Written Answers Nos. 46-65
46. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 6 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30903/23]
View answerAs 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.
National Strategic Outcome 6 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 provides for high quality international connectivity. 2022 saw clear progress against this goal including through the delivery of a number of key projects such as: the delivery of Dublin airport’s new North Runway which is a key piece of strategic national infrastructure for current and future generations in Ireland, and the Shannon Foynes Port Company’s (SFPCs) Infrastructure Development Programme is well underway, which includes land purchase and site development for a new port logistics park at Foynes Port and the Foynes Rail Reinstatement. This investment programme will improve international connectivity and increase capacity and external connectivity with the upgrade of the N69 and the reinstatement of the Limerick-Foynes rail line.
In Dublin, the Dublin Port is progressing implementation of its Masterplan 2040 to ensure that the Port can provide for future sustainable growth. The Masterplan will also facilitate changes in seaborne trade in goods and passenger movements to and from Ireland. Approximately 25 per cent of the overall project has been completed to date and Dublin Port Company has now secured all of the planning permissions required for the major development works planned on the northern side of the port.
In addition, I welcome the recent contract award to commence work on the essential upgrade of Terminal 7 at Rosslare Europort. These upgrade works are necessary to provide permanent Brexit infrastructure at Rosslare Europort to ensure compliance with EU Customs and other regulations. There are also plans progressing for the development of large-scale facilities at the port for the development of offshore renewable energy off the east coast of Ireland.
47. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which delivery of the national development plan is in accord with expectations; if any issues have arisen or continue to arise that might impede the progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30952/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am 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) are key responsibilities of every Department and Minister.
However, the Government and I acknowledge that the significant investment under the NDP does not come without delivery challenges. As you know, delivery of some NDP projects has been adversely impacted over the past three years as a result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. I am also acutely aware of the challenges that the construction industry has faced in terms of material price inflation, labour supply constraints, and supply chain disruption. As a result, in order to safeguard the delivery of key NDP projects, in January 2022, my Department introduced measures to address inflation for new contracts and tenders. Furthermore, in May 2022, a new set of measures to apportion additional inflation costs between the parties to public works contracts were introduced.
In terms of labour supply, I want to acknowledge the progress being made in terms of construction apprenticeships. In 2022, there was a total of 5,628 registrations in construction and construction-related apprenticeship programmes. This represented an increase of 26% on the pre-covid 2019 figure. In addition, I am aware that 39,955 employment permits were issued in 2022. Of these, 1,474 or 3.7% were for the construction sector.
Nevertheless, no-one is any doubt that the need to ensure timely project delivery must be part of the Government’s focus to respond effectively to the pressing challenges of our time, particularly in areas like housing, health and climate. The renaming of my Department as the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR), 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 a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects, including reducing the administrative burden on Departments charged with infrastructure delivery. Earlier this year, I secured Government approval for six priority actions which are:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects, through measures to streamline the Public Spending Code (to become the Infrastructure Guidelines);
• I am 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 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 and
• An independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity.
This package represents a fresh approach to securing delivery as part of my Department’s enhanced remit around the NDP.
I am confident that the combination of the six 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. In addition, my Department will continue to work closely with the construction sector in order to improve efficiency and enhanced delivery through the Construction Sector Group.
48. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason modular home suppliers contracted to an organisation (details supplied) to build modular homes for refugees are expected to pay upfront for the costs of their construction; and how this is feasible or efficient to timely delivery. [24840/23]
View answerIn 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.
Following this process, 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.
The rollout of the Rapid Build Homes programme is classified as a ‘matter of extreme urgency’ under the EU Directive governing procurement regulations. My Office decided to procure the Main Contract using a competitive procedure, one designed to meet the urgent requirements of this project. This procedure involved inviting main contractors, to submit a combined qualification and tender submission. The OPW used the contract form of NEC4, Option E, with some amendments as a model for the contract with the Main Contractor. NEC4 is a cost reimbursable contract in which the contractor is reimbursed the actual costs incurred in carrying out the works, plus an additional fee (management and overheads).
A contract with John Sisk & Son Ltd was awarded in August 2022. John Sisk & Son Ltd then engaged in a separate process with a range of modular manufacturers and established a framework of 5 suppliers for this programme.
