Written Answers Nos. 1-33
7. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of times Government departments have requested additional funds from his Department since he took office; and the names of the departments, the amounts requested, and the purpose of the funding. [21597/23]
View answerAllocations to each Vote are decided as part of the Estimates process each year. Following publication of the Summer Economic Statement, the Secretary General of my Department writes to all other Departments requesting proposals for the upcoming Budget, including where they consider additional funding is required. These requests are then assessed as part of preparations for the Budget. Available resources are allocated as part of the Budget announced annually by the Minister with the detailed spending plans set out in the Revised Estimates (REV).
Managing expenditure within the voted allocations in the REV is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister, with careful monitoring of spending against profile and of progress on programmes and projects required. My Department is in regular contact with all other Departments and Offices regarding their actual and projected spending, including areas where there may be potential cost overruns and offsetting savings that might be available for reallocation. Where savings identified are not sufficient to cover the cost of additional demands arising within a Vote, a Supplementary Estimate may be required to provide additional funds.
Expenditure developments during 2022 led to the additional allocation of €7.7 billion in Supplementary Estimates across 24 Votes to meet costs in relation to Covid-19; Cost of Living measures; humanitarian supports for those arriving from Ukraine; and the Building Momentum Pay Agreement extension. These were reflected in the Appropriation Act 2022.
To date this year, the Oireachtas has twice been asked to provide additional funding for Votes above the amount in the REV. Firstly, a €30 million allocation to the Department of Rural and Community Development to establish a Community Solidarity and Recognition Fund in recognition of the contribution of communities in welcoming significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and/or International Protection Applicants. Secondly, Further Revised Estimates were afforded in the Housing, Local Government and Heritage Group to establish Tailte Éireann, and the Electoral Commission required an additional €10 million due to changed accounting treatment of income.
Where additional demands are raised by Departments they will be continue to be assessed in the context of any potential offsetting savings within the Vote as part of the usual Estimates process, including as part of Budget 2024. If it is determined additional allocations are required, Supplementary Estimates reflecting this will be brought to Government and the Dáil for approval.
14. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the provision of rapid build houses by the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22077/23]
View answer21. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform which sites were made available to the OPW from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other public bodies for the modular programme; if the OPW was provided with enough resources to finish the programme and expand it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22089/23]
View answer48. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the position with regard to the delivery of modular housing, including the status of supply chain, identification of sites, and installation of necessary services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21383/23]
View answer128. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the cost per sq meter of the modular accommodation units currently being delivered to provide emergency accommodation for Ukrainians. [22273/23]
View answer149. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of refugees from Ukraine and international protection applicants currently housed in buildings and on sites which the OPW owns; how many additional people from each category the OPW plans to accommodate in OPW-owned buildings in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22368/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 21, 48, 128 and 149 together.
I propose to take PQs 21383, 22077, 22089, 22273 and 22368 together.
In 2022, the OPW was asked by Government to develop a pilot programme of an initial 500 rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). That number was subsequently increased to 700 late last year.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) was asked to assist in identifying sites that might be suitable by seeking information from public authorities on potential sites in their ownership.
The OPW had already begun liaising with the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) relating to the possible use of modular housing units to provide durable accommodation solutions. Those discussions considered the potential capacity of the modular manufacturing industry in Ireland to produce a product at scale and to the appropriate standard.
In conjunction with the CIF and the modular manufacturing industry, the OPW developed an exemplar design and specification to ensure Building Regulation compliance. The modular prototype that was designed is a highly energy efficient durable single storey unit (with a useful life of 60 years). The units would be fully fitted out and transported onto sites around the country.
The OPW undertook an accelerated procurement procedure to select a main contractor to carry out site enabling works and arrange for the manufacture, transportation and installation of modular units. A contract with John Sisk & Son was awarded in August 2022. Sisk then engaged with a range of modular manufacturers an established a framework of 5 suppliers.
A number of interrelated activities took place simultaneously relating to:
• Sites selection via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
• Engagement with site owners;
• Finalising the work programme with the main contractor to manage the enabling works on sites, the acquisition of modular units and their transportation and installation; and
• There has also been considerable positive collaboration with utility bodies such as ESB Networks, Irish Water and Open Eir on those aspects of the site development.
Commencement of site works began in November 2022 on the first available sites.
From the outset, the OPW was acutely aware that the most complex part of the process would be the identification of suitable State-owned sites against a backdrop of pressure on housing supply.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) provided information on sites that were identified to it by local authorities and other public bodies. However, while local authorities, in particular, have some sites in their ownership, many of these are earmarked for future housing development and were not readily available for this programme.
