Written Answers Nos. 71-91
71. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on initiatives being taken to address coastal erosion in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11099/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal coastal erosion and flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. Funding may be made available to Local Authorities for coastal erosion works or studies through the Minor Works Scheme. The OPW are currently funding nine local authority staff in Cork County Council (CCC) to manage the delivery of flood relief schemes.
Minor Works Scheme.
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. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The funding available for each scheme has recently been increased from €750,000 to €2 million. Further details on this are due to be announced soon.
Since 2009, OPW has approved some 57 projects and some €7.4 million to CCC under the Minor Works Schemes. The table below denotes funding relating to coastal erosion works or studies approved under the Minor Works Scheme for Cork.
|
Scheme |
Approved |
Project Details |
Funding € |
|
Cape Clear Island South Harbour |
20/12/2024 |
Carry out remedial works required to existing Sea Wall. |
189,000 |
|
Pilmore Cottages, Youghal |
02/06/2023 |
Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study. |
135,000 |
|
Bayview B&B, Glandore |
29/04/2022 |
Stabilize the cliff face. |
225,353 |
|
Finure-Guileen Cliff |
10/07/2024 |
Detailed design and construction stage for cliff stabilisation works. |
495,000 |
|
Roches Point Sea Wall |
23/09/2022 |
Detailed Design & Construction of a Toe Wall to stabilize existing sea wall. |
78,099 |
|
Youghal Front Beach |
06/09/2010 |
Refurbish Sea Wall. |
18,000 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,140,452
|
Coastal Erosion Study Youghal to Ring
Funding of €135,000 was approved in June 2023 to carry out a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study. The study area includes the shoreline adjacent to PiImore Cottages, and extends from Youghal to Ring on the county Cork coastline.
This Study will inform CCC and is being carried out prior to any subsequent funding application for structural measures to manage coastal erosion risk.
As the area is designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), an Appropriate Assessment screening will be required.
The Minor Works Scheme is a demand led scheme, based on applications received from the Local Authority. Funding allocated is based on the cost submitted by the local authorities for consideration.
Coastal Change Management.
The Government recognises the risks associated with climate change and that increases in sea levels and storm surges will result in increased frequency of coastal erosion. In response to these challenges, the recommendations outlined in the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy are being implemented. Amongst the key recommendations of the Report is the assignment of the lead coordination role to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for chairing an Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
The OPW has been designated by Government as the national lead coordinating body for the assessment of coastal change hazards and risks and the assessment of technical options and constraints. These assessments will build upon indicative assessment work previously undertaken by the OPW under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study, and comprise a substantial, multi-annual programme of work to assess coastal risk nationally, and then in detail at higher risk locations as a basis for then determining potential viable works to manage this risk. This work will contribute to the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group on Coastal Change Management.
The OPW is currently carrying out a Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme to undertake regular surveys in selected coastal locations to increase understanding of coastal change in these areas. The coastline at Youghal, is one of the areas included in this pilot programme and surveying activities at Youghal commenced in 2022.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 53.
73. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will take steps to address the issue of special purpose vehicle’s being used to avoid future liability in public construction contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10079/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) is a separate legal entity established for a specific, predefined financial objective. With respect to public works projects, they are extensively used in the area of public private partnerships. They occasionally arise in conventional delivery models mainly in the form of subsidiaries or joint ventures. They may also feature in housing delivery models such as turnkey or development agreements where private developers normally establish SPVs for specific developments. However, turnkey and development agreements are contracts to purchase, rather what would be considered a traditional construction contract.
Whilst SPV’s are a legitimate means to limit a business’s liability, nonetheless careful scrutiny is required in the procurement process in order to ensure that the successful tenderer has the capacity to undertake the contract to completion, and bear the liability that is reasonably placed upon them under the contract.
Where public private partnerships (PPP) are concerned that liability can extend to 20 years or more beyond construction of the asset. In that period, the PPP company is liable for the maintenance and operation of the asset as well as its handover, upon completion, to a predetermined standard.
The financial standing of the PPP company and individual members of any joint venture are assessed and minimum financial thresholds for individual members of a joint venture may be specified. In the case of a member of a joint venture or a tenderer who is a subsidiary, if they are unable to meet the financial requirements of the tender, they would normally be required to provide a parent company guarantee.