Since contract commencement, my Office has been engaging regularly with John Sisk & Son Ltd to ensure the effective management of the Ukraine Rapid Build Programme. As the procurement of the modular manufacturers was undertaken by the main contractor, my Office has no direct contractual arrangements with any of the suppliers or manufacturers involved. I understand that, in addition to the contractual agreement John Sisk & Son Ltd has with the modular suppliers, payments are being made in an extremely prompt basis with no undue delay.
49. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which he continues to identify best practice in respect of public expenditure and reform, having regard to prevailing economic trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30953/23]
View answerThe Government’s approach to public expenditure policy seeks to ensure that the level of core expenditure growth is sustainable and that investment in expenditure delivers improvements to public services and infrastructure.
Careful management of our economy and public finances over the past number of years has allowed Government to:
• provide increased resources for core public services, investing in quality of life in Ireland to support a strong, fair and equal society into the future,
• deliver significant and essential infrastructural projects through our National Development Plan. These projects support this country’s employment prospects, economic development and regional growth,
• put in place considerable supports through non-core expenditure to respond to Brexit, war in Ukraine, cost of living pressures and Covid.
In Budget 2023, we responded to elevated inflation levels by implementing a two-pronged approach. This included increasing core expenditure to help support public services and utilising non-core expenditure to provide a range of temporary measures to help households and businesses with acute cost of living pressures, in particular elevated energy costs.
In terms of the approach to ongoing management of public expenditure, a number of budgetary processes are also in place, in line with best practice, to broaden the approach to appraising, implementing and reviewing policies.
Additionally, my Department engages regularly in international fora, including the OECD working parties and committees, to discuss and share insights. These discussions focus on spending reviews, budgetary reform and other areas that strengthen our ability to respond to economic, social and environmental challenges.
In respect of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of policy delivery, improving and supporting the evaluation capacity within Government Departments has formed an important part of the reform programme. Supported by the establishment of IGEES, this has led to the development of a number of additional processes and reports to support the budgetary framework. This includes the spending review process, managed by my Department, which seeks to assess the effectiveness of public expenditure in meeting policy objectives and in delivering positive impacts for our people.
50. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 4 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30886/23]
View answerNational Strategic Objective (NSO) 4 relates to Sustainable Mobility. While many of the projects under this strategic objective take a number of years to deliver fully, 2022 saw clear progress in the delivery of some key projects. BusConnects recently added 3 more spines linking West Dublin with Kildare. Proposals on BusConnects Cork network were published by the National Transport Authority in June. Galway City Council also submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for the Galway Cross-City Link through Galway City Centre.
The Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) is another important element of the plan to improve bus services across the State. Next Generation Ticketing involves the upgrade of fares and ticketing systems across bus services in Dublin. The National Transport Authority hopes to award this contract by end-2023.
172 new buses for PSO bus fleets were delivered in 2022, which included 107 fully electric vehicles and 24 hybrids. The Railway Order for DART+ West was submitted in July and the Government approved an initial order of 95 new carriages (65 battery-electric and 30 electric units). In addition, in November of last year, the Government approved a further order for 90 new battery-electric carriages.
In relation to new Dart+ routes the first non-statutory consultation on DART+ Coastal South was conducted in Q1 2023, and the second non-statutory consultation on DART+ Coastal North is currently ongoing.
Furthermore, the new National Train Control Centre was completed in 2022. This will underpin both the planned and potential future expansion of rail services across the entire rail network. I am also aware that an additional, 41 Inter-City Railcars have been ordered, delivery of which commenced in 2022. These are expected to come into service during the year.
Finally, I would note that the National Transport Authority through its Active Travel Unit supported over 1,000 individual walking and cycling infrastructure projects in 2022. Local authorities delivered over 25km of new or upgraded cycle facilities and around 153km of new or upgraded footpaths through this programme.
I am aware that very significant progress was made by local authorities over the last number of years to align their respective city and county development plans with the National Planning Framework. This will help to ensure that our local authorities are delivering on sustainable mobility in line with the national and regional policies.
51. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cumulative value of the investments to be made in counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford, respectively, under the timeframe of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the estimated funding drawdown to date in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30906/23]
View answerAs 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. Individual projects are selected based on a detailed process which begins with Departments or Agencies setting their own sectoral strategy and goals in line with the National Development Plan (NDP) and the National Planning Framework (NPF). The responsibility for the management and delivery of these investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the NDP, rests with the individual sponsoring Department. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not on a geographic basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which have been determined by the relevant Departments as central to the delivery of the National Planning Framework vision.
In 2023, over €12 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects. This 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, supporting balanced regional development and, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map, 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 which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published annually since 2018 with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming weeks. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Southern Region, including in counties Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
52. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the flood relief schemes in Cork South-West. [30759/23]
View answerIn response to the Deputy’s question I am pleased to give an update on the flood relief schemes in Cork south west.
In February 2022, J.B. Barry and Partners Ltd., in joint venture with JBA Consulting Ltd, were appointed by Cork County Council as engineering and environmental consultants to carry out the design of a viable scheme for Bantry. The scheme development and design is progressing with environmental surveys continuing, hydrological modelling largely complete and hydraulic modelling ongoing. Two gauges have been installed and works related to the Bantry Mill Culvert Project were completed in April 2023.
A number of Public Participation Days (PPD) will be held throughout the delivery of the project to ensure consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies, as well as with the public. A first PPD was held in May 2022 and a second PPD is scheduled for Q4 2023 when the public can provide feedback on the emerging flood relief options.
In Skibbereen, a length of flood defence wall upstream of the footbridge in the town centre remains to be constructed, which will facilitate flood defence at a high level (for relatively rare floods) for the adjacent apartments and the town centre, as well as for a proposed future public walkway, being proposed by the Council. It is expected that the cost for this work will be shared between the Council and OPW.
Other follow-on scheme works include works to two culverts on Mill Road and installation of discrete sections of rock revetments.
Drainage works on the N71 Cork Road, falling outside the remit of the scheme are required and are progressing in conjunction with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) with OPW providing some funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.
The Bandon Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed on 16th October 2020 and now provides protection to 392 properties. A number of additional minor items are still planned to be completed, such as fencing, railings, landscaping and conservation works to Bandon Bridge.
Clonakilty Flood Relief Scheme was substantially completed on 4th February 2021 and now provides protection to 296 properties.
Planning is ongoing in conjunction with Cork County Council, who will act as agents of OPW, in carrying out the statutory operation and maintenance of the three flood relief schemes in Clonakilty, Skibbereen and Bandon.
With respect to the Tranche II schemes in Castletown Bearhavan, Inishannon and Schull, while OPW has since 2018 trebled to 90 the number of schemes at design and construction, it is proactively planning to commence the balance of some 60 schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans. While the Government has given the financial commitment for these schemes, there are a number of constraints, including the highly professional engineering skills needed in the area of hydrology and hydraulic modelling. The limited resources available for this specialised area means that OPW must balance the schemes progressing with the resources available. However, over the past number of years the local authorities have developed their project management capability in the area of flood relief schemes. OPW is exploring with local authorities ways to identify and prioritise how their shared capacity and the experience gained by local authorities since 2018 can help progress new Schemes.
53. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 3 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30878/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for NSO 3 which relates to strengthening rural economies and communities. 2022 saw clear progress against this goal including through a number of initiatives such as: the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which provided funding of €21.5 million to 27 projects in early 2022 including the Fermoy Town Centre Renewal project, the Edenderry Regeneration project, the Monksland project in Roscommon, and the Dungarvan Digital Transformation Hub project. In November 2022, a further €115 million was approved for applicants in locations such as Ballyjamesduff, Macroom, Ramelton, Carrick-on-Suir and Athy.
In addition to this, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme provided funding for medium and small scale projects that aim to make our rural towns and villages more attractive and sustainable. Over €22 million was allocated in 2022 to over 75 Town and Village projects.
Furthermore, funding of over €19.8 million was approved for 259 projects in the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the development, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas.
Fáilte Ireland and Coillte continued to partner on progressing the International Mountain Biking Proposition for Rural Ireland with an additional 25km of new trails added in 2022 bringing the total amount of new trails developed to 64km and a total trail network of 185km.
