Emer Higgins
Dublin Mid-West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“With regard to the background, and as the Senator has touched on, this project was designed on the basis of a 30-year operational lease, with the primary objective of delivering value for money over the lifetime of that lease.”
“Regarding the specific situation in Castlebar that the Senator has raised, Tusla has indicated that following careful consideration, including extensive negotiations, which he referred to, and legal mediation with the developers, it was unable to reach an agreement.”
“They came forward, often at enormous personal cost, and continued to seek answers and accountability when the very systems that should have protected them had failed. For many survivors of child sexual abuse, the abuse does not end when it stops.”
“The strongest projects are those that invest in feasibility studies, site assessments, stakeholder engagement and detailed design from the outset, because decisions made at the earliest stage often have the greatest impact on cost, quality and operational performance.”
“As a result, it made a significant uplift on its original offer. The additional increase sought could not be justified, however, when benchmarked against comparable projects across both Tusla and the HSE. That comes back to the value-for-money argument.”
“Justice Michael White for their significant work and acknowledge how deeply distressing the findings are. They reveal repeated missed opportunities, ignored warning signs and systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur over many years. Children who should have been protected were instead left vulnerable.”
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“I am accompanied by two assistant secretaries from the OGP who effectively run our two divisions on policy and implementation. I also have Edwina Steele, one of our senior officials, with me as well. I offer huge thanks to Anne Stewart, David O’Sullivan, Edwina Steele and all of the staff in the OGP who are, day in and day out, working to save our State money and to deliver better value for money for our taxpayers.”
“When we hear these news stories that none of us is happy about, it is often because procurement is not done correctly or because tenders are not written correctly. That is where the OGP can provide some fantastic support, be that through our frameworks where we can support agencies or departments to purchase what they need, our policies, the likes of our eTenders platforms or guidance around how to write effective tenders because changing the tenders means moving the goalposts and that means changing the amount of money used. That is not what we want. We want a very transparent, very open, and very fair public procurement process in Ireland. I would like to say a huge "Thank you" to the staff in the OGP, who have absolutely dedicated their careers to making sure that happens, and to improving things in this space.”
“Our sourcing teams are doing tremendous work in sourcing a lot of what Members will see regarding accommodation, the buses and the events that will be happening as part of the Presidency when Ireland holds it. It is quite likely that Ireland will be holding the pen during our Presidency when it comes to the EU review on procurement strategies. That will be a huge opportunity for us to have influence on that, which is going to be really positive. I commended the support of Senator Higgins on the work of the OGP. The Senator recently hosted a webinar as well, which was really good. As she said, I am familiar with her Bill. She stated that when procurement goes wrong, we hear about it.. I absolutely agree with that. It is very much the case.”
“We have had a number of events where we have not just sourced locally, but we have sourced ethically in terms of social impact and the companies we have chosen to cater our events by making sure that we are giving back to underemployed, disadvantaged areas and people with intellectual disabilities. We are always making sure that we are giving fair access to other companies and social enterprises. Senator Conor Murphy spoke about the board that he chaired in the North. I assure him we have something similar here, namely the Public Procurement Advisory Council where we bring together specialists in this area from the private and public sector. We are really using their expertise to help shape the direction of public procurement in Ireland. Senator Cathal Byrne mentioned the opportunity presented by the upcoming EU Presidency.”
“We are on the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, CIPS, corporate ethical register and we have received that Kitemark to show that our people out there doing an awful lot of purchasing on behalf of the State are doing it in a way that they always have a mind to ethical procurement. That is something we can be proud of as a State. From a social impact perspective, the EU directives do allow a bit of flexibility on this, which is important. When I spoke to public procurement officers on local authorities, they said they use that section of the directive regularly. Our Office of Government Procurement does it.”
