Written Answers Nos. 41-56
41. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what analysis has been conducted on the impact of the increasing reliance on public private partnership and leasing contracts and the potential impact on public finances into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47042/23]
View answerPublic Private Partnerships (PPPs) are partnerships between the public and private sectors for the purpose of delivering a project or service and are an internationally recognised model to design, build, finance, operate and maintain public infrastructure. Some of the advantages associated with PPPs are that they allow the public sector to avail of private sector expertise and innovation and the private partner assumes responsibility for a considerable portion of the risk. The contracts tend to be long term arrangements, typically spanning 25 years or more.
A senior-level Inter-Departmental / Agency Group was established to review Ireland's experience of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and to make recommendations on the future role of PPPs. The full report outlining the findings of the group was published on the ppp.gov.ie website in 2018. In essence, that report found that PPPs have proven to be a very useful element in facilitating the delivery of important public infrastructure projects.
As you know, a new Programme for Government was adopted on 27 June 2020, which included a commitment to accelerate the Mid-Term Review of the National Development Plan. As part of the preparations for the review, the recommendations of the Expert Group on PPPs, which informed the previous NDP, were re-visited and updated.
A summary of this updated PPP review was published in April 2021 as part of the NDP Phase 1 report. Broadly, the review found that the PPP policy framework continues to be robust, and that the current guidance for the use of PPPs (updated in 2019) remains fit for purpose with a track record of successful delivery – including examples of successful risk transfer to the private partner. Departments will continue to evaluate projects for suitability for PPP in line with the 2018 review, and value for money will remain the main driver for PPP.
In ensuring Departments obtain the best value for money from public capital investment, PPPs are subject to the same robust and rigorous project appraisal process as traditionally procured projects. It is essential that projects are judged on their merits and in cases where PPPs can be demonstrated to give better value for money than traditional procurement, it is appropriate that they should be selected on that basis.
The Deputy might be interested to know that I publish two sets of financial data on PPPs. The data can be accessed on the PPP website at www.ppp.gov.ie/ppp-projects. The first set of data provides an update on the existing Financial Commitments for PPPs, which contains detailed information in relation to all PPP projects for which contracts have been signed and which are operational.
In addition, I also publish the projected annualised breakdown of the expected future unitary payments for each year, by project, extending out to when each project will be handed back by the PPP Company to the Sponsoring Authority. Analysis of this data will show, for example, that expenditure commitments of approximately €330 million for PPP’s in 2024 will account for just 2.5% of the overall allocation of €13.1 billion.
In relation to leasing contracts, that is a matter for each sector to assess and to manage within their overall allocations. Public Bodies must adhere to DPER Circular 17/2016, which details the 'Policy for Property Acquisition (including leases and lease renewals) and for Disposal of Surplus Property'. The Deputy would need to ask Departments directly concerning their use of such contracts.
42. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the basis on which he decided to increase capital expenditure by only €250 million in 2024, given the large surpluses in the public finances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47028/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion to 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 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. 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.
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. This is a significant amount, greater than the overall growth for total expenditure, and is considered sustainable when weighted against other constraints in the economy.
43. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform how many flood relief schemes are currently at the design, planning and construction stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46913/23]
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.
There are 52 Schemes at Stage I: Scheme Development and Preliminary Design / Preliminary Business Case. Some significant flood relief schemes at the development and preliminary design stage include: Enniscorthy Flood Relief Scheme; Limerick City & Environs Flood Relief Scheme; Dundalk & Ardee Flood Relief Scheme; and Midleton Flood Relief Scheme.
The figures also include four Tranche II Pilot Schemes – two in Donegal and two in Kilkenny. The pilot, which was 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 between 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.
There are three flood relief schemes at Stage II: Public Exhibition / Confirmation including Bride River (Blackpool) Flood Relief Scheme; Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme; and Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme.
There are six Schemes at Stage III: Detailed Design, including Arklow Flood Relief Scheme, in Co. Wicklow, and King’s Island Flood Relief Scheme, in Co. Limerick, each with total project budgets of over €50m.
There are seven schemes at Stage IV: Implementation/Construction. These include the Athlone Flood Relief Scheme; Glashaboy Flood Relief Scheme; and Templemore Flood Relief Scheme.
In addition to these 68 major Flood Relief Schemes, there are 30 'Small Projects' which are being progressed individually by the relevant Local Authority with funding from the Office of Public Works.