Work on 36 Destination and Experience Development Plans continued all tailored to support the sustainable development of tourism in Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and Dublin with almost €6 million awarded to 12 towns.
Furthermore, I welcome the positive progress being made under the National Broadband Plan. Under the National Broadband Plan (NBP), I note that, as of 26 May 2023, design work is completed in townlands across every county in Ireland. Over 154,800 premises are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection from National Broadband Ireland, with over 140,000 premises passed and available for immediate connection.
I am aware that very significant progress and effort is being made by local authorities over the last number of years to strengthen and build resilience in rural towns and communities and deliver on the objectives of Project Ireland 2040.
54. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the progress in reviewing the NDP. [31025/23]
View answerAs Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery, and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. Over the lifetime of the National Development Plan from 2021 to 2030, the Government is investing €165 billion in new and upgraded infrastructure that will meet the needs of our growing population.
This year alone over €12 billion will be invested from the Exchequer in vital infrastructure projects. The NDP includes agreed Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. The capital expenditure ceilings take account of the overall capability of the construction sector to deliver on the NDP, and represents a solid pipeline that will have a transformative impact on employment opportunities, economic development and regional growth.
However, no one is in any doubt that the need to ensure timely project delivery is a part of the Government’s focus to respond effectively to the pressing challenges of our time, particularly in areas like housing, health and climate. The renaming of my Department as the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR), 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 a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects, including reducing the administrative burden on Departments charged with infrastructure delivery. Earlier this year, I secured Government approval for six priority actions which are:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects, through measures to streamline the Public Spending Code (to become the Infrastructure Guidelines);
• I am 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 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 and
• An independent review of NDP priorities and capacity.
The independent mid-term review of investment priorities and capacity of the NDP is currently ongoing, focusing on the capacity to deliver current Government priorities, to utilise sectoral capital allocations and to estimate the impact of the NDP on key economic indicators. This analysis will inform the overall capital expenditure ceilings for 2026 to 2028.
55. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the approach taken by his Department in actively assessing the impact of public expenditure on regional inequality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30984/23]
View answerBalanced regional development is a key priority of this Government and this priority is at the heart of Project Ireland 2040. This strategic plan includes the National Planning Framework (NPF), which sets the overarching spatial strategy for the next twenty years, along with the revised National Development Plan 2021-30 (NDP) which was published in October 2021. The revised NDP provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland over the next 10 years, and sees total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030.
Ensuring close alignment between the NDP and the National Planning Framework is necessary in order to accommodate a far bigger population by 2040 across Ireland's three regional assembly areas. The plan aims to ensure that 75% of growth takes place outside Dublin. One of the objectives of the review of the NDP was to ensure the alignment of investment with that strategy in order to promote regional development as planned.
It is important to note that the NDP is fundamentally a high-level financial and budgetary plan, which sets out the framework and broad direction for investment priorities. It includes Exchequer allocations for Departments for the period 2021-2025 to support the delivery of the ten national strategic outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework, including NSO 3 which seeks to strengthen rural economies and communities.
The NDP is not a comprehensive list of all the public investment projects that will take place over the next decade. However, where sufficient planning and evaluation has already taken place the NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which have been determined by the relevant Departments as central to the delivery of the National Planning Framework vision.
Individual projects are generally selected by Departments or Agencies based on a detailed process which begins with setting their own sectoral strategy and goals, and then subsequently identifying specific needs or challenges to be addressed, whether that be through regulation, taxation, education or potentially expenditure on an investment project.
The three Regional Assemblies are responsible for co-ordinating, promoting and supporting the strategic planning and sustainable development of their regions, by formulating Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). The strategy for each of the regions is to set out the priorities for the region based on the County Development Plans being integrated into a regional investment plan, which is expected to be a major driver of the implementation of the NPF.
The Government is committed to increasing public awareness of the capital investment in Project Ireland 2040 in all regions. A Project Ireland 2040 report on each regional assembly area, including the Northern and Western region, is published each year. The 2021 annual reports were published in July 2022 and are available on gov.ie/2040. The reports detail the specific regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in each region as part of the public investment detailed in the NDP.