“If there is information that they should know that they might not be aware of and that should be in the mix, please do come and tell us; it is really important. Our sourcing teams do incredible work and are saving the State an awful lot of money by doing it. The social, ethical and green impact is an important issue. As Senator Noonan has rightly said, today is International Day for Biodiversity. I am pleased we will publish an updated policy on green public procurement shortly. That is a huge area of emphasis for us in government, and in the OGP. Ethical procurement is something we are really focused on. Not only are we focused on it but we are trained on it. All of our OGP staff have undergone training in ethical procurement.”
“Senator Murphy mentioned Covid-19 and what happened in the post-pandemic era with the disruption of supply chains. In a world that we are talking about tariffs, it is even more important that we have secure supply chains and a lot of that comes down to local supply chains so that we are sourcing within in Ireland where we can and that ties in with the SME access perspective. Senator Craughwell raised an example, as did Senator Murphy, relating to where they felt centralised sourcing did not work. We have a use it or explain why model if it does not work because a better, cheaper, higher quality fix can be found locally. People should tell us that because it is important. We have fantastic account managers in our OGP who are the relationship builders between Government and suppliers.”
“My own South Dublin Chamber of Commerce prides itself on the fact that every time we go to an event, they say that everything we see there and everything they have purchased has been sourced locally. That is important that we do that to support our local SMEs. My Department is running its first ever event on 11 November to directly engage with both suppliers and buyers to make sure that we are hearing their feedback. Ultimately, what is most important is that SMEs now contribute to our consultation, which is still open, to make sure that we are getting their feedback. We can use that feedback to help shape Ireland's first ever national public procurement strategy. It is probably more important than ever from a supplier’s perspective.”
“We have done this in the Office of Government Procurement with Green IT, for example, which a business based in County Kildare that won a substantial government contract and which as a result of that have been able to upscale and upskill its workforce. That is important. The vast majority of all local authorities have procurement officers. I recently met with the Dublin local authority procurement network, which consists of procurement officers for each of our four local authorities in Dublin. It would be fantastic to see that kind of collaboration happening on a regional basis with procurement officers because they are the link between the local authority, local enterprise office and often the local chamber of commerce when it comes to making sure businesses are sourcing locally.”
“I am keen to make sure that we give Irish SMEs the opportunity to win a slice of the business that government is doing. Billions of euros worth of business is done by government every year and it is important that SMEs get the opportunity to do that. We are building on that message through direct outreach to them. We have had a number of engagement events throughout the country. We had a Dublin regional event and a regional event in Cork, and we have a regional event in the Midlands happening with exactly that in mind. It is great that Senator Cathal Byrne mentioned Kent Stainless steel. It is important that we showcase successful suppliers and people who are success stories.”
“I thank all the Senators who contributed to the debate. It is great to see such interest in this area. It is great to see so many ideas being put to the floor. I will address the comments. I off huge thanks to Senators Byrne, Davitt, Craughwell, Noonan, Murphy, O'Reilly and Higgins for their interest in this and their welcome comments. I have categorised the feedback I received on three key themes: SME access; suppliers, supply chains and engagement with suppliers; and the social, ethical and green impact. I might speak directly to some of Senator Higgins's contributions afterwards. I am so keen to address the SME impact. I came from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to this Department and my own background is in business.”
“My Department is responsible for 11 master categories of expenditure for commonly required goods and services that all Departments and agencies require in the course of their work, such as things we all use in our offices day to day. Across these categories the Department has established 95 central procurement arrangements. I will come back with some illustrations of these in my closing statement. I am conscious of time, so for now I will hand the floor over to Senators for their views, comments, suggestions and ideas.”
“In 2024, central solutions, with an estimated contract value of €4.2 billion, were established. Some €1.9 billion flowed through these central solutions, which is the highest ever annual usage recorded, with an estimated €65 million to €70 million in cost avoidance and savings. Public sector bodies continue to see the advantages of using our Office of Government Procurement, OGP, central solutions. Central procurement solutions also provide support for the Government’s horizontal policy considerations, including such areas as green public procurement, the circular economy, SME access to public contracts and the inclusion of social considerations.”
