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make the move to new ticketing technology and the National Transport Authority, NTA, has entered into a contract with Indra to deliver the project. The initial focus of the project is on the greater Dublin area, to be rolled out in four phases. This is a major, complex … project, with an estimated capital cost of over €160 million to implement it in the greater Dublin area alone. Phase 1 is due to launch in September 2027. It will test contactless payment on a number of new validators or ticket machines. Phase 2 will be ready

still do not have a museum. Cost overruns and delays have been the subject of many media reports, including a "Prime Time" programme. The Comptroller and Auditor General has also written several reports on it. The most recent one highlighted a number of serious concerns with the ongoing … project, including a lack of governance and in particular a lack of a Department sponsor, which may have contributed to the delays and cost overruns. The Explorium in the foothills of the Dublin Mountains has shown that it possible to create and operate a science centre that caters

pleased to confirm that historical fee data is now available on the national childcare service search for fees from the 2021-22 programme year to the present programme year. I acknowledge that this was very important to the Deputy and that he pursued it for some time … portal hosting this information was originally designed to contain information for the current programme year only. However, the portal was recently upgraded following a concerted effort between the Department and Pobal, the scheme administrator, during a busy period with competing ICT demands due to the commencement

younger children. As announced in the context of budget 2026, €36 million will be available in 2026 for early learning and childcare capital programmes. This will include acquisitions of new buildings through the State-led early learning and childcare programme, continued investment in expansion of existing early learning … blocks scheme and a number of quality initiatives, including supports to childminders. The building blocks extension grant scheme earlier this year approved 50 projects to progress to the next stage of the grant process. The scheme will deliver up to 1,500 full day places for children aged

provide for children with special educational needs. In County Donegal alone, in the period 2020 to 2024, the Department invested €209.6 million on projects in construction, projects in the pipeline and completions. There were 64 projects completed in Donegal in the period 2020 to 2024. There are currently … projects in construction. The Department of Education and Youth is required to manage the allocated capital funding across all schools in the country, and the Department's approach is to maximise the use of existing capacity in schools and, in tandem with this, to manage the progression

Citizens' Assembly on Drugs Use, which many have referenced today, the interim report of the Joint Committee on Drugs Use, the programme for Government and the EU drugs strategy. The Minister for Health and the Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, Deputy Murnane … Connor, published the independent evaluation of the drugs strategy, which was a commitment in the programme for Government. During this evaluation, 68 stakeholders participated in consultation sessions and additional written submissions were received. This inclusive process aimed to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives, including those of service

Shannon catchment. The group is focused on prioritising actions and activities that can help manage flood risk along the River Shannon. A programme of strategic maintenance for 24 sites along the River Shannon has been approved by the group and Waterways Ireland is carrying out this work … require maintenance. The group approved the appointment of an ecological consultant to carry out high-level environmental studies in relation to a proposed project of the removal of pinch points along the Shannon Callows. The findings of this study highlight that significant environmental assessment is required to fully

insert the following: “(2) To insert new subsections after subsection (4): “(4A) The Board shall borrow to invest in projects on the basis of a prioritisation framework which encompasses— (a) congestion softeners in areas of high congestion, (b) security encompassing hospitals, Garda stations, water safety and wastewater treatment … section 4(4) of the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 1954; (b) the purposes for which such borrowing was applied including a breakdown of project type; (c) the projected borrowing required for the next year including a breakdown of project type; (d) the impact on consumer electricity prices

Networks. Indeed, that will increase significantly in price review 6. The company will be obliged to report to the CRU, on a programme by programme basis, on cost, performance, delivery and the timeline for delivery. The Minister will also require ESB Networks, as part of this investment … will be complemented by additional privately sourced debt, funded by the ESB, to finance the delivery of the overall price review 6 investment programme. The Bill will ensure that it also provides for the increase in the ESB statutory borrowing limit from €12 billion to €17 billion. This

Over the past five years alone, 1,300 projects have been progressed. These are new schools, large-scale projects, additional accommodation projects and emergency works projects. There have been 1,300 projects over the past five years. That is €6 billion that is being spent right across … have a budget of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth out to 2030. My intention is that as many projects as possible will be moved within that overall budget I have. I also compliment both schools in question, including the principals

welcome the announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Dooley, of €27.75 million for capital projects at Ireland’s publicly owned harbours under the 2025 fishery harbour centres and coastal infrastructure development programme. While welcome news for our coastal communities, the way this funding is being divided … harbour centre received over €11.2 million, while Donegal County Council, which is responsible for 155 piers and harbours, received just €450,000 towards projects costing an estimated €660,000. That is an unequal partnership, a drop in the ocean for our coastal local authorities which are struggling

told the Taoiseach, the hospital was initially meant to take patients in 2027, but it is now looking like 2030 because the project will go from being a one-phase project to a multi-phase project. To be fair, the Taoiseach was quite forceful a number of weeks … expect things to happen that quickly, to be fair, but the mood music is the same, unfortunately. I would also reference capital projects in education, whether for ASD classes that were promised last year, extensions to buildings or new-build capital projects. The experience that I am hearing