In addition, my Department publishes a major capital projects tracker and an interactive map, which sets out details of the key projects and programmes being implemented under the NDP, including those in the Northern and Western region. The tracker and map include major projects across all regions and will be updated in the coming weeks and is also available on gov.ie/2040.
In conclusion, my Department works to serve all regions of the country and all of its citizens. Our priority is to deliver well-managed and well-targeted public spending, delivered through modernised, effective and accountable public services. By doing so, we aim to ensure equality of opportunity in terms of quality of life and public services across the State.
56. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of the development of an evaluation approach for the carbon capture of OPW-managed peatlands, woodlands, wetlands and other semi-natural habitats compared with the carbon footprint of delivering OPW services in heritage, property and flooding, as outlined in action 4. 6 of the Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30963/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works has established two co-ordinated programmes of work to tackle this matter. The Biodiversity Action Strategy 2022-2026 sets out the OPW’s intention for protecting, promoting and enhancing biodiversity across its operations.
As noted by the Deputy, Action 4.6 seeks to explore the role of OPW managed parklands and woodlands in carbon capture relative to the carbon footprint of delivering OPW’s services. The OPW has established a Climate Action Unit, which is aimed at the further decarbonisation of OPW activities across all areas of the organisation. Amongst other actions, this Unit aims to understanding the overall carbon footprint created in delivering the organisation's activities.
At present, the Biodiversity Action Strategy Steering Group is developing a scope of services to develop a carbon capture calculator for all OPW managed lands. It is envisaged that this calculator will enable a quantitative understanding of carbon capture and carbon generation. The timeline of this project is for delivery by the end of 2024.
57. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his views on the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service publication, Housing Analytical Notes, published on 5 December 2022, particularly the Planning Permissions and Housing Supply Analytical Note therein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25164/23]
View answerThe primary responsibility for Housing Policy rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. IGEES staff in DPENDR carry out research in a broad range of areas affecting expenditure, and while this informs the evidence base that is provided by officials in Ministerial briefings, Housing policy is developed and implemented within DHLGH.
The Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) is an integrated cross-Government service which seeks to enhance the role of analysis and evidence in public policy making. The two Housing Analytical Notes published last December are independent pieces of research conducted by IGEES staff in the Department. IGEES staff in DPENDR regularly undertake research, producing paper and analytical notes to contribute to the evidence base, which are used in policy discussions, dialogue with other Departments and to support evidence-informed policy-making.
The Planning Permissions and Housing Supply Analytical note seeks to broaden the evidence base underpinning the planning process by examining refusal rates, decision timing and planning appeals using available data. It also discusses the relationship between planning permissions and recent trends in housing supply more broadly, drawing on the available data, as well as the existing research and literature on this topic. A key finding from this research highlights the need for improved quality of planning data and for further research to be conducted to provide clear insights on the planning process and impacts on commencements and delivery.
The second housing analytical note, Review of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan 2018 – 2021, examines the activity and take up of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (now replaced by the Local Authority Home Loan). The findings highlighted the strong demand for the scheme and also demonstrated the important role this scheme has played in supporting 2,629 home purchases for lower income earners between February 2018 and December 2021, with a further 5,442 receiving approval in principle.
All of the work carried out by IGEES within the Department forms the evidence base which officials use to inform the Minister prior to any meetings that he/she attends (e.g. Cabinet Committee meetings) and policy discussions he engages in. Research and findings such as those seen in these two housing analytical notes form part of the briefings he/she has received to date on housing related issues.
All IGEES papers are publicly available and are published on the IGEES website. I fully support this transparency that allows members of the public, stakeholders and my Government colleagues to access these pieces of research and analysis and their findings.
All research and analysis prepared by members of IGEES, including work prepared by IGEES staff in the Department, while used to inform policy makers, are independent and do not necessarily represent the Ministerial policy view, nor the policy position of the Department or the Government. This independence is an important pillar of IGEES in its contribution to evidence informed policy making.
58. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the steps being taken to speed up the capacity to deliver major public projects [31026/23]
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. The actions include significant changes to reduce the administrative burden for Departments and public bodies developing capital projects.
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 removal of the requirement for a project to prepare a separate Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) at the start of the process. Instead, all the requirements previously required as part of a SAR must now be completed, and incorporated, as part of the Preliminary Business Case (PBC) at the first approval stage.
