Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when works will commence on a Flood Relief Project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5699/24]
View answerSince 2009, the Office of Public Works, (OPW) has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €5.7 million to County Cork for some 45 projects.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie.
Funding approval under this scheme of €295,027 was allocated to Cork County Council in 2021 for minor embankment and improvement works, construction of a flood defence, a storm water pumping station, new drainage pipes and associated works at the location concerned. Cork County Council confirmed that they are providing additional funding to allow an enhanced scheme to be developed, building on the elements of the approved OPW funding. Hydraulic modelling work completed in early February 2024 will inform the scheme and Cork County Council plan to advertise the tender for a Consultant to undertake the detailed design, planning, procurement and management of the delivery of the project in the coming weeks.
Question No. 102 answered orally.
103. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on his Department’s priorities, with regard to the National Development Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5333/24]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) provides investment of €165 billion over the period 2021 - 2030 and supports a broad range of infrastructure projects and programmes across the country. As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. My Ministerial colleagues in Government are responsible for the delivery of the NDP projects that fall under their remit.
Over the past number of years, the delivery of the NDP has been adversely impacted as a result of pandemic related pauses in the construction sector, labour supply issues, the inflationary impacts from both COVID-19 public health measures and the war in Ukraine, with knock-on impacts on the supply chain for construction materials.
As a result, in March 2023, I informed Government of a package of significant actions aimed at enhancing project delivery of the NDP of which one was to commission an independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity. The ESRI published its final report on 12th January 2024. The ESRI report is currently informing my officials and I as we engage with Departments and agencies on their NDP allocations to 2026. An additional €2.25 billion of windfall corporate tax receipts is being allocated for capital investment in years 2024 to 2026. This will facilitate the progression of important projects in key sectors such as Education and Health and enable more rapid development of key Programme for Government commitments, particularly the delivery of actions to fulfil our climate action plan commitments. Recognising the capacity constraints in the economy, it is intended that the additional funding will be targeted at projects that are ready for development. The ESRI report is providing valuable input to this process in terms of consideration of key issues such as the capacity to deliver current Government priorities and utilise sectoral capital allocations in a supply constrained economy.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I must consider the competing demands for additional capital expenditure in areas such as health, the education sectors, housing and climate commitments with my Ministerial colleagues. Balancing competing demands and Project Ireland 2040 strategic objectives for projects and programmes is a priority for me and the government.
105. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 28 November 2023, the status of the review by the Coirib go Cósta steering group of the draft revised programme incorporating the additional scope for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; the timeline for the publication of the revised project programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5487/24]
View answer110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the expected timeline for the next public consultation day for the Coirib go Cósta flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 110 together.
The process of redefining the scope for the Coirib go Cósta - Galway City - Flood Relief Scheme, which is at Stage 1 Scheme Development and Preliminary Design, has taken longer than first envisaged due to the complexity and increase in scale of the scheme.
A draft revised scope reflecting additional works for the scheme has been presented by the scheme’s consultants to Galway City Council, who is the Lead Authority for the scheme. This revised scope has been reviewed by the Coirib go Cósta Steering Group members and agreement has been reached. In addition, the scheme’s consultants submitted a revised Stage 1 programme incorporating the additional scope, and this programme is being finalised by the Coirib go Cósta Steering Group. Due to the nature and complexity of flood relief schemes, the programme timelines that will be published will be subject to ongoing review throughout the development of scheme options, planning consent process, detailed design and construction tendering stage.
During my recent visit to Galway City, following the flooding caused by Storm Debi, I have requested that a meeting is held between Galway City Council and local representatives to update them on the scheme's progress. I’ve asked my officials to confirm with Galway City council that this meeting will take place in the coming four weeks. Details regarding the overall project programme will be communicated on the scheme’s website over the coming weeks , with the next Public Consultation Day envisaged to take place in Q4 2024. It should be noted that as part of the scheme communication strategy engagement with stakeholders is carried out at appropriate stages throughout the scheme development.