“In harmony with public procurement policy, my Department is also responsible for fully leveraging the benefits of the State’s expenditure through the establishment of central procurement solutions. Central procurement solutions, and they are primarily framework agreements, are national level arrangements established by my Department. They are available for use by other Departments and State agencies. Central procurement is Government policy. It is designed to deliver better quality procurement solutions that meet the needs of the public service and better society. These procurement solutions established in my Department aggregate the State’s expenditure, deliver value for money and provide process efficiencies for both public buyers and suppliers as well as managing risk.”
“It will set out a vision, enablers, strategic goals and desired outcomes for digital transformation. In parallel with the development of a national public procurement strategy and a digital strategy for public procurement, there is also a great deal going on in the EU space. The EU Commission is reviewing the existing legal framework governing public procurement. My Department is consulting at a national level to inform our engagement with the Commission as part of the evaluation of the procurement directives and negotiations on future legislation. In framing our new national strategy, I am conscious of the need to reflect the developments at EU level with the requirements for a dynamic and effective public market system nationally.”
“Through the new procurement strategy, I am keen to explore ways in which we can promote the use of innovation procurement as a strategic tool. Innovation procurement has the potential to support the delivery of transformational change by revolutionising the way we purchase goods and services while simultaneously shaping new markets, supporting startups and innovative SMEs, and supporting public bodies to overcome societal and environmental challenges. It is a really exciting time for public procurement. Alongside work to develop Ireland's first national public procurement strategy, my Department is also developing a first digital strategy for public procurement. The digital strategy will provide direction for the digital transformation of public procurement in Ireland.”
“My Department will continue to work to ensure value for money is at the heart of all decision making. I am keen to use the strategy to explore new ways to promote efficient and effective public procurement that achieves the best possible value for money for the people, our citizens. By this I mean ensuring optimal use of resources, both human and financial. I mean on-time delivery, quality, value for money but also using public procurement to deliver wider societal economic and environmental impact. Each euro we spend on goods, services and works has the possibility to bring far-reaching societal and economic benefit. Through the public services transformation strategy, my Department encourages public servants to embrace a culture of innovation and to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved for Ireland.”
“I previously served as Minister of State with responsibility for business, employment and retail, so I am keenly aware of the challenges faced by Irish businesses, especially in these uncertain times. I am also aware of the growing network of social enterprises. They have the capacity to deliver a vast and an expanding range of goods and services. Awarding a contract to a social enterprise can maximise the societal impact of procurement spend. I am delighted that one of the foundational policy positions of the strategy is to make participation in public procurement easier for suppliers, particularly family businesses, SMEs and social enterprises. Each year, billions of euro are spent by the State on goods, services and works. This brings obligations but it also brings opportunities.”
“The programme for Government identified developing Ireland's enterprise base as a key focus for this Government for the next five years. From backing small businesses and startups to scaling indigenous firms, it is important we support them. The role public procurement can play is emphasised by the Government's commitment to reviewing the public procurement process and working to ensure greater participation from SMEs, including micro-enterprises. Public procurement has significant potential to support SMEs and, with it, to support regional development and the wider economy. The award of a public contract can act as a springboard for emerging micro-enterprises and SMEs to expand and even to export.”
“For example, a public body can use its procurement to stimulate employment, including among those disadvantaged groups who are underemployed. It can also promote innovation. It can support the growth of SMEs, including social enterprises, and progress government objectives in the areas of climate change and social inclusion in particular. That is why my Department will shortly publish an updated circular on green public procurement. That will set out the key actions in Buying Greener: Green Public Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2024 to 2027. That is also why my officials continue to work so closely with the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications on enhancing the green criteria search to keep up to date with EU and national policies.”
“This will be the first time that has happened. We will agree desired outcomes and actions and do that together. Public procurement accounts for a large share of state spending. The EU calculates it as 15% to 19% of GDP. It can assist a state to deliver better public services and enable public money to be spent in an efficient and transparent, sustainable and strategic way. For many sectors such as energy, transport, waste management, social protection and the provision of health or education services, public authorities are the principal buyers. Given its scale, public procurement represents a significant opportunity for businesses of all sizes but particularly startups, emerging micro-enterprises and SMEs. I will come back to that shortly. Public procurement can also help to achieve wider societal, environmental and economic benefits.”
