Written Answers Nos. 42-61
42. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to outline the Government's position for the forthcoming public sector pay talks. [51002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra68. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will report on the engagement he has had in relation to a new public sector pay deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51526/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 68 together.
The Government’s approach to public service pay over many years has been to engage through an established framework of collective bargaining with public service unions and associations. This is a tried and tested approach that has supported sustainable improvements in pay for public servants and orderly management of the public finances, while also facilitating public service reform and changes to work practices.
Before expiring at the end of June 2026, the Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024 - 2026 delivered headline pay increases of 9.25% and provided for up to 1% of basic pay costs for local bargaining. Importantly like previous agreements the PSA was weighted towards the lowest paid, who received increases of 17.3%, inclusive of local bargaining. The final increase under the Agreement was 1 June 2026.
Government is committed to continuing to be a good employer and to providing competitive terms and conditions for public servants. This commitment is reflected in the significant investment made in the public service in recent years. Since 2020, the public service pay bill has increased by €12 billion, reaching €34 billion in 2026—an increase of 55 per cent.
As well as providing for increases in pay rates, this investment has supported substantial growth in the public service workforce, with employment now exceeding 420,000, an increase of more than 70,000 employees since 2020.
Against this backdrop, and in advance of the Agreement's expiry, my officials met with public service unions and staff representative associations to initiate exploratory discussions on the potential for a successor agreement. Officials remain available to continue engagement, with Government seeking to progress talks as quickly as possible through constructive dialogue.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate to comment on the detail of discussions which should remain confidential to the parties. They take place against an increasingly uncertain environment. Suffice to say, therefore, that in an increasingly uncertain economic environment, a new public service agreement can play an important role in providing certainty and stability for public servants while supporting the effective delivery of public services. That is why I believe every effort should be made over the period ahead to engage and try to reach agreement.
As is always the case, any agreement will have to be balanced, affordable and capable of being accommodated in the context of other critical expenditure priorities, including social welfare, health and housing and within Government's overall medium-term fiscal framework.
43. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will outline any deadline provided to Government departments regarding proposals to cut planned spending; and the timeframe in which it is intended to implement such cuts. [51487/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government agreed a Medium Term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFP) in December last year. This set out fixed 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 additional funding for Education and Youth, Government agreed to reprioritise funding from other Votes to deliver on the 2027 ceiling as planned. Other Departments have been asked to deliver a levy through the implementation of 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 including:
• 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.
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 and the subheads these will relate to. My Department wrote to Secretaries General of other Departments, following the Government decision, informing them of the need to identify efficiencies and reforms. Efficiency and reform proposals from Departments have been requested by 17th July and these will form a key element of the Estimates engagement for Budget 2027.
44. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration in relation to the new payment rates being operated under the new criminal legal aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51476/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Criminal Legal Aid Scheme is an important element of the criminal justice system and is fundamental to upholding the constitutional and human right to a legal defence.
The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has overall policy responsibility for the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme, and managing the delivery of public services within budgetary allocations while also ensuring that value for money is achieved is the responsibility of each Minister and their Department.
The Criminal Justice (Legal Aid) Act 1962 is the primary legislation which provides for the operation of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme. As set out in the 1962 Act, it is the role of the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to prescribe the fee rates paid under the Scheme with the consent of the Minister for Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation.
As the Deputy may be aware, there is ongoing engagement at official level regarding operational and expenditure related matters, and this included engagement regarding the changes to the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme that the Minister for Justice has introduced. Earlier this year the Minister also informed the Government of his intention to introduce changes to the fee structure on 1 July 2026.
I note that the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has indicated that his officials will continue to keep the operation of the new criminal legal aid arrangements under review, and the objective of these reforms is a fair, sustainable and efficient framework for the delivery of criminal legal aid.
45. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on the delivery of the Accelerating Infrastructure Action Plan; the next steps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51481/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government set out the clear prioritisation for the NDP Review to ensure that investment can be maximised over the next five years in strategic infrastructure. This includes the key energy, water and transport networks on which future development relies. This is critical to enable Government to meet its target of delivering an additional 300,000 homes and to support national competitiveness. These sectors were further highlighted as critical infrastructure in the Accelerating Infrastructure Actions Report and Action Plan published last December.
