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thank the Deputy for raising this. I know it is a project he fought hard for. When he sought and got initial approval in 2021, I would say he did not think he would still be here in 2025 seeking stage 2a to be progressed and approved … stage 2a process is a long time as well. I will certainly bring that back to the Department. It is a very exciting project. It is incredible: four general classrooms, seven SET rooms, three science labs with preparation rooms, two engineering rooms, two technology rooms with preparation rooms

latter - rightly so - but the former is sometimes neglected. The arts and the creative industries are just as important as any other. The programme for Government sets out an ambitious set of commitments for research and innovation, key to which is the implementation of the national research … funding, our targets and our potential. I am urgently concerned with rebuilding our capacity in relation to research infrastructure and equipment. The programme for Government committed to investment in a renewed programme for research in third level institutions, PRTLI. It is writ large in that programme, which

ensure they complete their leaving certificate and can be supported to achieve their full potential. The Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, DEIS, programme, which aims to address concentrated educational disadvantage, has seen the gap in retention rates between DEIS and non-DEIS schools halved, from … since the programme began. Shortly after becoming Minister, I announced I would develop and publish a new DEIS plan in 2025 to try to close that gap further. A key part of the plan will be to close the performance gap between DEIS and non-DEIS schools

secure a sustainable level of supply that will help us meet fully unmet and emerging housing demand; — the measures committed to in the Programme for Government, including a new housing plan building on the successes of Housing for All, will help us meet the enormous challenge of delivering … required standard of treatment, to deal with population and housing growth, and to adapt to the impacts of climate change; — the Programme for Government commits to investing additional capital in Uisce Éireann, and this is being considered in the context of the ongoing review of the National Development

sponsored - to record numbers of children this year, with an allocation of €530 million in 2025; — the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which enjoys uptake rates in excess of 96 per cent and has removed barriers to accessing pre-school education, with data from a recent … showing that more than 40 per cent of families would not have been able to send their child to pre-school without this programme; — the award-winning Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), that is supporting more than 9,000 children with a disability to access the ECCE programme

doing that in this case. Louth County Council, the Office of Public Works and RPS Consulting Engineers Limited are working on the project and I congratulate them on their communications initiative regarding it. They provide regular newsletters on a dedicated website informing the public of progress. However … trouble is that progress and where we are at the moment. The latest newsletter was published in April and reported that the project was still at stage 1, which has created some frustration. The newsletter went on to explain that stage 1 involved the identification and development

today. It is important to note that as Minister of State with responsibility for migration, I do not comment on individual immigrant investor programme applications. In general terms, I can inform Deputy Whitmore that my Department does not receive or hold funds at any stage … process, nor does it have any role in the administration of an approved project or investment fund. This is a private matter between a potential investor, or investors, and a potential project concerned. Approval of an application under the IIP is not an endorsement of a particular project

completed the largest study of flood risk ever undertaken by the State. The catchment-based flood risk assessment and management, CFRAM, programme was undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW, working in partnership with the local authorities. The CFRAM programme studied 80% of Ireland’s primary … outlined in the flood risk management plans by means of national development plan funding of €1.3 billion to 2030. Progressing this significantly increased programme of flood relief schemes requires capacity and capability in the highest specialised areas of engineering. Many of these schemes are being

that investment in services for older people continues at a high level and grows to meet the changing need of our population. The programme for Government sets out commitments that are ambitious but achievable. The Government recognises that the demographic challenges of our ageing population are already upon … total value of payments in these schemes is estimated to be over €1.9 billion in 2025. Recognising the vital role of carers, the programme for Government sets out a timeline that commits to significantly increasing the income disregard for carer's allowance in each budget. This is being

passion, knowledge and sense of responsibility are both humbling and inspiring. In 2019, this House declared a climate and biodiversity emergency. The 2020 programme for Government responded with the most ambitious nature commitments ever made by an Irish Government. Now, as in the 2025 programme, we are accelerating … land acquisitions, safeguarding corncrake habitats and expanding Connemara National Park, we are protecting endangered species while promoting sustainable tourism. The NPWS conservation measures programme is developing and implementing conservation measures on special areas of conservation, SACs, and special protection areas in the Natura 2000 network in Ireland

