Written Answers Nos. 21-40
21. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the engagement he has had with Cork County Council in relation to flood damages and the support that will be available in response to recent flooding after Storm Babet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46947/23]
View answerI want, on my own and on the Government’s behalf to express sympathy to the people in Cork County and other locations who had their houses and businesses flooded or were impacted by Storm Babet. On Thursday last, the day after the flooding event An Taoiseach and I visited Midleton. We wanted to meet with the local community to see at first hand the devastating impact from Storm Babet, to hear first-hand their experiences and to reassure the community of the Government’s support to them during the recovery from this event and to deliver a scheme for the town. We also met with officials from Cork County Council during this visit.
Across East Cork and other local authority areas, the local authority staff, An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence, the Defence Forces and the Irish Coastguard worked to provide an emergency response to those affected. I would like to pay tribute to the staff concerned for their work during these very difficult and challenging conditions.
On Friday last I met with officials from Cork City Council when I visited Glanmire to meet with those affected in that community.
The Government has initiated all appropriate responses to the flooding situation. Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection, activated the humanitarian assistance scheme on the 19th October to support households in Cork City and County and West Waterford, including Cork City, Midleton, Youghal, Castletownbere, Mallow, Tallow and Dungarvan and other affected areas.
The purpose of this scheme is to prevent hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
A total of 223 payments amounting to €147,260 has been made to those affected by the recent flooding.
Minister Humphreys has also increased the income limits for the scheme with immediate effect.
In addition, Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has opened two Emergency Business Flooding Schemes for small businesses, sports clubs, community, and voluntary organisations unable to secure flood insurance and affected by the recent flooding in Counties Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Kilkenny and Louth.
The schemes provide humanitarian support contributions towards the costs of returning small businesses, sporting, voluntary and community premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. Assistance of up to €100,000 can be made available under the Scheme.
In addition to the humanitarian assistance, financial assistance by way of low-cost loans is immediately available from Microfinance Ireland to small businesses that cannot get loan financing from other lenders. Loan options include cashflow loans of up to €25,000, which can be used for general business purposes including re stocking and other business costs. Loans for capital expenditure are also available which could fund the refurbishment of premises or the replacement of equipment.
On Tuesday of this week, I and my officials met with the Chief Executive and senior officials from Cork County Council and the scheme’s consultants to discuss how the Midleton flood relief scheme can be delivered as quickly as possible.
I would like to reassure this House that this Government will do all it can as quickly and efficiently as possible to help the communities affected by the recent storms and flooding.
22. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he plans to legislate to bring senior civil servants under the standard disciplinary measures of the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47044/23]
View answerThe current Civil Service Disciplinary Code applies to all civil servants. The Code sets out the arrangements for dealing with disciplinary matters in the Civil Service. It is ensures that all civil servants are aware that if there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct, work performance and attendance, the disciplinary procedure set out in the Code will apply.
Senior civil servants, including Secretaries General are subject to the Civil Service Disciplinary Code, apart from three sanctions which they are excluded from under the legislation. The current position is that sanctions 10, 11 and 12 of the Civil Service Disciplinary Code do not apply to Secretaries General because of their legislative exemption, but the other sanctions in the Disciplinary Code do apply to them.
In terms of legislation, as the Deputy may be aware, on 11 April 2018 the Government agreed the General Scheme and Heads of Bill to amend the Civil Service Regulation Acts 1956-2005 and the Public Service Management Act, 1997. Pre-legislative scrutiny was held on 28 June 2018. The policy intention of this Bill remains as was approved in 2018. This legislation is significantly advanced and the Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the current session.
The performance of Senior Civil Servants is reviewed annually using the performance review process for Senior Public Service and the Performance Review Group (PRG) for officials at Secretary General Grade or equivalent.
The Performance Review process was rolled out to all Secretaries General of Government Departments and Offices in 2017. This process sets expectations and holds Senior Public Service accountable for the achievement of individual key objectives and deliverables.
23. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if any additional or emergency funding will be provided to the flood relief schemes following recent unprecedented flooding; if his Department plans any new flood relief schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46911/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of 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.
Included in these active schemes progressing are four Tranche II Pilot projects. The pilot, which I announced in May 2023, is in response to engagement between OPW and local authorities to agree a planned national approach to future schemes that matches return on investment from the available capacity in the local authorities and OPW. Consequently, a new delivery model for flood relief schemes is being piloted which will better inform the future Tranche II schemes' delivery.
Flood relief schemes are large, complex, multiannual projects. They require detailed analysis of the sourcing and causes of flooding. They involve extensive landowner and stakeholder engagement and detailed environmental assessments and mitigation measures. While expenditure on each project in any year is dependent on many variables, the majority of expenditure for flood relief projects is incurred during the construction phase. Throughout the scheme-delivery stages, project budgets of flood relief schemes are continually monitored and reviewed by OPW.
For the-five year period from 2018 to 2022, investment of some €300m has taken place on flood relief scheme measures. In the coming years, further schemes will progress through the project stages, obtain planning permission and begin construction. As the overall delivery programme advances, OPW engages with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform regarding the capital and current funding required through the annual budget process.
In addition to the active 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/or coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk.
A review of the Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which I have requested, has been underway in the OPW. This review is examining, amongst other things, the increase to the cost threshold which should apply in order to ensure that effective supports are being provided to Local Authorities. I am aware that the review is nearing completion and I look forward to its finalisation.
24. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the measures his Department is putting in place to decrease climate- and-or biodiversity-harmful spending in the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46909/23]
View answer52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress to date on green budgeting analysis and on the development of a standardised, evidence-based approach to assessing the climate impact of policy proposals, as noted in the climate action plan’s annexe of actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46908/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 52 together.
Since 2019, my Department has been reporting the level of climate-related expenditure annually in the Revised Estimates Volume for Public Services. The classification of such expenditure is validated and updated every year before being published with the Revised Estimates.
Building on the progress made in relation to assessment of the probable climate and environmental impact of capital expenditure projects as part of the National Development Plan Review, the next phase of reform of this initiative focuses on both broadening the coverage of green budgeting to further areas of public spending and identifying government spending measures that may be having an adverse impact on climate and environmental outcomes, including biodiversity impacts.
A first step in this regard was the publication of a review of fossil fuel subsidies and other potentially climate-harmful supports in January 2023, incorporating an inventory of fossil fuel subsidies and other potentially climate harmful supports.
In line with this work, my Department has begun working towards incorporating tracking of both climate-favourable and potentially climate-unfavourable expenditure across a wider range of areas, including biodiversity, within the Revised Estimates reporting structures, and is currently in the process of developing an appropriate methodology for this, informed by international experience and the lessons learned to date. Further refinement of the methodology is underway, and it is intended to include a table identifying potentially climate-unfavourable expenditure allocations in the publication of future iterations of the Revised Estimates Volume. My Department will also publish supporting information on methodologies used to arrive at assessments alongside this Volume.
In addition, and as committed to in the Climate Action Plan, my Department is continuing with the Public Spending Code review to continue to enhance alignment with international best practice, including tools to evaluate the climate and environmental investment impacts, methodology for assessing climate risk and uncertainty and compatibility with Ireland’s climate neutrality objective. As part of this work, the OECD assisted Ireland in conducting a review of how we assess the emissions impact of infrastructure investment, which was published earlier this year.
It is my view that green budgeting initiatives and improved approach to assessment of the climate impact of policy proposals can play an important role in enhancing transparency and accountability of public spending, strengthening our understanding of the direct and indirect climate and biodiversity impacts of public expenditure, and improving outcomes.
As with all expenditure allocations, including those that may have a favourable or unfavourable climate and biodiversity impact, Ministers and their Departments in receipt of expenditure allocations voted to them by Dáil Éireann remain responsible for prioritisation in the use of those funds as they progress the spending programmes under their remit.
25. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if any additional or emergency funding will be provided to the Glashaboy flood relief scheme following severe and unprecedented flooding in Cork; if his Department will propose any new flood relief schemes for Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46783/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork City Council are engaging proactively to progress the Glashaboy flood relief scheme for Glanmire.
The Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme was confirmed in January 2021 by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 to 1995. The scheme is being funded from the €1.3 billion in flood relief measures under the National Development Plan to 2030, and as part of Project Ireland 2040.
The scheme, when complete, will provide flood protection to some 103 properties; 78 residential properties and 25 commercial premises and will address the flood risk in a number of locations in the Glanmire area. The scheme will include defences, such as walls and embankments; culvert upgrades; channel widening and road re-grading.
In April 2023, Cork City Council, following a successful tender competition, awarded the civil works contract to Sorensen Civil Engineering. In July 2023 Sorensen Civil Engineering mobilised on site carrying out site investigation works, working with utility providers to agree diversions and engaging with stakeholders with works commencing on site at Cúil Chluthair and Springmount.
The construction programme is anticipated to take 32 months with the works split up into several Zones to minimise disruption to the public and businesses. The schedule for the next 3 months of work is available on a dedicated webpage on the project website which has been set up to provide updates to the public throughout the works.
The total project budget for Glashaboy is €38m. Throughout all scheme-delivery stages, project budgets of flood relief schemes are continually monitored and reviewed. Any additional costs encountered due to the recent flood event will be assessed and managed as part of this process on the Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme. Budgets are reviewed and monitored throughout each stage to ensure that the scheme is executed satisfactorily, to standard and on time.
26. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the steps he is taking to empower contracting bodies to factor in past performance in delivering construction projects when applying for future public contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47041/23]
View answerPublic Procurement is governed by EU legislation and national rules and guidelines. The aim of these rules is to promote an open, competitive and non-discriminatory public procurement regime that delivers best value for money.
Public procurement procedures require applicants to meet certain standards when applying for public contracts. The criteria upon which contracting authorities may exclude applicants from the award procedure of public contracts are set out in Regulation 57 of S.I. No. 284 of 2016 – European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016.
The grounds for exclusion that apply are stated up front in the pre-qualification documents. Certain exclusion grounds apply to all procurements; these include criminal convictions for specified offences and non-compliance with tax and social welfare obligations. Other, pre-determined exclusion grounds may be deployed at the discretion of the contracting authority. The choice will depend on the particular procurement – poor past performance of a public contract is one such ground for exclusion.
The circumstances that would lead to exclusion on the grounds of poor past performance are significant or persistent deficiencies in a prior public contract. These deficiencies must be material and have led to termination, damages or other comparable sanctions. It is not sufficient for a contracting authority to merely be dissatisfied – they must have taken steps to deal with the poor performance at the point at which it became evident by applying the provisions of the contract up to and including termination where necessary.
Where a contract has been terminated or damages successfully applied, a contractor may be excluded from subsequent tender competitions for up to three years from the date of the termination or the application of damages unless the contractor can demonstrate that they have taken the steps necessary to remedy their performance.
When making a submission a tenderer must consider whether any of the exclusion grounds listed in the procurement documents apply to them. Should any of the grounds apply, they must advise the contracting authority accordingly whereupon they may make a case and provide supporting evidence as to why they should not be excluded. The contracting authority must arrive at a decision based on evidence rather than hearsay or dissatisfaction and must consider the principle of proportionality in its deliberations.
27. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he expects to revise his allocation of capital spending across any Departments in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46959/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, my Department is responsible for the allocation of public funds across each area of Government spending and seeks to ensure that expenditure is managed by Departments in line with these allocations.
In Budget 2024, I allocated an additional €900 million in 2024 over the 2023 capital allocation for essential investment in providing more schools, hospitals infrastructure and for better public and road transport. This will bring total core capital investment in 2024 to €12.6 billion. This represents an increase of approximately 8 per cent, in line with the National Development Plan (NDP). The overall level of capital funding is now at an all-time high, with a commitment to further increase investment in capital projects and programmes over the lifetime of the NDP.