At the end of Q2, strong progress has been recorded across all 30 actions, with legislative, regulatory and process changes being delivered. All commitments scheduled for Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 have been completed, while all Q2 commitments are well progressed, with majority already completed.
Key achievements in Q2 include:
• The Critical Infrastructure Bill completed all stages in the Oireachtas and was signed into law on 25 June 2026.
• The Statutory Instrument on Environmental Scale of Legal Fees was signed and came into force on 18 May 2026.
• The Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill was published.
• The Department of Housing launched a public consultation on reforming and simplifying the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
• The General Scheme for legislation aligning road and rail consent processes was approved by Government in mid-June.
Impacts are beginning to emerge through reduced timelines and simplified processes such as:
• 26 weeks saved on the Waterford Wastewater Treatment Plant project due to the removal of external reviews and change in thresholds within the Infrastructure Guidelines by DPER.
• Ballymore Eustace to Saggart Water Mains Resilience Project also saves a similar average of 26 weeks due to the removal of the external review and the increased thresholds for Uisce Éireann major projects.
• Approximately 12 months have been removed from the Greater Dublin Drainage project timeline following changes to project commissioning arrangements by Uisce Éireann.
• Timelines for Marine Area Consents have been reduced by 30% for ‘fit and proper’ bodies.
• MetroLink has progressed ahead of schedule following the withdrawal of the Judicial Review, with tunnelling and PPP tender documentation already advanced.
Momentum remains strong, with all Q3 commitments on track and delivery of the Action Plan continuing.
46. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide a breakdown, by project, of all capital expenditure under the Office of Public Works in County Cork in each of the years 2024, 2025 and to date in 2026, including amounts allocated and amounts drawn down in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51269/26]
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.
The Office of Public Works, as the lead agency for flood risk management, is coordinating the delivery of measures towards meeting the Government’s National Flood Risk Policy. Investment of some €52m in capital expenditure has taken place in flood risk management from 2024 to the end of 2025 in County Cork. Significant capital expenditure is expected to be incurred during 2026, with the majority of payments typically being processed towards year end.
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 Estate portfolio and Heritage sites a range of significant capital projects have been funded and undertaken by the Office of Public Works over the period in question. Below is a list of the main locations. As would be expected in the management of buildings in the State property portfolio, multiple projects have been completed at many of buildings and properties referenced.
Coachford Garda Station
Clonakility Dept of Agriculture, Food and the Marine & Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
Cloyne Garda Station
Cobh Garda Station
Cork Watercourse Road Garda Station
Kinsale Garda Station
Dept of Social Protection Bantry
Barryscourt Castle
Charles Fort
Togher Garda Station (Cork)
Central Statistics Office Skehard Road
Revenue Commissioners BlackpoolAnnes Grove Estate
Doneraile
Garinish Island – Glengarriff
Fota House, Arboretum & Garden
I have set out in the attached tables the details requested.
47. Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51325/26]
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.
In the 2021 NDP review, the Government originally committed €165 billion in capital investment for the period 2021-30 and subsequently agreed to additional funding of €2.25billion in March 2024 for 2024-2026.
The revised National Development Plan, published in July, set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State. Government has prioritised investment towards the critical growth-enabling sectors of housing, energy, water and transport.
Following the agreement of the revised NDP in July 2025, gross capital expenditure ceilings for all sectors have now been set out to 2030. Departments have published sectoral plans for the upcoming 5 years out to 2030. These plans detail priority projects to be progressed. Departments must ensure that the plans are affordable within the gross capital expenditure ceilings as agreed by Government.
NSO 2 relates to enhanced regional accessibility.
Given the nature of this strategic priority, many projects take a number of years to fully deliver, and transport has been highlighted as a critical growth-enabling sector in the NDP Review.
A total of €22.3 billion was allocated to the Department of Transport for the 2026-2030 period.
A range of projects have been delivered under NSO 2 since the 2021 NDP review, including for example:
• The N21/N69 Limerick to Adare to Foynes due for completion in June 2027 in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup
• The N55 Corduff to South Kildoon Road Realignment in Co Cavan opened in May 2026
• Navan Link Road opened in October 2025 and
• The M8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange upgrade which was officially opened in February 2024
While Government has prioritised investment towards the critical growth-enabling sectors of housing, energy, water and transport, all Departments were then tasked with developing sectoral plans for the upcoming 5 years out to 2030.
