Sorca Clarke
Question:311. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if a request has been made to his Department by local authorities for additional funding to deal with flooding. [44135/20]
View answerFlood Risk Management
Questions (311)
Written answers
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
The OPW introduced the ‘Minor Works’ Scheme in 2009 on an administrative, non-statutory basis. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under this scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.opw.ie and also at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0e3b3d-minor-flood-mitigation-works-and-coastal-protection-scheme/
To date, over 550 Minor Works projects have been completed to the end of 2019, providing local flooding solutions to over 6,800 properties with expenditure amounting to over €51m since the scheme began in 2009. From the latest annual data available, in 2019, €4.75m was approved for 49 projects with €4.4m drawn down by local authorities to end of 2019.
Office of Public Works
Questions (312)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:312. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the OPW will complete repair works to the courthouse in Carndonagh, County Donegal to allow the Courts Service to reopen the building for court sittings in the area. [44207/20]
View answerWritten answers
While the Office of Public Works (OPW) has no responsibility for Court buildings, it does provide technical and other services on request to the Courts Service in relation to its buildings. The OPW has not been requested to carry out repair works to the courthouse at Carndonagh, Co. Donegal in the past 12 months.
Office of Public Works
Questions (313)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:313. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW plans to develop the facilities at the Grianán of Aileach, County Donegal in 2021 in conjunction with Donegal County Council and Fáilte Ireland. [44208/20]
View answerWritten answers
There are no plans currently to develop any visitor facilities at the Grianán an Aileach site. A Conservation Management Plan, commissioned by the OPW, has recently been been concluded and is being circulated currently to relevant stakeholders. This will, it is intended, facilitate a debate about the sustainable future use of the site and will set the context within which the future management of visitors to it can be addressed.
OPW has communicated recently with Donegal County Council in relation to the Plan and has sought formal engagement to discuss how mutual commitments under it can be progressed.
Departmental Functions
Questions (314)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:314. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the reason Vote 15, previously Vote 12, was transferred to his departmental Vote group in 2011. [44365/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was established under the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 2011. As part of the establishment of the Department, a broad range of functions connected with expenditure, including the Secret Service Vote, were transferred from the Minister for Finance to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform under the Act.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (315, 316)
Brendan Smith
Question:315. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure an increase in funding to Cavan County Council in 2021 for flood alleviation measures in view of increasing problems with flooding due to heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44415/20]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:316. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will ensure an increase in funding to Monaghan County Council in 2021 for flood alleviation measures in view of increasing problems with flooding due to heavy rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44416/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 and 316 together.
Local flooding issues are a matter, in the first instance, for each Local Authority to investigate and address. All Local Authorities, including Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council, may carry out flood mitigation works, using either their own resources, or by applying for funding under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme which was introduced by my Office on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009.
The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to local authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under local authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.gov.ie/opw
To date, over 550 Minor Works projects have been completed to the end of 2019, providing local flooding solutions to over 6,800 properties with expenditure amounting to over €51m since the scheme began in 2009. From the latest annual data, in 2019, €4.75m was approved for 49 projects with €4.4m drawn down by local authorities to end of 2019.
The OPW has recently approved funding of €75,600 to Cavan County Council for projects at Aghadreenagh Redhills, Ballyhaise Pitch, Ballyhaise Cavan Rd, Drumliffe Ballyhaise Knockateery Cloverhill and Mullinavaranogue. An application submitted by Monaghan County Council for a project at Drumfalra, Ballybay is currently being considered under the scheme.
The OPW also has statutory responsibility for and carries out a programme of Arterial Drainage Maintenance. These maintenance works relate to arterial drainage schemes completed by the OPW under the Arterial Drainage Acts 1945, with the primary purpose of improving the drainage of agricultural lands.
The OPW’s annual Arterial Drainage Maintenance Works Programme includes the following river catchments in the Cavan and Monaghan areas: Boyne, Inny, Blackwater and Glyde and Dee.
The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, the largest ever flood risk study carried out in the State, culminated with the launch on 3rd May, 2018 of 29 flood risk management plans which propose 119 new outline flood relief projects on top of the 42 major projects already completed and the 33 major schemes within the existing capital works programme of the Office of Public Works (OPW), at that time. All of these projects are to be funded from €1 billion for flood relief measures under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027 .
