Written Answers Nos. 172-195
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which Ireland's economic indicators remain positive; if particular issues here have emerged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4632/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he will compare Ireland's economic growth with the economic performance in other EU states within and outside the eurozone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4636/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 175 together.
According to EUROSTAT, in 2016 Ireland was the second fastest growing economy in the EU with real GDP increasing by 5.1 per cent. Based on data for the first three quarters of 2017, Ireland was the fastest growing economy with real GDP up by 7.4 per cent, although the headline figures have been heavily influenced by the multinational sector.
Growth is broad based with both underlying domestic demand – stripping out the volatile components of investment – and net exports contributing positively to growth in the first three quarters of 2017.
The strength of underlying domestic demand is being felt in the labour market. Employment growth remains strong with full-time equivalent employment having increased by over 4 per cent in the third quarter of 2017.
Further, recent data published indicate that:
- The volume of retail sales increased by 6.8 per cent year-on-year in November 2017. Core sales (excluding motor trades) were up by 7.6 per cent over the same period.
- Expansion in the construction sector continued in November with the Purchasing Managers’ Index increasing to 56.7.
- The Consumer Sentiment Index was 103.2 in December, well above its long run average.
- The seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for December was 6.2 per cent, down from 7.5 per cent in December 2016. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen by more than half since its peak of 16 per cent in early-2012.
In summary, the Irish economy is performing strongly. While there are considerable challenges, recent economic indicators suggest that the economy remains on course for continued strong growth this year.
Beyond the short term there are risks, most notably regarding Brexit and corporate tax changes and we must be cognisant of these.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that Ireland can continue to prosper and increase its trade with non EU countries to an extent sufficient to counter losses from Brexit. [4633/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which he expects economic growth to continue as before after Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he expects current economic progress to continue notwithstanding the possible impact of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4640/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 178 and 179 together.
My Department’s most recent economic forecasts were published with Budget 2018. Real GDP growth of 3.5 per cent was projected for this year while growth is forecast to average almost 3 per cent over the period 2019 – 2021.
These forecasts incorporate the estimated impact of a “hard” Brexit. This shock is projected to reduce GDP growth by approximately ¾ percentage points on average per annum over the 2019-2021 period relative to a no Brexit baseline. These forecasts were endorsed by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC).
These projections were informed by Department of Finance – ESRI joint research which modelled the medium to long term impact of Brexit on Ireland. In particular, the forecasts were guided by the “WTO scenario”, whereby the UK and EU do not conclude a bilateral trade agreement and instead the UK exercises its rights under the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause of the WTO. Under this scenario, exports are projected to be almost 5 per cent lower after 10 years relative to a no Brexit baseline.
The data flow since the Budget has been encouraging indicating that the strong momentum has continued:
- Real GDP grew by 10.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2017 on an annual basis. This follows annual growth of 6.3 per cent in the second quarter.
- The volume of retail sales increased by 6.8 per cent year-on-year in November 2017. Core sales (excluding motor trades) were up by 7.6 per cent over the same period.
- Expansion in the construction sector continued in November with the Purchasing Managers’ Index increasing to 56.7.
- The Consumer Sentiment Index was 103.2 in December, well above its long run average.
- The seasonally adjusted monthly unemployment rate for December was 6.2 per cent, down from 7.5 per cent in December 2016. As a result, the unemployment rate has fallen by more than half since its peak of 16 per cent in early-2012.
On this basis, the economy remains on course for continued strong growth this year. However, we do face considerable economic challenges including Brexit. The best way to mitigate such risks is to improve the resilience of the economy through competitiveness orientated policies and prudent management of the public finances. To this end, a number of measures were included in Budget 2018.