The Department of Transport Sectoral Investment plan was published on 26 November and is available to download from gov.ie. The plan sets out in detail the commitments to delivery for the sector.
A full list of projects and programmes for each of the ten National Strategic Outcomes can be found in the regular publications by my Department on the gov.ie site;
• The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million.
• The myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county and contains smaller investments such as schools and health facilities.
48. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he expects the rate of expenditure growth to moderate in coming years; if the moderation will be greater on the current or capital side; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51004/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMulti-annual expenditure ceilings for the period 2025-2030 were set out in the Medium-Term Fiscal and Structural Plan agreed and published by Government in December 2025. The most up-to-date ceilings are set out in the Annual Progress Report published on the Department of Finance’s website.
The annual growth rate of total gross voted expenditure is set to moderate from 9.4 per cent seen between 2019 and 2024 to 6.1 per cent out to 2030. Over this period, capital expenditure will increase by an average of 7.1 percent, while current expenditure will increase by an average of 6 percent. This will see the total government expenditure ceiling increase from €109.9 billion in 2025 to €147.3 billion in 2030.
The strategy for the ceilings is comprised of three elements:
• Prioritisation of capital with ceilings agreed as part of the National Development Plan Review 2025 (NDP) to support investment in critical infrastructure in areas such as electricity, water, transport and housing;
• A moderation in the growth of current expenditure over the period; and
• The inclusion of contingency funding to provide flexibility.
Overall, the Plan reflects the Government’s commitment to improving living standards through sustained investment in public services and infrastructure, while maintaining a sound and sustainable fiscal position. A continued focus on delivery and value for money will be essential to ensure that this investment translates into tangible outcomes for citizens.
49. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a report on the Best Practice KPI Guidance for Regulators of Critical Infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51521/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast week my Department published Best Practice Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Guidance for Regulators of Critical Infrastructure.
An important part of accelerating the delivery of infrastructure and to realise the benefits of infrastructure delivery is providing a transparent, predictable and effective regulatory environment. Having clarity and transparency on how long regulatory processes take and the context within which regulatory bodies operate is important. This clarity is important for three reasons:
Firstly, for understanding the impact of reforms introduced,
Secondly, for ensuring resources are allocated efficiently, and
Thirdly, for providing certainty to stakeholders in the regulatory space.
This Best Practice KPI Guidance sets out best practice for regulators of critical infrastructure in setting and tracking KPIs and other metrics to support clarity, coordination and standardisation in the regulatory environment for infrastructure delivery.
The Guidance aims to provide a tool for regulators of critical infrastructure in streamlining processes and monitoring the impact of regulatory reforms.
The Guidance outlines:
• Best practice principles for setting KPI targets.
• The type of KPIs and metrics that can assist in providing clarity and improve the understanding of the impacts of regulatory reforms.
• Best practice reporting guidance for the KPIs and metrics.
The publication of this guidance supports the completion of Action 9 of the Accelerating Infrastructure Report and Action Plan, which necessitates the development and issuance of Government guidance to regulatory bodies on improving the coordination and standardisation of regulatory approvals for critical infrastructure, incorporating key performance metrics.
This guidance supports Circular 18/2026 - Circular on Principles for Better Regulation for Critical Infrastructure, which calls for fixed timelines for every regulatory process and the tracking and measuring of timelines for processes and consents, supported by appropriate KPIs.
The Best Practice KPI Guidance for Regulators of Critical Infrastructure is available on my Department’s website.
50. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the progress made to date in the implementation of the individual property protection scheme across east Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51261/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2024, the OPW approved €5.8m for Cork County Council to make Individual Property Protection (IPP) available free of charge to an estimated 923 home and business owners who were so badly impacted by the October 2023 flood event during Storm Babet in Midleton (749) and East Cork (174), including Castlemartyr, Mogeely, Killeagh, Rathcormac and Youghal.