Nevertheless, work is already well underway on the first phase of seven sites. So far, locations in Cavan town, Mahon in Cork, Thurles, Sligo, Claremorris, Clonminch and Rathdowney are being developed. The first of the sites at Mahon in Cork will be completed for handover to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) around the end of May, with residents expected to be able to move in from mid-June onwards.
The OPW continues to work with DHLGH and with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other bodies on the next phase of suitable sites, in order to deliver the required 700 units. For its part, the OPW has included 3 of its sites in the first phase of the development of the housing units. Those sites are in Cavan, Thurles and Claremorris and will accommodate up to 118 persons.
It is important to note that the completion timelines for the programme have always been subject to any technical issues arising during construction. There were a number of such issues that arose over the past few months relating to site conditions, remedial works, boundaries, etc. that delayed earlier forecasted dates of completion on sites included in the programme.
In terms of cost information, the project is still ongoing. Until that process is completed, it is not possible to fully specify a final figure or establish the cost per square metre.
From the beginning of the humanitarian crisis, the OPW also provided the relevant Departments with information on its surplus properties to be assessed for potential humanitarian residential use.
To-date, a small number of buildings have been identified as potentially suitable and are currently either being assessed or are in the re-design stage.
Conclusion
From the start of this project, the emphasis has been on delivery of quality homes that will enhance local environments.
Once completed, the developments will be to a high standard and will include permanent infrastructure, high quality public realm, streets, water, waste, roads, pedestrian routes, lighting, landscaping, semi-private front curtilage and small private rear gardens. These homes will provide housing for up to 2,800 individuals in family units on State-owned land.
15. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the role his Department will have in approving an automatic enrolment pension system; the overall cost to the State of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22111/23]
View answer31. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will clarify the role his Department will have in approving an automatic enrolment pension system; the expected overall cost to the State of the scheme; the details of the engagement his Department has had with the Department of Social Protection in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22155/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 31 together.
Auto-Enrolment is a Programme For Government commitment and a key priority for Minister Humphreys and the Government. In March 2022, Government approved the design of AE and implementation of the AE system is underway. Under AE, employees will have access to a workplace retirement savings scheme, co-funded by their employer and the State. For every €3 a worker pays into it, they'll have another €4 credited to their account, and the contributions will all then be invested.
A significant work programme to give effect to this Government decision is currently underway within the Department of Social Protection, involving legislative, IT, communications, and staffing/organisation components. This work includes detailed and ongoing consideration of the resources required to operate the system, including the costings and financing of the Central Processing Authority that will be established to operate the AE system.
Responsibility for the development of the policy and implementation of the Automatic Enrolment Pension System is a matter, in the first instance, for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection. As proposals around this policy matter are developed, the Minister for Social Protection will bring them to Government for consideration and approval.
When a clearer view of the costs involved is known the Department of Social Protection will engage with the Department in the normal way as part of the annual Estimates process to determine the annual provision made to fund the AutoEnrolment Pensions System. As a matter of principle, the sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is required for all expenditure. Neither the voting of money by Dáil Éireann, nor the inclusion of an allocation in an Estimate constitutes sanction. Approval of a proposal by the Government does not absolve the promoting Department from the need to obtain the specific sanction of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. It is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection to calculate these costs and the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform looks forward to discussing this key consideration with her when that work is complete.
My Department has participated in the Senior Officials Group on Pensions and the former Minister has attended the Cabinet Committee on the Economy and Investment at which these matters were considered. In addition, the Department engages with the proposals as they are referred to Government. Engagement with the Department of Social Protection will be continued throughout the detailed design and development of the Auto-Enrolment Scheme, particularly around those matters that may give rise to a cost for the Exchequer.
16. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the further measures his Department is considering in dealing with crippling rising interest rates which are greatly affecting thousands of households across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/23]
View answerIn recognition of the impact of high energy prices and the rising costs of living on individuals, households and businesses, Government has provided significant supports over the period since Budget 2022.
Most recently, Government announced a €1.3 billion package of measures in February this year. €800 million in taxation measures provided for the extension of the temporary reductions in the VAT rates on the supply of gas and electricity and for Tourism and Hospitality and for a phased restoration of the rates of excise on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil until end-October. The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme was also extended and enhanced.
€500 million in targeted and temporary expenditure measures will provide supports for families with children, low income working families, carers, those on disability payments and pensioners. These measures include:
• A €200 lump sum to long-term social welfare recipients
• A €100 per child lump sum child benefit payment
• A one-off €100 increase in the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
• Reduced School Transport charges
• The waiver of State Exam fees for Junior and Leaving Certificate, and
• Completing the rollout of the Hot School Meals Programme to all DEIS primary schools
These supports build on the significant permanent expenditure measures in Budget 2023 including the €12 increase in weekly payments for social welfare recipients.
In addition, the €2.2 billion in Winter Cost of Living package for households provided additional temporary supports to ease the burden of rising costs of living over the winter period.