In addition, as part of the Government’s trade strategy, Ireland Connected, a number of measures have been set out to specifically address Brexit related issues, including diversification of markets for indigenous exporters. Greater market diversification must be part of the policy response, so that dependence and exposure to the UK market is reduced.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which new economic options are likely to become available here after Brexit. [4634/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Government’s position paper of 2 May 2017, to mitigate the economic implications associated with Brexit, and maximise opportunities, the Government is taking a five pronged approach. The Government will continue to:
- prudently manage our economy and the public finances;
- negotiate effectively, as part of the EU 27, which includes aiming for the closest possible future relationship between the EU and the UK;
- support business and the economy through Government measures, programmes and strategies;
- explore existing and possible future EU measures that could potentially assist Ireland in mitigating the effects of the UK’s withdrawal, while also making a strong case at EU level that Ireland may require further support on the basis that Brexit represents a serious disturbance to the Irish economy; and,
- maximise fully any economic opportunities arising from the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
The UK’s future relationship with the EU presents an important challenge for the Irish economy, both nationally and at a regional level. Government is not under any illusions about the complexity of Brexit, and hence our comprehensive domestic response to the impact of Brexit is continuing. Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures which represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit.
We have already taken important steps to prepare our economy, including, the Action Plan for Jobs 2017, our Trade and Investment Strategy, and measures announced in Budget 2017 and Budget 2018. In addition Government and state agencies are working hard to fully exploit any opportunities from Brexit, including promoting trade and investment opportunities in Ireland, as an English speaking member of the EU with unfettered accesses to the EU market. For example the recent trade deal between the EU and Japan, is providing new opportunities for Irish exporters, in particular the farming community.
At the sectorial level new opportunities have also been identified – particularly in the international financial services sector which is heavily reliant on the need for access to the Single Market and ongoing compliance with EU regulatory standards. Brexit has already seen opportunities for Ireland to increase its share of financial services based inward investment. Public announcements to establish or expand operations have been made by a number of companies. In addition the Government will continue to leverage our IFS2020 Strategy to maximise those and other opportunities.
180. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons at assistant principal level under the aegis of his Department due to retire in the next six months due to age in counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4976/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOf the 17 bodies under the aegis of my Department, I am informed that in the locations listed by the Deputy one person at Assistant Principal level will be due to retire in the next six months due to age.
181. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date the Office of Public Works will enter Stepaside Garda station to commence assessment on the re-opening of the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4019/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraStepaside Garda is in the full ownership of the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland. The station was closed on 14 March 2013 as part of the rationalisation programme of An Garda Síochána, as announced in the 2013 Policing Plan.
The Commissioners put a guardianship arrangement in place with Camelot in 2014. My officials have advised Camelot that, in accordance with the contractual agreement in place, a 25 day notice to vacate the premises will issue. This is subject to an assessment of when refurbishment works will begin.
While preliminary investigations of the property are being completed, the OPW is engaging with An Garda Síochána in relation to their Brief of Requirements, which will facilitate a full assessment of the extent of works required, the cost and the timeframe for completion of the works in advance of reopening the station at Stepaside.
182. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to make an allowance for women who took time out of work from the Civil Service on Civil Service approved schemes to raise children and whose pension is affected as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently no plans to amend the terms and conditions in respect of pension accrual for persons who have taken special leave without pay.
183. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the stalled construction of a seawall at Bunnafolly, Doohoma, County Mayo. [4110/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the severe storms of December 2013 and January 2014 and based on estimates provided by the local authorities concerned, funding of up to €69.5 million was made available for a programme of repair and remediation works to roads, coastal protection and flood defence and other public infrastructure damaged in the storms. Of the total amount of funding available, up to €19.6 million was disbursed to local authorities via the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the repair of damaged public coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure. The amount made available to Mayo County Council for coastal protection repair works was €4,205,000.
Mayo County Council submitted to the OPW a programme of works based on its allocation of €4,205,000 which included works at Bunnafolly, Doohoma, Co. Mayo. I am advised that the Council has undertaken works at Bunnafolly at a cost of €99,000.
The identification and carrying out of necessary coastal protection works is a matter for each Local Authority and it is open to Mayo County Council to carry out coastal protection and flood mitigation works using its own resources.
Local authorities may also apply to the OPW for funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. The Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
I am advised that no application is on hands from Mayo County Council in connection with the construction of a seawall at this location.
184. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on Ireland spending considerably less per capita on infrastructure than other European countries; his plans to place more emphasis on productive spending on services and infrastructure rather than tax cuts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4151/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I announced at Budget 2018, Government has allocated significant increases in public capital investment amounting to €4.3 billion over the period 2018-2021. This was in addition to the additional €2.2 billion for housing already allocated prior to that for the implementation of the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness. These funding allocations were, inter alia, intended to address bottlenecks and infrastructural deficits, informed and advised by the detailed analysis and assessment carried out in the context of the recent review of the 2015 capital plan Building on Recovery which I published in September.
Consequently, between 2014 and 2021, public capital expenditure in Ireland will have more than doubled and as set out by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, this will see public investment in Ireland moving to amongst the highest in the EU.
I am satisfied that this new planned level of public capital investment represents an appropriate balance between the need for additional investment to realise the economy's long-term growth potential, the capacity of the economy to deliver additional public infrastructure consistent with fiscal and macroeconomic sustainability, and the need to adhere to the responsible spending path agreed by Government with reference to the requirements of the EU Fiscal Rules.
Work is also at an advanced point in preparing a ten year capital plan to underpin the delivery of the new spatial planning framework detailed in the Ireland 2040 Plan. The level of investment envisaged under the new plan is intended to confirm the Government's commitment to continuing to develop and improve Ireland's public capital stock.
185. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps he will take at the conclusion of the pay review to address the inequality in teachers' pay for those entering the profession after 2011. [4354/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe to act on the issue of pay inequality following the conclusion of the pay review. [4413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he is awaiting the conclusion of the pay review; and the timeframe to act on the issue of pay inequality. [4332/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if no plan to resolve the issue of pay inequality exists, the way in which he can justify a position that is contrary to the principle of equal pay for equal work. [4333/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe to end the pay inequality in the teaching sector; if he has engaged with his colleague in the Department of Education and Skills on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4361/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress made to date on the pay review for the teaching sector; the level of engagement he has had with his colleague in the Department of Education and Skills on the matter; the timeframe he anticipates to work to when he begins the process of pay equalisation across the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe within which pay inequality for teachers will be ended; when the pay review is due to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4661/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 186, 201 to 204, inclusive, and 209 together.
I refer the Deputy to my answer to PQ Ref: 2339/18 on 18 December 2018.
187. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of Garda stations closed in counties Longford and Westmeath in each of the years 2007 to 2017; the sale price listed for each Garda station; and the amount the station was actually sold for, in tabular form. [4463/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the following former Garda Stations were sold from 2007 to 2017 in County Longford and County Westmeath:
|
Year |
Property |
AMV |
Sale Amount |
|
2007 |
Former Garda Station, Longford, Co. Longford |
* |
€2,000,000 |
|
2008 |
Former Garda Station, Granard, Co. Longford |
* |
€40,283 |
|
2014 |
Former Garda Station, Ballymore, Co. Westmeath |
€50,000 |
€55,000 |
|
2014 |
Former Garda Station, Newtowncashel, Co. Longford |
€55,000 |
€50,000 |
|
2015 |
Former Garda Station, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath |
€15,000 |
€15,000 |
|
2016 |
Former Garda Station, Ballinahowen, Co. Westmeath |
€20,000 |
€20,000 |
Advised minimum value (AMV) not readily available.
188. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount paid by each delegated State authority into the State Claims Agency in each of the years 2010 to 2017; the methodology used to calculate the amount to be paid by the delegated State authority; the amount received from scheme funds in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4480/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question, please see attached report as supplied to me by the State Claims Agency. I am advised that the information contained in this report has been extracted from the National Incident Management System and is contained in the following link.
189. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangement and future plans to allow public servants to continue to work after their retirement; if they will be put at a financial disadvantage or if they will be allowed to earn the same salary as they were earning prior to their retirement date; and if they will be taxed differently. [4600/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra195. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of a person (details supplied) who is due to retire in April 2018 at 65 years of age but would like to remain working; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4003/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 195 together.
