Written Answers Nos. 132-151
133. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a proposal that glasshouse growers of food crops using CO2 enrichment, should be granted a carbon tax relief or rebate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44030/23]
View answerFinance Act 2022 includes a provision to increase the rate of repayment of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) under an existing relief for certain heavy oils used for commercial horticultural production and mushroom cultivation. In addition, the Act also amends Finance Act 2010 to provide for a new relief from Natural Gas Carbon Tax (NGCT), mirroring the amended MOT relief. As both of these provisions were introduced into last year’s Finance Bill at Report Stage and required preparatory work by Revenue before coming into operation, they were made subject to a Ministerial commencement order.
The MOT relief was commenced on 1 June 2023. Full details are available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/companies-and-charities/excise-and-licences/mineral-oil-tax/repayment-of-mot-on-heavy-oil-and-lpg-used-in-hort/index.aspx
I am advised by Revenue that preparations for the new NGCT relief are more complex than those for updating the existing MOT relief, so more time is required. Once the new NGCT relief provisions are commenced, natural gas used in horticultural production and mushroom cultivation will qualify for a full relief from NGCT. I expect to bring the NGCT provisions into operation in the coming months.
134. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a permanent retention of two step-out years per five-year cycle in cases in which a farmer is allowed to step-out of income averaging more than once in a five-year period (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44031/23]
View answerSection 657 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides for income averaging, which allows farmers to pay tax based on the average of five years’ farming profits and losses. If a farmer opts in to averaging, they must remain within the averaging scheme for a minimum of five years. If they revert to the normal basis of assessment, a review will be done. However, a farmer may also elect to temporarily step-out of averaging for a single year.
The Financial Provisions (Covid-19) (No. 2) Act 2020 contained once-off income tax reliefs for self-employed individuals carrying on a trade or profession who were profitable in 2019 but, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, incurred losses in 2020. This provided an option to farmers who incurred a loss in 2020 to step out of income averaging for the tax year 2020, notwithstanding that the farmer may already have stepped out of income averaging in one of the four preceding tax years.
In terms of changes to current income averaging provisions, decisions on taxation matters are normally made in the context of the annual Budget process. As the Deputy will be appreciate, it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment in advance of the Budget on any tax matters which might be the subject of Budget decisions.
136. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of increasing the home carer tax credit to €2000 per annum. [44050/23]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the estimated cost of increasing the home carer tax credit to €2,000, which represents an increase of €300 from its current value of €1,700 per annum, is approximately €22 million on a first year basis and €24 million on a full year basis.
137. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of inconsistencies occurring on the migration of debt management practices from the Credit Bureau to the Credit Central Register (CCR), and current operational practices by some financial institutions with respect to statute barred loan defaults and the CCR (details supplied); if his Department has raised this issue with the CCR/Central Bank; if he and the CCR intend to remedy the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44051/23]
View answerThe Central Credit Register is established by the Central Bank under the Credit Reporting Act 2013 (the Act). It is a database of information on loans and loan applications.
The Act provides that Credit Information Providers (lenders) must submit information on loans where the loan is for €500 or more. Lenders must enquire on the Central Credit Register when considering a loan application of €2,000 or more. Lenders may enquire on the Central Credit Register if the loan amount is for less than €2,000 but are not obliged to do so.
Lenders are obliged to report information in accordance with the Act and associated Regulations. Lenders began submitting data to the Central Credit Register on loans that were in force/active, on a phased basis, from June 2017. Where all liabilities under a loan agreement have been discharged, the credit information is held on the Central Credit Register for a period 5 years after the loan is discharged.
However the Central Bank has advised that while it may be possible that a lender is statute barred from pursuing a borrower for repayment of a loan, the passage of time does not erase the actual debt and the loan may still be reported to the Central Credit Register.
Also lenders may sell or assign the rights under a credit agreement from time to time and in such circumstances the obligations under the Act to report information to the Central Credit Register rests with the new owner of the loan.
The Act provides four important rights to borrowers such as:-
• the right to a free report at any time, free of charge (subject to fair usage);
• the right to place an explanatory statement of up to 200 words on their credit report;
• the right to request an amendment to information if the borrower believes that information is incorrect, incomplete or not up to date;
• the right to place a Notice of Suspected Impersonation on their credit report.
If the individual wishes to exercise any of these rights, they may do so online at www.centralcreditregister.ie .
