Written Answers Nos. 1-35
5. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the overall NDP progress in Cork north-west since 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40394/26]
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. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographical basis.
More broadly, the achievement of balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040, which includes the National Planning Framework (NPF), which sets out the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years, along with the National Development Plan.
Since Project Ireland 2040 was first launched in 2018, the Government has overseen the delivery of many impactful NDP projects across the country, including for example across county Cork such as the Dunkettle Interchange upgrade and new platform at Kent train station, Library improvements in Kinsale and Macroom, new wards at Mallow General Hospital, water projects in Bandon, Cork City, Cork Lower Harbour and Skibbereen and in 2025 alone, delivering capital works for 24 schools across the county.
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. Both the capital tracker and the map are available on [gov.ie] and will provide the Deputy with specific detail on projects delivered, and status of works ongoing in Cork North-West. Including for example progress on:
• · new Divisional Headquarters for An Garda Síochána and town revitalisation projects in Macroom
• · Residential Care facilities in Millstreet and in Kanturk Community Hospital
• · the Charleville Town Centre Renewal Project and
• · Flood relief protecting about 90 properties at Ballybourney and Ballymakeera
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, including in Cork. These will provide the Deputy with even further detail on delivery under the NDP to date. These and other Project Ireland 2040 related documents can be found at www.gov.ie/2040 .
Furthermore, over the end of 2025 and early 2026, individual Ministers developed sectoral level plans, for priority investment programmes and projects within their additional capital allocations under the revised NDP for delivery across the country. Considering sectoral needs and Ministerial decisions, these plans reflect Government priorities, including the National Planning Framework commitment to balanced regional development.
The plans include planned investment and projects across the country, including a range of projects across transport, justice and utility services in Cork for example:
• Midleton Waste Water Treatment Plant Project
• N72/Mallow Relief Road
• M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy
• Bus Connects Cork and the Cork Area Commuter Rail, and
• social and affordable housing at Horgans Quay and Mahon delivering over 390 housing units.
These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on a sectoral basis.
9. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the new expenditure control and escalation process. [40339/26]
View answerThe Government agreed a Medium Term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFP) in December last year. This set out expenditure ceilings for the period to 2030. It provides for significant uplifts in expenditure over the coming years, with gross voted spending to reach €147.3 billion in 2030. As set out in the MTFP the ceiling for 2027 will increase to €125.5 billion. This is an uplift of €7 billion over the 2026 expenditure ceiling of €118.5 billion. Delivery of the MTFP over the medium-term horizon will require enhanced expenditure control, avoidance of in-year decisions with carryover costs for subsequent years and robust oversight mechanisms.
Circular 21/2026 "Expenditure Control and Escalation Process", which issued to all Government departments on 14 May, provides a clear framework for managing expenditure and sets phases for escalation if spending overruns emerge.
Where expenditure pressures persist, the Circular sets out a framework for when and how DPER may engage with Departments. These steps are focused around strengthening governance, reprioritising expenditure within Departments allocations, and ensuring that overruns are addressed in a timely manner.
This Circular reinforces other recent efforts to strengthen expenditure control, including Circular 18/2025 “Value for Money Obligations” which my Department published last July and correspondence issued by both myself and the Secretary General of my Department at the start of this year highlighting the need to adhere to the expenditure ceiling set out in the Revised Estimates 2026.
This escalation process is designed to be transparent and clear, setting out the different phases that can be taken to address overruns. It defines the roles and responsibilities across Departments, ensuring strong accountability for expenditure management. Importantly, it is responsive to emerging spending pressures and enables timely and proportionate corrective actions where required.
The Circular also reiterates that responsibility for managing expenditure rests with each Department’s Accounting Officer. Alongside these strengthened controls, it is essential that Departments actively pursue efficiencies and reforms to ensure that the significant resources allocated to them are used to efficiently and effectively deliver high-quality public services and supports.
15. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timing of the update to the catchment flood risk assessment and management maps, to reflect the 2022 census; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40519/26]
View answerUnder the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme a detailed assessment of flood risk for 300 communities was carried out. The CFRAM Programme produced a range of detailed flood maps for present-day conditions, and also for potential future scenarios taking into account the potential impacts of climate change. The flood maps and a wealth of other flood risk management information are published on the floodinfo.ie portal.
