Written Answers Nos. 164-183
164. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an update on the approach of Government in MFF discussions up to 1 July 2026 in relation to the repayment of Next Generation EU funds, own resources and the size of the budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53932/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNegotiations are ongoing at EU-level since the European Commission’s initial publication of proposals for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 in July and September of last year. These negotiations will continue through Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of this year, and the Irish Presidency will work intensively and ambitiously so that EU leaders can take the necessary decisions in 2026 on the MFF.
Before taking over this role as honest broker, the Government’s approach has been to engage constructively with all aspects of the negotiations with a view to securing a balanced outcome that supports the Union’s priorities, while ensuring sound financial management and contributing our fair share of the EU budget's own resources.
As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we will continue to engage with all Member States and EU institutions, in our role as an honest broker, facilitating discussions and supporting progress towards agreement on the next MFF. All elements of the MFF, including the repayment of Next Generation EU funds, own resources, and the size of the budget remain under negotiation and will require compromises from all Member States.
165. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the full-year cost of a single person’s personal tax credit and earned income credit of €2,800, €3,000 and €3,500, respectively, for each tax credit category and for each level of credit for people with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53973/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing clarification from the Deputy, the request for the increases to the credits are provided on a full population basis below. In addition, costs for married and widowed personal credits are also provided.
I am advised by Revenue that the estimated tax cost, as set out below, relates to taxpayers benefitting from each tax credit change in isolation and does not account for any interaction effects across different tax credits. Taken together as a combined tax credit package, the tax cost for any particular policy change will differ, as certain policy changes can act to reduce the tax liability to zero for some taxpayers before another individual policy measure is applied.
|
Proposal |
Estimated Full Year Cost €m |
|
Single Person Personal Credit increased from €2,000 to €2,800 |
962 |
|
Single Person Personal Credit increased from €2,000 to €3,000 |
1,186 |
|
Single Person Personal Credit increased from €2,000 to €3,500 |
1,715 |
|
Earned Income Credit increased from €2,000 to €2,800 |
185 |
|
Earned Income Credit increased from €2,000 to €3,000 |
232 |
|
Earned Income Credit increased from €2,000 to €3,500 |
347 |
|
Additional Married and Widowed Personal Credits |
Estimated Full Year Cost €m |
|
Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner Personal Credit increased from €2,540 to €3,340 |
63 |
|
Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner Personal Credit increased from €2,540 to €3,540 |
77 |
|
Widowed Person or Surviving Civil Partner Personal Credit increased from €2,540 to €4,040 |
110 |
|
Married Person or Civil Partner Personal Credit increased from €4,000 to €5,600 (combined effect) |
1,334 |
|
Married Person or Civil Partner Personal Credit increased from €4,000 to €6,000 (combined effect) |
1,648 |
|
Married Person or Civil Partner Personal Credit increased from €4,000 to €7,000 (combined effect) |
2,397 |
167. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason egg, fish and motor fuel prices have risen by double digits over the past 12 months despite a fall in the headline annual rate of inflation to 3.4% in June 2026, as reported by the Central Statistics Office; the specific data held by his Department on the annual percentage change in the price of eggs, fresh fish, home heating oil and motor fuels respectively; whether his Department has assessed the divergence between headline CPI and the cost of household food and energy staples; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54028/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the annual percentage increase in the cost of home heating oil and diesel respectively, in the 12 months to June 2026; the analysis carried out by his Department on the impact of this increase on households outside the natural gas network and those reliant on private transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is responsible for the compilation and publication of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures prices across a representative basket of goods and services consumed by households and, as such, individual components can experience price changes that differ from aggregate developments.
Data on price changes for individual commodity groups are published on the CSO website. In June, on an annual basis, prices for home heating oil and diesel increased by 48.7 and 13.9 per cent respectively, while prices for eggs increased by 10 per cent on an annual basis. Prices for the commodity group ‘fish, live, fresh, chilled or frozen’ increased by 3.8 per cent on annual basis in June. This compares with overall annual CPI inflation of 3.4 per cent in June.