The scheme opened for applications on 7th October 2024 to all households and businesses in the affected areas. Applications for the scheme were accepted until 18th November 2024. Cork County Council received a total of 967 applications. Overall there were 715 valid applications – that includes 45 retrospective applicants who have been fully reimbursed. Cork County Council arranged for an independent assessment by engineering consultants of the suitability of the properties for IPP and the type of IPP products required (e.g. flood gates, vent blocks, etc.). All eligible properties have been surveyed, and delivery of barriers is ongoing.
This IPP scheme forms part of the Council’s emergency response plans for these areas. The scheme requires some 2,000 flood barriers, and a significant number of these need civil works to have them installed. Cork County Council has advised that 50% of the properties have IPP fully complete and 76% of the total flood gates required have been delivered, with substantial completion anticipated to be in September 2026.
Cork County Council and OPW are continuing to use all avenues to deliver the scheme as quickly and efficiently as possible.
A quarterly update by Cork County Council on the Midleton and East Cork Individual Property Protection scheme was presented at the Midleton Flood Committee meeting on the 23rd April 2026 and the next update is scheduled for the 16th July 2026.
51. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the Clifden flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51485/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme, (CFRAM), was the largest study of flood risk and was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW), in 2018. Since 2018, and working with local authorities, the OPW has trebled, to some 100, the number of flood relief schemes at design and construction.
As part of the CFRAM Programme a potential flood relief scheme was recommended for Clifden, Co. Galway. The OPW engaged with Galway County Council and confirmed that the OPW would fund the costs of developing and implementing a scheme to alleviate flooding in Clifden, through the Government’s investment in flood measures under the National Development Plan.
Galway County Council, is the lead authority for the Clifden Flood Relief Scheme, with funding from the OPW, for one full time Engineer. Engineering and environmental consultants were appointed to the scheme in 2021.
The final Options Report for a flood relief scheme to manage the flood risk for some 24 properties has been delivered by the consultant. The OPW and Galway County Council have met twice this year to review the report and will meet with the scheme's consultants shortly to progress a viable option for the Clifden Flood Relief Scheme to planning. This is being informed by engineering, environmental, social and economic criteria. A programme for the delivery of the scheme to planning will be available from the consultants following this meeting.
In the interim it is open to Galway County Council to make an application for funding under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding. Since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €12 million to County Galway for some 246 projects. This includes €76,500 approved for funding for coastal erosion works at Clifden.
On 25th May 2026, I was pleased to announce revised criteria details 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. I have also expanded the Scheme to provide for interim flood mitigation measures for communities where a major flood relief scheme is planned, but not complete. Further revisions include the relaxing of some economic criteria.
52. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for a report on his recent attendance at the National Economic Dialogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51527/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Economic Dialogue (NED) is a key event in the budgetary calendar and provides an important opportunity to reflect on the challenges, priorities, and opportunities facing the country.
This year’s NED took place on the 15th of June in Dublin Castle. The overall theme of was ‘Reforming now for a secure future: putting Future Forty into practice’ and it was chaired by Professor Orla Doyle from University College Dublin.
This year’s Dialogue focused on a number of key themes, including:
Building Resilient Public Finances
Maximising the Impact of Public Spending
Delivering a Sustainable Social Protection System: Insights from Recent Expenditure Trends
Future-Proofing Construction: Building Capacity for Long-Term Growth
Securing Ireland’s Long-Term Competitiveness
Decarbonisation, Energy, Agriculture and Sustainability: Transitioning to a Lower Carbon Economy
Enhancing Employment Opportunities and Delivering Sustainable, Efficient, and High Quality Services for Disabled People
The relevant background papers for these sessions in addition to the event programme and overview are published on the Department of Finance website[1].
As part of the day, I chaired a breakout session titled "Maximising the Impact of Public Spending". The session was attended by a broad range of stakeholders, with Dr. Emma Howard of Technological University Dublin serving as rapporteur. This session’s discussion paper focused on the importance of reform particularly through strengthening value for money, improving how we allocate and manage resources and ensuring that investment — particularly in infrastructure and public services — supports sustainable growth and builds resilience for the years ahead.
The session was productive and engaging, focusing on reform initiatives to enhance the impact of public expenditure and the delivery of public services. It also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their views on reform and public service delivery.
I look forward to the publication of the Chair’s summary of the Dialogue, which will bring together Professor Doyle’s overview and the rapporteurs’ reports from each session. This summary is due to be published on the Department of Finance website in the coming weeks.