As outlined in the Summer Economic Statement, additional capital of €250 million is also being made available for 2024 from windfall exchequer receipts, to be allocated to critical infrastructure projects that are at an advanced stage and to the existing Climate Action Fund. Including the €250 million in 2024, this raises the overall increase in capital investment in 2024 to just over 10 per cent above 2023 funding.
28. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of vacant properties in the OPW property portfolio; the number of these which require refurbishment in order to be brought back into use; the status of plans for any such refurbishment; his plans to develop a strategy for the repurposing of these vacant buildings for public housing or community use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46981/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of surplus vacant or non-operational properties. It is normal to have an amount of space vacant, or vacant properties, at any given time as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the State’s requirements or suitable for disposal.
As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
The number of properties currently identified as surplus and vacant is 59 (full list is set out at the link below).
Given the types and age of these properties, not all of the properties are suited to residential use or would require significant investment to comply with current building regulations for use as residential or for community purposes. As with many older properties Title issues can arise that need to be resolved prior to any intra State transfer or disposal which can impact significantly on the timeline of the disposal.
The breakdown of surplus vacant properties by type of property is as follows:
Former Garda Stations Closed Under the 2012 and 2013 Policing Plans 26
Other Former Garda Stations 5
Former Garda Residences 4
Former Coast Guard Properties 11
Former Customs Properties 2
Former Met Station Property 1
Miscellaneous Buildings 10
The status of the remaining 59 surplus vacant properties is as follows:
• 6 are sale agreed.
• 2 Leases are being prepared for Local Authorities for community use.
• 4 are being prepared for disposal and expected to close by end of 2023.
• 15 are transferring to Local Authorities with five expected to close by end of 2023.
• 16 are being retained or considered for State use.
• 10 are being prepared for disposal during 2024.
• 6 have title issues which need to be resolved prior to disposal or alternative State use.
Of the 59 properties currently identified as surplus and vacant it is expected that 15 will be disposed of by the end of the year, thus reducing this figure to 44. It should be noted that this figure (44) does not take into account any properties that may become surplus or vacant in the future.
The OPW, like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus vacant properties and the arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
The OPW’s approach to managing surplus vacant properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service.
In line with the above, the OPW has actively engaged and provided a list of its surplus vacant properties to the Land Development Agency, each relevant local authority, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, so that they could assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes or for other State use.
Secondly, if no alternative State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
In addition, there are a limited number of sundry residential dwellings that are intrinsic to the estates of parks and gardens as part of the national historic properties managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW); and for that reason would not be appropriate for disposal. In general, these properties are allocated to staff in specific posts, such as Park Superintendents, Deer Keepers, etc. where there is a requirement for them to be present on the ground.
29. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the work undertaken to include nature-based solutions as an integral part of flood relief schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47030/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has been engaged in a number of activities to assess and develop nature-based solutions for flood risk management.
In 2019, a four-year research project, under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) research programme, titled ‘A Strategic Look at Natural Water Retention Measures’ (SLOWWATERS) commenced. This ongoing research has a budget of €508,000 and is co-funded by the OPW and the EPA. The research is assessing the benefits of nature-based solutions for agricultural catchments in Ireland. The project outputs will provide recommendations for the management of specific catchment types relevant to the Irish environment by quantifying the magnitude of nature-based solutions required to reduce flood peaks and improve downstream water quality by attenuating nutrients.
In addition to co-funding large-scale research, the OPW has contributed to funding community led work. In 2019, a study carried out by Trinity College Dublin on behalf of the Inishowen Rivers Trust, and funded by the OPW, to assess the feasibility of implementing nature-based solutions for catchment management at five locations on the Inishowen peninsula was completed. This study was followed by a LEADER funded project to implement nature-based solutions in Clonmany, for which the OPW has also provided funding. This project has implemented 69 measures, typically leaky-dams to slow flood peaks, and has involved extensive landowner and community engagement.