These changes have already been implemented through Government circular 06/2023. Further appraisal guidance will be published shortly, known as the Infrastructure Guidelines, as part of capital project development, which will supersede the existing Public Spending Code.
59. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the performance in relation to delivery of the NDP to date against the revised NDP adopted when this Government came to power; the overspend or underspend involved to date; the steps being taken to expedite the delivery of the plan in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30557/23]
View answer68. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the discussions he has had with Ministers in relation to the non-delivery of NDP projects to date; the result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30558/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 68 together.
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. Each Minister is responsible for deciding on the priority programmes and projects that will be delivered under their remit within the NDP and for setting out the timelines for delivery.
The NDP published in October 2021 provides a detailed and positive vision for Ireland out to 2030 and delivers total public investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030. The NDP establishes the Government’s over-arching investment framework and broad direction for investment priorities for this decade.
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 infrastructure to support our future climate, social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map 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 which have been made throughout the country.
Capital projects can go under or over profile for any number of reasons, such as delays in planning, delays caused by the rising level of costs, supply chain disruptions, fuel costs and skilled labour shortages. These factors may contribute to completion delays and therefore create a variance between the profiled drawdown of expenditure and the submission of invoices by contractors. As such, capital carryover is in place to assist Departments with the management of their capital spend across years to alleviate pressures and delays caused by timing issues and the impact of unexpected occurrences.
However, no one is in any doubt that the need to ensure timely project delivery must be part of the Government’s focus to respond effectively to the pressing challenges of our time, particularly in areas like housing, health and climate.
The renaming of my Department as the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR), 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 a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects, including reducing the administrative burden on Departments charged with infrastructure delivery. Earlier this year, I secured Government approval for six priority actions which are:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects, through measures to streamline the Public Spending Code (to become the Infrastructure Guidelines);
• I am 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 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.
This package represents a fresh approach to securing delivery as part of my Department’s enhanced remit around the NDP.
In summary, my focus on supporting and streamlining the delivery of NDP projects in a timely manner has been reinforced, while still ensuring value for money for the taxpayer. I am confident that the significant reforms that I have announced will boost the delivery of the critical infrastructure needed to support a growing economy and to secure higher living standards for those living here.
60. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the steps he is taking to expedite flood relief schemes in order to protect residents, businesses and local communities at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30985/23]
View answerIn 2018, to establish those communities that are at risk from significant flood events, the OPW completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State: the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary flood risk and identified solutions that can protect over 95% of that risk. Some 150 additional flood relief schemes were identified through this Programme.
The Irish Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of these flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 98 schemes at this time.
The implementation of flood relief projects is a very complex process with significant challenges. Designing a technical solution, ensuring a robust approach to the environmental assessments, and meeting other regulatory requirements are essential to both inform the best scheme and to reduce the risk of challenges to a proposed scheme.
Since 1995, significant progress has been made by the OPW on flood relief schemes/measures. To date, 53 schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 12,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €1.9 billion.
There are also currently some 98 active flood relief schemes being progressed through the various stages from scheme development (stage 1) through planning, detailed design (stage 3), construction and handover (stage 5). Eight of these active flood relief schemes are currently at construction stage, including Cois Abhainn in Westport, Co. Mayo. Once completed, these schemes will provide flood protection to approximately 1,700 properties.
In addition to the schemes already underway, under the national programme of investment, work has yet to commence on some 50 Tranche II schemes. The OPW is keen to agree a planned national approach to future schemes that matches return on investment from the available capacity between the local authorities and OPW. On 2nd May 2023, I announced that the OPW is piloting a new delivery model for flood relief schemes which will better inform the future Tranche II schemes delivery.
In addition to the flood relief schemes noted above, the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation or coastal protection works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk.
Information on the status of flood relief schemes and data on Minor Works is available at www.floodinfo.ie.
61. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the estimated cumulative value of the investments to be made in counties Clare, Tipperary and Limerick, respectively, under the timeframe of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; the estimated funding drawdown to date in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30986/23]
View answerAs 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. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographic basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which have been determined by the relevant Departments as central to the delivery of the National Planning Framework vision.
