Written Answers Nos. 36-60
36. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to give an update on overpayments made by the NSSO to former Government ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40660/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Shared Services Office (NSSO), a body under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (DPER) provides HR, Pension, Payroll and Finance shared services to Government Departments and Offices.
As part of its remit, it transacts HR, payroll, pension, and finance administration for public and civil servants on behalf of 54 Client Public Service Bodies (PSB).
In relation to Pension and Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) contributions for Ministers, Ministers of State, former Ministers and Office holders, a review into the application of the relevant Pension Schemes and Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) rates was carried out by the NSSO.
The review identified 82 individuals whereby there was an under-deduction or over-deduction of Pension and/or ASC.
The NSSO has reached agreement with all current Ministers and Ministers of State in relation to payment of pension/ASC contributions due. Agreement has also been reached with the majority of former Ministers and other office holders impacted by the review.
The NSSO is fully committed to ensuring that all monies owed to the State are fully recouped, with 83% of the monies owed now paid or in an agreed recoupment plan.
There are a small number of outstanding cases, where those impacted have yet to commit to a recoupment plan. Engagement is ongoing, with the latest correspondence issued from the NSSO this month.
These matters related to Pension and ASC contributions and in cases such as these the NSSO adopts a consistent process of engagement to recover monies owed. These matters are complex and the NSSO work with each individual to address the error identified.
Lastly, an independent, external audit of the NSSO retirement and pension processes is being overseen by the Chair of the Advisory Board of the NSSO, which is nearing completion.
37. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the progress being made under Pillar I of the Accelerating Infrastructure Plan. [40320/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan was published last December. It sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform.
Pillar 1 of the Plan address legal reform. Ireland’s legal system is widely considered to be effective and fair. However, an increasingly reliance on the courts to review regulatory and planning decisions has the practical impact of delaying the development of critical infrastructure. This imposes very real costs on taxpayers and society in general.
Pillar 1 sets out 7 actions on a series of reforms that will be progressed by Government to address incentives that drive increased usage of the courts and will provide new channels through which critical infrastructure can be accelerated.
All of the commitments under these actions for completion in Q1 of 2026 have been delivered. This includes new regulations to cap the legal fees payable by the State in environmental judicial review( S.I. No. 200/2026), the publication and progression of the Critical Infrastructure Bill, the creation of a legislative working group to identify overly burdensome regulation and the issuing of Circular 16 of 2026, which creates a mechanism that will allow Government to respond more rapidly to any court precedents that may effect infrastructure delivery.
38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress to date in advancing the proposal to establish a successor programme to the Peace Plus Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40457/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe €1.1 billion PEACEPLUS cross-border co-operation programme for Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland is an important European Union Cohesion Policy programme. PEACEPLUS continues the work of the previous EU North South PEACE and INTERREG programmes which began in the 1990s. I have joint responsibility for the PEACEPLUS programme along with the Minister for Finance Northern Ireland.
The implementation of the PEACEPLUS programme is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and is progressing well. As of 30 April 2026, PEACEPLUS is currently 93.87% (€1bn) committed to projects, with a further €84.9m currently ringfenced for future calls for applications. 121 larger projects are being funded under the main programme, with a further 65 smaller projects of up to €100,000 approved for funding under the Changemakers Fund which supports people-to-people projects that strengthen cross-community and cross-border relationships.
On 6 March 2025, the Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister issued a Joint Statement outlining their shared commitment to the successful delivery of the 2021-2027 PEACEPLUS programme and their agreement in principle to a successor programme.
In July 2025, the European Commission included legislative provision for a successor to the PEACEPLUS programme in its draft Multi-annual Financial Framework proposals for 2028-34.
My officials will continue to engage with the European Commission and the UK Government on the successor programme.
In parallel, the SEUPB will begin work on developing programme content later this year, working closely with my Department and the Department of Finance NI. This work will be supported by a cross-border programme development steering group and will be informed by comprehensive public and stakeholder engagement and research.
39. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the progress being made under Pillar IV of the Accelerating Infrastructure Plan. [40323/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year, Government published the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. This set out 30 high-impact reforms targeted at the most significant barriers to the delivery of critical infrastructure. The actions contained in the report are grouped into four pillars.
Pillar 4 of the plan relates to ‘Public Acceptance’, which is at the centre of timely infrastructure delivery.
Greater public awareness and understanding of the need for critical infrastructure and measures that improve transparency and build trust with key stakeholders, such as landowners and local communities, are important in addressing opposition to critical infrastructure.