Together with cost of living measures introduced earlier in 2022, Government has introduced some €10 billion worth of measures which provide supports for households and individuals.
The Government's approach to the cost of living pressures has always sought to balance the particular challenges faced by business and households, particularly those households on lower and fixed incomes, and the need to protect the long-term sustainability of the public finances.
My colleagues and I remain conscious of the pressures faced by households due to rising interest rates and other cost of living pressures. My Department, alongside the Department of Finance, will continue to closely monitor economic developments and the impact on society as we progress through the year.
17. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the up-to-date position regarding improvements to visitor facilities and conservation efforts on An Blascaod Mór; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22153/23]
View answerThe conservation and protection of An Blascaod Mór continues to be of great importance to the OPW. Visitor access to the island has resumed since April 2023, and a guide service is available on the island every day that boats can safely depart from Dun Chaoin pier.
OPW reached an agreement with a local landowner to provide toilet facilities for visitors for the 2023 season. This facility, which also includes an indoor shelter for visitors, was in place for the start of the season. in April 2023. Work on progressing permanent welfare facilities for visitors are also being progressed.
An Blascaod Mór has a rich biodiversity and wildlife presence. The OPW recently completed a biodiversity baseline study. A first draft has been received and a final report is expected in Q2 2023. This study will provide valuable data on the habitats and species present on the island, and also in the lands surrounding the Blasket Centre. This study will help the OPW to ensure that biodiversity on the Island is protected.
Most visitors to the An Blascaod Mór take great care not to cause any damage to the biodiversity or the heritage buildings on the Island. During the winter, OPW has produced a leaflet to explain to visitors how to protect the wildlife and heritage on the island. This leaflet has been provided to the boat operators to share with visitors before they arrive on the island. The leaflet has been printed on biodegradable paper to minimise any potential environmental impact of providing this extra information to ensure the ongoing conservation of the Island.
Tenders have been invited for a new Conservation Management Plan (CMP). This plan will guide the development and care of the Island into the future. It is anticipated that a successful tenderer will be appointed by mid-2023, as there is a closing date for the receipt of tenders of 16th May. This plan will consider the elements of conservation, heritage protection, archaeology, transport planning, marine biology and environmental ecology in relation to the Island.
The plan will include a comprehensive inventory of the built and natural heritage of the Island. It will acknowledge the Island’s status as a Special Area of Conservation and a Natura 2000 site and its unique role in Irish cultural heritage. Work has already been undertaken to survey ‘An Dáil’, one of the most significant structures on the island.
The OPW continues to plan for improved landing facilities on the Island. This would allow boats to land passengers directly to the island. These facilities are an essential element to the sustainable management of the island.
Planning permission for a pier was previously granted in 2003. However, Kerry County Council have advised that is necessary to secure fresh planning permission. This is because there have been significant changes in the designated status of the island. Environmental regulations have also changed in the period since the original permission was granted.
This will need new environmental and other reports to support such a planning application. A detailed solution for the design of these landing facilities is also required. The OPW has recently contacted relevant stakeholders. A senior officials group has been convened to progress this objective, and consultants have been appointed to provide expert advice on ecological and planning issues related to the landing facilities.
18. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the reinstatement of the Turoe Stone in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22152/23]
View answerThe statutory role of the OPW in relation to the conservation and protection of National Monuments in State care is defined under relevant National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004. While the primary focus is clearly on the conservation of National Monuments, the Office of Public Works holds as a central part of its mission in respect of National Monuments in their care that they should, wherever possible, be located within their proper historical context and should be freely available to view by visitors.
The Turoe Stone had been located on a site adjacent to the Turoe Pet Farm enterprise and, though the artefact was not itself owned by the proprietors, it was placed on their lands and they exercised, in cooperation with the Office of Public Works, a significant positive role in its care and custodianship. It was located unprotected on a tiny piece of ground not much bigger than the stone itself.
The Turoe Stone is carved from granite and covered with intricate La Tène designs produced in low relief to a depth of about one inch. The abstract artwork consists of a continuous series of curved lines, including circles, concentric spirals and other curvilinear motifs such as trumpet-ends and triskeles. A number of key-designs are also visible. The stone stands at 1.2m in height from finished ground level with its lower section embedded in the ground.
Following discussions with the National Museum and the Department of Culture, Heritage and The Gaeltacht, the stone was removed and placed in storage by the Office of Public Works for its protection. At the time, a commitment was given to the owners of Turoe Pet Farm that the stone would be returned to the site, following conservation treatment and a new enclosure constructed for the stone. An architectural feasibility study was commissioned by the National Monuments Service in July 2019, set out to explore options for the new enclosure for the stone.