Subsequent to the election, the Government produced a very ambitious programme for Government, which made many commitments to improve the lot of people in this country. Of course, the extent to which the Government can meet its commitments is contingent on a successful economy, and that should … investment in place so it would be able to deliver, over the course of its lifetime, the improvements outlined in the programme for Government. I have listened to the budget debate and the debate on the Finance Bill today. All I hear is criticism of the Government

under way to ensure the delivery of a successful Presidency next year. Work is ongoing to develop the priorities and the policy programme for Ireland's Presidency. This programme will be prepared against the backdrop of the EU's strategic agenda 2024-29 and the legislative work programme … Union. The Government is consulting with other EU member states and stepping up our engagement with the EU institutions as this process of programme development continues. Our policy programme will be finalised and published shortly before the start of our Presidency term. The Government recognises the importance

thank the Deputy for his advocacy in wanting to see this important project moved forward. There will come a point, because these will not be kept open forever. We need to make sure these projects get a move on. The Department has been tolerant to those awarded … make sure they are all moving. If they do not move, we will intervene and look to see how other projects will be able to move instead. I have given the House an update around the current status with regard to the potential for a new site

taking the lead from skills needs of the future. The national skills group is working on that and on understanding what the projected needs are while supporting and collaborating with industry. That collaboration between the tertiary system across all the different educational frameworks and enterprise is critical … understand the current market needs and emerging needs of the labour force; real-time insights from partners working in sectors; and then programmes like Springboard+, Microcredentials and Microqualifications and Skills to Advance. These look at the skills needs and how industry and the education sector can work together

thank both Deputies. I will respond to Deputy Daly on the urology project. It is a project I am very keen to explore further and there are already a number of projects like that we are developing in the regions. The New Frontiers programme in Castlebar and Galway … start-up ecosystem working with ATU, and perhaps the urology project could be done along the same lines. On the supercomputer, I was very keen when I came into this Department that Ireland should remain at the leading edge of digital, quantum and artificial intelligence. That requires significant

multi-faceted; it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. My immediate and short-term focus has been on enabling stalled projects to proceed by tackling the viability issues. The €100 million in the short-term activation programme has been put aside for this purpose. Under that … programme, some beds are reserved for priority students under the national access plan at reduced rents on a 30% basis. Therefore, 30% of beds are ring-fenced for SUSI recipients for a period of 30 years. Measures like that are very important in any State-funded accommodation

each local authority was provided with a set funding allocation based on the number of new arrivals located in its area. Some 900 projects were approved funding of €50 million in 2023. Following that, over 800 projects are now complete and fully drawn down, with approximately 100 still … funding was subsequently doubled in 2024, with a further €50 million allocated to the local authorities. Under the 2024 round of funding, 569 projects were approved, bringing the total number of projects that have been awarded under the fund to over 1,450 in just over two years

question is about the allocation of funding for the new LEADER programme from 2027 onwards. I have seen the success of the programme since it started in my county of Longford. We were successful in getting significant funding, all of which was drawn down for projects … county. It has had a huge benefit and has improved communities throughout the county. I have been involved in a number of the projects in my own local area, including community centre funding and playgrounds that have been developed with funding through the LEADER programme. Great work

necessary to be maintained to guard against the uncertainties of the economic cycle and to ensure sufficient resources are available to deliver programmes when and as required. On four previous occasions where NTF expenditure has exceeded income, the accumulated surplus was then used to address the annual shortfall … receipt and this issue will be addressed. Some stakeholders raised some concerns in relation to ensuring that capital expenditure, including on decarbonisation projects, aligns with the purposes of the NTF. I have noted these concerns and assurance can be given that all NTF funding will be spent

well, when we said, "Yes, we want to do measures on income tax", but we put in black and white in the programme for Government that if it was a choice between doing certain things or doing income tax we would choose the other things because we have … economy or the global headwinds that the country faces. We have to keep our country safe. There are people watching in on this programme today who remember what it was like wrong choices were made in budgets. They remember what it was like when too much money

houses. Housing delivery in Balbriggan is being supported by €25.4 million in urban regeneration and development fund investment to implement eight key projects under the Our Balbriggan rejuvenation plan. With €8.5 million matched funding provided by Fingal County Council, work is well under way on these projects … first home scheme to further the development of the affordable housing delivery pipeline for 2026 and beyond, and to ensure the affordable housing programme responds effectively to the affordable housing needs identified at local level. Under the programme for Government, the Government committed to introducing a new starter

