Written Answers Nos. 255-274
255. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost in 2021 of restoring trade union tax relief at the level it was at before its abolition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18765/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out details of the cost of the tax relief for trade union subscriptions in the seven years immediately prior to its end, including 2010 (in which year, the measure cost some €26 million):
|
Year |
Cost (€ million) |
No. of Claims |
|
2004 |
10.7 |
248,300 |
|
2005 |
11.8 |
272,100 |
|
2006 |
19.2 |
294,300 |
|
2007 |
20.7 |
316,300 |
|
2008 |
26.4 |
341,900 |
|
2009 |
26.7 |
345,800 |
|
2010 |
26 |
337,500 |
I am advised by Revenue that while these figures may not provide an accurate indicator of future costs of a new scheme, there is no other basis available to Revenue on which to estimate such costs.
256. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost in 2021 of increasing the earned income credit to the same level as the PAYE credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18766/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated cost of increasing the Earned Income Credit from its current value of €1,500 to €1,650 so that it is equal to the PAYE credit can be found on page 6 of the Revenue Ready Reckoner, published at the link: https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/information-about-revenue/statistics/ready-reckoner/index.aspx.
The cost is estimated at €13 million and €23 million on a first and full year basis, respectively.
257. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue in 2021 that would be raised by introducing a minimum dividend withholding tax rate of 33% on all dividends paid by REITs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18767/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinance Act 2013 introduced the regime for the operation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in Ireland. The function of the REIT framework is not to provide an overall tax exemption but rather to facilitate collective investment in rental property by removing a double layer of taxation which would otherwise apply on property investment via a corporate vehicle.
REITs are publicly listed companies - therefore distributions are dividends within the scope of Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT). From 1 January 2020 a DWT rate of 25% applies. Prior to this date dividends paid and distributions made were liable to DWT at 20%.
I am advised by Revenue that information in respect of dividends from shares in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) is not separately identified in Revenue’s Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) data and therefore the information requested by the Deputy cannot be provided. In addition, due to information not being available in relation to potential future REIT distributions to investors, an accurate estimate of any potential revenue from an increase in the withholding tax rate could not be made.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments were made to the taxation of REITs in Finance Act 2019, to ensure the regime operates as intended. The obligation to deduct DWT has been extended to include distributions of the proceeds of capital disposals. If the net proceeds from such capital disposals are not re-invested in the REIT business or distributed within a 2 year period, they will become part of the profits of the REIT business, 85% of which must be distributed annually. In addition, the deemed disposal provisions upon cessation of REIT status have been restricted to REITs that have been in operation for at least 15 years, in line with the regime's stated objective of encouraging long-term, stable investment in rental property.
Finance Act 2019 also provided for the introduction of a “wholly and exclusively” test when calculating the REIT profits available for distribution. This test has been introduced to ensure that inflated costs, such as inflated management fees, cannot be used to reduce distributable profits. An expense will only be deductible if it is incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the REIT’s business. Any deductions found to be excessive will be chargeable to tax as Case IV income in the hands of the REIT.
258. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue in 2021 that would be raised by introducing a minimum dividend withholding tax rate of 33% on all dividends paid by IREFs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18768/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Irish Real Estate Fund (IREF) is an investment undertaking where 25% or more of the value of that undertaking is made up of Irish real estate assets. The legislation was introduced to address concerns raised regarding the use of collective investment vehicles by non-residents to invest in Irish property.
Generally IREFs must deduct a 20% withholding tax on distributions to non-resident investors. Certain categories of investors such as pension funds, life assurance companies and other collective investment undertakings are generally exempt from having IREF withholding tax applied provided the appropriate declarations are in place. Non-resident investors from treaty resident countries may be able to reclaim some part of IREF withholding tax if the relevant tax treaty allows for this. Irish resident investors may be subject to the investment undertakings exit tax, at a rate of 41%.
The Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments were made to the taxation of IREFs in Finance Act 2019. Amendments were made to prevent the use of excessive debt and other payments to reduce distributable profits and to prevent the avoidance of tax on gains on the redemption of IREF units. In addition, the IREF return filing requirement was placed on a mandatory annual footing and the information which Revenue can request was increased to facilitate ongoing monitoring of the sector. These amendments were made to ensure appropriate levels of tax are paid by investors in Irish property.
I would like to advise the Deputy that due to the interaction with tax treaties, the taxation of distributions which varies from treaty to treaty, and because information is not available in relation to potential future IREF distributions to investors, an accurate estimate of any potential revenue from an increase in the withholding tax rates cannot be made.
259. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost in 2021 of introducing a tax relief of 8.33%, that is, equivalent to one month's rent paid by all renters not in receipt of other State assistance on a refundable basis. [18770/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rent relief tax credit was abolished in Budget 2011 and is no longer available to those that commenced renting for the first time from 8 December 2010. This followed a recommendation in the 2009 report by the Commission on Taxation that rent relief should be discontinued. The view of this independent commission was that, in the same manner in which mortgage interest relief increases the cost of housing, rent relief increases the cost of private rented accommodation.
I am advised that there is no reliable basis available to Revenue on which to estimate the potential cost of the introduction of a tax relief as described by the Deputy.
The annual cost of such a tax credit, operating on a refundable basis, would depend on the number of those renting, other than those who are in receipt of rental support from the State, and the amount of rent paid by them each year.
According to Census 2016 data, the private rented sector amounts to approximately 310,000 units. This figure includes those in receipt of rental support from the State.
It is clear, therefore, that the costs involved would be likely to be very significant.
260. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue in 2021 that would be raised by increasing the rate of capital acquisitions tax by 3% to a rate of 36%.. [18771/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra266. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue in 2021 that would be raised by reducing the group A tax free threshold, referring to capital acquisitions tax, from €335,000 to €320,000, €310,000, €300,000, €280,000 and €250,000, respectively. [18779/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 260 and 266 together.
I am advised by Revenue that the costs of various changes to Capital Acquisition Tax (CAT) thresholds and rates are published on pages 15-16 of the Revenue Ready Reckoner available at link https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/ready-reckoner.pdf. While not all of the changes proposed by the Deputy are included, these can be extrapolated on a straight line or pro-rata basis from those shown. I am advised that in the case of relatively large changes to rates or thresholds, the estimated cost or yield shown should be considered as more provisional in nature.
261. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue that would be raised in 2021 if intangible assets on shored between 2015 and 2018 were taxed at the current cap of 80%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18772/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the 80% cap on capital allowances for intangible assets applies to all intangible assets acquired on or after 11 October 2017. It was re-introduced in Finance Bill 2017 to effect a smoothing of corporate tax receipts over time. It also supports sustainability of CT receipts by extending the period over which the allowances are used.
It is important to note that the cap only affects the timing of relief in the form of capital allowances and related interest expenses for intangible assets. It does not affect the overall quantum of relief. This is because any amounts restricted in one accounting period as a result of a cap are available for carry forward and utilisation in a subsequent accounting period, subject to the application of the cap in that period. Therefore, no additional tax revenue would be raised in the long-term through the Deputy's proposal.
It has been tentatively estimated, based on the levels of capital allowance claims in tax returns for recent years, that there could be a cash flow benefit in the region of €720 million if intangible assets onshored between 2015 and 11 October 2017 were subject to the 80% cap. However, this estimate is based on a number of assumptions and there are a range of factors which would affect its accuracy. For example, the estimate assumes that the cap would be relevant to all claimants, but this may not be the case where income generated by the assets exceeds the available allowances. Furthermore, in some cases the cap may no longer be of relevance as the full amount of the relief may have already been claimed. It should also be noted that this estimate assumes no behavioural change on the part of the companies involved.
It is also very important to be clear that this simply a timing matter - to present this as potential additional tax for the Exchequer would not be correct. Finally, as the Deputy will be aware, changes to tax law are generally made on a prospective basis, such that they apply only from the date on which they have legal effect.
262. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year additional corporation tax that could be expected in 2021 if the bailed out banks had applied to them a 25% limit on losses that could be carried forward in a year and a five-year absolute limit in which such losses could be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18773/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, loss relief for corporation tax is a long-standing feature of the Irish corporate tax system and a standard feature of corporation tax systems in most OECD countries. If the restrictions suggested by the Deputy were introduced, the Exchequer impact would depend on the future profitability of banks as this would determine their capacity to utilise their losses within the restricted time-frame. Therefore, it is not possible to quantify the estimated additional corporation tax revenue from the measures referred to by the Deputy.
I believe that a restriction of the nature proposed would give rise to consequences that would make it difficult for me to fulfil other objectives in respect of the Irish banking system. Such a change could have knock on implications for the cost of lending and deposits for consumers and businesses in Ireland.
It is important to understand that the State is actually getting value today from these deferred tax assets through our share sales. Should a restriction as proposed be introduced, it could be expected that the value of the State’s remaining shareholdings in the banks would decrease due to write-downs in the value of those deferred tax assets. The State is a substantial owner of these banks and what is detrimental to their balance sheets is also detrimental to the State’s investment.
