Written Answers Nos. 384-403
384. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide an update on proposed funding and works for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1113/25]
View answerCork County Council is the owner of and has responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the weir in Fermoy.
This weir does not form part of the Fermoy Flood Relief Scheme works, completed to protect the Fermoy community from a 1% AEP fluvial flood event. The in-river works that were completed maintained a clearance between the works area and the weir, thus avoiding scheme works impacting on the weir. Accordingly, the OPW has no statutory responsibility for this weir, including its repair and maintenance.
In February 2024, An Bord Pleanála approved Cork County Council’s application for the proposed Fermoy Weir Remedial Works and Fish Bypass development. In the intervening period, the Council and their representatives have been liaising with OPW in relation to seeking the appropriate statutory consents and planning conditions required to progress this project.
I understand that the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has confirmed that his Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland have undertaken to support any application by Cork County Council for central funding in the context of fisheries and habitat issues related to the weir remedial works and fish bypass project.
386. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will ensure the OPW assist and liaise with the local authority in relation to the collapse of a flood wall on the Camac River in Dublin 8 has affected local residents (details supplied). [1172/25]
View answer401. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will report on the recent destruction of riverbanks and homes along the Camac in the Dublin 8 area and recommendations for the OPW to carry out essential works that mitigate further loss of riverbanks and structure collapse. [1651/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works, (OPW), was made aware on Monday 6th January of the collapse of a wall at the property referenced at Tyrconnell Street, Inchicore into the Camac River. The OPW made immediate contact with Dublin City Council that has been liaising with the affected property owners. Engineers in Dublin City Council have assessed the location along with their consultants/contractors. Dublin City Council has confirmed that remedial works are now underway to reduce any potential flood risk and enhance public safety. The OPW will have further engagement with Dublin City Council as necessary in relation to this matter.
In relation to any localised or urgent flood risk identified by Dublin City Council, it is open to the Council to apply for funding assistance through the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. 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 this 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 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/
387. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on any work his Department has undertaken to review the reopening of Lusk Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1213/25]
View answerThe refurbishment of Lusk Garda Station is currently being assessed. The Office of Public Works tendered for the work in 2024, however the costs arising were in excess of the expected investment in the building. The Office of Public Works and Garda Estate Management are considering the works required in the context of providing a solution within the expected budget.
388. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of works on the weir at Ballincollig regional park; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1336/25]
View answerThe Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management or CFRAM Programme, the largest study of flood risk in the state, was completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2018. The main output from this study was the Flood Risk Management Plans that are providing the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at-risk communities.
The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is the largest flood relief scheme in the state. It encompasses an area from Inniscarra Hydroelectric plant to the Port of Cork, some 16 kilometres away. The Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme is expected to provide protection against the 100-year fluvial flooding event from the River Lee and the 200-year tidal flooding event for 2,100 properties, including 900 residential and 1,200 commercial, at an estimated cost of over €200 million.
Ballincollig Weir is on the River Lee and is adjacent to the Regional Park in Ballincollig. The weir has been in disrepair for many years before a breach occurred in December 2014, which left the weir in poor condition. While there are no hydraulic benefits to the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme from the Ballincollig weir, the OPW has committed to assessing the feasibility of repairing Ballincollig Weir and incorporating the repair works into the construction contract and budget for the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme, if appropriate.
The OPW commissioned the consultants for the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme to undertake a preliminary feasibility assessment and constraints study for any viable reinstatement of the Ballincollig Weir and a draft report was produced in May 2024. This report is under consideration by Cork City Council that have ownership of Ballincollig Weir. The Council has ongoing engagement with the OPW to inform a decision on how to proceed.
389. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the current status of a project (details supplied); when he expects planning permission to be submitted for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1344/25]
View answerI am aware of the devastation caused by flooding to communities and the impact on the people, families and businesses in Midleton and east Cork. Cork County Council is leading the delivery of the Midleton Flood Relief Scheme and in 2017 appointed engineering and environmental consultants. Midleton has proven to be one of the most complex schemes with flood risks from four sources; fluvial, tidal, groundwater and pluvial. The preferred option has been identified and, following Storm Babet, an assessment has been completed, so that 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 finalise the details of the scheme design and to seek planning consent. To that effect, Cork County Council has begun to engage with landowners, whose lands have been identified as needed for the scheme, and has organised an information clinic for the affected landowners later this month. In parallel with these meetings, work is continuing on the environmental surveys and assessments, which are required to inform the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the scheme. At this time, the indicative estimate is for Cork County Council, in early 2026, to submit to An Bord Pleanála the Midleton Flood Relief Scheme under the Planning and Development Acts.
