Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of current Government ministers that do not yet have a repayment plan in place to return money owed to the Exchequer from pension overpayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10078/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NSSO review of Pension and ASC contributions for current and former ministers, office holders and other civil servants identified issues related to pension over and under deductions.
As standard in these cases, the NSSO and/or the employer works with the individual to resolve the under-deduction on a case by case basis. Where there is an under-deduction of pension contribution, the NSSO applies a standard and consistent practice to all individuals and employees with regard to repayment plans.
Engagement commenced with all current Ministers/Ministers of State impacted on June 10th, 2025. Follow-up communications to those not then in a payment plan were issued on September 16, and again on November 7, and engagement has been ongoing since to address any outstanding queries.
The NSSO has reached agreement with all current Ministers and Ministers of State.
52. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans to accelerate flood relief schemes in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10559/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra90. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of the catchment and flood risk management plan under CFRAM for County Louth; the progress on the implementation of same that has been made to date; the short-term or interim plans there are to deal with flooding in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9942/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 52 and 90 together.
In 2019, the Bellurgan Flood Relief Scheme was completed and is protecting 35 properties from significant flood risk.
Through the agreed delivery model, and with Office of Public Works, (OPW), funding for 6.5 staff, Louth County Council is leading the delivery of five flood relief schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/ Greenore, Baltray and Ardee. The Government has committed funding to support the delivery of flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South scheme is to protect 1,880 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The consultant is currently working on development of options for the scheme with emerging options expected in Spring 2026. A public consultation day will be scheduled when the emerging options are available. The preferred options for the scheme are expected in Q4 2026.
The combined Drogheda and Baltray Scheme is to protect 425 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in September, 2021. The scope of the area for the scheme was recently extended and the consultant had to undertake further modelling work. Emerging Options for the scheme will be presented to the public in Q2 2026 and the preferred option is expected in Q4 2026.
Funding of €339,480 for a viable option, identified by Louth County Council, for Ardee to protect some 30 properties, was approved by the OPW in July 2025. These works are being progressed by Louth County Council who advise that these works are to be complete by Q4 2026.
Louth County Council and the OPW are reviewing requirements for a brief to procure engineering and environmental consultants for the Carlingford and Greenore Scheme. In April 2025, the OPW approved funding of €27,685 to Louth County Council for works at (Brown’s Lane/Newry Street). This work is now completed and will increase water conveyance capacity and reduce surface water flooding along the lane.
In the interim Louth County Council is assessing areas where works could improve the conveyance characteristics of the Carlingford drainage system and have submitted an application for funding for the proposed works which is currently under consideration by the OPW.
Louth County Council is actively evaluating potential interim measures which, subject to environmental and planning considerations, may be advanced separately from the main schemes to provide earlier flood-risk mitigation to affected communities.
The Scheme Viability Reviews (SVRs) for Annagassan and Termonfeckin have indicated that potentially viable Flood Relief Schemes have been identified. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche II schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal, which is referred to as the Tranche II Pilot.
The Tranche II Pilot will transfer the management of data gathering, as a first step in designing a scheme, from consultant engineers for a single scheme to the local authorities for all schemes in the Pilot and, where feasible, within their areas of responsibility. The Pilot means that data gathering may be scaled up from individual communities to all schemes in a county. The Pilot will better inform the prioritisation of future schemes nationally and the scope of services required from consultants to design and construct flood relief schemes.
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, funding of some €1.9 million has been approved for Louth County Council under this Scheme, for 26 projects.
53. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the preparation of a planning application for a permanent solution to flooding at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9594/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra72. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on flood relief works at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 72 together.
Lough Funshinagh is a designated Special Area of Conservation Turlough, and has experienced increasingly severe flooding in recent years. These events, driven by extreme weather, have resulted in unprecedented water levels, flooding and flood risk to communities surrounding Lough Funshinagh.
