Seán Canney
Galway East · Independent · Ireland
“To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio, which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations. Manna Air Delivery holds such an authorisation from the IAA.”
“The national policy framework for UAS, agreed by the Government, was published by the Minister in August last year. The policy framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning and development in the drone sector in Ireland through support, growth and innovation, while ensuring safe and secure operations.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien. I note Manna Air Delivery's recent statement that it will for now cease deliveries by drone in Ireland.”
“It proposes 16 actions under three main areas: the use of airspace and planning; compliance and enforcement; and enterprise and innovation. Actions in the policy framework include the establishment of a national working group on UAS geographical zones to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of these zones; the…”
“This new route provides passengers travelling from Charleville to Cork with a morning service at 7.05 a.m. and a service from Cork to Charleville at 5.45 p.m., Monday to Friday. This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan, a major public transport initiative.”
“I thank the Deputy. I reassure him again that the Department, its Minister, Deputy O’Brien, my fellow Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and I are fully committed to delivering a more sustainable, inclusive and accessible transport system for the benefit of current and future generations.”
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“The programme for Government also includes a commitment to improve connectivity and public transport to our airports. As with other recommendations in the review, this proposal will be advanced subject to securing approvals and funding, which will be informed by the outcome of the national development plan. Lastly, I am pleased to inform the House that Irish Rail, or Iarnród Éireann, recently reached an agreement with Translink for the expansion of the quieter coach initiative to the cross-Border Enterprise rail service. It is hoped that this will be introduced by early next year. This follows on from the successful introduction of a quieter coach on the Dublin to Cork rail services.”
“Irish Rail will continue to engage with parties proposing a new station, and my Department will keep me informed of this issue. Somebody raised the issue of the extension of the DART service to Wicklow. The National Transport Authority's Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042 includes a recommendation to extend the DART service to Wicklow town. I understand this extension can be facilitated through the utilisation of the new battery electric DART carriages, which are coming into service. Somebody else raised the issue of the Shannon Airport rail link. On the plans for a rail link to Shannon Airport, I note that one of the strategic recommendations in the rail review is to connect international airports, including Shannon Airport, to the rail network.”
“The outcome of this review will ultimately determine the amount of capital funding available to progress new transport infrastructure over the medium term. I would like to reiterate that this Government remains committed to investment in public transport. Individual programmes and projects referred to within the rail review will be advanced, subject to funding and relevant approvals. I also look forward to working closely with the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann in the coming years to progress the review’s recommendations and make these investment plans a reality. I will address some of the issues that were raised here last week by some of the Deputies. I am currently unaware of any plans for a new train station in Drogheda, although this will be kept under review.”
“In this context, my Department is supporting Iarnród Éireann's ongoing assessment of the western rail corridor from Athenry to Claremorris, and I expect to receive a report on this matter this year. We are also working with the European Investment Bank, EIB, and other rail stakeholders, North and South, to consider how to best sequence and implement the recommendations of the rail review with a view to optimising their development for passengers and societies. This work with the EIB has included the preparation of a project prioritisation strategy. The strategy has been broadly agreed by the project steering group and will be published later this year. This work is also helping to inform my Department's engagement with the ongoing review of the national development plan.”
“The recommendations will significantly increase the length of the rail network from around 2,300 km across the island currently to circa 3,000 km. Furthermore, the vision involves the construction of new rail lines, particularly in the north midlands and north west, widening accessibility and connectivity. The vision includes a commitment to commencing reinstatement of the western rail corridor between Athenry and Claremorris at the earliest possible date. Individual projects will all be subject to detailed economic analysis as they are advanced through the approval process. As I noted in my opening statement, my Department is currently working with a range of stakeholders to bring forward a rail review recommendation for further analysis and progression.”
“The review has set out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance our rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with the net zero carbon commitments in both jurisdictions. The implementation of these recommendations would have a transformative impact on the rail system across the island. Frequency would increase to at least hourly on key intercity routes and every two hours on regional and rural lines. Rail journey times within cities and regions would also be significantly reduced. A decarbonised railway would be provided for largely through overhead electrification of the busiest routes, with alternative low-emission traction technology such as batteries deployed on the more lightly trafficked lines.”
