Written Answers Nos. 91-100
91. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when works on phases 2C, D and E of the River Dodder flood defence scheme will be completed; the estimated cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12010/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt had been anticipated that works on Phases 2C, 2D and 2E of the River Dodder flood defence scheme would be complete this year. However, the necessary shutdown of site activities due to Covid 19 and the ongoing effect on site operations from implementing the required return to work safety protocols has impacted the works programme. It is now anticipated that works on these phases of the Dodder will be complete in early 2021.
It is currently estimated that the final costs associated with Phases 2C, D and E of the Dodder scheme will amount to approximately €20million. The current best estimate of the cost of the overall Dodder project - both the tidal and non-tidal phases (and including Phase 3 which is at early design stage) - is in the range €37m - €39m approximately.
92. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12154/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of the Taoiseach, to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party, as part of Government formation negotiations.
93. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019 commenced here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12200/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe OPW is the lead State body for the management of flood risk in Ireland. The Arterial Drainage Acts (ADA) 1945 and 1995 provide for drainage schemes, with the OPW as competent authority and DPER as consent authority. Primary legislation has been subject to a number of amendments, providing for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of flood relief schemes.
EU Directive 2011/92 obligates the consent authority (DPER) to undertake an independent assessment of the Environmental Impact Statement for flood relief schemes prepared by the OPW. EU Directive 2014/52 which harmonises the EIA process and brings about additional appropriate assessment (AA) responsibilities to the consent process for flood relief schemes is aimed at providing a high level of protection of the environment and human health. The Directive was recently transposed into Irish law in November 2019 under S.I. No. 472/2019 - Arterial Drainage Regulations (EIA) 2019.
94. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the stage of the tender process for the environmental consultants’ review of the Enniscorthy flood defence scheme; when the formal confirmation process will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12201/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Enniscorthy (River Slaney) flood defence scheme is being progressed by Wexford County Council on behalf of the Commissioners of Public Works as a scheme under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 and 1995. This is a significant scheme within the Office of Public Works €1 billion flood relief investment programme, and on completion will protect 236 properties in the town.
The Scheme requires formal confirmation to proceed from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (MPER). This is a statutory requirement under the Arterial Drainage Acts, which now, under the recent European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Arterial Drainage) Regulations 2019, also requires the MPER to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the proposed Scheme. This will involve, inter alia, a formal review by MPER of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) prepared by the Commissioners and recently submitted (along with a Natura Impact Statement (NIS)) to the MPER as part of the formal confirmation process.
In order to assist the MPER in making an informed decision to consent to the scheme, the EIA will require appropriate assessment, as required under the 2019 regulations, public consultation for a period of 30 days and a detailed review of the EIAR and NIS by environmental consultants appointed by the MPER.
I am advised that the current position on the Confirmation process is that a request for tender of services for environmental consultants is currently being progressed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). The public consultation phase is also due to be commenced by DPER shortly. DPER will progress the formal Confirmation process having due regard to the detailed requirements of the 2019 regulations. It is not possible at this point in the process to provide specific dates as requested, given that there is a possibility that further information or design variances may be required, as provided for under the Confirmation process. It should be noted that DPER is also progressing Confirmation of two other significant flood defence schemes for the Glashaboy and Bride Rivers in Co. Cork, both of which were submitted prior to the Enniscorthy scheme.
95. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount drawn down by Offaly County Council in respect of flooding from January 2018 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12247/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra96. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the specific projects applied for by Offaly County Council to alleviate flooding problems in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12248/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 96 together.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. Local authorities may carry out flood mitigation works using their own resources or apply under the OPW’s Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme, which makes funds available to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised flooding problems within their administrative areas. The eligibility criteria of this scheme, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website www.gov.ie/opw It is open to the Council to submit a funding application for flood mitigation works under the Scheme. Any application received will be considered in accordance with the scheme's eligibility criteria and the overall availability of resources for flood risk management.