The report suggested an environmentally controlled enclosure be created for the stone and it be put on display in the carpark where it would be protected. The opportunity is being taken to create a more visitor and tourism-friendly attraction which is more accessible to people coming to the artefact either directly or as part of a wider visit experience including the Farm and which creates an enhanced setting for this unique object within the local landscape close to where it originated.
Planning permission was granted on 8 August 2022 for the erection of the new structure to protect the Turoe Stone as it returns. The development of a detailed programme of works and cost plan is underway. The Office of Public Works is awaiting an archaeological excavations report, this is expected in the coming weeks, and will further inform the programme and costings to progress this project.
The location for the proposed project falls within Fáilte Ireland’s: Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the OPW intention is that it would resonate strongly with that identity and represent a vibrant local attraction at the Loughrea site, encouraging discovery by visiting tourists and citizens and contributing to the local tourism economy, most directly represented by the adjacent Pet Farm, which is a thriving local attraction which brings many visitors to the area.
Given the OPWs long involvement in caring for the monument, we are committed that the stone will be returned to the site once the new enclosure is constructed.
19. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress being made in relation to flood risk management at Annagassan and Termonfeckin, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21491/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works, Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and covered 300 areas believed to be at significant flood risk.
The CFRAM process investigated possible structural Flood Relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin. However while CFRAM did not identify economically viable schemes for these communities the OPW is undertaking a review of the risk in these communities and the likely costs and benefits.
The purpose of the Scheme Viability Review (SVR) is to determine whether or not potential schemes should be taken to the full Flood Relief Scheme Project Stages. Its purpose is not to develop and design a Scheme in preparation for planning.
Due to resource constraints in the market the Termonfeckin SVR is being undertaken by the OPW and is expected to be completed by the end of Q3 2023.
Following a procurement process to complete the review of a potential scheme for Annagassan consultants have been appointed and the outcome of the review is expected at the end of 2023.
Once the outcome of the SVRs are known OPW will discuss the results with Louth County Council.
20. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on proposed developments at the Oldbridge site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22101/23]
View answerOldbridge Estate is situated on 500 acres in Co. Meath taking in much of the original historic battlefield of the Battle of the Boyne. It was acquired by the Irish State for the purpose of conserving and presenting the location of this pivotal event in Irish history, for current and future generations. The site is of deep historical and political significance to many communities on the island of Ireland and a significant population of visitors from communities in Northern Ireland visit the site each year.
Oldbridge House provides an interpretative centre, which can welcome over 30,000 annual visitors to the exhibition featuring authentic 17th century armaments and accompanying audio-visual presentations. The surrounding parkland holds both Green Flag and Green Heritage Site status, and is the seventh most popular free OPW visitor site nationwide.
The OPW is ambitious for the Battle of the Boyne at Oldbridge Estate to build on the success of the parklands and develop into the future as a multi-faceted visitor attraction.
To advance this objective, the OPW commissioned a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) to assess and outline the significant features of the estate and provide a roadmap of future development potential. A first draft of this report has been received, with a final draft expected in Q2 2023.
A Biodiversity Baseline Study has been completed for the estate. The outputs from this study will inform the site's biodiversity mission and will direct the team who ensure the Estate continues to meet the high standards of An Taisce's Green Flag programme.
There are four structures at the entrance of the site known as 'Oldbridge Village', which are constructed in the footprint of historic buildings and offer an atmospheric first impression of the battle site. These have come to the end of their expected lifespan and tenders will shortly be invited to replace them. The replacement works will be scheduled for completion in 2023.
Tenders have also been invited to undertake works to prop up a limb of the Battle Oak, a significant tree on the site that survives since the day of the battle in 1690. This will ensure the ongoing survival of the tree, which was a finalist for Ireland's Tree of the Year in 2019.
The Farmyard Complex, located between the battlefield and the river Boyne, is in need of restoration works, and a number of recommendations for its future conservation and possible restoration will be included in the final CMP. Invitations to tender are expected to issue in coming months for engineering and ecological surveys of the farmyard buildings and for a ground penetrating radar survey of the farmyard to identify any archaeological material below ground.
Following complicated repairs, the laser model that forms the centrepiece of the exhibition in Oldbridge House is once again operational.
In the longer term, the OPW looks forward to developing detailed plans for reinvigorating the exhibition and visitor offer, which has proven popular for its fifteen years of service, but has the potential for a re-imagining to present the history of the Battle of the Boyne to a new generation of visitors.
22. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures he is taking to prevent the incidence of the cost over-runs and project delays regarding the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22170/23]
View answerThe Government has committed to €165 billion in capital investment through the National Development Plan (NDP) published in 2021. As a percentage of national income, annual capital investment is now among the largest in the EU. In 2023, almost €12 billion will fund vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action. Achieving value for money and reducing cost and schedule overruns is a vital part of delivering the NDP.
