Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019
42. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the flood relief schemes or capital projects that will be affected by the re-profiling of €3 million worth of investment under the flood risk management programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10674/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAre there flood relief schemes or projects which have been affected by the re-profiling of €3 million worth of investment as recently discussed in the debate on the Revised Estimates?
Arising from the Government's decision of Tuesday, 12 February 2019 on capital reallocations related to the cost overrun on the national children’s hospital project, the Office of Public Works is reviewing the most appropriate means of achieving the required capital savings of €3 million in the flood risk management area. Expenditure on any particular project or programme in any year is dependent on many variables related to the progress of the project and programme. All capital projects committed to will be delivered within the quickest possible timeframe.
I am not doubting or questioning that they will be delivered. What I am asking is whether there will be delays in meeting some of the completion dates previously outlined or whether the start dates of some projects will be put back. There may be reasons for putting them back, including planning reasons or whatever else, and if that is the case, I am sure the Minister of State will tell me, but I want clarity on whether there are projects the completion or commencement dates of which are being pushed out as a result of the re-profiling of the €3 million worth of investment.
As of today, there are 90 schemes on which we are working with local authorities. Some of them have started, while some are in the planning pipeline. To reiterate what I said: there will be no delays, but there could, as the Deputy said, be delays because of planning issues. For example, I was hoping to be in Cork, with work started and machines on site, at the end of last year, but that did not happen. However, it was outside our control because people were objecting. The same is true of the project in Ennis south. I was hoping to be there at the end of last summer, but we will be signing the contracts next week. Some schemes might be delayed in the planning process, but I believe and know that the €3 million worth of investment has been lost because of the delays in moving those schemes through the planning process. There are, however, many schemes that will be achieved. When I was asked about the cut of €3 million, I took it out of the area of flood relief measures for the simple reason that I knew some of the schemes were being delayed in the planning process. They might be delayed by two or three months.
I want to clarify that none of the schemes is being delayed as a result of the re-profiling but because of other external factors which freed up the money within the budget to be reallocated. If that is the case, I welcome it, but there has been some confusion. However, if that is the answer, I accept it fully. Will the Minister of State clarify that no projects have been delayed as a result of the re-profiling? Is it all due to external factors which enabled the Minister of State to reallocate the €3 million?
In taking up this role I knew that there was not enough money available on day one. I went looking for €1 billion from my colleague and the line Minister which I achieved. It works out at €100 million a year. Three years ago we were spending nothing in response to the need identified. The Government is fully committed to delivering schemes for the people and there will be no delay on my part. However, schemes may be delayed in the planning process.