“We plan to hold one in Athlone on 9 June. These roadshows provide an important opportunity for small businesses, startups, social enterprises, utilities and public buyers from across sectors to engage with one another to discuss the barriers and the opportunities in public procurement. I thank Senator Alice Mary Higgins for supporting this work and for hosting a webinar and inviting my officials to present at it. I welcome her interest and work in this space over the years, in particular the Senator's Private Members' Bill, Quality in Public Procurement (Contract Preparation and Award Criteria) Bill 2021. In parallel with the public consultation and our roadshows, my officials are holding bilateral meetings with all Departments and key agencies to explore opportunities to align public procurement policy with wider Government policy.”
“That is why I intend to bring to Government for approval Ireland's first ever overarching national public procurement strategy. This will set out the future direction of public procurement for the next five years. This strategy will require a whole-of-government approach both to its development and its implementation. Consultation and collaboration are central to ensuring we are developing a strategy that works for everyone involved. With that in mind, I launched a public consultation in March to ensure all those with an interest in the future direction of public procurement have an opportunity to inform this new strategy. The consultation included an online survey and three regional roadshows. The Minister, Deputy Chambers, opened the Dublin roadshow held on 12 May. I opened the Cork roadshow last Friday, 16 May.”
“As everyone in this room knows, public procurement is a fundamental, crucial component of democratic governance, economic well-being and sustainable development. From building roads and power stations to purchasing pharmaceuticals and securing waste collection services, efficient use of public resources contributes to better delivery of services for our citizens. Public procurement also serves as a significant policy instrument, which governments can use to propel changes in public service delivery, create jobs and stimulate private sector growth. A well-performing public procurement system increases citizens' confidence in government and private sector competitiveness, especially when it comes to levelling the playing field for small- and medium-sized businesses, including micro-enterprises, startups and social enterprises.”
“I did not know it was for an entire week. Thank God it is Thursday. I welcome the opportunity to address Seanad Éireann and to share with Senators my vision and my ambition for public procurement. Public procurement is a key priority of our Department and is vital to ensuring we deliver better public services for all of those living here in Ireland. I thank Senator Kyne for the invitation to address the House and to have this discussion, and I thank all the Senators here for giving their time to share with me their views on public procurement. As Minister of State with responsibility for public procurement, digitalisation and egovernment, I wish to set out some of the key initiatives my Department officials and I are working on in these areas.”
“Ireland has not been afraid to say that loud and clear on the international stage but we need others to do it with us if we are to have a meaningful impact on Israel, and if we are to release those blockades and save those 14,000 babies.”
“I commend my colleagues in the EU, the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, and the Tánaiste, because yesterday we saw some of that influence come to bear at EU level. We saw the correct and, in my view, overdue decision to review the EU-Israel association agreement. Given the ever-worsening situation in Palestine, that agreement should be suspended while the review happens. That is the bargaining chip the EU has right now if it backs the survival of 14,000 babies over the destruction of innocent, helpless lives. Of course we absolutely condemn Hamas's horrific attack on 7 October, but nothing justifies the collective punishment of an entire population like this. What Israel is doing in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank is not self-defence. It is the use of overwhelming force against a trapped civilian population and it has to stop.”
“Last week, I met again with the Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, as I have done regularly since I was elected a councillor. She thanked Ireland for showing our continued international leadership. What struck me the most was that so many of her colleagues are lonely voices in the countries where they are posted. Many of her fellow ambassadors are still fighting uphill battles to get their governments in their countries to speak up for Palestine. I am so proud of the way in which Ireland has supported our ambassador of Palestine. I am in awe of her strength and all that she is doing for her people. Last week, she asked me to do something simple but powerful. She asked me to help Ireland use our diplomatic voice to influence the United States and the EU, which have significant sway and must do more to bring about a ceasefire.”