Updates and revisions to the flood maps produced through the CFRAM Programme may occasionally be required due to a change in physical conditions, the completion of an OPW-funded Flood Relief Scheme or a Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, evidence presented by a recent flood event or other specific evidence. In these circumstances a Flood Map Review may be undertaken. A flood map review can be instigated at any time by the submission of a Flood Map Review Request Form. Full details of the Flood Map Review Programme and guidance notes for the flood map review process are available from the floodinfo.ie portal.
The flood maps, such as the flood extent and depth maps, are primarily dependent on hydrological conditions and the physical characteristics of the river and floodplain. The CFRAM mapping includes a sub-set of maps showing the density of inhabitants potentially at risk from flooding, which reflect the number and typical occupancy rates of homes within a certain area. As part of an overall update of the floodinfo.ie portal, these risk maps, which were only available in printable PDF format, have been converted into active GIS layers and updated based on the 2022 Census data, and will be uploaded to the portal for interactive use in the coming weeks.
In the context of the 6 yearly cycle of the EU ‘Floods’ Directive, the OPW published in 2025 the report on the 3rd cycle Review of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment. The flood hazard and risk maps are reviewed on an ongoing basis and where appropriate updated, to meet the requirements of the Directive.
17. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the proposed new divisional Garda headquarters at Northern Cross. [40343/26]
View answerAn Garda Síochána’s Capital Programme is agreed between An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
In December 2025, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published its Sectoral Investment Plan for the Justice Sector.
The Sectoral Investment Plan for the Justice Sector includes a proposal for a new Divisional Headquarter campus in Dublin Metropolitan Region North Division, as part of a wider Construction and Estate Refurbishment Programme.
An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration are now engaged in a process to refine the Brief of Requirements for this Divisional Headquarter campus.
Once this process is complete, the Office of Public Works will engage with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to support them in identifying and appraising the most suitable site/ sites to support their objectives.
Consistent with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Office of Public Works will be the project Contracting Authority.
The Office of Public Works will manage and deliver the project subject to the approval of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, as the Approving Authority, and in accordance with subsequent direction from An Garda Síochána, as Sponsoring Agency.
18. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the work he is doing to ensure that all OPW owned buildings, structures and monuments are fully accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40076/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works continues to make accessibility a priority across its owned property portfolio.
New Government Department Office Buildings, Garda Stations, Coast Guard Stations, Cultural Facilities, and Visitor Centres are designed to Part M of the current Building Regulations across the OPW portfolio, unless in specific situations where exemptions are in place.
In addition, existing buildings in the State portfolio are modified, on a phased basis, in accordance with the terms set out in the OPW Universal Access Programme. The OPW runs a Universal Access Programme, which targets access solutions for all OPW-owned or leased public buildings and facilities. The works typically involve site-specific solutions, including improvements to entrances, circulation routes, sanitary facilities and customer service areas, to comply with part M of the current regulations. While most of its work is centred on the requirement to upgrade the building or facility where a service is provided for the public, the solution is not always the same across the board. On completion of access audits, design solutions are considered and site-specific projects are delivered taking account of both Government agency client requirements and the public needs in order to comply with the Disability Act 2005, if applicable.
Universal Access opportunities are investigated on a case by case basis by trained access auditors. Appropriately designed solutions are applied within the legislative parameters. Co-design solutions are prioritised in accordance with international best practice, and in consultation with the Centre for Excellence Unit at the National Disability Authority agency. Section 25 of the Disability Act 2005 sets out the accessibility provisions are to be applied ‘as far as is practicable’ and Part M of the Technical Guidance Documents is followed in a parallel process or within the legislative obligations applicable in that instance.
In addition, under Section 16 of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, staff with specific disabilities or who develop a disability must be provided with reasonable accommodation at their place of work. This is facilitated through the Universal Access Programme on a case by case basis. Accessibility audits are undertaken in conjunction with the staff member to establish the best design of the space for their workplace needs. Solutions have evolved over the last number of years and the advent of remote working options has increased the opportunities to provide solutions that can accommodate more staff on different work patterns or alternate anchor days in the office.
19. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he or his Department are providing guidance to any additional State agencies for projects that are potentially being written down, given the recent reporting of the €50 million write off of the IT system at Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40671/26]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, there is a strict control and accountability framework in place for the use of public monies. The objective of the framework is to ensure that all public monies are expended for the purpose of and in accordance with the laws under which they are approved. The fundamental principle is that there should be transparency and accountability in the management of public money, in line with economy, efficiency and effectiveness.
It is of course a matter for each Department and Office of Government concerned to ensure that there are appropriate oversight arrangements and structures in place to ensure that public money is spent in line with the strict control and accountability framework.
While my Department does have an initial approval role in relation to ICT and digital initiatives across the Public Service, the relevant Accounting Officer remains responsible for projects undertaken by their organisation, in consultation with their parent Department, where relevant.
In my role as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, my officials and I support all Departments and their agencies in the delivery of their mandates through the functions of my Department including:
• expenditure oversight,
• ongoing enhancement of central accountability, governance and value for money frameworks,
• expenditure policy,
• procurement policy,
• pay and pension policy,
• oversight of digital and ICT initiatives, and
• setting and facilitating the overall public service reform agenda.
It is the responsibility of each Accounting Officer to manage expenditure in line with their budgetary allocation.
While the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer in my Department is available to public service bodies to provide guidance and advice, responsibility for delivery of any initiative, and the associated financial outcomes remains with the sponsoring organisation.
Under the framework set out in Circular 14/21 from my Department, for digital and ICT initiatives of scale a peer review process will be initiated. The purpose of the Peer Review process is to assess if the governance arrangements of initiatives of scale, risk and/or strategic importance, are appropriately established and operated to provide maximum assurance of successful delivery. The Peer Review Group provides an independent, structured review of the programme at key decision points throughout its lifecycle. The group will act as a critical friend to the project, providing advice and support to both the OGCIO and to the relevant project lead in the sponsoring organisation.
20. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status and future plans for the old courthouse in Tuam, County Galway (details supplied); if the building is being considered for meaningful community use or if demolition remains under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40758/26]
View answerI am informed by my officials that the Old Courthouse in Tuam, County Galway is not owned by the Commissioners of Public Works or by the Minister for Public Expenditure; Infrastructure; Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
The OPW is therefore not involved in the consideration of the future use of this property.
21. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on infrastructure projects currently be undertaken in Kildare north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40797/26]
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.
As part of the budgetary process each year, my Department sets overall expenditure ceilings for each Ministerial Vote Group. These are laid out at Vote level in the Budget Day Expenditure Report published in October with further detail provided in the Revised Estimates for Public Services published in December.
Following the allocation of each Ministerial Expenditure Ceiling, it is a matter for each Minister to assign funding as appropriate at programme and subhead level for their Departments and for the agencies and bodies under their remit. They must account for the demands for services in different areas and regions, having regard to demographics and other relevant factors. Within this process, both current and capital expenditure are allocated on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
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. 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.
Since Project Ireland 2040 was first launched in 2018, the Government has overseen the delivery of many impactful NDP projects across the country, including in the north Kildare region, such as the widening of the M7 Naas to Newbridge bypass, the Sallins bypass, Maynooth University Technology Society and Innovation Building, a new 1,000 pupil post-primary school in Naas Community College and a Naas Library. Numerous smaller projects have also been delivered or are planned for North Kildare in the housing, education and cultural sectors, including the delivery of hundreds of new housing units over recent years across towns such as Naas, Maynooth and Kilcock.
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 also 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.
In developing these sectoral plans, Departments were required to demonstrate how their proposed investments align with the objectives of the National Planning Framework (NPF). This ensures that increased capital spending supports balanced regional development. These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental webpage on the gov.ie website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on a sectoral basis.
22. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on proposals to implement coastal protection measures and ensure continued access to properties on a road (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40450/26]
View answerLocal coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. Funding may be made available to Local Authorities for coastal erosion protection through the Minor Works Scheme. The OPW are currently funding nine local authority staff in Cork County Council (CCC) to manage the delivery of flood relief schemes.
Minor Works Scheme
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide 90% funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding or coastal erosion problems. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The funding available for each project has been increased from €750,000 to €2 million. I announced the details of the revised criteria for the Minor Works Scheme on May 25th.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 57 projects and some €7.3 million to county Cork under the Minor Works Schemes. Some €1.14m of funding relates to coastal erosion works or studies.