The OPW co-chaired a working group with the EPA which was established in 2019 to advise the National Technical Implementation Group of the Water Framework Directive on the use of nature-based solutions, to contribute to the achievement of environmental objectives set out in the second River Basin Management Plan cycle. The working group presented their findings in 2020 and the OPW is now part of the steering group for an EPA research project to implement a key recommendation from the working group entitled ‘Integrated Framework for River Restoration and Nature-based Solutions for Integrated Catchment Management’. The aim of this project is to develop a decision support framework to identify appropriate measures for restoring rivers and implementing nature-based solutions for integrated catchment management that would work to restore impacted surface waters.
Nature based solutions have been demonstrated to be effective for more frequent, less extreme flood events in small catchments. However, the OPW focuses on providing protection against extreme floods, such as the 100-year flood, which cause the most significant damage to communities, and there may be very limited, if any, benefit from nature-based solutions during such extreme events. The OPW does however recognise the potential for nature-based solutions to provide multiple co-benefits in the areas of water quality, biodiversity, carbon sequestration and public amenity, as well as potentially contributing to flood risk reduction. As such, the development of flood relief schemes under the OPW’s capital programme now involves a specific requirement to assess the potential for nature-based solutions as part of the overall solution to managing flood risk for a particular community. Where feasible, these measures will be implemented to reduce flood risk and contribute to achieving co-benefits.
Upstream retention is a measure that would have been considered for all schemes and is a feature of a number of recently completed or planned schemes, such as Clonakilty, and also on the Wad and Poddle rivers in Dublin.
30. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the funding his Department has made available to provide a pathway to eliminate the practice of accommodating young people with disabilities in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47001/23]
View answerDisability services fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. As set out in the Budget 2024 Expenditure Report, the 2024 total gross voted expenditure ceiling for the Vote Group was €7.4 billion.
Compared to the 2023 allocation, this represents an additional €1.4 billion in current expenditure and an extra €12 million in capital expenditure being allocated to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in 2024. The Government decision to allocate this additional funding will allow for the work of the Department to continue to be progressed across its range of functions and programmes, including Early Learning and Childcare, Child Protection, Disability Services and International Protection and the State’s response to the Ukraine crisis. This additional allocation includes €140 million of New Development Measures in 2024.
The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will be best placed to inform the Deputy of the funding being provided for specific schemes within the overall allocation for that Department.
31. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the collaboration work between the OPW and Met Éireann in relation to the flooding early warning systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47029/23]
View answerIn 2016, the Government agreed to the establishment of a National Flood Forecasting and Warning Service (NFFWS) to enable members of the public and local authorities take more preparatory action to reduce the impact of flooding.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) chairs the Steering Group for the NFFWS, which is also comprised of representatives from Met Éireann, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the County and City Management Association, to steer and support the establishment of the new Service.
The Steering Group agreed an implementation plan for Stage I, the set up and establishment phase of the multi-stage development of the NFFWS and there has been significant progress made to date in relation to its development, including
• Recruitment and training of staff for Met Éireann’s Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) (11 Staff members)
• Provision of accommodation for the FFC
• Provision of real-time hydrometric and meteorological data for the Service
• Development of National and Catchment scale hydrological models (river models) for flood forecasting
• Transfer of the National Tide and Storm Surge Forecast model to Met Éireann
• Development of the Irish Flood Information Communication System (IFICS) online platform.
Stage I, which is focused on National and Catchment level fluvial (river) and coastal flood forecasting, is nearing completion and it is intended to bring a report to Government in the coming months setting out proposals for the further development of the service.
The NFFWS is providing information and guidance to decision making stakeholders such as the Local Authorities, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and other agencies which is utilised by these stakeholders to inform their responses to specific flood threats and events.
The service information is tailored for these stakeholders and provides valuable information regarding the likelihood of river and/or coastal flooding. This information can be utilised by these stakeholders to manage flood risk and make decisions pertaining to emergency response measures.
