Introduction

Welcome to the second edition of OPW Matters. Last week we had the announcement of a revised National Development Plan (NDP), the largest ever delivered in the history of the State and as Minister of State at the Office of Public Works I am delighted to set out the ambitious programme of work that the OPW will be delivering in the months and years ahead.

As a country we are very fortunate to have a growing population but with that significant growth comes new pressures on the State’s infrastructure. This National Development Plan has to balance the needs of our current population with the needs of future generations to reduce our carbon footprint, prepare for climate change and protect our heritage assets.

With an investment of over €4 billion under the revised National Development Plan 2021–2030 the OPW will deliver projects and programmes that put sustainability and climate action at the core of its work and clearly demonstrate the organisation’s evolving role as a leader in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient economy.

The significant investment made under the National Development Plan published by Government will allow us to implement the changes required to protect communities across Ireland from the impacts of climate change through 150 future-proofed, adaptable flood risk management schemes. Each of these schemes makes an enormous difference to the quality of life for people living in flood prone areas across the country.

It will also allow us to support key climate action targets by increasing the energy efficiency of the State’s portfolio by significantly reducing the carbon footprint in 137 public buildings. In tandem with this investment is the creation of more agile digitally enabled workspaces that will meet the current and future operational needs of our client Departments. In addition €290m is to be invested in regional buildings primarily, helping to strengthen rural economies and communities.

The Government’s infrastructure investment into heritage sites nationwide, finally, will help us to protect and promote our built and archaeological heritage through sensitive conservation, refurbishment and animation for the enjoyment of current and future generations.