Investment in this scheme is through the €1.3bn for flood relief measures under the National Development Plan to 2030, which has allowed the OPW to treble the number of flood relief schemes nationally at design, planning, and construction stages to some 100 schemes. With regards to projected costs of Coirib go Cósta – Galway City Flood Relief Scheme, the scheme currently has a total project budget of €9.5m. The projected costs of the scheme will be updated once the preferred option for the scheme is identified and costed.
Since 2009, OPW has also approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of over €1.1m million to Galway City Council for projects including a project on Sruffaunacashlaun Stream & Distillery Canal to carry out channel maintenance on the open channel section of the stream, the culverted section under the Eglinton canal & replacement of a trash screen.
106. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform about the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5680/24]
View answerA comprehensive review of the National Development Plan involving several strands of work was undertaken over the course of 2020 and 2021. The Phase 1 report was published in April 2020 and drew upon a number of pieces of research and policy papers. This work culminated in the publication of an updated National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP) in October 2021. The NDP provides for investment of €165 billion over the period 2021-2030 and supports a broad range of infrastructure projects and programmes across the country. As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments. My Ministerial colleagues in Government are responsible for the delivery of the NDP projects that fall under their remit.
Over the past number of years, the delivery of the NDP has been adversely impacted as a result of pandemic related pauses in the construction sector, labour supply issues, the inflationary impacts from both COVID-19 public health measures and the war in Ukraine, with knock-on impacts on the supply chain for construction materials.
As a result, in March 2023, I informed Government of a package of significant actions aimed at enhancing project delivery of the NDP of which one was to commission an independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity. The ESRI published its final report on 12 January, 2024. The ESRI report is currently informing my officials and I as we engage with Departments and agencies on their NDP allocations to 2026. An additional €2.25 billion of windfall corporate tax receipts is being allocated for capital investment in years 2024 to 2026. This will facilitate the progression of important projects in key sectors and enable more rapid development of key Programme for Government commitments, particularly the delivery of actions to fulfil our climate action plan commitments. Recognising the capacity constraints in the economy, it is intended that the additional funding will be targeted at projects that are ready for development. The ESRI report is providing valuable input to this process in terms of consideration of key issues such as the capacity to deliver current Government priorities and utilise sectoral capital allocations in a supply constrained economy.
As the Deputy will appreciate, I must consider the competing demands for additional capital expenditure in areas such as health, the education sectors, housing and climate commitments with my Ministerial colleagues. Balancing competing demands and Project Ireland 2040 strategic objectives for projects and programmes is a priority for me and for the Government.
108. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the new public sector pay agreement talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5729/24]
View answerI welcome the proposed agreement that was made at the WRC two weeks ago, following a challenging set of discussions. In my view, it is an Agreement that seeks to achieve a balanced approach to public service pay that rewards the ongoing efforts of public servants, while ensuring the responsible management of public finances. This has been Government’s ambition throughout this process.
The Agreement runs for two and a half years and the total estimated cost amounts to €3.6 billion. In total, the Agreement provides for increases of 10.25% over the two and a half year period. This is made up of general round increases totaling 9.25%, as well as a provision for a Local Bargaining mechanism equivalent to 1% of the basic pay cost.
The following pay adjustments will apply over the lifetime of this Agreement.
2024
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 2.25% or €1,125, whichever is greater, on 1 January 2024.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1 June 2024.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 October 2024
2025
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 2% or €1,000, whichever is greater, on 1 March 2025.
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% on 1 August 2025.
2026
• A general round increase in annualised basic salary for all public servants of 1% or €500, whichever is greater, on 1 February 2026.
The Local Bargaining provision of 1% will be implemented in September 2025. The process will provide an avenue by which employers and grades, groups and categories of public servants can progress proposals to address issues involving changes in structures, work practices or other conditions of service.
This Agreement, like its predecessor, is heavily weighted towards lower paid public servants. Over the lifetime of the agreement, the lowest paid public servants will see cumulative benefits of up to 17.3%, inclusive of the local bargaining provision. This is a progressive approach, which ensures that those who are most vulnerable to inflation and cost of living issues will see the greatest increase in their pay.
Transformation of our public services remains a key priority for Government. This Agreement will ensure continued support for the delivery of the Government’s key national reform plans, strategies, and frameworks. In particular, this Agreement seeks to support the framework for transformation as set out in “Better Public Services – The Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy”.
109. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline predicted capital spend for delivery of projects contained in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 for County Donegal up to the end of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5774/24]
View answer125. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to outline the capital spend in delivering National Development Plan 2021-2030 projects for County Donegal for each year of the lifetime of the current Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5773/24]
View answer129. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the predicted timelines for delivery of projects contained in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 for County Donegal up to the end of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5772/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 125 and 129 together.
As Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at Departmental level. The responsibility for the management and delivery of individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the National Development Plan 2021-30 (NDP), rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case. Expenditure is therefore allocated and monitored on a Departmental basis and not a geographical basis.
The Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. The NDP includes indicative Exchequer allocations for each Department for a five year period (2021 to 2025) and the overall capital expenditure ceilings out to 2030. My officials and I are currently engaging with Departments on setting out updated NDP sectoral allocations up to 2026.
In 2024, over €13 billion will be made available from the Exchequer for investment in public capital projects, which will provide more schools, homes, improve hospital facilities and other pieces of vital infrastructure. This level of expenditure will be pivotal in consolidating the progress already made, supporting balanced regional development and, most importantly, delivering the necessary infrastructure to support our future climate change obligations as well as our social and economic requirements.
The Government will continue to detail the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This will be achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and map as well as the publication of annual reports and regional reports highlighting Project Ireland 2040 achievements and giving a detailed overview of the public investments which have been made throughout the country, including in County Donegal.
The capital investment tracker provides a composite update on the progress of all major investments with an estimated cost of greater than €20 million. Accompanying the tracker, the myProjectIreland interactive map details projects across the country and provides details on specific projects by county, and contains smaller investments such as schools and social housing projects. Search facilities also allow citizens to view projects in their regional area, by city, by county or by eircode.
In addition, Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 in the three Regional Assembly areas have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The reports set out the regional projects and programmes, which are being planned and delivered in the Northern and Western Region as part of the public investment detailed in Project Ireland 2040. While the reports do not provide an exhaustive list of all public capital expenditure, they serve to highlight the diverse range of investments being made by the State under Project Ireland 2040 in the region.
The Project Ireland 2040 Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
111. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an overview of works planned to alleviate coastal erosion in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5720/24]
View answerCoastal protection and localised flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. To assist local authorities in managing the coastline for coastal erosion, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken a national assessment of coastal erosion (including erosion rates) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. This data enables local authorities to develop appropriate plans and strategies for the sustainable management of the coastline in their counties.
The Report of the Inter-Departmental Group on National Coastal Change Management Strategy was published in October 2023. This report contains a range of recommendations centred on developing management responses to coastal change over the short, medium and longer terms and providing a comprehensive whole of Government approach to the development of the range of policy responses that the challenge of coastal change encompasses. With regard to short-term measures, the report included a recommendation for local authorities to continue to identify potentially vulnerable locations that could be affected by coastal change, and to engage with local communities to help ascertain the most appropriate interventions.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. Applications for funding from local authorities for measures, or studies, costing up to €750,000 can be made under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the total cost is available, subject to meeting specific economic, technical, social, and environmental criteria.
Since 2009, the OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of approximately €3.8 million to County Clare for some 41 projects, which includes funding of €720,000 for coastal erosion studies/projects in County Clare. Funding has been approved for coastal erosion and flood risk management studies in:
• Cloughauninchy
• Quilty to Miltown Malbay
• Liscannor Bay
• Kilbaha, Aughinish and New Quay
• Doolin
Funding has also been approved for the following works:
• Repair and strengthen the embankment in Aughinish Island and New Quay
• Provide rock armour in Spanish Point
112. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department will be conducting a spending review in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5553/24]
View answerSince 2017 my Department has been responsible for the co-ordination and management of the annual Spending Review process. This involves individual Departments choosing an expenditure or policy area to review and conducting analysis that improves our knowledge of and the data around that policy or programme with the aim of making it more effective and efficient.
The objective and scope of spending reviews has changed over time and the process moved from a centralised top down approach to one that facilitated Departments to analyse the efficiency and effectiveness of their own key policy areas. This widened the scope for Departments to develop the concept of evidence based policy making without necessarily a cost focus; though this was to remain a core objective. This changeover coincided with the further development of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) and the embedding of IGEES analysts throughout Departments.