from the regional group took the courage to support the establishment of a Government, we did so on the basis of an agreed programme for Government, a blueprint for change, to be delivered over the course of five years. While in opposition, we as Independents highlighted many issues … knew that in order to achieve what was required we needed to work in government and on that basis we agreed the programme for Government with our coalition partners. Budget 2026 is the first step on the road to addressing these issues in a meaningful way for those

some €1.4 billion in funds available, reflecting the urgent and accelerated pace that we are funding and approving delivery schemes across many programmes and today, budget 2026 has an additional €1.94 billion. In terms of current funding, between 2025 and 2026, there will be an increase … amenities for people and families across Ireland. In budget 2026, the total Exchequer funding being made available for the delivery of housing programmes is €7.21 billion, comprising capital funding of €5.19 billion and current funding of €2.02 billion. The Exchequer capital provision of €5.19 billion will be supplemented

Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport his Department’s current spending projection for 2026; whether there is a projected overspend compared with the funding that his Department was allocated in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56563/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if a formal review of the Active Travel Programme is to be undertaken to assess the programmes contribution to progress against the 2030 national targets on transport emissions reduction and increase in walking and cycling journeys. [58399/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if a formal review of the Greenway Programme is to be undertaken to assess the programmes contribution to progress against the 2030 national targets on transport emissions reduction and increase in walking and cycling journeys. [58402/26

Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if a formal review of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme is to be undertaken to assess the programmes contribution to progress against the 2030 national targets on transport emissions reduction and increase in walking and cycling journeys

Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the western rail corridor project, including the status of the Athenry to Claremorris section, the expected timeline for delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59036/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the projected total tax revenue and overall Exchequer balance for 2026; the way in which these projections compare with outturns and forecasts for 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55315/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to detail all major infrastructure projects approved or commenced in Cork county since 2020; the projected and actual delivery timelines; the cost overruns or delays encountered; and if he will make a statement

Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide details of public consultation processes undertaken in relation to infrastructure projects in Cork county since 2024, including the number of consultations, participation levels; the way in which feedback has influenced project outcomes; and if he will

Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the flood relief projects currently under construction and funded by the OPW; and the timeframe for each of those projects be completed, in tabular form. [56212/26

Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to provide an update on the future of the National Children’s Science Centre project; to detail any recent costs incurred on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58991/26

Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if consideration has been given to increasing the amount of funding allocated for strategic infrastructure projects in Galway East, including projects intended to unlock housing delivery and regional economic development; and if he will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the status of flood defence projects planned or underway in north Dublin, including the stage of each project, the funding allocated, the anticipated commencement and completion dates, in tabular form

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on the progress of the solar for schools programme; the number of schools that have availed of the programme to date, in a county-by-county breakdown, in tabular form; and if she will make

Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Education and Youth each nationally available programme during 2026 through which students collect, geolocate, classify or analyse real-world scientific observations using smartphones, geographic information systems or other digital tools; for each programme, the provider, participating schools and students, funding, dataset

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the steps being taken to reduce delays in progression of school building projects currently at Stage 2a and Stage 2b in Cork north-west; the average length of time these projects are spending at each stage

Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 30 June 2026, to advise on the project progression for a new school building project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55472/26

Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Affairs the amount of official development assistance allocated to programmes in 2025 and 2026, by country and programme where available; the proportion this represents of Ireland's total official development assistance budget; the additional assistance planned

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the number and value of trade related foreign direct investment projects announced for Cork county since January 2024; the projected employment impact of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57452/26

applications from Cork county under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund and the smart regions enterprise innovation scheme since 2020; the amounts allocated, the project promotors involved and the current status of each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57010/26

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the level of funding allocated in Cork county under sustainable tourism development programmes in each of the past three years; the projects approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57013/26

Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Education and Youth to report on the exclusion of a school (details supplied) from the DEIS Plus programme given the clear meeting of the criteria involved; if the programme will be reopened for applications; if so, the date; and if she will

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Education and Youth for an update on a school project (details supplied); if she will consider this project as a coeducational school building following the recent findings of the Primary School Survey; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth the status of the school extension project for a school (details supplied) including the current stage of the project; the next steps; the expected timeline for progression; and if she will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth the reason managers of the summer programme are prevented by the ESINET system being paid as manager until the entire programme concludes at the end of August. [54516/26

Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Youth to provide a full list of all school building projects currently at Stage 2A and Stage 2B in County Cork, including the school name, roll number, project description, current stage and expected timeline for progression, in tabular