Paul Donnelly
Question:136. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update and timeframe for the roll-out of the proposed B and D spines as part of the BusConnects service improvements. [47148/23]
View answerBus Services
Questions (136)
Written answers
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. In both of those areas there have been significant developments since this Government came into office, with last year's publication of a new Sustainable Mobility Policy and its five-year action plan providing strong policy support to the continued expansion and enhancement of bus services. I am also delighted to say that this strong policy support has been backed up by increased levels of Exchequer funding, which is supporting the roll-out of initiatives such as BusConnects Dublin.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects Dublin. To date the NTA has submitted 12 planning applications, to An Bord Pleanála, for infrastructure works across the 16 core Bus corridors.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
Traffic Management
Questions (137)
Bernard Durkan
Question:137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the current position in regard to traffic management proposals for Celbridge, County Kildare, the purpose of which were to alleviate traffic chaos but which did not find favour with local residents and councillors; when it might be expected that such proposals might proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47240/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to the matters outlined in the Deputy's question, while the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development such projects and works in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, including Kildare County Council, to implement same.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred your question to them for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Traffic Management
Questions (138)
Bernard Durkan
Question:138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport when the proposals to proceed with the provision of a second bridge over the Liffey at Celbridge, County Kildare, might be activated in line with ever-increasing traffic volume requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47241/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to the matters outlined in the Deputy's question, while the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development such projects and works in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, including Kildare County Council, to implement same.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred your question to them for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Traffic Management
Questions (139)
Bernard Durkan
Question:139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the current state of the proposals to alleviate traffic in Naas, County Kildare, which were rejected by the previous membership of Kildare County Council; if the plans have been revised, updated and improved to encompass more comprehensively the wishes of the Naas members of Kildare County Council and the residents in respect of their preferred options; when work is likely to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47242/23]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to the matters outlined in the Deputy's question, while the National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development such projects and works in conjunction with the relevant local authorities, including Kildare County Council, to implement same.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred your question to them for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
Primary Medical Certificates
Questions (140)
Ged Nash
Question:140. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans to review the medical criteria for the provision of a primary medical certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47080/23]
View answerWritten answers
The final report of the NDIS Transport Working Group's review of mobility and transport supports including the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers Scheme (DDS), endorsed proposals for a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicle adaptation scheme in line with international best practice that would replace the DDS, as it is no longer fit-for-purpose on any and all aspects. The proposals note this was a clear deliverable for the near future.
The NDIS TWG was chaired by Minister Anne Rabbitte and led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
Access to transport for people with disabilities is a multifaceted issue that involves work carried out by multiple Government departments and agencies. Under the aegis of the Department of Taoiseach officials from relevant Departments and agencies are meeting to discuss the issues arising from the NDIS report and to map a way forward. My officials are proactively engaging with this Senior Officials Group work as an important step in considering ways to replace the DDS, as one specific personal transport response, in the context of broader Government consideration of holistic, multifaceted and integrated transport and mobility supports for those with a disability. A first meeting was held in July 2023. Department of Taoiseach officials are currently considering material supplied after that meeting.
In that context, any further changes to the existing DDS would run counter to NDIS proposals to entirely replace the scheme with a modern, fit-for-purpose vehicular adaptation scheme.
Business Supports
Questions (141)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:141. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance the number of businesses in each county that successfully applied for inclusion under the temporary business energy support scheme; the estimated value or worth of the support in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47099/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) was introduced to support qualifying businesses with increases in their electricity or natural gas costs arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Finance Act 2022 (as amended) made provision for the TBESS. The scheme fell within the terms of the EU Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. The scheme ran from 1 September 2022 to 31 July 2023, and the final deadline for eligible businesses to submit claims for relief was Saturday, 30 September 2023. The scheme is now closed.Over €145 million has been paid out to 31,309 businesses across the country. I am advised by Revenue of the following registrations and claims for the businesses who availed of the TBESS.