The result has been that more Departments now routinely assess key policies and programmes as part of the process compared to when it began in 2017; when reviews were mainly carried out by staff within my own Department. A total of 183 Spending Review papers have been published to date and are all published on my Department's website. The key trend within this uptake has been the move since 2020 onwards for line Departments to publish their own work or to work collaboratively with my Department to publish joint papers. So the uptake now is roughly 50:50 between papers published by line Departments and those published by my own Department.
In relation to reforms of the Spending Review, following a consultation process with key stakeholders via the cross departmental Steering Group, Spending Review 2023 trialed a number of reforms that aim to increase the impact of the spending review process. Following an appraisal of the Spending Review process during 2022 it was proposed that the 2023 iteration would see:
• The introduction of Technical Review Groups (formed thematically to replace or supplement the current Subgroup process);
• Changes to the Steering Group (to bring in a streamlined approach with a more strategic focus).
These changes were introduced along with some operational improvements such as revisions to the format of the scoping documents, the format of the templates, and the feedback process. In addition, more minor reforms were made which formalise the engagement and consultation processes and to encourage a wider focus on impact for the evaluations. The impact of the changes introduced is currently being reviewed and will be assessed by the Interdepartmental Steering Group overseeing this valued process.
In the coming weeks I will be publishing the final papers from the 2023 process. The publication of this research is an important feature of the budget cycle.
Specifically in relation to the selection of topics for review in the coming calendar year, this process is overseen by line-management structures, takes place with consideration of unit capacity, strategic priorities, and business needs. Business plans are currently being finalised and my Department therefore expects to have a preliminary list of areas subject to evaluation in 2024 in the coming months.
113. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on the National Development Finance Agency’s examination of construction contracts won by constructions firms that have been suspended from public contracts in Spain for bid-rigging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5762/24]
View answerI have been informed by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) that Spain’s National Commission for Markets and Competition published a resolution (Resolución Obra Civil 2 S/0021/20) on 5 July 2022, imposing fines for infringement of Spanish and European competition laws on six Spanish construction companies.
The NDFA understands from correspondence with one of the affected Spanish companies, Obrascon Huarte Lain S.A. (“OHL”), that the Resolution is being appealed to Spain’s National High Court by OHL and, pending the appeal, OHL has been granted a stay of the Resolution which suspends the administrative sanctions, including any prohibition on entering into public contracts.
The NDFA has procured 10 PPP contracts which are fully complete and are now operational. Of the 10 projects procured, two projects were awarded to consortia that included one of the six Spanish construction companies. OHL holds a small equity stake as part of the consortium for the Social Housing Bundle 2 project and Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas S.A. (“FCC”) was part of the consortium for the Technical University Dublin, Grangegorman project.
The NDFA has two PPP projects currently in procurement (Higher Education Bundle 2 and Social Housing Bundle 3) and one PPP project in construction (Higher Education Bundle 1).
One of the contractors named in the Resolution, OHL, is currently involved as one of the shortlisted candidates in the procurement of the Social Housing Bundle 3 PPP project.
Separately, the NDFA note that OHL is part of a joint venture with Ganson Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Ltd. that has been awarded a place on the Design & Build (D&B) Contractor Framework following the NDFA tender competition for the second traditionally funded Schools Building Programme (also known as the Devolved Schools Building Programme or “DSBP2).
NDFA procurements, whether PPP or Exchequer Funded, are conducted in accordance with the European Union procurement regulations as transposed into Irish Law under S.I. No. 284/2016 - European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016.
Regulation 57 of the Procurement Regulations enables a contracting authority in certain circumstances to exclude bidders from procurement procedures for matters such as:
• corruption (Regulation 57(1)(b));
• grave professional misconduct (Regulation 57(8)(c)); and
• agreements with other economic operators aimed at distorting competition (Regulation 57(8)(d)).