publication of the internal audit report by the OPW, following the review of projects costing €500,000 and under is welcome. It follows a commitment to learn from the bike shelter project and presents the internal audit findings, control recommendations and management response. The OPW has accepted … working across the OPW. The OPW takes a structured approach to delivering value for money across both the capital and current expenditure programmes, with the capital expenditure programme grounded in principles and requirements of infrastructure guidelines and adherence with the capital works management framework. The capital works management

continue to answer Deputy Whitmore, I am aware that applicants and projects are anxious to receive a decision on their applications. I assure her that the IIP unit in the Department is committed to ensuring that all applications are examined on their own merits and endeavours to conclude … decisions in a timely manner. The IIP unit continues to communicate with projects seeking to benefit from investments made in connection with IIP applications, and more specifically with regard to how the terms of the programme apply to their particular projects, while also monitoring all of the projects

infrastructure is central to improving citizens' quality of life and achieving our decarbonisation goals. Achieving these goals has been set out in the programme for Government. Progress is being made on a number of proposed light rail projects. There are four proposed expansions to the Luas network outlined … current greater Dublin area transport strategy. The most advanced of these schemes is the Luas Finglas project. Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála in November 2024 for this project and we await a decision on this matter. In addition, a public consultation

together. I thank the Deputy. Following my appointment as Minister, issues were brought to my attention regarding a failed ICT project in the Arts Council and an unused X-ray machine in the National Gallery. Both projects were funded directly from my Department. Given the serious nature … State bodies under our aegis in the culture, sport and media sectors seeking information with regard to expenditure on capital projects since 2020 to provide assurance to me and, more importantly, the public, regarding the management of the capital expenditure. Bodies were asked to provide budgetary information

taking this on behalf of the Minister for Transport, who has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding relating to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with TII, under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015, and in line with the national development … management of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the national roads programme in line with Project Ireland 2040 and the NDP. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending on new national roads projects from

thank Deputy O'Hara for his question on this project. As he will be aware, the RRDF is a major capital investment programme seeking to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. To date, the RRDF has allocated … million for 243 projects across the country. A fourth call for category 2 applications was launched in October 2024. Typically, projects deemed successful under category 2 can access funding of up to €1 million per project to cover the initial costs of planning, design and technical work which

past five years. The Department approved significant capital funding for the school under the additional school accommodation scheme in 2019. The approved project was for the provision of four general classrooms, one special education tuition room, one DCG room and one home economics room. This project was devolved … school authorities for delivery and the project is currently at tender stage. The Department’s planning and building unit also received an application, in June 2017, from the school seeking capital funding for the provision of a PE hall. The school authority was informed in writing that

cannot be here. It is obvious, given the level of interaction and number of representations the Deputy has made on this project over the past five years, why he is frustrated. I will give him the response I have been given. He will appreciate that … Irish Coast Guard, a division of the Department of Transport, has 44 units, based in 58 Coast Guard stations. The Coast Guard building programme, which includes the provision of new or upgraded facilities at a number of locations across the country, is managed by the OPW on behalf

thank Deputy Brady for raising this matter. The Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding regarding the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015, and in line with … management of individual national roads is a matter for TII in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the national roads programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, the national planning framework and the NDP. The Government has earmarked €5.1 billion for capital spending

being supported by SOLAS in developing its preliminary business case, PBC, proposal for Dunboyne under the FET college of the future major projects fund and they have met as recently as this month to progress the application. The proposal put forward by LMETB relates to the development … purpose facility on a greenfield site in Dunboyne to replace the existing rented accommodation in Dunboyne. It is one of 12 projects being progressed under this fund. LMETB is refining its business case proposal and once completed, it will submit it to SOLAS for evaluation. The evaluation panel

centres. Under the 2024 iteration of the fund, more than €33 million has been approved to support refurbishment works on more than 770 projects nationwide. The community recognition fund, first introduced in 2023, has supported a range of community infrastructure projects, and recognises the huge efforts made … currently open for applications, is designed to support the revitalisation of rural towns and villages. The scheme enables the provision of funding for projects designed to rejuvenate town centres and includes projects to renovate and refurbish multipurpose community spaces. Since its launch, more than €177 million has been