The weights for individual items used in the compilation of the CPI are representative of the spending of all households and are updated annually by the CSO. Where individual products make up a higher proportion of households’ spending, the impact of price changes in these products on these households will be greater. My Department incorporates developments in subcomponents of the inflation basket, including food and energy, on a ‘bottom up’ basis in its forecasts for aggregate inflation.
Government is acutely conscious of the very real pressures that higher energy prices have placed on households. That is why Government has already intervened on a significant scale, with supports of over €1 billion to help mitigate the impact of elevated energy prices on households and businesses.
The first package of supports, introduced at the end of March, reduced the tax on fuel and extended the fuel allowance by an additional four weeks. A further package of measures was introduced in April. This further cut the tax on fuel, bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32 cent per litre and 27 cent per litre for petrol. The scheduled increase in carbon tax has also been delayed to later in the year.
The direct impact of these measures are estimated by my Department to reduce the annual rate of inflation by c. ½ percentage point. This estimate is based on the weights for fuel products used in the compilation of inflation statistics by the CSO. Where fuel products make up a higher proportion of households’ spending, the impact of these measures will be greater.
On June 30th, Government announced that these temporary reductions on fuel would be further extended until the end of August, but a pathway was also established to gradually unwind the tax on fuels to pre-conflict levels. This strikes the balance between responding to the pressures of today and maintaining our public finances on a sustainable pathway over the medium-term.
169. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of meetings he has had with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Derelict Sites Tax. [54186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my appointment as Minister for Finance there has been engagement both at Ministerial and official level regarding the Derelict Property Tax with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Officials in my Department are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Revenue on the design of a new Derelict Property Tax (DPT). The DPT was announced as part of Budget 2026, to replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. The yield of the tax will accrue to the Central Fund.
The design of the new tax is currently under consideration, and it is intended to legislate for the DPT as part of the autumn Finance Bill, subject to advice received from the Attorney General. This timeline is necessary to allow local authorities to prepare and publish a preliminary register of derelict properties in 2027, with the tax coming into effect as quickly as possible thereafter. Currently, the Derelict Sites Levy is an annual levy of 7% of the site’s market value and while the level of the DPT is yet to be determined, it is envisaged that the rate of the tax will not be lower than the current figure of 7%.
A key issue is that the tax must apply in a consistent manner to all residential properties and sites that are derelict. Therefore, a lead-in time will be required for local authorities to identify all the relevant derelict properties in their areas for inclusion on a register in a consistent manner. The tax will apply in its first year to towns and cities with populations of four thousand or more. In its second year, it will be extended to towns with populations over two thousand.
Once the DPT is operational, I am confident that many owners of derelict properties will be incentivised to take action to bring these homes back into use and ultimately contribute to our housing stock. The behavioural effect of the tax will also contribute to regeneration and development, breathing new life into our villages, towns and cities.
Working to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.
Under the Plan, measures will be introduced such as a new Above the Shop grant and an Expert Advice Grant to support bringing vacant upper floors into use as homes. It introduces an expanded Living City Initiative and greater use of CPO powers by local authorities to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction.
These measures build on the progress that has been made to date returning vacant and derelict properties back into use. Some key areas of progress in the past year include:
• Successful delivery of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, through the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund.
• The €150 million Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which has been made available for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties and sites for re-use or sale.
These and other initiatives outlined in the Vacant Homes Action Plan Progress Report are yielding significant results. Across the country, cities and towns are being revitalised and vacancy levels are declining as more and more empty properties are being brought back into use as homes.
170. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to reform the Vacant Homes Tax to ensure all vacant homes will pay. [54187/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Vacant Homes Tax was introduced in 2022. It was first charged at three times a property's base Local Property Tax (LPT) charge. Subsequently, the rate of this tax increased to five times LPT then seven times LPT, as it currently stands. Following LPT revaluation last year, in which all LPT charges were increased by a small to moderate amount, VHT is expected to scale accordingly.
VHT operates on a self-assessment basis, where the number of properties in scope and the amount of tax payable depends on the self-assessed returns submitted by property owners, the number of properties declared as liable, and the number of property owners entitled to claim available exemptions from the tax.
