our Public Libraries network.
At the same time, I do want to acknowledge that the move towards digital services has delivered real and measurable benefits. Digital channels have improved turnaround times, reduced administrative burdens, increased transparency, and delivered significant efficiencies across the public service. These efficiencies allow resources to be redirected towards frontline supports and towards assisting those who continue to rely on non-digital interactions.
21. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to give an update on infrastructure investment in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27570/26]
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.
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. Furthermore, while the achievement of balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of the National Planning Framework (NPF) which sets out the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years, along with the National Development Plan, expenditure is allocated by sector. 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 Programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the NDP Review to ensure that investment can be maximised in the coming five years for strategic infrastructure. This includes the key energy, water and transport networks on which all future development relies. This is critical to allow Government to meet the additional 300,000 homes target and to support competitiveness. These sectors, electricity, water and transport, were further defined as critical infrastructure in the Accelerating Infrastructure Actions Report published last December.
Departments have published sectoral investment plans setting out the capital projects to be prioritised from 2026 to 2030. These plans provide visibility of the delivery pipeline, giving construction firms the certainty they need to invest in hiring, training, and scaling their operations. This multi-year approach is designed to support industry planning and ensure that regional capacity can grow in line with demand.
Since Project Ireland 2040 was first launched in 2018, the Government has overseen the delivery of many impactful NDP projects across the country, including critical infrastructure in the West of Ireland – for example Enterprise Centres in Boyle and Tulsk in Roscommon and in Belmullet and Swinford in Mayo, the N59 Moycullen Bypass and the Salmon Weir Bridge in Galway and the Killaloe Bypass in Clare, and heritage and tourism projects in Portumna in Galway and Aghleam in Mayo.
The published sectoral plans include planned investment and critical infrastructure projects across the country, including a range of projects in the West of Ireland such as
• Uisce Eireann upgrades of water and wastewater treatment plans in Lough Mast and Claremorris in Mayo
• 35 social and 310 affordable new housing units in Crowne Square in Galway
• New transport infrastructure with Bus Connects Galway, the Galway City Ring Road and the N5 in Roscommon
• And sports and community facilities with the Renville Sports and Community Centre and the East Galway Sports Campus
These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on a sectoral basis.
Progress in achieving balanced regional development and detailing the delivery of the NDP is monitored through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer. The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, and contains smaller investments such as schools, healthcare facilities and social housing projects. Search facilities allow users to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition my Department also publishes the Project Ireland 2040 Annual Report and Regional Reports highlighting achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country. These will provide the Deputy with even further detail on delivery under the National Development Plan to date. These and other Project Ireland 2040 related documents can be found at www.gov.ie/2040.
22. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of public/civil servants currently employed in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27671/26]
View answerPublic and civil service staffing for Departments and bodies under their aegis are agreed as part of the overall Budget process, which sets resource allocations for Government spending. Offices and Departments have flexibility, through a process of delegated sanction, to manage staffing so as to deliver on identified business needs subject to remaining within overall pay ceilings, which are agreed as part of the Budget and Estimates process.
The policy of delegated sanction allows Departments to fill vacancies through recruitment and/or promotion in specified, designated grades up to and including Principal Officer (PO) standard or their equivalent. Delegated sanction is subject to the overall pay bill ceiling as agreed as part of the annual Estimates and Budget process and as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). Projected staffing numbers and composition must fall within the parameters of the Department’s pay bill. Failure to remain within a given Exchequer pay bill allocation may result in the withdrawal of delegated sanction.
Under the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956, as the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for range of functions in relation to the Civil Service including the classification, re-classification, numbers and remuneration of civil servants and the fixing of terms and conditions of service of civil servants. Furthermore, Section 58 of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 provides that the Minister is responsible for all matters relating to recruitment in the Civil Service. The recruitment and appointment of public service employees in other sectors are a matter for the relevant Minister.
In this context, I can confirm that there were 1,022 Civil Servants (980 full-time equivalents) employed in Co. Kerry as of 28 February 2026 as reported to my Department by the relevant organisations. Details on the numbers employed in local electoral areas within the county, and locations of employment for the wider public service, are not available.
24. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the Galway City (Coirib go Cósta) flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27490/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW), is funding one staff member in Galway City Council to lead the delivery of the Galway City (Coirib go Cósta) Flood Relief Scheme. The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest study of flood risk in the country, studied the flood risk for some two thirds of the population. Following and based on the CFRAM study outputs, Galway City Council appointed consultant engineers in November 2020 to design an option to protect the city from a significant flood events in the future, including from climate change.