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.
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.
44. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will outline the progress in reviewing the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46906/23]
View answerIn March 2023, I presented to Government a package of significant actions aimed at enhancing project delivery for the NDP. Among these actions, I committed to 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. The ESRI was commissioned to carry out this evaluation in April 2023. It is anticipated that the report will be received by my Department in the next number of weeks and will be published during Q4 this year.
On foot of the report, my Department will finalise its considerations during November to commence the process of agreeing sectoral NDP allocations out to 2028, with a view to the publication of the revised NDP sectoral allocations during Q1 2024.
45. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform what action he and his Department have taken to expand the equality budgeting initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47000/23]
View answerSince it was first introduced in 2018, my Department has sought to continually develop the equality budgeting framework in Ireland and embed it within the annual budgetary process. Each annual cycle presents an opportunity to refine and improve the quality and coverage of equality budgeting metrics, and to enhance the level of transparency and accountability about how public resources are being used to tackle inequalities across a broad range of areas.
The two key annual outputs of the equality budgeting calendar are the Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Services (the REV), and the Public Service Performance Report (PSPR). The REV contains information on the equality outputs and outcomes that each Department sets out to achieve in the year ahead. The PSPR provides information on how each Department fared in the achievement of these REV targets for the preceding year.
Work is ongoing across all Departments to improve monitoring and oversight of public expenditure to address inequalities, with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform providing support and guidance on an ongoing basis. All Government Departments have submitted at least one set of metrics in the latest PSPR, published in June this year. Departments continue to review and add equality metrics to strengthen reporting, with 31 sets of Equality Budgeting metrics in this latest report.
During quarter 2 this year, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform led a cross-departmental budget tagging exercise to code expenditure subheads that are designed to address inequalities, which will help improve how we monitor equality-related expenditure from a whole of Government perspective. This work continues to be progressed, with the aim of integrating equality budget tagging for all voted expenditure in 2024.
To continue progress in embedding Equality Budgeting across all Government Departments, my Department, along with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, co-chairs the Inter-Departmental Network on Equality Budgeting, on which all Departments are represented. My Department also chairs the Equality Budgeting Expert Advisory Group set up to guide the overall approach to equality budgeting.
Continuous engagement internationally is key to keeping abreast of developments on Equality Budgeting, and in June of this year D/PENDR successfully hosted the annual meeting of the OECD Senior Officials Network on Gender Budgeting. The Department also continued to progress the Irish work stream of the EU Technical Support Initiative 2022 flagship programme on gender mainstreaming and budgeting, which afforded officials training in international practice in regards gender budgeting.
46. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for the up-to-date progress on the flood relief programme for the River Lee west of Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46946/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with Cork County Council are engaging proactively to progress a preferred option for a viable flood relief scheme for Baile Mhuirne/Baile Mhic Íre that will protect 90 properties from significant risk from flooding. Cork County Council who will act as the lead authority for the Scheme and are currently engaging with OPW to define the scope of the consultancy brief after which the procurement of a consultant will follow.
In the interim, Cork County Council has been approved funding of €359,105.73 in September 2023 under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. This funding is for the provision of temporary flood defence measures, including sand-bag defence structure with suitable impermeable barrier, remedial repair works to an existing stone wall, increasing the ground level with ramps at three field entrances and installation of two non-return valves, provision of pumping sumps, a trailer mounted mobile pump and the provision of Individual Property Protection at four properties.
Consulting Engineers Malachy Walsh and Partners (MWP) have been commissioned by Cork County Council (CCC) to complete the design of the interim flood relief measures in Ballyvourney. The detailed design is complete with the intention of going to tender for construction in November 2023.
Other Flood Relief Scheme
The proposed flood relief scheme at Ballingeary is a Tranche II scheme which will be progressed at a projected cost estimate of approximately €3.1 million which will be revised during the options development stage. This proposed scheme consists of Installation of hydrometric gauges, flood walls and embankments and will protect 46 properties when completed.
The proposed flood relief scheme at Inchigeelagh is also a Tranche II scheme which will be progressed at a projected cost estimate of €2.6m which will be revised during the options development stage. The proposed measure consist of flood walls and embankments to protect vulnerable properties in Inchigeelagh. These defences range in height from 0.6 – 1.9m and will provide protection to 28 properties when completed.
Once consultants are appointed to progress these schemes, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies as well as the general public will take place at the appropriate stages to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to input into the development of the schemes.
47. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the proposals to intensify co-operation with the relevant departments and agencies in Northern Ireland to deal with flooding problems, such as those caused by the River Erne system in counties Cavan and Fermanagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46986/23]
View answerThe OPW has an on-going relationship with the former Rivers Agency (now part of the Dept. for Infrastructure, Rivers, Northern Ireland) (DfI Rivers), which is the Competent Authority for the implementation of the 'Floods' Directive in Northern Ireland.
In 2009, the OPW and Dfl Rivers agreed to establish a Cross-Border Co-ordination Group to co-ordinate the implementation of the ‘EU Floods Directive’ across the border. This work was supported by a Cross-Border Technical Co-ordination Group. These groups have met on numerous occasions since to coordinate on the identification of Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk, to share information and agree approaches to the production of flood mapping in border areas and to coordinate on the identification of measures and the preparation of Plans.
The Erne Catchment was assessed under the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), in close co-operation with DfI Rivers. The study considered increasing watercourse conveyance of the Erne system to lower water levels as a measure to reduce flood risk. This study revealed that water levels in the majority of the Erne catchment in Ireland, remain unchanged regardless of any works that could be carried out in Northern Ireland.
DfI Rivers was represented throughout the CFRAM study on the relevant project steering, progress and stakeholder’s groups as well as on the National CFRAM Steering Group. DfI Rivers is currently a member of the National Floods Directive Coordination Group, which has met on 8 occasions since November 2018. DfI Rivers and the OPW have undertaken information exchange at all deliverable stages, including delivering joint presentations to stakeholders and also joint attendance at relevant consultation events.
More general cross-border coordination has also been ongoing in the field of flood risk management through bilateral meetings of the two organisations for many years, through the Irish National Hydrometric Working Group and Joint National Committee of the International Hydrological Programme and the International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage that DfI Rivers are members of. This continued close co-operation has provided the opportunity for co-operation in areas such as flood forecasting and hydrometric monitoring.
The OPW does not have Arterial Drainage Schemes on the River Erne system in County Cavan and is not responsible for channel maintenance in the area in accordance with its statutory requirements under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. However, parts of the Erne Catchment are a Drainage District for which the local authority is responsible for ongoing maintenance.
The OPW has an on-going relationship with the former Rivers Agency (now part of the Dept. for Infrastructure, Rivers, Northern Ireland) (DfI Rivers), which is the Competent Authority for the implementation of the 'Floods' Directive in Northern Ireland.
In 2009, the OPW and Dfl Rivers agreed to establish a Cross-Border Co-ordination Group to co-ordinate the implementation of the ‘EU Floods Directive’ across the border. This work was supported by a Cross-Border Technical Co-ordination Group. These groups have met on numerous occasions since to coordinate on the identification of Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk, to share information and agree approaches to the production of flood mapping in border areas and to coordinate on the identification of measures and the preparation of Plans.
The Erne Catchment was assessed under the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), in close co-operation with DfI Rivers. The study considered increasing watercourse conveyance of the Erne system to lower water levels as a measure to reduce flood risk. This study revealed that water levels in the majority of the Erne catchment in Ireland, remain unchanged regardless of any works that could be carried out in Northern Ireland.
DfI Rivers was represented throughout the CFRAM study on the relevant project steering, progress and stakeholder’s groups as well as on the National CFRAM Steering Group. DfI Rivers is currently a member of the National Floods Directive Coordination Group, which has met on 8 occasions since November 2018. DfI Rivers and the OPW have undertaken information exchange at all deliverable stages, including delivering joint presentations to stakeholders and also joint attendance at relevant consultation events.
More general cross-border coordination has also been ongoing in the field of flood risk management through bilateral meetings of the two organisations for many years, through the Irish National Hydrometric Working Group and Joint National Committee of the International Hydrological Programme and the International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage that DfI Rivers are members of. This continued close co-operation has provided the opportunity for co-operation in areas such as flood forecasting and hydrometric monitoring.
The OPW does not have Arterial Drainage Schemes on the River Erne system in County Cavan and is not responsible for channel maintenance in the area in accordance with its statutory requirements under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. However, parts of the Erne Catchment are a Drainage District for which the local authority is responsible for ongoing maintenance.
48. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform his views on his Department’s allocation of moneys to the Department of Health in budget 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46955/23]
View answerThe health service budget for 2024 is a matter for the Department of Health and it is the role of that Department to manage service needs within the very significant allocation of €22.5 billion.
