Written Answers Nos. 223-240
223. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has conducted any studies on aligning transport and infrastructure planning on an all-island basis, particularly in relation to rail connectivity and strategic corridors. [62636/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published in July 2024.
The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies across the island, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. As part of this work, a Project Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.
Moreover, the recently concluded review of the National Development Plan has confirmed the Department of Transport’s annual capital allocations from 2026 to 2030. The Department is currently reviewing key programmes and projects in the transport sector in the context of that capital funding envelope, including plans for investment in the rail network, and a decision on a programme of delivery within the available funding will be made in the coming months.
It should also be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the Rail Review will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals.
224. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62681/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll office and other accommodation occupied by the Department of Transport is owned or leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
The Department does not own any vacant or derelict buildings in County Mayo.
225. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Finance the amount of income collected in Donegal through the local property tax each year since it was introduced in 2013, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62346/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the Local Property Tax (LPT) liability in Donegal since LPT was introduced in 2013 is provided in the table below. Liability is based on returns filed and payments received.
|
Year |
LPT liability €m |
|
Year to date October 2025 |
11 |
|
2024 |
11 |
|
2023 |
11 |
|
2022 |
11 |
|
2021 |
14 |
|
2020 |
14 |
|
2019 |
12 |
|
2018 |
12 |
|
2017 |
12 |
|
2016 |
12 |
|
2015 |
12 |
|
2014 |
12 |
|
2013 |
6 |
226. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the review of inheritance tax within his Department; the parameters for this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62349/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra227. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a timeline for the publication of his review into inheritance tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62350/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 226 and 227 together.
Capital Acquisitions Tax was reviewed by my officials this year as part of the annual Tax Strategy Group papers. The paper set out policy considerations and modelled costs for changes to the existing Capital Acquisition Taxes regime.
A link can be found here: [www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/collections/budget-2026-tax-strategy-group-papers/].
Capital Acquisition Tax along with all tax heads is kept under review on an ongoing basis.
228. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the provisions that have been made to ensure that agencies, organisations and charities funded by his Department will be able to meet their obligations under the new AE scheme. [62454/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System, known as AE, is a landmark reform, and important Programme for Government Commitment, designed to get people to save for their retirement earlier, thereby helping them to sustain a reasonable standard of living in their old age. It is also designed to support the long-term sustainability of the pension system more generally.
As the Deputy is aware the operation of AE is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. It will be administered by the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA). Responsibility for employer compliance with the scheme lies with NAERSA. Revenue, will provide payroll data to NAERSA who will then use this in identification and enrolment of eligible employees.
With regard to the Bodies under the Aegis of my Department, the Credit Union Advisory Committee (CUAC), Credit Union Restructuring Board (ReBo), and Disabled Drivers Medical Board of Appeal (DDMBA), which come under the Department of Finance Vote 7, do not have any employees.
The Minister for Finance has no involvement in the payroll or pension decisions of the remaining Bodies under the Aegis.
229. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Finance the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62671/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that my Department does not own any properties and is provided with accommodation by the OPW.
230. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the work that has been done to ensure tetra access in Connemara in the event of a storm, given that there was no access to 999 calls during Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62511/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tetra communications network was designed to provide a reliable and robust emergency network for the State's emergency personnel with the widest possible coverage and is delivered by Tetra Ireland. The coverage of Tetra is far in excess of the sum of the commercial mobile networks in Ireland.
The network offers push to talk voice services for emergency personnel throughout the state. This allows organisations such as An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service to operate in remote areas with reliable communications. During extreme weather events many organisations make extensive use of the network as part of their co-ordinated response; this includes the Local Authority sector and ESB networks.
My Department acts as the Contracting Authority for the contract with Tetra Ireland and established a single supplier framework for the drawdown of services in December 2020. Any organisation that provides emergency services to the State may drawdown services from the framework.
In order to provide maximum coverage and resilience all areas in the country are covered by overlapping service from at least two base stations with battery backup in place for key sites. This level of coverage has allowed service to be provided during previous severe weather events.
As a result of the extended power outage seen in the West and Northwest of the country following Storm Éowyn there was some disruption to the Tetra network in those areas. A number of steps have been taken to increase resilience and reduce the chances of any further disruption.
A preventative maintenance inspection programme has been completed at all Tetra base station sites which included verification that battery backup units are performing as designed. Tetra Ireland has obtained additional generator units that can be deployed in the event of another sustained power outage to maintain service. A number of base station sites in the West and Northwest have also been upgraded to allow for both additional battery and generator capacity.
Tetra Ireland has established a new storm response protocol with ESB Networks that is designed to allow for rapid power restoration when outages occur. This protocol was used successfully during and after Storm Amy in October of this year.
I note that the Deputy refers to access to 999 calls in her question. The provision of calls to the 999 service is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.
231. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the details of plans to upgrade the Garda station in Greystones; when work is due to commence; the timeframe for delivery; the cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62565/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has scheduled refurbishment, Mechanical & Electrical, and Universal Access works to Greystones Garda Station.
The proposed refurbishment is intended to rationalise the three parts of the Garda Station improving accessibility for staff and the public.