There was a decrease in the number of properties liable for VHT between the first and second chargeable periods and a further decrease between the second and third chargeable periods. This is not unexpected, given the behavioural nature of the tax, its objective of bringing vacant residential properties into use, and the level of demand for housing in the State.
As the Deputy will be aware, I intend to introduce a new Derelict Property Tax in this year's Budget, which local authorities will have a key role in implementing. The details of this tax are being worked out at official level, with further details to be shared in due course.
Creating and introducing the new tax this year is a key priority for my Department as well as Government. It is prudent and appropriate to see how the new tax on derelict properties operates and interacts with the market as well as existing measures, before making any changes which would influence an objective assessment of its performance.
Work on the Derelict Property Tax is ongoing, with frequent engagement between my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Revenue Commissioners. It is hoped that this tax will paint a clear picture of the level of dereliction across our towns and cities. The data collected will help inform local and national decisions regarding long-term vacant and derelict properties.
I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government to ensure that any further interventions in the housing market are appropriately calibrated, represent the best use of scarce public resources and boost the supply of much-needed housing in the State.
Finally, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions.
171. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of businesses that registered and submitted returns for the accounting period 1 March 2026 to 30 April 2026 for the e-liquid products tax (EPT), which were due by 31 May 2026; the volumes and values of e-liquid products subject to EPT in that period; the total tax collected; the available breakdown by geography, size and type of business making the return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54232/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures being put in place to monitor compliance rates with the requirements of the e-liquid products tax following the passing of the deadline for the returns for the third accounting period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54233/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
E-Liquid Products Tax (EPT) came into effect on 1 November 2025. The tax applies to first supplies of e-liquid products in the State made from that date at the rate of €500 per litre. Businesses who engage in the first supply of e-liquid products in the State are obliged to register, and to account for the tax for each two-month accounting period.
I am advised by Revenue that preliminary data indicates that 79 suppliers have registered for EPT, and provisional yield for the first three accounting periods since its introduction on 1 November 2025 is over €22m.
The Deputy has requested an EPT yield breakdown by geography, size and type of business making the return. The Deputy will be aware from my answers to Parliamentary Questions 11 February and 14 April 2026, that – having regard to the limited number of taxpayers involved – publication of that extent of statistical breakdown for EPT is not appropriate having regard to Revenue’s statutory obligation to maintain taxpayer confidentiality, as provided for in Section 851A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, and its commitment to uphold its Statistical Disclosure Control Protocol,. Revenue only provide data in relation to groupings of 10 or more taxpayers. More information on Revenue’s Statistical Disclosure Controls can be found on the Revenue website at the following: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/about/statistical-disclosure-control.aspx
The Deputy has asked about Revenue’s compliance programme for EPT. In designing the tax, my Department and Revenue considered a number of key administrative issues, including clear identification of what is to be taxed, the basis of assessment, the point of taxation and the liable person. Central to these considerations was ensuring that the tax was designed to encourage voluntary compliance by minimising the administrative burden on compliant taxpayers while enabling Revenue to identify and address non-compliance.
EPT is collected on a self-assessment basis and compliance with the law is enforced using the full range of compliance interventions and enforcement provisions for self-assessed taxes. Revenue compliance interventions are undertaken on a risk-assessed basis and EPT may be examined as part of cross-tax head checks. Revenue fully utilises a comprehensive legislative framework that has been enacted by the Oireachtas to support its work against those who do not comply with their tax obligations, including EPT.
Revenue welcomes and acts on intelligence received from businesses or from members of the public regarding actual or suspected tax non-compliance activity regarding any taxes and duties, including EPT. Details can be provided in confidence to Revenue by phone to 1800 295 295. Alternatively, information can also be provided in confidence via the Revenue website or alternatively can be submitted directly to any Revenue office in writing.
173. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide data for 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026 inclusive outlining the number of cigarette and tobacco seizures carried out by the Revenue Commissioners; to provide a breakdown on the location of each seizure, by county; to provide the value of each seizure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54234/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that Revenue is committed to targeting the illicit tobacco trade and implements a range of measures to identify and target the smuggling, supply or sale of illicit tobacco, and where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue keeps its operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including a suite of x-ray scanners, electronic risk analysis tools and maritime cutters, under continuous review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
Revenue advises me that during the period 1 January 26 to 30 June 2026, there has been 3,209 seizures with Revenue seizing 83.3m cigarettes, valued at €78.9m, and 1,029kg of tobacco, valued at €0.9m.
