Written Answers Nos. 31-50
31. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the refurbishment of the GPO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11105/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is leading on the redevelopment of the GPO Complex, as outlined in the Department of Taoiseach's Interdepartmental Group 'Report' and 'Roadmap for Delivery', and previous Government commitments.
It is anticipated that the future GPO Complex will incorporate at least some, or all of the following, the retention of a public Post Office function, high-quality offices on the upper floors to provide critical accommodation to meet ongoing/ additional Government requirements, a significant cultural use/ uses, retail components within the existing retail footprint and significant public realm enhancements at street level to encourage public use of the GPO complex.
A GPO Steering Group is in place since November 2024.
This Steering Group is chaired by the Office of Public Works and its membership includes representation from the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport, Dublin City Council and others.
There are several GPO Steering Group work streams operational at present. These include progressing property related matters, the development of a non-statutory public consultation engagement process and the development of potential temporary meanwhile uses while the permanent redevelopment plans are being progressed.
32. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the progression of flood relief measures in Castlemartyr, Midleton, Mogeely, Killeagh, Rathcormac and Whitegate in Cork east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11102/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on proposed flood relief schemes in east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11098/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 35 together.
Through the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two thirds of the population against the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities. Investment of €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan has allowed the OPW, since 2018, to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, or construction to some 100 schemes.
Across Cork, nine flood relief schemes have been completed to date. Under the National Development Plan, the OPW is currently providing funding to Cork County Council for nine staff to deliver all 15 additional flood relief schemes across their area of remit. Six of these are in Tranche 1 schemes, which are underway at this time, including Midleton.
The Midleton Flood Relief Scheme is due 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. Cork County Council, in June 2025, submitted the Maritime Area Consent Application to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority.
Advance Works at Tir Cluain, Midleton, have recently received planning consent under Part 8 and construction works, to protect 135 properties, are anticipated to commence later this year.
Cork County Council is rolling out the €5.8m Individual Property Protection Scheme across Midleton and East Cork to over 720 homes and businesses affected by Storm Babet in October 2023. This forms part of the Council’s emergency response plans for these areas. The Council is continuing to procure flood gates and civil contractors to deliver the scale of this programme as quickly as possible. Overall, 55% of barriers are now completed.
The Council and the OPW meet quarterly with the local elected representatives, businesses and the community to keep them updated on and to provide input to the planned works on the Midleton Flood Relief Scheme and other measures across East Cork. The next update is scheduled for 12th February 2026.
Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on three Tranche 2 flood relief schemes in East Cork, including Castlemartyr, Rathcormac, and Youghal. The Castlemartyr Area of Potentially Significant Flood Risk has been extended to include the village of Mogeely. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model in Counties Donegal and Kilkenny, which will inform the delivery of future Tranche II schemes nationally.
A detailed review of the flood mapping and risk for Killeagh will be undertaken to fully understand the flooding mechanisms in this community and the degree of risk present. Upon completion of the detailed review, this will allow for an assessment of future actions.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County Council for some 57 projects. Under the Minor Works Scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW. This includes all environmental assessments, planning consents, health and safety requirements and landowner agreements.
The Council have completed a number of interim flood defence works in Midleton since Storm Babet in October 2023, along with interim flood mitigation measures for Rathcormac, Castlemartyr and Killeagh.
In January 2026, the OPW has approved funding of €107,708 for the procurement of an engineering consultant to conduct surveys and a study, and to recommend measures to mitigate the risk of flooding to properties in Whitegate Village, Co. Cork.
Cork County Council have advertised for engineering consultancy services for interim flood mitigation measures in respect of Mogeely and Castlemartyr.
I recently announced revisions to this Minor Works Scheme, including increasing the maximum funding under the scheme to €2m. My Office is finalising the details of these revisions, and I expect to announce these details shortly.
33. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the core functions and expected outputs of the new centre of excellence within the Major Projects Delivery Service, with reference to project appraisal, governance and cost-management standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10996/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA new Government service to accelerate major Government capital investment projects was launched on January 27. The National Development Finance Agency (the NDFA) will now offer direct support and assistance to Departments on the development of major capital projects.