My Department is responsible for the Public Spending Code (PSC)/Infrastructure Guidelines which sets the value for money requirements and guidance for evaluating, planning and managing Exchequer-funded capital projects. Management and delivery of investment projects and public services within allocation and the national frameworks is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister.
In March, I announced a number of reforms to this code aimed at enhancing project delivery for the NDP. Some specific changes designed to streamline the project lifecycle and approval process include:
• The general threshold for major projects increasing from €100m to €200m, allowing for projects below this limit to progress more speedily through the appraisal and evaluation process.
• The reduction of the number of approval stages prior to implementation from 5 to 3, reducing the administrative burden on Government departments charged with developing and delivering projects.
The Infrastructure Guidelines are intended to ensure that the State gets the best possible value for the resources at its disposal. The requirements in the Infrastructure Guidelines will be based on employing good practices at all stages of the expenditure life-cycle. The present update relates to the requirements for evaluating, planning and managing public investment proposals. All Government Departments, local authorities, the Health Service Executive, public bodies, and all bodies in receipt of public funding must comply, as appropriate, with the relevant requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.
This is a significant policy development that allows departments responsible for delivering projects greater autonomy to pursue the delivery of their priority projects, while still complying with overall value for money principles. Crucial oversight processes for major projects are maintained through the retention of the External Assurance Process as well as by review by the Major Projects Advisory Group prior to seeking Government Approval to proceed, in line with international best practice.
The Major Projects Advisory Group was set up by the Department to assist us in our project oversight role. Five external experts with extensive experience in planning, managing and delivering major projects were appointed to the Group. This Group scrutinise major project proposals prior to Government consideration and over the last two years have been carrying out this role across significant NDP projects in healthcare, transport and housing, helping to ensure improved project outturns, avoid cost overruns and avoid delays to project delivery’s.
Experience from other countries which have introduced similar independent assurance processes shows that such arrangements reduce project schedule delay and cost overruns. These arrangements are in line with leading international performers and meet a recommendation of the IMF’s Public Investment Management Assessment of Ireland.
23. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the most salient issues to be addressed to bring about a more expeditious delivery of the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21472/23]
View answerThe Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. Management and delivery of individual investment projects within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP) is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister.
The NDP delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. The renaming and reconstitution of the Minister’s Department, to specifically include NDP Delivery, brings about a greater emphasis and mandate for the delivery of the NDP. In light of this new role, a review of the support structures and levers available across Government to maximise delivery of projects was undertaken. As a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects. The Minister secured Government approval for that package of measures in March which include:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects;
• The Minister is now taking a direct role in overseeing delivery of the NDP through chairing the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board;
• Capacity reviews of departments and agencies with significant delivery programmes to ensure that adequate resources for project delivery are in place;
• Additional reforms to the Capital Works Management Framework, which sets out the contracts used for public capital projects;
• Direct reporting to Government on NDP delivery on a quarterly basis throughout 2023 and 2024 will now also take place and
• An independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity will be conducted over the coming months.
In addition, the Minister’s Department will continue to work closely with the construction sector through the Construction Sector Group to improve productivity and delivery capacity. Important initiatives have been launched and supported through the Construction Sector Group in recent years including the Build Digital Project to digitise the sector, Construct Innovate to provide cutting edge research, and the Demonstration Park for Modern Methods of Construction to showcase innovative building techniques.
The Minister is confident that the combination of all these actions will support the delivery of the critical infrastructure we need to support a growing economy and higher living standards for those living here. I believe input of experts on the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board will highlight the key impediments to project delivery and I will work towards delivering mitigating actions to boost project delivery.
24. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the targets for 2023 for the climate division of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21492/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for his question.
The Climate Division in the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform has responsibility for oversight of capital investment policies and advises the Minister and Government on the public expenditure implications of climate action. The Climate Division drives the implementation of the NDP in the context of Project Ireland 2040 and has responsibility for the management of the following Votes: Transport; Agriculture, Fisheries & the Marine; OPW; Communications, Climate and the Environment; Foreign Affairs; and Overseas Development.
The key targets for the Climate Division in 2023 include
• Robust monitoring of the expenditure implications of both national and international climate policies to understand the potential costs associated with achieving climate targets, and to ensure that the Department’s policies and tools take sufficient account of climate considerations. This is a multi-faceted programme of work that builds on the progress made in previous years to help shape policymaking in a way that is financially sustainable and represents the best use of available resources.
• This work is supported by the Climate Research Unit within the Division, whose objective is to undertake analysis on the wider potential economic implications of climate policies and the potential compliance costs associated with climate targets. The Climate Research Unit is working in collaboration with the Department of Finance and the Economic & Social Research Institute to estimate the macroeconomic and fiscal impacts of the State’s climate action measures, and examine the distributional impacts of climate policy on the Irish economy and the costs that individual households and businesses are likely to face as a result of the climate transition. This work programme will also strengthen co-operation and skills transfer between the ESRI, the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform.