Finure-Guileen Cliff Minor Works Application
In February 2024 Cork County Council applied for €495,000 in funding under the Minor Works Scheme to carry out design and construction works at Finure Co. Cork. The Council had highlighted erosion of the cliff putting at risk an access road to 6 residential properties. The Council intended to carry out cliff stabilisation works with rock armour protection.
In July 2024 the OPW approved the Council's Minor Works application, this approval was valid until the end of June 2025.
In May 2025 the Council indicated that due to the complexity of the design they would have to apply to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) for a Maritime Area Consent prior to making a Planning application for the works and requested an extension to the funding period to end of December 2025. The OPW agreed to this extension.
In January 2026 Cork County Council wrote to the OPW informing them that a Maritime Area Consent application had been submitted in December 2025 to MARA in relation to the construction of heavy rock armour. Additional information on this application was requested by MARA in March and May 2026.
The Council has confirmed that their consultant has recently submitted a response to the request by MARA for additional information.
A decision by MARA is awaited on this application.
24. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the flood projects in the east Cork area; the expected timeline for completion of the same projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40794/26]
View answerAcross Cork, nine flood relief schemes are completed. The Office of Public Works, (OPW), is currently providing funding to Cork County Council for nine staff to deliver all 15 additional flood relief schemes across the county, that are all funded by the Government’s commitment to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan. Six of these are Tranche 1 schemes, and are underway at this time, including Midleton.
The Midleton Flood Relief Scheme is estimated to be submitted by Cork County Council to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q3 2026 and be substantially complete by 2031, protecting up to 750 properties – that flooded during Storm Babet. A Part 8 planning application for advance works at Tir Cluain, to protect 135 of these properties, was granted consent in January 2026 and Cork County Council plan to appoint a contractor later this year. A further Part 8 planning application is currently being progressed for permanent advance works on Park South, Midleton to protect 14 properties in the Oakwood and Beechwood Estates.
Castlemartyr (to include Mogeely), Rathcormac, and Youghal are not in the first Tranche of schemes being designed at this time. The specialised nature of engineering required means having trebled the number of schemes at design and construction, to some 100, Ireland is constrained by availability of specialised resources to commence any additional schemes.
Cork County Council is rolling out the €5.8m Individual Property Protection (IPP) Scheme across Midleton and East Cork to some 725 homes and businesses affected by Storm Babet in October 2023. This forms part of the Council’s emergency response plans for these areas. The scheme requires some 2,000 flood barriers, and a significant number of these need civil works to have them installed. Cork County Council has advised that 44% of the properties have IPP fully complete and 70% of the total flood gates required have been delivered, with substantial completion anticipated to be in September 2026.
A quarterly update by Cork County Council on the Midleton Flood Relief Scheme and the Individual Property Protection scheme was presented at the Midleton Flood Committee meeting on 23rd April 2026, and the next update is scheduled for 16th July 2026.
Since 2009, under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County for some 57 projects.
On Monday of this week, 25th May 2026, I announced that details of the revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are available. The revisions include an increase in the upper threshold in funding for projects from €750,000 to €2m and an increase in the OPW contribution from 90% to 95% for approved funding above €300,000. Further revisions include the relaxing of some economic criteria which lowers the required threshold for viable solutions.
I also announced details of once-off funding of €200,000 to Cork County Council to remove river conveyance blockages in County Cork.
25. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to designate the Navan to Dublin rail line as critical infrastructure under the Critical infrastructure Bill 2026. [39414/26]
View answerThe Critical Infrastructure Bill will provide a statutory basis for the acceleration of decision-making around projects and programmes that are considered to be critical infrastructure. The objective is to provide a clear signal and direction to the whole system that designated developments represent the country's key priorities. The Bill requires that all reasonable steps to be taken by public bodies, both individually and collectively, to progress any functions they may have in relation to these projects and programmes as quickly as possible.
Section 1 of the Bill specifically identifies transport facilities including railways as being included within the definition of infrastructure. However, I have consistently stated in the Oireachtas that the designation process will not commence until after the Bill's enactment. When it does, my focus will be on recommending a small number of critical projects or programmes that will facilitate the acceleration of infrastructure across the energy, transport and water sectors, with a particular focus on infrastructure that will support housing.