|
County |
Registered Customers |
Value of Approved Claims €m |
|
Carlow |
440 |
2.09 |
|
Cavan |
672 |
3.09 |
|
Clare |
807 |
3.0 |
|
Cork |
4,105 |
16.6 |
|
Donegal |
1,322 |
4.76 |
|
Dublin |
6,818 |
44.85 |
|
Galway |
1,829 |
8.59 |
|
Kerry |
1,358 |
4.81 |
|
Kildare |
1,115 |
5.79 |
|
Kilkenny |
729 |
2.47 |
|
Laois |
442 |
1.58 |
|
Leitrim |
264 |
0.61 |
|
Limerick |
1,359 |
6.14 |
|
Longford |
312 |
1.35 |
|
Louth |
888 |
3.55 |
|
Mayo |
982 |
3.72 |
|
Meath |
1,122 |
5.18 |
|
Monaghan |
643 |
2.7 |
|
Offaly |
488 |
1.65 |
|
Roscommon |
384 |
1.69 |
|
Sligo |
440 |
2.09 |
|
Tipperary |
1,299 |
4.18 |
|
Waterford |
941 |
4.62 |
|
Westmeath |
694 |
2.61 |
|
Wexford |
1,093 |
4.46 |
|
Wicklow |
763 |
3.12 |
|
Total |
31,309 |
145.32 |
Further TBESS statistics are published on the Revenue website at: www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/number-of-taxpayers-and-returns/cost-living.aspx
Tax Reliefs
Questions (142)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:142. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance how many homebuyers have availed of the help-to-buy scheme since July 2020, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47102/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Revenue that the numbers of Help to Buy (HTB) claims that reached the claim stage on or after 1 July 2020, broken down by county, are set out in the table below. This table reflects data as of 23 October 2023.
|
County |
Number of Claims |
|
Carlow |
266 |
|
Cavan |
251 |
|
Clare |
439 |
|
Cork |
3,470 |
|
Donegal |
537 |
|
Dublin |
3,474 |
|
Galway |
1,253 |
|
Kerry |
339 |
|
Kildare |
3,436 |
|
Kilkenny |
451 |
|
Laois |
653 |
|
Leitrim |
76 |
|
Limerick |
739 |
|
Longford |
77 |
|
Louth |
1,047 |
|
Mayo |
534 |
|
Meath |
2,604 |
|
Monaghan |
283 |
|
Offaly |
442 |
|
Roscommon |
216 |
|
Sligo |
219 |
|
Tipperary |
403 |
|
Waterford |
653 |
|
Westmeath |
366 |
|
Wexford |
927 |
|
Wicklow |
1,046 |
|
Total |
24,201 |
Tax Credits
Questions (143)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:143. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Finance how many taxpayers are currently claiming the rent tax credit, by county, in tabular form. [47129/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Rent Tax Credit, as provided for in section 473B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997), was introduced by the Finance Act 2022 and may be claimed in respect of qualifying rent paid in 2022 and subsequent years to end-2025.
I am advised by Revenue that the Rent Tax Credit statistics currently available refer only to claims by PAYE taxpayers for the 2022 tax year and the 2023 tax year to-date. Data on claims by self-assessed taxpayers is not yet available as these taxpayers’ returns are generally submitted later in the year. The statutory filing date for the 2022 tax return for self-assessed taxpayers is 31 October 2023.
Claims in respect of the 2022 year of assessment can be made by PAYE taxpayers by submitting an Income Tax return for that year. For claims relating to 2023, PAYE taxpayers have the option of claiming the rent tax credit due to them either as rent is incurred or at the end of the year through their Income Tax return.
Rent Tax Credit claims are made are on a ‘taxpayer unit’ basis. A taxpayer unit is either an individual with any personal status who is singly assessed or a couple in a marriage or civil partnership who have elected for joint assessment.
I am further advised that as of 22 October 2023, 300,958 Rent Tax Credit claims have been made by 261,347 taxpayer units consisting of:
(i) 202,873 taxpayer units that made claims for 2022 only,
(ii) 39,611 taxpayer units that made claims for both 2022 and 2023,
(iii) 18,863 taxpayer units that made claims for 2023 only,
Data for claims relating to PAYE taxpayers for tax years 2022 and 2023 are set out by county in the tables below.