A flood relief scheme for Cavan Town has been included in this initial phase of implementation, and Cavan County Council confirmed in May 2019 that the Council would act as lead agency on the management and delivery of the proposed flood relief scheme. A steering group, comprising of representatives from the Office of Public Works and Cavan County Council, is now in place to progress the scheme to protect 110 properties. Cavan County Council, in partnership with the OPW, is currently finalising tender documentation for the procurement of Engineering Consultants to progress the development of this scheme and the tender is due to be advertised very shortly to the OPW Framework of Consultants.
While the three proposed schemes in County Monaghan, for Ballybay, Iniskeen and Monaghan town, are not in the first tranche of projects to be progressed, the OPW and Monaghan County Council will work closely to ensure that they will be commenced as soon as possible within the 10 year timeframe for the programme of investment.
Office of Public Works
Questions (317)
Brendan Smith
Question:317. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the expected timeline for each stage in the provision of new public service accommodation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44424/20]
View answerWritten answers
Tender documentation for the Main, Mechanical and Electrical elements of the Project in question has issued to the pre-qualified firms. It is expected that the procurement phase of the process will be completed in quarter 2 2021. Following Contract Award construction will take about 20 months to complete.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (318)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:318. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44195/20]
View answerWritten answers
These current regulations in regard to COVID-19 restrictions include requirements that apply to businesses and services where intoxicating liquor is sold or supplied for consumption on the premises, where alcohol may only be served to those also ordering a substantial meal prepared in an on-site food preparation area (as defined in the regulations) and for consumption during or after the meal.
However, these regulations do not apply to unlicensed cafés. Unlicensed cafés can provide food and non-alcoholic beverages without the requirement for a substantial meal prepared on-site.
I understand that Fáilte Ireland have updated the relevant section of the guidelines published on their website to ensure the position is communicated clearly.
Online Safety
Questions (319)
Martin Kenny
Question:319. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to make matters relating to action 14.2 of the Action Plan for Online Safety 2018-2019 a legal requirement in the upcoming online safety and media regulation Bill; the powers a proposed online safety commissioner may have to pursue these statistics from industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44390/20]
View answerWritten answers
Action 14.2 of the Action Plan for Online Safety 2018-2019 aims to work with online platforms based in Ireland in order to publish regular transparency reports in relation to their efforts to tackle illegal and non-illegal but potentially harmful online content on their services.
This action was assigned to the Department of Justice and to the then Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
Responsibility for broadcasting and media policy, including elements of online safety policy, was transferred from the latter Department o the new Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on 23 September 2020.
The Department of Justice is progressing this action from the standpoint that transparency reports for tackling illegal online content, for example in relation to the Terrorism Content Regulation. It is accepted that such transparency reports need to be worked out on an operational basis before work progresses in relation to non-illegal but potentially harmful online content. As such, at this point, the Department of Justice are best placed to directly update on progress relating to action 14.2.
The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill is designed to tackle the spread and amplification of defined categories of illegal and non-illegal but potentially harmful online content. It will do this by providing for regulatory oversight by an Online Safety Commissioner of the systems that online services use to deliver and moderate user-generated content. Among other things, the Online Safety Commissioner would be able to require, through binding online safety codes, reporting by regulated online services. Such reports may include publicly available transparency reports.
In the event of a regulated entity failing to comply with a requirement of an online safety code, the Media Commission will have the power to initiate authorised officer investigations and to issue compliance and warning notices, setting out the steps the entity must take to bring itself back into compliance. Failure to comply with a warning notice may lead to the Media Commission seeking to apply a sanction, including financial sanctions of up to €20m or 10% of turnover.
The Government approved the finalisation of the General Scheme of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill on 8 December 2020. The Minister published the finalised General Scheme alongside an extensive regulatory impact analysis and other explanatory documents on 9 December. These documents are available on gov.ie. The Government has requested the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Media, Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport and the Gaeltacht to conduct pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme at their earliest convenience. Detailed drafting of a draft Bill on the basis of the General Scheme by the Office of the Attorney General is ongoing. It is expected that the Bill will be enacted in 2021.