An assessment of advance works, which involves the delivery of elements of the scheme in advance of the delivery of the whole scheme, has been completed with Tir Cluain identified as suitable for such works. The OPW understands that work is ongoing by Cork County Council on the preparation of planning documents for these works under the Part 8 planning process, in the coming quarter. The Council is also working with the scheme consultants on other locations for possible advance works.
Interim flood defence measures in Midleton are underway in a phased manner, and in compliance with the regulatory frameworks. A number of interim measures have been completed, including the removal of Moore’s Bridge, which was a possible source of flood risk, and which was removed in August 2024. The removal of gravels deposited during Storm Babet is complete, in addition to the clearance of fallen trees and overgrown vegetation at various locations on the Owenacurra and Dungourney Rivers. A number of gauges have been installed on the Dungourney River by the OPW Hydrometric Team, and Interim flood defences have been installed at Woodlands estate. Cork County Council and the scheme consultants are currently investigating potential interim works at a site north of the Northern Relief Road, and also engaging with Met Éireann to develop more focussed flood forecasting for County Cork, and in particular East Cork.
In October 2024, I announced €5.8m in funding from the OPW to Cork County Council for the installation of Individual Property Protection measures to homeowners and businesses impacted by the October 2023 flood event during Storm Babet across Midleton and East Cork. The Individual Property Protection Scheme is intended to help reduce the impact of flooding, mitigating the damage caused to people’s property. The Scheme closed for applications on the 18th November 2024, with eligible properties currently progressing through the assessment process. It is estimated that the rollout of Individual Property Protection will begin in late February 2025.
The above measures will be discussed again at the next meeting scheduled for the 30th January 2025, between the Steering Group for the scheme, and the Midleton Flood Committee with locally elected representatives, business community and the wider community. This meeting occurs on a quarterly basis.
390. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will allow previous years of payment increments to be counted towards a current salary scale when an individual is offered a permanent job in the public service; if he is aware that in many cases, the individuals affected by this anomaly have worked in the same building, at the same desk, doing the same role, with the only difference being their pay previously came from a non-Government agency funded by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1373/25]
View answerGovernment policy in relation to starting pay in the civil and public service is that all new entrants start on Point 1 of the relevant salary scale.
Incremental credit is granted under the terms of Circular 21/2004 :- Agreement on incremental credit for previous service for entry levels at Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, or equivalent grades represented by the Civil and Public Services Union (CPSU) and Public Services Executive Union (PSEU).
The agreement provides for incremental credit for starting pay purposes in respect of persons who have previously been employed in the public service in Ireland, within the meaning of Section 1 of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 (Appendix 1), or an equivalent body in the EU Member States at the grade of Clerical Officer (CO) or Executive Officer (EO) or at an equivalent grade.
391. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the Crossmolina flood relief scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1388/25]
View answerOn the 3rd September 2024, the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform granted consent for the River Deel (Crossmolina) Flood Relief Scheme (the Scheme), thereby enabling the Office of Public Works (OPW) to progress to construction.
To facilitate commencement of construction, the Steering Group for the Scheme (including representatives from OPW and Mayo County Council) finalised the detailed design of the Scheme, which includes a diversion channel upstream of Crossmolina town, which will redirect flood waters away from the town, directly to the flood plains of Lough Conn. This scheme is being funded through the Government’s National Development Plan with €1.3 billion allocated for flood relief measures.
The construction of this Scheme is being undertaken by the OPW’s own direct workforce and mobilisation works commenced in December 2024. Construction of the scheme is projected to take approximately 4 years, and is currently programmed for substantial completion in early 2029. The Scheme when completed is expected to provide protection against a 100-year flood event (1% Annual Exceedance Probability event) for some 116 properties.
392. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will commit to a one metre reduction in the water levels of Lough Allen, Lough Ree and Lough Derg. [1429/25]
View answerWater levels on the River Shannon are managed by the ESB and Waterways Ireland, not the OPW.
Water levels are managed through the operation of gates and sluices at the outlets of the three major lakes and the operation of sluices and weirs at Jamestown, Roosky, Tarmonbarry, Meelick and the New Cut. These operations influence the levels on the Shannon but due to the shallow gradient of the river and the many natural restrictions along its course, the levels cannot be fully controlled especially when the Shannon is in flood. The river level is primarily the result of the amount of rain that falls on the river catchment area.
The water level on Lough Allen is managed by the ESB through the operation of the sluices at the outlet of the lake at Bellantra. The water level on Lough Ree is managed by the ESB through the operation of sluices at Athlone, although in times of flood, most water flows uncontrolled over the 170m weir alongside the Athlone sluices. Waterways Ireland provides manual assistance at Athlone, working to instruction from the ESB.
Levels in Lough Allen and Lough Ree are managed to assist with navigation, to ensure minimum navigation levels in the river during dry periods and to ensure that floods are passed safely. The levels in between the lakes are managed for navigation purposes.