This pillar introduces measures to strengthen cooperation between utilities and local authorities and build a national narrative around the benefits of infrastructure, as well as more practical measures to improve the coordination of land sharing in the public sector. By fostering trust and transparency, these reforms will support a more informed debate around the provision of infrastructure. Government will make the case for infrastructure openly and honestly, and ensure that communities see the benefits early and clearly.
Pillar 4 sets out four high-level actions to strengthen public acceptance as a key enabler of accelerated delivery. These are:
• Action 27: Creating a Duty for State Bodies to Cooperate in Making Land Available and Accessible for Critical Infrastructure
• Action 28: Building Leadership Support for Critical Infrastructure Projects at National and Local Levels
• Action 29: Enhancing Government Communication to Promote the Importance of Infrastructure Delivery
• Action 30: Establishing a Benefits Realisation Framework for Infrastructure Projects
The delivery of the Plan is on track, with all commitments for Q1 2026 across all pillars delivered.
Regarding Pillar 4, overall progress has centred on improving coordination across Government, strengthening engagement with key stakeholders and public representatives, and putting in place a more strategic, consistent and evidence-informed approach to infrastructure communications. This reflects the central aim of Pillar 4, which is to build understanding of the wider public benefits of infrastructure and support stronger alignment across Government, agencies and delivery bodies.
Work is continuing on the remaining measures scheduled for delivery this quarter and beyond. This will help maintain momentum under Pillar 4 and ensure that public acceptance supports the timely delivery of the critical infrastructure needed to meet the country’s economic, social and environmental needs.
40. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the steps being taken to ensure long-term capital commitments for specific infrastructure projects such as rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40590/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
As 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 for the agencies and bodies under their remit. They must account for the demands for services in different areas and regions, 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.
The Programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the NDP Review to ensure that investment can be maximised in the coming five years for strategic infrastructure. This includes the key energy, water and transport networks on which all future development relies. This is critical to allow Government to meet the additional 300,000 homes target and to support competitiveness.
The NDP Review 2025 set out planned public investment of €275.4 billion from 2026-2035, and an additional €10 billion in equity release up to 2030. This includes €3.5 billion for energy grid capacity, €4.5 billion for water and €2 billion for low-carbon transport including Metrolink. As part of the Review, €102.4 billion has been allocated across Government Departments for the period 2026-2030 with over €19 billion allocated for investment in capital projects and programmes this year alone. This level of investment will ensure long-term certainty for each of the Government sectors and the construction sector to confidently plan and finance large-scale strategic projects.
Over the end of 2025 and early 2026, individual Ministers 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 include planned investment and projects across the country, including a range of rail project works such as Dart + Coastal South and Dart+ Wicklow town, investments in new state stations and the train protection system nationally and next generation ticketing services.
Sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and will provide the Deputy with further detail.
41. 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. [39147/26]
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 view to meeting early in Quarter 3 of 2026.
42. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation in relation to capital infrastructure projects the measures being taken to reduce the delays or completely eliminate the need for approvals by State bodies of project details submitted by already approved suppliers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40591/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not clear what specifically the Deputy is seeking with this question. I will thus answer the question by reference to the procurement rules which apply to the supply of materials for a public works project.
Whilst a supplier may have met certain minimum standards in order to be admitted to a procurement, the materials or building systems that they are putting forward will still need to be assessed by the contracting authority. When assessing the suitability of materials for inclusion on a public works project it is incumbent on the contractor to provide details of those materials and evidence that the materials proposed meet the requirements set down in the contract.
Typically, the minimum requirement is compliance with the Building Regulations but in some cases the contract specification may require a material or system to exceed those requirements. Assessing compliance with the specification will require documentation that certifies that the material or building system proposed is fit for the purpose intended and meets or exceeds the performance characteristics set out in the specification.
Normally, a performance specification is used to define what is considered an acceptable material or building system for the different building elements. It does this by reference to appropriate international or national standards. During the course of the works the contractor will make a submission to propose particular materials or systems that they propose to use and will provide the supporting documentation to confirm that they meet the standards set out in the specification. This process is accounted for within the contract programme and does not normally result in a delay as it occurs well in advance of when the material is required on site.
43. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will consider establishing a real-time National Infrastructure Delivery Dashboard, published quarterly, tracking all major State capital projects over €10 million, including projected completion dates, current delays, revised costs and the estimated financial cost to the State of project overruns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40672/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraProgress in detailing the delivery of the NDP is monitored through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer, which are publicly available at www.gov.ie/2040.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. This includes detail on the project type, fund source, location, status towards completion, expected year for completion and current lifecycle status of the project.