“UNRWA cannot fulfil its mandate any more. Aid workers, some of the kindest, bravest souls there are in our world, are being killed. Essential supplies are being used as a bargaining chip. Aid is being weaponised. That is the very essence of a war crime. It is a clear breach of international humanitarian law. Ireland has been a strong but often lonely voice on the international stage in support of the people of Palestine. We were among the first to formally recognise Palestine and intervene on the genocide case in the International Court of Justice. We have called Israel's actions out for what they are - war crimes. As an elected representative, I have worked with Sadaka and others to help influence Irish, EU and UN foreign policy.”
“I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like now and I do not think any of us can. However, collectively we are heartbroken, devastated and sickened. That is because this is not hidden but happening right in front of us. That is what makes it really hard to understand and why we cannot comprehend why it just is not stopping and why the EU and the US are not doing more. It is not just horrific; it is deliberate, it is avoidable and it is happening in full view of the world. This week Israel has launched another intensification and that is despite international condemnation. Because of Israel's deliberate actions, the humanitarian system in Palestine is crumbling. Food supplies are depleted, children are starving to death. UN agencies are being forced to shut operations right when they are needed the very most.”
“Every time we speak in this Chamber about Palestine the situation is worse, but it is still important to speak about it in this Chamber, in our national Parliament, because that is a privilege people whose voices are being silenced do not have. Some 14,000 babies in Gaza are at risk of dying if humanitarian aid continues to be blocked. These are innocent, helpless lives, yet there is still no breakthrough. Tragically, we are not actually talking about them being "at risk" any more as it looks like it will become a certainty unless those blockades are removed. That would mean 14,000 innocent, helpless lives lost in fear, in pain and in misery. Having spent time in Palestine I have seen at first hand the utter disdain with which the Israel Defense Forces treat Palestinians daily, and that was before this escalation.”
“As we mark 75 years since the Schuman declaration, we also celebrate another milestone, which is 25 years since the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. That charter is more than words and paper. It protects the values that bind us together, including pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity and gender equality. They are values that every member state has pledged to uphold. That, above all else, is the true achievement of the European project. It is what we honour and celebrate today. Lá na hEorpa faoi mhaise daoibh go léir.”
“This builds on the legacy of the PEACE and INTERREG programmes. It reflects the EU's deep and lasting commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation on the island of Ireland for more than 25 years. In addition to these funds, Irish agriculture continues to benefit from the Common Agricultural Policy. Irish researchers have valuable access to Horizon Europe. Our economy, businesses and workforce all continue to thrive through the huge opportunities offered by the Single Market, but the EU means more than financial transfers and international markets. It is underpinned by values, of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and human rights, including the rights of people to belong to minorities and the rule of law.”
“Supplemented by substantial co-funding from the Irish Government, this investment has a meaningful impact on our regions and communities. In addition, the Department manages over €1.5 billion in grants through the recovery and resilience facility. That is all about facilitating and supporting a sustainable, equitable, green and digital recovery since Covid. We also oversee €802 million from the Brexit adjustment reserve, which, as I mentioned earlier, represents an important response by the European Union to counter the adverse social and economic consequences of the departure of the UK. Separately, the Irish Government, together with the EU and the UK, has provided €1.1 billion through the PEACEPLUS programme to support peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and the Border counties.”
“These include the cohesion policy and associated cohesion policy funds, which serve as the EU's main investment policy; the Brexit adjustment reserve, which provides support to those EU countries, regions and sectors most affected by the withdrawal of the UK from the EU; and the recovery and resilience facility, which is designed to help member states recover from the economic and social impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. My Department is also responsible for technical support instruments, staff regulations, public procurement, digital issues and transparency including ethics, lobbying and whistleblowing. We have input into this at an EU level. Although reduced in scale over the years, cohesion policy remains a vital source of EU investment, with €1.3 billion allocated to Ireland for the period 2021 to 2027.”