“We also made good progress in upgrading train stations across the network with the recent opening of a new platform at Cork Kent Station, which I visited recently, ongoing works at Ceannt Station in Galway and the ongoing construction of the new Plunkett Station in Waterford. I would also like to reiterate that the Government remains clear on the need to continue investing in the transport sector, and implementing the vision as set out in the all-island rail review will be a key priority for this Government. By taking a holistic view of the rail network across the whole of the island rather than looking at one region or another, the rail review not only encourages balanced regional development but also looks at how individual lines or projects fit into and strengthen the wider network in its entirety.”
“The first thing I want to do is wish Kerry and Meath the best of luck next weekend. I thank all the Deputies for their contributions during this afternoon's debate and also last week's debate. They can see from my record and my opening statement that there is a continued commitment in investment in public transport with the significant progress that has been made over the last few years in our rail network. Notably, we have made progress on the DART+ programme with recent planning decision for DART+ West and DART+ South West. I look forward to achieving a major milestone in the programme next year when the new DART battery electric train fleet is scheduled to start entering service between Dublin and Drogheda.”
“My principle with public transport is that if we provide a good service with frequency, we will provide an attractive, alternative mode of transport to the car. We have to make sure that, when we develop lines and add capacity, we also put the carriages in place to meet the demand. Previously, a Deputy on the other side of the House mentioned the Athenry to Galway line. The passing loop there will help frequency in the short term. In the longer term, we will be looking at the double tracking of the line.”
“This year, we have increased funding by 67% from 2024 for the retrofitting of legacy infrastructure to make it more accessible, particularly for disabled people and older people. I look forward to working closely with the NTA and Iarnród Éireann in the coming weeks, months and years to make these investment plans a reality. Today, I met representatives of the north-west city region from Donegal, Derry and Strabane. We discussed the all-island rail review. It is important to emphasise that this review is an all-island one and we have to work together to ensure that we deliver it. I had a very positive meeting with the representatives and their officials. I look forward to engaging with them on an ongoing basis.”
“There is also the largest ever investment in Cork’s rail network under way with the new platform in Kent already opened, signalling upgrades under construction, and double tracking from Glounthaune to Midleton well under way. In Limerick, Colbert Station has been redeveloped with a modern, integrated bus, rail and public realm project completed and open for use, and the disused Foynes line is being brought back into service as a freight line. In Galway, Ceannt Station is being redeveloped and is expected to be finished later this year, with the Oranmore station expected to start next year. With all of this infrastructure being designed with accessibility in mind, significant progress has been made in improving accessibility for all.”
“While there is a renewed focus on improving delivery, it is also important to acknowledge the delivery that has occurred since publication of the last NDP in 2021. In public transport, new bus and train fleets are already in service, with new DART fleet in testing for service entry next year and an order for a new Enterprise train fleet expected to be signed later this year. On the rail network, charging facilities are being constructed in Drogheda to support those new battery electric units already mentioned, a new station opened at Pelletstown, another is under construction at Woodbrook and yet another new station is under construction in Waterford, forming the centre of a new city quarter on the North Quays.”
“Leveraging EU grant and other funding opportunities can play an important role in advancing the interventions set out in the rail review. For this reason, work being supported by the EIB will also include an examination of potential funding sources available to advance these projects. My Department is using this strategy as an input into our engagement as part of the review of the national development plan, NDP, which is currently well under way. As a Department, we are actively engaged with our colleagues in the Department of public expenditure on reviewing the current NDP and seeking to deliver improved transport outcomes for citizens across the country. I hope that this NDP will build on the successes that we have seen since publication of the last NDP.”
“For major projects, work is also progressing with the EIB on conducting a more detailed analysis. This analysis will support the preparation of documents required as part of the appraisal process as set out under the infrastructure guidelines, which should help expedite their approval. Ireland has used funding from the European Union to advance a number of rail projects over the decades, and as I previously noted, we are currently using funds from the EU to advance works as part of the Cork area commuter rail programme and install charging infrastructure at Drogheda to support the roll-out of a battery electric fleet, and we have applied for funding to support the purchase of new rolling stock for the cross-Border Enterprise rail service.”
“It considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects. The early interventions identified in the strategy encompass investment across regions of the rail network aimed at adding capacity and resilience through improvements works that can be made relatively easily and quickly and without the need for planning permission. It should be feasible to deliver them in the short term, subject to funding. In relation to major interventions, the strategy identifies a series of major projects for completion or substantial completion over the medium term. These projects will provide for capacity enhancements and electrification of the network to help deliver on the vision set out in the all-island strategic rail review.”