[1] www.gov.ie/en/department-of-finance/publications/national-economic-dialogue-2026/
53. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to confirm the amount the Government has spent on infrastructure projects in Cork in each of the years from 2022 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51531/26]
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 responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects or sectoral policy strategies, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Each Minister is responsible for deciding on the priority programmes and projects that will be delivered under their remit within the NDP and for setting out the timelines for delivery. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographical 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 for example across county Cork such as the Dunkettle Interchange upgrade and new platform at Kent train station, Library improvements in Kinsale and Macroom, new wards at Mallow General Hospital, water projects in Bandon, Cork City, Cork Lower Harbour and Skibbereen and in 2025 alone, delivering capital works for 24 schools across the county.
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. Both the capital tracker and the map are available on gov.ie and will provide the Deputy with specific detail on projects delivered, and status of works ongoing in Cork, including progress on the following projects:
• new Divisional Headquarters for An Garda Síochána and town revitalisation projects in Macroom
• Residential Care facilities in Millstreet and in Kanturk Community Hospital
• the Charleville Town Centre Renewal Project and
• Flood relief protecting about 90 properties at Ballybourney and Ballymakeera.
Furthermore, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme €300,000 has been allocated for the construction of a village centre plaza area and enhanced streetscape in Rathcormac village, and €50,000 has been allocated for the renovations for a community hall and outdoor recreation space and garden in Mitchelstown. And under the Rural and Regional Development Fund €3.2 million has been allocated for a Regional Development Centre in Ballyvourney through Údarás na Gaeltachta,
For further detail on historic allocations and projects delivered, my Department has published 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, including in Cork. These will provide the Deputy with 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
For future allocations, individual Ministers developed sectoral level plans, over the end of 2025 and early 2026. The plans set out the priority investment programmes and projects to be delivered across the country within their additional capital allocations under the revised NDP. 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 projects across transport, justice and utility services in Cork for example:
• Midleton Waste Water Treatment Plant Project
• N72/Mallow Relief Road
• M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy
• Bus Connects Cork and the Cork Area Commuter Rail, and
• social and affordable housing at Horgans Quay and Mahon delivering over 390 housing units.
These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on a sectoral basis.
For example, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht were allocated a total of €1.3 billion under the NDP for capital investment from 2026 to 2030. Further detail expected allocations by schemes can be found in DRCDG’s plan.
54. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the progress made to date under the National Strategic Outcome (NSO) 9 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51315/26]
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 responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects or sectoral policy strategies, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Each Minister is responsible for deciding on the priority programmes and projects that will be delivered under their remit within the NDP and for setting out the timelines for delivery.
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of the National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs), including NSO 9 which relates to the Sustainable Management of Water, Waste and other Environmental Resources. This NSO highlights the importance of sustainable water resources to the implementation of the National Planning Framework in order to underpin our environmental and economic well-being into the future. Investment in the water and wastewater network will support environmental and economic wellbeing, and deal with population growth and the effects of a changing climate.
The relevant sectoral strategies under this NSO are the Water Services Policy Statement 2018-2025, Uisce Éireann’s National Water Resources Plan and the Government’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. These strategies play a critical role in identifying the goals and priorities for this area and are therefore critical in informing the investment projects set out in the NDP.
In terms of water management, a range of investments are planned and underway under the NDP. Some recently completed projects include:
• The Enniscorthy Water upgrade scheme completed in June
• The Athlone Main Drainage and Wastewater project completed in April
• Phase 2 of the Leixlip Water treatment plant also completed in April
• The Ringsend Water treatment plant completed in February
Under NSO 9, Uisce Éireann is investing €12.2 billion of combined investment supports into the network from 2025-2029.
Further details of projects and programmes being delivered under NSO 9 can be found in 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 and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
The Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
In addition to the tracker, the sectoral plans which were published by Departments at the end of 2025 include planned investment and projects across the country, including a range of projects and critical infrastructure works. These sectoral plans are available on each Departmental website and will provide the Deputy with further detail on a sectoral basis.
55. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department has carried out a risk assessment in advance of publishing a tender to establish a new framework agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51488/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Government Procurement, a Division of my Department, acts as a Central Purchasing Body, aggregating the States purchasing power and establishing Framework Agreements for a range of commodities including ICT goods and services.