“His thinking was that if countries relied on each other for the basics of industry and defence, they would become so connected that war between them would no longer make sense. It was a practical step towards peace and laid the groundwork for the European Union we know and benefit from today. This year's Europe Date marks 75 years since the Schuman Declaration and the speech that laid the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community, which would later evolve into the European Union. Now, more than ever, it is worth pausing to reflect on the origins of the EU as well as the values it continues to represent, including peace, solidarity and practical co-operation between countries. On a practical level, my Department oversees a broad range of EU-related matters.”
“Every year on 9 May we celebrate Europe Day. It is an occasion which is more than just history. It is a celebration of peace, partnership and progress. The European Union, whose membership has supported a remarkable economic and social transformation in Ireland, is, at its heart, a peace project. It was founded on the simple but powerful idea that countries can achieve more by working together, solving problems collectively and improving the lives of their people. On 9 May 1950, the French foreign minister, Robert Schuman, had a simple but powerful idea. He proposed that European countries start working together on coal and steel, two key resources used to make weapons.”
“From a Government perspective, what we discussed earlier around the cap is important and it is also important to see those new routes coming onstream. I take the Deputy's feedback about Savannah and that is perhaps something we should look at. The programme for Government comprehensively sets out the Government's ambitious plans to strengthen and enhance the tourism sector, and I look forward to working with the Deputy on that.”
“Overseas visitors underpin the positive expectations, with 47% of businesses expecting an increase from that market. While CSO figures for the first two months were disappointing, like the Deputy, I look forward to being updated on the engagement between the CSO, the tourism industry and the tourism agencies to further examine this data and the context to give us more insights into it. There are real grounds for optimism in the months ahead. In this regard, intensive marketing campaigns are underway in all our main overseas markets to ensure growth returns while Fáilte Ireland continues its domestic activity. As we approach peak tourism season, the tourism agencies are continuing to work hard with all their partners, including air and sea carriers, to ensure Ireland is seen as a must-visit destination.”
“I thank the Deputy for that kind invitation. I attended the Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford last year and it was fantastic. As the Ceann Comhairle will be aware, it was fantastic to see the town buzzing and to see so much activity and spin-off trading. I thank Deputy Lawlor for raising this important issue. Since the Covid pandemic, tourism has shown its resilience time and again and it has played a significant part in our economic recovery. Last year was a strong one from a tourism perspective. More than 6.5 million overseas visitors came to our shores and, in terms of tourism sentiment, it is encouraging to note that the strategic research and insight findings from Fáilte Ireland's tourism barometer earlier this year showed that 39% of businesses expected their visitor levels to be up this year.”
“The Tourism Policy Framework 2025-2030 was published by the previous Government last November. I understand my colleague, Deputy Peter Burke, to whom ministerial responsibility for tourism is transferring, has asked officials to consider how commitments in the new programme for Government align with the policy framework, and to prioritise the finalisation of a new tourism policy which reflects the programme for Government and other commitments. Once this work is complete we will have more insights into this.”
“We can also look forward to major sporting events that will bring significant tourism benefits to our shores. The hosting of The Open at Royal Portrush in July will ensure golf enthusiasts travel to other areas of the island to experience at first hand our exceptional golf courses. We will also be playing host to significant US visitors on foot of the American college football game in August and the NFL game later in the autumn. We know ongoing Ireland's selling points to visitors are our scenery, culture, history and craic. Tourism Ireland will be launching a new campaign in June, focused on helping people get around the regions and explore the island. Earlier this week, the Meitheal event was held in Killarney. This is a flagship tourism trade event.”
“On the positive side, there are also many opportunities to take advantage of our wonderful tourism offering. As Deputy Lawlor is aware, the Dublin Airport cap is on hold for the summer months, and it is encouraging to note that we will have 110% of the air seat capacity we had last summer from key source markets such as the United States and Canada. Tourism Ireland will be supporting partners operating new routes, such as Indianapolis and Nashville, with demand generation and partnership activities. In the longer term, the review of the Dublin Airport cap is an important commitment in the programme for Government alongside our support for regional airports. We can ensure the air capacity is there to enable real tourism revenue growth in the years ahead.”