“This route would also reconnect Tuam to the railway and enable direct passenger services between Galway and Mayo, supporting regional development in the area. This project serves as an example of the types of benefit that interventions proposed under the rail review can provide right across our rail network. My Department is currently working with the European Investment Bank, EIB, and rail stakeholders north and south of the Border, including the National Transport Authority, NTA, and Iarnród Éireann, to consider how best to sequence and implement the recommendations of the rail review with a view to optimising their development for passengers and society. This work includes the preparation of a project prioritisation strategy. This strategy has been broadly agreed by the project steering group and will be published later this year.”
“Wider access will be facilitated by new rail routes in the north midlands and north west, meaning 700,000 more people would live within 5 km of a train station. High-level economic analysis conducted as part of the review indicates that the benefits of the package of recommendations broadly equal their cost, indicating economic feasibility. I am delighted to say that included among these 32 recommendations is the reinstatement of the western rail corridor between Claremorris and Athenry. The reinstatement of this line has the potential to support both passenger and rail freight services, allowing a direct route for freight services from Ballina and Westport to ports on the south coast to avoid the more congested lines of the rail network around Dublin.”
“New 200 km/h intercity trains will provide faster services, with rail journey times between cities significantly reduced and, in some cases, halved. There will be higher frequency train services, at least hourly between cities and at least every two hours on regional and rural routes. In line with Ireland's decarbonisation goals, there will be a carbon net-zero rail system achieved, primarily through the overhead electrification of intercity routes and new electric trains. On creating wider connectivity, the rail review recommends that the rail network route length on the island should increase from approximately 2,300 km to almost 3,000 km, with the reopening of former and new rail lines, including the previously mentioned western rail corridor.”
“The final review sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system over a period to 2050, aligning with net-zero carbon emissions in both jurisdictions. The recommendations set out to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and the wider society on the island through additional capacity on the rail network, increased service frequencies, and developing new rail lines. These investments will support higher frequency and more efficient passenger and rail freight services. On this basis, the report’s recommendations envisage huge benefits being created for rail on the island. Upgrading much of the single-track rail network to double-track, with four-track in some areas, will provide additional capacity.”
“By taking a holistic and strategic review of the rail network across the island of Ireland rather than looking at one region or another, the review not only encourages balanced regional development but also looks at how individual lines or projects fit into and strengthen the wider network in its entirety. The review considered how the rail network on the island of Ireland can be developed to contribute to decarbonisation, promote connectivity between cities, enhance regional and rural accessibility, and support balanced regional development with a particular emphasis on the north west of the island, among other goals. The review examined existing, disused and potential new lines on the network, and also considered the future role for rail freight.”
“With regard to the all-island rail review, the programme for Government is clear on the need to continue investment in our national rail network, noting that we will work collaboratively to act on the recommendations of the all-island strategic rail review to improve connectivity across the island of Ireland. The review, which was published in July of last year, was led by my Department and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The groundbreaking report set out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades.”
“The balance of funding for the project will be provided jointly through the Department of Transport and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland on a 50:50 basis. This project will build on the introduction of an hourly Enterprise train service in October 2024, which is supported by the Shared Island Fund. The Enterprise fleet replacement programme will support a significant increase in rail passengers on the Dublin-Belfast corridor compared with today, with annual passenger numbers on the Enterprise services expected to reach 2.5 million in 2032.”
“There have also been recent improvements in the cross-Border Enterprise rail service between Dublin and Belfast. The Enterprise rail service is the only cross-Border rail service on the island of Ireland. It is a well-known symbol of North-South co-operation and provides an important public transport link operating between Belfast and Dublin. The current Enterprise rail fleet will reach the end of its standard design life later in this decade and an Enterprise fleet replacement programme is now well advanced. Iarnród Éireann and Translink Northern Ireland Railways have successfully applied for funding of €165 million for the project under the PEACEPLUS cross-Border EU programme, which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, a North-South implementation body established under the Good Friday Agreement.”
“In addition, a planning application was launched for DART+ Coastal North last year. It is on the northern rail line from Connolly Station to Drogheda and the public will get to experience the first element of the DART+ programme with new battery electric DART carriages, which are currently undergoing testing and will go into service next year. These new carriages are significant not just because they will provide greater capacity and a better passenger experience but also because they are helping us to meet our decarbonisation goals. European Union funding has also been provided under the REPowerEU programme for the installation of battery electric train charging infrastructure at MacBride Station in Drogheda as part of the DART+ programme to support our national and European decarbonisation goals.”