The services from the NDFA will offer support at every stage of the development process for major projects. This ranges from assistance with the internal Government assessments required to promote value for money, such as the Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case, to expertise on the appropriate procurement strategy to be adopted, to the Corporate Governance arrangements that will determine how the major project will be operated when it is completed.
Directly providing this service through the NDFA will reduce the need for individual Departments to enter lengthy, multiple procurement exercises to obtain the specialist assistance they might need for each individual project. Using the same service will also drive consistency and standardisation across project development. Together, this will reduce the development time for projects and should result in lower costs, delivering faster and more cost-effective capital projects. Overall, based on the feedback from Departments during the development of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, it is estimated that this measure could shave 12 months off the project development cycle for major capital projects.
The NDFA will be available to provide advice and support to Departments and Agencies on issues such as corporate governance arrangements for projects, developing a project programme, identifying internal resourcing and any external services required, ensuring strategic assessment is in line with the Infrastructure Guidelines, preparing business cases and project execution plans, developing procurement strategy and documentation and providing support for construction phase and advice on potential project plans.
34. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of the new Garda station in Tubbercurry, County Sligo; whether agreement has been reached with An Garda Síochána on the space allocation required to allow the submission of the Part IX planning application to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10465/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) can confirm that refurbishment works are planned to a State owned building to accommodate a new Garda Station in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.
It was initially intended that another OPW Client would be co-located in the building with An Garda Siochána (AGS) and a Part IX planning application was being prepared on this basis.
However as the other OPW Client no longer has a requirement for the accommodation it is now intended that the entire building will be occupied by AGS.
AGS are reviewing their operational requirements in light of the availability of additional accommodation. Once agreement has been reached with AGS on the most efficient use of the building the submission of the Part IX Planning application can proceed and, subject to approval, the tender process will then commence.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 32.
36. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if there is scope to consider the mandatory introduction of hybrid methods of interviewing suitably qualified candidates for public sector jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1193/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, responsibility for recruitment within each sector of the Public Service rests with the relevant Minister. As Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, I hold direct responsibility for certain recruitment matters within the Civil Service, including the setting of eligibility criteria.
The 2004 Act also established the Public Appointments Service (publicjobs) as the centralised recruitment body for the Civil and Public Service. Among its statutory functions is the authority to determine the selection processes to be applied in recruitment campaigns.
I am advised that publicjobs already implements a hybrid approach to interviewing. Competitions may involve automated video interviews, live video interviews, or in-person interviews, and candidates are informed in advance of the format.
The choice of method depends on factors such as the level and nature of the role, candidate numbers, and specific requirements from client organisations. Each competition is assessed individually to determine the most appropriate approach.
37. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the timeframe for legislation to accelerate critical infrastructure and provide for emergency powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, the Government has committed to the development of a Critical Infrastructure Bill. This purpose of this Bill is to create a legal obligation for State bodies to recognise and accelerate key projects through planning, licensing, and other consenting stages.
In addition, the Bill will explore options during drafting for further reforms that might assist with the acceleration of critical infrastructure. This legislation will be accompanied by governance arrangements to maintain and communicate a critical infrastructure projects list and track delivery outcomes.
As noted in the Action Plan, I intend to draft and publish this legislation in Quarter 1 this year.
In parallel with the development of this legislation, options on emergency provisions that will allow the Government to speed up specific critical infrastructure in emergencies will also be examined and considered. There is precedent for these at both national and EU levels. For example, the Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Act 2022 provided for expedited procedures.
38. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the Nenagh flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10561/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2018 Flood Risk Management Plans identified some 150 additional flood relief schemes to protect at risk communities, including Nenagh.
Tipperary County Council are 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 currently being prepared. It is expected that the tender documents will issue in Q1 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 remains available to the Council pending the completion of the main flood relief scheme for the town.