“I understand a meeting with tourism industry representatives, the tourism agencies and the CSO will take place tomorrow to consider other sources of data that could assist in gathering a more complete picture of the recent overseas tourism performance. This will assist the tourism agencies to put in place targeted activity for the rest of the year to ensure we achieve our long-term growth targets. In this regard, it is worth remembering we are coming off the back of a strong year for tourism in Ireland, when overseas visitors spent more than €6 billion, representing an increase of 11% compared to 2023. I am, however, well aware of the challenges that lie ahead for Irish tourism. With macro-economic uncertainty in the world now, there is a risk that consumers will become more cautious, including when it comes to travel.”
“In relation to how the data provides an insight into the outlook for Irish tourism this year, it is important to recognise that the figures published to date for 2025 only cover January and February. In recent years, these two months typically have accounted for less than 10% of the total annual overseas visitor spend. Furthermore, I understand that sentiment from the tourism sector itself is far more positive, with research showing that 39% of businesses anticipate an increase in visitor levels this year, while 47% expect growth in overseas visitors. Earlier this week, officials from the tourism division met with the CSO and the tourism agencies to discuss these overseas visitor figures.”
“I thank Deputy Lawlor for raising this important matter. My very first job after I graduated was working for Fáilte Ireland so I have been following these statistics with great interest. I am taking this matter on behalf of the relevant Minister. The latest CSO figures for overseas visitor numbers were published last Friday, as Deputy Lawlor said. These figures were specifically for February 2025 and showed that 304,300 foreign visitors completed a trip to Ireland in that month, and these visitors spent €196 million in Ireland, excluding their fares for getting here and leaving. The visitor numbers and the associated revenue represent an approximate 30% reduction compared to February of the previous year.”
“I appreciate Deputy Stanley saying this could be a shovel-ready project if it were to be in the national development plan. It is not in the NDP so the next step is to get it there, if this is what Deputy Stanley is looking for, and I will absolutely remind the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, and the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, that it is not in the NDP at present. It also looks to progress major projects at an earlier stage of development in the pipeline. A number of the new road projects included in the NDP have already been delivered. They include the N22 project, the Dunkettle interchange, the N5 Westport to Turlough route and the bypasses of Moycullen and Listowel. The programme for Government commits to increased funding for new roads as part of the NDP review and to the maintenance of existing roads.”
“The Deputy will be pleased to hear Laois did figure in funding this year. An allocation of €1.147 million has been provided to Laois County Council for national roads so far this year. That comprises €701,300 for capital protection and renewal and €445,949 for current protection and renewal. Approximately €502 million of Exchequer capital funding has been provided to TII for national roads so far this year, and almost €1.2 million of this has been allocated for Laois County Council, which I am sure Deputy Stanley is pleased to hear. This is in line with the NDP and Government policy. In line with this, TII has sought to allocate national road funding to local authorities in a manner which seeks to achieve the protection and renewal of existing national road networks, and the progression of major projects in or near construction.”
“An allocation contribution was provided to Laois County Council in 2020 to carry out a strategic assessment report. However, a proposed bypass of Mountmellick is not included among the projects identified for development during the period of the national development plan. Therefore, advancement of the proposed scheme cannot be accommodated in the national roads programme at present. However, a review of the NDP is being undertaken and the outcome of this review will inform TII on the schemes to be progressed over the coming years, pending the availability of sufficient funding. It is not included in the NDP at the moment. That is the constraint, but the NDP is up for review. I urge the Deputy and the organisations and residents associations he is working with in Mountmellick to take this opportunity to engage.”
“This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country and compact growth, which are key national strategic outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects that are already at construction stage or close to construction stage, as well as the development of a number of other projects. Since the greater portion of this funding will only become available in the second half of the decade, there is a constraint on the funding available for new projects this year. However, approximately €502 million of Exchequer capital funds have been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities so far this year. Regarding the Mountmellick relief road, Laois County Council has completed a preliminary appraisal of bypass options.”