Gambling Sector
Questions (320)
Thomas Gould
Question:320. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the initiatives that have been developed to educate young persons through sporting organisations on the dangers of problem gambling; her plans for more initiatives in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44234/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government recognises the importance of a broader resumption of sport for both children and adults. In that context, my Department and Sport Ireland are engaging with the various sporting bodies to inform a review of the measures currently in place for sporting activity, which will be considered by Government early in the New Year.
While I acknowledge that problem gambling among young people is a matter of serious concern, neither I nor Sport Ireland have any statutory function in the development of education initiatives in relation to gambling and neither the Department or Sport Ireland fund programmes of the type described by the Deputy.
I share the Deputy's concern about the issue of problem gambling and I have raised these concerns with Sport Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the development of initiatives to address problem gambling in sport and I will work with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, to see how Sport Ireland can assist and contribute to the development of such initiatives.
Sports Capital Programme
Questions (321)
John McGuinness
Question:321. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will accept a legal undertaking relating to the drawdown of lottery funds (details supplied) as outlined to her Department by the solicitor of the club in question as it is experiencing delays in the registration process of the Property Registration Authority; and if she will expedite the matter. [44256/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
Given the substantial investments made under the programme it is a requirement, where grants or cumulative grants reach a certain threshold, that the State's investment is protected, by way of deeds of covenant and charge against the grantee's property. This provides the Department with a guarantee that grant aided facilities will continue to be used for sporting purposes. The Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) acts on behalf of the Department to ensure that all legal requirements are completed.
In relation to any proposals from the club’s solicitors to expedite the legal requirements, my Department will be guided by the CSSO. In this regard, my officials are continuing to liaise with the CSSO on the matter and will be in contact with the club again as soon as possible.
Arts and Culture Capital Scheme
Questions (322)
Joe Flaherty
Question:322. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media when her Department will issue decisions in respect of applications under strand B of the cultural capital scheme 2020 (details supplied). [44335/20]
View answerWritten answers
Assessment and final decision on applications under Streams A & B of the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019-2022 were delayed and put on hold as a result of COVID -19 and to enable my Department to set up and open Stream D, a further stream of funding under this overall Scheme. Stream D is specifically for capital adaptations or equipment necessary to assist arts and culture organisations in re-opening.
The ongoing priority is the administration of Stream D. On receipt of applications under this stream, my officials examine each of these in a more accelerated manner to achieve a quick turnaround. Final decisions and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are issued as quickly as possible so that the organisations can complete necessary works now to enable them re-open safely. I am glad to report that to date almost 80 organisations have been awarded funding of over €550,000 under Stream D including many of the organisations that applied under Streams A & B.
I have, today, announced funding of over €250,000 to the successful applications under Streams A & B of the cultural capital scheme. All of the organisations that applied in January that met the requirements of the scheme have been awarded grants today and details of these allocations are available here https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/21363-minister-martin-announces-254754-in-first-round-awards-under-streams-a-and-b-of-the-culture-capital-scheme-2019-2022-for-arts-and-culture-organisations/.
As the schemes were undersubscribed, organisations that made incomplete applications in January were given another chance to complete the process by providing missing documentation to my Department. Some organisations took advantage of this second opportunity and provided further details in August 2020. The assessments of the resubmitted applications under Streams A & B are ongoing and I hope to announce decisions on these organisations in the coming months.
Abbey Theatre
Questions (323)
Paul Donnelly
Question:323. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she plans to mnake the Abbey Theatre subject to freedom of information legislation. [44409/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Freedom of Information Act 2014 is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I note that on 19 September 2019, the then Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform stated that there are no plans at present to make the Abbey Theatre subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
Tourism Project Funding
Questions (324)
Brendan Smith
Question:324. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding available from the Exchequer and EU sources for tourism projects in 2021 under a scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44462/20]
View answerWritten answers
Platforms for Growth is the platform-based approach to large-scale capital investment in tourism product, which was launched by Fáilte Ireland in May 2019 and targets investment in line with specific "platforms" identified as a priority for tourists on the basis of research and insights. The first call for applications in 2019 focused on the platform of immersive cultural and heritage attractions. Further focused calls on other platforms will follow in due course.