I am advised by Revenue that seizures are not recorded by reference to the county in which they are seized. However, the table below provides a breakdown of the quantity and value of cigarettes and tobacco seized by Revenue’s Frontier Management Branches (enforcement teams) from 1 January to 30 June 2026.
I am satisfied that Revenue is very alert to the threat that the illicit tobacco trade poses to health, legitimate business and the Exchequer and I commend Revenue and all the relevant State agencies for their work in this important area.
|
01.01.2026 - 30.06.2026 |
|
Cigarettes |
|
|
Tobacco |
|
Frontier Management Branch |
Quantity (units) |
|
Value (€) |
Quantity (Kgs) |
Value (€) |
|
Dublin (Dublin city and county including Dublin Port, Dublin Airport, Dublin Mail Centres/Parcel Hubs) |
71,033,515 |
|
67,319,527 |
720.16 |
671,754 |
|
East West Frontier Management Branch (covering counties Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath, Wicklow) |
2,545,965 |
|
2,412,849 |
98.87 |
92,245 |
|
South East Frontier Management Branch (covering counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford) |
9,203,980 |
|
8,722,749 |
38.88 |
36,275 |
|
South Frontier Management Branch (covering counties Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick) |
542,405 |
|
514,045 |
171.98 |
160,456 |
|
Total |
83,325,865 |
|
78,969,170 |
1,029.89 |
960,730 |
174. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the measures being implemented to ensure that employment is protected and the branch network maintained in the process of the sale of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54239/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe board of PTSB announced a formal sale process on 30 October 2025. This process was conducted under the Irish Takeover Rules and resulted in the board unanimously recommending a cash offer from BAWAG. The Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, with the agreement of Cabinet, committed to voting all of the Minister’s PTSB shares in favour of BAWAG’s cash offer.
BAWAG has set out a long-term ownership approach, including maintaining a strong and resilient PTSB, investing in the business, retaining the headquarters in Dublin, keeping a meaningful branch footprint, and safeguarding existing employment rights and pension arrangements in line with applicable law.
BAWAG noted that in its view, the PTSB branch network is a real asset. BAWAG currently do not intend to make any material changes with respect to the fixed asset base and instead note that branches could shift from being transactions based to advisory based, as it adds new products to the bank’s offering.
BAWAG has also indicated its intention to leverage its broader European expertise to strengthen the bank’s competitiveness, including in areas such as SME banking, energy-efficiency finance, and operational integration. These stated intentions formed part of the overall assessment to support BAWAG’s Recommended Cash Offer.
Completion of the formal sale process remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of all conditions including the sanction of the High Court.
175. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the arrangements in place to hear and consider the lived experience of whistleblowers as part of his review of the Irish legislative framework transposing Directive (EU) 2019/1937; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53781/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for their question.
As the Deputy is aware a previous statutory review of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 was published in July 2018.
As per Section 2 of the Amended Act the next statutory review is due to be commenced in 2027. Section 2 of the Act states that:
“The Minister shall—
(a) not later than the end of the period of 3 years beginning on the day on which this Act is passed, commence a review of the operation of this Act, and
(b) not more than 12 months after the end of that period, make a report to each House of the Oireachtas of the findings made on the review and of the conclusions drawn from the findings.”
My Department will be commencing this review in 2026 with a public consultation.
I would encourage all stakeholders to participate in this public consultation, the details of which will be published on DPEIPSRD's website in due course.
All submissions, including the lived experience of whistleblowers will be given careful consideration and will feed into any recommendations for improving the legislation that emanate from the review.
176. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the process and prescribed steps mandated by natural and constitutional justice, by legislation and Civil Service Circular for the dismissal of Civil Servants of the Government at or above the level of Principal Officer in the Irish Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53782/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the number of senior civil servants lawfully dismissed by 'will of Government' for each of the years 2021 to 2025 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53783/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide a detailed statement of the duties resting on senior civil and public servants, and the consequences for them, when formally advised that their actions have infringed the constitutional and fundamental rights of a citizen and yet, despite such notice, they persist in that violation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53784/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, together.
