Pat Buckley
Ceist:173. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Finance the net cost or gain if new tax bands (details supplied) were introduced. [49382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTax Data
Ceisteanna (173)
Freagraí scríofa
It is assumed that when the Deputy refers to ‘corresponding bands based on the status quo for others’, the intention is that the standard rate cut off point is adjusted accordingly, but that the additional proposed bands of income are standardised, i.e. they are the same width, for all taxpayers.
Revenue has advised that the estimated full yield to the Exchequer from the introduction of the new bands outlined by the Deputy would be of the order of €130 million and €230 million on a first year and full year basis respectively.
These estimates have been generated by reference to projected 2019 incomes, calculated on the basis of actual data for the year 2016, the latest year for which returns are available and adjusted as necessary for income, self-employment and employment trends in the interim. The estimates also assume that there is no change in behaviour patterns.
Home Renovation Incentive Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (174)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:174. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if it is possible for persons to avail of the home renovation incentive scheme who have contracted to have work carried out now but where tradespeople are not available to undertake the work until after the incentive scheme has been closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49388/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) is provided for in section 477B of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997. As the Deputy will be aware, the HRI provides a tax relief by way of an income tax credit in respect of expenditure on qualifying work. Qualifying work is any repair, renovation or improvement works carried out on principal private residences or rental properties by tax compliant contractors. The HRI will expire on 31 December 2018.
I am advised by Revenue that to qualify for relief under the incentive, the qualifying work must be carried out no later than the expiry date. However, where planning permission is required for the qualifying work, then provided planning permission has been granted no later than 31 December 2018, any qualifying work carried out between 1 January 2019 and 31 March 2019 will be deemed to have been carried in 2018 and can qualify for the relief. Where planning permission is not required for the qualifying work, any work carried out after 31 December 2018 will not qualify for relief.
VAT Rate Application
Ceisteanna (175)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:175. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the VAT regime on food supplements which have been zero rated for tax purposes to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49398/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Currently, the standard rate of VAT applies to food supplements. However, there is a Revenue concession which allows the zero rate to be applied to certain types of food supplements (vitamins, minerals and fish oils). The practice of zero rating vitamins, minerals and fish oil food supplements has been applied since the introduction of VAT in November 1972 when the marketplace for food supplements was small. However, this concession is proving to be extremely problematic.
Elements of the food supplement industry has made a sustained challenge to the application of the standard rate of VAT to a range of food supplements. There are concerns that while elements of the industry apply the correct rates, others have a competitive advantage by applying the zero rate to products that are properly liable at the 23% VAT rate. Their argument is generally that the products concerned are similar and compete with other products that are zero rated.
There has been protracted correspondence on the issues raised which has raised concerns regarding possible non-compliance in the sector, in particular the zero rating of products that should be standard rated which may result in a degree of unfair competition between compliant and non-compliant businesses.
Revenue’s position is that food supplements are not food and, as such, are not entitled under VAT law to the zero rate of VAT; therefore, the standard rate of VAT applies. The concession in relation to vitamins and the like is proving unworkable as the industry seeks to use the concession to achieve a zero rating for much of the product range in the sector.
After consultations between Revenue, Department of Health and my Department concerning policy options that might be considered in the context of Budget 2019, reservations were expressed by the Department of Health as to the implications a change might may have on the promotion of food supplements in certain circumstances. For these reasons, I decided not to make any changes in this year’s Budget and Finance Bill. However, I have asked my officials to address this matter in the context of the Tax Strategy Group next year.
Departmental Contracts Data
Ceisteanna (176)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:176. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance the fees paid and services rendered to a person (details supplied) in each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49424/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has no record of fees paid or services rendered to Mr Peter Smyth, in his capacity as a process auditor and/or Peter Smyth Management Consultancy Ltd. for each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018.
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
Ceisteanna (177, 178)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:177. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints outstanding at the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman; the number of complaints outstanding at the end of each month in 2018 and at the end of 2015, 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49472/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael McGrath
Ceist:178. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the number of complaints outstanding at the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman by length of time (details supplied); the complaints that are open from the time of first receipt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49473/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 177 and 178 together.
Firstly, I must point out that the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his statutory functions.