Rent Tax Credit claims relating to tax year 2022 as of 18 October 2023
|
County |
Number of taxpayer units claiming RTC |
|
Carlow |
2,186 |
|
Cavan |
1,994 |
|
Clare |
3,017 |
|
Cork |
27,559 |
|
Donegal |
3,043 |
|
Dublin |
114,626 |
|
Galway |
17,416 |
|
Kerry |
3,635 |
|
Kildare |
8,563 |
|
Kilkenny |
2,543 |
|
Laois |
1,871 |
|
Leitrim |
791 |
|
Limerick |
11,890 |
|
Longford |
1,415 |
|
Louth |
3,246 |
|
Mayo |
3,465 |
|
Meath |
4,426 |
|
Monaghan |
1,650 |
|
Offaly |
1,975 |
|
Roscommon |
1,562 |
|
Sligo |
2,847 |
|
Tipperary |
4,144 |
|
Waterford |
4,648 |
|
Westmeath |
3,521 |
|
Wexford |
3,788 |
|
Wicklow |
2,906 |
|
Not Yet Available |
3,757 |
|
Total |
242,484* |
*This figure contains the total taxpayer units claims in 2022 - 202,873 (taxpayer units that made claims for 2022 only + 39,611 (taxpayer units that made claims for both 2022 and 2023)
Tax Yield
Questions (144)
Paul Donnelly
Question:144. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Finance the estimated yield if the 8% USC rate were increased by a further 0.75%. [47144/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Revenue that the estimated yield to the Exchequer on a first and full year basis for the proposal outlined by the Deputy would be of the order of €195 million and €240 million respectively.
It should be noted that page 4 of Revenue’s Ready Reckoner, available on the Revenue website, is available for the Deputy’s attention at the following link:
www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/ready-reckoner/index.aspx
In addition, costs and yields other than those shown in the Ready Reckoner can be extrapolated using a straight line or pro-rata calculation.
EU Bodies
Questions (145)
Catherine Murphy
Question:145. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the bid to host the EU Anti-Money Laundering Association; if he has established a dedicated team of officials to work on delivering the bid; the number of occasions that they have met since their establishment; if he and or his officials has engaged any external consultancy to augment the work of the officials in the context of developing the bid; and if he and or his officials have engaged with the EU Council and the European Parliament in respect of the bid and the bid process. [47170/23]
View answerWritten answers
The European Commission has written to Member States inviting applications to host the seat for the new EU Anti-Money Laundering Association (AMLA). The deadline for final submissions is 10 November and the Department of Finance will be making an application for Dublin to host AMLA. There is a dedicated team of officials in the Department that are working on the application form and they are actively working on a daily basis. Officials from the Department of Finance are also engaged with the colleagues from OPW, the Department of Foreign Affairs and IDA Ireland. To support the application, a separate engagement process with Member States and the European Parliament is underway-on the margins of scheduled ECOFIN meetings, in Member State capitals and with decision makers in Brussels.
Tax Appeals Commission
Questions (146)
Matt Shanahan
Question:146. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Finance for a breakdown of the number of determinations arrived at for the years 2020 to 2022, by each individual tax appeals commissioner. [47173/23]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Deputy's question, the following table provides an outline of the number of determinations issued by the Tax Appeals Commission for the years 2020 to 2022.
|
Year |
No. of Determinations Issued |
No. of Appeals Affected |
Quantum €m |
|
2020 |
171 |
191 |
610 |
|
2021 |
130 |
157 |
443 |
|
2022 |
190 |
237 |
292 |
|
Total |
491 |
585 |
1,345 |
All determinations are published on the Commission's website in accordance with Section 949A0 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 and can be viewed by any member of the public. Each determination details the findings of each appeal. In addition to this, a searchable database of all published determinations from 2016 is also available on the website, which provides a brief summary of the determination topic and legislation referred to within each determination.
The Appeal Commissioners issue determinations based on the facts presented to them and the application of the relevant legislation pertaining to the appeal. To date in 2023, the Commission has issued 130 determinations, affecting 166 individual appeals, valued at €391 million. There are currently five Appeal Commissioners and one Chairperson who are empowered to issue determinations.
Tax Reliefs
Questions (147, 148)
Pearse Doherty
Question:147. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of mortgages eligible for the mortgage interest relief scheme announced in budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47175/23]
View answerPearse Doherty
Question:148. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the number of primary dwelling home mortgages with an outstanding balance of less than €80,000 at end-2022; and the estimated number of such mortgages that would otherwise have been eligible for the mortgage interest relief scheme announced in budget 2024, had the €80,000 outstanding balance limit not applied. [47177/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.