The initial assessment of flood risk by the consultants identified that the scale of flood risk in Galway City is much greater than that identified in the strategic CFRAM study. This resulted in further assessments, including from coastal risks that highlighted a requirement to provide significantly more defences across the city than initially anticipated through the CFRAM study. A revised scope reflecting the additional works for the Scheme was presented by the Scheme’s consultants to Galway City Council. The Scheme was originally intended to protect 312 properties, whereas the revised Scheme will be designed to protect some 1,079 properties.
The Council submitted a request for additional funding to the OPW for an increase in consultancy fees to facilitate the revised scope, and this was subsequently approved by the OPW in June 2024. The revision impacted on the programme for the scheme's delivery and a revised programme was published on the scheme website in January 2025.
Public Consultation Days took place on 17th and 18th June 2025 to present viable options for all areas of the scheme. Feedback from those events has been taken into consideration by the consultants when developing the emerging preferred option which will be presented to the public in the coming weeks.
The Council has advised that due to the scale and complexity of this scheme, that the planning documentation will require significant surveys and assessments to support Natura Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Assessment Report, for the scheme's options. It is estimated that submission for planning will occur in 2028.
The project's website, www.floodinfo.ie/frs/en/galway/home/ provides updates on the scheme's progress.
25. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding investment in critical infrastructure in the Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27573/26]
View answer82. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the infrastructure projects currently being undertaken in Dublin mid-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27572/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 82 together.
As 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.
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. Furthermore, while the achievement of balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of the National Planning Framework (NPF) which sets out the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years, along with the National Development Plan, expenditure is allocated by sector. 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 Programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the NDP Review to ensure that investment can be maximised in the coming five years for strategic infrastructure. This includes the key energy, water and transport networks on which all future development relies. This is critical to allow Government to meet the additional 300,000 homes target and to support competitiveness. These sectors, electricity, water and transport, were further defined as critical infrastructure in the Accelerating Infrastructure Actions Report published last December.
Since Project Ireland 2040 was first launched in 2018, the Government has overseen the delivery of many impactful NDP projects across the country, including critical infrastructure in Dublin – for example several social housing projects in Balgaddy, Clonburris, the Nangor Road, Kilcarbery Grange and Aylmer Heath. The north Clondalkin community library. A residential care centre in Newcastle. The provision of a storage reservoir in Saggart.
Departments have published sectoral investment plans setting out the capital projects to be prioritised from 2026 to 2030. These plans provide visibility of the delivery pipeline, giving construction firms the certainty they need to invest in hiring, training, and scaling their operations. This multi-year approach is designed to support industry planning and ensure that regional capacity can grow in line with demand.
The published sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and include planned investment and critical infrastructure projects across the country, including a range of projects in Dublin such as
• DFHERIS upgrade to the Clondalkin Further Education and Training Centre through the Department’s Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Programme
• Uisce Éireann are currently upgrading the wastewater infrastructure at Tobermaclugg to support future growth and development in Lucan
• A new school building, Scoil Chrónáin, in Rathcoole.
Progress in achieving balanced regional development and detailing the delivery of the NDP is monitored through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer. The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, and contains smaller investments such as schools, healthcare facilities and social housing projects. Search facilities allow users to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition my Department also publishes the Project Ireland 2040 Annual Report and Regional Reports highlighting achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country. These will provide the Deputy with even further detail on delivery under the National Development Plan to date. These and other Project Ireland 2040 related documents can be found at www.gov.ie/2040
26. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on reform of the ethics in public office legislation, given that the review of the statutory framework was completed in December 2022; the reason for the delay in publishing the heads of a Bill; if he expects this Bill to be introduced this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27622/26]
View answerI wish to assure the Deputy that reform of the statutory framework for ethics in public life continues to be a priority for this Government, and we have committed in our Programme for Government to do so. Nevertheless, as the House will appreciate, this policy area is a complex one, and careful consideration is required before I will be in a position to bring forward detailed proposals for legislative reform.
As the Deputy notes in his question, my Department has already prepared the ground through a comprehensive review of the ethics legislative framework. A variety of operational and policy considerations flow from this review in the context of the broad reform agenda. I am conscious that this represents an opportunity to make real and meaningful, long-term change to our current regime and I wish to ensure that this happens in a way that is both coherent from a policy perspective and user-friendly from an operational perspective.
In this respect, deputies may recall this House’s drawn-out examination of the ultimately unsuccessful Public Sector Standards Bill, which was introduced ten years ago. Given this context, I must examine the outstanding policy issues with great care and engage with my officials to determine the most appropriate way to deliver our Programme for Government commitment.
27. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a progress report on OPW projects in Kilkenny and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27340/26]
View answer39. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on planned flood relief schemes for Kilkenny and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27339/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 39 together.