The Council has developed a three-pronged approach to address the flood problem. This includes the provision of Individual Property Protection (IPP) for those properties at flood risk and Trap-bags installed at select locations surrounding the Lough. The OPW has approved funding of some €529k to provide these measures. Due to the significant flooding that occurred in the spring of 2024, the development of an Interim Flood Relief Scheme became the primary focus in advance of the permanent scheme. The €5.2m interim scheme includes a temporary pipeline and pumping station for over ground pumping of water from the Lough to a discharge point on the Cross River. Planning permission for this scheme was received from An Bórd Pleanála in January 2025, with the interim scheme completed in March of last year.
The Council has been stopped on two prior occasions, through judicial reviews, from completing emergency permanent works to reduce the water levels back to their normal levels. Roscommon County Council, with funding from the OPW, is currently progressing the Lough Funshinagh Climate Adaptation Project. The dual project objectives are to manage the flood risk and to minimise the impact on the environment. Following preliminary studies and public consultations, the emerging preferred option, from the seven possible options, was presented to the public in April 2025.
As part of the development process, the consultants have identified additional constraints on the emerging preferred route that, in line with best practice, warrants reassessment of all options. Consequently, this will extend the timeline for submitting a planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála from the end of 2025 to the second half of 2026. Given the history to this project, it is essential that the planning application is evidence based, so it can withstand scrutiny and challenge through the planning process.
Roscommon County Council and the OPW are satisfied that this extension of time, to submit to planning, will not increase the flood risk for the communities around Lough Funshinagh, given the benefit from the Interim Flood Relief Scheme and IPP works. The Council will continue to engage with all stakeholders throughout 2026 through regular communication, and a further public consultation is planned in April this year.
54. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the Government's programme of digitalisation of public services. [10464/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBetter Public Services 2030 is the transformation strategy for the civil and public services and provides the overarching framework for my Department’s public service reform and digitalisation focus in the years ahead. This includes setting digitalisation and data policy for modernised service delivery and providing key features of the digital public service infrastructure that are relevant to the integrated and digital delivery of public services, driving the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, and ensuring digital inclusion.
In November 2025, I launched the Digital Public Services Plan 2030, which sets out Ireland’s roadmap to fully digitalise key public services by 2030, ensuring that 100% of these services are available online and 90% of applicable services are accessed digitally. Aligned with this Plan, my Department is delivering critical features of the digital public service infrastructure to improve the quality, consistency and interoperability of digital systems underpinning key public services.
Another strategy published by my Department is Digital for Good: Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap, Government’s aim is to make the digital transition a positive one for those who can engage digitally and to provide support or an alternative for those who cannot.
Later this year, my department will publish the Public Service Data Strategy 2030 to deliver a modern public service data ecosystem where high quality public administrative data is routinely used for policy and service planning and delivery for Better Public Services outcomes.
Combined, these strategies and their successful and sustained implementation reshape the way in which public services are delivered and experienced, with the overall goal of improving outcomes and trust.
My Department has also taken a proactive and coordinated approach to supporting the responsible and effective adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the Public Service which supports broader digitalisation. A key component of this was the publication of the ‘Guidelines for the Responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service’ in May 2025, which provide a practical framework to assist Public Service Bodies in designing, developing and deploying AI in a manner that is ethical, transparent and aligned with public service values.
55. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the reason for the repeated and extended closure of St. Enda's Park Rathfarnham during routine weather events; when flood alleviation works will be completed in the park will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10804/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSt Enda’s National Historic Park, managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), is a significant designed landscape that includes notable water features and a collection of small ornamental garden buildings and follies linked by a network of picturesque pathways.
The Whitechurch stream that flows through St. Enda’s lies in a steep-sided valley and is a ‘spate river’ fed by rain rather than groundwater. It has a highly variable flow, rising and falling rapidly in response to rainfall. The river floods regularly and this can result in unsafe conditions for visitors.
The Park was significantly impacted by flooding during the recent storm Chandra. The Whitechurch river, already at or above bank-full conditions due to a very wet start to the year, rose significantly causing the banks to overflow. Soils were saturated and waterlogged throughout the Park and pathways were damaged. Flooding risks remained high for a number of days as the heavy rain continued to fall on already saturated ground.
OPW site-management monitored the situation daily and responded to weather conditions by securing the Park and being mindful of public safety whilst adhering to the National Emergency Coordination Group alerts and advice.