“This purchase acts in support of our goals to increase the modal share of rail freight. In the Dublin region DART+ is the most significant expansion of the electrified commuter rail service since the introduction of the original DART line in 1984. The DART+ programme will bring electrified DART commuter trains west as far as Maynooth and the M3 Parkway, south west to Hazelhatch and Celbridge, and north to Drogheda. It will double the rail city centre capacity from approximately 26,000 to 52,000 passengers per direction per hour, and it will triple the electrified network from approximately 50 km on the existing DART line today to 250 km in the future. We have seen positive news emerge from the planning system with the conditional planning for the DART+ West project, and full planning approval for the DART+ South West project in 2024.”
“Crucially, they will enable increased capacity on the networks, helping us to plan for the future. For example, the upgrade of Ceannt Station in Galway will increase the number of platforms from two to five, which will support a growth in frequencies envisioned under the all-island strategic rail review. Another good example of progress being made is the reinstatement of the Foynes rail line. This project will bring back rail freight services from Limerick city to Shannon Foynes Port next year, supporting a broader vision for the expansion of rail freight services across the network. Iarnród Éireann also announced the purchase of 100 new freight wagons in May. These wagons will replace the end-of-life rolling stock and will enable movement of rail freight at faster speeds across the rail network.”
“On 18 June a public consultation on phase 2 of the Cork area programme was launched, which will give the public a more detailed look at the proposals and an opportunity to share their views on the plan. The opening of the new platform at Cork's Kent Station is part of a series of train station upgrade works that are being progressed across the country. Works are progressing at Ceannt Station in Galway in addition to planning for a new station at Moyross and the development of a new Plunkett Station in Waterford. Planning permission for the additional train platform and a passing loop at Oranmore Station was also granted in February and works on this project should commence early next year. These station upgrades will provide enhanced passenger experience and improved accessibility.”
“These elements of the programme are on course to be delivered by the end of next year and together with the new platform will lay the foundation for further enhancements of Cork commuter rail services. This will help to deliver a more frequent, efficient and reliable rail service to the people of Cork. These works all represent phase 1 of the programme, which received €164 million in funding from the EU recovery and resilience facility, and represents the largest ever investment in the Cork rail network in the history of the State. I am happy to say that design has also commenced in relation to phase 2 of the programme, which can deliver eight new stations and provides for electrification of the Cork rail system. This will be advanced following the completion of phase 1 works subject to funding and relevant approvals.”
“The last few years have seen significant progress on investment in our national rail network to create a more efficient, safe and better service for the people of Ireland. Most recently, the opening of the new through platform at Kent Station represented a landmark day in the delivery of the Cork area commuter rail programme. I visited this project a couple of weeks ago. This platform will facilitate commuter trains to travel through Kent Station from Mallow to Midleton or Cobh without requiring passengers to change services. This will support a better rail service. This platform is just the first element of the programme to go live. Works are well under way on two other work packages, namely the twin tracking of the Glounthaune to Midleton line and the significant signalling upgrade.”
“I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Deputies. I welcome the opportunity to address the House this afternoon to update Members on the all-island strategic rail review. Rail represents a particularly enduring form of infrastructure. Rail lines built in the 1800s are still carrying passengers today. The decisions and investments we make for rail in this decade will similarly benefit the Irish people, economy and the environment to the end of this century and beyond. This is why it is so important to plan our rail network in a holistic and strategic manner looking at the impacts and benefits across all the regions of Ireland. This is the key strength of the all-island strategic rail review. Before I discuss the review I would like to provide an update on the progress we are already making on processing rail projects across the country.”
“I apologise as well on behalf of the Department. I do not know what happened. I was chosen today to do Front Bench cover, but it is unacceptable that the Senator cannot do her job to raise an issue with the Government. I apologise on behalf of the Government. I hope she gets priority number one at the next Commencement Matters session.”
“It is important to note that Ceannt Station in Galway is being developed and Limerick station has been developed, and I hope to visit it next week or the week after. We are investing in the infrastructure because we have such demand for public transport and we need to be able to meet that demand and keep people interested in using it. The catering is another part of that but the priority is to get services and frequency right. We are doing the passing loop in Oranmore to create more frequency in and out of Galway. Under the all-Ireland rail review, we hope we will be looking at the expansion of the rail network throughout the country. There is a lot happening and this is part of it. I will be talking to my officials again on it.”