Deputy. The HSE capital and estates unit is engaging with An Saol Foundation to assist with progressing the latter's capital project proposal. The HSE has advised the Department that progress is being made regarding securing a site for the proposed project and an application for planning permission … allocating approximately €1.3 million through the capital allocation process. Subject to the timely receipt of all required documentation, the HSE anticipates that this project will continue to progress smoothly through the necessary stages of approval and development. The HSE is working with An Saol to advise

important question. It is a matter that will pave the way for a significant future in Ireland for semiconductors and other areas. Important projects of common European interest are becoming increasingly important as a means to enhance the competitiveness of the EU and its member states … programme for Government contains a commitment to "Boost participation in Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to increase competitiveness and productivity for Irish companies and create more jobs". Ireland needs to significantly step up its involvement in the important projects of common European interest, subject to available

have witnessed unprecedented levels of capital investment in public infrastructure - roads, public transport, schools, hospitals, housing and more. The national development plan, Project Ireland 2040 and various sectoral strategies have set ambitious targets. The sums involved are substantial, reflecting the scale of the challenge and the opportunity before … concern in this House and among the wider public about the efficiency and effectiveness of this spending. We have all seen high-profile projects beset by cost overruns, delays and significant changes in scope. The national children's hospital, MetroLink and various school building projects have attracted criticism

seeking to increase choice for parents by ensuring that families can access both multi/non-denominational and faith-based education, in line with the Programme for Government commitment; further notes that: — enrolments in mainstream multi-denominational and inter-denominational primary schools rose by 87.5 per cent (from … process; — 51 of the 52 new primary schools established to cater for increased demographic demand since 2011 have a multi-denominational ethos; — the Programme for Government, includes a commitment to 'increase choice for parents by ensuring that families can access both multi/non-denominational and faith-based education'; — as part

Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for a breakdown of cost overruns stemming from capital projects under his Department's remit that were in excess of €100,000 at original cost projection and overran by 20% or from … across each county, detailing the name of the project, the original cost projection and the latest cost projection, to include projects that are planned, in train or completed for the years in question, in tabular form. [25711/25

Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health for a breakdown of cost overruns stemming from HSE capital projects that were in excess of €100,000 at original cost projection and overran by 20% or more from 2020 to 2025, detailing the name of the project, the original … cost projection and the latest cost projection, to include projects that are planned, in train or completed for the years in question, in tabular form. [25710/25

Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under measures 1, 2, and 3 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure schemes in County Laois in 2024; the grant approved for each project; the current status of each project … completion date for each project, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26242/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Taoiseach the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate to complete for such projects … total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form. [22950/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects … initial estimate to complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22942/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial … estimate to complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22940/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate … complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22937/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Transport the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate to complete … such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22952/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Finance the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate to complete … such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22941/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose … projects; the initial estimate to complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate … complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22939/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Education and Youth the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate … complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22938/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects … initial estimate to complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22951/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial … estimate to complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22945/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate to complete … such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22949/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Justice the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate to complete … such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22946/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial … estimate to complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22935/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate … complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22936/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Health the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate to complete … such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22944/25

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of IT projects within their Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose … projects; the initial estimate to complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of IT projects within his Department, or bodies under its aegis, which have been allocated funds in excess of €1 million in the years 2020 to date; the purpose of any projects; the initial estimate … complete for such projects; the total amount expended to date; the total estimated cost to complete; the estimated timeframe by which they expected to be completed; by project; by year; in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22948/25

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of regeneration projects (details supplied); if he will provide a description of the type of works intended; the funding allocated to date or committed to each project; the date of the initial project … submission from Dublin City Council; the indicative timeframe for each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22741/25

specify the agreed or provisionally agreed auction contracts under RESS 1, RESS 2, RESS 3 and RESS 4 respectively; the number of successful projects; the total capacity of successful projects; and the percentage share of total successful projects that are that are wholly or partly owned

Climate and Communications to specify the agreed or provisionally agreed auction contracts under ORESS 1 and ORESS 2.1 respectively; the number of successful projects; and the total capacity of successful projects and the percentage share of total successful projects that are that are wholly or partly owned

Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Corncrake LIFE Project; his plans to renew the project for a further five-year term given the vital role the project has played in improving the conservation status of the corncrake