I have been advised by the Ombudsman that the number of complaints outstanding each month in 2018 were as follows:-
|
Year |
Month |
Number of complaints outstanding at the end of the Month |
|
2018 |
January |
3328* |
|
February |
3515 |
|
|
March |
3740 |
|
|
April |
3853 |
|
|
May |
3943 |
|
|
June |
3964 |
|
|
July |
4155 |
|
|
August |
4307 |
|
|
September |
4454 |
|
|
October |
4662 |
* This includes 44 complaints transferred from the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman on 1 Jan 2018.
I have also been advised by the Ombudsman that the number of complaints outstanding for the years for 2015 to 2017 were as follows:-
|
Year |
Number of complaints outstanding at year end |
|
2017 |
3134 |
|
2016 |
2198 |
|
2015 |
1954 |
To answer the Deputy's question in relation to the number of complaints and the length of time that complaints are open from date of receipt up to 1 month and to over 1 year, the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman has provided the following information:-
|
Month since Received |
Complaint Numbers @ 23 November 2018 |
|
<1 |
489 |
|
1-3 |
920 |
|
3-6 |
907 |
|
6-12 |
865 |
|
1 Year Plus |
1541 |
|
Total |
4722 |
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman
Ceisteanna (179)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:179. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the funding provided to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the planned funding in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49474/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At the outset, I must point out that the Financial Services and Pension Ombudsman is independent in the performance of his statutory functions.
As the Deputy will be aware the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Act 2017 (FSPO Act 2017) which commenced on 1 January 2018 established the Office of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). Prior to 2018 the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection were responsible for the funding of the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman.
The FSPO is funded through two distinct sources; the pensions complaints are funded by the Exchequer, through the Department of Finance and the financial services complaints are funded by a levy on the financial services industry.
The Ombudsman has informed me that the 2018 budget breakdown was as follows:-
|
Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman |
2018 |
|
Exchequer Funding |
€ 950,000 |
|
Financial Services Industry Levy |
€ 4,336,961 |
The Financial Services Ombudsman, which preceded the establishment of the FSPO, was funded solely through a levy on the financial services industry, the table below sets out the details of this levy for 2015 to 2017:-
|
Financial Services Ombudsman |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
Financial Services Industry Levy |
€3,770,930 |
€4,231,925 |
€4,279,834 |
The FSPO Act 2017 sections 40 and 43 set out part of the role of the FSPO Council, which includes responsibility for setting the levy to be paid by financial service providers and oversight responsibilities in relation to the work of the Office of the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman including responsibilities in relation to:
- Approval of the Office's annual estimates;
- Approval of the Office's strategic plan; and
- Keeping under review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Ombudsman
I understand that the Annual Estimates of Income and Expenditure 2019 will be considered by the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman Council at its meeting in December, at which point the funding requirement for 2019 will be agreed. The Council with my consent will prescribe by regulation the "Financial Services Industry Levy" to be paid in relation to financial service providers.
The proposed Exchequer funding in relation to pension complaints for 2019 is €950,000.
Tax Data
Ceisteanna (180)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:180. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the estimated number of PAYE taxpayers eligible for the flat rate expenses tax allowance; the number that claimed the allowance in 2017; the cost to the Exchequer of this allowance in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49495/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by Revenue that as flat rate expenses allowances are given as a deduction from employment income, the cost of the allowance at individual level is dependent on not just the amount of the allowance but also the particular tax circumstance of the recipient of the allowance. The cost will vary depending on whether and to the extent that the taxpayer concerned has taxable income and whether such income is taxable at the standard or marginal rate of income tax.
Allowable expenses for employees, including flat rate expenses, are also claimed through different channels depending on the status of the taxpayer. For some employees, the allowances may be carried forward from year to year and applied automatically through the PAYE system at pay roll level. For other employees, particularly those in receipt of non-PAYE income, the allowances may be claimed through the annual income tax returns, the Form 11 (which taxpayers within the self assessment system are obliged to complete) or the Form 12 Return of Income. As the Form 11 or Form 12 returns are not required to be returned until 10 months after the year end, returns for the 2017 tax year were only due in November 2018. Thus, the final position on the cost of flat rate expenses allowances for 2017 cannot be reasonably estimated until full returns data is available and analysed. This will also require analysis of information contained in the 2017 P35 returns by employers of the pay and tax details of employees under the PAYE system, which were due in February 2018. With late filers, processing of returns and parsing of data, Revenue has advised that complete information on expenses for the 2017 tax year will not be available until mid 2019.