In addition to funding provided under Platforms for Growth approach to large grants schemes, Fáilte Ireland also provides further capital supports to tourism attractions and experiences in Ireland through other channels – including small grants schemes; strategic partnerships with other State bodies and some direct investments.
Fáilte Ireland's overall capital allocation for 2021 will be confirmed in the 2021 Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for Public Services, which will be published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
Sports Funding
Questions (325)
Chris Andrews
Question:325. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the breakdown of the youth field sport grant in each of the years 2017 to 2020; the amount each organisation received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44470/20]
View answerWritten answers
Sport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes.
Sport Ireland allocates annual funding to the three main field sport organisations - the FAI, the GAA and the IRFU - under the Field Sports grant programme. Field Sport investment is broadly aimed at encouraging and creating more opportunities for young people to participate in field sports across Ireland.
I am arranging for Sport Ireland to provide the Deputy with details of funding allocations made under the Field Sport programme in each of the years 2017 to 2020. Please contact my office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (326, 328)
Róisín Shortall
Question:326. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44482/20]
View answerRóisín Shortall
Question:328. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44542/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 328 together.
Pursuant to a Government decision, the prevailing public health regulations include bowling alleys amongst the list of businesses that are not permitted to reopen under Level 3 restrictions.
The Government’s COVID-19 strategy, in line with the public health advice, is disease suppression. COVID-19 spreads when individuals and groups come into close contact with one another, enabling the virus to move from one person to another. The risk of infection spread is greater in certain environments than others e.g. uncontrolled environments, crowded and noisy places, indoor environments, and poorly ventilated spaces.
The Government is cognisant of the significant impact that the COVID-19 crisis continues to have on those businesses that remain closed. However, the priority in level 3 is to keep health services, schools and early learning and childcare services open and minimise disruption in the work force.
Broadcast Advertising Standards Regulation
Questions (327)
Imelda Munster
Question:327. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the regulations or legislation governing the area of advertising to children foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar on television, social media and other forms of media. [44513/20]
View answerWritten answers
The regulation of broadcast commercial communications aimed at children is the responsibility of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) as set out under section 42 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
As part of its responsibility in this regard, the BAI has established the Children's Commercial Communications Code which has been in existence since 2005 and has been updated on two occasions since then. The Code sets out the rules regarding broadcast commercial communications activity aimed at children and covers matters including the advertising, sponsorship and product placement of foods that are high in fat, sugar and/or salt. BAI recently submitted their latest review of the Children's Commercial Communications Code to the Department and this report will be laid shortly before the Houses of the Oireachtas in line with the provisions set out in section 45(4) of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
In relation to non-broadcast media, in 2017 the Department of Health, in collaboration with the relevant sectors, led the establishment of Voluntary Codes of Practice for Non-Broadcast Media Advertising and Marketing of Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, including Sponsorship and Retail Product Placement. These Codes of Practice apply to non-broadcast media (digital, out of home, print, cinema), commercial sponsorship and retail product placement in the Republic of Ireland. One of the key objectives of these codes is to reduce the exposure of children in Ireland to marketing initiatives relating to foods that are high in fat, sugar and-or salt.
Question No. 328 answered with Question No. 326.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (329)
Brendan Griffin
Question:329. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her views on matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) with regard to Fáilte Ireland guidelines for weddings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44555/20]
View answerWritten answers
On 27 November the Government agreed the approach for easing restrictions, including a phased move to Level 3 nationally, with a number of exceptions in place for the Christmas period. The exceptions for the Christmas period are designed to support people to have a meaningful Christmas, albeit different to other years. The main objective is to stay safe and keep the COVID-19 numbers down so that we can maintain the lowest possible level of restrictions into the New Year. While weddings with up to 25 guests are permitted, additional restrictions include no live music in any setting.
In line with the Plan for Living with COVID-19 the Government has, in recent months, framed restrictions to account for periods where there is low incidence of the disease, with isolated clusters and low community transmission, through to situations where there is high or rapidly increasing incidence, widespread community transmission and the pandemic is escalating rapidly in Ireland and globally. Throughout this period the Government has made special provision for weddings in view of the importance of these occasions to couples and the level of planning that is involved for couples and their families.
