Written Answers Nos. 445-465
445. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will address the concerns regarding the recent fuel support package raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28637/26]
View answerThe EU VAT Directive which Irish VAT law is obliged to comply, generally holds that all goods and service are liable for VAT at the standard rate which Member States must set at a minimum of 15%. Ireland currently charges a standard rate of 23%.
If a good or service is included in a list of goods and services under Annex III of the Directive, a reduced rate of VAT or exemption may be applied. Member States are permitted to apply up to two reduced rates at a minimum of 5%. Ireland currently has two reduced rates of VAT of 13.5% and 9%. Member States may also avail of a derogation under the terms of the Directive that allows for a reduced rate of VAT be applied to specific goods and services that have historically been charged below the standard rate and not included under Annex III. A key condition of this derogation is that a rate of at least 12% must be set and once applied cannot be lowered as it is considered a "parked rate".
As home heating oils such as kerosene is not included under Annex III, Ireland has availed of this derogation to charge the 13.5% rate on home heating products other than natural gas including firewood. There is no basis to apply a further reduction of VAT.
The Government is conscious of the difficulties faced by households and businesses due to the current high cost of energy prices. The two support packages in the year to date, costing come €750 million, will mitigate the additional costs of households and businesses in the current environment. Specifically as regards VAT measures, Budget 2026 has committed to keeping the 9% rate of VAT on household gas and electricity bills until 31 December 2030.
446. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress made on each of the individual Programme for Government commitments assigned to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28657/26]
View answerIt was not possible for my Department to provide the information sought in the time available. I will, however, make arrangements to provide the information to the Deputy in line with Standing Orders.
447. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total volume and estimated value of cigarette and tobacco seizures recorded by the Revenue Commissioners to date in 2026; the estimated potential loss to the Exchequer arising from these seized products; whether he will consider the automatic publication of seizure data at the end of each quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28732/26]
View answer448. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance whether the Revenue Commissioners separately tracks illegal vape seizures; if so, the total volume and estimated value of illegal vapes seizure at Irish ports and airports to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28733/26]
View answer449. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the extent of criminal and organised gang activity identified in connection with cigarette tobacco and illegal vape smuggling through Irish ports and airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28735/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 447, 448 and 449 together.
Revenue implements a range of measures to tackle the illicit cigarette and tobacco trade, identifying and targeting the smuggling of illicit tobacco products into the State, with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the product and prosecuting those involved. Revenue monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade on an ongoing basis, adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources on a risk-focussed basis. Revenue has also taken steps to tighten controls on the movement of duty-paid tobacco products from other EU countries, with a recent change to more effectively guard against the abuse of the excise duty relief available on tobacco for personal use.
Enforcement measures implemented by Revenue continue to lead to significant seizures. Figures relating to the seizure of cigarette and tobacco products and potential loss to the exchequer for 2026* are set out below:
|
- |
Seizures |
Volume |
Value €m |
Potential Loss to the Exchequer €m |
|
Cigarettes |
1,616 |
47.8m |
€45.3 |
€35.6 |
|
Tobacco |
416 |
534kgs |
€0.4 |
€0.3 |
*As of 31 March 2026
Revenue’s press office regularly publishes details in relation to seizures made. In addition to this, Revenue’s annual report gives comprehensive details on Revenue’s activities throughout the year, including details on the broad range of seizures made by its officers. There are no plans at present to publish tobacco and cigarette seizure figures on a quarterly basis.
In relation to vaping products, it is important to point out that the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the enforcement of tobacco control legislation, ensuring that vaping and tobacco products imported for sale on the Irish market meet all criteria as set out under the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Act 2023.
Revenue has primary responsibility for combatting the illicit trade, focusing on the detection and seizure of products that are smuggled, undeclared or subject to a prohibition or restriction.
Under the Finance Act 2024, an E-liquid Products Tax (EPT) came into effect on 1 November 2025. For manufacturers and importers, the duty becomes due at the point of "first supply" within the State. This means the tax must be accounted for and paid by the business that first supplies the product to another business or individual in Ireland, rather than at the immediate point of importation. Therefore, products of this nature would not be subject to seizure at the point of importation.
In relation to illegal vaping products, this primarily centres around products that contain illegal substances such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), as these are controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
The number of such vaping products is believed to be low with a negligible amount being seized at ports and airports and only a small number of seizures taking place at post or parcel hubs.