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, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map 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 which have been made throughout the country.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, including counties Clare, Tipperary and Limerick and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, with an update for 2022 scheduled to be published in the coming weeks. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Southern Region, including in counties Clare, Tipperary and Limerick, as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
62. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 5 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30884/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of these NSOs, including NSO 5 which relates to a Strong Economy supported by Enterprise, Innovation and Skills.
NSO 5 aims to maintain and enhance Ireland's status as a competitive, innovative and resilient enterprise base providing high-quality jobs and employment opportunities for people to live and prosper in all regions.
In 2022, there were 301,475 people employed in IDA supported employment, with a further 218,178 in Enterprise Ireland supported employment. The White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, published in December 2022, outlines a vision to enable Irish-based enterprise to succeed. Success will be determined through competitive advantage founded on sustainability, innovation and productivity and delivering rewarding jobs and livelihoods.
Ireland's foreign direct investment base has shown continued resilience with over 32,400 jobs created in 2022 in IDA supported client companies. More than half (52%) of IDA investments in 2022 went to regional locations. There were over 19,600 new jobs created by Enterprise Ireland supported companies in 2022.
The Government and I welcome the recent news that Ireland has ranked overall 2nd in the 2023 IMD World Competitive Rankings, which assesses and ranks 64 economies around the world based on their ability to create and maintain a competitive business environment. The ranking underlines the continued improvement in Ireland’s fiscal position, our strong national income growth and increased foreign direct investment.
63. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he has received a request from the Department of Transport for extra funding for roads projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30991/23]
View answerWhile I, as Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, am responsible for setting the annual allocations in line with the Government's Budget Strategy, the responsibility for the delivery of transport infrastructure including roads are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Mr. Eamon Ryan TD.
In 2023, the Department of Transport received an overall capital allocation of €2,622 million with €1,229 million allocated for road networks and road safety.
64. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 1 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30902/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of these NSOs, including NSO 1 which relates to compact growth.
NSO 1 aims to secure the sustainable growth of more compact urban and rural settlements supported by jobs, housing and essential services. Initiatives such as the Town Centre First, Croí Conaithe and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund aim to support regeneration of our towns and cities, encouraging compact growth. In addition to these specific measures, substantial investment has been prioritised for sustainable transport including active travel, BusConnects for all major cities, MetroLink and Dart+, all of which will further contribute to more sustainable cities and boost infill development.
Since April 2019, the assessment of all statutory local authority development plans, including variations to development plans and local area plans, is undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). The Office of the Planning Regulator ensures that local authority plans are consistent with relevant national and regional policies, including those related to compact growth.
I am aware that very significant progress was made by local authorities over the last two years to align their respective city and county development plans with the National Planning Framework (NPF). In total, 23 new city and county development plans came into effect during 2021 and 2022. This will help to ensure that our local authorities are delivering sequential and compact growth in line with national and regional policy.
65. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will review current GDPR policies to ensure data sharing is possible and more streamlined between State agencies, where there are serious safeguarding issues highlighted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25161/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for his question and inform him that the primary legislation that supports the sharing of citizens' personal data is the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019, which is administered by my Department. This provides a data governance framework for the Public Service, including a common set of key processes, which Public Service Bodies follow when they wish to use the Act as a basis to share personal information.
Public consultation is one of the key stages in this new process and delivers transparency to both GDPR compliance and safe handling of personal information. Additionally, a Data Sharing Agreement Model provides a structured template for Public Service Bodies to clearly set out how they share data, including data protection and security information.
A Data Governance Board, established under the Act, delivers oversight of the entire data sharing process. The Board reviews each Data Sharing Agreement under the Act and its recommendations are published along with the Data Sharing Agreement itself.
To date 54 Public Service Bodies have successfully and securely shared data under the Data Sharing and Governance Act.
However, the Deputy’s question refers to cases where serious safeguarding issues have been highlighted. I would point out that the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 states that the Act with minor exceptions shall not apply to special categories of personal data. Also that, with minor exemptions, nothing in this Act shall affect the operation of data protection law. Consequently, the sharing of data relating to individual cases where there are serious safeguarding issues highlighted is likely to require specific legislation from the Ministers involved.