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 NDP to date. These and other Project Ireland 2040 related documents can be found at www.gov.ie/2040 .
Furthermore, my Department also publishes the Prospects Report which sets out the pipeline for 50 large projects under the NDP with detailed information on tender stage to support construction firms in planning and delivery.
Additionally, over the end of 2025 and early 2026, individual Ministers developed sectoral level plans, for priority investment programmes and projects within their additional capital allocations under the revised NDP 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 include planned investment and projects across the country and are available on each Departmental website.
In addition, Action 19 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan calls for an ‘enhance[d] Infrastructure Coordination function in DPER’. Consequently, my Department takes a lead role in co-ordinating delivery across infrastructure across the system. As part of this work, my department coordinates updates from departments to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure on progress of major infrastructure projects across the critical sectors of health, transport, energy, housing and communications to support effective oversight and enhanced visibility of risks and interdependencies.
My Department is assessing the historic approach to data collection and public data reporting, to reflect the expanded allocations and ambition of the 2025 NDP Review. This work is focused on providing clarity of projects and procurement for the construction sector to facilitate them in their planning and delivery, and is being undertaken at the same time as the continued publication of data on projects.
44. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of vacant properties which are owned by the OPW; the total economic value of the empty properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39398/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that there are currently 69 surplus vacant properties owned by the OPW, consisting of 50 buildings and 19 sites. The OPW does not obtain market values of surplus vacant properties / sites until these properties / sites are being prepared for disposal, by intra-state transfer or for sale on the open market.
A total of 55 properties / sites have been sold since 2023 generating a total income of €21,899,187 for the exchequer.
A list of the surplus vacant properties and the current status of each is attached at Appendix 1
45. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the former Government Ministers who have yet to begin a payment plan for money owed to the National Shared Service Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40507/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to Pension and Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) contributions for Ministers, Ministers of State, former Ministers and Office holders, a review into the application of the relevant Pension Schemes and Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) rates was carried out by the NSSO in 2025.
The review identified 82 individuals whereby there was an under-deduction or over-deduction of Pension and/or ASC.
The NSSO is fully committed to ensuring that all monies owed to the State are fully recouped, with 83% of the monies owed now paid or in an agreed recoupment plan.
The NSSO continues to correspond with those impacted by this matter who have yet to commit to a recoupment plan with the latest correspondence issued from the NSSO earlier this month.
46. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if there are plans locate more civil and public service jobs in Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40341/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic and civil service staffing for Departments and bodies under their aegis are agreed as part of the overall Budget process, which sets resource allocations for Government spending. In General, Offices and Departments have flexibility, through a process of delegated sanction, to manage staffing so as to deliver on identified business needs conditional on remaining within the pay ceilings that are agreed as part of the Budget and Estimates process.
The policy of delegated sanction allows Departments to fill vacancies through recruitment and/or promotion in specified, designated grades up to and including Principal Officer (PO) standard or their equivalent. Delegated sanction is subject to the overall pay bill ceiling as agreed as part of the annual Estimates and Budget process and as set out in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV). Projected staffing numbers and composition must fall within the parameters of the Department’s pay bill. Failure to remain within a given Exchequer pay bill allocation may result in the withdrawal of delegated sanction.
Under the Civil Service Regulation Act 1956, as the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for range of functions in relation to the Civil Service including the classification, re-classification, numbers and remuneration of civil servants and the fixing of terms and conditions of service of civil servants. Furthermore, Section 58 of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 provides that the Minister is responsible for all matters relating to recruitment in the Civil Service. The recruitment and appointment of public service employees in other sectors are a matter for the relevant Minister.
The creation of posts within both the Civil Service and the wider public service is driven by identified service needs and priorities within this overall policy and resourcing framework. Any decisions to establish or locate posts are made by the relevant body on a case-by-case basis, taking account of business needs, service delivery requirements, and the efficient use of public resources.
47. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if the OPW has identified a site for the new Laytown Garda station in Laytown, County Meath; the timeline to develop the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38916/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2024, an initial and outline Brief of Requirements for a new site to support the development of a Garda Station in Laytown was received by the Office of Public Works from An Garda Síochána.
In December 2025, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration published its Sectoral Investment Plan for the Justice Sector. This includes several construction and estate refurbishment Capital Projects.
The prioritisation of the Capital Programme is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Subject to direction from An Garda Síochána, and a detailed Brief of Requirements from An Garda Síochána, the Office of Public Works will engage with An Garda Síochána and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to support them in identifying and appraising the most suitable site/ sites to support their objectives.