• Another key objective of the Climate Division for 2023 is to effectively monitor delivery of Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan. This includes providing oversight and guidance in relation to ongoing reform of infrastructure guidelines and conducting in-depth technical reviews of business cases for major infrastructure projects through the Major Projects Advisory Group. Conducting economic analysis on wider issues related to construction sector capacity and productivity is another core objective within this workstream, to provide important insights to support timely delivery of key infrastructure milestones.
• The Climate Division also has responsibility for the implementation of performance reporting and driving progress in the development and application of budgeting tools such as well-being, green and equality budgeting. These are designed to bring a greater level of transparency and accountability to how public money is being spent, and strengthen the link between expenditure allocations and the delivery of public service outputs and outcomes.
• Finally, the Climate Division has ongoing targets in respect of effective oversight and monitoring of expenditure in relation to each of the following Votes – Agriculture Food and the Marine, Transport, the Office of Public Works, Environment, Climate and Communications and Foreign Affairs – in line with the annual budgetary cycle and to enable the Division to meet our objective of providing high quality advice in relation to these Vote Groups, including in respect of bodies operating under the aegis of these Departments.
26. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the recent Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22169/23]
View answerI was delighted to chair the inaugural meeting of the reconstituted Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board on May 2nd. I have taken the step of personally chairing this Board to drive project delivery for the National Development Plan (NDP) over its lifetime. The membership of the new Board comprises myself as Chair; Secretary General, Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform; Secretary General, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; Secretary General, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; along with five external members of the Board.
At the first meeting of the Board I set out the importance of delivering the NDP for the future prosperity of the country, and to achieve critical social and environmental goals. I also highlighted the importance of having an external view on the progress of Government in bringing further insights to the consideration of policy challenges. I requested that members submit to the Secretariat of the Board their views on the constraints holding back delivery of the National Development Plan (NDP). The constraints identified will be the focus of the next meetings of the Board. I also requested that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) give a presentation at the next meeting on the work they are doing in relation to boosting the skills capacity in the construction sector.
The terms of reference for the Board were agreed at its first meeting. At the meeting I signalled that the key term of reference for this Board was to “Identify system wide responses to resolve any significant cross-cutting issues arising from National Development Plan (NDP) and National Planning Framework (NPF) implementation.” I also indicated that there may have to be more meetings of the Board than those planned quarterly in view of the importance of advancing NDP delivery.
At future meetings Sectoral Secretaries General/Heads of Office will be invited to appear before the group to highlight efforts to increase delivery. In addition, there will be increased focus on addressing the constraints that are impeding NDP delivery including fixing the planning challenges, boosting the skills offering in the construction sector and boosting construction sector productivity.
My chairing of the Delivery Board is part of a wider suite of significant actions aimed at enhancing project delivery in the NDP. The recent renaming and reconstitution of my Department, to specifically include NDP Delivery, brought about a greater emphasis and mandate for the delivery of the NDP. In light of this new role, a review of the support structures and levers available across Government to maximise delivery of projects was undertaken. As a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects and programmes. I secured government approval for that package of measures on 29 March. Those other actions being advanced to support delivery include:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects;
• Capacity reviews of departments and agencies with significant delivery programmes to be carried out, where appropriate, to ensure that adequate resources for project delivery are in place;
• Additional reforms to the Capital Works Management Framework, which sets out the contracts used for public capital projects;
• Direct reporting to Government on NDP delivery on a quarterly basis throughout 2023 and 2024 will now also take place and
• An independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity will be conducted over the coming months.
I am confident that the combination of these priority actions above will boost the delivery of the critical infrastructure we need to support a growing economy and higher living standards for those living here. In particular, I believe input of experts on the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board will highlight the key impediments to project delivery and I will work towards delivering mitigating actions to boost project delivery. I look forward to working with all the Board members over the coming months to make that ambition a reality.
27. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform as the new Chair of the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board, the processes and procedures he hopes to implement that will speak to a fair allocation of national capital monies to individual regions and populations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22059/23]
View answerBalanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040.
Project Ireland 2040 includes the National Planning Framework (NPF), which sets the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years and sets out ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) to provide a strategic framework for the selection and development of appropriate interventions to address infrastructure needs at a national, regional and local level.
As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform 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, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. My Department therefore allocates expenditure on a departmental basis, not a geographic basis.