The establishment of a national level framework is a significant undertaking. OGP Framework Agreements are established based on public sector bodies needs and market capabilities and are a key instrument in delivering value for money, promoting SME access to Government contracts as well as incorporating horizontal policy considerations.
Since its establishment in 2014 OGP has gained significant experience in establishing national level Framework Agreements. OGP takes a diligent and disciplined approach to each and every Framework with Frameworks taking up to 12 months to put in place.
OGP is supported in its work by key public sector bodies, subject matter experts and the Chief State Solicitor’s Office. In each case, the relevant risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies are carefully considered. All Framework Agreements commence with a pre-market engagement, which informs the market of OGP’s intentions as well as informing OGP of the market’s capabilities and developments.
Following publication of the tender, OGP typically receives feedback from interested parties relating to the design of the competition. Such feedback is dealt with on a case by case basis, including assessing the potential impact to the tender.
In respect of preparing the tender for the Framework for the renewal of Microsoft Licences, Solutions and Associated Services, OGP adhered to its standard, detailed and disciplined approach over an eight (8) month period including:
• engaging with the market, through a structured, extensive and comprehensive pre-market consultation process, which seeks the market’s view with defining the scope, structure, and content of the tender;
• reviewing the operation of the existing framework and obtaining relevant input from subject matter experts across the public service to improve the scope, specification and features;
• obtaining relevant market-specific commercial advice from IT market analysts and industry experts;
• obtaining legal advice from the CSSO; and
• as part of OGP’s governance process, conducting a review of the relevant risks, issues, assumptions and dependencies before final approval to publish.
56. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the tender for the proposed Children’s Science Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51489/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the arbitration between Irish Children's Museum Limited (ICML) and the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (Office of Public Works), a Final Award was issued to both parties in mid-December 2025.
Among the terms of the Final Award, it is set out that the Office of Public Works shall carry out and complete all of the Landlord’s (OPW) Works consistent with the Irish Children's Museum Limited's objectives of operating a national interactive science museum for children in accordance with a prior Agreement for Lease between ICML and the Office of Public Works.
Planning permission for the development has been obtained and the next steps include the completion of detail design documents required for the preparation of the tender. The OPW is working on the detailed design, including the specific information required for the completion of the tender drawing package, in advance of tendering for the proposed Children’s Science Centre.
57. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide a timeframe for a further update on efforts to end flooding at Lough Funshinagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51130/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra71. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on OPW efforts to end flooding at Lough Funshinagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 71 together.
Lough Funshinagh is a designated Special Area of Conservation Turlough, and has experienced increasingly severe flooding in recent years. These events, driven by extreme weather, have resulted in unprecedented water levels, flooding and flood risk to communities surrounding Lough Funshinagh.
In response to the increasing frequency and severity of flooding, Roscommon County Council working in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW), has progressed a three-pronged approach to manage both the immediate and long-term flood risk, while ensuring compliance with environmental and planning legislation. This includes the provision of Individual Property Protection for those properties at flood risk, and Trap-bags which are ready to be deployed at locations surrounding the Lough.
Due to the significant flooding that occurred in the spring of 2024, the development of an Interim Flood Relief Scheme became the primary focus in advance of the permanent scheme. Planning permission for this interim scheme was received from An Coimisiún Pleanála, in January 2025, with the scheme activated in April of last year. The interim scheme is regulating the level of the Lough through overground pumping to the Cross River. Over the recent winter the pumping of some 2.3 billion litres of water, at a rate of up to 300 litres per second, has ensured that water levels at Lough Funshinagh have been effectively managed. In light of reduced water levels, the pumps were temporarily deactivated on 8th June 2026, in accordance with the scheme's planning consent.
Roscommon County Council, with funding from the OPW, is currently progressing the Lough Funshinagh Climate Adaptation Project (permanent scheme). The work, over recent months, by the scheme’s consultants on environmental surveys and assessments to manage constraints on the potential options has further developed the options, with archaeological geophysical surveys commencing recently. I met with the Council, elected members and the local community at Roscommon County Council last April, where I facilitated a briefing on the nine potential options.