Consistent with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines, the Office of Public Works will be the project Contracting Authority.
The Office of Public Works will manage and deliver the project subject to the approval of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, as the Approving Authority, and in accordance with subsequent direction from An Garda Síochána, as Sponsoring Agency.
48. 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. [40152/26]
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's design 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. The nature of these assessments are very specific. These assessments are being informed by discussions with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The timeline for the planning consent submission 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 motorway was under construction.
Since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of some €314,000 to Galway County Council for some 9 projects in the scheme's area.
49. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the way in which the levies that he has announced will be applied to Government departments to mitigate for overspending in other Government departments will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40805/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government agreed a Medium Term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFP) in December last year. This set out expenditure ceilings for the period to 2030. It provides for significant uplifts in expenditure over the coming years, with gross voted spending to reach €147.3 billion in 2030. As set out in the MTFP the ceiling for 2027 will increase to €125.5 billion. This is an uplift of €7 billion over the 2026 expenditure ceiling of €118.5 billion. Delivery of the MTFP over the medium-term horizon will require enhanced expenditure control, avoidance of in-year decisions with carryover costs for subsequent years and robust oversight mechanisms.
In April, Government agreed that additional funding of €646 million will be provided to the Department of Education and Youth in 2026. To accommodate this reprioritisation and deliver on the 2027 ceiling agreed under the MTFP, other Departments have been asked to deliver a levy focusing on efficiencies and reforms which will total €446 million from 2027. This should be considered through the lens of an overall uplift of €7 billion for expenditure in 2027. It will not impact the 2026 allocations.
The delivery of reforms and efficiencies supports adherence to the fixed expenditure ceilings set out in the MTFP. It reflects the need to moderate the rate of expenditure growth across other Departments to facilitate Government’s decision to reprioritise and provide additional investment to the Education sector within the agreed overall fiscal framework out to 2030. The scale of the efficiencies to be found ranges from 0.02 per cent to 1.4 per cent on the 2026 current expenditure funding across all other Vote Groups.
The distribution of the levy across Departments has been designed to protect certain areas:
• Social Protection Vote Group non-pay allocation;
• Department of Health pay allocation;
• Specialist Disability Services subhead in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality;
• Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Group pay;
• Housing, Local Government and Heritage Group non-pay and
• Pension funding across Votes.
My Department wrote to Secretaries General of other Departments, following the Government decision, informing them of the need to identify efficiencies and reforms and that this would form a key element of the Estimates engagement for Budget 2027. It is a matter for each Department to determine how the levy will be applied across the Vote Group and identify the efficiencies and reforms required to ensure this.
50. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount of capital investment planned for OPW sites in Kilkenny and Carlow during 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40271/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is a key service provider to Government, managing the State's estate portfolio, maintaining and presenting Ireland's built heritage, and leading the State's flood risk management function. Under the current National Development Plan, the OPW has secured a record allocation of €1.845 billion, encompassing flood risk management, State property management, and the conservation of heritage assets in support of regional tourism. The OPW's capital programme is one of the most geographically distributed and functionally diverse in the public service, with works delivered in every county.
Capital investment in any given area in a particular year reflects a range of demand-led factors rather than a fixed geographical allocation. Under Estate Management, the OPW is responsible for the maintenance, refurbishment, and development of government properties including offices, Garda stations, and other public service buildings. Across the estate, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure that public assets remain safe, functional, and efficient. Regular maintenance activities frequently identify areas where more substantial interventions are required, leading to planned preventative capital works. By integrating insights from ongoing maintenance into capital planning, the OPW ensures that resources are used effectively and future risks are minimised.
With regard to capital investment planned by Estate Management in 2026 Kilkenny and Carlow , some examples are, electrical upgrade works at Kilkenny Garda Station and refurbishment and universal access works at National Monuments Depot Kilkenny.
Heritage Services projects in the area focus on the conservation, restoration, and presentation of nationally significant sites, including structural repairs, preservation of architectural features, and enhancement of visitor facilities. These works ensure that heritage assets are protected and accessible, supporting both cultural preservation and regional tourism. Heritage Services projects focus on the conservation, restoration, and presentation of nationally significant sites such as Kilkenny Castle and Jerpoint Abbey. In Kilkenny the OPW delivers an annual programme of maintenance and conservation at the Castle including planned and reactive maintenance works. The OPW is also developing a larger capital works project to deal with universal access and fabric repairs to the Picture Gallery wing. The attached table provides an overview of refurbishment and related works scheduled to be carried out or progressed in 2026.