Repair works on the pathways and clearance of debris at the river and lake banks were commenced as soon as possible in order to be able to reopen the park safely. I am pleased to say that the Park reopened on Saturday 7 February after much dedicated effort by the site team.
In relation to the Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme (FAS) that commenced construction in Q1 2023, I am informed that works are due to be completed by the end of this year, with removal of the construction site compound at St Enda's shortly thereafter.
Updates on the Whitechurch Stream FAS are published by South Dublin County Council at: www.whitechurchfas.ie/
Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 17.
57. Deputy Séamus McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to consider the establishment of a national flood agency to have a sole focus on the State's approach to flood management and progressing flood relief schemes. [10780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW has been assigned the responsibility for coordinating the whole of Government approach to meeting the Government’s National Flood Risk Policy. An Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group is chaired by the OPW and is co-ordinating Ireland’s whole of Government approach to flood risk management across the three strategic policy pillars, which contain a broad range of structural and non-structural measures:
• Prevention - e.g. avoiding construction in flood-prone areas,
• Protection - e.g. taking feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, to reduce the likelihood and impact of floods, and
• Preparedness - e.g. informing the public about dealing with flood risk and a flood.
These policy pillars are underpinned by the collection of relevant data, the development of relevant science and evidence, and the undertaking of assessments to inform where flood risk, now and into the future, needs to be addressed.
The role of the Group, as well as monitoring existing policies and measures, is to consider additional policy initiatives to:
• help avoid increasing flood risk,
• deliver structural and non-structural solutions for at risk properties in line with the Flood Risk Management Plans, and
• raise the awareness of flood risk and encourage people, businesses and communities to take action to protect themselves and their properties, and
• to support and assist those people and communities affected by flooding.
As the approach taken by the Group is sector led, the individual members each take responsibility for reviewing and developing further policy initiatives within their sector’s specialised area of responsibility with the sector-led policy initiatives being co-ordinated through the Group.
Through this structure, the relevant Government Departments and other agencies are working together towards the delivery of the Government’s national flood policy. This whole of Government approach to flood risk management is in line with international best practice and has been independently endorsed by Dutch experts. Given the cross-cutting nature of flood risk management and the differing policy measures required, there are no proposals to establish a national flood agency.
58. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if additional funding will be made available for flood relief schemes; if he will consider expediting proposed flood relief schemes for Cork city given they have been ongoing for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to 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 or construction to some 100 schemes at this time.
Nationally, 56 schemes have been completed to date which are providing protection to over 13,580 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage 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 Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is led by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and represents the largest State investment in flood defence ever undertaken in the country. Some 900 homes and 1200 businesses will be protected when the scheme is constructed.
Statutory Public Exhibition for this scheme is scheduled to take place this year and submission for planning consent is scheduled for next year.
The River Bride (Blackpool) Scheme has been submitted for planning and is awaiting decision from The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. Some 206 homes and 87 businesses will be protected when the scheme is constructed.
Subject to receipt of Confirmation by the Minister for The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the procurement process to appoint a contractor to construct the scheme will commence.
Schemes currently under construction in Cork City include Glashaboy Flood Relief scheme due to be substantially complete in Q2 2026, providing flood protection to 103 properties and Morrison’s Island Public Realm and Flood Defence Project due to be substantially complete in Q4 2026 providing protection to 410 properties.
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 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.
59. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the South Galway flood relief project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9700/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) and Galway County Council are working together on the development of the South Galway (Gort Lowlands) Flood Relief Scheme with Galway County Council acting as the lead authority.
The combinations of river water, groundwater, swallow holes and turloughs in the karst Gort Lowlands catchment makes this area unique, at an international level from an ecological perspective. Due to the intricate nature of the Gort Lowlands area, Trinity College Dublin and Geological Survey Ireland have been contributing to the development of the Scheme alongside the engineering and environmental consultants who were procured to develop a viable scheme design.
There has been a significant amount of public and stakeholder consultation with a number of public consultations taking place, including Galway County Council and the OPW presenting the emerging preferred option. The scheme is expected to provide protection to 115 properties; 50 residential and 65 commercial.