The level of Lough Derg is managed by the ESB for the purpose of electricity generation, through operation at Ardnacrusha and gates at Parteen Weir. The ESB always operates to its Regulations and Guidelines for the control of the River Shannon.
The River Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group decided, in October 2016, to trial the lowering of the lake level on Lough Allen during the winter period to help mitigate potential flood risk. The ESB applies for Section 21 licences under the Wildlife Acts from the National parks and Wildlife Service on an annual basis to lower the water levels on Lough Allen. The ESB obtained a licence on 12 September 2024 to continue with the temporary operation of the protocol for reducing the levels on Lough Allen.
The Group continues to progress a range of measures which are intended to mitigate flood risk on the River Shannon.
393. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will commit to the removal of the ten pinch points on the river Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. [1430/25]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established by the Government in 2016 to enhance the ongoing co-operation of all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon and to introduce co-ordinated solutions that may have benefits in managing flood risk in the Shannon Catchment. The Group is focussed on prioritising actions and activities that can help to manage flood risk along the River Shannon.
A possible approach to provide a long term solution to summer flooding in the Shannon Callows is being developed by the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group. During the summer period, the water level upstream of Meelick Weir is maintained at an appropriate level for navigation. This is controlled by the weir boards at Meelick Weir. The intent of the project is to deepen the stretch of the Shannon at particular pinch-points, which would negate the requirement for weir-boards to be used in Meelick Weir i.e. the water level could be lowered during the summer period.
A Steering Group is in place to progress the project for the removal of the ‘pinch points’. The Shannon Callows includes two sites designated under European Environmental legislation, the River Shannon Callows SAC and the Middle Shannon Callows SPA.
The project will need to comply with European law regarding ecological assessments. The National Parks & Wildlife Service have been involved in the Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Coordination Working Group since its establishment, and will continue to provide advice where appropriate.
An Ecological Consultant was appointed on 5 June 2024 to carry out a high level environmental study to consider the potential positive and negative ecological impacts of the proposed works on the River Shannon between Athlone and Meelick. A report has now been completed by the consultant and submitted to OPW for review. It is anticipated that the report will be finalised in the near future and this will inform next steps.
394. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of WTE qualified archaeologists employed by OPW as of 2 January 2025, in tabular form. [1469/25]
View answerThe number of WTE qualified archaeologists employed by OPW as of 2 January 2025:
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Total |
0
|
The OPW does not employ archaeologists. If a need for archaeological services is identified for a particular project, such services are acquired through a procurement process.
395. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the percentage of the 2024 OPW capital budget allocation that was actually spent; if any unspent funding will be automatically transferred to the 2025 capital budget allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1493/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works will respond Directly to the Deputy on this matter.
396. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the refurbishment works that were carried out by OPW at Kilkenny Castle during 2024; the future refurbishment works scheduled to commence at Kilkenny Castle over the next 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1494/25]
View answerThe Office of Public works is responsible for the conservation, care and presentation of the Kilkenny Castle and parkland and the collections associated with the Castle.
In 2024, approximately 417,000 people visited Kilkenny Castle for tours and a total of circa 870,000 visited the parklands. The OPW delivers an annual programme of maintenance and conservation at the Castle to ensure the protection of and upgrading of the building fabric, building systems and presentation of the historic rooms in order to continuously improve the offering to visitors.
In 2024, the OPW carried out substantive works to repair the floor in the Grosvenor Room. This room is now part of the guided tour of the Castle and new exhibitions for this space are now under development.
Various maintenance works were also carried out including upgrading of the lighting and audio visual equipment in the Parade Tower, lighting improvements to the Castle wing and general cabling throughout the Castle.
As the Deputy may be aware, the OPW secured planning permission for development works to improve accessibility to the Castle. These proposed works will facilitate universal access which includes provision of a ramped approach through a gradient landscape, lift access to the Picture Gallery and a Changing Places bathroom facility. As part of these works, the OPW plans to carry out fabric repair work to the Picture Gallery and has acquired Section 57 consent from the Local Planning Authority for these works.
Some preliminary archaeological investigative works were conducted in 2024 to inform the approach to universal access. Work is underway on the detailed design and the production of tender documentation.
Subject to availability of technical resources and funding, it is hoped to finalise tender documentation in 2025 and to begin works in 2026.
397. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the capital budget remains in place to complete the Clifden flood relief scheme; and the details of the level of funding that is provided for the full completion of the scheme. [1506/25]
View answerGalway County Council, is the lead authority, for the Clifden Flood Relief Scheme and appointed engineering and environmental consultant in 2021. A draft options report for a flood relief scheme to manage the flood risk for some 24 properties has been presented by the consultant. Currently the consultant is revising the options report for Clifden Flood Relief Scheme with the assessment by the Office of Public Works and Galway County Council.