Additional development stages for the service are being planned to focus on enhancing the fluvial and coastal forecast system to provide a greater level of detail and accuracy in forecasted information. This will involve the installation of new rainfall and flow gauges, improvements to the rainfall radar network and re-calibration of models after notable flood events amongst others.
33. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if funding will be allocated to Cork North Central to undertake minor flood mitigation works to address localised flooding in certain areas and in light of the extreme flooding experienced in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46782/23]
View answerThe Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works (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/or 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 the OPW website.
Since 2009 over €5.5m approved funding has been allocated to County Cork under this scheme.
There are currently no applications under consideration with the OPW for Cork North Central however it is open to Cork City Council to make an application under the above mentioned scheme at any stage.
A review of the Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which I have requested, has been underway in the OPW. This review is examining, amongst other things, the increase to the cost threshold which should apply in order to ensure that effective supports are being provided to Local Authorities. I am aware that the review is nearing completion and I look forward to its finalisation.
35. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his further plans for An Blascaod Mór; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46989/23]
View answerThe conservation and protection of An Blascaod Mór continues to be of great importance to the OPW. Visitor access to the island has now ended for the 2023 season, and the OPW's focus is on preparing for the 2024 season.
OPW reached an agreement with a local landowner to provide toilet facilities for visitors for the 2023 season. This facility, which also includes an indoor shelter for visitors, was in place for the entirety of the 2023 season. Work on progressing permanent welfare facilities for visitors is also underway; a design team was appointed for this in early August 2023.
An Blascaod Mór has a rich biodiversity and wildlife presence. The OPW completed a biodiversity baseline study in early 2023. This study provides valuable data on the habitats and species present on the island, and also in the lands surrounding the Blasket Centre. This study will guide the OPW's work to ensure that biodiversity on the Island is protected. A copy can be made available to the Deputy on request.
Most visitors to the An Blascaod Mór take great care not to cause any damage to the biodiversity or the heritage buildings on the Island. In the 2023 season, OPW arranged for a leaflet to be distributed to visitors, explaining how to protect the wildlife and heritage on the island. This leaflet was been provided to the boat operators to share with visitors before they arrive on the island, To minimise any potential environmental impact of providing this extra information to ensure the ongoing conservation of the Island, the leaflet was printed on biodegradable paper.
Tenders were invited for a new Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the island in April 2023, and a team to deliver this was appointed, led by Molloy and Associates Conservation Architects. This plan will consider the elements of conservation, heritage protection, archaeology, transport planning, marine biology and environmental ecology in relation to the Island. Work by the interdisciplinary team has begun, and it is hoped that an initial draft will be available in Q1 2024.
The plan will include a comprehensive inventory of the built and natural heritage of the Island. It will acknowledge the Island’s status as a Special Area of Conservation and a Natura 2000 site and its unique role in Irish cultural heritage.
The OPW continues to plan for improved landing facilities on the Island. This would allow boats to land passengers directly rather than requiring a transfer at sea to a RIB. Landing facilities are an essential element of the sustainable management of the island.
Planning permission for a pier was previously granted in 2003. However, Kerry County Council have advised that is necessary to secure fresh planning permission. This is because there have been significant changes in the designated status of the island. Environmental regulations have also changed in the period since the original permission was granted.
This will need new environmental and other reports to support such a planning application. A detailed solution for the design of these landing facilities is also required. The OPW has recently contacted relevant stakeholders. A senior officials group has been convened to progress this objective, and they will continue to meet during the island's seasonal closure. The consultants appointed to provide expert advice on ecological and planning issues related to the landing facilities have begun work, and have highlighted the need to foreground the protection of the island as the goal of providing safer landing facilities is progressed.