Environmental assessments are currently being undertaken for the preferred option, which involves an integrated mechanism to effectively move water through overflow channels across the turloughs in this area. These assessments are being informed by discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The timeframe for submission of the scheme for planning is Q4 2026 and is dependent on ongoing environmental survey results and the outcome of the NPWS engagement. Should planning for the scheme be granted Galway County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland will re-engage on the matter of culvert capacity which came to light while the M18 was under construction.
Since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €314,000 to Galway County Council for some 9 projects in the scheme area.
60. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he expects any of the sectoral plans under the NDP to be revised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10805/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the Government’s agreement of annual sectoral capital allocations to 2030 under the NDP Review, each Department has developed and published a Sectoral Investment Plan. These plans outline the specific capital projects and programmes to be prioritised and delivered within their five-year allocation (2026–2030).
The plans are:
• Based on the capital allocations provided.
• Demonstrate realistic timelines and phased delivery.
• Reflect projects that can be delivered or substantially commenced before 2030.
• Consider key issues such as value for money, construction sector capacity, alignment with National Planning Framework and climate objectives, and demonstrate appropriate costings and governance structures.
For priority sectors like Energy, Water, Transport, and Housing, the plans were presented to the Senior Officials Group and Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure to ensure central coordination of the sequencing of capital projects in these strategic sectors.
These plans will provide the construction sector with a clear and structured pipeline of projects over the next five years. As well as providing accountability to the public on the planned delivery from the record levels of capital investment, the plans enable industry stakeholders to plan and scale effectively through investment in staff, technology and innovation.
By outlining the scale, scope, and timing of upcoming infrastructure projects, the Sectoral Plans will support greater certainty and coordination across industry. They also reinforce the Government’s commitment to strategic infrastructure delivery.
Given that the sectoral plans have only been published in the last few weeks, I do not envisage revisions being made to the plans for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the commitment and foresight that these plans provide are critical to enable the construction sector to plan and support the delivery of the necessary infrastructural investments needed for Ireland.
62. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will make the OPW office and facilities in Trim available for the use of community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11090/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) owns and maintains a number of buildings in Trim including its Head Office at Jonathan Swift Street and the OPW Newtown Depot. The Newtown Depot consists of Engineering Workshops, National Monuments Stores, Welfare Facilities and Office accommodation. All available space in Newtown is fully utilised by the OPW.
At present the Trim HQ building houses public sector staff from An Garda Síochána, the Office of Government Procurement, the National Council for Special Education and the OPW itself. The office, as designed, is currently operating with maximum staff allocation and there is no vacant space.
Whilst there are no permanent hosting arrangements available in either of the local OPW Trim buildings the organisation has in the past provided assistance to some community groups with once off access to its facilities, including providing access for the Trim Women’s Shed to allow them display an exhibition in the atrium, the athletics club for parking facilities for their annual 10k run and the Púca festival to assist with their annual parade.
I greatly appreciate and acknowledge the valuable work that such organisations do within the community. However, the OPW is unable to accommodate out-of-hours hosting access to either of its Trim facilities, based on operational, safety and security constraints.
The OPW remains committed to supporting community initiatives, where feasible.
63. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress that has been made in accelerating the delivery of infrastructure under the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10961/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department will be managing the monitoring and reporting on delivery of the actions in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, which will be led within the Infrastructure Division. The report details 30 headline actions for delivery by quarter and set out target outputs and outcomes to be achieved. All lead Departments have been engaged with over January 2026 to provide an update on the delivery of Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 actions and to notify of structural changes within their sectors to aid the delivery of the 30 actions.
All actions required for delivery in 2025 have been completed as of January 2026. Some of the key deliverables include:
Publication of the NDP Review 2025 in July 2025, with the subsequent publication of all NDP Sectoral Plans by mid-January 2026. As committed in the Programme for Government and in the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce, a step-change in investment for the Energy, Water and Transport sectors have been approved.
The Sectoral Plans detail over 200 specific projects that will be prioritised, with a particular focus on those projects going to tender or construction within 2026 and 2027. This is with the specific aim of providing construction sector certainty on the pipeline.
