Written answers

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Departmental Funding

Photo of Aidan FarrellyAidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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326. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount raised in revenue from third parties taking a leased fixing on a Garda communications mast in 2024 and to date in 2025, by the revenue raised and by station and or location of the mast. [2796/25]

Photo of Kevin MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland (OPW) have issued licences to install telecommunications equipment on masts at Garda Stations to the following companies, all of which are licensed by ComReg to provide services in Ireland:

  • Three Ireland (Hutchison) Ltd.
  • Three Ireland Services (Hutchison) Ltd. (formerly O2 Ireland Ltd)
  • Vodafone Ireland Ltd.
  • Meteor Mobile Communications Ltd. (now known as Eir)
  • Lighthouse Networks Limited
  • Imagine Network Services Limited
  • E-Nasc Eireann Teoranta (E-Net)
  • Tetra Ireland Ltd - These licences are for the provision of digital radio services to An Garda Síochána and other emergency services and as a result of this a licence fee is not payable.
All licence fees due from operators on telecommunication masts under these licences are payable to the OPW quarterly in advance and are subject to VAT at 23%. That income is subsequently allocated as follows:
  • 11% of all licence fees collected plus VAT is transferred to the OPW’s agent who is contracted to manage mast sites on behalf of the OPW;
  • 30% of the licence fees collected in respect of Garda Masts is transferred to the Department of Justice.
The balance of the licence fees, less minor expenses, is surrendered to the Exchequer as part of Appropriations in Aid on the OPW's Vote.

The table at the following link shows the gross income (excluding VAT) received by the State under licences granted by the OPW in respect of mobile telecommunications equipment on Garda Masts for 2024 and to date in 2025.

">Garda Mast details

Photo of Emer CurrieEmer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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328. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to provide the full costs involved in strategic reviews, studies, consultations, and plans in relation to the Phoenix Park, including the Phoenix Park Visitor Experience, the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study, and Phoenix Park Parking Strategy, in tabular form. [2954/25]

Photo of Kevin MoranKevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has undertaken three studies/reviews in the Phoenix Park in recent years; the Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic review, the Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study, and the Phoenix Park Parking Strategy.

The OPW and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under a partnership agreement with Fáilte Ireland, received funding to undertake a strategic review of visitor experience in the Phoenix Park. There were three objectives of the Review:

1. To review the future ‘tourism’ development potential of the Phoenix Park

2. To prepare a development plan for the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

3. To prepare a development plan for the Magazine Fort.

The total cost for the ‘Phoenix Park Visitor Experience Strategic Review’ was €353,366.50. Fáilte Ireland grant-aided this project to the value of €300,000 and the balance was funded by the OPW.

The ‘Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study’ aimed to develop a coherent framework for how visitors access, experience, and move within the Phoenix Park while protecting the Park’s character and enhancing the overall visitor experience. The study was undertaken by consultants appointed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and was largely funded by the NTA. The OPW provided some funding to the value of €4,500.

The ‘Phoenix Park Parking Strategy’ was commissioned on foot of recommendations set out in the aforementioned Phoenix Park Transport & Mobility Options Study. It considers both vehicular and cycle parking, and the needs and parking requirements of those with mobility issues. It provides a comprehensive vision for parking management in the Phoenix Park and complements existing wider plans, policies and strategies adopted by the OPW and key stakeholders. This report is due to be published shortly.

The total cost of the ‘Phoenix Park Parking Strategy’ was €98,699.65.

- Amount Ex VAT
Phoenix Park Visitor Experience €353,366.50*
Phoenix Park Transport and Mobility Options Study €4,500
Phoenix Park Parking Strategy €98,699.65

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