A third Public Participation Day (PPD), organised by Roscommon County Council, took place in April of this year. Members of the local community and interested stakeholders were presented with the nine potential scheme options currently under assessment by the Council. The Council with their consultants are currently undertaking a technical evaluation and comparison of all nine options taking into account the feedback that was received during the PPD.
A further PPD to present the emerging preferred option is planned later this year, followed by the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS). A planning application for the scheme is scheduled to be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in late 2026, in-line with the project programme.
58. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide the up-to-date position on advancing flood defences at a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe River Bride overtops its banks both upstream and downstream of Crookstown Bridge. During flood events, flow paths through properties result in flooding to some 23 properties, while local and regional roads are also affected. The road drainage is unable to discharge to the river during a flood event.
The 2014 Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme studied the flood risk at Crookstown and did not identify a viable major scheme to manage the flood risk. It recommended localised flood mitigation measures are progressed through the Office of Public Works (OPW), Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This scheme does not extend to mitigating flooding to the road network.
Since 2009, under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County for some 57 projects. Cork County Council, with OPW funding for nine staff to support the delivery of their programme of flood relief schemes, is leading the Crookstown Flood Relief Scheme.
Funding of €295,027 was approved by the OPW in 2021 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of a flood defence, a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works at Crookstown. In its approval, the OPW highlighted these works are a significant interim measure to mitigate flood damage in advance of further works.
Although this funding has not yet been drawn down, Cork County Council has engaged with its consultants to design options for further works. While an option has been identified, the Council continues to engage with relevant funding partners, including the Department of Transport, and will continue to consider additional funding sources for these further works.
The funding approved by the OPW remains available to Cork County Council, and it remains open to the Council to make a further application to the OPW under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
On 25th May 2026, I announced revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. These 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.
On the same date, I also announced details of once-off funding of €200,000 to Cork County Council to remove river conveyance blockages in County Cork.
59. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a detailed and specific update on the constraints imposed on implementing the NDP due to grid capacity issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51479/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation, my Department is responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across sectors under the National Development Plan. The revised National Development Plan, published in July 2025 set out €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State.
As part of the NDP, in addition to the Exchequer allocations, €10 billion in equity funding and fund releases is being provided for the period to 2030 to support the delivery of large projects in the water, energy and transport sectors. Specifically relating to energy investment, €3.5 billion in equity funding is being provided to ESB and EirGrid to support infrastructure delivery across the 2026 to 2030 funding period, underpinned by the Price Review 6 agreement between these bodies and their economic regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). This direct Government input into the funding plan for ESB and EirGrid is to fund enhanced energy grid capacity to support the Government’s housing, social infrastructure and competitiveness objectives under the NDP.
The National Development Plan combines with the National Planning Framework to form Project Ireland 2040, the overarching planning and investment framework for the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland. It is the National Planning Framework, revised in April 2025, that acts as the overall spatial planning and development strategy for Ireland, outlining population projections to underpin the basis for individual project cases and Government’s overall strategic plan for shaping the future growth and development of our country out to the year 2040.
Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department, Accounting Officer and Minister.
Following on from the setting of Departmental medium term capital expenditure ceilings in the revised NDP, sectoral plans were published by Departments at the end of 2025 which included planned investments and projects across the country. The sectoral plan for the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) included a detailed chapter on the investment plans for the energy sector to meet the objectives of the wider NDP, including a range of projects and critical infrastructure works. Delivery of the specific plans within the energy sector will ensure there are no constraints imposed on wider NDP delivery.
For specific updates on the progress of projects within the energy sector, the Deputy may wish to correspond with EirGrid and their parent Department, DCEE.
60. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on investment into critical infrastructure in Galway county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51524/26]
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 in Galway – for example the N59 Moycullen Bypass and the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, the Bia Innovator Campus in Athenry, the GTeic Hub in An Spidéal, residential care facilities, social housing units and a number of heritage and tourism projects throughout Galway.
The NDP Review 2025 was published on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in line with the Programme for Government commitment. The Plan committed €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035 – the largest and most significant capital injection in our economy in the history of the State.
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.