For the purposes of developing the Mortgage Interest Tax Relief (MITR) measure, data provided by the Central Bank drawn from the Central Credit Register as at end June 2023 (the latest available in advance of Budget 2024) was utilised. Therefore, this data was also used for the purposes of answering the Deputy's question to ensure consistency.
Based on this data, it is estimated that approximately 208,000 Private Dwelling Homes (PDH) mortgage accounts will be eligible for the new MITR scheme.
With regard to the number of PDH mortgage accounts with balances below €80,000, it is estimated that there were 253,400 such mortgage accounts, of which an estimated 137,800 accounts are projected to have a higher interest bill in 2023 compared to 2022.
However, it is important to note that some of the 137,800 accounts may already be covered by the MITR as introduced in Budget 2024. This is because some lower-balance accounts, such as top-up mortgages, may be part of the same PDH mortgage facility as an account of higher value. Collectively, some of these accounts may therefore be part of already-eligible mortgages for MITR, in terms of balance size as announced in Budget 2024. It is not possible to definitively estimate the extent of their inclusion in the new MITR scheme, given the known parameters and data limitations.
Question No. 148 answered with Question No. 147.
Tax Rebates
Questions (149)
Bernard Durkan
Question:149. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if a tax refund recently given in the name of a person (details supplied) was correctly subjected to further taxation by way of PAYE, PRSI and USC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47205/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised by Revenue that Income Tax Returns for the person concerned were filed by an agent, acting on their behalf, on 28 September 2023, for the years 2020 to 2022 inclusive. The resulting overpayments issued to the nominated agent’s bank account on 3 October 2023.
On the same date the associated Statements of Liability, which provide a detailed breakdown of the amounts of PAYE, PRSI and USC deducted for each year, issued by post to the person concerned.
Should further clarification be required on the information provided in the Statements of Liability, the Deputy can contact Revenue on its dedicated Oireachtas Helpline or the person concerned can contact Revenue directly, either online via MyAccount or by phone at 01 738 3636.
Flood Risk Management
Questions (150)
David Stanton
Question:150. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made by the OPW in safeguarding roads and property adjacent to an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43834/23]
View answerWritten answers
There is a proposed Flood Alleviation Scheme identified for Youghal in the Flood Risk Management Plans announced in 2018 to be funded by €1.3bn from the National Development Plan to 2030.
Since 2018, the OPW has trebled the number of schemes, to 90, in the pipeline being designed and at construction. Given the highly specialised market for designing flood relief schemes it is not possible to progress all proposed new schemes at once.
While the proposed scheme in Youghal is not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, the OPW continues to liaise closely with Cork County Council to ensure that the programme of flood relief projects identified for Cork is kept under review, and that all projects will be commenced as soon as possible and within the timeframe for the National Development Plan.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
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 and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie.
In 2021, the OPW approved funding of €34,392 to Cork County Council under this scheme for a Minor Works project involving the repair and replacement of a tidal sluice and associated works at Pilmore, Youghal, Co. Cork. Any queries regarding the works being carried out are a matter for Cork County Council.
In 2023, approved funding of €121,500 was granted to Cork County Council for a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study for Pilmore Cottages. Once this study is complete, Cork County Council may consider submitting an application for structural measures to prevent or mitigate erosion in this area.
To assist Local Authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the OPW has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website floodinfo.ie. This data enables Local Authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
The OPW is currently carrying out a Pilot Coastal Monitoring Survey Programme which is a five year pilot project to implement a regular survey programme in selected coastal locations to increase our understanding of coastal change in these areas. The coastline at Youghal, including Pilmore beach, is one of the areas included in this pilot programme and surveying activities at Youghal commenced in 2022.
Flood Risk Management
Questions (151)
David Stanton
Question:151. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress made by the OPW in strengthening the bank of a river (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43841/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes completed under the Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995, as amended.
The maintenance of all drainage schemes carried out under earlier Acts, known as Drainage Districts, is the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority. A significant stretch of the Womanagh River forms the Womanagh Drainage District which is the responsibility of Cork County Council to maintain.