Each level of the Plan for Living with Covid-19 contains a range of measures which are intended, collectively, to contribute to lowering risk of transmission in alignment with the risk level at that time. The risk level at this time has meant that some activities have not been permitted such as live music at weddings. I understand the difficulties these restrictions pose for couples on their special day. However in certain settings, such as weddings, higher noise levels due to music can force people into close proximity, requiring them to raise their voices or shout to communicate thus increasing the risk of spreading virus to others. Such activity presents a higher risk of transmission of Covid-19.
Accordingly, the Government has decided that no live or loud music is permitted at weddings in any setting. The details of these additional restrictions agreed by Government were communicated to Fáilte Ireland by my Department and are now reflected in the current guidelines published on the Fáilte Ireland website. The public health measures put in place at any point in time are subject to ongoing review in the context of the trajectory of the virus.
Property Registration
Questions (330)
John McGuinness
Question:330. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will expedite the registration of a property (details supplied). [44248/20]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to any specific cases with the Property Registration Authority (PRA), arrangements have been put in place to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. Further information in relation to the specific case referred to may be obtained by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of the PRA at reps@prai.ie.
Wind Energy Guidelines
Questions (331)
Claire Kerrane
Question:331. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the new guidelines regarding wind energy will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44285/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines in line with the “preferred draft approach” which was announced in June 2017 by the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, in conjunction with the then Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including sound or noise, visual amenity setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
As part of the overall review process, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being undertaken on the revised Guidelines before they come into effect, in accordance with the requirements of European Union Directive 2001/24/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, otherwise known as the SEA Directive. SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part of that process.
As part of the SEA process, the previous Minister launched a ten-week public consultation on the draft revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines on 12 December 2019. The documents prepared for consultation are available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/guidelines/wind-energy/public-consultation-revised-wind-energy-development-guidelines.
The consultation closed on 19 February 2020. Almost 500 submissions were received as part of the public consultation, many of which are extremely detailed and technical in nature. My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), is currently analysing the submissions received.
Finalised Guidelines will be prepared following detailed analysis and consideration of the submissions received during the consultation phase, and the conclusion of the SEA process. The Department, in consultation with DECC, is endeavouring to finalise and publish the revised Guidelines as quickly as possible.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála, must have regard to guidelines issued under section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
Flood Relief Schemes
Questions (332)
Sorca Clarke
Question:332. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a request has been made to his Department by local authorities for additional funding to deal with flooding. [44134/20]
View answerWritten answers
Local authorities are designated as lead agencies for coordinating the local response to flooding emergencies as per the Government decision relating to the “Framework for Major Emergency Management” (2006).
The arrangements for emergency management are seen as having worked extremely well, in particular the responses led by local authorities to flooding and other severe weather emergencies. All local authorities have an established Severe Weather Assessment Team in place, monitoring Met Éireann weather warnings and OPW EFAS advisory warnings and High Tide Advisories. Local authorities also have Severe Weather/ Flood Plans in place to support the response to weather emergencies.
The Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated changes in working practices, and my Department has made necessary changes and improvements, including providing a direct link for situation briefing between Met Éireann's forecasting and flood forecasting division and the local authorities in advance of any predicted severe weather event. My Department also hosted a focus group, organised by Met Éireann, in September 2020, where Met Éireann shared updates regarding the development of flood forecasting and warning and updates in relation to the naming convention for storms and general weather warnings.
My Department undertakes the Lead Government Department role, as set out in the Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) Framework (2017), in relation to coordination of national level response to flooding emergencies, where warranted. The Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management undertakes this role and works closely with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams.
The flooding events that my Department have responded to in its role as lead Government Department in 2020 to date are set out below:
February 2020 - River Shannon (numerous areas)
June 2020 - Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
July 2020 - Kenmare, Sneem, Co. Kerry
August 2020 - Skibbereen, Youghal, Bantry and Bandon, Co. Cork
September 2020 - Clifden, Co. Galway
October 2020 - Cork City, Cork County
November 2020 - Cork City, Cork County
Since 2009, my Department has made financial support available to assist local authorities in meeting the unbudgeted costs of clean-up and necessary immediate works, such as staff overtime and hire of plant and contractors, associated with significant severe weather emergency events, including flooding. This is in recognition of the exceptional nature of activities carried out by local authorities in responding to these types of emergencies and the fact that the costs of these un-programmed activities cannot be met from within existing resources. This practice is considered a vital enabler of local authority response, providing the assurance that availability of resources is not a limiting factor in providing a very effective local response.
