Written Answers Nos. 412-431
415. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current status of works on the Weir at Ballincollig Regional Park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3450/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is the largest flood relief scheme in the State. It encompasses an area from Inniscarra Hydroelectric plant to the Port of Cork, some 16 kilometres away. The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is expected to provide protection against the 100-year fluvial flooding event from the River Lee and the 200-year tidal flooding event for 2,100 properties, including 900 residential and 1,200 commercial, at an estimated cost of over €200 million.
Ballincollig Weir is on the River Lee and is adjacent to the Regional Park in Ballincollig. The weir has been in disrepair for many years before a breach occurred in December 2014, which left the weir in poor condition. While there are no hydraulic benefits to the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme from the Ballincollig weir, the OPW has committed to assessing the feasibility of repairing Ballincollig Weir and incorporating the repair works into the construction contract and budget for the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme, as appropriate.
The OPW commissioned the consultants for the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme to undertake a preliminary feasibility assessment and constraints study for any viable reinstatement of the Ballincollig Weir and a draft report was produced in May 2024. This report was submitted to Cork City Council, that are responsible for Ballincollig Weir, for its consideration.
At a meeting in November 2025 between the OPW and Cork City Council it was agreed that a further meeting with the engineering consultants on the viable options will be arranged early in 2026.
416. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the plan for improvement works at Kilcrea Abbey at Kilcrea, Cork given the increasingly poor condition of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3451/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKilcrea Abbey/Friary was founded and built by Observant Franciscans in Kilcrea, near Ovens, Co. Cork in the mid fifteenth century. It is a National Monument, Number 182, and is in State Ownership. It was built near an earlier Christian site, which was named after Saint Cyra or St. Créidh, the original abbess of the nunnery associated with this site, and situated east of Kilcrea Abbey.
The upright remains of the Abbey are in the care of the OPW, while the graveyard is in the care of the Local Authority, Cork County Council. In 2026, the Office of Public Works hopes to undertake stone conservation and repair works on the area under its care.
At the entrance to the Abbey, a piece of stonework is lying on the ground. It appears to have fallen from a window reveal. It will be reinstated and the masonry surrounding it consolidated, as soon as Ministerial Consent is obtained from the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage to carry out this work.
In addition, Ministerial Consent will soon be submitted to undertake a programme of localised consolidation and walltop repairs, including to an area at the front of the church.
It is also intended to shortly commission an Arborist's Report, with a view to concentrating on the cutting back of the ivy from the structure.
417. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeline to publish the terms and conditions following the announcement of the increase in funding supports available to local authorities under the OPW minor works scheme in August 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3458/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocalised 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 Office of Public Works (OPW) for funding for flood mitigation and coastal protection works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This 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 flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
Since its introduction in 2009, some €70 million has been approved under the Scheme for some 930 Local Authority led projects that are delivering flood mitigation and coastal protection for some 8,000 properties.
On 21st August 2025, I announced that an increase in funding supports are to be made available to Local Authorities under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, including an increase in the upper threshold of funding from €750,000 to €2,000,000. The OPW is currently finalising details of the revisions to the Scheme, and expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme shortly.
418. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the development of flood defence scheme for the Oranmore to Kinvarra coastline in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3537/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocalised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Galway County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
The Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This 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 flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the scheme shortly.
In February 2024, the OPW approved an application to the scheme for Galway County Council for funding of €108,000 to conduct a study to identify houses and businesses at risk of flooding from the coastline of Oranmore to Kinvarra, and to confirm the appropriate protection levels that are required.
Galway County Council have advised that the Consultant appointed to complete the study has completed an assessment of the data gathered from Storm Debi, in addition to topographical and threshold surveys throughout the study area. Flood extent maps are currently being finalised and once complete, the Council intends to engage with the OPW to discuss the outcome of the study.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €10.8 million to Galway County Council for some 236 projects.
419. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will expedite the Thomastown flood relief scheme in County Kerry; when works will commence; the estimated timeframe for the proposed works to be completed; the estimated cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3574/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra420. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will expedite the Graiguenamanagh flood relief scheme in County Kilkenny; when works will commence; the estimated timeframe for the proposed works to be completed; the estimated cost of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3575/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 420 together.
The Government is investing some €97 million in flood relief schemes completed and underway across County Kilkenny. 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 OPW is funding two staff in Kilkenny County Council to project manage the delivery of these schemes.
Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch FRS
The Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch Flood Relief Scheme commenced in March 2020. Ayesa (formerly Byrne Looby) were appointed as the engineering and environmental consultants. The Graiguenamagh-Tinnahinch flood relief scheme was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála on the 12th December, 2025 for planning consent.
The flood relief scheme will include raised defences on the River Barrow along with raised defences and an upstream storage area on the River Duiske to prevent flooding. Where possible, new flood defence walls will replace existing walls throughout the scheme. These defences will protect properties from the 1% AEP (100 year) fluvial flood event. A total of 84 properties will be protected 31 Residential and 53 Commercial properties.
It is currently programmed to commence construction at the end of 2027 and it is expected to take two years to complete. The estimated total project budget for this flood relief scheme is €21.5 million.
Thomastown FRS
While the proposed schemes in Thomastown and Inistioge are not in the first tranche of some 100 flood relief schemes being progressed, the OPW continues to liaise closely with Kilkenny County Council to ensure that the programme of flood relief projects identified for Co. Kilkenny is kept under review, and that all projects will be commenced as soon as possible.
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, including Thomastown and Inistioge. The pilot includes Kilkenny County Council trialling a new delivery model for Piltown and Freshford.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM) proposed measure for Thomastown consists of building hard defences, embankments and walls set back, where possible, from the river channel. When complete the scheme will protect approximately 48 residential properties and 87 commercial properties. The CFRAM cost estimate is €12.7 million.
In the interim, it is open to Kilkenny County Council to make an application to the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to provide flood mitigation measures for Thomastown.
421. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to list all the OPW owned sites in County Kilkenny, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3576/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories, and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres, and sites.
There are a number of these types of properties owned by the OPW in Kilkenny however none of them is classified as a site.
422. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide details of all the OPW owned sites in County Carlow, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3578/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories, and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres, and sites.
There are a number of these types of properties owned by the OPW in County Carlow one of which is classified as a site. The site is located to the rear of Rathvilly Garda Station and is being prepared for disposal as it is surplus to State requirements.
423. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to list the roles within public or semi-State organisations under his Department that are excluded from the single public service pension scheme; the number of people employed in those roles, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Public Service Pension Scheme is a statutory Public Service Career-Average Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. It was established on 1 January 2013 under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
The provisions of the Single Scheme are clearly set out in law. All pensionable public servants hired after 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Scheme. There are a limited number of exemptions to Single Scheme membership set out in the 2012 Act, such as where a member of a pre-existing public service pension scheme leaves such a role and returns to a pensionable public service role within 26 weeks, giving them a right to remain in a pre-existing public service pension scheme. There is no provision in the legislation to allow an eligible employee not to be a member of the Single Scheme.
To be eligible for membership of the Single Scheme, the employee must be a public servant in a public service body and the position must be a pensionable position. Where an individual is appointed to a non-pensionable position and/or where the individual is not a public servant, they will not be members of the Single Scheme.
My Department does not hold the information requested by the Deputy.
424. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide a schedule of the companies that are currently on the Office of Government Procurement framework for the provision of ICT services to public bodies; when each contract with each company is due to expire, in tabular form. [3740/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Government Procurement, a Division within my Department, operates as a Central Purchasing Body (CPB) establishing Framework Agreements and Dynamic Purchasing Systems for commonly required goods and services across 11 master categories of expenditure (Professional Services, Banking and Insurance, Consultancy and Advisory, Electricity and Gas, ICT, Facilities Management, Office Supplies, Travel Management, HR Services, Fleet, and Corporate Office Support Service).
The OGP currently has 3 central solutions for the provision of ICT Professional Services to public sector bodies.