It is important to note that since 2019 this Government has prioritised very significant and unprecedented investment in the health service. As a result, Ireland continues to spend more of its national income on health compared to the majority of European countries.
Similar to many other jurisdictions, the health service continues to experience the difficult impacts of the post-emergency phase of COVID-19. In recognition of this, Budget 2024 continues the very high level of investment in our public health system, by providing a total of €22.5 billion.
This includes an increase of €808 million in current core expenditure to address both demographic and service pressures as well as new developments. A non-core allocation of €1.032 billion has been allocated which is significantly higher than the equivalent allocations to most other Government Departments. This funding provides for a range of Public Health measures related to COVID-19. This funding will assist in improving access to services, reducing waiting lists in hospitals and enhancing access to community diagnostics. Additional funding has been allocated for the use of private capacity and for transitional care beds to improve patient flow.
At an overall level, the non-core allocation will fund the post-pandemic escalation in demand and activity across our acute hospitals. This interim, once-off funding will be linked to a comprehensive programme of financial governance reform, including cost efficiencies and productivity measures. These arrangements are currently being developed and will be finalised before the end of the year.
Additionally, as set out in the National Development Plan, €1.231bn has been allocated to health capital expenditure in 2024 for the delivery of additional health infrastructure to enhance the wider sustainability of our health system.
Overall, it is the view of my Department that the health system is well funded. Excluding disabilities, the allocation for health spending has increased by approximately €7.4 billion from 2019 to 2024. International metrics also confirm that the health care system in Ireland is well funded, especially given our relatively young population. Irish Health expenditure ranks 2nd only to US and above other EU countries as a % of GNI and as % of Government Spending.
Questions on specific aspects of the overall health package and on the health allocation in general are best addressed to the Minister for Health.
49. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an overview of the Project Ireland 2040 annual report for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47022/23]
View answerProject Ireland 2040 encompasses Ireland’s clear long-term strategy for capital investment as set out in the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 (NDP). The successful delivery of Project Ireland 2040 is an essential element in securing Ireland’s economic, social and environmental sustainability over the next two decades. This government’s €165 billion investment through the NDP is already providing vital infrastructure across the country including homes, schools, and primary healthcare centres. On 5 October 2023 I published the Project Ireland 2040 Annual Report for 2022 which highlights the delivery of publicly funded capital projects throughout the country last year.
Accompanying the 2022 Annual Report were three Regional Reports which provide a detailed synopsis of the public investments which have been made in three Regional Assembly Areas: the Eastern and Midland Region, the Northern and Western Region and the Southern Region. The reports are all available on www.gov.ie/2040. 2022 saw clear progress in the delivery of major capital projects. Some examples highlighting achievements in delivery in 2022 include:
• In the Education sector: Investment in the School Building Programme exceeded €1 billion;
• in the Health sector: seven Community Nursing Units were completed including Clonakilty Community Hospital in Cork. Two Ambulance Bases were completed at Ardee and Mullingar;
• in the transport sector: Construction was ongoing in major road projects: N5 Westport to Turlough; N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom and the M8/N25 Dunkettle Interchange. Clear progress was made on the goal of delivering a more environmentally sustainable public transport system including BusConnects;
• in the Housing sector: 7,433 social housing new builds delivered;
• in support of regional connectivity: Over 109,000 homes, farms and businesses had a network connection available by the end of 2022 as the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan continued.
This government is firmly committed to ensuring that the level of investment is maintained and moreover securing the continued and timely delivery of NDP projects and programmes. The overall gross capital allocation recently announced in the Budget Expenditure Report for 2024, will be €13.1 billion, this marks an increase of €1 billion over the 2023 gross capital allocation of €12.1 billion. The 2024 allocation will continue to fund vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, sport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action to provide good outcomes for our people.
50. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the cumulative funding allocated under the national development plan for flood risk management measures in the period to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46912/23]
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.
In 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.
Since 1995, significant progress has been made by the OPW on flood relief schemes and 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. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
Flood relief schemes are large, complex, multiannual projects. They require detailed analysis of the sources 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.
Investment of some €300m has taken place since 2018 on flood relief scheme measures. Additionally, there is an expected expenditure profile of approximately €59m by the end of 2023. In the coming years, further schemes will progress through the project stages, will attain planning permission, and will begin construction, requiring increased annual expenditure. 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 currently in development, 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.
51. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the proposed Crossmolina flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46905/23]
View answerMy Department has engaged independent environmental consultants to carry out the relevant environmental assessments as required by EU Directives 2011/92 and 2014/52.
On the basis of advice received, in order to reach a full, reasoned conclusion on the environmental impacts of the scheme, I have sought supplementary information from the Office of Public Works as provided for under Section 7(4)(b) of the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019.
53. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide details of the current allocation for flood defence schemes for 2023 and 2024; if he is considering an emergency increase due to recent devastating floods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47035/23]
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.
In 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.
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.
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. 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.
Investment of some €300m has taken place since 2018 on flood relief scheme measures. Additionally, there is an expenditure allocation of approximately €76m for 2023. The allocation for 2024 has not yet been finalised.
In the coming years, further schemes will progress through the project stages, attain 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 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.
54. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress the OPW is making on the delivery of 700 rapid-build homes; how many active sites exist at present; how many completed sites; the handover dates in respect of each site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46496/23]
View answerThe information requested is set out below.
Ukrainian Rapid Build Housing Programme
In 2022, the OPW was asked by Government to develop a pilot programme of an initial 500 rapid build homes on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). That number was subsequently increased to 700 in late 2022.
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. From the outset, the OPW was acutely aware that the most complex part of the process would be the identification of suitable State-owned sites against a backdrop of pressure on housing supply. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) provided information on sites that were identified to it by local authorities and other public bodies. Any Local Authority sites already identified for housing under the Housing for All programme were excluded from this Rapid Build Housing Programme.
It is important to note that the completion timelines for the overall programme and for each site has always been subject to (i). site availability (inspection and suitability) and (ii). any technical issues arising during construction. There were a number of such technical issues that arose relating to site conditions, remedial works, boundaries, etc. that delayed earlier forecasted dates of completion on sites included in the programme.
Sites
Five sites are now completed and were occupied between May and August 2023 - Mahon, Co. Cork (64 units), Claremorris, Co. Mayo (28 units), Doorly Park, Co. Sligo (22 units), Cavan town (28 units), Thurles, Co. Tipperary (62 units) – totalling 204 units.
Sites at Clonminch, Co. Offaly (64 units) and at Rathdowney, Co. Laois (42 units currently) will be completed in November, 2023 – providing a further 106 units.
Further sites deemed suitable have been identified in Cork (Charleville), Galway (Ballinasloe) and Dublin /Kildare border (Backweston) and are at an early stage of development. Expected completion dates are between April and July 2024.
OPW continues to work with DHLGH and with local authorities, the Housing Agency and other bodies on progressing technical assessments/surveys on other potentially suitable sites, in order to deliver the required 700 units on State owned sites around the country. Currently there are a further three sites under consideration for inclusion in the Rapid Build Housing Programme.
From the start of this project, the emphasis has been on delivery of quality homes that will enhance local environments. Once completed, the developments will be to a high standard and will include permanent infrastructure, high quality public realm, streets, water, waste, roads, pedestrian routes, lighting, landscaping, semi-private front curtilage and small private rear gardens. These homes will provide housing for up to 2,800 individuals in family units on State-owned land.
55. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the steps he is taking to reduce the overreliance of the public sector on private consultants, making particular reference to the requirement of public bodies to report consultancy fees in their annual financial statement under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47043/23]
View answerWith regard to the availability of necessary expertise within the Public Service, I would make the point that Better Public Services 2030, which is the Government’s Public Service Transformation Strategy, includes Workforce of the Future as one of its three pillars. This reflects a strong commitment to growing capability across the Public Service to ensure that our workforce has the skills to meet future demands. In prioritising upskilling and reskilling as a key action in Better Public Services 2030, we can ensure that specialist expertise is developed and shared across the sector to provide organisations with the capacity to deliver better outcomes through expert-led research and analysis.
Turning to the use of private consultants by public bodies, Public Financial Procedures, the State’s guide to financial management, stipulates in Section D2.39 that “Consultancy services or external support should only be availed of where the expert skills or capabilities are not available within the Government Department or Public Body contracting the service or where an external review is required by an outside body such as, for example, the EU Commission.” In line with Public Financial Procedures and Public Procurement Guidelines, it is the responsibility of all public bodies to ensure that they have effective financial management, public procurement and risk management processes in place. This applies to all areas of public spending, including in respect of consulting contracts.