The table below outlines the number of THC or Controlled drugs vapes that Revenue seized from our ports, airports and post/fast parcel hubs in 2026*.
|
Year |
No. of Seizures |
Volume |
Value |
|
Airports |
1 |
1ml |
€25 |
|
Ports |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Postal/Parcel Hubs |
75 |
386ml |
€5,202 |
*As of 31 March 2026
In relation to cigarette and tobacco smuggling, Revenue takes a risk-based approach to its detection and enforcement strategy, which includes the monitoring and evaluation of all points of entry into the State on an ongoing basis. Revenue uses the latest detection methods and has a range of assets, such as mobile x-ray scanners, detector dog teams and 24/7 staff available to deploy where required.
It is a fact that large scale smuggling activity is conducted by criminal and organised gangs. It is further recognised that this includes the smuggling of tobacco products and this criminal activity has a transnational and cross border dimension. In addition to Revenue’s ongoing cooperation with An Garda Síochána, Revenue also works closely with its counterparts in other jurisdictions including colleagues in Northern Ireland through the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) and international bodies including OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), Europol and the World Customs Organisation. Revenue monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade, both nationally and internationally, on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources accordingly.
450. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will support a loan moratorium for the duration of the energy crisis, particularly for sectors hardest hit by the increased cost of fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26928/26]
View answerSMEs are the lifeblood of the Irish economy. They account for 99.8% of all businesses in Ireland and 66.9% of all employment in the business economy. The Government is acutely conscious of the pressure that businesses and individuals are experiencing as a result of the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the cost of fuel.
From an Irish perspective, we approach this period from a position of economic strength. Nonetheless, Ireland is not immune from the impact on the global economy. This is an extraordinarily challenging time and an extraordinary energy shock. That is why we have put in place a range of temporary and targeted measures, which will reduce the cost burden at the petrol pump, support those most at risk of energy poverty, and assist key sectors that are critical to keeping our economy moving.
The combination of measures announced on 24 March and those announced on 12 April provide for temporary reductions in the rates of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) applying to petrol, auto diesel and Marked Gas Oil (MGO), and are in effect until 31 July 2026.
The rate of MOT was reduced on a VAT inclusive basis by:
• 25 cent per litre for petrol
• 30 cent per litre for auto diesel, and
• 5.4 cent per litre for MGO
To provide targeted relief to haulage and passenger bus operators, I increased the maximum repayment allowable under the Diesel Rebate Scheme, from 7.5 cent up to 12 cent per litre of diesel. This applies to diesel purchased from 1 January 2026 until 30 June 2026.
To further support these sectors, the Government will be establishing a new road transporters support scheme, RTSS. This will be modelled on the licensed haulage support schemes of 2022 and 2023. The RTSS will provide direct payments to haulage and coach operators. Payments will be graduated, with smaller businesses receiving a proportionately greater level of support.
For coach operators that provide Local Link and school transport services, a separate support measure relating to the contractual arrangements of those operators will be introduced. The combined cost per month of these supports to the transport sector is estimated at €40 million.
The increase in the carbon tax on natural gas, solid fuel, MGO, kerosene, heating oil and other relevant fuels that was due to take effect on 1 May has been deferred until 14 October, at an estimated cost of around €22 million.
To further ease the financial impact of energy price inflation, the Government has temporarily reduced the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy from 2 cent per litre to a nominal amount.
In addition, a package of supports for the agricultural sector has been put in place by the Minister for Agriculture. A comprehensive €100 million fuel subsidy support scheme will assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. Farmers and agricultural contractors will benefit from a support rate equivalent to approximately 20 cent per litre on MGO use on the basis of verified fuel consumption in 2025. This targeted and practical support package does ensure those most exposed to these increases will receive meaningful assistance at the most critical time of the year.
To further support households, the fuel allowance season was extended by an additional four weeks. This means that the 470,000 households in receipt of the fuel allowance receive additional financial support of €152 (€38 per week).
While the Government continues to monitor developments, we consider that these measures are an appropriate intervention for the areas in which is there is most acute pressure and challenge. This is a comprehensive package of support well in excess of what many other European countries have done per head of population.