I recognise the importance of rail infrastructure, but I also note that this Bill is just one of the vehicles being pushed to accelerate the provision of infrastructure. In the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, 30 actions were identified to address the 12 barriers to infrastructure delivery identified through my Department’s extensive stakeholder engagement. I, my Department and the whole of Government continue to implement these actions and it is only by pressing forward on all of these fronts can the required scale of transformation in infrastructure delivery be achieved.
26. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the Nenagh flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40684/26]
View answerThe 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. The 2018 Flood Risk Management Plans were the output from the CFRAM study and identified some 150 additional flood relief schemes to protect at risk communities, including Nenagh.
Tipperary County Council is leading the delivery of this scheme. The scope and complexity of the flood risk in Nenagh, to protect some 60 properties, has evolved, and the Council in 2023 engaged with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to assist with the technical assessment required.
The OPW has recently completed preliminary site surveys and a Steering Group has been established to oversee delivery of the Nenagh Flood Relief Scheme.
Tender documents for the procurement of engineering and environmental consultants to progress the design of the flood relief scheme for Nenagh are almost complete. It is expected that the tender documents will issue by the end of Q2 2026. The appointment of consultants will inform the programme for the delivery of this flood relief scheme.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €2.6 million funding to Tipperary County Council for flood mitigation measures on some 60 projects, under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme's criteria has been expanded, including to projects up to €2m and remains available to the Council, to introduce interim flood mitigation measures in Nenagh, pending the completion of the main flood relief scheme for the town. The details of the scheme are available on the OPW website, www.opw.ie .
27. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount of capital investment planned for OPW sites in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown during 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40273/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is a key service provider to Government, managing the State's estate portfolio, maintaining and presenting Ireland's built heritage, and leading the State's flood risk management function. Under the current National Development Plan, the OPW has secured a record allocation of €1.845 billion, encompassing flood risk management, State property management, and the conservation of heritage assets in support of regional tourism. The OPW's capital programme is one of the most geographically distributed and functionally diverse in the public service, with works delivered in every county.
Capital investment in any given area in a particular year reflects a range of demand-led factors rather than a fixed geographical allocation. Under Estate Management, the OPW is responsible for the maintenance, refurbishment, and development of government properties including offices, Garda stations, and other public service buildings. Across the estate, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure that public assets remain safe, functional, and efficient. Regular maintenance activities frequently identify areas where more substantial interventions are required, leading to planned preventative capital works. By integrating insights from ongoing maintenance into capital planning, the OPW ensures that resources are used effectively and future risks are minimised.
Accessibility requirements also drive capital investment in the OPW's property portfolio. The OPW in recent years completed universal access works at Dún Laoghaire Garda Station. The attached table sets out many of the significant OPW capital works progressing in 2026 in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area.
Flood Risk Management represents a further significant pillar of OPW activity in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The OPW is working in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to advance major flood relief schemes in the area, including the Loughlinstown Flood Relief Scheme. While Loughlinstown is a single scheme, it encompasses two river catchments Deansgrange and Carrickmines/Shanganagh. The Carrickmines/Shanganagh element is currently in the planning process with An Coimisiún Pleanála. Subject to planning consent, it is expected to commence construction in Q1 2028 and the Deansgrange element expected to commence construction in Q1 2027. The estimated project budget for the Loughlinstown FRS is €26.9m. Further information on flood risk management activity in County Dublin is available at floodinfo.ie/county-summary.
|
Location |
OPW Capital Works |
Status |
|
|
Windows Refurbishment |
Contract awarded |
|
Cabinteely Garda Station |
Roofworks |
Contract awarded |
|
|
Electrical systems upgrade works |
Design stage |
|
Dun Laoghaire Garda Station |
Roofworks |
Design stage |
|
Dun Laoghaire Probation and Welfare |
Consolidation of Office space |
Design stage |
|
Shankill Garda Station |
Carpark resurfacing works |
Design stage |
|
Clonskeagh, Belfield , Offices for the National Shared Services Office |
Facilities upgrade works to 2nd and 4th floor |
Tender issued |
|
Dun Laoghaire Courthouse |
Roof works |
Contract awarded |
|
Dundrum Garda Station |
Electrical systems upgrade works |
Design stage |
28. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeline when his Department will publish the terms and conditions for the expanded minor works scheme following his announcement in August 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40793/26]
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 and coastal protection works under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Since its introduction in 2009, some €70 million has been approved under the Scheme for 930 local authority led projects that are delivering flood mitigation and coastal protection for some 8,000 properties.
