Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
30. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a report on OPW projects in Galway West in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51484/26]
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 therefore one of the most geographically distributed and functionally diverse in the public service, with works delivered in every county or constituency.
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. This includes energy efficiency upgrades and compliance with health and safety and climate obligations. New construction and fit-outs are also undertaken to meet evolving service needs, alongside property acquisitions and disposals as required.
Across the OPW estate ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure that public assets remain safe, functional, and efficient. Regular maintenance activities often identify areas where more substantial interventions are needed, leading to planned preventative capital works. These projects are designed to proactively address emerging issues, extend the lifespan of assets, and optimise their performance. By integrating insights from ongoing maintenance into capital planning, the OPW ensures that resources are used effectively and future risks are minimised.
On the OPW Estate Management side significant projects in Galway West for 2026 include the retrofit of the Government Offices at Renmore and lift replacement works at Clifden Intreo Offices. In addition the OPW is working with An Garda Síochána and the Courts Service on capital projects in the Galway West area which will be funded from their capital allocation.
Heritage Services projects focus on the conservation, restoration, and presentation of nationally significant sites such as Dun Aonghasa and Aughnanure Castle. These works include structural repairs, preservation of architectural features, and enhancement of visitor facilities. The OPW’s efforts ensure that heritage assets are protected and accessible, supporting both cultural preservation and regional tourism. In 2026 the OPW completed works on Dún Aonghasa Visitor Centre and plans are progressing for upgrade works for the car park at Aughnanure Castle . Please find list attached setting out significant 2026 OPW capital expenditure, to 30th June, on the OPW Estate and Heritage properties in Galway West.
In 2026, two flood relief schemes are being progressed across the Galway West, the Galway City and Clifden Flood Relief Schemes. Following extensive engineering analysis and public consultation, the preferred option for both schemes has been identified and work is underway to finalise the design options and prepare documentation to seek planning consent. Both projects are being led by Galway City and County Councils, respectively, with funding from the OPW for two staff to manage the day to day delivery of these projects.
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. On 25th May 2026, I was pleased to announce that details of the revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme that greatly increases the scope of the Scheme. The revisions include an increase in the upper threshold in funding for projects from €750,000 to €2 million and an increase in the OPW contribution from 90% to 95% for approved funding above €300,000.
Should you, Deputy, have a particular capital project in mind I would welcome the opportunity to engage further. Please feel free to contact me so we can address your specific interests and ensure your concerns are fully considered.
