Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 10, inclusive, together.

Cabinet Committee D last met on 1 February 2018. The next meeting of the committee has been scheduled for 8 May next. The overall objective of Cabinet Committee D on infrastructure is to ensure a co-ordinated approach to the development and implementation of policy regarding housing, infrastructure investment and delivery, climate action and the delivery of Project Ireland 2040. Project Ireland 2040 is the overarching policy and planning framework for the social, economic and cultural development of our country. It includes the 20 year 2040 national planning framework, backed up by a €116 billion capital investment plan for the period from 2018 to 2027. The plan was launched in Sligo on 16 February last. My Department's main contribution to the plan was through the policy-making process. My senior officials and advisers were involved in formulating policy and drafting the text of the plan. As well as the launch in Sligo, I attended regional events in Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway. In addition, I attended the launch of the first of the sector-specific events, which was held on 10 April last and focused on investing in our culture, language and heritage, with some €1.2 billion to be invested in our culture, arts and heritage infrastructure over the next ten years. I have plans to attend two more sector-specific events, focusing on rural and climate action, in the near future.

The implementation of Project Ireland 2040 is being overseen by the Project Ireland 2040 delivery board, which is jointly chaired by the Secretaries General of the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Housing, Planning and Local Government. The delivery board will have responsibility for the communications strategy for Project Ireland 2040. This work will transition from my Department to the board by July.An investment projects and programmes office is being established in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to co-ordinate and drive the delivery of Project Ireland 2040.

As with all major policy initiatives, my Department will support and participate in the delivery of Project Ireland 2040. Both Cabinet committee D and the full Government will review progress on a regular basis.

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