Mary Lou McDonald
Question:34. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach when Cabinet committee D on infrastructure last met; and when it is scheduled to meet again. [39899/18]
View answerTuesday, 16 October 2018
Questions (34)
Written answers
The Committee last met on 1 February this year and the next meeting has been scheduled for 15 November.
As I have previously indicated to the House, Cabinet Committee D works to ensure a coordinated approach to the delivery and ongoing development of policy in relation to infrastructure investment and delivery, housing, and climate action.
There is significant work underway on each of these areas across Government departments and agencies, in particular through regular discussion of these matters at meetings of Government.
The Committee also provides a forum for oversight of the delivery of Project Ireland 2040, the Government’s overarching policy initiative to achieve balanced development and meet the infrastructure needs of our growing population.
Under Project Ireland 2040 four funds, totalling €4 billion in investment, have been launched to stimulate renewal and investment in rural and urban areas, the environment and innovation. All four funds were launched in May this year, with the application deadlines now closed for the first round of proposals. The relevant Departments are reviewing all applications received, with decisions on successful applications for the first round of funding expected over the coming months and the first projects to commence in early 2019.
The Land Development Agency, another cornerstone initiative of Project Ireland 2040, has also been set up and is working to ensure the optimum management of State land through strategic development and regeneration, with an immediate focus on delivering homes, including social and affordable homes.
Housing remains a central priority for the Government. We are seeing an increase in the number of new and refurbished houses available year on year – however, we are very aware that a huge challenge remains in meeting demand and tackling the ongoing issues in the housing market.
We are continuing to focus on increasing housing supply, tackling homelessness and increasing the availability of affordable and social housing. In addition to the work underway through Project Ireland 2040 and Rebuilding Ireland, Budget 2019 provides for an increase of 25% in the housing budget for next year.
Climate action objectives are also at the heart of Project Ireland 2040 and, building on the National Mitigation Plan, an investment of €22 billion in Exchequer and non-Exchequer funding will ensure a step change in climate action policy.
In Budget 2019, a number of additional new measures were introduced to help lower carbon emissions including, a new accelerated capital allowances scheme for gas-propelled vehicles and refuelling equipment.
Questions Nos. 35 to 37, inclusive, resubmitted.