Please find attached a list of ICT suppliers on these central solutions for the following Frameworks, including the expiry dates for the full term of the Framework Agreements in each case:
• Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of External ICT Technical Support Services (provided by individual Technical ICT Resources)
• Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for External ICT Technical Support Services (Provided by Teams of Resources)
• Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for Business, Management and ICT Consultancy Services.
Multi-Supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of External ICT Technical Support Services (provided by individual Technical ICT Resources) IPS016F
|
Framework Member Name |
Full Term Framework Agreement Expiry Date |
|
Accenture Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
Auxilion |
31st July 2028 |
|
BS2 Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
Codec-dss Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
Cpl Resources |
31st July 2028 |
|
Datapac |
31st July 2028 |
|
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
31st July 2028 |
|
e-Frontiers Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
Ekco Security Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
emagine Expertise Ltd |
31st July 2028 |
|
Ergo |
31st July 2028 |
|
Ernst and Young |
31st July 2028 |
|
Evcoms |
31st July 2028 |
|
Evros Technology Group |
31st July 2028 |
|
Expleo Technology Ireland Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
FRS Recruitment |
31st July 2028 |
|
FS Group Ltd |
31st July 2028 |
|
Grant Thornton |
31st July 2028 |
|
Harney Nash |
31st July 2028 |
|
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Ireland Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
Idiro Analytics |
31st July 2028 |
|
Ingenium Training and Consulting Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
IPOptions |
31st July 2028 |
|
ITML CY - ÉÏÔÁÌ Internet of Things Applications and Multi Layer Development LTD |
31st July 2028 |
|
Open Sky Data Systems |
31st July 2028 |
|
PFH Technology Group |
31st July 2028 |
|
PwC |
31st July 2028 |
|
Sabeo Holdings Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
Sidero Ltd |
31st July 2028 |
|
Sigmar Recruitment Consultants Ltd |
31st July 2028 |
|
Sonas |
31st July 2028 |
|
Storm Technology |
31st July 2028 |
|
Test Triangle |
31st July 2028 |
|
Tomorrows World Limited |
31st July 2028 |
|
Total ICT Services |
31st July 2028 |
|
Vantage Resources |
31st July 2028 |
|
Version 1 |
31st July 2028 |
|
Waystone Compliance Solutions |
31st July 2028 |
Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for External ICT Technical Support Services (Provided by Teams of Resources) – IPS017F
|
Framework Member Name |
Full Term Framework Agreement Expiry Date |
|
Accenture |
14th August 2028 |
|
AssemblyPoint |
14th August 2028 |
|
Atos |
14th August 2028 |
|
Auxilion |
14th August 2028 |
|
BearingPoint |
14th August 2028 |
|
BJSS Limited |
14th August 2028 |
|
BS2 Limited |
14th August 2028 |
|
Capgemini |
14th August 2028 |
|
Capita Business |
14th August 2028 |
|
Codec-dss |
14th August 2028 |
|
Datapac |
14th August 2028 |
|
Dell Products |
14th August 2028 |
|
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
14th August 2028 |
|
Ekco Security |
14th August 2028 |
|
emagine Expertise |
14th August 2028 |
|
ErgoServices |
14th August 2028 |
|
Ernst and Young |
14th August 2028 |
|
Evros Technology Group |
14th August 2028 |
|
Expleo Technology |
14th August 2028 |
|
FRS Recruitment |
14th August 2028 |
|
Grant Thornton |
14th August 2028 |
|
Hewlett Packard |
14th August 2028 |
|
IBM |
14th August 2028 |
|
Imprint Consulting Ltd. |
14th August 2028 |
|
KPMG |
14th August 2028 |
|
NearForm |
14th August 2028 |
|
Open Sky Data Systems |
14th August 2028 |
|
PA Consulting |
14th August 2028 |
|
PFH Technology |
14th August 2028 |
|
PlanNet21 |
14th August 2028 |
|
PwC |
14th August 2028 |
|
Sabeo Holding |
14th August 2028 |