“larnród Eireann is working to deliver the service on a limited basis and within available funding. Accordingly, Irish Rail is not in a position to offer other services at this time. The Department will continue to engage with the company. I am confident that we all agree it is essential that the Government continues to invest in our public transport network and that we are supportive of the Government's commitment towards delivering accessible, affordable and reliable public transport throughout the country. A number of improvements have been made to intercity services to meet growing demand, with Iarnród Éireann deploying all available fleet during peak times. In 2024, 41 additional intercity carriages were introduced, boosting capacity on the Sligo, Galway, Westport and Belfast lines.”
“As I have said, the Department has engaged with the NTA and Iarnród Éireann on the matter of restoring catering services on intercity services and, where possible, services have been restored, with catering now available on the Belfast and Cork lines. At present, due to funding constraints, there are no plans to reintroduce catering services on all other rail lines as funding is currently focused on other measures such as improving frequency, reliability and keeping fares low. While it has been possible to restore some services, there is a significant cost attached to the provision of such catering services and the income is much less than the cost, resulting in funding for such provision not being available. As I advised earlier, the costs are up to four times the previous levels quoted before Covid-19.”
“I assure the Senator that the Minister for Transport is committed to making improvements to public transport services while at the same time ensuring that our system remains financially sustainable in the long term.”
“These measures are working to enhance factors such as frequency, accessibility and reliability in attracting and retaining the users. Therefore funding for additional catering costs on intercity rail services is not available at this time. I can assure the House that this Government is committed to delivering an accessible, reliable and affordable public transport system for all our citizens, including children. Under the programme for Government, our commitments include the roll-out of contactless payments, for which the contract has already been awarded, keeping fares affordable, and examining the future expansion of free public transport for children.”
“Equally, we have extended the 50% reduction available for young adults on board the PSO and commercial bus services until the end of 2025. We are supporting new and enhanced bus services and rail services too. Further measures introduced this year are the extension of free travel for children from five years to eight years of age and, most recently, the roll-out of the NTA distance-based and more equitable fares strategy, with significant reductions in fares for many as a result. Therefore funding of the public transport service is focused on existing fare initiatives and service provision, such as BusConnects in the five cities, expanding town services in the large towns, and rolling out Connecting Ireland in rural Ireland.”
“A full tender process was undertaken for catering services across the intercity network. While costs have been determined, Irish Rail has only been in a position to contract catering on the Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Belfast routes within the current public service obligation, PSO, funding arising from this tender process. The company continues to engage with the National Transport Authority and Department of Transport about scope for any further funding to support this reintroduction, if at all possible, in the future. The Department of Transport secured €658 million in funding for the PSO and TFI Local Link services in budget 2025, an increase from €613 million in 2024. From this, we extended the 20% fare reduction and 90-minute fare on PSO services so that everyone would benefit until the end of 2025.”
“However, with costs of up to four times the previous levels quoted, Iarnród Éireann has had to work to deliver the service on a limited basis and within available funding. Iarnród Éireann successfully restored catering on the Dublin to Cork route with Irish company Carriage Food Services Limited providing this service on an interim basis while a national tender was undertaken. Onboard catering is also available on the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise service, jointly operated by Iarnród Éireann and Translink. This is provided under a separate contract. As an alternative measure, I am assured that Iarnród Éireann is working to enhance retail and catering offerings at stations, and customers are also allowed to bring their own food and beverages, excluding alcohol, on board.”
“I thank Senator Crowe for the question. It is an issue which we have discussed within the Department. It is an important issue because, for me, the experience of a passenger on public transport is key to getting them to repeat using it and trying to reduce the number of cars. I would like to clarify that the Minister for Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport, but neither the Minister nor his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services, such as catering services, which are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. That said, I can assure the Senator that Iarnród Éireann worked hard to restore catering services where possible following the conclusion of the Covid-19 restrictions and engaged extensively with a range of operators in the market in order to do so.”
“This model provides an example of how we can support people with additional needs in the community so that they do not have to enter long-term care facilities. We will continue to develop and improve health services in the regions to meet this objective and to ensure quality and patient safety. In this vein, the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, has requested that his Department consider this model of care in the context of the Government's overall commitment to enhancing opportunities for older people to stay in their homes and communities longer. I will bring the Senator's issues back to the Minister of State.”