Flood Risk Management is another core pillar, with the OPW leading the planning and delivery of flood relief schemes in conjunction with the local authorities. In relation to flood risk management there are four flood relief schemes underway across Kilkenny and Carlow at this time, Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch, Ballyhale, Piltown, and Freshford. The design for the Graiguenamanagh-Tinnahinch FRS was submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in December, 2025 for planning consent. Ballyhale FRS has received planning consent and a tender for construction has issued, with construction due to commence in 2026. Design of flood relief schemes for Piltown and Freshford are progressing through a pilot for a new national delivery model.
While the Carlow FRS was completed in 2014, the OPW and Carlow County Council are currently in discussion to progress the development of a further flood relief scheme for Carlow to augment the existing scheme.
Storm Chandra on 27th January 2026 and in the days immediately after, caused flooding to many towns, businesses and homes, particularly along the East and South East coast of Ireland. I visited the affected communities and saw first-hand the devastation that this event caused to Carlow and Kilkenny. At the end of May I allocated €484,000 and €1.135m respectively to Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils to introduce interim measures that can reduce the impact of similar future flood event to those affected communities.
Given the demand-led and cross-functional nature of the OPW's capital programme, it is not possible to provide a specific capital investment figure on a county or local authority geographical basis.
|
Name of project |
Nature of project |
|
Combined package of maintenance works |
This programme of maintenance and conservation and refurbishment works was undertaken and completed in January this year. It included floor restoration, carpet replacement, specialist cleaning of historic furnishings, deep cleaning work, painting and decorating, room reconfigurations with addition of new exhibition items. |
|
Expansion of gardener's compound and car park |
This project to improve and extend the gardener's compound and associated car park will improve facilities and better provide for health and safety. Preliminary works have commenced and the required consents for further works are now in process. These works will also provide for the install of charging facilities for OPW electric vehicles to facilitate the transition to lower and zero emissions vehicles within our fleet. |
|
Picture Gallery Fabric Repair, Accessibility, landscape and facility upgrade works. |
This planned fabric conservation and facilities upgrade project includes archaeological works, roof restoration and fabric repair work to the picture gallery at the Castle. The project includes repair and replacement of elements of the roof to address issues of water ingress. Universal access measures include a lift to the picture gallery and universal access improvement to the formal garden. The project will also deliver improved toilet facilities and a Changing Places bathroom facility. Associated archaeological works, including works to uncover the remains of the original William Marshall defensive gate tower, will significantly augment the medieval element of the castle’s history. Subject to the necessary consents, it is anticipated that a tender will issue for these works late in 2026. |
|
Temporary Ticket Desk |
A new temporary ticket desk will be installed to facilitate efficient admission, improved visitor experience and reduce queuing time for tickets during busy periods. It is hoped to have the new facility in place this year subject to obtaining the necessary consents. |
|
Playground Upgrade works |
Some of the playground equipment will be upgraded or replaced this year with a Castle Castello system. This is scheduled to take place in Autumn once the busy summer season for the Playground has concluded. |
51. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation whether his Department is considering any reforms or updates to the Public Spending Code, Infrastructure Guidelines or associated public project appraisal and governance frameworks; the specific reforms under consideration; the timelines for implementation of any such reforms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39985/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Infrastructure Guidelines set out value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning and management of public investment projects in Ireland. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister.
The Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, which was published in December 2025, set out 30 time-bound actions to speed up the pace of infrastructure delivery in Ireland. Action 23 in the report recommended amending the Infrastructure Guidelines to streamline and speed up the project approvals process. These changes, which were implemented in Q1 2026 via circular 08/2026, are:
• The threshold for Major Projects has increased from €200m to €500m for sectors with a well-established track record of delivery (Transport, Energy and Water).
• For all sectors, the External Assurance Process (EAP) has been replaced with a streamlined and time-bound internal review by the relevant Vote section in DPER; and
• Major projects at Approval Gate 2 no longer need Ministerial approval and may now be approved solely by the Accounting Officer of the Government Department that is funding the proposed project.
In addition to this, administrative guidance has been issued to departments regarding timelines for Preliminary Business Case approval for major projects.
The reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines are being made in parallel with other actions in the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan, to support coordination, align planning and funding, and create a more predictable pathway for delivering critical infrastructure. This will result in a reduction in timelines for project approval and delivery, while retaining sufficient protections to ensure value for public money.
Further reforms to the Infrastructure Guidelines continue to be considered in context of the delivery of the Action Plan.
52. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the actions his Department is taking to achieve the target that 20% of new recruits to the public sector will be competent in the Irish language by 2030; the work underway through the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is actively supporting the implementation of the Official Languages Acts, 2003 and 2021, including the target that 20% of recruits to public bodies will be competent in Irish by the end of 2030.
This is being progressed in a number of practical and coordinated ways and in close collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) and the Public Appointments Service (publicjobs), a body under the aegis of my Department and the centralised recruiter for the Civil and Public Service.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht is leading the implementation of the Plan, with officials from my Department contributing through our senior-level participation on the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee, which was established in 2022. That Committee recently published the first Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services for 2026–2028, which sets out a clear, measurable and system-wide approach to delivering on the national target, with a strong focus on recruitment, support for those wishing to improve their Irish language competency, the development of alternative pathways to recruitment such as apprenticeship, internship and other programmes, etc.
To achieve these goals we are working with publicjobs to support targeted recruitment and assignment of Irish-speaking candidates. Since 2022, over 160 fluent Irish speakers have been assigned across a wide range of civil service grades, with further candidates currently in the pipeline.
Irish language capability is also being expanded within the existing workforce. Through OneLearning, we have introduced a suite of Irish-language training programmes, some aligned with recognised proficiency standards, which have already attracted over 2,000 enrolments, with further uptake expected.
In addition, my Department is supporting the development of awareness initiatives and alternative entry pathways such as apprenticeships and internships.
Importantly, officials in my Department are also actively engaged in a range of technical working groups to support delivery of the broader programme of actions. These groups are addressing key areas such as digitalisation and the development of alternative recruitment methods; strengthening of training and learning supports is also under consideration.
Taken together, these actions demonstrate a practical, coordinated and system-wide approach by my Department to meeting the 2030 target and supporting the delivery of high-quality bilingual public services.
54. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation his plans for new forms of budgetary controls in Government departments, including his plans to collectively levy departments for overspends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40722/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government agreed a Medium Term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFP) in December last year. This set out expenditure ceilings for the period to 2030. It provides for significant uplifts in expenditure over the coming years, with gross voted spending to reach €147.3 billion in 2030. As set out in the MTFP the ceiling for 2027 will increase to €125.5 billion. This is an uplift of €7 billion over the 2026 expenditure ceiling of €118.5 billion. Delivery of the MTFP over the medium-term horizon will require enhanced expenditure control, avoidance of in-year decisions with carryover costs for subsequent years and robust oversight mechanisms.
In April, Government agreed that additional funding of €646 million will be provided to the Department of Education and Youth in 2026. To accommodate this reprioritisation and deliver on the 2027 ceiling agreed under the MTFP, other Departments have been asked to deliver a levy focusing on efficiencies and reforms which will total €446 million from 2027. This reflects the need to moderate the rate of expenditure growth across other Departments to facilitate Government’s decision to reprioritise and provide additional investment to the Education sector within the agreed overall fiscal framework out to 2030. The levy should be considered through the lens of an overall uplift of €7 billion for expenditure in 2027. It is a matter for each Department to determine how the levy will be applied across the Vote Group and identify the efficiencies and reforms required to ensure this.
Circular 21/2026 "Expenditure Control and Escalation Process", which issued to all Government departments on 14 May, provides a clear framework for managing expenditure and sets phases for escalation if spending overruns emerge.
Where expenditure pressures persist, the Circular sets out a framework for when and how DPER may engage with Departments. These steps are focused around strengthening governance, reprioritising expenditure within Departments allocations, and ensuring that overruns are addressed in a timely manner.
This Circular reinforces other recent efforts to strengthen expenditure control, including Circular 18/2025 “Value for Money Obligations” which my Department published last July and correspondence issued by both myself and the Secretary General of my Department at the start of this year highlighting the need to adhere to the expenditure ceiling set out in the Revised Estimates 2026.
This escalation process is designed to be transparent and clear, setting out the different phases that can be taken to address overruns. It defines the roles and responsibilities across Departments, ensuring strong accountability for expenditure management. Importantly, it is responsive to emerging spending pressures and enables timely and proportionate corrective actions where required.
The Circular also reiterates that responsibility for managing expenditure rests with each Department’s Accounting Officer. Alongside these strengthened controls, it is essential that Departments actively pursue efficiencies and reforms to ensure that the significant resources allocated to them are used to efficiently and effectively deliver high-quality public services and supports.
56. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will outline the investment targets to be achieved under the fourth payment of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), including those relating to renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40718/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will receive approximately €1.15 billion in funding from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in respect of measures included in our National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The programme period runs from 2021 to 2026.