Government consultation on the scale of fees for environmental judicial reviews - the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment received Government approval to issue a public consultation on the scale of fees for environmental legal costs, which will in effect limit the cost that the State pays in environmental judicial reviews.
First meeting of New Joint Utilities (electricity and water) and Transport Clearing House, which will ensure a shared understanding and collaboration between the utilities and transport sectors on greater cooperation in infrastructure delivery.
The Minister for Justice brought Heads of Bill to Government to place the judicial review process on a statutory footing. These Heads were published on 6th January 2026.
At this point, good progress is noted for actions required for delivery in Q1 2026, however responsible leads will be contacted regularly to ensure actions remain on track. The following includes some of the progress areas:
• The operation of the public consultation process on proposed scale of fees, which closed on 15 January 2026. The results will be reviewed and published in Q1 2026. The regulations on cost capping are to be drafted and brought before the Oireachtas by end of Q1 2026.
• On the Critical Infrastructure Bill, my Department have commenced the drafting and are engaged with the Office of the Attorney General on a weekly basis. The publication of a general scheme by end-March has been re-confirmed in the Government’s published priority legislative agenda.
• The High-Level Group (HLG) on EU Policy and the European Coordinators Network has been used to monitor legislation or regulations that may impact on infrastructure delivery. The first such discussion took place at a meeting of the HLG on 21 January.
• As committed under Action 23, reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines were brought for Government approval this week. The key reforms regarding higher thresholds for Major Projects, the discontinuation of the External Assurance Process and the reduced approval requirements prior to issue tender documents (Approval Gate 2).
• Government have approved for an enhanced National Development Finance Agency to support key Exchequer funded projects. There will be a further publication of a Circular, outlining how Departments may avail of this support.
• The meetings of the Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House will continue in Q1 2026. My Department are engaging with bodies to map structures and identify key specific administrative constraints to effective coordination.
• Further consideration is being given to revised structures within the Construction Sector Group to advise on actions detailed in the December report, including further productivity and innovation within the construction sector and procurement reforms to further enhance the attractiveness of public sector construction.
• My colleague, Minister James Lawless, and his Department have published a critical skills needs assessment for the construction sector with the assistance of Indecon Consultants. The report has key recommendations including an assessment of reforms to apprenticeship programmes, coordination of pipelines and prioritisation of project rollout.
At this point, there are no significant indicators for actions that are off track and sectors are committed to delivering Q1 and Q2 actions as set out in the December report.
In relation to project delivery, Departments have now published sectoral investment plans with greater detail on timelines for tendering and construction. In the past week there has been substantial progress on some of the most critical projects within the NDP with Metrolink (TII), the Greater Dublin Drainage and Water Supply Project (both Uisce Éireann) publishing initial tender documentation.
64. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will outline the role of the new National Development Finance Agency (NDFA); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10787/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe role of the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) is to provide financial advisory, procurement and project delivery services to State authorities on public infrastructure projects. During the development of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, it was determined that broadening NDFA support could assist with the acceleration of major public investment projects.
Specifically, action 24 of the Report and Action Plan commits to the creation of new centralised support services in NDFA to guide major capital projects through the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Government approvals process. From Quarter 1 the NDFA will provide this enhanced expert assistance at key stages of these projects.
In practical terms, the support available 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.
The scope of the NDFA’s role in the specific major projects will be clearly defined on a project-by-project
basis with the delivery bodies remaining fully responsible and accountable for all aspects of the project. In tandem with this, the NDFA will proactively drive projects forward through setting challenging timetables and submitting clear decisions for the responsible Departments to make in a timely manner.
65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in view of the increased incidences of flooding with accumulated rainfall if the level of co-operation on a cross-Border basis in relation to flooding and drainage issues can be intensified; if there are specific proposals to deal with flooding difficulties in County Cavan caused by the river Erne; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10768/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works, (OPW), has an on-going relationship with the Department for Infrastructure, DfI Rivers, Northern Ireland, which is the Competent Authority for the implementation of the EU Floods Directive in Northern Ireland.