It is also the case that such a restriction would damage the State’s credibility with investors. Tax losses forward are included as a deferred tax asset on a company’s balance sheet and AIB’s return to the stock market in 2017 was on the basis that those deferred tax assets could be crystallised if AIB realised sufficient profits in the future.
Finally, the banks are also contributing to the Exchequer through the financial institutions levy, introduced in 2013, which has generated an annual yield of approximately €150 million to the Exchequer.
These considerations are discussed in further detail in a 2018 technical note on the potential consequences of changes to the treatment of corporation tax loss relief in respect of the banks, prepared for the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach, available online at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/436ff7-technical-note-on-the-potential-consequences-of-changes-to-the-treat/.
263. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year additional revenue in 2021 that would be raised by increasing the bank levy by each of 10 percentage points and by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18774/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 126AA of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 imposes an annual levy on certain financial institutions on the basis of the amount of deposit interest retention tax (DIRT) payable by them in a specified ‘base’ year. The levy is intended to raise a fixed annual amount of €150M. The amount of the levy paid by a particular financial institution must therefore change whenever the base year changes. A change in the base year necessitates a change in the rate of the levy to ensure that the overall fixed amount of the yield is maintained.
In relation to the years 2017 and 2018, a rate of 59% was required to yield €150M based on the financial institutions’ DIRT liability for the base year 2015. The year 2017 is the current base year used to determine the levy for the years 2019 and 2020. As there was a substantial fall in DIRT payable by financial institutions since 2015 the rate was increased from 59% to 170% to maintain the €150M yield. Following a continuing fall in DIRT payable since 2017, the change to the next base year of 2019, in relation to the levy payable for the year 2021, will necessitate a further rate increase. I am advised by Revenue that it expects that the rate will have to increase from 170% to 308% to maintain the €150M annual yield for the year 2021. An increase in the current rate of 170% by each of 10 percentage points or by 10% would therefore not yield any additional revenue but would instead result in a reduced yield.
264. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year saving in 2021 that would accrue from moving the entire cost of regulation of the financial sector onto the industry with the exception of credit unions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18775/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Central Bank's total funding requirement for financial regulation activity is determined on an annual basis by the resources required to discharge its legal responsibilities under domestic and EU law. Section 32D and 32E of the Central Bank Act 1942, as amended, provide that the Central Bank Commission may make regulations relating to the imposition of levies and fees on the financial services sector in respect of the recoupment of the costs of financial regulation.
Information on the 2021 levy cycle is not yet available, however the Central Bank Annual Report 2019 shows that the cost of financial regulation activities of €204.5m is funded by income from industry €160.0m and subvention from the Central Bank of €44.4m. Within this, the cost of regulating Credit Unions is estimated at approximately €14m. Based on a 20% recovery rate, a subvention amount of €11.2m arises – the highest subvention and lowest funding rate applicable to any industry category. The remaining subvention of €33.2m reflects categories that are moving towards but are not yet at 100% funding and some costs relate to legacy Inquiries and Markets Supervision which are not recharged to industry.
If industry was fully charged, there would be no subvention, however, there are certain costs (e.g. markets supervision) which it may be appropriate to continue to subvent on an ongoing basis where the costs cannot be attributed to specific firms but do relate to the orderly function of markets and the financial stability agenda.
As you will recall, in 2015, the Department of Finance and Central Bank of Ireland issued a joint public consultation on ‘Funding the cost of Financial Regulation’ (CP95).
In response to that consultation, my predecessor as Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, agreed to a phased movement towards 100 per cent Industry Funding in order to eliminate subvention, by the taxpayer, of regulatory costs. Since then, recovery rates have increased in stages across most industry sectors, determined on a yearly basis. In April 2019, in order to give greater clarity to industry, I approved the trajectory to bring the recovery rate of levies across sectors to 100 per cent over the coming years. This change in policy will apply the user pays principle to the regulation of financial services.
The table below shows the planned trajectory for levy rates across all sectors. Credit Union recovery rates from 2022 onwards will be subject to review and a public consultation to guide strategy once 50% recovery rates have been achieved.