The Deputy may wish to note that there is a general requirement on all regulated entities to act with due skill, care and diligence in the best interests of their customers and if a person is not satisfied with the service provided by a regulated entity the person should, in the first instance, raise the matter directly with the regulated firm.
If the person is not satisfied with the response from the regulated firm, the person can then refer the complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). This is the independent statutory Office put in place by the Oireachtas to consider and as necessary adjudicate on complaints between regulated financial service providers and their customers.
It should also be noted that the Central Credit Register does not approve or sanction loan applications; subject to the consumer protection requirements associated with the provision of credit, decisions on applications for new credit are solely a business matter for individual lenders.
Finally the Irish Credit Bureau was a private entity and that their data collection, retention and reporting policies were a matter for that entity. It should be noted that no information on the Central Credit Register was transferred or sourced from the Irish Credit Bureau.
140. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on the work of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market in engaging with current insurance market operators and attracting new entrants into the sector; his further plans for the work of this office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44129/23]
View answerInsurance reform is a key priority for this Government and is being delivered via the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. The latest Implementation Report demonstrates that significant progress has been made, with the vast bulk of the actions contained in the Action Plan now either delivered or initiated. The importance that Government places on the Action Plan is evidenced by the fact that implementation is overseen by a Cabinet Sub-Group on insurance reform, chaired by the Tánaiste.
In addition, the establishment of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market is a Programme for Government commitment. Chaired by Minister Carroll MacNeill, its aims are to help expand the risk appetite of existing insurers and explore opportunities for new market entrants. Since its establishment, the Office has met with a range of stakeholders, including insurance companies and representative organisations. It is also working closely with IDA Ireland to help leverage the ongoing insurance reforms with the objective of targeting new entrants to the Irish market. I am confident that the IDA now has a positive message to communicate, and number of new insurance providers have either established in Ireland or are in the process of doing so. There are also indications that domestic incumbents are expanding their product lines across a diverse range of areas such as SME business, motor, professional indemnity and renewables. This is a clear sign that the Government reform agenda is working.
In order to maintain this momentum, Minister Carroll MacNeill will shortly be meeting with the CEOs of the major insurance companies in the State in order to impress upon them the necessity of passing on savings from the new insurance environment to customers, in the form of reduced premiums. She has also recently had a series of engagements with insurance stakeholders in London, including Lloyds, where she emphasised the positive impact of the Government reform agenda and highlighted the opportunities now available for insurers to enter the Irish market. The Minister of State will update the Cabinet Sub Group on the activity of the Competition Office at the next Cabinet Sub Group meeting later this quarter.
In conclusion, I wish to assure the Deputy of my intention to continue to work with my Government colleagues to ensure that the implementation of the Action Plan will continue to bring benefits in terms of affordability and availability of insurance for all consumers.
141. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Finance the full complement of buildings and lands owned by his Department, or by agencies under the aegis of his Department in County Clare; if they are currently in use, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44157/23]
View answerMy Department does not own buildings or land in County Clare.
In relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department, the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) advises that it owns loans and does not own properties. NAMA has confirmed that the Agency no longer has security over any property in Co. Clare.
NAMA also advises that National Asset Residential Property Services owns a total of 37 property units in Co. Clare (see table below), which are under long-term lease to the local authority or Approved Housing Bodies for the provision of social housing.
|
NARPS Property |
Units |
Leased to AHB/Local Authority |
|
Cluain Ros Leamhain, Ennis, Co Clare |
8 |
Co-operative Housing Ireland |
|
Gleann Cora, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare |
6 |
Clare County Council |
|
Aisling, Ennis, Co Clare |
23 |
Co-operative Housing Ireland |
|
Total |
37 |
|
142. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance to provide an update on his Department’s implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight Committee on the examination of the section 481 film tax credit. [44214/23]
View answerSection 481 provides relief in the form of a corporation tax credit related to the cost of production of certain films. The scheme is intended to act as a stimulus to the creation of an indigenous film industry in the State, creating quality employment opportunities and supporting the expression of the Irish culture.
I am aware of the contents of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight’s Report on Section 481 Film Tax Credit. I am also aware that there are a number of recommendations contained within the report that cover a number of themes and policy areas for which responsibility lies with other Departments, and recommendations for action by the Committee itself.