The terms of the contract define the extent of liability that the successful tenderer is required to bear. Under the standard public works contract that liability may extend to a period of 6 or 12 years after completion of the asset, the choice will normally be determined by the level of complexity associated with the project.
The terms of the contract also specify the levels of insurance that the successful tenderer is required to maintain for the duration of the contract.
The standard form of public works contract requires the contracting authority to set a financial cap on liability. The value of the cap defaults to the value of the contract but contracting authorities may specify a lesser, or greater, amount depending on the risk or complexity of the project.
Regular inspections and diligent contract management is a key mitigant to the main risks which arise on construction project.
There are also a number of other requirements that are designed to mitigate the risk of non-performance. These include:
• Retention of a specified percentage of each interim payment is held back – half of the total retention sum held is released upon completion with half retained over the defects liability period, which is normally 12 months post-completion. It is only released if all the recorded defects are addressed or it may be paid to a different contractor where the original fails to address the defects.
• On most public works contracts there is also a requirement for a performance bond, normally 10% of the contract sum. This is also reduced in half upon completion with the remaining portion held in place for 15 months post-completion.
74. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has completed any audit to assess public expenditure across rural areas to ensure a balanced approach to spending and fairness for rural towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11003/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe lead Government Department for rural development is the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and that Department would be best placed to assist the Deputy.
75. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the implementation of the ‘Accelerating Infrastructure-Report and Action Plan’; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10963/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This is a comprehensive programme of actions designed to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure across the State. This Action 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 Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform.
Under the Legislative Reform pillar, tasks completed to date include the consultation of Government 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 closed on 15 January 2026. The results of this consultation will be reviewed and published in Q1 2026 and the regulations on cost capping are to be drafted and brought before the Oireachtas by end of Q1 2026.
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.
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment have committed to draft primary legislation allowing privately owned grid wires in Q1 2026. This action is slated for completion in Q3 2027, however this schedule is strongly dependant on the timing of the legislation moving through the Oireachtas.
On the Critical Infrastructure Bill, my Department has commenced the drafting process 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.
In terms of Regulatory Reform, a Memo will be brought to the Government shortly regarding the establishment of a Regulatory Simplification Unit in my Department and the key elements of the Unit’s work, which will focus on reviewing regulatory structures, governance, oversight and accountability and identifying and revising legislation to simplify statutes.
Under the Delivery and Coordination pillar, reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines are being prepared and will be brought for Government approval in February. The key reforms regarding higher thresholds for Major Projects, the discontinuation of the External Assurance Process and the reduced approval requirements at Approval Gate 2 can be given immediate effect through the issuance of a Circular.
All NDP Sectoral Plans have been published. The 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 with the specific aim of providing construction sector certainty on the pipeline.
I have launched a new Government service to accelerate major Government capital investment projects by utilising the expertise of the NDFA. Through this service, the NDFA will offer direct support and assistance to all Departments at every stage of the development process of major capital projects.
I chaired the first meeting of the 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 initial discussion centred around setting out the terms of reference and the workplan of the group, which will involve identifying and resolving relevant process bottlenecks in infrastructure delivery.
To conclude, 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.
76. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update regarding the management of flooding at Seapoint, Termonfeckin, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11094/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocalised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and Louth County Council may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources.
The Council may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation works under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works, or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are currently under review, and any application under the scheme will be considered against revised criteria. The OPW expect to advise Local Authorities of the revised criteria for the Scheme in the coming weeks.
The OPW does not currently have any application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for Seapoint, Termonfeckin, County Louth. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of some €1.9 million to County Louth for some 26 projects. The OPW welcomes applications for funding under the scheme and is available to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
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.
78. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the measures being taken to ensure that Louth receives equitable infrastructure investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10560/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the budgetary process each year, my Department sets overall expenditure ceilings for each Ministerial Vote Group. These are laid out at Vote level in the Budget Day Expenditure Report published in October with further detail provided in the Revised Estimates for Public Services published in December.
Following the allocation of each Ministerial Expenditure Ceiling, it is a matter for each Minister to assign funding as appropriate at programme and subhead level for their Departments and the agencies under their remit, accounting for the demands for services in different areas and regions and having regard to demographics and other relevant factors. Within this process, both current and capital expenditure are allocated on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
More broadly, the achievement of balanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040, which includes the National Planning Framework (NPF), which sets out the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years, along with the National Development Plan.