The RRF is a performance-based instrument with payment contingent on evidenced completion of agreed milestones and targets. The NRRP is pre-funded through the estimates process and the National Development Plan. RRF allocated funding is then recouped from the EU after the agreed milestones and targets have been achieved and verified.
The RRF allocation is paid to Ireland in five instalments. To date, Ireland has drawdown four of the instalments and €928 million of its RRF allocation.
This consists of the first payment of €324 million in July 2024, the second payment of €115 million in June 2025 and the third payment of €240 million in November 2025. The fourth payment request was formally submitted to the Commission on 10 February 2026 and covers a total of 8 milestones and targets and amounts to €249 million. The payment request was positively assessed and Ireland received payment of €249m on 21 May 2026 meaning that in total Ireland has received approximately 80% of its RRF allocation while achieving 80% of its milestones and targets.
The fourth payment request contained eight milestones and targets and included:
• Construction of an extended platform at Cork’s Kent station to enable future electrification in Cork commuter rail;
• Construction of a Government data centre;
• Using 5G technologies to drive a greener more Innovative Ireland through the installation of local compute nodes;
• e-Health projects that support the digitalisation of the Irish healthcare system;
• Solas’ Recovery Skills Response Programme (e.g. Green Skills Action Programme and the Skills to Compete Initiative) to support the reskilling and upskilling of workers;
• Technological Universities Transformation Fund to build capacity in education and training in technological universities;
• Upscaling the biomethane sector in Ireland; and
• Accelerating offshore wind energy through the adoption of the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan—the country's first strategic framework for sustainable offshore energy development.
The fifth and final payment request has a value of approximately €225 million and must be submitted by 30 September 2026.
57. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on flood protection work in County Louth; the progress being made to administer funding for short-term flood mitigations in Louth; the progress of CFRAM projects in the county; the engagement there has been with his Department and Louth County Council in relation to Uisce Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40453/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019, the Bellurgan Flood Relief Scheme was completed and is protecting 35 properties from significant flood risk.
The Office of Public Works, (OPW), is funding 6.5 staff in Louth County Council who lead 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 these flood relief schemes under the National Development Plan.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South scheme is to protect 1,880 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The emerging options for Blackrock were presented to the public in March 2026 and the emerging options for Dundalk were presented to the public in April 2026. The preferred options for the scheme are expected later in the year with planning consent submission in 2028. The OPW understands that Louth County Council has been working closely and constructively with Uisce Éireann on their plans and studies to ensure alignment across planning, environmental, and flood risk priorities.
The combined Drogheda and Baltray Scheme is to protect 425 properties. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in September, 2021. Emerging Options will be presented to the public in Q3 2026 and the preferred option is expected in Q4 2026, with planning consent submission in 2027.
The OPW approved €339,480 for a viable option to protect 30 properties in Ardee. The option, identified by Louth County Council, is to be complete at the end of this year.
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 the interim the Council is assessing areas where works could improve the conveyance characteristics. The OPW approved €27,685 in April 2025 for improved conveyance works at Brown’s Lane/Newry Street that are now complete. Further funding of €924,636 was approved by OPW in March 2026 for an upgrade to the Carlingford Watercourse Culvert.
Scheme Viability Reviews have indicated that potentially viable schemes can be achieved for Annagassan and Termonfeckin and will be progressed through the next round of projects under the national programme of flood relief schemes.
Following Storm Chandra in January of this year, I met with the Chief Executive of Louth County Council to discuss interim measures that could be introduced to provide protection to those areas that were badly impacted by flooding during the Storm. Funding of some €698,000 was recently approved to Louth County Council to introduce these interim flood protection measures. This funding will be used by the Council to provide works at various locations across the county and will include measures aimed at protecting homes and businesses ahead of next winter.
Localised flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address, and a Local Authority may carry out flood mitigation works using its own resources. Local Authorities may apply to the OPW for funding for flood mitigation and coastal protection works under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Since 2009, funding of some €1.9 million has been approved for Louth County Council under this Scheme for 26 projects.
On Monday of this week, 25th May 2026, I was pleased to announce that details of the revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are available, and greatly increase the scope of the Scheme to provide local authorities with a greater opportunity to address localised flood and coastal erosion risks within their administrative areas. The revisions include an increase in the upper threshold in funding for projects from €750,000 to €2m and an increase in the OPW contribution from 90% to 95% for approved funding above €300,000. Further revisions include the relaxing of some economic criteria which lowers the required threshold for viable solutions.