In deciding whether or not to invoke such exclusionary rights in any particular case, a Contracting Authority must consider all relevant factors, including any remedial measures undertaken by a bidder. In this regard, OHL provided details to the NDFA of certain remedial measures it has taken with a view to demonstrating the measures the company has taken to safeguard against the future occurrence of offences such as those alleged in the Resolution.
Based on relevant information provided and on legal advice received to date, noting in particular that no final conviction of OHL has taken place and that OHL appear to have put in place the compliance system and associated certifications to safeguard against the occurrence of the type of misconduct alleged, the NDFA has not sought to invoke Regulation 57 to date. However, the matter will be kept under review if and as any developments arise.
114. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the allocations made by his Department under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve; the Departments to which funds were allocated; and the purpose of such allocations. [5755/24]
View answerThe European Union’s Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) is a unique regulation established specifically to provide support to counter the adverse economic, social, territorial, and environmental consequences of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union. The regulation is clear that in order to be eligible for BAR funding, the expenditure must fall within the eligibility period for expenditure which runs from the 1st of January 2020 to the 31st of December 2023. The application for BAR funding must set out the negative impacts of the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, and how the measures carried out under the Fund alleviate the adverse consequences.
Following the BAR Regulation coming into force in October 2021, the Government allocated specific funding of €389 million in Budgets 2022 and 2023 across a number of sectors. A large proportion of that funding was allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, who received €271 million in BAR funding across those budgets. The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science also received a significant allocation of €37.3 million, which included, for example, funding towards training and reskilling for businesses or individuals impacted by Brexit.
Officials in my Department have been engaging in a review exercise of Brexit related spending across the eligibility period for possible inclusion in Ireland’s BAR claim to the EU Commission in September 2024. This involves engaging with Departments on spending outside of that allocated in Budgets 2022 and 2023 which may qualify for inclusion, and a figure of approximately €0.7 billion has been identified in this regard.
The exact composition of Ireland's BAR claim will not be finalised until the claim is submitted in September 2024. As work is ongoing by my Department to verify all Brexit-related spending for inclusion in the BAR claim it is not possible at this time to confirm individual projects or final amounts of expenditure in any sector that will be included in the BAR claim.
That being said, the Government has made significant investments across a range of sectors to mitigate Brexit impact. As noted above, very significant funding has been allocated to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This funding was allocated across the Department’s areas of responsibility, with a large proportion going to Fisheries and Aquaculture initiatives as well as towards increasing operations in the ports following the UK becoming a 3rd country for customs purposes.
Other major recipients of investment include the Revenue Commissioners, to assist in increasing operational capacity to address the customs implications of Brexit for Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, to support Brexit preparedness schemes and other supports for SMEs. Significant funding has also been allocated to the upgrade works in Rosslare port.
115. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform further to the Topical Issue debate of 23 January 2024, to outline the progress made to date with the Midleton flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5579/24]
View answerThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme provided the Government with the evidence necessary to launch a national programme of 120 additional flood relief schemes in 2018. While Midleton was a part of the CFRAM programme, major flooding in December 2015 and again in January 2016, were the catalysts to commence work on the design of a flood relief scheme for Midleton before the conclusion of the CFRAM programme.
Cork County Council is leading the design of the scheme and in 2017 appointed engineering and environmental consultants. Designing any flood relief scheme is complicated and requires data on the flood sources and their associated risks. Midleton has proven to be one of the most complex schemes. It has flood risks from four sources, fluvial, tidal, groundwater and pluvial. In 2017, data did not exist on all sources and monitoring was required over a number of years to allow the flooding mechanism to be properly understood.
The data gathering and changing regulatory requirements, including environmental assessments, further increased the scale and scope of the project. Throughout this period, three separate Public Participation Days were held in 2017, 2020 and 2022. These served to gather useful information and assess the community’s views on the emerging and preferred option for the Flood Relief Scheme. This outcome also increased the scope of the analysis and assessments required.
The preferred scheme has been now identified with an estimated budget of €50m, three times the estimated budget in 2017. This highlights the scale of the project’s increase in scope. It also highlights that we have designed a scheme that is robust, supported by strong evidence that has the support of the local community, and is future proofed being adaptable to climate change scenarios. The preferred option protects 580 properties and can give back flood insurance to the town, as well as standing up to scrutiny or challenge.