The Government agreed on 5 December 2017 that the compulsory retirement age of public servants recruited before 1 April 2004 should be increased to age 70. Primary legislation will be required for the changes to be implemented. In approving the proposals, the Government also approved the General Scheme of a Bill to give effect to the changes. The Attorney General’s Office has been asked to give priority to the drafting of this legislation so that the new compulsory retirement age for pre 2004 public servants will become effective as soon as possible. The new compulsory retirement age will only apply to pre 2004 public servants who reach the age of 65 following the commencement of the new legislation.
In the meantime, the Government has approved some limited interim arrangements to apply in the period between the Government Decision and the commencement of the necessary legislation. The interim arrangements (which have to respect the current statutory position of the compulsory retirement age of 65) through retirement and re-hire, will allow pre 2004 public servants who reach the age of 65 in that period to remain in employment only until they reach the age of eligibility for the State Pension (Contributory), which is currently 66. Details of how these interim implementation arrangements will operate in the wider public service, including in the education sector, have been put in place by the individual sectors.
The policy across the public service is that, where a retired employee is re-hired, they are paid at the minimum point of the relevant scale, rather than at the pay point they had reached when they retired. This practice is continuing in the context of the interim arrangements. Pension abatement rules will, however, apply in the case of a public servant availing of the interim arrangements. Pension abatement means that the pension that has been awarded will be reduced so that the person concerned will not receive more in combined pension and salary payments than they would have received if they had remained working. Given that the person's "new" salary will be at the minimum point, there will be room through the payment of pension and the “new” salary rate so that the sum of the “new” salary rate and the pension in payment can address the difference between the minimum point of the scale and the pay point they had reached when they retired. Taxation is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and is applied to all taxpayers in accordance with statutory provisions and Revenue Commissioners rules and procedures.
It is not intended that the practice of payment at the minimum point would apply to public servants who choose to remain beyond the age of 65 once the legislation is commenced. Those public servants will not be in the position of having retired and been re-hired. It is intended that when the legislation is enacted, it will allow for the retention of public servants who reach the age of 65 following the commencement of the legislation, on current terms and conditions.
190. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the outcome of discussions to date with the European Commission on cohesion funding post 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3936/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProposals for the next Multi-annual Financial Framework (MFF) will be published by the European Commission in May 2018. Decisions around the allocation of funding available for Cohesion Policy post 2020 will form part of the negotiation of the MFF. The sectorial legislation, including Cohesion Policy regulations, will follow shortly thereafter. As formal negotiation of the legislation has not commenced yet, it would not be prudent to comment on the potential outcomes of those discussions at this point.
Without prejudice to negotiations on the MFF, Ireland has been actively contributing to policy deliberations on the next round of Cohesion Policy post 2020. In October 2017 we produced a high level position paper on Cohesion Policy Post 2020. The paper has been circulated to the European Commission and to other Member States and has been well received. On an ongoing basis Ireland also participates actively at all Commission and Council meetings at which Cohesion Policy post 2020 is discussed.
191. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if structural funds post 2020 will be aligned with priorities identified in the national planning framework and regional and spatial economic strategies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProposals for the sectorial legislation governing the post 2020 round of EU Structural Funds are due to be published by the European Commission later this year. That legislation will set out the framework, including the eligibility criteria, under which structural funds programmes in Ireland must be designed.
While the Irish programmes must adhere to the primary framework of the EU legislation, they will also be aligned with national frameworks and strategies, where relevant. This will include the National Planning Framework and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies.
192. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of overtopping the Office of Public Works has carried out along the coastline; the amount of overtopping that has been carried out on the east coast; his plans for overtopping in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area; his further plans for Bullock harbour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3965/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe primary objective of Government policy on coastal flood protection is to ensure that in areas identified as being at greatest risk of damage or loss of economic assets through coastal flooding, appropriate and sustainable measures are identified to protect those assets and, where such measures are economically justified on cost benefit grounds and compatible with all required environmental and other statutory requirements, they are implemented subject to the availability of resources.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken a national assessment of coastal flooding (and erosion) under the Irish Coastal Protection Strategy Study (ICPSS) and the results of this study have been published on the OPW website. A key objective of the Study was to provide information to support decision making about how best to manage risks associated with coastal flooding (and coastal erosion). The Study was completed in 2013 and provides strategic current scenario and future scenario (up to 2100) coastal flood hazard maps (and coastal erosion maps) for the national coastline. This major study provides invaluable and essential information required to inform policy in this area, particularly for local authorities in relation to the proper planning and development of coastal areas.
The relevant reports and associated predictive coastal flood hazard mapping may be viewed at
https://www.opw.ie/en/flood-risk-management/floodanderosionmapping/icpss/.
Coastal protection and flooding issues are matters, in the first instance, for each local authority to investigate and address. The Local Authorities may carry out coastal protection works using their own resources. If necessary, they may also put forward proposals to the relevant Government Departments for funding of appropriate measures depending on the infrastructure or assets under threat. Because intervention within a coastal area may cause problems further along the coast, any proposed intervention measures are best developed in conjunction with a formal coastal risk management study that has carefully investigated the problem and explored the full range of management options. The OPW operates the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, under which applications for funding from local authorities are considered for measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding for coastal risk management studies may also be applied for under this scheme. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for projects that meet the eligibility criteria including a requirement that the proposed measures are cost beneficial.
The OPW has published guidelines for funding applications under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, available on the OPW website at https://www.opw.ie.
In relation to Bullock Harbour, the OPW has not received an application under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for this area from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.
The CFRAM Programme focussed on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding where detailed assessment was undertaken. The proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified for AFAs are to be outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.
The OPW has completed 42 major flood relief schemes since 1996 with the River Dodder and South Campshires schemes completed in Dublin. A further 26 major schemes are at design and or development stage including Arklow, County Wicklow and Sandymount in Dublin.
193. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 250 of 11 September 2017 and 90 of 11 October 2017, if the Skellig Michael season will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3971/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBefore a likely date can be announced, staff from the Office of Public Works and the National Monuments’ Service of the Department of Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht must land on the island, assess any weathering damage to it over the winter months, complete an assessment of the work necessary to rectify that, and estimate the effort necessary to make the pier, slipway, landing areas and pathways safe for visitors. These undertakings vary in complexity, duration and cost and are dependent on the severity of the weather over the winter months and during the preparatory period. Staff will be not be in a position to visit the island until at least mid March, as is normally the case. In the Seasonal preparatory arrangements, of singular importance is the need to be satisfied as to the health and safety of OPW and Departmental staff, contractors and guides on the island, particularly given its exposure to the elements and its distance from the mainland.
194. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has ensured that the ongoing flood risk to persons in a location (details supplied) that have been out of their homes since August 2017, has been assessed; and the solutions including the construction of flood defences, the OPW is considering to protect persons from future flooding. [3980/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.
The CFRAM Programme focussed on 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) including 90 coastal areas, mainly in urban locations nationwide, identified as being at potentially significant risk of flooding. The proposed feasible measures, both structural and non-structural, identified for AFAs are outlined in the Flood Risk Management Plans.
The area referred to by the Deputy is part of an AFA and is being assessed by the North Western – Neagh Bann CFRAM Programme. The proposed measure for this area consists of a series of sea walls, flood embankments and floodwalls, with an average height of 1 m and a total length of 1.6 km.
The Draft Flood Risk Management Plans were published for public consultation in 2016 and a significant volume of submissions were received for consideration. In Summer 2017, the OPW finalised all Plans and each Plan was submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for an independent review of the environmental assessments. This independent review is nearing completion, after which the Final Plans will be formally submitted to the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for approval, in accordance with the statutory requirements. If the draft proposed measures are approved, the detailed design for a scheme would take account of the recent flood events and their impact in this area.
I would hope in the coming weeks to seek the approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans developed under the CFRAM process.
