Written Answers Nos. 300-319
300. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the non-tax new measure expenditures outlined in the summer economic statement are incorporated at the same level within the projections for revenue and balances contained in the fiscal outlook 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44077/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra301. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for the projected non-tax new measures expenditure contained in the fiscal outlook 2025 for the year 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44078/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 301 together.
Budget 2025 provided for an additional €6.9bn in voted expenditure in 2025. Of this €1.9bn was provided to fund a range of new measures detailed in the Expenditure Report 2025.
In setting out the fiscal parameters for Budget 2025, the Summer Economic Statement (SES) also outlined voted expenditure projections for the period 2026 to 2030 based on a technical assumption of current expenditure increasing by 5 per cent per annum, with capital ceilings from 2027 reverting to the amounts set out in the NDP in 2021 with the addition of funding from the ICNF from 2026. As outlined in the SES, there was a technical assumption in relation to an ELS provision of on average 3½ per cent of the current expenditure base across 2026-2030, with this provision to be re-estimated each year.
The Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2025 revised the technical assumptions in the SES, with current spending growing by 6.3 per cent in 2026 and then by 5 per cent across the period 2027-2030. On a technical basis the capital spending for the period after 2026 also grows by 5 per cent each year. The projections do not make any changes to the technical assumptions in the SES around the split of this current expenditure increase between existing levels of service and new measures. However, the higher level of growth in current spending in 2026 would need to deal with the impact of the carryover of Budget 2025 measures and timing issues in relation to Exchequer pay and pensions payments in 2026. ELS provisions would be a matter for review each year as part of the annual Estimates process taking into account a range of factors including the impact of demographics and changes in pay rates.
Specifically in relation to 2025, Budget 2025 was published on 1 October and adhered to the overall SES parameters with a gross voted total expenditure uplift of €6.9bn set out. Following budget negotiations there was some movement within the €6.9bn uplift between capital spending, existing levels of service and new measures. The final Budget 2025 package included new measures of €1.9bn (see Table 1 of the Expenditure Report 2025).
Such adjustments between expenditure categories is a normal part of the estimates process as Departments examine their existing level of service and policy carryover requirements for the coming year. New measures funded as part of Budget 2025 include:
• the increases in core social protection payments (€12) and allowances,
• extension of the school hot meals programme,
• the provision of 35 new hospital beds and 160 community beds in the health sector,
• expansion of the free schoolbooks scheme to transition year and senior cycle students,
• the recruitment of up to one thousand trainee Gardaí and an additional 150 Garda staff.
302. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of staff vacancies, by grade, in his Department at the end of August 2023 and August 2024; and the number of staff, by grade, on a career break of more than five years and more than six years, at the end of August 2023 and August 2024. [44131/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below.
|
Grade |
Number of Vacancies at the End of August 2023 |
Number of Vacancies at the End of August 2024 |
|
A/SEC |
0 |
1 |
|
PO |
2 |
0 |
|
AP |
9 |
14 |
|
HEO |
13 |
14 |
|
AO |
8 |
6 |
|
EO |
12 |
16 |
|
CO |
5 |
4 |
|
Total |
49 |
55 |
|
Grade |
Number of Staff on Career Break over Five Years at the end of August 2023 |
Number of Staff on Career Break over Six Years at the end of August 2023 |
|
AO |
0 |
1 |
|
Grade |
Number of Staff on Career Break over Five Years at the end of August 2024 |
Number of Staff on Career Break over Six Years at the end of August 2024 |
|
AO |
0 |
1 |
303. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to examine a pay query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44138/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue outlined in your correspondence regarding when the arrears/rises to the occupational supplementary pension (OSP) will be paid to post 1995 Garda pensioners, is an operational matter for the Garda Pension Section. However, I can confirm that we are in discussions with the Garda Pensions Section in order to provide clarification on the OSP increase policy, in order to ensure that the correct increases are applied.
305. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update from the Office of Public Works on a flood relief scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44193/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra306. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update from the Office of Public Works on a flood relief scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44194/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100 schemes at this time.
Nationally, 55 schemes have been completed to date which are providing protection to over 13,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damages and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €2 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
The OPW has completed four major flood relief schemes in County Kildare: the Lower Morrell (Turnings), Morrell Johnstown, Rye Water (Leixlip) and Shinkeen Stream (Hazelhatch) flood relief schemes. The Shinkeen Stream (Hazelhatch) Scheme is comprised of channel widening and deepening along the Shinkeen Stream and provides protection against a 100-Year fluvial flood (1% Annual Exceedance Probability) for 26 properties. The scheme is maintained by the OPW.
Currently, there are three major flood relief schemes underway in County Kildare. Two projects, at Athy and Naas, are at Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design. The Morell River Flood Management Scheme is also underway and is at Stage IV: Implementation / Construction. The scheme includes embankments and flood defence walls along the Morell and Painstown Rivers. The catchment study area begins south of Straffan, includes Killeenmore, and extends to the North of Sallins. Construction began on 1st September 2020, with works being undertaken by the OPW East Region Construction team. Some 74.5% of the construction works are now complete, and completed works are in the process of being handed back to Kildare County Council. The Scheme is programmed for completion in Q4 2025.
There is also a further Small Project at commencement stage at Leixlip, which is being progressed by Kildare County Council with funding being provided by the OPW.
Once completed, these four projects will provide protection to a further 677 properties, with an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €74m.
The Flood Risk Management Plans included the recommendation to undertake a review of potential schemes to confirm in greater detail the likely viability of a scheme for each community. The OPW is progressing a scheme viability review for Celbridge and will liaise with Kildare County Council in relation to the outcome.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Kildare County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
Kildare County Council may also apply to the OPW for funding of flood mitigation works under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
The scheme generally applies to relatively straightforward cases where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects, with the balance being funded by the Local Authority concerned. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme eligibility criteria, which comprise economic, social and environmental criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of €1.78 million to County Kildare for some 7 projects. This includes a Minor Works project in respect of which the OPW provided funding of €500,000 to Kildare County Council to undertake relevant works in Sallins.
307. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of civil servants, by grade, in his Department who were on a career break in 2023 and 2024; the number of those who in 2023 and 2024 who were on a career break of five years or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44308/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Total number of officers on career break |
Numbers by Grade |
|
2023 |
26 |
3 CO 2 EO 10 AO 1 AO* 6 HEO 3 AP 1 PO |
|
2024 |
24 |
2 CO 2 EO 11 AO 1 AO* 5 HEO 2 AP 1 AP* |
*Represents grades on career break for 5 years or more.
308. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is satisfied that the provisions of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Circular 4/2013 are being properly implemented by his Department; if he is satisfied that civil servants whose career breaks are coming to an end are being notified of appropriate vacancies; if he is concerned by instances where civil servants are having their career breaks extended unnecessarily where the Department has appropriate vacancies to fill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am satisfied that my Department is implementing Circular 4/2013 Career Break Scheme in the Civil Service. The Department facilitates staff returning from Career Break when they wish to return and has no instances where a career break has been extended unnecessarily due to not having an appropriate vacancy.
309. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will respond to a matter raised in correspondence by a person in County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44478/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to him in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 51(1)(b).
310. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the plans in place for the development of facilities for the Coast Guard Services in Courtown, County Wexford and Arklow, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44507/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard, a Division of the Department of Transport, has 44 Units based in 58 coast guard stations. The Coast Guard building programme, which includes the provision of new or upgraded facilities at a number of locations across the country, is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport, who fund the programme.
