Written answer
Office of Public Works
27. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the amount of capital investment planned for OPW sites in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown during 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40273/26]
Comment on this
The Office of Public Works is a key service provider to Government, managing the State's estate portfolio, maintaining and presenting Ireland's built heritage, and leading the State's flood risk management function. Under the current National Development Plan, the OPW has secured a record allocation of €1.845 billion, encompassing flood risk management, State property management, and the conservation of heritage assets in support of regional tourism. The OPW's capital programme is one of the most geographically distributed and functionally diverse in the public service, with works delivered in every county.
Capital investment in any given area in a particular year reflects a range of demand-led factors rather than a fixed geographical allocation. Under Estate Management, the OPW is responsible for the maintenance, refurbishment, and development of government properties including offices, Garda stations, and other public service buildings. Across the estate, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure that public assets remain safe, functional, and efficient. Regular maintenance activities frequently identify areas where more substantial interventions are required, leading to planned preventative capital works. By integrating insights from ongoing maintenance into capital planning, the OPW ensures that resources are used effectively and future risks are minimised.
Accessibility requirements also drive capital investment in the OPW's property portfolio. The OPW in recent years completed universal access works at Dún Laoghaire Garda Station. The attached table sets out many of the significant OPW capital works progressing in 2026 in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area.
Flood Risk Management represents a further significant pillar of OPW activity in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The OPW is working in partnership with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to advance major flood relief schemes in the area, including the Loughlinstown Flood Relief Scheme. While Loughlinstown is a single scheme, it encompasses two river catchments Deansgrange and Carrickmines/Shanganagh. The Carrickmines/Shanganagh element is currently in the planning process with An Coimisiún Pleanála. Subject to planning consent, it is expected to commence construction in Q1 2028 and the Deansgrange element expected to commence construction in Q1 2027. The estimated project budget for the Loughlinstown FRS is €26.9m. Further information on flood risk management activity in County Dublin is available at floodinfo.ie/county-summary.