On Monday of this week, 25th May 2026, I was pleased to announce that details of the revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are available, and greatly increase the scope of the Scheme to provide local authorities with a greater opportunity to address localised flood and coastal erosion risks within their administrative areas. The revisions include an increase in the upper threshold in funding for projects from €750,000 to €2m and an increase in the OPW contribution from 90% to 95% for approved funding above €300,000. Further revisions include the relaxing of some economic criteria which lowers the required threshold for viable solutions.
I have taken the lessons learned from Strom Chandra, and other storms, and expanded the Scheme to include interim flood mitigation measures for communities where a major flood relief scheme is planned, but not complete. I am confident that by availing of this scheme, and introducing interim measures, local authorities will be able to reduce the impact of any significant flood event on the local community until full protection is provided by the completed scheme. The revisions to the Scheme will also better support local authorities in dealing with coastal erosion problems that are impacting local communities.
The full details of the revised scheme are available on the OPW website www.opw.ie .
29. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress being made on implementing shared digital services across Government departments to improve efficiency and reduce duplication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40691/26]
View answerUnder my Department’s Public Service ICT Strategy ‘Connecting Government 2030: A Digital and ICT Strategy for Ireland’s Public Service’ we have invested in shared digital infrastructure under our Build to Share and Government as a Platform programmes. With these programmes we have more rapidly and cost effectively scaled-up the development of digital services. Implement interoperable, scalable technology-based solutions and our approach is to in particular use Build to Share and digital/ ICT building blocks to deliver economies of scale and maximise return on investment as we achieve our digital ambitions.
The principle of once-only implies that Government will use digital technology to present and enable its services in a more theme-oriented proactive way. We have already made huge strides to achieve this with gov.ie, but we aim to develop the service even further. Consequently, a priority under this strategy as part of the Digital Public Services Plan 2030, my Department is delivering the key digital building blocks underpinning the Life Events Services, including the Government Digital Wallet, recognising that no one should need to know every government service or requirement relating to a life event such as registering a birth or death, starting a new business or returning to Ireland.
My Department continues to develop the Build to Share programme which offers public service bodies access to a range of digital, ICT and telecommunications services. Adoption of Build to Share services benefits all sizes of organisations through access to robust and resilient desktop services and infrastructures, in particular cyber defences, as well as a suite of government-specific common applications that will transform and simplify back office operations.
Investing in central shared digital public infrastructure, applications and services has led to streamlined processes thereby introducing efficiencies through consolidation, rationalisation, digitalisation, automation and new technologies. Having a single provider for such an extensive suite of services will free up valuable resources in departments and agencies enabling them in turn, to deliver innovative solutions tailored to their individual organisations and the needs of their particular customers.
30. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if any engagement has taken place between OPW and An Garda Síochána on acquiring a site in Cherrywood for a new Garda Station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40275/26]
View answerIn November 2024, an initial and outline Brief of Requirements for a new site to support the development of a Garda Station in Cherrywood was received by the Office of Public Works from An Garda Síochána.
In December 2025, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published its Sectoral Investment Plan for the Justice Sector. This includes several construction and estate refurbishment Capital Projects.
The prioritisation of the Capital Programme is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Subject to direction from An Garda Síochána, and a detailed Brief of Requirements from An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works will engage with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to support them in identifying and appraising the most suitable site/ sites to support their objectives.
Consistent with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Office of Public Works will be the project Contracting Authority.
The Office of Public Works will manage and deliver the project subject to the approval of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, as the Approving Authority, and in accordance with subsequent direction from An Garda Síochána, as Sponsoring Agency.
31. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the progress being made under Pillar II of the Accelerating Infrastructure Plan [40321/26]
View answerPillar two of the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan - Regulatory Reform and Simplification - outlines a suite of actions to streamline regulatory processes and structures and enable infrastructure providers to navigate the regulatory system more efficiently.