The recent renaming and reconstitution of my Department, to specifically include NDP Delivery, has brought about a greater emphasis and mandate for the delivery of the NDP. In light of this new role, a review of the support structures and levers available across Government to maximise delivery of projects was undertaken, as well as engagement with stakeholders and Government colleagues. As a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects and programmes. I secured Government approval for that package of measures on 29 March. Those measures include:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects;
• As Minister I am now taking a direct role in overseeing delivery of the NDP through chairing the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board. The new Delivery Board will focus on major project (€200m+) delivery targets. Sectoral Secretaries General will be invited to appear before the group to highlight efforts to increase delivery. In addition, there will be increased focus on fixing the planning challenges, boosting the skills offering in the construction sector and boosting construction sector productivity;
• Capacity reviews of departments and agencies with significant delivery programmes to ensure that adequate resources for project delivery are in place;
• Additional reforms to the Capital Works Management Framework, which sets out the contracts used for public capital projects;
• Direct reporting to Government on NDP delivery on a quarterly basis throughout 2023 and 2024 will now also take place and
• In addition, an independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity will be conducted over the coming months.
I am confident that the combination of all the actions I have recently brought forward to boost NDP delivery will lead to improved outcomes for citizens in all regions of the country.
28. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide details of any best international comparisons undertaken by him in his role as Minister for the OPW regarding flood relief and climate adaptation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22087/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is engaging internationally with colleagues in other jurisdictions on the mutual challenge of managing flood risk. Last November, I and my officials visited a number of areas in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium to witness at first hand the impact of flooding and to see how measures to manage flood risk are being delivered.
Record-breaking rainfall over two days in July 2021 caused devastating flooding in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. In the North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatine in Germany and in the Wallonia region in Belgium, over 220 people died and some 150,000 people were affected. The damage caused by the catastrophic flooding ran into the billions of Euro and in the Wallonia region in Belgium alone was estimated at €5.2 billion. In this area 45,000 houses and buildings were damaged, 11,000 cars were destroyed and 150,000 tonnes of debris was generated and 3,000 people ultimately had to be rehoused due to the destruction and damage to their homes. It was described as one of the greatest natural disasters the country has ever known.
I engaged with subject matter experts in each of these countries to explore policies and strategies to address river and coastal flooding, including the delivery of flood defence projects, the potential for nature-based and other innovative solutions and the role of community resilience.
It is likely that climate change will have significant impacts on flooding and flood risk in Ireland due to rising sea levels, increased rainfall in winter, more heavy rain days and more intense storms. Managing Ireland’s flood risk is a long-term commitment, requiring a multi-sectoral approach through both capital infrastructural measures and non-infrastructural measures. The OPW is leading a proactive and whole of Government approach to managing flood risk that takes the potential impacts of climate change into account, across three strategic areas -
• Prevention - avoiding construction in flood-prone areas.
• Protection - taking feasible measures to protect areas against flooding.
• Preparedness - planning and responding to reduce the impacts of flood events.
The OPWs €1.3 billion programme of flood relief schemes is taking account of climate change in their design and construction to facilitate adaptation that may be necessary in the future for the scheme to continue to provide protection. In the assessment of the flood risk that could arise in the future due to climate change, the climate change scenarios adopted are in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and national research, and include a sea level rise of up to 1 metre by the year 2100.
An independent peer review was carried out in 2015/16 by the Dutch Risk Reduction Team of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment of the Netherlands to validate the approach to flood risk management policy in Ireland. It was carried out at a high-level and examined broad policy, strategy and financial issues, with comparison made to international approaches and safety standards, and took into account statutory requirements and contexts. The main finding of the Dutch Risk Reduction Team was that Irish flood risk management complies with international best practice and is well on track.
29. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress to date on the development of definitions to identify, track and reduce Government spending that may be having a negative impact on climate and environmental outcomes as contained within the 2023 Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for this question. The Climate Action Plan 2023 is the second annual update to Ireland’s national response to climate change and in it DPENDR have committed to developing and applying definitions to identify and track government spending that may be having a negative impact on climate and environmental outcomes.
A staff paper entitled ‘Review of Fossil Fuel Subsidies and other Potentially Climate Harmful Supports’ published in February 2023 represents the first step in fulfilling this commitment.
Having examined the various definitions of fossil fuel subsidies that are in use internationally, and considered the most appropriate definition for use in an Irish context, this paper defined a subsidy as any government support that confers an advantage on consumers or producers in order to supplement their income or lower their costs. A subsidy is considered to be a Potentially Climate Harmful Support if it is likely to incentivise behaviour that increases greenhouse gas emissions, irrespective of its importance for other policy purposes.
This definition was applied to identify fossil fuel and other potentially climate harmful supports in Budget 2023 on a subhead by subhead basis. The paper includes an inventory of expenditure subheads that meet this definition but it does not explicitly measure the impact of supports on the price of greenhouse gas producing activities, quantities consumed or emissions levels.