There are various independent mechanisms in place to aid borrowers in their dealings with lenders. The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) is an independent, impartial, fair and free service that helps resolve complaints from consumers, including small businesses and other organisations, against financial service providers and pension providers.
Furthermore, the Central Bank of Ireland has a number of measures in place specifically to protect and support the interests of businesses. Banks must follow regulations set out in the Lending to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Regulations 2015 (the SME Regulations).
These set out the required treatment of SMEs by regulated entities in relation to various aspects of business lending. This includes detailed provisions around the credit application process, requirements regarding security or collateral, credit refusals and withdrawals, handling complaints, managing arrears and having in place policies for engaging with SMEs in financial difficulty.
451. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of planning applications that have been referred to An Coimisiún Pleanála under Schedule 7 of the 2000 Act; the number that were processed within the 18 week target; the number that were further subject to a High Court challenge; and the number that were successfully upheld, in the past five years. [27979/26]
View answerThe Seventh Schedule of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) prescribes infrastructure developments for the purposes of sections 37A and 37B of the Act, for which planning applications in respect of projects referred to as Strategic Infrastructure Developments (SID) are made directly to An Bord Pleanala.
Regarding the specific query, I am informed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that they have nil such applications or referrals under Schedule 7 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in the past five years. While the OPW is often the lead agency for major state infrastructure, it is important to note that the Office frequently works in close cooperation and partnership with local authorities with regard to the design and progression of planning applications. This collaborative approach is common in the delivery of regional flood relief schemes.
452. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department officials will engage with some homeowners at Lower Main Street, Buncrana to facilitate access for fuel deliveries to their homes through the lane to the right and the rear of the old Buncrana Garda Station, as was the case in the past.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28025/26]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that ownership of the former Garda station property at Buncrana transferred to Donegal County Council on the 18 November 2024 and therefore this is a matter for the Local Authority.
453. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his Department’s plans to work in cooperation with Donegal County Council and other local stakeholders to secure investment to enhance the tourism amenity that is An Grianán of Aileach, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28026/26]
View answerAn Grianán of Aileach Ring Fort is a National Monument in State ownership and is under the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW). The OPW holds statutory responsibility for the protection, conservation and presentation of the monument (National Monument No. 140).
The OPW remains committed to the ongoing preservation and presentation of the site. This work is guided by a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CMP), completed in September 2020, which ensures that all interventions protect the archaeological integrity of the monument and its wider landscape setting. Opening hours have been adjusted in recent years in response to feedback from the public and local representatives.
There is substantive and ongoing collaboration between the OPW, Donegal County Council and Fáilte Ireland. This partnership approach includes engagement within the framework of the Inishowen Peninsula Destination and Experience Development Plan, which identifies An Grianán of Aileach as a key site within the region.
In relation to the enhancement of tourism amenities, it is important to note that while the OPW manages the monument itself, the access road and car park are not in State ownership and fall under the remit of the Local Authority. As such, any significant enhancement of the visitor experience requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach. OPW officials continue to engage regularly with stakeholders to review visitor infrastructure, including signage and sustainable access measures, and to ensure an appropriate balance between visitor access and conservation requirements.
The OPW will continue to work in partnership with Donegal County Council, Fáilte Ireland and other stakeholders, and remains available to contribute its expertise to inform any future proposals.
454. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of WTE qualified landscape gardeners, by grade employed by the OPW as of 13 April 2026, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28058/26]
View answerThe number of qualified landscape gardeners, by grade, employed by the OPW, on a whole time equivalent basis, as of 13 April 2026, is set out in the table below:
|
|
Number in Role |
WTE |
|
Craft Foreperson |
2 |
2 |
|
Craft Foreperson (Horticultural) |
5 |
4.8 |
|
Craft Worker (Chargehand) |
17 |
17 |
|
Foreperson Grade 1 (Horticultural) |
2 |
2 |
|
Gardener |
50 |
47.66 |
|
Gardener (Chargehand) |
21 |
20.09 |
|
Horticultural Assistant |
3 |
3 |
|
Horticultural Graduate (12 Months) |
1 |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
101 |
97.55 |
Gardeners included above are qualified to at least a Level 7 relevant qualification.
455. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of civil servants and public servants the State employs for the past ten years, by year, in tabular form. [28242/26]
View answerIt has been reported to my Department that, as of end-December 2025, a total of 417,464 full-time equivalent employees were employed in the public service, of which 53,161 FTEs were employed in the Civil Service (which includes employees of the Irish Prison Service).
|
- |
Public Service Employees |
Civil Service Employees |
|
2015 |
301,589 |
35,032 |
|
2016 |
309,751 |
35,851 |
|
2017 |
320,758 |
37,118 |
|
2018 |
330,576 |
38,455 |
|
2019 |
339,258 |
40,755 |
|
2020 |
350,454 |
42,647 |
|
2021 |
365,893 |
44,027 |
|
2022 |
377,310 |
46,063 |
|
2023 |
397,122 |
48,268 |
|
2024 |
406,866 |
51,137 |
|
2025 |
417,464 |
53,161 |
456. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at the Rock of Cashel in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026; and if each of those refurbishment works projects are still ongoing at present or completed, in tabular form. [28243/26]
View answerA significant project at the Rock of Cashel focusing on Cormac’s Chapel, it’s structure and wall paintings was completed almost a decade ago and the Chapel re-opened to the public in 2018.
These wall paintings form the earliest known decoration of its kind in Ireland and date from the mid-12th century. Ongoing monitoring is in place to ensure that the architectural surfaces and paintings remain in good condition.
During the years referenced in this PQ there have been no significant refurbishment works undertaken at the Rock of Cashel. However, a general programme of maintenance has been carried out annually. This programme includes painting, general maintenance and grass-cutting. In 2025, in addition to this programme, some clearing back of vegetation and growth on rooftops was completed.
The OPW intends to undertake repair works at the Rock of Cashel in the coming months which will focus mainly on the walltops and a boundary wall; subject to Ministerial Consent being granted. In addition, the OPW is currently developing a major conservation works project and upgrade of visitor experience for the Vicars Choral. This project is being planned by the OPW, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
457. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works that were carried out at Cahir Castle in each the years 2024, 2025 and to-date in 2026; and if each of those refurbishment works projects are still ongoing at present or completed, in tabular form. [28244/26]
View answerCahir Castle is thirteenth century castle built as a stronghold of the Butler family. It is a National Monument in the ownership of the State since the early 1960s. A significant programme of works were undertaken at Cahir Castle which were completed in 2015. At that time and following a review of the electrical and related installations, the buildings were completely rewired to meet with ETCI regulations. Since this significant project was completed, there have been no further conservation works programmes completed at Cahir Castle.
A general programme of maintenance is carried out annually by the OPW. This programme includes painting, cleaning, general maintenance and grass-cutting. A recent repair to the roof of the reception area was completed to stop local water ingress.
458. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he is aware that existing fuel and travel allowance arrangements are not meeting the actual costs incurred by travelling special education teachers (SETs) required to work across multiple school settings; if he will review same; the measures being considered to ensure that teachers are not required to subsidise work-related travel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28298/26]
View answerThe conditions for teaching staff come under the remit of the Minister for Education and Youth in the first instance. My Department has overall responsibility for travel and subsistence matters for the Civil Service and these rates are widely used across the public service and by the Revenue Commissioners.
Motor travel expenses are reviewed according to a well-established methodology agreed by the management side and Civil Service staff representative bodies. The rates take into account a range of factors including insurance and the cost of vehicles. The use of this methodology ensures milage rates remain stable when there are fluctuations in the cost of any one element of the cost of operating a vehicle. The rates are reviewed regularly, and the most recent review was completed in late 2025.
The rates, including distance and engine bandings, are set as the result of careful consideration and are adopted by the Revenue Commissioners for taxation purposes. Changes to the rates would have significant impacts across the public and private sectors.
Government has recognised the impact of the increasing cost of motor fuel and has taken steps to help. As part of an ongoing engagement with the European Commission, Government has further reduced excise on petrol and diesel. When taken with a reduction in the NORA Levy, that means a total reduction of 32 cent off a litre of diesel and 27 cent off a litre of petrol. The reductions in the excise on fuel for consumers in effect from 14th April 2026 and will run until 31st July 2026. The already announced NORA levy reduction will also run until 31st July 2026.
The approach taken by Government through the provision of €750m of supports directly addresses recent fluctuations in fuel costs across the economy, is a more immediate response to rapid changes in fuel prices, and benefits all those across the economy who are affected.
459. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the scheduling of a meeting (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28319/26]
View answerThe Liffey Valley Park Strategy, published in 2006, presents a vision for a 'necklace' of amenities along (mainly) public lands by the River Liffey, to provide recreational opportunities for the public and help to conserve the biodiversity and amenity value of the river corridor.
The Strategy sets out a vision for the creation and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure to contribute to healthy active lifestyles, and supports the heritage, economic and tourism potential of the areas concerned for local communities and tourist visitors alike.
The objectives of the Strategy are strongly supported by the Office of Public Works (OPW), and progress on these objectives by the OPW continues, including at Castletown House with the recent addition of an additional 235-acres of lands, and the successful acquisition of the House and lands at Donaghcumper, purchased on behalf of the State by the OPW in 2024.
Fingal County Council, Kildare County Council, Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council are the Local Authority partners with key roles in delivery of the Strategy. Lands at St Catherine's Park, Lucan, were acquired by the OPW in 2006 with a view to their forming the nucleus of a Liffey Valley Park. Responsibility for developing these lands, and the implementation of the wider Liffey Valley Park, was passed to the local authorities involved with Fingal County Council taking the lead in this project. Lucan House and Demesne were brought into public ownership by South Dublin County Council in 2024, to be used as a public amenity.
There are multiple other partners who contribute to the delivery of the Strategy, including ESB, Uisce Eireann, local communities and stakeholders.
In relation to the stakeholders group, and as mentioned at my meeting with the Deputy on 14 January 2026, I am pleased to confirm that I intend to re-convene the Liffey Valley Park Stakeholders group, with a meeting envisaged in Q2 of 2026.
460. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will commit to ensuring that climate transition schemes, including electric vehicle grants, will not be restricted due to funding shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28336/26]
View answerCapital expenditure ceilings are established for each Department over the medium term to ensure that public spending remains within sustainable limits and to provide a stable framework within which Departments and their agencies can plan and manage programmes efficiently and effectively.
Once Ministerial Expenditure Ceilings have been determined, it is a matter for each Minister to allocate funding at programme and subhead level within their Department and across the bodies under their remit, to fulfil various policy objectives, including those related to the climate transition. In this context, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 (as amended) requires Ministers to perform their functions in a manner consistent with, and supportive of, the achievement of the national climate objective.
In particular, section 6C of the Act provides for the setting of Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, which establish the maximum level of greenhouse gas emissions permitted across different sectors of the economy. Responsibility for each sectoral emissions ceiling was assigned to Government Ministers in 2022. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of each Minister to ensure that their Department’s priorities and spending allocations are aligned with the emissions ceilings for the sectors under their remit.
Electric vehicle grants and related measures fall within the remit of the Department of Transport. In 2026, I understand that over €120 million has been allocated by the Minister for Transport to support the continued transition to electric vehicles, including funding for EV purchase grants and the expansion of charging infrastructure. The current and capital allocations for the Department of Transport for 2026 have been voted by the Oireachtas in the normal manner.
461. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision from the Department on an appeal they made in May 2024 regarding professional added years on their pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28438/26]
View answerThere are a large volume of pension appeals received under Circular 16/2020 currently under consideration, giving rise to the processing time for finalising each appeal being longer than anticipated.
Pension appeals are, in general, progressed in the order in which they are received and my Department is committed to ensuring that all valid pension appeals received under Circular 16/2020 are thoroughly examined in a fair and impartial manner.
While there are other open pension appeals on hand which pre-date the appeal referred to by the Deputy, these appeals are being progressed concurrently and are under active consideration and includes the pension appeal referred to in the Deputy’s question.
A detailed determination explaining the outcome of the pension appeal will be communicated directly to the appellant upon completion of the appeal process and it is currently expected such a determination will issue over the course of the Summer.
462. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current ownership status of the former Borrisoleigh Garda Station; whether the property has been declared surplus to requirements by An Garda Síochána or the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28512/26]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that the station at Borrisoleigh is in operational use by An Garda Síochána (AGS) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have not been advised by AGS that it is surplus to their requirements.
463. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the technical assessment to identify potential flood mitigation works for areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28629/26]
View answerThrough the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two-thirds of the population against the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. Investment of €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan has allowed the OPW, since 2018, to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, or construction to some 100 schemes.
Across Cork City and County, nine flood relief schemes have been completed to date providing protection to 1,750 properties.