Please see below in tabular form all applications received from Offaly County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme in 2018 and to date in 2020 and the status of each.
|
Year |
Project Location |
Project Details |
Status |
Funding approved |
Funding Drawn down |
|
2018 |
Derrynagun, Lamonaghan |
To construct an earthen embankment to contain flood waters from a channel leading to the River Brosna |
Approved |
€8,211 |
€0 |
|
Geashill Village |
Culvert replacement |
Under Consideration - Awaiting further information from L.A. |
|||
|
Ballymooney Lane, Ballinagar |
Demolition and Construction of New Bridge |
Under Consideration - Awaiting further information from L.A. |
|||
|
R-420-9 Alderborough |
installation of Culvert |
Under Consideration - Awaiting further information from L.A. |
|||
|
Shinrone |
Upgrade of pipes and gullies |
Funding not approved- proposed works responsibility of L.A. |
|||
|
2019 |
Newtown to Ballybritt |
Install 1m pipes & associated works |
Approved |
€48,332 |
€48,332 |
|
Bog Road, Portarlington |
To upgrade roadside drains, replace 3 no culverts at land access points & associated works |
Approved |
€132,795 |
€0 |
The Flood Risk Management Plans announced in May 2018 identified a total of 118 flood relief projects to protect the main flood risk areas throughout the country, two of which are in County Offaly. These Plans and projects are a key part of the overall flood risk management strategy set out in the National Development Plan 2017 - 2028 involving total investment of almost €1 billion over the ten year time frame of that Plan. As it is not possible to implement all of the 118 projects at the one time, a total of 60 projects have been prioritised for the initial tranche of investment and delivery, based on the level of risk and number of properties to be protected.
The proposed Rahan Flood Relief Scheme is in the first tranche of Schemes to be implemented. It is being led by Offaly County Council, with funding provided by the OPW, and technical support also being received from the OPW in carrying out the modelling of the Rahan FRS and reviewing the hydrology, hydraulics, cost benefit analysis and CFRAM option. It has a preliminary estimated cost of €30k and would protect 4 properties when completed.
The proposed Flood Relief Scheme for Birr has an estimated cost of €2.09m and would protect 29 properties when completed. Though this project is not in the first tranche of projects to be advanced, the OPW and Offaly County Council will work closely to ensure that the project will be progressed as early as possible in the coming years and within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.
97. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the traffic congestion caused by the decision of the OPW to still impose traffic restrictions in the Phoenix Park; the plans of the OPW to lift traffic restrictions in the Phoenix Park that were introduced due to the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12303/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works introduced restrictions in the Phoenix Park in line with Government policy during the lockdown phases of the Covid-19 emergency. On advice from An Garda Si´ocha´na, the gates on the periphery of the Park were closed and access maintained via the Castleknock and Park Gate St. gates through Chesterfield Avenue for emergency services, essential workers and for workers within the environs of the Park.
In the early phases of reopening, OPW has continued to consult with and work closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to vehicular access and traffic management in the Park. To this end, gates on the periphery have remained closed and social distancing measures have been introduced to ensure the large volumes of cyclists and pedestrians accessing the Park can maintain social distance as they enjoy the Park. These measures are being kept under review.
There has been an unprecedented demand for the Phoenix Park since travel restrictions were raised from 5kms, to 20kms and most recently to travel within one's own County. This has significantly impacted the Phoenix Park similar to many other tourist locations throughout Dublin and elsewhere. In recent weeks, OPW has worked closely with the Dublin City Council's Traffic Control Centre with regard to the sequencing of the traffic lights at Parkgate Street and Castleknock Gate so as to address the traffic congestion issues in the Park and to minimise the impact of traffic build up specifically at the gates.
The OPW welcomes everyone who wishes to visit the Phoenix Park and recommends that those who are simply passing through the Park use an alternative route as this will minimise the impact on the recreational users of the Phoenix Park.
98. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Civil Service and wider public service recruitment competitions that are run by external recruitment agencies must comply with the code of practice set out by the Commission for Public Service Appointments; if job applicants applying under such competitions are entitled to transparent communication and feedback in respect of their position in order of merits and panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12388/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, recruitment to the civil service is undertaken under the terms of the Public Service Management (Recruitment Appointments) Acts 2004-2014, and is subject to the Code of Practice set down by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) and is open to audit by them if they see fit.
Departments may obtain a recruitment licence from the CPSA and conduct their own recruitment competitions, and are obliged to ensure that "standards of probity, merit, equity and fairness" apply to all of its recruitment and selection processes.
A licence holder may seek the assistance of a listed approved recruitment agency in respect of some of the tasks connected with the selection of persons by virtue of that licence. The licence holder concerned shall have sole responsibility for the final selection of candidates for appointment or for placing candidates on a panel for appointment. It is the duty of a licence holder to ensure that the terms and conditions of the recruitment licence are complied with by any listed recruitment agency that they seek the assistance of in respect of the task of selection.
It is important to note that recruitment agencies that are approved to conduct civil and public service recruitment complete an application process with the CPSA. This ensures that they have the necessary structures, safeguards, policies and qualified personnel to conduct recruitment consistent with the Codes of Practise. These agencies are also audited to ensure that their campaigns continue to be compliant.
The campaign/competition is still ultimately the responsibility of the licence holder/public body. The responsibility for adhering to the codes including the review procedures also lies with the license holder. If an individual has a complaint about a campaign then the normal review procedures under the Code can be directed to the Public Body involved and then to CPSA if not satisfied.
99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will amend public procurement processes to ensure that small and medium enterprises are not disadvantaged in tendering for the provision of services to the State such as provisions for schools and other public services, in view of the fact that in recent years small enterprises have lost valuable business at local level due to more purchasing being centralised and resulting in some instances in products being sourced from outside this jurisdiction and a loss in revenue to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12570/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPublic procurement is 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.
Specifically, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has developed a suite of policy measures aimed at assisting SMEs to access public procurement opportunities (implemented through 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, has chaired quarterly meetings of an SME Advisory Group, in accordance with the Programme for Government. This ensures that the voice of Irish SMEs (through the industry representative bodies ISME, IBEC, SFA, Chambers Ireland, and CIF) is heard by Government.
The OGP proactively engages with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Inter-Trade Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to promote SME access to public procurement. The OGP participate at Go-2-Tender workshops and Meet the Buyer events held across the country which are designed to help SMEs.
An SME Communication Strategy sub-group, chaired by the OGP, was established in 2017 as a joint venture with the industry representative bodies. This further promotes awareness of potential opportunities and supports available for SMEs in tendering for public contracts. A series of information videos explaining specific public procurement topics, along with case studies of SMEs who have won government contracts, was launched by Minister of State O’Donovan last year. A series of focused and targeted breakfast briefings have also taken place around the country in conjunction with Inter-Trade Ireland and the SME Advisory Group partners.
The most recent Public Service Spend and Tendering Analysis Report for 2017 published last December involved an analysis of €4.912 billion expenditure across 71 public service bodies. The report indicates that 94% of the analysed expenditure is with firms within the State and 54% is with SMEs unchanged from 2016 and up from 52% in 2015. SMEs have the greater share of spend in 10 of the 16 procurement spend categories. This report also analyses 2017 tendering activity in the public service as recorded on the eTenders public procurement platform. That analysis shows that 75% of tender notices are smaller value (below OJEU threshold) tenders. The median (typical) estimated contract values for tenders analysed in 2017 is €90,000 and is less than or equal to €100,000 in 14 of the 16 spend categories. This indicates that Government contracts in Ireland are accessible to SMEs given the low median size of estimated contract values.
The OGP continues to proactively engage with business to enhance the significant measures already in place to support SME access to public procurement opportunities.
100. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW will have oversight of the proposed sale by auction of the contents of Howth Castle and library; if artefacts will be sought by the OPW; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12573/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works are not aware of any auction relating to the contents of Howth Castle nor do they have knowledge of the artefacts which may be offered for sale by future auction.
