Foreword from Minister O’Donovan

Foreword

Patrick O’Donovan Minister of State

Over the past twelve months, many of us have reconnected to the environment on a level that has not been seen in recent decades. Since being appointed as Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, I have been delighted to launch infrastructural and environmental initiatives that will improve the lives of people across Ireland.

It is clear that, as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the next decade will be dominated by environmental issues, such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity. The scale and significance of the OPW’s work on climate mitigation measures, including flood management, biodiversity and energy efficiency is long-established and will continue to grow in importance in the years ahead.

Flood relief works undertaken by the OPW are a vital piece of national infrastructure. They impact the lives of a great number of people across Ireland where large communities are reliant on OPW staff and local authority efforts to safeguard their homes and businesses into the future and I want to thank them for their efforts. This past winter, OPW Flood relief schemes in Cork and Tipperary prevented a substantial amount of damage to property during the significant flooding events in southern counties.

I have attended the meetings of the Interdepartmental Flood Policy Coordination Group which co-ordinates Ireland’s whole of Government approach to flood risk management across three strategic and policy areas: Prevention, Protection and Preparedness. Chaired by the OPW, this Group is carrying out important work in considering flood risk management policies and measures that can benefit communities and individuals directly.

The Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group which was established by the Government in early 2016 is continuing to enhance the ongoing co-operation across all State Agencies involved with the River Shannon. The Group is chaired by the Chairman of the OPW and it is exploring and bringing forward a range of activities and initiatives to help manage flood risk along the River Shannon.

The complex role of the OPW means that it carries within it a hugely diverse range of skills and expertise. A public consultation on a new mobility plan for Dublin’s Phoenix Park, which is designed to improve the experience of visitors while protecting the park environments, was launched in January and received around 2,200 submissions. The plan will improve visitors’ experiences within the Park while protecting its environments which support 50% of the mammal species and 40% of bird species found in Ireland.

The Intermediate Projects team in Claremorris have been busy over the last number of months ensuring that An Garda Síochána’s property portfolio, stretching the length of the country, is modernised and extended. Recent projects in Donegal, Westmeath and Cork have ensured that members of the Force are now working out of state-of-the-art, comfortable and fit for purposes premises.

The civil service workplace is also subject to change as we transition into a post-pandemic world and the OPW will be at the forefront of how we adapt to that change. The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through retrofitting civil and public service office buildings and its biodiversity strategy puts the OPW work programme at the heart of delivering the Programme for Government.

As well as guiding the organisation into the next leg of its journey, I am determined to ensure that the story of the OPW and the innovative solutions it delivers are conveyed to a wider audience.

In the pages that follow, the OPW’s diverse remit is abundantly evident. I hope you find this a useful resource.