Since Project Ireland 2040 was first launched in 2018, the Government has overseen the delivery of many impactful NDP projects across the country, including Louth which includes the construction of a ward block and new theatre department at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Residential Care Centres at St Mary’s Hospital Drogheda and St Joseph’s Hospital in Ardee and the upgrade of two water sources in Dundalk and Drogheda. New social housing units were completed at Mount Avenue, Racecourse Meadows, The Kitchen Garden Desmesne and Boice Court Dundalk and Marsh Road Drogheda. New school building projects were completed at Bush Post Primary School Dundalk and Scoil Ui Mhuire Dunleer.
The NDP Review 2025 was published on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in line with the Programme for Government commitment. The Plan committed €275.4billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State.
Arising from this, €19.1 billion in Exchequer capital investment will be provided in 2026. On Budget Day Ministers set out the capital projects and programmes that they will prioritise within their allocation in 2026.
In recent weeks, individual Ministers have developed sectoral level plans, for priority investment programmes and projects within their additional capital allocations for delivery across the country. Considering sectoral needs and Ministerial decisions, these plans reflect Government priorities, including the National Planning Framework commitment to balanced regional development.
The plans published to date include planned investment and projects across the country, including a range of projects in Louth which include:
• Uisce Eireann upgrades of water treatment plant at Dunbin Water Network in Dundalk and of the wastewater treatment plants at Cocklehill and Blackrock Co Louth.
• Various new school building and upgrading of school facilities throughout the county
• Further investment in third level education facilities at Dundalk Institute of Technology and Drogheda Institute of Further Education and
• New transport infrastructure is also in process with the Dart+ Coastal North Route
These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on a sectoral basis.
Progress in achieving balanced regional development and detailing the delivery of the NDP is monitored through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer. The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, and contains smaller investments such as schools, healthcare facilities and social housing projects. Search facilities allow users to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, my Department also publishes the Project Ireland 2040 Annual Report and Regional Reports highlighting achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country. These will provide the Deputy with even further detail on delivery under the NPD to date. These and other Project Ireland 2040 related documents can be found at www.gov.ie/2040
79. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made with respect to the proposed repair of the Fermoy Weir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11095/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCork County Council is the owner of, and has responsibility for, the maintenance and repair of the weir in Fermoy.
This weir does not form part of the Fermoy Flood Relief Scheme works, which were implemented to protect the community of Fermoy from a 1-in-100 year fluvial flood event. The in-river works that were completed as part of the Scheme maintained a clearance between the works area and the weir, thus preventing Scheme works from impacting on the weir. Accordingly, the OPW has no statutory responsibility specifically in relation to the weir in Fermoy, its repair or its maintenance.
In February 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved Cork County Council’s application for the proposed Fermoy Weir Remedial Works and Fish Bypass project. In the intervening period, the Council has received the necessary consent from the OPW to undertake ground-investigation works to progress this project. The Council are currently sourcing funding to commence these works and to initiate the main project.
As previously advised, I understand that, in 2018, the then Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications confirmed that his Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland would support an application by Cork County Council for central funding in the context of fisheries and habitat issues related to the weir remedial works and fish bypass project.
Once funding is in place and the ground investigations are complete, the OPW will continue to work with Cork County Council towards their progression of this project.
80. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to reconvene the stakeholders of the Liffey Valley Park Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10873/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Liffey Valley Park Strategy, published in 2006, presents a vision for a 'necklace' of amenities along (mainly) public lands by the River Liffey, to provide recreational opportunities for the public and help to conserve the biodiversity and amenity value of the river corridor.
The Strategy sets out a vision for the creation and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure to contribute to healthy active lifestyles, and supports the heritage, economic and tourism potential of the areas concerned for local communities and tourist visitors alike.
The objectives of the Strategy are strongly supported by the Office of Public Works (OPW), and progress on these objectives by the OPW continues, including at Castletown House with the recent addition of an additional 235-acres of lands, and the successful acquisition of the House and lands at Donaghcumper, purchased on behalf of the State by the OPW in 2024.