M&E works will include heating up-grades and insulation of the walls and floors
The Universal Access works will relocate the public entrance to the rear and allow for Part M compliance to be addressed.
The above planned works are at pre-tender stage so project cost is not yet established until the tender process is complete. Works are due to commence in 2026.
The commencement dates for works are subject to statutory obligations, final sign-off on design, funding, and operational requirements of An Garda Síochána and the internal approval process of An Garda Síochána and the OPW.
232. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the work which is being done on Dún Chonchúir on Inis Meáin since the wall has fallen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62322/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that, in relation to the wall collapse at Dún Chonhúir, Inis Meáin, the OPW has completed a structural engineering report and a full photographic survey.
The OPW will shortly submit an application for Ministerial Consent to Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to carry out consolidation and repair works to the wall.
Subject to grant of Ministerial Consent and appointment of a suitable contractor, it is likely that works will commence in quarter two of 2026.
233. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the provisions which have been made to ensure that agencies, organisations, and charities funded by his Department will meet their obligations under the new AE scheme. [62478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to her in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 52(1)(b).
234. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a breakdown of every agency, not-for-profit organisation, charity or service provider directly funded by his Department; and the details of each specific directly funded post in each body. [62481/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that a deferred reply will be issued to her in respect of this Parliamentary Question, in line with Standing Order 52(1)(b).
235. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of commercial State bodies that have sought or received approval to increase senior executive remuneration following the senior posts remuneration committee review completed in 2024; and the rationale provided by each board for proposed upward revision. [62570/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra236. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the estimated additional cost to the Exchequer or to the relevant State bodies arising from the implementation of revised remuneration bands for chief executives and senior management, by organisation, in tabular form. [62571/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra237. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the mechanisms used by his Department to assess whether remuneration adjustments at commercial State bodies are linked to measurable improvements in performance, governance, and value for money to the taxpayer. [62572/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra238. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps being taken to ensure that executive pay levels within commercial State bodies remain proportionate to public-service standards and consistent with the wider cost-of-living pressures faced by citizens. [62573/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 236, 237 and 238 together.
The Senior Posts Remuneration Committee (SPRC) was established by Government in March 2024. The SPRC was requested to perform a review of the remuneration arrangements for the CEOs of Commercial State Bodies (CSBs).
The SPRC made a number of findings and 17 recommendations. The report outlines the importance of fair and appropriate remuneration as a key element in the recruitment and retention of CEOs of CSBs who are critical to the State's future development and economic performance. Overall, the SPRC found that there is a requirement for a transparent framework for the regular review of CEO remuneration.
Having considered the SPRC report, the Government agreed to implement a more structured approach to the remuneration across CEOs in CSBs. The SPRC report was published on 29 April 2025. A banded salary structure was agreed by Government and has been implemented for CEOs, which ranges from their current salary to the market median of the relevant band.
Proposals for changes to salaries for CEOs of CSBs within this framework agreed by Government may be made by the relevant Board and are subject to approval by the relevant Minister and, subsequently, with my consent.
The SPRC report found that there is a need for CSB Boards to have appropriate flexibility to manage CEO remuneration in line with the organisation’s business needs, performance and capacity to pay, with an enhanced system of governance in place.
It is for the Boards of CSBs to propose any change to its incumbent CEO’s salary (or the salary for new CEOs) within the applicable salary band. In preparing a salary proposal, the CSB Board must consider a number of elements such as the headroom between the current CEO basic salary and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), benefits accruing to the CEO (including pension) or ability to accrue additional benefits, confirmation of affordability and equity.
It is the responsibility of the relevant CSB Board to consider the costs and ability to fund any adjustments to remuneration levels. Recommending the salary of the CEO to the relevant Minister is the responsibility of the CSB Board supported by its Remuneration Committee (“Remco”), where applicable.
To date, revised salaries for three CSBs have been approved by the relevant line Minister with my consent. The aforementioned business needs and context of each CSB have informed the salary adjustments in each CSB.
239. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he is aware that due to the lack of maintenance of Headford River, County Galway, OPW channel 2, adjoining agricultural land belonging to a person (details supplied) has been subjected to severe and repeated flooding for the past 15 years; if he will outline when maintenance works will be carried out on this section of the channel to alleviate the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62654/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995, as amended, and maintains these schemes in proper repair and effective condition under section 37 of the Act.
The location referenced forms part of the Corrib-Headford Arterial Drainage Scheme, which is under the auspices of the OPW. The Headford River (CH2), is maintained annually by the OPW. Records indicate that maintenance works on this Channel were undertaken throughout September 2025 and were completed in early October. The landowner can contact the OPW's Regional Office if any further concerns remain.
240. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of vacant and derelict buildings in County Mayo owned by his Department that are vacant or rented, by the region/towns location of the buildings, in tabular form. [62677/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe properties listed below owned by the Office of Public Works in County Mayo are currently vacant.
|
- |
County |
Town |
Property |
Status |
|
1 |
Mayo |
Ballycastle |
Former Garda Station and Residence |
Sale agreed following online/public auction |
|
2 |
Mayo |
Glenisland |
Former Garda Station |
Sale agreed following online/public auction |