The Civil Service Disciplinary Code, Circular 19/2016 (‘the Code’), applies to all civil servants, including those at and above the level of Principal Officer. The Code operates within the statutory framework established by the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956–2005, which provide the legal basis for disciplinary measures in the Civil Service.
The Code sets out the arrangements for dealing with disciplinary matters in the Civil Service and ensures that civil servants are aware that, where there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct, work performance or attendance, the disciplinary procedures set out in the Code may apply. The steps in the disciplinary procedure are set out in fully in the Code, which is at the link below.
The responsibility for the management of disciplinary matters up to and including dismissal rests with individual Civil Service departments and offices. Accordingly, responsibility for the administration and recording of such matters rests with the employing organisations concerned.
Where disciplinary matters arise, civil servants are required to engage and comply with the procedures established under the Code. Allegations or concerns regarding the conduct of a civil servant may be considered under the relevant procedures and, where misconduct is established following appropriate investigation and due process, disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the Code.
179. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation for an update on the commitment in the policy statement on developing a new public procurement strategy for Ireland (details supplied) including the status of the OGP-OECD project referenced as providing a roadmap for that strategy; whether the roadmap has now been completed; the expected timeline for publication of the national digitalisation strategy; and the key measures under consideration to improve interoperability between procurement, contract, purchase order and payment systems across the public service. [53817/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OGP–OECD project has concluded with the publication of Public Procurement in Ireland: A Roadmap for Digital Development. This was published on December 1, 2025 – see:
www.gov.ie/en/office-of-government-procurement/news/public-procurement-in-ireland-a-roadmap-for-digital-development-20252031/
This roadmap sets out a vision and enablers for user-focused digital solutions that enable users to seamlessly navigate the complexities of the end-to-end procurement process and outlines its alignment with the forthcoming National Public Procurement Strategy.
For the purposes of the Roadmap, the definition of the end-to-end procurement process is ‘the pre-tender stage through tendering to contracting stage’. The procure to pay process was out of scope for the project. As the Deputy is aware, it is the legal responsibility of Departments to ensure that they comply with all public procurement requirements. The annual sanction from myself, as the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, to spend public money stipulates that Accounting Officers must have in place appropriate measures to operate in full compliance with all public procurement obligations.
While the Roadmap focuses specifically on the digital transformation of public procurement, the forthcoming National Public Procurement Strategy goes further by providing a holistic blueprint for the future direction of public procurement over the next five years. The Strategy will, for the first time, establish a shared vision, values and objectives for the public procurement system, providing a common framework for the procurement of goods, services and works across the public sector. One of the objectives of the Strategy is to embed emerging technologies, including AI, across the public sector and continually enhance the digital tools used in public procurement nationally. This objective is aligned with the Roadmap. I expect to bring the Strategy to Government in the coming weeks.
180. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of all flood relief schemes in County Clare, including the funding allocated, expenditure to date, estimated completion dates and current stage of delivery. [53845/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW currently has an extensive programme of flood risk management work underway across County Clare in conjunction with Clare County Council (CCC).
CCC are leading the delivery of three flood relief schemes, in the townlands of Kilkee, Shannon and Bunratty. These schemes are funded by the OPW from the Government's €1.3bn investment in flood measures and will provide protection to over 1,500 properties.
The Springfield Flood Relief Scheme was completed in August 2025 and the Ennis Lower and South flood relief schemes were completed in 2021. Along with the Ennis Upper and Sixmilebridge scheme, they are providing protection to over 1,887 properties and an economic benefit in damages and losses avoided, estimated to be in the region of €326m within the River Basin District.
The Kilkee Flood Relief Scheme has moved to Stage 3 where detailed design for the construction of the scheme is being progressed following granting of planning approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála in August 2025. In addition to the planning approval, a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) will be required for the Scheme. CCC are currently preparing a CPO application, and it is envisaged that it will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in Q3 2026. Construction is due to begin in late 2027/early 2028 with construction of the Scheme due to be completed in Q4 2029. The project budget is €8.5 million and to date some €1.2 million has been spent.
The Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme is currently at Stage I Preliminary Design. A value engineering review has been carried out to consider the design solution and potential cost savings for the Scheme. An emerging Option has been identified and the Options report will be progressed and finalised in Q3 2026. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the Scheme is expected to be completed in Q1 2027 with planning consent currently programmed to be sought in Q2 2027. Construction is programmed to begin in Q3 2029 with completion in Q3 2032. The project budget is currently €40.8 million but is expected to increase following finalisation and approval of the Scheme’s Options Report. To date some €2.4 million has been spent.
The Bunratty Flood Relief Scheme is currently being progressed by Clare County Council. The OPW, as part of their update to the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment maps identified a potential flow path in Bunratty that has the possibility to increase the number of risk receptors originally identified under the CFRAM programme. Further consideration of this matter is underway prior to advancing a feasibility study for the scheme.
Separate to the main flood relief schemes, Clare County Council is managing localised flood and coastal risks through the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, including for Kilrush. Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €3.9 million to county Clare for some 44 projects.
181. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if his Department will consider the approval of extra funding under the revised minor works scheme for a project (details supplied); the timeline on when this Deputy can expect a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocalised 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 Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme (Minor Works Scheme). The purpose of the Minor Works Scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The Scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame.
In May 2026, I announced that details of the revised criteria for the Minor Works Scheme are available, and greatly increased the scope of the Scheme to provide local authorities with a greater opportunity to address localised flooding 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 €2 million 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. Details of the Scheme are available at: www.floodinfo.ie
Since 2009, the OPW has approved some €6.48 million in funding under the Scheme to Cork County Council for some 56 projects. This includes funding of €81,844, in September 2024, for proposed works at Castlemartyr, which includes embankment lowering and cleaning of the Kiltha River. In August 2025, the OPW approved funding of €116,235 for a flood mitigation study in Mogeely.
On 29th June 2026, Cork County Council submitted an application to the Scheme for additional funding of €691,875 for a study to undertake hydrological and hydraulic modelling, surveys and ground investigation works for the purpose of identifying interim flood mitigation measures for the villages of Mogeely and Castlemartyr. This application is currently under review by the OPW, and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.
182. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the range of topics covered and the outcome of his discussions in Cork with Members of the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe College of Commissioners visited Cork on 2–3 July as part of the traditional visit to the Member State holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This marked the first collective engagement between the Government and the European Commission during Ireland’s Presidency.
The visit included a series of structured cluster discussions between Ministers and Commissioners on key policy priorities, including industrial competitiveness and the Single Market; agriculture, climate, energy and economic transition; security, external relations, defence, preparedness, trade and economic security; and values, skills, social cohesion and housing.
In my capacity as Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, I participated in the cluster discussion on Industrial Competitiveness and the Single Market. Discussions focused on the One Europe, One Market Roadmap, regulatory simplification, digital policy, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and the Savings and Investments Union. Ministers and Commissioners reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and economic resilience while ensuring that regulation remains proportionate, supports innovation, and enables investment.
The visit concluded with a plenary session co-chaired by the Taoiseach and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The discussions demonstrated a strong degree of alignment between the Government and the Commission on the priorities for Ireland’s Presidency, underpinned by a shared commitment to advancing the Union’s legislative and policy agenda over the coming months.
183. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the implementation of the local bargaining increment skip measures agreed under the Public Service Agreement; the number of retired public servants whose pensions and retirement lump sums have yet to be revised; the reasons for the delay; the expected timeframe for completing the outstanding cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53977/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of retired Civil Servants whose pension and retirement lump sums have yet to be revised by the NSSO, in implementing the local bargaining increment skip measures agreed under the Public Service Agreement, is 36. Discussions between NSSO and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation took place to clarify the approach on how to implement the increment skip measures agreed under the Public Service Pay Agreement, which concluded in May 2026.
The expected timeframe for delivering arrears payments for this cohort is 1st September 2026.