Fingal County Council, Kildare County Council, Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council are the Local Authority partners with key roles in delivery of the Strategy. Lands at St Catherine's Park, Lucan, were acquired by the OPW in 2006 with a view to their forming the nucleus of a Liffey Valley Park. Responsibility for developing these lands, and the implementation of the wider Liffey Valley Park, was passed to the local authorities involved with Fingal County Council taking the lead in this project. Lucan House and Demesne were brought into public ownership by South Dublin County Council in 2024, to be used as a public amenity.
There are multiple other partners who contribute to the delivery of the Strategy, including ESB, Uisce Eireann, local communities and stakeholders.
In relation to the stakeholders group, and as mentioned at my meeting with the Deputy on 14 January 2026, I am pleased to confirm that I intend to re-convene the Liffey Valley Park Stakeholders group, with a meeting envisaged in Q2 of 2026.
81. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the critical infrastructure projects which the new infrastructure division within his Department has assisted by progressing through improved strategic alignment; reducing delays caused by inter-agency conflicts; ensuring timely decision-making; resolving bottlenecks; coordinating across taskforces and Government bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10932/26]
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.
In December 2025 the Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. Electricity, water and transport, were again clearly defined as critical infrastructure in the Actions Report.
The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects or sectoral policy strategies, within the allocations agreed in July 2025 under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case.
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.
To support and accelerate delivery of Ireland’s critical infrastructure needs, the December 2025 Action Plan 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 Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars;
Legal Reform
Regulatory Reform and Simplification
Co-ordination and Delivery Reform and
Public Acceptance.
Each of these pillars includes defined actions with specific impact for delivery of critical infrastructure – with particular focus on legal reforms to support timely progress. Key early measures include the reform of judicial review procedures, which aims to reduce prolonged legal uncertainty affecting nationally strategic projects. This action, led across Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and my own Department, is scheduled for completion by late 2026.
In relation to removing bottlenecks and ensuring better collaboration across agencies, my Department has established and held the first meeting of the Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House (JUTCH), as set out in Action 21 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This group brings together the lead Departments responsible for infrastructure with utilities, transport authorities, and representatives of local Government. Its purpose is to establish a structured forum where issues affecting the coordination and timely delivery of infrastructure can be discussed and resolved. The group has a clear mandate that will allow it to identify and address any structures and processes across Government that may impede the delivery of critical infrastructure.
Examples of the likely work of the Clearing House in 2026 includes the creation of structures for early and ongoing engagement on major electricity, water, and transport projects, updating codes of practice and technical standards to make sure they are fit for purpose and improving the coordination of linear infrastructure works to reduce duplication, disruption, and cost.
My department will also lead on a number of other reforms including, but not limited to, commencement of the drafting process for the Critical Infrastructure Bill with the publication of a general scheme by end-March re-confirmed in the Government’s published priority legislative agenda.
The Action Plan also introduces measures to simplify and rationalise regulatory processes which will support delivery of critical infrastructure projects. A Regulatory Reform Unit is being established in my Department to lead on this area of work. The terms of this Unit will shortly be brought to Government in a memo which will set out key elements of the Unit’s work, including reviewing regulatory structures, governance, oversight and accountability and identifying and revising legislation to simplify statutes. Together, these actions are intended to reduce procedural delays and create a more predictable pathway for critical projects.
My Department is also committed to enhancing our central infrastructure coordination function, improving national and local utility coordination, and developing national planning statements for critical infrastructure to clarify priorities and expectations. These reforms are designed to deliver earlier problem identification, more consistent governance and a clearer pipeline for future delivery, particularly with respect to critical infrastructure projects.
82. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation given recent reports showing a significant increase in data usage and the growing reliance on online services, the actions his Department is taking to ensure older people and rural communities are not left behind by the pace of digital change; the way digital inclusion is being addressed as part of national infrastructure and digitalisation policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11093/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware the development of the new National Digital and Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NDAIS) is well advanced with publication expected shortly. Underpinning the various pillars of the NDAIS will be a renewed commitment by Government to inclusion and accessibility so that no one is left behind.
The 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. By enabling and encouraging those who can use digital services to so do, Government will redirect resources in a range of ways to provide a much better service to those who may need assistance. We will use digital to improve the off-line experience for those who are unable or do not wish to consume services digitally. The Government also recognises that digital public services must be accessible, literacy-friendly, equitable, and inclusive, designed to reach all groups in society, including those who are digitally disadvantaged and lack digital skills.
