Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)

I thank committee members for their invitation. I am joined by members of the OPW management board and the OPW chairman, Mr. John Conlon, to discuss the 2025 Revised Estimates, Vote 13 - Office of Public Works. I look forward to engaging with the committee and working with members collaboratively and constructively over the course of the Government. This year, Exchequer funding of €714 million will enable the OPW to progress and deliver in our core areas of work in flood management, estate management and heritage services. The scope and scale of the work across the OPW is extensive and varied. This funding enables the organisation to deliver on behalf of the State. The OPW plays a vital role in supporting key Government initiatives in the programme for Government, national development plan, climate action plan and sustainability, among others. We are also ready to step in at short notice to facilitate important one-off projects such as the preparation for the upcoming EU Presidency. This year, as we progress with our programme of works, we will, for example, implement a range of measures to mitigate the impact of flooding, expand the roll-out of retrofitting in line with climate action goals, maintain and manage the State’s property portfolio from Dublin Castle to Garda stations nationwide, design and build new infrastructure such as ultra-modern office accommodation to a memorial bridge, protect and preserve our national heritage and tell the stories of the past at our many historic gardens and parks, castles and ancient monuments, including our two world heritage sites. The gross allocation for 2025 of €714 million includes €384 million in current funding and €330 million in capital funding. The overall figure sees an increase of €19.5 million or 3% on the 2024 provisional outturn. The additional funding requirement is primarily driven by progress in our flooding relief management programme. The structure of the OPW Vote remains unchanged from last year and the budget breakdown is as follows: climate-responsive flood risk management, €127 million; estate management, €495 million; and administration, €92 million.

As I mentioned, a key objective is the progress of our work on flood relief schemes while ensuring climate change is considered at all stages of the process. The OPW leads a proactive and whole-of-government approach to managing flood risk. Our core objective is to reduce, to the greatest extent possible, the impact of flooding on homes and businesses across the country. We anticipate that the €127 million in funding will allow us to reach important milestones this year, including the achievement of six major flood relief schemes, some in Deputies' areas such as Crossmolina, Glashaboy and Whitechurch. We are progressing up to five further flood relief schemes towards substantial completion, including in Athlone in my constituency. Our climate change adaptation plan aims to ensure communities are protected against increased flood risk. It includes a national programme to develop scheme adaptation plans for pre-existing flood relief schemes.

Moving on to estate management, the OPW manages and maintains 2,500 buildings ranging from landmark heritage sites to central Government offices. The gross capital allocation of €228 million and current allocation of €267 million for estate management reflects the Government’s continued investment in public infrastructure. The OPW works to provide modern, energy-efficient, fit-for-purpose accommodation that aligns with sustainability goals. The OPW is leading by example in decarbonising the public estate in support of a 50% improvement in energy efficiency by 2030. This year, several buildings will see retrofits, including key Government Departments such as the Department of justice on St. Stephen’s Green. This funding will enable planned and reactive maintenance across our property portfolio including statutory compliance with fire, lift and accessibility standards and energy upgrades. In 2025, the OPW continues to conserve and invest in our heritage sites and visitor experiences with recent plans unveiled and enhancements at key attractions like Carrowmore megalithic tombs in Sligo, Clonmacnoise, Oldbridge, Barryscourt and Rockfleet Castle. Meanwhile, our events team is working to ensure the smooth running of the EU Presidency at Dublin Castle next year.

I will finish with reference to the administrative funding of €92 million. The nature of this work of the OPW requires the input of a dedicated team of professional, technical and administrative staff working in multidisciplinary teams across a wide range of roles. While the organisation has been under considerable scrutiny of late, it is important not to lose sight of the valuable work ongoing across the country. We cater for 15 million visitors annually at our heritage sites and we deliver projects under the national development plan to the value of €4 billion. None of this work is possible without our people, our greatest asset. I thank each and every one of them for their help and support.

The OPW is fully committed to the principles of value for money, sustainability and transparency. The lessons learned from recent project delivery experiences have been integrated into our processes. New procedures are in place to support improved efficiency and oversight across project delivery, including new project management guidelines and the development of procurement training for all staff. I can say with confidence that the OPW stands ready to deliver for Government.