The Central Bank published this trajectory on 14 June 2019 and it is available on the Central Bank website at the following link:
https://www.centralbank.ie/news/article/press-release-funding-the-cost-of-financial-regulation-14-june-2019.
|
Levy Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Levied in |
2017 |
2018 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
ELG Banks |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Banks |
65% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Insurance Undertakings |
65% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Investment Firms & Fund Service Providers |
65% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Funds |
65% |
65% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Retail Intermediaries & Debt Management Co’s |
50% |
65% |
70% |
75% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
|
Moneylenders |
65% |
65% |
70% |
75% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
|
Approved Professional Bodies |
65% |
65% |
70% |
75% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
|
Bureau de Change/Money Transmitters |
65% |
65% |
70% |
75% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
|
Retail Credit / Home Reversion / Credit Servicing Firms |
65% |
65% |
70% |
75% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
|
Payment & EMoney Institutions |
65% |
65% |
70% |
75% |
80% |
90% |
100% |
100% |
From this year, in response to industry feedback, invoices for levies will issue on an arrears basis as the Central Bank implements its strategy to move from levies based on budgeted figures to levies based on actual costs. Invoices for 2019 levies will issue in Q3 2020 and businesses were advised to accrue for 2019 costs in their financial statement. This addresses an aspect of volatility by eliminating large balancing surpluses and deficits in favour of levies based on the Central Bank’s audited financial statements.
Finally, the Funding Strategy and Guide to the 2018 Industry Funding Regulations guide (available at the link below) may also be helpful. It is planned to issue an updated guide in advance of the issue of 2019 levies invoices.
https://www.centralbank.ie/docs/default-source/regulation/how-we-regulate/fees-levies/industry-funding-levy/guidance/funding-strategy-and-guide-to-the-2018-industry-funding-regulations.pdf?sfvrsn=4
265. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year revenue that would be raised in 2021 by increasing excise duty on a packet of cigarettes by 30 cents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18778/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that a Ready Reckoner is available on the Revenue Statistics webpage at the following link:
https://www.revenue.ie/en/corporate/documents/statistics/ready-reckoner.pdf.
This Ready Reckoner shows a wide range of detailed information, including on page 23, estimates of yield from changes in duties on cigarettes. These estimates also assume pro-rata increases in other tobacco products.
Question No. 266 answered with Question No. 260.
267. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider reducing VAT and other stimulus measures for the car rental industry in view of the impact of Covid-19 on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18865/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, on 23 July the Government announced the July Jobs Stimulus, a €7.4bn package of measures designed to stimulate a jobs-led recovery and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of Covid-19. These measures included a temporary reduction in the standard rate of VAT from 23% to 21%.
268. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Finance the steps business owners should take whose respective insurance companies will not pay out on claims for business interruption due to Covid-19 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18893/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that there have been many concerns expressed about how the insurance industry is responding to the needs of its business policyholders in these difficult times, including in terms of honouring business interruption claims. At the outset, I should remind the Deputy that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can direct or require that insurers cover claims, including those resulting from infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Furthermore, it is not a matter for the Government or Central Bank of Ireland to adjudicate on the validity of such claims.
Whether a business can make a claim in relation to loss of earnings because of closure due to COVID-19 will depend on the specifics of its policy. I have made it very clear as a general rule insurers should not attempt to reject claims on the basis of interpreting policies to their own advantage. I believe that insurers should engage with those businesses honestly, fairly and professionally to honour those elements of the policies covered, in line with the Central Bank’s Consumer Protection Code..
I understand, however, that many businesses do not routinely have infectious diseases covered as part of their standard policies. In the case where infectious diseases are covered, there may be other considerations which will influence the decision of an insurer to not pay a claim. It is important therefore for businesses to engage directly with their insurer or broker on this matter, and where they believe an insurer has incorrectly rejected their claim, they should either consider referring the matter to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO) for adjudication or where their claim is in excess of the FSPO €3 million limit they may wish to consider legal action. I understand that this is already happening in a number of cases.
The above said however, my officials and I have been engaging with the sector in an effort to get some much-needed certainty for business policyholders. On business interruption claims, I wrote to Insurance Ireland on 27 March and indicated amongst other things that
(i) insurers should not attempt to reject claims on the basis of interpreting policies to their own advantage; and,
(ii) that where a claim can be made because a business has closed as a result of a Government direction due to contagious or infectious disease, that the Government advice to close a business in the context of COVID-19 should be treated as a direction.
Insurance Ireland, on behalf of its membership, responded on 3 April and stated that it accepted both of my points. It did however indicate that each insurance policy is different and there may well be other factors which lead to the adjudication of whether a business interruption claim is valid or not, other than Government advice to close. Following on from this correspondence, I held a teleconference with Insurance Ireland, on 17 April, where I reiterated that some insurers, by adopting a “blanket” rejection of all business interruption claims, were doing the industry significant reputational damage and were not treating customers fairly.
The Deputy should also note that the Central Bank wrote to the CEOs of major insurers outlining its expectations of them in this crisis from a consumer protection perspective. This included the Bank’s belief that while most insurance policies are clear, if there is a doubt about the meaning of a term, the interpretation most favourable to the consumer should prevail. The Central Bank is continuing to engage with the non-life insurance industry on these matters and will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that firms are meeting the expectations as previously set out.