Ionad an Bhlascaod reopened to visitors following a landmark refurbishment and reimagining in June 2022. The Ionad is now approaching the end of its second operational season since reopening, and has been a venue for a number of major cultural events, including the Dingle Literary Festival and a broadcast of Other Voices on RTE. The Ionad has also hosted visual art exhibitions and film screenings. The highlight of the cultural programme this year has been Ceiliúradh an Bhlascaoid, an annual three-day gathering and symposium focusing on the history and heritage of the Blasket islands. I was delighted to welcome An Taoiseach to the Ceiliúradh this September, as the first sitting Taoiseach to attend since the inaugural gathering in 1996.
An Taoiseach and I were able to visit the island in September and I look forward to making the journey again when access to the island resumes.
37. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if funding will be allocated to initiate minor flood mitigation works to address localised flooding in certain areas in light of the extreme flooding experienced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46910/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has invested €63m across 875 unique local flood relief projects that protect some 7,800 properties, through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This 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/or 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 the OPW website.
The OPW welcome applications under this scheme and are happy to engage with Local Authorities in this regard.
A review of the Minor Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which I have requested, has been underway in the OPW. This review is examining, amongst other things, the increase to the cost threshold which should apply in order to ensure that effective supports are being provided to Local Authorities. I am aware that the review is nearing completion and I look forward to its finalisation.
38. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 38 of 27 June 2023, the status of the review of the programme for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; if the additional flood relief works have been scoped and agreed to date; when the revised project programme will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46980/23]
View answerI am advised that Galway City Council, as Project Sponsor and Contracting Authority, is leading the development of the Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme, with technical advice and funding being provided by the Office of Public Works. The primary objective of the Coirib go Cósta Project is to assess, design and deliver a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable flood relief scheme for Galway City.
The process of redefining the scope has taken longer than first envisaged due to the complexity of the scheme and has been carried out by the Engineering & Environmental Consultants who are progressing the Scheme.
A draft revised scope reflecting additional works for the scheme has recently been presented to Galway City Council. This revised scope is currently being reviewed by the Coirib go Cósta Steering Group members for their analysis and agreement. In parallel the consultants have submitted a revised programme incorporating the proposed additional scope and this programme is also currently being reviewed by the Coirib go Cósta Steering Group members. Galway City Council has advised that, subject to a contract variation, it expects that the revised programme should be available by the end of November, 2023.
39. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what engagement there has been between his Department and other Departments this year in relation to the delivery of necessary flood protection schemes in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47005/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan (NDP) 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. Throughout the scheme-delivery stages, flood relief schemes’ project budgets are continually monitored and reviewed by OPW. As the overall delivery programme advances, OPW engages with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform regarding the capital and current funding required through the annual budget process.
Where flood relief schemes are progressed under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, as amended, formal confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is required in order to proceed to construction. The confirmation process of schemes is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The OPW engages with other departments and state agencies through a variety of groups. In particular, these include the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group and Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group.
In 2016, the Government established the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group to improve coordination between all state agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce coordinated flood risk solutions. The Group coordinates the work of all the members to maximise flood risk mitigation. To add to the overall flood protection from flood relief schemes, the Group produces an annual Work Programme that demonstrates the extensive work and coordination by all State bodies to jointly and proactively help address flood risk on the Shannon under the following themes of activity: physical works, maintenance, water management, regulatory, policy and planning. The Group is currently progressing a number of collaborative initiatives including a strategic maintenance programme. The Group met on 26 April 2023 and 11 October 2023.
The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group, chaired by the OPW, is a whole of Government cross-sectoral Group that co-ordinates national flood policy development and implementation. The purpose of the Group is to have regard to the extent of non-structural solutions that are informing the implementation strategy of the 2018 Flood Risk Management Plans and to ensure that policies that can benefit communities and individuals directly - to be prepared and respond to or live with flood risk - are carefully considered.
The Group is progressing a wide range of significant policy initiatives, including avoiding construction in flood-prone areas, protecting at risk communities against their significant flood risk; and planning for responding to reduce the impacts of flood events on communities and individuals. Many actions identified are now being implemented by the relevant Departments and Offices.
A progress review of the work of the Group to include the consideration of recommendations for the Government on further measures that could contribute to improved flood risk management for individuals and communities is underway. This review and recommendations will be submitted to Government for its consideration over the coming months.
