My Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, covering a broad range of functions that are delivered primarily by local authorities and bodies under the aegis of my Department. There is vast range of programmes and schemes, each with its own terms and conditions; decision gates and timelines, including adherence to public financial procedures and the Public Spending Code, where applicable. Expenditure on programmes and schemes that are funded through the Department's Vote is sanctioned by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The specific projects under these programmes and schemes are, in turn, approved at relevant stages by myself and/or my Officials acting on my behalf.
Details in relation to specific projects (which are being advanced primarily by local authorities and Irish Water) under my Department's range of capital programmes as part of Project Ireland 2040: National Development Plan 2018-2027 are set out in the Investments Projects and Programmes Tracker published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on their website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/6db7c4-investment-projects-and-programmes-tracker/.
In addition, MyProjectIreland, a new citizen-focused interactive map developed as part of Project Ireland 2040 in partnership with Ordnance Survey Ireland, provides details of projects around the country. This is available to be viewed at the following weblink: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/09022006-project-ireland-2040/?referrer=/2040.
Further detailed information on projects of this nature is a matter for the organisations concerned including procurement, planning matters, and project management. With regard to the stages of the project life-cycle which require input or approval from my Department, it should be noted that a very high focus is placed on streamlining processes and encouraging parallel activity streams where feasible to ensure the best outcome in terms of time, but absolutely ensuring that the highest standards of review and financial management are adhered to.
In terms of Social Housing, the Construction Status Report is published on a quarterly basis, and contains detailed information on the status and scale of the social housing construction programme by local authority. The most recent report is available at the following weblink: https://rebuildingireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Final-Report.pdf.
With respect to water services projects, the prioritisation and progression of individual projects is a matter for determination by Irish Water. Irish Water has established a team to deal with queries from Oireachtas members on issues arising in relation to its activities. The team may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 578 578. Alternatively, Irish Water provides full details of their projects and plans to improve water and wastewater services on their website at the following link: www.water.ie/projects-plans/.