Following Storm Babet, an assessment of the proposed scheme is now underway, so we can be confident that we have designed a scheme that can meet the standard of protection required by the insurance industry. The next major step is to seek planning consent and work has already begun on the environmental surveys to allow us to start the planning process early in 2024.
Identification and implementation of interim flood defence measures has also been progressed, including the jetting of the towns drainage system, removal of trees in the channel at Moore’s Bridge, and installation of water level gauges.
The OPW and local authorities do not have powers to expedite schemes arising from the damage caused by flooding events and the delivery of all schemes must meet both regulatory and planning requirements. Consideration is now being given as to the best planning route that can deliver the Midleton Flood Relief Scheme as quickly as possible.
The OPW is funding a full time engineering post in Cork County Council who manages the day to day delivery of this scheme together with the appointed consultant engineers. In November 2023 the OPW approved funding for an additional engineering staffing resource to work on the delivery of interim measures for Midleton. Cork County Council and the OPW are discussing other additional resources that may be required to progress the delivery of this scheme and other schemes across the county.
116. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the extent to which issues are being considered which are most likely to have an impact on improving delivery on the National Development Plan with particular reference to specific infrastructure which is now or likely to become in the near future critical to progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5677/24]
View answerThe Government has committed to €165 billion in capital investment through the National Development Plan (NDP) published in 2021. As a percentage of national income, annual capital investment is now among the largest in the EU. In 2024, €13 billion will fund vital infrastructure in areas such as housing, transport, education, enterprise, sport and climate action. Achieving value for money and reducing cost and schedule overruns is a vital part of delivering the NDP.
However, the Government and I acknowledge that the significant investment under the NDP does not come without delivery challenges. As you know, delivery of some NDP projects has been adversely impacted over the past three years as a result of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine. I am also acutely aware of the challenges that the construction industry has faced in terms of material price inflation, labour supply constraints, and supply chain disruption. As a result, in order to safeguard the delivery of key NDP projects, in January 2022, my Department introduced measures to address inflation for new contracts and tenders. Furthermore, in May 2022, a new set of measures to apportion additional inflation costs between the parties to public works contracts were introduced. These interim arrangements were then made permanent in July 2023 which allow for more appropriate risk sharing in the delivery of public works contracts.
Nevertheless, no-one is any doubt that the need to ensure timely project delivery must be part of the Government’s focus to respond effectively to the pressing challenges of our time, particularly in areas like housing, health and climate. The renaming of my Department as the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR), has brought about a greater emphasis and mandate for the delivery of the NDP. In light of this new role, a review of the support structures and levers available across Government to maximise delivery of projects was undertaken. As a result, a series of actions and reforms were identified as priorities to improve delivery of NDP projects, including reducing the administrative burden on Departments charged with infrastructure delivery. In 2023, I secured Government approval for six priority actions which are:
• Significant changes to reduce the administrative burden in delivering major capital projects, through measures to streamline capital appraisal guidance (which have been introduced through the Infrastructure Guidelines which supercedes the Public Spending Code);
• I am now taking a direct role in overseeing delivery of the NDP through chairing the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board;
• Capacity reviews of departments and agencies with significant delivery programmes to be carried out, where appropriate, to ensure that adequate resources for project delivery are in place;
• Additional reforms to the Capital Works Management Framework, which sets out the contracts used for public capital projects;
• Direct reporting to Government on NDP delivery on a quarterly basis throughout 2023 and 2024 and
• An independent evaluation of NDP priorities and capacity (which was carried out by the ESRI, with their report published in January this year).
This package represents a fresh approach to securing delivery as part of my Department’s enhanced remit around the NDP.
I am confident that the combination of the six priority actions above will boost the delivery of the critical infrastructure we need to support a growing economy and higher living standards for those living here. In particular, I believe input of experts on the Project Ireland 2040 Delivery Board will highlight the key impediments to project delivery and I will work towards delivering mitigating actions to boost project delivery. In addition, my Department will continue to work closely with the construction sector in order to improve efficiency and enhanced delivery through the Construction Sector Group.
117. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the Government’s review of the Standards in Public Office Commission and the Freedom of Information Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5303/24]
View answerThe 2020 Programme for Government contains a commitment to “reform and consolidate the Ethics in Public Office Legislation”, which inter alia underpins the operation of the Standards in Public Office Commission. As the Deputy’s question notes, the Minister at the time asked my Department to undertake a review of the statutory framework in advance of bringing new proposals for reform back to Government. This Review was completed in December 2022 and its Report submitted to Government. The Government approved the publication of the Report and agreed to the preparation of draft legislation to reform the regime informed by the outcome of the review.
The Report's recommendations focus broadly on five key themes:
• the legislative framework for Ethics should be underpinned by a set of overarching integrity principles;
• there should be new specific statutory prohibitions, including on the use of insider information;
• disclosure requirements should be strengthened to improve transparency and examining whether the regime should encompass more office holders;
• a strengthening of SIPO; and
• any post-term employment restrictions contemplated for elected officials/public servants should seek to address matters not already covered by lobbying regulation and should align closely with that legislation.
To further progress the Programme for Government commitment, my Department is now preparing a draft scheme for legislative reform in consultation with relevant Ministers and informed by the outcome of the Review. Drafting of Heads of Bill is significantly advanced.
In particular, I envisage that this scheme will strengthen the powers of a reformed Standards Commission, including strengthening its investigative powers. My ultimate goal in this is to create a fit-for-purpose, easy to understand and user-friendly ethical framework that contributes to the quality and efficacy of our public administration.
Alongside this work, a review of the FOI regime has been undertaken and is at an advanced stage of completion.
The review process has been an open and collaborative one, taking in the views of a wide range of stakeholders. It commenced with a scoping process which sought the views of stakeholders across all sectors in setting the direction of the review. Approximately 1,200 responses were received at this stage of the process from individuals, organisations, and public bodies.
In addition, a customer satisfaction survey was undertaken, which sought the views of both requesters and the staff of public bodies involved in processing requests. 1,100 further responses were received in this project.
Based on key themes identified in the previous stages of information gathering, a full public consultation was undertaken, with 60 further responses received. In order to further tease out particular issues, a series of focus group sessions and interviews were carried out with key stakeholder groups.
This process of engagement was accompanied by a review of international approaches to FOI, seeking to identify best practices and innovations globally.
A progress update was issued to stakeholders at the end of 2022, which summarised key findings in the information gathering process to date, and set out in broad terms the matters under consideration.
There are three main strands. Firstly, a more coherent approach to information governance and access. Secondly, supplementing formal FOI requests with less bureaucratic and more direct ways of achieving transparency, including proactive publication of information. Finally, the review addresses various issues and proposals for improving the FOI request process.
The process of preparing the final review report commenced in mid-2023. This has been undertaken in close collaboration with the Office of the Information Commissioner, but also other policy-holders in related areas, such as the National Archives. The report is now nearing completion. It is intended that the recommendations arising from the review will inform the preparation of amending legislation.
The Department aims to bring both the Heads of Bill for the Ethics Reform and the FOI final review report to Government for approval to publish in the coming months.
118. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the funding available to Monaghan County Council for flood relief projects under Budget 2024. [5754/24]
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 for flood relief measures. In Budget 2024 the Office of Public Works, (OPW), was allocated just under €645 million of which approximately €140 million has been assigned for Climate Responsive Flood Risk Management which is sufficient to meet the current needs of this area.
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 stages to some 100 schemes at this time.
There are three proposed Flood Relief Schemes identified for County Monaghan; Ballybay, Inishkeen and Monaghan, as part of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The CFRAM Programme was the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State and culminated with the launch in 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 118 new outline flood relief projects.
Given the highly specialised market for designing flood relief schemes it is not possible to progress all proposed new schemes at once. The proposed schemes in County Monaghan are not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed and the OPW continue to liaise with Monaghan County Council to ensure that the programme of flood relief projects identified for Monaghan is kept under review, and that all projects will be commenced within the timeframe for the National Development Plan.
The pilot for four Tranche II Schemes in County Kilkenny and County Donegal, 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 the OPW. Consequently, a new delivery model for flood relief schemes is being piloted which will better inform the future Tranche II schemes' delivery which includes the proposed schemes in Co. Monaghan.