|
Sidero |
14th August 2028 |
|
Sonas Innovation |
14th August 2028 |
|
Storm Technology |
14th August 2028 |
|
SureSkills |
14th August 2028 |
|
Tata Consulting |
14th August 2028 |
|
TEKenable |
14th August 2028 |
|
Test Triangle |
14th August 2028 |
|
Tomorrows World |
14th August 2028 |
|
Vantage Resources |
14th August 2028 |
|
Version 1 |
14th August 2028 |
Multi Supplier Framework Agreement for Business, Management and ICT Consultancy Services – PAS122F
|
No. |
Framework Member Name: ICT Consultancy Services |
Full Term Framework Agreement Expiry Date |
|
1 |
The 4OC Ltd (t/a 4OC) |
9th August 2026 |
|
2 |
Accenture Limited |
9th August 2026 |
|
3 |
Andrews Duffy |
9th August 2026 |
|
4 |
BDO Eaton Square |
9th August 2026 |
|
5 |
BearingPoint Ireland |
9th August 2026 |
|
6 |
Compass Informatics |
9th August 2026 |
|
7 |
Crowe |
9th August 2026 |
|
8 |
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
9th August 2026 |
|
9 |
Ergo Services |
9th August 2026 |
|
10 |
Ernst & Young |
9th August 2026 |
|
11 |
Grant Thornton Corporate Finance |
9th August 2026 |
|
12 |
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Ireland |
9th August 2026 |
|
13 |
Idiro Analytics |
9th August 2026 |
|
14 |
IT Alliance Group (T/A Auxilion) |
9th August 2026 |
|
15 |
KPMG |
9th August 2026 |
|
16 |
MAPS Ltd. |
9th August 2026 |
|
17 |
Mason Advisory Limited |
9th August 2026 |
|
18 |
Mazars |
9th August 2026 |
|
19 |
PA Consulting Services Limited |
9th August 2026 |
|
20 |
Pathfinder Execution Limited (T/A Sia) |
9th August 2026 |
|
21 |
PFH Technology Group |
9th August 2026 |
|
22 |
PTS Consulting |
9th August 2026 |
|
23 |
PricewaterhouseCoopers |
9th August 2026 |
|
24 |
RSM Business Advisory |
9th August 2026 |
|
25 |
Storm Technology |
9th August 2026 |
|
26 |
Tata Consultancy Services |
9th August 2026 |
|
27 |
The Project Foundry |
9th August 2026 |
|
28 |
Version 1 |
9th August 2026 |
|
29 |
Vision Consulting Limited |
9th August 2026 |
|
30 |
Ekco Security Limited *formerly Ward Solutions |
9th August 2026 |
425. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of the national lottery reform report which an organisation (details supplied) undertook; the key steps that have taken place; the indicative timeline on the next steps of the reform; the reform options his Department will carry out especially with a view to creating an open fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3834/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe then Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (Michael McGrath) commissioned an external, independent review of how National Lottery funding is distributed and used. The core aim of this review was to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the National Lottery as a source of funding for good causes by assessing the current distribution model against international best practice. The Indecon Report proposes a viable reform framework to help secure the National Lottery’s role in supporting good causes into the future.
In line with recommendations put forth within the review, the Department intends to continue the implementation of the recommendations on a gradual and phased basis in 2026.
Already, this Department has previously published its 2023 Good Causes Report, with the 2024 publication being currently finalised and available in the near future. Work on the 2025 report will commence shortly. The 2023 report is available on the Government website (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/publications/national-lottery-good-causes-funding-2023/).
Work in 2026 will focus on ensuring that Public Service Bodies and other beneficiaries consistently acknowledge the funding received, make prominent use of appropriate branding, and clearly communicate and detail facilities and services that are made possible due to good causes funding. The next step thereafter will be for the Department to consider further areas of reform, including the potential introduction of an open fund.
426. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an up-to-date contact list for queries from Oireachtas members to agencies under his Department, in tabular form. [3877/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy regarding the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out in the table below.
|
Public Body |
Contact name |
Contact phone number |
Contact email address |
|
Office of Public Works |
Martina Kiernan |
046 942 2020 |
ministersoffice@opw.ie |
|
State Laboratory |
Oireachtas Query Team |
01 505 7000 |
SLOireachtasRequests@statelab.ie |
|
publicjobs (Public Appointments Service) |
Hannah Byas |
01 858 7586 |
oireachtasqueries@publicjobs.ie |
|
National Shared Services Office |
Tara O’Brien |
01 773 8887 |
oireachtas@nsso.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
Siobhán Byrne |
01 639 5672 |
privatesec@ombudsman.ie |
|
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery |
ORNL contact point |
01 872 7932 |
oireachtas@rnl.ie |
427. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the date by which the Whitechurch flood alleviation works will be completed; the work site cleared and public access restored.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme (Whitechurch Stream FAS) is being progressed by South Dublin County Council with funding provided by the Office of Public Works (OPW), as part of the Government's commitment to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan to 2030. The Whitechurch Stream FAS commenced construction in Q1 2023 and is being undertaken by the OPW's direct labour force. Approximately 59% of the planned works have been completed to date, and it is currently estimated that construction work will be substantially complete by Q4 of this year, with demobilisation of the site compound also expected by the end of 2026.
South Dublin County Council has advised that there are currently no public access restrictions in place, and that temporary restrictions might be introduced during the year to accommodate works, however, the Council do not foresee any major restrictions as being necessary.
Further updates on the Whitechurch Stream FAS are available at: www.whitechurchfas.ie/.
428. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works in excess of €40,000 that the OPW carried out at Mullingar Garda Station in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [4177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that no refurbishment works in excess of €40,000 were carried out at Mullingar Garda Station in 2024 and 2025.
429. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works in excess of €40,000 that the OPW carried out at Granard Garda Station in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [4178/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that no refurbishment works in excess of €40,000 were carried out at Granard Garda Station in 2024 and 2025.
430. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the nature of refurbishment works in excess of €40,000 that the OPW carried out at Longford Garda Station in 2024 and 2025, in tabular form. [4179/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that no refurbishment works in excess of €40,000 were carried out at Longford Garda Station in 2024 and 2025.
431. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the average period of weeks for a major capital project to go through the entire approval gate two process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4240/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the Infrastructure Guidelines, which set the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks, including the Infrastructure Guidelines, is a key responsibility of every Department, Accounting Officer and Minister.
The introduction of the Infrastructure Guidelines in 2023 focused on reducing the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects which came as part of the Government’s six priority action to maximise delivery of projects. This was implemented through reducing the number of approval stages and streamlining the requirements for major projects, while retaining international best practice governance and oversight arrangements already in place. This ensures that vital infrastructure projects will be delivered on time and in a manner that ensures value for money through detailed evaluation, appraisal and planning.
The period of time it can take for a major capital project to go through the Approval Gate 2 process varies. The current requirements for approval of a major project at Approval Gate 2 are: Ministerial consent to proceed the project to tendering. This is sought by the Accounting Officer and Approving Authority once they are satisfied with the Detailed Business Case and Procurement Strategy submitted by the Sponsoring Agency. The progress to the Approval Gate 2 stage also requires acquiring external consents of formal planning and other regulatory approvals prior to commencing procurement, and these processes can vary depending on the scale and complexity of the project.
To help drive the efficient delivery of infrastructure across Ireland, targeted amendments to the Infrastructure Guidelines were proposed in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan which was published in December 2023. To speed up the progression of projects through the approval process, Action 23 of this plan proposes changes to major projects approvals at Approval Gate 2. Once the changes are implemented, the requirement for Ministerial approval at Approval Gate 2 will be removed, and the relevant Accounting Officer will have the authority to approve. This change is due to be implemented in 2026.
Any further potential reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines will be considered collectively, and as with previous updates to the appraisal framework, any changes made will reflect international best practice with the aim to ensure value for money for the tax payer in delivering on the infrastructural requirements of the State.