I also announced details of once-off funding of €50,000 to Louth County Council to remove river conveyance blockages in County Louth.
58. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the progression of the commitments within the Accelerating Infrastructure-Report and Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40075/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level.
The Programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the NDP 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. These sectors were further defined as critical infrastructure in the Accelerating Infrastructure Actions Report and Action Plan published last December.
The Plan sets out 30 targeted actions grouped under four pillars, each addressing a key area of reform, with legal reform noted as a core element for accelerating critical infrastructure projects across the country. This work among other measures will, include increasing exemption thresholds for critical infrastructure, reform processes with agencies and regulators, advocating for a new approach to legislation at EU level and creating a duty for state bodies to co-operate in making land available and accessible for critical infrastructure.
The Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure is updated regularly on progress of Plan delivery.
At the end of Quarter 1 2026, strong progress was recorded across the 30 actions with many legislative, regulatory and process changes delivered. All commitments for Q1 2026 have been completed and remaining commitments are currently on track. There is a strong delivery rate with so many Government actors working together and all stakeholders delivering on commitments made.
In Legislative reform, the Critical Infrastructure Bill has now been approved by Government. The Bill has completed the Dáil component of the legislative process and is in now in the Seanad.
On Regulatory reform, revisions of certain existing licences through the Environmental Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2026 were signed into law on March 12th. These changes are giving quicker decisions to licence-holders and more certainty on timelines.
On project delivery, changes that have been made have seen a potential saving on average of 26 weeks on projects such as the Waterford Wastewater Treatment Plant which is now at detailed design stage.
The department continues to progress with planned actions for Quarter 2 and beyond, and we remain committed to the delivery of the Plan. The Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce continues to meet monthly and supports the delivery of the Plan.
59. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on plans for an OPW site (details supplied) following a meeting on site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39685/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has responsibility for the conservation, maintenance, management and presentation of 780 National Monuments in State ownership or guardianship. The OPW conserves and protects the monuments in ownership and guardianship at Rathcroghan working on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
As the Deputy knows, the Rathcroghan complex is a collection of 240 identified archaeological sites, contained within an area of 6.5km², in which approximately 60 are in the ownership or guardianship of the State. There are 79 acres in State ownership. Monuments include Stone Age tombs, royal burial mounds, ringforts and places of ceremonial inauguration with the largest site south of N5 at Rathcroghan Mound, 4 km north of Tulsk. Rathcroghan is part of the Royal Sites of Ireland UNESCO Tentative bid for World Heritage Status which also includes Cashel, Hill of Uisneach, the Hill of Tara Complex, managed by the OPW in addition to Dún Ailinne, Co. Kildare and Emain Macha, Co. Armagh. Representatives from the OPW attend meetings of the Royal Sites of Ireland Working Group on a regular basis and engage as necessary with all relevant stakeholders. This has included meetings on site to facilitate familiarisation of the Rathcroghan sites in the care of the OPW. It is fully supportive of the bid and if it is successful, it will continue to work with Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the relevant Local Authorities and community groups to ensure the protection of these landscapes into the future.
As part of the OPW's general remit, a regular and ongoing programme of maintenance including stone wall repairs, tree maintenance, general landscaping and fencing is undertaken at the sites in the ownership or guardianship of the State. The OPW strives, under it’s remit to ensure that the Monuments are protected for future generations by careful management of the complex and will continue to work with our colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and engage as appropriate with the Rathcroghan community and Roscommon County Council. This is necessary in order to support local stakeholders in their endeavours. I wish to advise the Deputy that, at this time, the OPW has no plans for development on the lands in State care.
60. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the work of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce. [40276/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI formed the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce in May 2025. It is a non-statutory taskforce, whose purpose is to provide me with advice and to support the work of my Department on the programme of reform to unblock barriers and accelerate infrastructure delivery.
I chair the Taskforce. There are an additional twelve members of the Taskforce, six independent experts, experienced in infrastructure delivery, combined with six ex-officio members, taken from those commercial semi-states at the frontline of infrastructure development and the local government sector.
The Taskforce played an important role in advising on the development of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan published in December by discussing the key barriers impeding progress, and how these can be overcome to unlock infrastructure delivery.
The Taskforce is now focused on supporting the implementation of measures outlined in the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan. Meetings take place on a monthly basis.
Minutes from these meetings are publicly available on Gov.ie at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/collections/accelerating-infrastructure-taskforce-meetings/ .
I am happy to report that there is strong progress being made, with the Action Plan commitments for Q1 delivered.