In 2009, the OPW and Dfl Rivers agreed to establish a Cross-Border Co-ordination Group to co-ordinate the implementation of the EU Floods Directive across the border. This work was supported by a Cross-Border Technical Co-ordination Group. These groups have met on numerous occasions since to coordinate on the identification of Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk, to share information and agree approaches to the production of flood mapping in border areas and to coordinate on the identification of measures and the preparation of Plans.
The Erne Catchment was assessed under the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), in close co-operation with DfI Rivers. The study considered increasing watercourse conveyance of the Erne system to lower water levels as a measure to reduce flood risk. This study revealed that water levels in the majority of the Erne catchment in Ireland remain unchanged regardless of any works that could be carried out in Northern Ireland.
DfI Rivers was represented throughout the CFRAM study on the relevant project steering, progress and stakeholder’s groups as well as on the National CFRAM Steering Group. DfI Rivers is a member of the National Floods Directive Coordination Group, which has met on 12 occasions since November 2018, with the next meeting to be held in the coming weeks.
66. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps that have been taken to reduce the IT programme spend within State departments and public bodies; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the scale of ICT and digital investment is a matter for each Minister and their Accounting Officer, and can vary considerably across departments and public service bodies, my Department has put several mechanisms in place to help achieve best value for money for the State.
First, Circular 14/2021 directly addresses the steps that each department must take before starting a new ICT project. The Circular sets out Arrangements for Oversight of Digital and ICT-related Initiatives in the Civil and Public Service and is operated by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), a division of my department. The Circular requires that Public Service Bodies seek approval for all new digital/ICT initiatives prior to any government decision, and the publication of any procurement documents, or otherwise committing to the project, including expenditure. Furthermore, specific approval of OGCIO is required where there is significant variation to the scope, schedule, deliverables, cost or quality since an original approval was conveyed by this Department. For projects with lifetime costs of over €5 million, the OGCIO manages a peer review process to ensure governance arrangements are robust and risks are managed.
Secondly, in addition to its oversight role, the OGCIO has developed a portfolio of shared ICT/digital services for use by Public Service Bodies. These include Government Networks, National Low Latency Platform, Managed Desktop, Government Private Cloud, Government Data Centre, the Enterprise Project Portfolio Management framework, Build to Share Applications suite and a range of digital building blocks which includes the gov.ie family of websites. Public service bodies are encouraged to avail of these services where these will meet their needs, and can reduce the total cost of, or the additional spend necessary to provide, a digital/ICT service. The Deputy will find more details on the range of services available from the OGCIO in my Department’s annual reports which are published on gov.ie
67. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the Climate and Nature Fund; the number of applications has he received; the number of have been approved; how much money has been drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10763/26]
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 through the funding of designated environmental projects.
A total of €2 billion will be invested in the Fund each year from 2024 to 2030 building up to an overall fund of €14 billion.
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. 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. 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 €3.15 billion.
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.
More detailed criteria are outlined in Section 20 of the Act.
As outlined in the Programme for Government 2025, the review of the National Development Plan in July encompassed all public capital investment, including that available from the ICN Fund. The NDP Review confirmed the following indicative allocations to Departments over the period 2026-2030:
• €2 billion for the Department of Transport to support low-carbon transportation, such as MetroLink;
• €500 million for the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (D/CEE) to fund projects/programmes that support climate mitigation and renewable energy development;
• €650 million for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (D/HLGH) for projects and programmes that will support improvements in water quality.
The specific projects and programmes to be funded from within these allocations are a matter for the relevant Ministers who must prioritise eligible projects and programmes to fund from within their allocations, having regard to their sectoral priorities and the criteria for designated environmental projects as set out in the Act.
This formal designation process commenced in late 2025, and informed a new Appendix included in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) which outlined total allocations from the ICN Fund for 2026.
The relevant Ministers now must formally designate, the environmental projects that they intend to fund from their ICN Fund allocations. This formal designation process remains underway. Later this year, Departments will be required to submit an update on their ICNF expenditure and project delivery for Q1.
Funding for designated environmental projects will also be confirmed in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) in each year between 2026 and 2030.
68. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the current status of each outstanding flood relief and coastal protection scheme in Waterford, including funds approved, drawn down or outstanding. [10981/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2018, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State: the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk.
