441. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the percentage of the OPW capital budget that has been spent in the first eight months of 2026; if he will provide the same figures for 2024 and 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65162/26]

The percentage of the capital budget spent by the OPW at any particular point in the year can vary from year to year, depending on the type, scale and programme of capital works being undertaken.

Capital projects do not necessarily progress at a consistent rate throughout the financial year, as expenditure is often linked to specific stages of a project, such as design, planning, procurement, construction and completion. For instance, a year involving a stage of major construction works may result in a higher proportion of the budget being spent earlier or later in the year, depending on the programme of works.

Consequently, comparing the percentage of capital expenditure incurred at the same point in different years, does not necessarily provide a like-for-like comparison. Variations from year to year are normal and should be considered in the context of the specific projects and programmes included within the capital budget for each year. The percentage of capital budget spent as at 31st August in 2024, 2025 and 2026 is provided below.

* Capital Budget in each year is inclusive of Supplementary Estimate where applicable.