39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation when details of the change to the minor flood mitigation works scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10767/26]
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 900 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.
40. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his policy approach to the management of the State’s Garda station property portfolio; and the engagement he has had with relevant Government Departments and State agencies with regard to same. [10982/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the key provider of accommodation for Government Departments and Agencies, the Office of Public Works (OPW) provides accommodation for An Garda Siochána (AGS) in accordance with their requirements. The day to day management of Garda Stations is an operational matter for AGS.
The OPW provides ongoing services to AGS including the provision of new accommodation by way of purchase, lease, or construction, and the design, procurement and management of construction, renovation and maintenance projects.
Where AGS no longer has a requirement for a particular Garda Station, the OPW seeks alternative State use under the Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets. If no alternative State use is identified the property is included in the OPW's Disposal Programme.
There is ongoing, continuous engagement between the OPW and AGS in relation to their strategic property requirements.
41. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the actions his Department will take under the Medium-Term Fiscal and Structural Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Medium-Term Structural and Fiscal Plan (MTP), published in December 2025 and submitted to the European Commission last month, sets out Ireland’s fiscal strategy for the period to 2030. An important input to this plan is gross voted expenditure ceilings out to 2030. Under the plan voted spending is projected to increase at an average rate of 6 per cent per annum over the 2026-2030 period, increasing from €117.8 billion in 2026 to €147.3 billion in 2030.
As set out in Section 4.3 of the plan, my department’s actions are focused on ensuring effective budget oversight, strong governance, and value for money alongside the use of evidence and data to support informed decision making.
Managing the delivery of services within budgetary allocations is the responsibility of each Minister and their department, who are required to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to facilitate financial control within budgetary targets. My department engages in regular bilateral discussions with Departments to assess the sustainability of their spending plans.
As part of my department’s role supporting the appropriate use of public funds across government bodies, it establishes the governance frameworks, or rules, setting out the principles and procedures for how money should be spent. Examples of the governance frameworks which are in place include:
• The Code of Practice of the Governance of State Bodies,
• the Public Financial Procedures,
• the Infrastructure Guidelines,
• the Public Procurement Guidelines; and
• Arrangements for oversight of Digital/IT projects and initiatives.
In relation to evidence, my department undertook and published extensive analytical work to assess the totality of public expenditure to inform critical strategic policy statements including the Review of the National Development Plan and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
My department is also actively involved in supporting reform across Government as set out in the MTP; for example, through the implementation of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan to help drive the efficient delivery of infrastructure across Ireland and the management of EU cohesion funds.
Progress on commitments contained within the MTP will be monitored through an Annual Progress Report to be published by the Department of Finance later this year.
42. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps being taken to mitigate against flooding in counties Wexford and Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71618/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecently Storm Chandra resulted in significant and serious property damage and disruption in Enniscorthy town and surrounding areas. I visited the area and witnessed at first hand the devastation that Storm Chandra had on people, families, businesses and communities in the area.
The Office of Public Works, (OPW) in partnership with Wexford County Council continue the design of three major flood schemes in County Wexford, which together will protect 523 properties in Enniscorthy, Rosslare and Wexford Town. The OPW is funding two full-time staff in Wexford County Council.
The Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme with a total project budget of approximately €50.6m is being progressed in two phases. Phase 1 involves bridgeworks to protect 326 properties, with a planning application envisaged in Q2 2027 while Phase 2 covers non-bridge elements with tenders from consultants expected in Q1 2026 with appointment in Q2 2026.
The Wexford Flood Relief Scheme, with a project budget of €9.5m is at Stage 1 (Scheme development and Preliminary Design). Design Options are being progressed to protect 179 properties with planning permission programmed for Q3 2027, subject to completion of the necessary planning and consent processes.
The Rosslare Coastal Erosion and Flood Relief Scheme with a project budget of €7.6m comprises works to address flooding on the western side of the Scheme (Burrows Road) and coastal erosion on the eastern side. Options to protect 18 properties are being finalised, with Part 10 planning application expected Q2 2027.