The Government is investing some €97m in flood relief schemes completed and underway across counties Kilkenny and Carlow. The €48m flood relief scheme for Kilkenny City is potecting 200 properties. Kilkenny County Council is leading the delivery of four flood relief schemes for Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch, Ballyhale, Piltown, and Freshford in the first tranche of schemes and piloting a new national delivery model.
The €21m Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch Flood Relief Scheme commenced in March 2020 and was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála on the 12th December, 2025 for planning consent. A total of 84 properties will be protected from the 1% AEP (100 year) fluvial flood event. Subject to planning consent, construction is due to commence at the end of 2027 and it is expected to take two years to complete.
The €2.7m Ballyhale Flood Relief Scheme commenced in April 2020. Planning permission was granted with conditions on the 22nd August, 2024. This scheme will protect 28 properties from the 1% AEP (100 year) fluvial flood event. The tender for a contractor is due to issue in the coming weeks with construction to commence later in the year.
Piltown and Freshford FRSs
The OPW is currently trialling a new national delivery model for flood relief schemes towards a more efficient means of delivering all 50 schemes in the second tranche of schemes. The pilot includes Kilkenny County Council trialling a new delivery model for Piltown and Freshford. The design of these schemes is at an early stage of data collection to inform the appointment of engineering and environmental consultants.
Carlow
The €9.5m Carlow Flood Relief Scheme is completed and provides protection for 185 properties. The OPW and Carlow County Council are currently in discussion to progress the development of a further flood relief scheme for Carlow to augment the existing scheme to protect a further 35 properties. A Scheme Climate Change Adaptation Plan (SCCAP) is being developed for the existing Carlow Flood Relief Scheme. This will ensure that the scheme is readily adaptable to future requirements. This work is expected to be completed before the end of 2027.
Storm Chandra on 27th January 2026 and in the days immediately after, caused flooding to many towns, businesses and homes, particularly along the East and South East coast of Ireland. I saw first-hand the devastation that this event caused when I visited the locations, including in counties Carlow and Kilkenny impacted by this flood event.
During those visits, I asked those local authorities that were impacted to set out those interim measures that could be introduced over the coming months and that can significantly reduce the impact to those communities impacted by Strom Chandra from a future equivalent flood event.
I met with Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils in early March and they have since submitted a business case for interim measures, in response to Strom Chandra. These are currently being reviewed by my Office and I hope, shortly, to inform the Councils of the outcome of this review.
29. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on plans his Department has to remediate the walls of Shannon Garda station in County Clare which was constructed with defective concrete blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27395/26]
View answerBetween 2022 and 2025, the Office of Public Works engaged a consultant engineer to undertake monitoring and preliminary testing of the cracking that was observed in the external walls of Shannon Garda Station, to ensure that there were no safety issues with the building.
The outcome of this monitoring and preliminary testing determined that a detailed assessment (desktop study, inspections, testing, analysis) and design would be necessary to enable potential remedial solutions to be determined.
In September 2025 the Office of Public Works prepared a public tender for the services of a consultant structural engineer to undertake the necessary detailed assessment, design and provide remedial options, to enable the Office of Public Works to evaluate and determine the optimum remedial solution.
In November 2025 a consulting structural engineer was appointed by the Office of Public Works.
The consulting structural engineer is currently preparing a detailed assessment, potential remedial solutions should be known by the end of May 2026. The consultant has advised the Office of Public Works that their inspections do not raise any structural concerns at present and that they do not anticipate the need for structural remedial works within the next five years.
30. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he or his Department have considered a change to budgetary practice whereby supplementary budgets to support increased expenditure in areas such as education will now be sourced through other means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/26]
View answerAs published in the Revised Estimates Volume for 2026 last December, the total allocation for the Department of Education and Youth this year is €13.5 billion, comprising €11.8 billion in current and €1.7 billion in capital funding. Compared to the 2025 REV allocation of €12.2 billion the increased funding in 2026 represents a 10% uplift, demonstrating Governments commitment to supporting the continued delivery of high-quality education and youth services. Substantial investment has been provided to the Department of Education and Youth in recent years. Between 2021 and 2025, expenditure has increased by €3.5 billion or 37% from €9.3 billion to €12.7 billion in 2025.
My Department actively monitors spending developments throughout the year and is in ongoing engagement with all other Departments as part of this to identify any spending risks and mitigations.
Regarding the Department of Education and Youth, no government decision has been taken in relation to any additional funding or the application of a levy to other departments at this time. Government discussions are ongoing. Should a decision be taken to provide additional funding to the Department of Education further detail regarding this will be provided at that time and by way of presentation in a Revised Estimate for Education.