There has been significant progress made on the actions outlined under Pillar 2, with all quarter one actions completed. This includes a number of actions under the remit of my Department, namely:
• The commencement of Action 9 with the establishment of Infrastructure Regulatory Simplification Unit within my Department in February 2026. The Unit is responsible for examining the current regulatory landscape to identify bottlenecks, progress solutions and support the delivery of actions under Pillar 2 more broadly. To this end, the Unit has been engaging with relevant Government Departments and Regulatory bodies.
• Regarding Action 11, my Department published a new Circular on Principles for Better Regulation for Critical Infrastructure, in March. The Circular outlines eight principles for better regulation and regulatory process reforms that Public Sector Bodies must implement in their own regulatory processes, and as they deliver on their obligations under the Action Plan.
More broadly, progress has also been made by other Departments assigned actions under Pillar 2 of the Plan, including for example the implementation of an Early Warning System regarding forthcoming EU legislation by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This actions taken together aim to simplify the regulatory landscape. Tangible impacts on regulatory timelines are already evident - for instance:
• A simplified EPA regulatory process for small domestic wastewater discharges was introduced, to facilitate the provision developer-led infrastructure for housing developments of up to 40 units. Previously these discharges would have required an individual Certificate of Authorisation, whereas now these discharges will be registered via a short, online administrative process, thus reducing processing timelines for these applications.
• MARA recently designated Local Authorities and Uisce Éireann as Fit and Proper Persons under Section 90 of the MAP Act, which will significantly reduce processing times for Maritime Area Consent applications from these bodies.
It is essential that our regulatory systems support the efficient use of investment and help accelerate the delivery of the infrastructure. To that end, work continues to progress to deliver the remaining Pillar 2 actions.
32. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the progress of flood relief plans in Kilkenny and Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40270/26]
View answerThe Government is investing some €110m in flood relief schemes completed and underway across counties Kilkenny and Carlow. The €48m flood relief scheme for Kilkenny City is protecting 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 issued to the market and the tender submission deadline is the end of May with construction to commence later this 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.
At the end of May I allocated €484,000 and €1.135m respectively to Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils to introduce interim measures that can reduce the impact of similar future flood events to those affected communities.
33. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation given that wastewater and waste management systems are explicitly identified within the Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026 as infrastructure enabling essential State functions, whether the Government will apply that designation to outstanding wastewater projects in County Clare where communities have faced years of delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40522/26]
View answerThe Critical Infrastructure Bill is a central pillar of the Government’s broader infrastructure acceleration agenda. The need for a Bill to fast track a limited number of strategically important projects through approval processes was identified in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action published last December.
The Bill has been drafted and introduced on a priority basis to respond to this need. Its primary aim is to allow Government to designate certain projects or programmes as critical. This then requires all public bodies who may have an authorisation function for these projects or programmes to prioritise consideration of them within their approval processes.
In practical terms, this means that relevant bodies will be required to prioritise, avoid delay, reduce timelines, parallel processes and cooperate with each other to fast-track designated infrastructure.
Section 3 of the draft Bill deals with the designation process. The text of the Bill has been published in full along with an explanatory memorandum. This section of the Bill allows the Minister for Public Expenditure to make a recommendation to Government that a designation order be made in respect of a project or programme. It also provides for democratic accountability by allowing the Dáil to annul any order laid before it designating a project or programme.
I have consistently stated in the Oireachtas that the designation process will not commence until after the Bill's enactment. After enactment, my focus will be on recommending a small number of critical projects or programmes. I will prioritise those projects or programmes that will facilitate the acceleration of infrastructure across the energy, transport and water sectors, with a particular focus on infrastructure that will support housing.
34. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to report on progress to retrofit traditional and historical buildings; if he expects that district heating will play a role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38917/26]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for maintaining some of Ireland’s most important and iconic structures, a diverse range of nationally and internationally significant historic heritage properties including 780 National Monuments, 32 National historic visitor sites, over 100 stone buildings in Dublin which are home to Government, State Agencies and National Cultural Institutions. In addition, the OPW maintains a portfolio of historic buildings nationwide, which house Garda stations, Departmental offices, educational facilities, lodges and visitor centres.
In December 2019, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the European Green Deal, in which the renovation of both public and private buildings was highlighted as a key initiative to drive energy efficiency in the sector and deliver on climate objectives.