The Interdepartmental Group typically meets twice per annum and met most recently on 20 April 2023, and a further meeting is due to be held before the end of the year.
The Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan (NDP) 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. Throughout the scheme-delivery stages, flood relief schemes’ project budgets are continually monitored and reviewed by OPW. As the overall delivery programme advances, OPW engages with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform regarding the capital and current funding required through the annual budget process.
Where flood relief schemes are progressed under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, as amended, formal confirmation from the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is required in order to proceed to construction. The confirmation process of schemes is a matter for the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The OPW engages with other departments and state agencies through a variety of groups. In particular, these include the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group and Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group.
In 2016, the Government established the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group to improve coordination between all state agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce coordinated flood risk solutions. The Group coordinates the work of all the members to maximise flood risk mitigation. To add to the overall flood protection from flood relief schemes, the Group produces an annual Work Programme that demonstrates the extensive work and coordination by all State bodies to jointly and proactively help address flood risk on the Shannon under the following themes of activity: physical works, maintenance, water management, regulatory, policy and planning. The Group is currently progressing a number of collaborative initiatives including a strategic maintenance programme. The Group met on 26 April 2023 and 11 October 2023.
The Interdepartmental Flood Policy Co-ordination Group, chaired by the OPW, is a whole of Government cross-sectoral Group that co-ordinates national flood policy development and implementation. The purpose of the Group is to have regard to the extent of non-structural solutions that are informing the implementation strategy of the 2018 Flood Risk Management Plans and to ensure that policies that can benefit communities and individuals directly - to be prepared and respond to or live with flood risk - are carefully considered.
The Group is progressing a wide range of significant policy initiatives, including avoiding construction in flood-prone areas, protecting at risk communities against their significant flood risk; and planning for responding to reduce the impacts of flood events on communities and individuals. Many actions identified are now being implemented by the relevant Departments and Offices.
A progress review of the work of the Group to include the consideration of recommendations for the Government on further measures that could contribute to improved flood risk management for individuals and communities is underway. This review and recommendations will be submitted to Government for its consideration over the coming months.
The Interdepartmental Group typically meets twice per annum and met most recently on 20 April 2023, and a further meeting is due to be held before the end of the year.
40. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how many major flood relief schemes have been completed under the national development plan since 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46915/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of 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.
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. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway. Six of these flood relief schemes have been completed since 2020. These flood relief projects are: Bandon; Clonakilty, Ennis Lower; Ennis South; Douglas; and Ashbourne. Approximately €150m has been invested in completing these six projects, which provide financial benefit to the State of over €265m and are providing protection to over 2,300 properties. It is expected that the Dodder Phase 2 Flood Relief Scheme will be completed before the end of 2023, with a further 900 properties benefitting from its completion. The Springfield Flood Relief Scheme is nearing completion with 18 properties benefitting from its completion.
Major flood relief schemes involve complex engineering and construction operations that can impact on people's living, built and natural environment and, therefore, require lengthy planning and decision lead-in times. The process follows a number of stages from feasibility through design, planning, detailed design and construction. It is important that the work is done correctly and achieves its objectives. Extensive and detailed technical analysis is required to establish the most appropriate solution, technically and environmentally, from a range of possible mitigation options. The solution has also be adaptable to the increased risk from climate change.
Extensive public consultation is required at various stages to ensure that those affected by a scheme have the opportunity to input into its design and implementation. Ecological and archaeological issues often require in-depth analysis in order to ensure that the technical solution selected will meet the requirements of existing EU and national environmental legislation.
At all times, the OPW strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with the minimum delay within the resources available to it. A Steering Group for each major scheme is in place that meets monthly typically to review progress, risks and programme. There are currently seven major flood relief schemes at construction, four of which are anticipated to be complete within the next 12 months, and a further six schemes are anticipated to commence construction in 2024.
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/or coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. This scheme provides 90% funding to local authorities to manage localised flood risk.