When complete, a decision on progressing the preferred option for the Clifden Flood Relief Scheme will be informed by engineering, environmental, social and economic criteria, that includes a calculation of the scheme's benefit cost ratio. In that context, the progression of the Clifden Flood Relief Scheme is currently being funded by €1.3bn through the National Development Plan for flood relief measure.
398. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department have policies on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Department and those agencies; whether training has been provided to staff on the use of AI; if his Department has used AI, including large language models, in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1586/25]
View answerIn relation to the use of AI, my Department has regard to relevant guidance published by the National Cyber Security Centre, the seven requirements for ethical AI that have been developed by the European Commission’s High Level Expert Group on AI in their Ethics Guidelines for Trustworthy AI and the Interim Guidelines for the Use of AI in the Public Service. These Interim Guidelines, which were published by my own Department, underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting the adoption of trustworthy AI in the Public Service and set out high level principles to support this (the interim Guidelines are available at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/2127d-interim-guidelines-for-use-of-ai/).
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that reflecting on the rapid pace of change in the adoption of AI tools, the coming into force of the EU AI Act and the refresh of the National AI Strategy by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in November 2024, my Department is now finalising more advanced, practice-orientated Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service, including Generative AI.
With regard to training, 13 officials from my Department attended the AI Essentials programme delivered by the Institute of Public Administration in 2024. The AI Essentials programme aligns with the Better Public Services transformation programme, which aims to enhance service delivery through technology and digitisation, and equips participants with the fundamentals of AI, as well as its potential and implications for public service organisations. In addition, TUD run a Foundation Certificate in AI which was attended by 120 public servants, including a number from my Department.
Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that staff in my Department have not used AI, including large language models, in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments.
The position in respect of the bodies under the aegis of my Department is set out below.
Office of Public Works
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Policy in place on the use of AI |
Training provided on the use of AI |
AI used in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments |
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Yes |
Yes |
No |
Public Appointments Service
|
Policy in place on the use of AI |
Training provided on the use of AI |
AI used in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments |
|
PAS has established a cross-organisational working group to consider the risks, opportunities and potential uses of AI. Included in the remit of that group is the development of policies and procedures on the use of AI. |
As AI is not widely used in the day to day work of PAS, training has not been rolled out to all staff. However, staff within IT have completed some AI training and members of the AI working group and IT teams have attended seminars and conferences on AI. |
No |
Office of the Ombudsman
|
Policy in place on the use of AI |
Training provided on the use of AI |
AI used in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments |
|
Staff are generally not permitted to access “Generative AI” websites, such as ChatGPT, in line with advice of National Cyber Security Centre. However, specific requests for access to such services are evaluated on a case-by-case base in line with the relevant guidance. |
Not to-date, however, training for staff is to be considered in the context an increase in the use of AI by public bodies and the general public. |
No |
National Shared Services Office
|
Policy in place on the use of AI |
Training provided on the use of AI |
AI used in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments |
|
No. NSSO adheres to the guidelines set out by the DPENDR, NCSC and other relevant guidance in relation to AI. |
No |
No |
Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery
|
Policy in place on the use of AI |
Training provided on the use of AI |
AI used in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments |
|
Yes |
Yes |
No |
State Laboratory
|
Policy in place on the use of AI |
Training provided on the use of AI |
AI used in the preparation of legislation or statutory instruments |
|
No |
No |
No |
399. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the Public Appointments Service will launch Irish-language recruitment campaigns for the civil service in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1592/25]
View answerIn terms of general grade Civil Service recruitment, the Public Appointments Service has panel availability for Clerical Officer (CO) Irish and existing vacancies are being filled from that at the moment. It is anticipated that another CO Irish competition will be launched later this year but no advertising date has been confirmed as yet. An Executive Officer Irish competition is currently in progress and a panel of candidates will be available shortly. A competition for Aistritheoir will be advertised in late Q1/early Q2 2025.
400. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if a site (details supplied) is under the ownership of the OPW; the plans the OPW has for this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1637/25]
View answerI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that the site at the junction of Abbey Row and Bridge Street, Athenry, Co. Galway is not owned, or under consideration for purchase, by the OPW.
However, the OPW is in the process of transferring a site in their ownership at the junction of the R347 and L3112 roads, adjacent to Athenry Boys National School, to Galway County Council.
402. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the new Clonmel Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1694/25]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the tender assessment and evaluation stage for the Main Contractor is currently underway on the Clonmel Garda Station project by the Office of Public Works along with consultants appointed to work on the Clonmel Garda Station project. Once this is completed the OPW will proceed to the next stage of the process which is the assessment and evaluation of Reserved Specialist tenders.
403. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the full address and Eircode of each property that is directly occupied by his Department where that address is located in Dublin, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1769/25]
View answerThe Office of Public Works will respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