In the context of the flooding which has occurred during 2020, the exceptional nature of the response activities carried out by local authorities, and the fact that the costs of these activities were not budgeted for within existing resources, requests were made to support the funding of the significant costs of the response, clean-up and necessary immediate works. My Department will be providing €523,000 towards the costs incurred by local authorities to undertake un-programmed works associated with flooding events that have occurred in 2020.
In each flooding event, DEASP Humanitarian Aid for flooding is operational and available to persons affected. Small businesses impacted by flooding who do not have insurance may apply for assistance under the scheme activated by DBEI and operated through the Irish Red Cross.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead organisation for flood risk management in Ireland. The OPW has set out in Flood Plans how that flood risk is to be managed through investment in flood relief schemes and other policy measures. The Flood Plans detail the flood risk and proposed feasible flood risk management measures for 300 areas of significant flood risk throughout the country.
My Department's Lead Government Department role includes preparation of review reports into the response to flooding emergencies where national level coordination is activated. The most recent is the Review Report on Severe Weather Events 2017-2018, which is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/severe_weather_review_report_-_final.pdf
This report was considered by the Government Task Force for Emergency Management and published by my Department in December 2019. This Department has implemented the recommendations relating to the Local Government sector, and inter-agency recommendations are progressed via the Government Task Force.
Environmental Policy
Questions (333, 334)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:333. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the requirements or communication his Department has made in respect of the use of sonar in Irish waters in view of the impact of sonar on certain cetaceans in particular and the protection Ireland is obliged to provide for such species under EU directives binding on Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44139/20]
View answerEoin Ó Broin
Question:334. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps taken and considerations made in respect of limiting the impact on cetaceans in Irish waters from NATO exercises such as operation dynamic mongoose in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44140/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 334 together.
All cetaceans are protected under the EU’s Habitats Directive and Ireland is required to report to the Commission on their conservation status every six years. The most recent reports were published in 2019 and can be accessed on my Department's NPWS website:
https://www.npws.ie/publications/article-17-reports/article-17-reports-2019
Twenty-four species of cetacean have been recorded from Irish waters. Some of these species are common and widespread. Others (e.g. Blue whale, Sperm whale, beaked whales) show a preference for the deeper waters offshore and are rarely seen.
Ireland’s marine mammals have been the focus of considerable research efforts over the last three decades and the understanding of species occurrence, abundance and distribution has improved markedly in that time. Most recently the ObSERVE project, run jointly by my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, mapped cetaceans through aerial and ship-based surveys over a three year period and across an extensive area of our off-shore waters. Discussions around further work in this regard are currently being finalised.
I share the Deputy's concerns around the impact on cetaceans in Irish waters from underwater noises and acoustic disturbance, including sonar. The hearing system of marine mammals is particularly susceptible to damage and the deep-diving beaked whale species are known to be especially vulnerable.
Underwater sound, for example seismic surveys, pile driving or chemical explosions, can cause significant disruption to the normal behaviour of marine mammal species and may lead to permanent or even lethal injury. In an early effort to address this issue, my Department, developed a "Code of Practice for the Protection of Marine Mammals during Acoustic Seafloor Surveys in Irish Waters" in August 2007.
In 2014, the original Code of Practice was updated and a new guidance document, which provides a detailed overview of the issues and relevant mitigation measures in respect of man-made underwater noise, was published. This document ["Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters"] is used extensively by the maritime industries in Ireland. It can be downloaded from the NPWS website:
https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/general/Underwater%20sound%20guidance_Jan%202014.pdf
In the context of its observations on the Department of Defence draft Statement of Strategy earlier this year, my Department highlighted the potential for sonar technology to damage marine wildlife.
The use of sonar technology by naval vessels has the potential to disturb, displace and even kill cetaceans. However, Ireland is not a NATO member and the Naval Service does not currently employ sonar technology in its operations. With this in mind, I intend to raise the matter with my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Defence with a view to a coordinated approach across Departments to help meet Ireland’s obligations under the Habitats Directive and ensure adequate protection for marine mammals in our waters.