A series of 29 Flood Risk Management Plans were launched in May 2018 by the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and An Taoiseach, providing the evidence base for some 150 new and additional flood relief schemes.
The Flood Risk Management Plan for the Blackwater River Basin (FRMP 18) published in 2018, stated that project level assessments and potential flood relief works will be undertaken within the townlands of Aglish, Ballyduff, and Dungarvan and Environs. Waterford City Flood Relief Scheme Phase 1 was completed in 2011, and Waterford City Flood Relief Scheme Phases 2-4 was completed in 2016.
There are no currently active major flood relief schemes in County Waterford. Aglish and Ballyduff have small scheme status with a projected total combined budget of €1,070,000. The agreed delivery model between the OPW and the County and City Managers Association for all small schemes, was for the local authority to progress these schemes, through design, planning and construction. Accordingly, these flood relief schemes have been assigned to Waterford City and County Council.
54 Tranche II schemes were identified by CFRAM, where design works have yet to commence, including for Dungarvan and Environs. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes through four Tranche II schemes in counties Kilkenny and Donegal, which is referred to as the Tranche II Pilot.
Waterford City and County Council have submitted a number of Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme applications to the OPW for works and studies in County Waterford. A series of Minor Works applications were received by the OPW throughout 2023 from Waterford City and County Council for proposed works located at Ardmore Beach and Abbeyside, Clonea Road, Dungarvan. The OPW completed its review of the proposed works for both Ardmore Beach and Abbeyside, Clonea Road, Dungarvan and subsequently issued a number of queries for the Council to address.
The OPW has received recent related correspondence from Waterford City and County Council and are currently reviewing same and are prepared to meet with the Council to discuss the applications.
A request for Minor Works funding was received by the OPW in 2020 for a proposed study at Ballinacourty. The OPW have reviewed this application and have requested further information from Waterford City and County Council, which will be reviewed when submitted. In March 2025, the OPW received a request for Minor Works funding for a study at West Street, Tallow, this application was approved in June 2025. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €1.9 million to County Waterford for some 18 projects.
69. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the work being carried out in his Department in the wake of storm Chandra, to help improve storm warning systems, preparation for storms; whether short, medium and long-term solutions to flooding are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the severe flooding of Winter 2015/16, in 2016, the Government agreed to the establishment of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (NFFWS) to enable members of the public and local authorities take more preparatory action to reduce the impact of flooding. The NFFWS is to be developed on a staged basis, with the local forecasting and warning aspect of the service to be delivered in Stage II.
Stage I (establishment phase) of the development of the NFFWS focused on national and catchment level fluvial (river) and coastal flood forecasting. A Steering Group comprising representatives from Met Éireann, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (NDFEM), the CCMA, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and chaired by the OPW, oversaw the development of Stage I of the NFFWS.
Stage I was completed in December 2023 with the Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) established in Met Éireann, subsequently becoming fully operational in early 2024. The FFC provides flood forecasts, flood advisory services, hydrological observations and Daily Flood Guidance Statements to local authorities and other state agencies. A dedicated Irish Flood Integration Communication System (IFICS) to communicate this information to key stakeholders was developed by Met Éireann and is in place, with training provided by Met Éireann to Local Authorities and other key stakeholders in its use. The forecasting information is tailored for these stakeholders providing valuable information regarding the likelihood of river and/or coastal flooding. This information can be utilised by these stakeholders to inform their understanding of flood risk and to make decisions pertaining to emergency response measures.
In 2025, arising from new governance arrangements at cabinet committee level for emergency management, a new Subgroup of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning dealing with further developing the NFFWS was established. The sub-group is chaired by the Office of Emergency Planning of the Department of Defence. The Subgroup is to deliver Stage II of the NFFWS, including providing flood warning services for communities in Ireland and will focus on further developing the fluvial and coastal forecast system delivered under Stage I to provide a greater level of detail and accuracy in forecasted information. The Subgroup is developing proposals for Stage II of the NFFWS for submission to Government.