Furthermore, the continued progress with and success of initiatives such as the National Broadband Plan as well as the extensive mobile coverage from commercial operators are ensuring members of the public have the connectivity needed to access digital services. The next phase of Our Rural Future (2026-2031), is under development and will include a continued focus on ensuring that rural areas can fully participate in the digital economy.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that my Department previously published Digital for Good: Ireland’s Digital Inclusion Roadmap which has been a key input to the new National Digital Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The Roadmap acknowledged that, as digital technologies become increasingly woven into our daily lives, there is a risk that some people could be disadvantaged and therefore left behind. The Roadmap identified the work that is already underway across government to achieve digital inclusion through better skills, access and infrastructure. Digital for Good brought this work together in a coherent manner and shows how Government is working to empower and support everyone to use digital services in a meaningful way and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ principle of “Leave No One Behind”.
Finally, I would like to draw the Deputy’s attention to the Charter for Digital Inclusion announced previously by my colleague the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation. This call to action represents a major step forward in Ireland’s journey toward a more inclusive digital society. The Charter will outline a set of core commitments focused on accessibility, equity, affordability, and the development of digital skills. It will serve as a framework for collaboration between the public sector, large enterprises, SMEs, community organisations and citizens. The Charter will continue to form part of Government’s efforts to ensure no one is left behind and is included in the new National Digital and Artificial Intelligence Strategy which, as I mentioned, will be published shortly.
84. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will examine pay and other incentives to encourage people to undertake training in areas of staff shortage in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a result of Ireland's robust economic growth, unemployment is low and labour market conditions remain tight. Labour and skills shortages are presenting challenges for employers across the labour market, including the civil and public service.
Despite this, staff numbers in the public service have continued to grow consistently. Between 2015 and Quarter 3 of 2025, the most recent data available to my Department, overall estimated public service numbers in full-time equivalent terms increased by over 37% from 302,000 to 414,189.
The public service is a good employer and continues to offer competitive pay and other terms and conditions to attract and retain staff, including flexible working arrangements, opportunities for continuous professional development, pension provision and secure employment.
In the case of recruitment policy in the civil service, for which I have policy responsibility, my Department works closely with the Public Appointments Service and other Government Departments to achieve the objectives set out by the plans under the Civil Service Renewal 2030 and Better Public Services Strategy to ensure that the State remains an employer of choice.
In relation to remuneration, pay in the public service has been governed by a system of collective agreements since the negotiation of the Croke Park Agreement in 2010.
The current public service pay agreement – Public Service Agreement 2024 provides for general round increases of 9.25% over a two-and-a-half-year period and a provision for a Local Bargaining mechanism equivalent to 1% of the basic pay cost. The total cost of the Agreement is approximately €3.6 billion.
To date, public servants have benefited from general round increases totalling 8.25% under the PSA 2024 - 2026. There was an increase of 1% or €500 on 1 February of this year and one further general round of 1% for all public servants is due on 1 June.
For over fifteen years successive public service agreements have enabled significant reform of public services and changes to work practices. In relation to training the current Agreement places a strong emphasis on developing a skilled, agile and future-ready workforce. It includes commitments to strengthening digital capability and supporting greater workforce adaptability. In addition, the Agreement promotes flexible workforce models that match staff skills to emerging service needs, including the development of temporary assignment schemes where particular skills are required.
The current Agreement expires at end-June 2026. In accordance with the Programme for Government, Government and public service staff representatives will be due to enter into discussions later this year on the potential for a successor agreement. In line with all public service agreements, I expect these talks will also include consideration of public service reform.
More generally, in relation to training the Institute of Public Administration (IPA) is the Centre of Excellence for learning and development in the Public Service. The IPA works in collaboration with my Department to ensure learning and development is aligned to Government priorities and skills requirements. An expansion of digital learning, leadership support, and learning pathways for the wider public service is an ongoing programme of work for the IPA as part of meeting the objectives of the Better Public Services 2030 Transformation Strategy.