“As previously noted, the boarding-out scheme facilitates older people to remain in their communities, which is important, where their level of care or needs do not require them to enter residential care facilities. It is all about getting some support locally. While the use of the boarding-out scheme by the HSE has traditionally been small, the potential of the scheme merits consideration and further exploration. I acknowledge that it may benefit from measures to allow for greater flexibility in the payment mechanism too. The Government aims to provide and fund services that allow older people to remain independent and living in their own homes with dignity and independence for as long as possible. Where staying at home is no longer an option, the State supports individuals to access long-term residential care.”
“The Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, has also requested that they consider the implications of the rising costs for operations associated with running these types of accommodations. The Department is aware of the challenges being faced by operators currently providing boarding-out services and acknowledges the inflationary cost pressures associated with the service, particularly with regard to heating costs. Additionally, it is the Minister's view that consideration must be given to modernising the scheme. For some people with limited care needs, this scheme can represent a cost-effective alternative to residential care services, as the Senator said. A potential expansion of the scheme merits consideration and further exploration, particularly in rural communities.”
“The most recent review of the scheme was completed by the HSE in 2017, which concluded that there was merit to further review of the scheme and its utility and viability, in rural areas in particular. The HSE review also noted possible challenges to the expansion of the scheme, particularly the current funding model. The review also noted that consideration should be given to the impact on the welfare of residents that might arise from the lack of requirements in relation to specific training or qualifications needed to be able to deliver the scheme. The Minister of State with responsibility for older people and housing has requested that officials in the Department of Health consider this model of care and the regulations for this scheme as well as the rate of pay.”
“I thank the Senator for raising this issue. It is something we all need to be aware exists. A lot of us do not know about it. The boarding-out scheme offers an alternative care option for older people who are no longer able to live independently in their own homes and wish to remain in their communities where they may otherwise be accommodated in residential care. The boarding-out scheme currently operates across three former community health organisation areas, namely, CHO 1, CHO 2, and CHO 8. The HSE has reported that there are only eight service providers operating the scheme across the country, with approximately 39 people availing of this service.”
“Departmental officials will also continue to work closely with the school authority to address any interim accommodation requirements for the school pending delivery of the permanent solution and are actively looking at solutions that can be progressed quickly for the new school year. I will bring this issue to the Minister and request that she meet Senator Fitzpatrick, other representatives in the area and the school board of management to give an outline. It is important that a programme that can be adhered to going forward be put in place.”
“Of course, I will do that. The Department of Education and Youth remains committed to continuing to provide enhanced support on this project, including the retention of the project manager until the school is completed, and is in regular contact with the school authorities, meeting approximately every six weeks or more frequently when required. While it is not possible to put an accurate timeframe on the completion of the school until negotiations have completed, it is now prudent to plan on the basis that the completion of the school will be unavoidably delayed. Completion of the school as quickly as possible remains a key priority for the Minister and the Department.”
“A temporary pause on works for now, under the suspension of works provisions of the contract, provides an opportunity to consider outcomes from the conciliation process and the best way forward for completion of the project. The notice of suspension of works was communicated to the contractor on 23 May in accordance with the provisions of the contract.”
“Good progress was initially made following the project managers' intervention, with significant visible progress being made on the structure. Since Christmas, however, progress has slowed significantly. Departmental officials have ongoing engagement with the contractor and the design team to resolve this issue. However, the impact of this lower level of progress on the project in quarter 1 of 2025 necessitated a conciliation hearing to try to reach agreement on a solution to ensure the earliest possible delivery of the school, which is being delivered under the Government’s standard public works contract. A conciliation process was entered into by both parties on the project and, in accordance with standard practice and contractual requirements, is of a confidential nature.”
“A number of issues arose on site early in the project, which is not unusual, given the nature of a brownfield city centre site, but this led to a delay. The issues included several services on site, for example, electrical lines and services related to the adjacent Luas lines, which had not been apparent until excavation began. Throughout this project, the Department has actively engaged with the design team and contractor to discuss matters and resolve issues as they arise to reduce any risk to the programme, but these unforeseen matters led to a delay in the early stages of the project. In response to this, the Department sanctioned the appointment of project managers last year to minimise delays on the programme and ensure clear lines of communication were in operation.”