Finally, as I have indicated in response to previous questions on this subject, Revenue’s ongoing review of the flat rate expenses regime is expected to be completed by end 2019. With this in mind, in the interests of fairness to all sectors and employees currently benefitting from the regime, Revenue has decided that the effective date for implementation of any changes to particular flat rate expenses categories will be deferred until 1 January 2020. Any revisions to flat rate expenses categories will be communicated to the relevant employee representative bodies involved in the review process.
Departmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (181)
Timmy Dooley
Ceist:181. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a timeline for the development of his Department's specific climate change targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49568/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The first National Mitigation Plan represents an initial step to set us on a pathway to achieve the level of decarbonisation required. It is a whole-of-Government Plan, reflecting in particular the central roles of the key Ministers responsible for the sectors covered by the Plan – Electricity Generation, the Built Environment, Transport and Agriculture, as well as drawing on the perspectives and responsibilities of a range of other Government Departments.
The measures that we implement through this first Plan will lay the foundations for transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. To support this ongoing work, the Plan also includes over 100 individual actions for various Ministers and public bodies to take forward. Importantly, the Government recognises that this first Plan does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve the 2050 objective, but began the process of development of medium- to long-term mitigation choices for the next and future decades. Furthermore, it is a ‘living document’, which is being updated on an on-going basis.
As Minister for Finance I am leading on five National Mitigation Plan actions as follows:
No. 3 Examination of impact of carbon tax and future tax rate.
Current Status: ESRI study published in October 2018. Further ESRI study in progress which seeks to incorporate multi-annual impacts of carbon tax increases.
No. 55 Maintain under continuous review the use of the VRT/Motor Tax system in incentivising the uptake of lower emission technologies. (Leading with Minister for HPCLG)
Current Status: Kept under continuous review and, in view of the introduction of a new EU wide emissions system known as the WLTP, new approaches were discussed in this year’s Environmental Tax Strategy paper.
No. 56 Continue to encourage the adoption of natural gas as a cleaner transport fuel by maintaining the excise rate applied at the minimum rate allowable under the Energy Tax Directive.
Current Status: The excise rate for natural gas is maintained at the minimum allowable under the Energy Tax Directive while the Accelerated Capital Allowances Scheme provides tax incentives for the investment in and installation of infrastructure necessary to support the adoption of natural gas as a transportation fuel.
No. 71 Examine the expansion of existing support schemes.
Current Status: Existing tax expenditures to encourage the uptake of lower pollutant vehicles were reviewed this year and the 0% BIK rate for electric vehicles is being extended for a further 3 years while the VRT relief for hybrid electric vehicles is being extended for 1 year.
No. 74 Conduct a review of vehicle and fuel taxation measures within the context of evolving technology development and need to chart a sustainable pathway to the decarbonisation of transport by 2050.
Current Status: This is being achieved through measure 55 and also through work being undertaken by the Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) Taskforce which my officials participate in.
I understand that the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment shall revert to government with proposals for an ambitious multi-annual, all-of-government plan to set out the actions which must be taken in every government department and body to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. This Plan will build on the previous actions taken by government, including in the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan. In this regard I will fully play my part as Minister for Finance to ensure significant progress is made.
Flood Relief Schemes
Ceisteanna (182)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:182. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 89 of 26 April 2018, if he will provide a detailed update on plans for a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Cork; the funding committed; the steps in the process; the timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49434/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A pre-feasibility study into the flooding issues in Ballinhassig has been completed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and has identified a preferred option for the area. Further assessment of the environmental impacts are currently being progressed to inform the planning process, after which the project will progress to planning and detailed design. It is not possible to provide a timeframe for the project at this time but provision has been made in OPW’s multi annual financial profiles for the progression of the scheme to implementation.
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (183)
James Browne
Ceist:183. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated costs related to new properties at a location (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48849/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Commissioners of Public Works have not acquired any new properties in Rosslare Europort.
Public Private Partnerships
Ceisteanna (184)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:184. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has considered the impact locally of pursuing the route of PPPs to develop State-funded projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48931/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Public procurement is a key priority for Government and has undergone significant reform aimed at ensuring sustainable delivery of much needed public services while also encouraging and supporting SME participation in these business opportunities. This approach is beneficial for the State because it nurtures competition which ensures value for money is maintained and provides SMEs with a platform to take advantage of similar opportunities in Ireland and across the European Union. The Programme for a Partnership Government recognises the importance of the SME Sector to the economy and is cognisant that public procurement represents a major opportunity for SMEs.