The identification of a subhead as a potentially climate harmful support does not mean that a programme is flawed or should be halted. Rather, it means that careful consideration should be given to determining if there are potentially better means of achieving the outcomes the expenditure supports.
Based on the results of this analysis, €1.9 billion allocated in Budget 2023 was considered to be potentially climate harmful. However, in several instances not all of the expenditure included in a subhead was potentially climate harmful, but the full subhead was included on the basis that a material portion of the spending was potentially climate harmful. Additionally, it should be noted that infrastructure provision is not included in this iteration of the review, nor are wider environmental impacts beyond climate mitigation considered (e.g. biodiversity). However, the provision of infrastructure investment was subject to a climate and environmental assessment undertaken by DPER in 2021 as part of the National Development Plan (NDP) Review.
For more information I would direct the Deputy to the full paper, which is available to download on the gov.ie website and contains more detailed results, including a the breakdown of potentially climate harmful spending across Government Departments.
30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the allocation to Monaghan County Council in relation to flood alleviation measures in 2022 and to date in 2023. [22042/23]
View answerI am advised that Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All local authorities may carry out flood mitigation or alleviation works, within their own capital works programme and using their own resources, or by applying for funding under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding within their areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the Scheme, including a cost benefit ratio.
The scheme is demand led and the funding has always been available to cover eligible applications submitted by the Local Authorities and will continue to be available on this basis in 2023.
Since the inception of the Minor Works Scheme in 2009, Monaghan County Council has received approximately €2.5million in funding. No requests for funding have been received from Monaghan County Council since 2021. I and my Office promote and encourage local authorities to avail of the funding under the scheme to address such localised flooding issues.
The OPW guidelines for funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, together with a full list of funding approvals since 2009 is available on the OPW website, www.floodinfo.ie.
32. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if there has been any update or review of the national capital tracker to provide greater transparency in terms of projects status, development timelines and associated costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22057/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I have responsibility for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. Management and delivery of individual investment projects within the allocations agreed under the NDP is a key responsibility of every Department and Minister. In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, hospitals and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements. The Government is committed to detailing progress on the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals to allow for full transparency of the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This is achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments that have been made throughout the country.The capital tracker and interactive map are key tools in overseeing the progress of Project Ireland 2040. Their purpose is to facilitate communication, monitoring and planning of investments and to inform citizens of the variety of projects currently in the planning and construction phase in their local regions and throughout the country.
The latest editions of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and interactive map, were published on the gov.ie/2040 website in February. The tracker includes comprehensive details on almost 320 large scale projects and 140 individual programmes, while the interactive map database includes an exhaustive overview of 1,240 individual projects. Since the launch of the first NDP in 2018, the tracker has been updated regularly and contains project updates detailing for example a brief outline of the project; the Department or Body responsible for delivering the project; the location and region of the project; the type of investment which links it to specific sectors; the alignment of the project with the National Planning Framework’s 10 National Strategic Outcomes; the current status of the project; the construction commencement date of the project; the completion or anticipated completion date of the project; the current stage of the project lifecycle as per the Public Spending Code and finally, there is also information on the project cost range. All of this information can be filtered and sorted by the user into their required data fields.
33. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the proposed Crossmolina flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22088/23]
View answerThe latest position regarding the proposed River Deel Flood Relief Scheme in Crossmolina is unchanged from the update provided to the House on 9th May 2023. The Office of Public Works has sought consent for the scheme in accordance with the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019. An initial round of public consultation was held beginning on the 1st December 2020 and concluding on the 11th January 2021. Following this period of public consultation, my Department sought additional information regarding the scheme from the Office of Public Works. The OPW provided this information to my Department in July 2021. On foot of receiving further information, a further period of public consultation was then required and this took place over the period from the 6th May 2022 to the 1st July 2022. My Department has retained independent environmental consultants to review the submissions received during the consultation and to carry out any necessary environmental assessments as required by EU Directives 2011/92 and 2014/52.Section 7E(4) of the regulations provides that I have access to sufficient expertise to examine an environmental impact assessment report submitted by OPW. In light of this requirement, independent consultants have been appointed to provide this expertise.My Department has been advised by the independent consultants that this work is due to be completed in the coming weeks. On completion, I expect to receive a recommendation on whether to confirm the scheme in accordance with Section 7E(1) of the Regulations. It is my expectation that I will receive this recommendation in Q2 of this year. Under Section 7E(1) of the Regulations it is open to me to: (a) make an order confirming the scheme,(b) refuse to confirm the scheme, or(c) refer the scheme back to the Commissioners of Public Works for revision in specified respects.Any decision made under Section 7E(1) will be published on the Department's website as required under Section 7F(1)(a) of the Regulations.