The Deputy should be assured that Minister of State Fleming and I will continue to monitor the business interruption issue and will engage appropriately with the Central Bank of Ireland on the matter. This issue is recognised in the Programme for Government’s extensive cross-Departmental insurance reform agenda, which amongst other things seeks to address consumer and business concerns on the cost and availability of insurance by building on the work of the Cost of Insurance Working Group.
Furthermore, the Government has made available multiple supports to businesses as part of the July Jobs Stimulus and I would encourage the Deputy to direct his constituents to the relevant Government website: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/5654a-july-jobs-stimulus/.
269. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance if he will enquire with the Revenue Commissioners if it is in a position to issue tax clearance certificates to four related companies (details supplied) in order that they are eligible for reopening grants administered by Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18903/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that the issues to which the Deputy is referring are resolved.
Following direct discussions between the companies’ tax agent and Revenue, tax clearance certification was issued through the e-tax clearance system. The relevant access numbers have also been provided to the companies, which can be used by any third party to verify their tax clearance status.
270. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of refurbishing Fitzgibbon Street Garda station. [18445/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe refurbishment of Fitzgibbon St Garda Station is being carried out in two phases. The first phase was completed at a cost of €3,439,726.67 vat inclusive. The second phase works are on site and a construction contract to the value of €5,990,415.99 vat inclusive, was awarded on 16 December 2019.
271. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the estimated cost of refurbishing Sligo Garda station [18446/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimated cost of the remaining refurbishment works planned for Sligo Garda Station to date is €396,220.
272. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will advocate for the whole island of Ireland to benefit from the EU stimulus package. [18746/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU funded PEACE and INTERREG programme have invested €3.3bn in Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Ireland since their inception over a quarter of a century ago. They are an important driver of regional, social and economic development and have played crucial part in supporting peace and reconciliation. The current PEACE IV and INTERREG VA programmes have a total value of €553 million and are supporting 130 different projects.
The Irish Government has been clear and consistent about its commitment to the successful implementation of these EU funded programmes and to a successor programme – PEACE PLUS – post-Brexit. We warmly welcomed the Commission’s proposal for a special new PEACE PLUS programme to build on and continue the work of both the current PEACE and INTERREG programmes in the 2021-2027 programming period. We also welcome the proposed special allocation of €120 million from the MFF.
While the programme area covers Northern Ireland and the Irish border counties, those counties most affected by the troubles and by the particular regional development challenges faced by border areas, the programme benefits are not limited to the Irish border counties. The programme will take account of “Functional Areas”, which recognise that some projects which will directly benefit the programme area are best delivered on a wider geographical basis. This will provide scope for project activity to extend beyond the six border area counties and Northern Ireland.
The Special EU Programmes Body, for which I am joint sponsor Minister, together with the Minister for Finance in Northern Ireland, is leading the development process for PEACE PLUS, in close cooperation with officials from both Departments.
273. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans the Office of Public Works to carry out works on an old mill (details supplied) in its care to enable it to open to visitors; the progress made with the plans to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18748/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works has been progressing the conservation of the Bunadubber Mill in Co Mayo for some time and was most recently beginning work to restore the horizontal wheel and carry out structural works internally in the building. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project has had to be delayed temporarily as OPW could not achieve appropriate social distancing for the carpenters working in close proximity within the wheelpit. It is hoped that the works will be revisited once restrictions ease or are lifted and operations can resume.
The OPW is currently not in a position to advise when the Mill could open to visitors as a significant amount of work still remains to be done and it is not clear currently when it can be completed.
274. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to carry out a review of the National Development Plan; the time frame for the review; if measures contained in the Plan will proceed during the review process. [19115/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs well as committing to bringing forward the review of the National Development Plan from 2022, the Programme for Government makes a range of commitments directly related to public investment, notably in the areas of climate action and biodiversity; town-centric planning and compact growth; reorientation of transport investment in support of sustainable modal shift; retrofitting; and advancement of Project Ireland 2040 goals in relation to balanced regional development. Preparations for the NDP Review, which are currently ongoing, will ensure that these factors can be fully reflected in the review process.
Delivery of projects contained in the National Development Plan remains ongoing. The Project Ireland 2040 Investment Tracker, published on gov.ie, provides those involved in the delivery of infrastructure with a clear signal on what construction is in the pipeline. This can imbue the construction industry with the confidence to plan, invest and hire to expand capacity. The Tracker was further developed over the course of 2019 to include greater details and a wider range of projects. The latest version of the tracker was published in January 2020, with a revised edition due in Q4 2020.
