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Capital Expenditure Programme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 January 2021

Wednesday, 20 January 2021

Ceisteanna (176, 177, 182)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to approve infrastructural projects throughout the country over the next four years with particular reference to those areas deemed to be deficient in infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2861/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to approve infrastructural projects throughout County Kildare over the next four years with particular reference to those areas deemed to be deficient in infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2862/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when he expects to be in a position to approve infrastructural expenditure proposals and a capital programme for various projects submitted by Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2867/21]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 177 and 182 together.

I should first explain that as Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform I am responsible for setting the overall capital allocations across Departments and for monitoring monthly expenditure at a Departmental level. Responsibility for the management and delivery of the individual investment projects, within the allocations agreed under the NDP, rests with the individual sponsoring Department in each case.

Under the umbrella of Project Ireland 2040, the Government has allocated capital funding behind the national priorities set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF). The three Regional Assemblies are responsible for co-ordinating, promoting and supporting the strategic planning and sustainable development of their regions, by formulating Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies (RSES). The key role in leading development at county level rests with the relevant local authority in the first instance.

A series of regional reports have been published on the Project Ireland 2040 website, outlining the country-wide reach and impact of the public infrastructural investments under the National Development Plan and the National Planning Framework. The report on the Mid-East region, which will be of particular interest to the Deputy, details the specific regional projects and programmes now being planned and delivered in that area.

I might also add that my Department publishes a major capital projects tracker, which sets out details of the key projects and programmes being implemented under the NDP, including the location of the projects where possible. The Tracker includes a number of major projects directly related to Kildare. While it does not provide an exhaustive list of all capital expenditure, the list of projects serves to highlight the diverse range of infrastructural demands competing for the resources of the State.

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is currently carrying out a review of the NDP. The review being conducted will not be considering the merit of individual projects or sectoral policy strategies as this is a matter for individual Departments and Agencies. As part of the NDP review process, my Department is also running a stakeholder engagement process and would invite stakeholders such as County Councils to submit their views on what infrastructure projects should be prioritised in the coming 10 years. Details of the consultation process are set out on the website www.gov.ie/2040.

Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 174.
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