Flooding during and since Storm Chandra came from multiple sources, including the river and the sea. For those communities impacted by this flooding event and where a major flood relief scheme is planned but not yet completed, I have asked Wexford County Council to set out a plan of all interim measures that can help mitigate flood risk from all sources. I expect to receive these plans over the coming weeks and I will update my Government colleagues of these proposals.
Since 2009 the OPW has approved 23 projects totalling approximately €5.5m for Wexford County Council, under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme including €0.5m approved in 2025 for works at Cahore. This scheme is available to fund localised measures to all communities to manage flood risk from rivers and the sea. It is also available to introduce those interim measures that can mitigate the flood risk to those communities pending completion of a major flood relief scheme. At this time the OPW is delivering major flood relief schemes to some 150 communities.
In County Cork nine flood relief schemes have been completed, with ten currently at design or construction stage. A further nine schemes referred to as Tranche II schemes have yet to commence.
Schemes completed to date include Bandon, Clonakilty, Douglas, Dunmanway, Fermoy (North and South), Mallow (North and South) and Skibbereen Flood Relief Schemes.
Schemes under construction include the Glashaboy Flood Relief scheme, due to be substantially complete in Q2 2026 and the Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence Project, due to be substantially complete in Q4 2026.
Bride River (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme has been submitted for planning and is awaiting a decision, while Ballinhassig Flood Relief Scheme is due to be submitted for planning in Q1 2026.
Statutory Public Exhibition for Lower Lee (Cork City) Flood Relief Scheme is scheduled to take place this year, with planning submission scheduled for next year.
Midleton Flood Relief Scheme is due to be submitted to planning in Q3 2026. A Part 8 planning application for advance works at Tír Cluain was granted in January 2026 with construction planned to commence later this year. Following Storm Babet an Individual Property Protection Scheme funded by the OPW is being rolled out by Cork County Council.
Design stage is progressing for Bantry, Baile Mhuirne/Baile Mhic Íre, Macroom and Carrigaline Flood Relief Schemes.
Design work is yet to commence for the following Tranche 2 Flood Relief Schemes; Ballingeary, Castlemartyr, Castletown/Bearhaven, Inchigeelagh, Inishannon, Kanturk, Rathcormack, Schull and Youghal, due to constraints in availability in Ireland of specialised engineering skills.
The OPW fund nine staff in Cork County Council and one staff member in Cork City Council to project manage the delivery of flood relief schemes.
Since 2009, OPW has approved funding of circa €7.3 million under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for some 57 projects across Cork County and City.
43. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he plans to reform Public Appointment Service hiring processes in order to attract new, elite talent to the public and civil services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for the question.
While the design and operation of recruitment processes are matters for the Public Appointments Service (Publicjobs) itself, as provided for under section 34(1)(e) of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, my Department works closely with Publicjobs at the policy level to review and modernise wider Civil Service attraction, assessment and recruitment approaches. This work relates to overall Civil Service recruitment policy, rather than the operational recruitment processes that Publicjobs administers independently, and helps ensure that our recruitment practices remain high-quality, modern and inclusive.
Publicjobs has undertaken extensive modernisation work in recent years. This includes a major branding and identity refresh to strengthen the visibility and appeal of public service careers, informed by research showing gaps in public awareness and perceptions.
Publicjobs has also received numerous national awards for excellence and innovation in recruitment, including the Excellence Through People Platinum Accreditation (2023); the Best in Innovation Award (2021); the Public Sector Awards for Excellence in Recruitment Services (2020 & 2021); and further recognitions for graduate outreach, digital learning and marketing campaigns.
In addition, in 2025 publicjobs was recognised as the Public Sector Organisation of the Year at the National Diversity and Inclusion Awards, and was awarded 5-star recognition from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) in recognition to its commitment to transformation and innovation.
Publicjobs has also invested significantly in digital recruitment tools and technologies. The majority of Publicjobs' assessments are now delivered fully online, allowing candidates to complete tests remotely through secure digital platforms. Assessments may be supported by remote proctoring technologies, ensuring robust supervision and verification where required.