In relation to the existing Courtown Coast Guard Station, it is a single room limestone-built building, originally designed for storage of rescue equipment. As the current site is only slightly larger than the building footprint and is bordered to the rear by a steep river gulley, there is very limited capacity to provide for any expansion or upgraded facility, therefore the OPW is continuing to liaise with the Department of Transport and the Irish Coast Guard to progress a proposed new location for the Coast Guard Station at Courtown. In this regard, number of potential sites in the ownership of the local authority were identified, with a market trawl identifying a number of other potential sites that may meet the requirements of the Coast Guard. The OPW completed an appraisal process on all sites identified. As part of the appraisal process, feasibility studies were carried out on the potential sites, to ensure that all the Coast Guard requirements can be provided for and that there is no impediment to the proposed development, which will be subject to planning.
Following completion of the feasibility studies, a preferred site was selected following consultation between the OPW and the Department of Transport in March 2024. The OPW are in active negotiations with the owner of the preferred site. As a result, given the commercially sensitive nature of the negotiations, the OPW are not in a position to provide further information on individual sites at this time.
The next steps require authorisation of funding by the Department of Transport, completion of the due diligence and acquisition of the preferred site. Once a suitable site is acquired, the OPW will assign a project team to commence the planning and detailed design stages of the project, to enable a tender process to be undertaken.
In relation to the Arklow project, the OPW completed a detailed design for a single storey extension to the existing Coastguard Rocket Cart house. A planning application was submitted in 2023 and the decision to grant permission for the proposed extension was made by Wicklow County Council on the 5th December 2023, with the final grant received on 25th January 2024.
The OPW are currently undertaking procurement for the services of a consultant civil and structural engineer, to complete the design team. In tandem, a Fire Safety Certificate and Disabled Access Certificate application are being prepared and will be lodged with the Local Authority in the coming weeks. The timeline for approval of these, following lodgement, is a minimum 8 weeks.
It is anticipated that the new tender process will commence in the coming months, with a contract awarded in Q1 2025. Construction will commence on completion of the tender process, the appointment of a contractor and the granting of statutory approvals. The construction of the new facility is currently estimated to take approximately 9 months, from construction commencement to completion.
311. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made on the provision of a planned new Garda station in Laytown, County Meath; if he will provide a timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44520/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána have prepared an initial Business Case for the acquisition for a suitable site/ property for New Garda Facilities in nine sites, including a New Station for Laytown. The Office of Public Works are engaging with An Garda Síochána to progress the development of the Business Case.
312. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to report on the applications received for the climate, infrastructure and nature fund to date; to provide a breakdown, by Department, of how many applications have been submitted, in tabular form; if any assessment of applications has been reached or conclusions reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44526/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 established the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICN Fund).
The purpose of ICN Fund is to support the economy in times of exceptional need and to support Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy. A total of €2bn will be invested in the Fund each year from 2024 to 2030 building up to an overall fund of €14bn.
The Fund will support expenditure by the State:
• In any year from 2026, where there has been, or is likely to be in the subsequent year, a significant deterioration in the economic or fiscal position of the State. Up to 25% of the ICN Fund can be used in the given year for this purpose; and
• In the years 2026 to 2030, on designated environmental projects to address climate change issues and nature and water quality degradation. Up to 22.5% of the Fund may be drawn down to support designated environmental projects in any given year from 2026 to 2030, up to a cumulative maximum of €3.15bn.
The legislation states that the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will be required to provide a report to Government by 31 July each year from 2026 to 2030 specifying the total State expenditure on designated environmental projects that is estimated to be incurred in that year, and the amount that the Minister proposes to be paid from the ICN Fund to the Exchequer up to 22.5% of the net asset value of the Fund in the previous year (to a cumulative maximum of €3.15bn).
Designated environmental projects will be those that contribute, either directly or indirectly, or are likely to contribute to:
• the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
• an improvement in water quality,
• an improvement in nature and biodiversity objectives.
As I outlined during Budget 2025, the allocation process for designated environmental projects will be subject to engagement between myself and other relevant Ministers in line with the Estimates processes. It is intended that projects will be designated by Ministers after the allocation process has concluded.
313. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the terms of reference for the infrastructure, climate and nature fund; to outline the process whereby these funds can be applied for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44527/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Future Ireland Fund and Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund Act 2024 established the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund (ICN Fund).
The purpose of ICN Fund is to support the economy in times of exceptional need and to support Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy. A total of €2bn will be invested in the Fund each year from 2024 to 2030 building up to an overall fund of €14bn.
The Fund will support expenditure by the State:
• In any year from 2026, where there has been, or is likely to be in the subsequent year, a significant deterioration in the economic or fiscal position of the State. Up to 25% of the ICN Fund can be used in the given year for this purpose; and
• In the years 2026 to 2030, on designated environmental projects to address climate change issues and nature and water quality degradation. Up to 22.5% of the Fund may be drawn down to support designated environmental projects in any given year from 2026 to 2030, up to a cumulative maximum of €3.15bn.
The legislation states that the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform will be required to provide a report to Government by 31 July each year from 2026 to 2030 specifying the total State expenditure on designated environmental projects that is estimated to be incurred in that year, and the amount that the Minister proposes to be paid from the ICN Fund to the Exchequer up to 22.5% of the net asset value of the Fund in the previous year (to a cumulative maximum of €3.15bn).
Designated environmental projects will be those that contribute, either directly or indirectly, or are likely to contribute to:
• the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,
• an improvement in water quality,
• an improvement in nature and biodiversity objectives.
As I outlined during Budget 2025, the allocation process for designated environmental projects will be subject to engagement between myself and other relevant Ministers in line with the Estimates processes. It is intended that projects will be designated by Ministers after the allocation process has concluded.
314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the provisions of his Department’s Circular 4/2013 are being implemented in full; whether civil servants whose career breaks are coming to an end are being notified of appropriate vacancies in time; whether any instances have arisen where civil servants are having their career breaks extended, with particular reference to circumstances where their home Department has appropriate vacancies to fill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44600/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department has responsibility for setting the terms and conditions of various leave types for civil servants, it is a matter for individual employers to implement the provisions of the relevant circulars/policies accordingly.
As outlined in Circular 4/2013, www.gov.ie/en/circular/bd914ab7ff3640c1a46d29b5bef84636/, Civil Servants who avail of a Career break are required to comply with sections 31-34 when returning from a Career Break.
In particular section 31 states that ‘in order to secure an offer of work, the civil servant must indicate at least two months before the end of his/her career break that s/he wishes to return to work. However, it may not be possible to facilitate the return to work of a civil servant on career break in a relevant grade for up to 12 months after the end date of the career break’.
Once this notification is received, the employer is obliged to inform the officer of vacancies which may arise after the officers scheduled resumption date, on the basis that the officer is eligible for the position and that the filling of the role does not disadvantage another officer.
Should it be the case that an organisation does not have a suitable position for a career break returnee at the scheduled end of the career break, one must be sourced within the following 12 month period as otherwise the organisation may be required to take the officer back in a supernumerary capacity at the end of the 12 months.
Employers are required to make every effort to identify a suitable position for the returnee. As part of these efforts, the officer may be placed on the redeployment resource panel which is managed by Public Jobs (the Public Appointments Service). There is no guarantee that the officer will be placed from the redeployment resource panel within this 12 month period, therefore, it is important that ongoing efforts are made by the organisation in addition to this to help identify a position for the officer during that period, primarily within their own organisation but potentially in another organisation within the geographical location.
During this wait period the officer may wish to make an application for a move to a new organisation/location through the Civil Service Mobility scheme. This would be subject to the usual qualifying conditions of the scheme. Further information in relation to the Mobility scheme can be found on the following website: www.nsso.gov.ie/en/services/civil-service-mobility/
315. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on progress being made on discussions with the Attorney General in relation to the compulsory acquisition of land at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44723/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is currently engaging with the Office of the Attorney General to provide legal advices in respect of a number of issues at Castletown House and Demesne including the compulsory acquisition of lands.
316. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW intend developing the facilities at the Dún Aonghasa site on Árann which attracts many thousands of visitors each year to provide a safe and good visitor experience there and in particular to provide better access to the fort, segregated off-road parking for bicycles, horses and carriage, buses and cars including staff vehicles and adequate signage; the progress made with such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44778/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is committed to developing the facilities at the Dún Aonghus Visitor Centre on Árann. The OPW-run Visitor Centre marks the entry point to the dedicated pedestrian route to the Fort, which is a walkway or circa 1km leading to the ancient Dún Aonghus site itself.
In 2023, the Dún Aonghusa Visitor Centre had 144,153 visitors. The OPW is currently delivering a capital works project to upgrade the Visitor Centre with an expected completion date of Q2 2025. This is being delivered as part of the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, a partnership between the OPW, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
The capital project currently on site provides for:
• a new interpretive exhibition in the Visitor Centre exhibition space
• improved external signage and interpretation at the Visitor Centre
• a redesigned reception and ticketing zone
• improved staff welfare and accommodation facilities
• improved visitor movement and circulation through the centre and on to the Monument
• compliance with building regulations, health and safety standards and DAC requirements
• improved or new external signage at a number of Monuments located on the Aran Islands
Other initiatives being progressed concurrently include:
• the creation of a new multilingual phone app to enhance the self-guiding experience and provide extra information about other sites locally
• increased online capacity for virtual interpretation of remoter sites on Aran Mór, Inis Oírr & Inis Meáin
The OPW is working with stakeholders, including Galway County Council, to consider how provision of parking facilities relating to bicycles, buses and cars and arrangements for visitors arriving by horse and carriage can be optimised. This is part of an ongoing process and feasibility around segregation of motor vehicles and other modes of transport will form part of the considerations.
317. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he is aware of serious costal erosion at Pilmore Beach, County Cork; the action the Office of Public Works may take as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44806/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authorities are responsible for coastal erosion in their own areas. Local Authorities may carry out coastal protection works using their own resources. If necessary, they may also put forward proposals to the relevant Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures. Intervention or hard defences have the potential to cause problems further along the coast, any proposed intervention measures are best developed in conjunction with a formal Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study that has carefully investigated the problem and explored the full range of management options.
In 2023, The Office of Public Works (OPW) approved funding of €135,000 to Cork County Council for a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study for Pilmore Cottages under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Once this study is complete, Cork County Council may consider submitting an application for measures to mitigate and manage coastal erosion in this area. The study area includes the shoreline adjacent to PiImore Cottages, and extends from Youghal to Ring on County Cork's coastline.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie/.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €6.6 million to County Cork for some 49 projects.
318. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of mobile phones issued to staff in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the total costs expended by his Department on handsets and phones bills over the same timeframe. [44866/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe numbers of mobile phones issued to staff in my department in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the total costs expended by my Department on handsets and phones bills over the same timeframe are as follows:
|
- |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Number of mobile phone issued to staff |
68 |
112 |
56 |
|
Total costs expended on handsets and phones bills |
€83,845 |
€84,111 |
€61,664 |
319. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 284 of 20 March 2024, the up-to-date position in relation to same; when the viability review will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44886/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the National Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) studies, Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMPs) were published in May 2018, which identified more than 100 flood relief schemes to be further developed for implementation.
In addition to the identified schemes, a number of further schemes were also found to be technically feasible, but their estimated costs were considered to marginally exceed their long-term benefits, making them not economically viable based on the level of assessment of the CFRAM studies.
The FRMPs included the recommendation to undertake a review of these potential schemes to confirm in greater detail the likely viability of a scheme for each community. Mountrath was included as an Area for Further Assessment (AFA). In 2024, the Office of Public Works (OPW) progressed a scheme viability review for the town of Mountrath. The OPW is liaising with Laois County Council to finalise the outcome of this scheme viability review imminently.