Increasing the availability of apprenticeships in the public service is a key priority for my Department. The Public Service Apprenticeship Plan (PSAP), which is currently under review, was launched in 2023 as a key deliverable under the Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2021-2025. The Plan was implemented in conjunction with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, with a target of 750 public service apprentice registrations per year by 2025. Increasing Civil and Public Service apprenticeships remains a commitment under the Programme for Government.
85. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his views on the rate of expenditure growth this time last year; the way in which this compares to the Medium Term Fiscal and Structural Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10785/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s 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. The plan sets out Ireland’s net expenditure path and gross voted expenditure ceilings to 2030.
Total voted expenditure 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. In the nearer term, the MTP provides for an increase in gross voted expenditure of €7.9 billion or 7.2 per cent in 2026 compared to 2025.
The latest published figures for 2026 expenditure are the January Exchequer Issues. These were published in the Fiscal Monitor on February 6th and are available at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/collections/fiscal-monitors-2026/. This reports January 2026 expenditure against the same period in 2025. Total gross expenditure amounted to €9.7 billion in the month of January 2026. This represents an annual increase of €0.5 billion or 5.1 per cent.
My department engages regularly with other departments to assess expenditure trends and review the sustainability of their spending plans throughout the year.
86. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the work of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10874/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce was established in May 2025 to support my work, and that of my Department, in identifying the key barriers to infrastructure delivery and proposing reforms capable of materially accelerating the development cycle for major projects.
Following the publication of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan in December, the Taskforce has moved from an advisory role into one centred on supporting its implementation through providing strategic guidance.
The membership remains unchanged, ensuring continuity of expertise and operational insight. The Taskforce last met on Thursday, 29 January, where members received updates from Uisce Éireann on project development and reviewed progress across the full suite of actions. Minutes of all Taskforce meetings are published regularly on my Department’s website.
Good progress is being made on actions scheduled for delivery in Q1 2026, and my Department is in regular contact with the responsible leads to ensure timelines remain on track. Notable developments to date include:
• The public consultation on proposed scale-of-fees regulations closed on 15 January. Submissions are now being reviewed by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, and will be published this quarter, with regulations on cost-capping to be drafted and brought before the Oireachtas by end-March.
• Work is advancing in parallel with the Department of Justice on broader reforms to judicial review.
• Drafting of the Critical Infrastructure Bill has commenced, supported by legal experts and ongoing engagement with the Office of the Attorney General. Government’s legislative programme confirms publication of the General Scheme by end-March.
• The High-Level Group on EU Policy and the European Coordinators Network considered infrastructure-relevant EU proposals for the first time on 21 January.
• The Regulatory Simplification Unit has now been established within my Department and is progressing its programme of regulatory and legislative reviews.
• Cabinet approval has been secured for key reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines, including higher thresholds for major projects, removal of the External Assurance Process, and streamlined requirements at Approval Gate 2.
• Government has approved an expanded role for the National Development Finance Agency in supporting major projects, with a further Circular to issue shortly.
• Meetings of the Joint Utilities and Transport Clearing House will continue this quarter, with a structured work plan under development.
• Work is progressing on revised structures within the Construction Sector Group, reflecting the recommendations of the recent critical skills assessment published by Minister Lawless.
• A draft cross-Government Communications Strategy has been prepared to support actions 28, 29 and 30.
At this point there are no significant indicators of slippage, and sectors remain firmly committed to delivering all Q1 and Q2 actions as scheduled.
87. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation further to the launch of the National Development Finance Agency’s new centralised expert assistance service for major capital projects under Action 24 of the ‘Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan’, whether his Department considers the absence of a unique, universal supplier identifier across all public procurement bodies to be a constraint on achieving the stated objectives of cost reduction, standardisation and value-for-money; whether the introduction of such an identifier would support improved visibility of total State expenditure on suppliers involved in major infrastructure and capital projects supported by the NDFA; and whether his Department has assessed the potential for extending centralised supplier tracking to inform procurement and cost-control decisions at sub-national or local authority level. [10995/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 24 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan sets out that the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) will offer support at every stage of the development process for specific 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.
Unique supplier identifiers are not currently a feature of the legal regime underpinning public procurement. Typically tax reference numbers are used as part of the tax clearance process but they are also used to cross check the identity of a tenderer.
As part of its work on the National Data Infrastructure, the Central Statistics Office has identified 3 National Data Identifiers, one of which is a unique business identifier (UBI).