The preparations for and the response to major emergencies is a matter for the Principal Response Agencies (PRAs) – Local authorities, An Garda Síochána and the HSE. Local authorities are the ‘lead agency’ for response to flooding events within their administrative areas. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through its National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) is designated as the Lead Government Department with responsibility for co-ordinating the national level response to weather emergencies, including flooding and the response to issues relating to flood emergency response matters is for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The NDFEM of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage convened meetings of the National Emergency Co-ordination Group to co-ordinate the response actions to the event across the Government Departments and agencies involved.
Managing flood risk is a responsibility that requires measures across a range of Government Departments which is co-ordinated by the Flood Policy Co-ordination Group. Flood policy has three key pillars – Prevention, Protection, and Preparedness – which are underpinned by research and evidence:
• Prevention is aimed at avoiding or removing a flood risk and can be achieved, for example, by avoiding construction in flood-prone areas.
• Protection is aimed at reducing the likelihood and/or the severity of flood events. This typically involves physical works, such as defending at-risk areas against flooding through the delivery of major flood relief schemes.
• Preparedness includes actions and measures that can be taken to reduce the consequences of flooding. For example, by informing the public about preparing for the risk of flooding and taking appropriate actions during a flood event.
The role of the Group, as well as monitoring existing policies and measures, is to consider additional policy initiatives to: help prevent flood risk; address structural and non-structural solutions for at risk properties assessed; raise the awareness of flood risk and encourage people, businesses and communities to take action to protect themselves and their properties; and to support and assist those people and communities affected by flooding.
As the approach taken by the Group is sector led, the individual members each take responsibility for monitoring and developing further policy initiatives within their sector’s area of responsibility.
The OPW is leading an ambitious national programme to protect against risk from river and coastal flooding. Nationally, significant progress has been made. To date, the OPW has invested some €580m in 56 completed flood relief schemes, which protect 13,580 properties nationwide and provide an economic benefit in damages avoided estimated to be in the region of €2bn.
Investment through the National Development Plan, and working in partnership with the local authorities, has allowed the OPW to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, or construction to some 100 schemes. Thus, delivery of flood relief schemes is occurring at a significant scale nationally.
Since 2009, the OPW provides funding to local authorities through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This Scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The OPW has approved over €70m for some 900 projects that are mitigating flood risk to over 8,000 properties. 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 that are awaiting completion of a major flood relief scheme.
Flooding during and since Storm Chandra came from different 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 those local authorities 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
70. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in line with the National Tourism Strategy and the promotion of sustainable heritage tourism, whether his Department will engage with the Office of Public Works to establish a dedicated preservation and visitor-management programme for key historical structures such as Monasterboice high crosses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1716/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is responsible for the conservation, maintenance, management and presentation of over 780 National Monuments and 32 National Historic Properties nationwide, including the high crosses at Monasterboice, County Louth.
The OPW’s statutory role is to protect monuments of exceptional national and international significance while facilitating appropriate public access. This requires a careful balance between conservation priorities and visitor management, informed by expert advice and best practice, rather than the creation of stand-alone or site-specific programmes.
In that context, the OPW already operates a comprehensive and ongoing programme of preservation and visitor management at Monasterboice. This is fully integrated into the day-to-day management of the site and reflects established conservation principles for exposed stone monuments.
At Monasterboice, this includes continuous condition monitoring of the high crosses by specialist staff, targeted stone conservation works, environmental and landscape management, and measures to manage visitor movement and behaviour in a manner that protects the monument while allowing public access. As an unguided site, particular emphasis is placed on minimising physical and environmental impacts on the fabric of the monument.
The OPW works closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on conservation policy and statutory matters relating to national monuments. It also engages, where appropriate, with tourism bodies such as Fáilte Ireland in the context of national tourism policy and the promotion of sustainable heritage tourism. Local authorities and community stakeholders are consulted as part of this integrated approach.
There are currently no plans to establish a separate or dedicated preservation and visitor-management programme for Monasterboice. The OPW considers that its existing integrated model is the most appropriate and effective means of safeguarding the high crosses, while ensuring that access arrangements are consistent with conservation requirements, public safety and sustainability.
The OPW will continue to monitor the condition of the monument and visitor activity at Monasterboice and will adapt management measures as necessary to ensure the long-term protection of this important site for future generations.