Other sections of the Womanagh River have historic embankment defences in private ownership, such as those at Ballymacoda. Prior to the introduction of the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme in 2009, the OPW assisted on a pilot basis with embankment repair works for a length of the embankment downstream of Crompaun Bridge.
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 works using either their own resources or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme provides funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies, costing up to €0.75 million each, to address localised flooding and/or coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. The commencement and progression of any works for which funding is approved is a matter for each Local Authority concerned.
In 2021, the OPW approved funding of €34,392 to Cork County Council for the repair and replacement of a tidal sluice on the Womanagh River at Pilmore. Further funding in 2023 of €121,500 has been provided to Cork County Council for a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study at Pilmore Cottages, Youghal. Once this study is complete, Cork County Council may consider submitting an application for structural measures to prevent or mitigate erosion in this area.
National Development Plan
Questions (152)
Bernard Durkan
Question:152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the most common reasons for a slowdown in the delivery of the national development plan, the actions now being taken to address this as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42067/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has committed €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, over €12 billion will fund vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action and provide good outcomes for our people. Achieving value for money and reducing cost and schedule overruns through robust oversight and governance arrangements is a vital part of delivering the NDP.
Delivery of the NDP has been impacted over the past three years as a result of pandemic related pauses in the construction sector, the inflationary impacts from both Covid public-health measures and the war in Ukraine, with knock-on impacts on the supply chain for construction materials. During 2022 (January and May), the Government introduced a number of measures to alleviate inflation pressures on the construction sector by introducing the Inflation Cooperation Framework for Public Works Contracts.
In March this year I announced six priority actions to address bottlenecks to NDP Delivery:
• Action 1: The Public Spending Code will be replaced by a set of Infrastructure Guidelines.
• Action 2: The Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) will continue to work on rebalancing risk in the Public Works Contract while maintaining expenditure control.
• Action 3: The Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board has been reconstituted and I now chair the Board, comprising the existing independent members and key Secretaries General.
• Action 4: Review of capacity in major departments and agencies to deliver on NDP priorities with particular focus on significant capital projects to ensure appropriate resourcing to assist delivery.
• Action 5: An independent mid-term evaluation of investment priorities and capacity of the NDP, 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.
• Action 6: Reporting to the government on NDP delivery throughout 2023 and 2024 will take place on a quarterly basis.
Significant progress has been made on the implementation of these actions this year. In addition €2.25 billion from the windfall tax receipts will be allocated to capital expenditure over the period 2024-26 and will facilitate the progression of important projects in key sectors such as Education and Health and enable more rapid development of key Programme for Government commitments, particularly the delivery of actions to fulfil our climate action plan commitments. Recognising the capacity constraints in the economy, it is intended that the additional funding will be targeted at projects that are ready for development. This would include the consideration of which sectors have been able to utilise existing NDP allocations in recent years and who have a good track record of delivery.
Flood Risk Management
Questions (153)
Jackie Cahill
Question:153. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if funding can be granted to premises on Friar Street, Thurles, County Tipperary, for the installation of flood gates or barriers at the entrances to the buildings on the street, as this street floods regularly during storms due to the insufficient storm water drainage systems in the town; if the OPW will take action to ensure that further damage is not caused to these buildings, considering this has been raised with the OPW on numerous occasions in the past and the OPW is already aware of this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47063/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that flooding events in Friar Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, are primarily a storm water drainage system issue. As Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), I can advise the Deputy that the OPW has no role or function in relation to the operation and maintenance of surface and storm water drainage infrastructure. Local authorities, in conjunction with Uisce Éireann, are responsible for the operation and maintenance of such infrastructure.
National Development Plan
Questions (154, 155)
Mattie McGrath
Question:154. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the performance in relation to timely and value-for-money delivery of the national development plan to date against the revised NDP adopted when the 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. [47086/23]
View answerMattie McGrath
Question:155. Deputy Mattie McGrath 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. [47087/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 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.
Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden for Departments and public bodies developing capital projects were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects. I secured Government approval in March 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 will boost the delivery of the critical infrastructure needed to support a growing economy and to secure higher living standards for those living here.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 154.