A unique supplier identifier, or UBI, is useful in determining the extent to which work is concentrated with particular suppliers. It does not tell the whole story and other metrics are necessary to build a picture. Where construction projects are concerned other data such as the duration of each contract and the spend profile thereunder would be required to analyse the capacity of a main contractor in the round.
Naturally, any data that the public sector holds does not capture the full extent of activity that a contractor has with private clients which, for many contractors, represents a significant element of their balance sheet.
Any spend analysis conducted on suppliers is challenging where construction projects are concerned since many of the rates that are tendered vary depending on the volume of the work associated with the rate, the conditions under which the works are being executed and other factors that are unique to the project.
Spend analysis may prove useful in addressing rates associated with elements of a building project that are undertaken in a controlled environment such as in a factory, although rates may also vary due to volume discounts achieved at a supplier (not project) level or minor differences in specification.
Many of the factory produced elements on a construction project are undertaken by members of the supply chain and not the main contractor. The details of same may only become available to a contracting authority as the contract is performed and not as part of the procurement process.
The presence or absence of a unique supplier identifier would not impede any moves to greater levels of standardisation since these must be driven initially at client level, following consultation with the market, through the design stage and onward into the construction stage.
Designing within budget and ensuring that costs are managed are key to cost management prior to tender. Engagement between the designer and cost consultant is essential when reviewing design options to ensure that value for money is safeguarded whilst maintaining a quality outcome. During the contract, tendered costs are managed and, where value engineering proposals are made, alternative approaches and materials should be evaluated to ensure value for money is achieved.
88. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the changes to judicial reviews mentioned in the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10741/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPillar 1 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan commits to a series of legal reforms, including reforms to the judicial review process. It makes this commitment as the one of the core conclusions of the Report is that existing incentives in the legal system have driven an increasing number of judicial reviews impacting court operations and the wider public good. By increasing the time taken for each case to be dealt with, it also impedes access to justice.
Pillar 1 is comprised of seven actions on legal reform, of which two, actions 1 and 7, are directly relevant to reform of the judicial review system.
Action 1 comprises a series of short to medium actions to the judicial review system. My Department is currently engaged in this examination of potential reforms and will be engaging with the relevant Departments on further reform over 2026 in line with the commitments in the report.
Action 7 commits the Government to the development of a Civil Reform Bill that will place judicial reviews on a statutory basis. This action is led by the Department of Justice. Draft heads for the Civil Reform Bill have been agreed by Government and published. The proposed Bill will reform judicial review by placing a public interest test at the centre of the process to ensure balance and protection of common good, as well as seek to introduce a new production regime that will be more effective, efficient and lead to lower costs.
89. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans to review the operation of section 52 of the Public Service Pensions Act 2012, particularly in relation to pension abatement policy for former uniformed service personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department is responsible for overall policy relating to pension abatement. The principle of abatement of a public service pension is longstanding within the rules of various public service pension schemes, and pension abatement is an important aspect of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 (the “2012 Act”).
Section 52 (1) - (5) of the 2012 Act provides for the abatement of public service pensions. In the context of public service pensions, abatement is the suspension or reduction in an individual’s public service pension(s) where that individual is re-employed in the public service. This applies to all public servants, including former uniformed service personnel.
Abatement of a public service pension where a retired public servant, whose pension is in payment, is re-employed in the public service ensures that no more of the pension when combined with the remuneration in the new position shall exceed the pensionable remuneration of the old position. Abatement policy is a key component of public service pension policy and addresses valid concerns about simultaneous payment of both pension and salary in the public service. It should be noted that it is the pension which is abated and not the salary in the new position.
There are no plans to review the application of Section 52 (1) - (5). Circular 24/2022 provides guidance on the operation of abatement.
Question No. 90 answered with Question No. 52.
91. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the development of the new Garda HQ in Macroom, County Cork; the current status of the project; if contracts have been signed; the value of the contract; the expected timeline for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9967/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works issued a Letter of Acceptance, which which forms the initial stage of Contract award, for the construction of the new Garda Headquarters in Macroom County Cork to JJ Rhatigan & Company on the 19 January 2026.
The Contract Sum is one part of the overall Total Project Cost, which is commercially sensitive until such time as the Contract is complete and the Final Account is settled.
The expected completion date is May 2028.