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 published to date include planned investment and projects across the country, including in Galway, many of which are critical infrastructure, including:
• A STEM building in Atlantic Technological University Galway to accommodate circa. 500 students
• New school buildings, Gaelscoil Riada and Coláiste an Eachraidh, Athenry
• Upgrade of the Ballyconneely Wastewater Treatment Plant
• And the Galway City Ring Road, comprising of 12.5km of motorway, 5km of single carriageway and a new bridge crossing the River Corrib.
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 published the Project Ireland 2040 Annual Reports 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 National Development Plan to date. These and other Project Ireland 2040 related documents can be found at: www.gov.ie/2040
61. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on proposed flood prevention measures being implemented in Castlemartyr, Midleton, Mogeely, Killeagh, Rathcormac and Whitegate, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51260/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if he will provide an update on flood projects for areas around east Cork including Castlemartyr/Mogeely, Killeagh, Whitegate, Ladysbridge and Rathcormac; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51523/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 63 together.
Through the Catchment-based Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), the largest study of flood risk was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. This studied the flood risk for two thirds of the population against the risk of flooding from rivers and the sea. The Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans, an output of CFRAM, provided the evidence for a proactive approach to designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities across the country. Investment of €1.3 billion through the National Development Plan has allowed the OPW, since 2018, to treble the number of flood relief schemes at design, planning, or construction to some 100 schemes.
Across Cork, nine flood relief schemes have been completed to date. Under the National Development Plan, the OPW is currently providing funding to Cork County Council for nine staff to deliver all 15 additional flood relief schemes across their area of remit. Six of these are Tranche 1 schemes, which are underway at this time, including the scheme for Midleton.
The Midleton Flood Relief Scheme is estimated to be submitted by Cork County Council to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q3 2026 and to be substantially complete by 2031, protecting up to 750 properties. A Part 8 planning application for advanced works at Tír Cluain, to protect 135 of these properties, was granted consent in January 2026, and Cork County Council plan to appoint a contractor for these works later this year. A further Part 8 planning application is currently being progressed for permanent advanced works on Park South, Midleton, to protect 14 properties in the Oakwood and Beechwood Estates.
Cork County Council is rolling out the €5.8m Individual Property Protection (IPP) Scheme across Midleton and East Cork to some 725 homes and businesses that were affected by Storm Babet in October 2023. This forms part of the Council’s emergency response plans for these areas. The scheme requires some 2,000 flood barriers, and a significant number of these need civil works to have them installed. Cork County Council has advised that 50% of the properties have IPP fully complete and 76% of the total flood gates required have been delivered, with substantial completion anticipated to be in September 2026.
Under the national programme, work has yet to commence on three Tranche 2 flood relief schemes in East Cork: Castlemartyr, Rathcormac, and Youghal. The Castlemartyr Area of Potentially Significant Flood Risk has been extended to include the villages of Ladysbridge and Mogeely. The OPW is piloting a new delivery model in Counties Donegal and Kilkenny, which will inform the delivery of future Tranche 2 schemes nationally.
The Council have completed a number of interim flood defence works in Midleton since Storm Babet in October 2023, along with interim flood mitigation measures for Rathcormac, Castlemartyr and Killeagh. Relevant surveys and studies are also being supported by the OPW. In January 2026, the OPW approved funding of €107,708 for the procurement of an engineering consultant to conduct surveys and a study, and to recommend measures to mitigate the risk of flooding to properties in Whitegate Village. Cork County Council have advertised for engineering consultancy services for interim flood mitigation measures in respect of Mogeely and Castlemartyr.
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 its introduction in 2009, some €70 million has been approved under the Scheme for 930 local authority led projects that are delivering flood mitigation and coastal protection for some 8,000 properties.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €7.4 million funding to Cork County Council for some 58 projects. Under the Minor Works Scheme, it is the responsibility of the local authority to advance the works, once approved by the OPW. This includes all environmental assessments, planning consents, health and safety requirements and landowner agreements.
In May this year, I was pleased to announce that details of the revised criteria for the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme are available, which greatly increase the scope of the Scheme and 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. The Scheme supports interim flood mitigation measures for communities where a major flood relief scheme is planned. By introducing interim measures, local authorities will be able to reduce the impact of a significant flood event on the local community until protection is provided by the completed scheme. The full details of the revised Scheme are available on the OPW website www.opw.ie.