Publicjobs has also procured a suite of modern digital assessment tools, including:
• Online assessments,
• Asynchronous video interviews,
• Virtual assessment centres and online exercises, and
• Hosting and development of bespoke assessments.
In parallel, Publicjobs has also deployed a dedicated eLearning Hub and digital training tools to support interview boards that strengthen the consistency and quality of selection processes.
These developments demonstrate Publicjobs’ significant progress in delivering a modern, digital, candidate-centred recruitment.
My Department will continue to work with Publicjobs to support this ongoing programme of reform.
44. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the development of Doneraile Court and Estate, and in particular the re-construction of the orangery (conservatory) at Doneraile House; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9968/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraDoneraile Court and Estate came into the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 1994. As the Deputy knows, the house at Doneraile is an outstanding example of Georgian architecture built by the St. Leger family in the seventeenth century on the site of a ruined castle, and linked to the St Leger Stakes in horse racing as well as to famous figures in Irish literature. Thirteen generations of the St Leger family lived at Doneraile over three centuries.
The house is set in 160-hectares of wildlife estate and landscaped parklands designed in the naturalistic style of the famous Capability Brown. In 2024 more than half a million visitors visited the parkland with over 4,000 ticketed visitors to the house.
Since coming into the care of the OPW, significant investment has been made in the conservation and presentation of Doneraile Court and Estate.
In 2019, the ground floor of the House was conserved and opened to the public. The Pleasure Gardens opened to the public in 2020. In 2023, the first floor conservation project was completed and universal access achieved at the House with the development of a new lift and a Changing Places facility.
Restoration and upgrade works are ongoing, and works in 2025 included site access and improvement works to pathways to enhance visitor safety, and new planting in the formal gardens and woodlands. Works for 2026 include repairs to the boundary wall, further garden conservation works and the upgrading of the Cafe Dining area.
The Orangery, originally erected in 1825, was a key architectural and social feature of the estate, serving both the family and their guests within the pleasure grounds. It was dismantled in the 1970s for safety reasons after falling into disrepair.
The 2023 Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Doneraile identifies the Orangery as an important lost feature on the site.
The OPW has completed a feasibility report exploring the options for the reconstruction and potential uses for the Orangery structure to complement and enhance the current visitor experience. In order to advance the project to the next stage, the OPW is in the process of following the necessary steps under the 'Infrastructure Guidelines' with a view to appointing a design team to develop a scheme to bring forward to planning.
45. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on flood relief works at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10988/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the River Bride overtops its banks upstream and downstream of Crookstown Bridge. Flow paths through properties cause flooding to some 23 properties and on local and regional roads. The road drainage is unable to discharge to the river during a flood event.
The 2014 Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme studied the flood risk at Crookstown and did not identify a viable major scheme to manage the flood risk. It recommended localised flood mitigation measures are progressed through the Office of Public Works (OPW), Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme does not extend to mitigating flooding to the road network.
Cork County Council, with OPW funding for nine staff to support the delivery of their programme of flood relief schemes, is leading the Crookstown Flood Relief Scheme.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the 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 within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, following on from my announcement late last year of an increase in funding thresholds that are to be made available under the Scheme. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme shortly.
Funding approval under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of €295,027 was allocated to Cork County Council in 2021 for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of a flood defence, a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works at Crookstown, Co. Cork. In its approval, the OPW highlighted these works are a significant interim measure to mitigate flood damage in advance of further works.
While the Council has not drawn down this funding, it has engaged with its consultants to design options for further works. While an option has been identified, the Council is engaging with funding partners, including the Department of Transport, for these further works.
The funding approved by the OPW to Cork County Council remains in place and available and it remains open to the Council to make a further application to the OPW under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
46. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on flood relief work at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10987/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works, (OPW), understands that this flooding issue is affecting roads and not properties, the funding and responsibility for which comes under the remit of the Minister for Transport and that Cork County Council were progressing works at the bridge.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the 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 within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria and details for the scheme shortly, including an increase in the funding limits for each project from €750,000 to €2m.