To assist in the approach to improving the energy efficiency of OPW owned traditionally built heritage properties, my Office has developed a guidance document, ‘Approaches to Improving the Energy Performance of Heritage Properties in State Care’ which was funded by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The document was published in 2024 and is available at www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/campaigns/improving-the-energy-performance-of-heritage-properties-in-state-care/
Building on the work to develop the guidance, my Office successfully partnered with Limerick City and County Council and Technical University of the Shannon to secure EU funding, for the ‘Support to the Renovation Wave – Deep Energy Renovation of Historic Buildings in Ireland’ project. This funding supported a series of energy upgrade case studies to demonstrate the recommended approach developed in the guidelines, in practice. The case studies span a variety of traditional building typologies found in Ireland and across Europe, and represent a variety of common challenges and constraints
In early 2025, a three-day training programme was delivered to more than 400 participants from the OPW and across the Irish public sector, including representatives from the local authorities, government departments and heritage organisations. The training covered recent and upcoming changes to national and European policies, technical evaluation tools and techniques, and practical case-based learning. It established a shared understanding of how to balance climate action with heritage conservation principles. This training is now available online via the EU Academy.
Within the OPW, there is a programme for technical personnel to support sustainable heritage retrofits. Training covers thermal imaging, U-value testing, and hygrothermal analysis, enabling staff to execute high-impact, low-risk upgrades across historic state-owned buildings without compromising their architectural integrity.
In addition, the OPW continues ongoing collaboration with other organisations and stakeholders; including SEAI through our participation on the steering group of the FabTrads Study to review the performance of traditional building fabric.
The National Development Plan, supported by the Programme for Government, commits to a once in-a-generation investment in the renovation and redevelopment of our National Cultural Institutions (NCI). As the technical lead on the NCI programme the OPW has a central focus on the objectives of the Climate Action Plan including decarbonisation and is incorporating innovative retrofitting initiatives as a key driver to the investment scheme.
The OPW in addition to the development of the guidelines, pilot studies and NCI programme is continuously engaged in a programme of maintenance and renovation works to the everyday but equally important historic buildings in our care. Boiler replacements and heating systems upgrades, roof repairs, the installation of appropriate breathable insulations, window and door repair / replacement, the installation of solar collectors PV panels and other renovation works improve / repair building fabric and result in improved energy efficiency and building performance.
The OPW has been innovative in the use of district heating systems in Ireland. An OPW owned and operated district heating system, which utilises biomass (wood pellets) renewable energy, serves the Leinster house complex, government buildings and 3 of the city centre cultural institutions which reduces carbon and increases efficiency. There is ambition to continually seek to utilise / improve this district heating systems that all buildings served by this system will benefit from.
It is envisaged that District Heating will play a significant role in the decarbonisation of heating systems in Traditional Buildings as interventions to reduce heat demand by upgrading building fabric can be limited. Changing the heating source to district heating from renewable energy has the potential to provide a solution for these building types. The OPW is engaging with district heating utility providers regarding planned schemes in some larger urban areas, for example the Dublin Waste to Energy District Heating Scheme served from Poolbeg. This process will continue as plans for district heating schemes are further developed and the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is enacted.
35. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026 will benefit Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40610/26]
View answerThe Critical Infrastructure Bill is a central pillar of the Government’s broader infrastructure acceleration agenda. The need for a Bill to fast track a limited number of strategically important projects through approval processes was identified in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action published last December.
The Bill has been drafted and introduced on a priority basis to respond to this need. Its primary aim is to allow Government to designate certain projects or programmes as critical. This then requires all public bodies who may have an authorisation function for these projects or programmes to prioritise consideration of them within their approval processes.
In practical terms, this means that relevant bodies will be required to prioritise, avoid delay, reduce timelines, parallel processes and cooperate with each other to fast-track designated infrastructure.
Section 3 of the draft Bill deals with the designation process. The text of the Bill has been published in full along with an explanatory memorandum. This section of the Bill allows the Minister for Public Expenditure to make a recommendation to Government that a designation order be made in respect of a project or programme. It also provides for democratic accountability by allowing the Dáil to annul any order laid before it designating a project or programme.
I have consistently stated in the Oireachtas that the designation process will not commence until after the Bill's enactment. After enactment, my focus will be on recommending a small number of critical projects or programmes. I will prioritise those projects or programmes that will facilitate the acceleration of infrastructure across the energy, transport and water sectors, with a particular focus on infrastructure that will support housing.