Specifically, the Office of Government Procurement have developed a suite of measures aimed at assisting SMEs to access public procurement opportunities (circular 10/14). These include:
- Proportionate financial capacity criterion (turnover requirements limited to twice the contract value);
- Contracting Authorities are encouraged to divide public contracts into lots;
- Provision for “consortia bidding” to assist SMEs to participate in procurement procedures where they would not have the relevant capability or scale; and
- Public bodies are required to advertise contracts for goods and services valued above €25,000 on the national eTenders portal.
In addition, my colleague, Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, who has responsibility for public procurement, chairs quarterly meetings of an SME Advisory Group, in accordance with the Programme for Government. This ensures that the voice of Irish SMEs (including ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) is heard by Government.
One of the public procurement options available to Government is PPP, which offers an alternative model for delivering infrastructure that can be effective in particular circumstances. The Report of the PPP Review, published earlier this year, noted the role that PPPs have played in delivering much needed infrastructure in recent years, particularly during times when Exchequer funding was constrained. However, the Review did also acknowledge the challenges that PPPs can pose in terms of scale and complexity of the PPP contract.
While recommending that PPPs continue to be considered as a procurement option for suitable projects, the report also recommended that in order to address the scale/complexity issue, the scope for creating a new PPP-type procurement option that would be suitable for procuring smaller scale and less complex projects, over a shorter timeframe, be explored as an alternative to the typical PPP procurement option, for such smaller scale projects. I am pleased to say that work is progressing well on exploring this option and the European PPP Expertise Centre is assisting my Department in the matter. If successful, this would certainly assist in addressing some of the concerns of the Deputy in relation to typical PPP procurements.
I should, of course, also point out that while a number of projects have been, and continue to be, procured by PPP, the vast majority of public works contracts are procured as traditional Exchequer funded projects.
However, even in relation to the large scale PPP projects, opportunities exist for the SME sector to play a part in these projects. The NDFA, as part of the PPP procurement process, incorporates a programme-wide initiative with Enterprise Ireland whereby they host a series of “Meet the Buyer” events around the country offering small and medium-sized enterprises within the construction sector the opportunity to meet directly with the senior contractors within NDFA managed programmes.
Office of Public Works
Ceisteanna (185)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:185. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which a person (details supplied) can tender for services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48986/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tenders for services as they arise within the Office of Public Works (OPW), are advertised on www.supplygov.ie or www.etenders.gov.ie.
Open recruitment to fill positions in the OPW for the operation of mechanical plant and equipment, is advertised on the OPW website (www.opw.ie) and may also be advertised in certain national and provincial newspapers.
National Monuments
Ceisteanna (186)
Jonathan O'Brien
Ceist:186. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 21 February 2018, the status of discussions with a society (details supplied) on ensuring public access to the execution site of four persons in Roscrea Castle in 1922 for the centenary celebrations; if public access to the site will be made permanent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49172/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While some discussions have taken place locally in Roscrea in relation to the area of the site in question, no conclusions have yet been arrived at. As stated previously, OPW will ultimately be guided in relation to these matters by the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht who is overseeing how best to address the respectful commemoration of this era on a national basis and the future treatment of the location will be considered in that context.
It is not possible currently for the OPW to provide guaranteed permanent access to this location as it forms part of a works area with restricted access, for health and safety reasons, for members of the public. However, it may be possible to facilitate a private ceremony for family members with prior notice. Interested parties are invited to submit a proposal in this regard through permissions@opw.ie
Public Sector Reform Implementation
Ceisteanna (187, 201, 202)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has quantified the extent to which reforms throughout the public sector are likely to yield further improved economic performance in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49189/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the performance of the public sector with a view to the maximisation of opportunities for economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49487/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBernard Durkan
Ceist:202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the most effective reforms undertaken throughout the public and private sectors over the past number of years which have contributed substantially to economic progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49488/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 201 and 202 together.
As I have previously informed the House, since 2011 a number of significant public service reforms have been undertaken that continue to deliver improved services and value for money across a range of areas, including governance, accountability, procurement, shared services, organisational reform and property management.
The latest framework for reform and innovation in the public service, Our Public Service 2020 - which I launched last December, is a whole-of-public-service initiative designed to build on previous reforms while expanding the scope of reform to focus on collaboration, innovation and evaluation. This new policy framework has been designed to deliver better outcomes for the public and will ensure that the citizen is at the centre of policies and service delivery across the whole of the public service.
As Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform I must ensure that our fiscal and public expenditure policy is prudent and sustainable. A number of budgetary reforms have also been introduced in recent years to guide my decisions on overall fiscal policy in this regard, including fiscal rules, expenditure ceilings and spending reviews. The actions in Our Public Service 2020 will ensure that the focus of the public service is very much on delivery of quality public services, while operating within these prudent limits.
A Public Service Leadership Board (PSLB) has been established to lead the delivery of Our Public Service 2020. For the first time, both civil and public service leaders and managers will work jointly to drive the reform programme. This will ensure there is shared ownership for the actions on reform right across the public service.
Our Public Service 2020 contains an added focus on evaluation and on the importance of building a reform evaluation culture and in developing indicators to support an outcomes focus. With this goal in mind, within my Department we have established a Reform Evaluation Unit to focus on monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of reform as well as creating greater links between expenditure and reform.
Flood Risk Management
Ceisteanna (188)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:188. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW plans to review the Arterial Drainage Act 1945; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49268/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Arterial Drainage Act 1945 made provision for the drainage and improvement of land through the delivery by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland of arterial drainage schemes, for entire catchments.
Increasing urbanisation led in 1995 to an amendment of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, that permits the OPW to implement localised flood relief schemes to provide flood protection for cities, towns and villages. The launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans in May 2018, following the largest ever study of flood risk in Ireland, has identified that Government investment is feasible to protect 95% of properties at assessed risk from significant flooding through flood relief schemes. The legislative basis for these works includes the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945 as amended by the Arterial Drainage (Amendment) Act 1995.
There have been a number of further amendments to the principal Act that provide the statutory framework to ensure work on flood risk management by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland meets the European environmental assessments and other requirements. In this regard, the Office of Public Works has significantly progressed work with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Office of the Attorney General to amend the Arterial Drainage Act, by way of regulations to transpose Directive 2014/52/EU (Environmental Impact Assessment).
The Office of Public Works continually monitors the legislative basis for its overall management of Ireland's flood risk including working with all statutory bodies and with the European Commission.
Drainage Schemes
Ceisteanna (189)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:189. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to establish arterial drainage schemes on the River Erne system in County Cavan in view of the difficulties caused by flooding in that area and the need to have a comprehensive programme of drainage works undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49269/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Historically, flood risk management focused on the arterial drainage of river catchments to improve agricultural land. Maintenance of Arterial and Drainage District channels, designated under the Arterial Drainage Act 1945, is the responsibility of the OPW and Local Authorities respectively. These include the maintenance by the OPW of the Boyne, Inny and Glyde-and-Dee Arterial Drainage Schemes in County Cavan that in 2018 includes seventy-eight kilometres of river channel maintenance at an estimated cost of €460,000.
In 1995, due to nationally increasing urbanisation, the Arterial Drainage Act 1945 was amended to facilitate the OPW’s implementation of localised flood relief schemes to provide flood protection to cities, towns and villages.
The launch of the Flood Risk Management Plans in May 2018, following the largest ever study of flood risk in Ireland, has identified that Government investment is feasible to protect 95 percent of properties at assessed risk from significant flooding through flood relief schemes.
Together with this legislative amendment and in line with the Government's 2004 policy on flood risk management, the OPW has no plans for catchment-wide arterial drainage schemes. However to target the management of flood risk outside of cities, towns and villages, in 2009 the OPW introduced the Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme.
The purpose of this scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. To date there have been 724 schemes approved under this Scheme providing important local flood protection measures to their local flood risk.
The OPW approved the sum of €205,002 to Cavan County Council, under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for flood defence works for Drumullan. The works comprised a combination of earthen embankment, culvert and flood wall defences to protect the community of Drumullan from the risk of flooding.
Also, a proposed flood relief scheme for Cavan town, identified by the CFRAM programme, is being progressed at a projected cost of €4.44 million. This proposed scheme involves the construction of a series of hard defences (embankments and walls) protecting 110 properties when completed. The proposed scheme is in the first tranche of projects to be progressed directly by Cavan County Council.
State Properties
Ceisteanna (190)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:190. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW plans to purchase property for Garda stations; the stages of negotiation for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49275/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The preferred property solutions in regard to Garda Stations involve the use of State owned property. Other than the finalisation of a small number of acquisitions at Clonmel and Bailieborough currently being completed, the Office of Public Works has no other immediate plans to purchase property for Garda Stations.