Under the National Development Plan, the OPW is currently providing funding to Cork County Council for nine staff to deliver all 15 additional flood relief schemes across their area of remit. Six of these are Tranche 1 schemes, which are underway at this time. Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on Tranche 2 flood relief schemes, including Castlemartyr.
Under the OPW's Review of the National Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment, which was published in May 2025, the Castlemartyr Area of Potentially Significant Flood Risk has been extended to include the villlage of Mogeely to provide for an efficient assessment of the risk and potential mitigation options for these communities. Reflecting this, Cork County Council are directly progressing interim flood mitigation measures in respect of Castlemartyr and Mogeely through public procurement.
Since 2009, under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County Council for some 57 projects, including projects for Castlemartyr and Mogeely. Under the scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW. This includes all environmental assessments, planning consents, health and safety requirements and landowner agreements. Projects approved to date are available to view through www.floodinfo.ie/minor-works/.
The OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche 2 schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal, which is referred to as the Tranche 2 Pilot. There are two Tranche 2 Pilot schemes in County Kilkenny (Freshford and Piltown) and two schemes in County Donegal (Donegal Town and Letterkenny). The Tranche 2 Pilot is transferring the management of data gathering, as a first step in designing a scheme, from consultant engineers for a single scheme to the local authorities for all schemes in the Pilot. The Pilot means that data gathering, where feasible, may be scaled up from individual communities to all schemes in a county. The Pilot will better inform the prioritisation of future schemes nationally and the scope of services required from consultants to design and facilitate construction of flood relief schemes.
464. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made on each of the individual Programme for Government commitments assigned to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28663/26]
View answerMy Department’s mission is to drive the delivery of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland. The Department's overall priorities are set out in its Statement of Strategy 2025-2028. The strategy outlines how my Department will achieve its goals in the context of the Programme for Government and overarching policy frameworks. My Department has already made significant progress across its overall strategic priorities and Programme for Government actions in 2025 and to date in 2026, as illustrated by the summary of progress on relevant Programme for Government actions in the attached table. This will be further outlined when my Department’s Annual Report for 2025 is published in the coming weeks.
465. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the average delay in the delivery of exchequer-funded infrastructure projects with a value of over €70 million, for each of the past five years. [28725/26]
View answer467. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the average cost overrun in the delivery of exchequer-funded infrastructure projects of a value of over €70 million, for each of the past five years. [28727/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 467 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.
Securing value for money is an ongoing priority for this Government and is at the heart of all decision making, at every stage of a policy, project or programme's lifecycle. Delivering value for money is about securing the efficient and effective use of public resources in the pursuit of better public services, living standards and infrastructure for the people of Ireland.
It is the responsibility of each Minister and Department who spend public funds to ensure that they are achieving value for money, and it is a matter for each Accounting Officer to ensure that capital projects for which they have responsibility are managed and delivered effectively.
The Accounting Officer of each department must ensure that rigorous processes are in place in their Department and any bodies under their aegis and that they are compliant with the Infrastructure Guidelines, the management of capital budgets overall, and the management of budgets at an individual project level.
My own Department has a relatively limited capital budget. In relation to my Department, there are currently no projects over 70m and there are currently no projects behind schedule or over budget.
My Department is also responsible for the Infrastructure Guidelines. These set out guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget. The management and delivery of individual investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks including the Infrastructure Guidelines, is a responsibility of the respective Department and Accounting Officer.
As part of the capital appraisal process for projects under the Infrastructure Guidelines, Sponsoring Agents for the projects are asked to critically consider the potential schedule and cost implications of a project, which is further developed as a project progresses through the approval gates and more information becomes available. This includes detailed financial and economic appraisal, sensitivity analysis, accounting for behavioural influences such as optimism bias, consideration of appropriate levels of contingency, and detailed risk assessment.
This Government recognises the impact that delays to project implementation have on project costs and the timely delivery of critical infrastructure and has taken decisive action to address the reasons for these delays. The Accelerating Infrastructure Actions Report and Action Plan published last December sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform, with legal reform noted as a core element for accelerating critical infrastructure projects across the country. This work will, among other measures, include increasing exemption thresholds for critical infrastructure, reform processes with agencies and regulators, advocating for a new approach to legislation at EU level and creating a duty for state bodies to co-operate in making land available and accessible for critical infrastructure.