Since 2009, OPW has approved funding of circa €7.3 million under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for some 57 projects across Cork County and City.
47. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his views on whether public capital investment under the NDP in the electricity and water networks will be sufficient to enable delivery of housing and public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the National Development Plan 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.
The NDP Review 2025 published in July 2025, in line with the Programme for Government commitment committed €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State.
In December 2025 the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, indicating electricity, water and transport as critical infrastructure.
Arising from this, €19.1 billion in Exchequer capital investment is provided for in 2026. On Budget Day, Ministers set out the capital projects and programmes that they will prioritise investment in the critical growth-enabling sectors of water, energy, transport and housing. Clear prioritisation has provided for a structured and coordinated pipeline of the projects to be delivered, which manages labour constraints and allows for the building of expertise within sectors.
Departments have 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. These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental webpage on the gov.ie website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on specific projects in energy, water and transport across the country.
The Water Services and Water Quality Sectoral Plan published by Department of Housing in November 2025 set out record investment of €12.2 billion to 2030, with €11.7 billion allocated to Uisce Éireann for major projects such as the Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project, alongside upgrades in Limerick and Waterford. A further €230 million is earmarked for rural water services and €306 million for water quality programmes.
In Department of Transport received 24.3 billion for 2026–2030, comprising €22.3 billion under the NDP and an additional €2 billion from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. This includes €10.1 billion for public transport projects such as MetroLink, DART+, BusConnects and Cork commuter rail, €9.7 billion for roads and €1.8 billion for active travel. These investments will transform urban mobility, strengthen regional connectivity, and support climate goals while enabling housing delivery.
Furthermore, the Action Plan report provides a comprehensive programme of actions designed to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure across the State. The Plan responds to well-documented challenges of lengthy development timelines, fragmented processes, and rising costs. These have all been identified as major barriers to achieving Ireland’s housing, energy, and climate objectives. The Reforms outlined in the Action Plan report are designed to remove barriers to infrastructure delivery, ensure more consistent governance and a clearer pipeline for future delivery, particularly with respect to critical infrastructure projects.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 17.
49. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will commit to increasing the capital budget allocated to the Department of Education and Youth, with a view to ensuring the timely delivery and completion of much-needed school building projects in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the NDP Review 2025, Government set out annual sectoral allocations for 2026 to 2030, and overall Government capital expenditure ceilings to 2035. This leads to a total public capital investment of €275.4 billion over the period to 2035. This comprises €202.4 billion in Exchequer Voted capital expenditure from 2026 to 2035.
Of this, €102.4 billion is being allocated for the next five years – an additional €23.9 billion on what was previously allocated in the NDP. A further €10 billion in equity and fund releases is being provided for megaprojects in water, energy and transport. This brings the total additional capital investment to €33.9 billion for the period to 2030.
The agreement of five-year annual sectoral allocations provides multi-year certainty to departments as to their level of capital funding over the next five years. This multi-year certainty has enabled departments to plan for the delivery of their capital investment priorities through to 2030. It also provides visibility on the investment pipeline to enable construction firms to scale capacity and prepare commercial bids to deliver on the planned investment.
The Department of Education have been allocated a capital budget of €7.5 billion over the period 2026 to 2030, which represents a significant increase of 73% over their 2021 to 2025 NDP allocation of just under €4.4 billion. Given the substantial rise in funding the Department are scheduled to receive they are required to remain within this level of capital expenditure over the period.
50. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on flood prevention at Bunclody, County Wexford. [10463/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully aware of the devastation caused by the recent flooding to homes, businesses and the community in Bunclody. Local coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address.
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 within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any new 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.
To date, the OPW has approved some €5.47m in funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to County Wexford for some 23 projects. The OPW understands that Wexford County Council is planning to prepare an application for funding to the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to address the flooding problems that have occurred in Bunclody.