In the case of my own Department, external consultancy is only used where the necessary expertise is not available within the Department. In addition, every effort is made to limit the costs that arise, with approval at senior level required for the engagement of consultancy, and to ensure that skills transfer to the staff of the Department is part of the engagement with the supplier.
56. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on flood relief and flood defence schemes in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47026/23]
View answerIn total 12 flood relief schemes are being progressed across Donegal with €1.3bn funding available under the National Development Plan to 2023. Two of these schemes, Letterkenny and Donegal Town, are being progressed as part of a pilot for the next tranche of schemes to be delivered nationally. This pilot is being overseen by a Steering Group that includes representatives from Donegal County Council. This pilot will involve data collection by the Council ahead of and to inform the appointment of engineering and environmental consultants.
There are also a further four schemes in Donegal to be implemented in the next tranche of schemes, Killybegs, Carndonagh, Dunfanaghy and Rathmullen. The Government is committed to the implementation of all of the schemes included in the Plans within the lifetime of the National Development Plan.
Below is an update on all other schemes currently at implementation.
Raphoe Flood Relief Scheme
The proposed flood relief scheme for Raphoe has an estimated budget of €12,000,000 and when built will protect 387 properties. The scheme has completed Stage I and Stage II. The Raphoe flood relief scheme was submitted to the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform for confirmation in Q2 2023 under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945. Detailed design, construction drawings and specifications will be developed in Q1 2024 and it is envisaged that construction of the scheme will begin in 2025, subject to Ministerial confirmation.
Lifford Flood Relief Scheme
The Lifford flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €17,500,000 and when built will protect 67 properties and was included in the first tranche of schemes to be delivered under the National Development Plan. It is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q2 2024. The scheme is programmed to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q4 2025 (Stage II). It is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will begin in Q2 2025 in advance of planning consent submission and that Stage IV Construction will begin in Q1 2027.
Castlefinn Flood Relief Scheme
The Castlefinn flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €8,167,400 and when built will protect 33 properties. It was included in the first tranche of schemes and is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q4 2023. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q1 2024 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will start in Q3 2024 and Stage IV Construction will begin in Q2 2025.
Na Dúnaibh (Downings) Flood Relief Scheme
The Na Dúnaibh (Downings) flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €6,540,000 and when built will protect 58 properties. It was included in the first tranche of schemes and is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q2 2024. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q2 2024 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will start in Q3 2024 and Stage IV Construction will begin in Q3 2025.
Glenties Flood Relief Scheme
The Glenties Flood Relief scheme has an estimated budget of €550,000 and when built will protect 8 properties. It is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q1 2025. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q2 2025 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will start in Q3 2025 and Stage IV Construction will begin in Q3 2026.
Burnfoot Flood Relief Scheme
The Burnfoot Flood Relief scheme has an estimated budget of €13,650,000 and when built will protect 49 properties. It is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q4 2023. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q1 2024 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will start in Q3 2024 and Stage IV Construction will begin in Q3 2025.
Ballybofey-Stranorlar Flood Relief Scheme
The Ballybofey-Stranorlar flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €4,400,000 and when built will protect 59 properties. It was included in the first tranche of schemes and is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q2 2024. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q3 2024 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will start in Q2 2025 and Stage IV Construction will begin in Q2 2026.
Buncrana Flood Relief Scheme
The Buncrana flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €6,800,000 and when built will protect 32 properties. It was included in the first tranche of schemes and is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q3 2024. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q1 2025 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will start in Q3 2025 and Stage IV Construction will begin in Q2 2026.
Kerrykeel Flood Relief Scheme
The Kerrykeel flood relief scheme had an estimated budget of €30,000 in the Flood Risk Management Plan launched in 2018 and when built will protect 13 properties. It was included in the first tranche of schemes and is currently at Stage I which is due for completion in Q2 2024. OPW are currently progressing the options development, as well as numerous surveys and reports for the completion of Stage I. Subject to a successful and timely planning process, currently it is envisaged that construction of the scheme will begin in 2025.
Ramelton Flood Relief Scheme
The Ramelton flood relief scheme has an estimated budget of €12,100,000 and when built will protect 37 properties. It was included in the first tranche of schemes and is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion in Q2 2024. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q3 2024 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged that Stage III Detailed Design will start in Q3 2025 and Stage IV Construction will begin in Q1 2026.