In the interim it is open to Monaghan County Council to make an application under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding.
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 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.
Since 2009, OPW has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €2.5 million to County Monaghan for some 27 projects.
119. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the budgeting process operated by his Department promotes innovation to a sufficient extent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5740/24]
View answerBudgetary and expenditure reform is a key feature of public expenditure management and is progressed in a number of ways including through regular engagement across Departments on cross cutting issues and through the public service reform programme.
The promotion of innovation may be seen within the overall context of budgetary reform through a range of initiatives including:
• Performance Budgeting;
• Equality Budgeting;
• Green Budgeting
• Well-being framework; and
• The Spending Review Process.
Together, these reforms aim to provide a more comprehensive insight into how public services are supporting society. They consider not only how and where the money is spent but also the impact of public expenditure across different cohorts of society. They work in tandem with broader initiatives, such as the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, to develop capacity and enhance the role of economics and value for money analysis in public policy making.
In terms of innovation initiatives as a standalone objective, the current framework for public service transformation is contained within Better Public Services, which builds on earlier reforms by my Department. The core of the Strategy is made up of three themes;
Digital innovation at scale,
Workforce and organisation of the future; and
Evidence informed policies and services designed for and with the public.
Making progress under these themes will support sectoral level reform programmes already underway in the Public Service and build on recent successes in the area of innovation across the Public Service.
Since its launch in May of last year, there has already been important cross-organisational initiatives established to drive digital innovation at scale, including Ireland’s ambitious ‘Life Events’ programme. This programme aims to deliver seamless end-to-end services, designed with and for our customers in a manner that ensures that key certificates and credentials are available digitally at all of our fingertips.
In November 2020, my Department published the Public Service Innovation Strategy, ‘Making Innovation Real’. My Department has since then assisted Public Service organisations in setting their own innovation goals and actions.
The Public Service Innovation Advisory Board was established in November 2021. The role of the board is to provide best practice, learnings and recommendations on driving innovation across the public service.
Finally, in 2023, the Public Service Innovation Fund allocated €750,000 to support 18 innovative projects in areas of Digital Transformation, Citizen Support Innovation, Green and Sustainable Initiatives. Since its establishment in 2019, the fund has supported around 100 projects.
120. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the progress of flood defences planned for Dundalk Bay, County Louth; to outline if additional funding will be made available for flood defences in north Louth following the damage done in November 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5285/24]
View answerTo deliver the proposed measures set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans for County Louth, Louth County Council (LCC), working with the Office of Public Works (OPW), has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk/Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford/ Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed. The funding for these schemes has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030. Funding of just over €4.3 million has been provided to LCC across these major schemes since 2018. The allocation of funding to LCC in 2024 is €2.3 million, this funding will allow the schemes and flood relief measures to progress without funding constraints.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects are being progressed simultaneously and engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The proposed scheme will protect some 1,880 properties when completed. The scheme option for Dundalk/Blackrock South is expected in 2024 and Ardee options report is currently under review by the steering group.
Consultants for the Drogheda and Baltray schemes were appointed in September 2021. The proposed scheme will protect some 425 properties when completed. The scheme option is expected by the end of 2024.
The Carlingford and Greenore scheme is being progressed by LCC and OPW. LCC estimate that about 50 houses and 6 businesses were impacted by flooding in Carlingford on 30th October 2023. In the aftermath of the flooding drone footage was captured and surveying of the area arranged. OPW met with LCC in November 2023 to assess the flood mechanisms and damages from this event and will help to inform the proposed scheme for Carlingford/Greenore. Officials from the OPW & Louth County Council met on 11th December 2023 to discuss progression and next steps for the scheme. Survey specifications have been developed and will be tendered shortly.
While the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme investigated possible structural flood relief measures for both Annagassan and Termonfeckin, economically viable schemes for these communities were not identified. The OPW is reviewing the flood risk in these communities.
As well as funding for major flood relief schemes, funding of circa €1.9m has been approved for LCC under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme since 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas.
Applications for funding are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie. The OPW welcome applications for funding under this scheme and is happy to engage with LCC in this regard.