With regard to the recommendations wholly or partially directed to my Department, it should be noted that a number of the recommendations contained in the report would have Budgetary implications, and the Deputy will be aware that it is a longstanding practice of the Minister for Finance not to comment, in advance of the Budget, on any tax matters that might be the subject of Budget decisions.
I can however advise that engagement between my Department and Department of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht Sport and Media (DTCAGSM) is ongoing in respect of the BOC's recommendations. I would also note that my officials have directly engaged with all relevant representative bodies in the sector, including those representing crew, cast and producers, with a view to understanding the issues affecting the audio-visual sector.
143. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will fully honour the commitments made in the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future to ring-fence €1.5 billion of carbon tax receipts over the next ten years for agri-environment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44089/23]
View answerAs per Sections 27, 28 & 29 of the Finance Act 2020, the carbon tax will increase by €7.50 a tonne as part of Budget 2024. The increase on transport fuels is effective from 11 October 2023, while the increase on home heating fuels will not take place until 1 May 2024.
In the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, the Government committed to ring-fence all revenues raised from the increase in carbon tax rates for the period out to 2030, estimated to be €9.5 billion, and to allocate these amounts to:
• Ensure that the increases in the carbon tax are progressive by spending €3 billion on targeted social welfare and other initiatives to prevent fuel poverty and ensure a just transition;
• Provide €5 billion to part fund a socially progressive national retrofitting programme;
• Allocate €1.5bn of funding to encourage and incentivise farmers to farm in a greener and more sustainable way.
From Budget 2021 to date, all additional funding estimated to have been raised from the increases in the carbon tax has been allocated in full to Departments in line with these commitments on an annual basis, including expenditure allocations relating to agri-environment schemes.
This includes for Budget 2024, in which the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is being allocated €113 million funded from increases in the Carbon Tax to part-fund the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and to continue prior commitments on green agriculture pilot projects. This will support farmers as they undertake a range of actions which will result in improved outcomes on biodiversity, climate, air and water quality. From 2020 to date, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has received €223million in carbon tax funding for these measures, including as part of Budget 2024.
Further details of carbon tax allocations are provided in ‘The Use of Carbon Tax Funds’ papers published annually on Budget Day, which are available to download on www.gov.ie .
144. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason weddings are allowed at some OPW sites but not at Corcomroe Abbey, County Clare; the reason his office felt the need to post a notice to that effect at the site of Corcomroe Abbey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43570/23]
View answerCorcomroe Abbey is a National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. One of OPW's primary goals is the protection of this and other National Monuments to the best of its ability. There is a number of sites where OPW facilitate Humanist Weddings and Civil Ceremonies. These venues were chosen after consultation with the Civil Marriage Registration Authorities in Ireland as meeting their criteria in respect of suitability, access, health & safety and non-religious themes. The sites are listed on our website and OPW welcomes and facilitates a number of requests for such ceremonies at these approved sites each year.
The activity at Corcomroe has led to concerns in relation to damage to the grave slabs which are located in the nave in front of the Altar. Chairs and other items are being placed on the grave slabs which leave scratches behind. The graveyard is an active graveyard regularly visited by family members who have been upset by finding litter, broken glass, bottles and flower arrangements left behind after these unauthorised events.
The Office of Public Works has been aware of unauthorised ceremonies taking place at the Abbey and has, in the past, tried to engage with known celebrants who regularly advertise the Abbey as a wedding location as well as contacting various wedding organisers and planners who advertise the Abbey on their website to request that they remove reference to this National Monument from their advertising.
The decision to erect the sign was a last resort and was taken to ensure that any parties’ wishing to get married are aware that ceremonies are not facilitated here and should they witness such an event that official permission has not been granted and report it to the Office of Public Works.
145. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the Office of Public Works owns properties or sites which are vacant or derelict; if so, the number and addresses of such properties; if they are recorded on the vacancy or dereliction registers; and the reason for which they are vacant, in tabular form. [43594/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of surplus vacant or non-operational properties. It is normal to have an amount of space vacant, or vacant properties, at any given time as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the State’s requirements or suitable for disposal.
The OPW, like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties including former Garda station properties. The arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
The OPW’s approach to managing vacant, surplus properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service. A number of strategic properties are retained in anticipation of potential State use/development in line with service demands arising from Government policy changes to public service provision.
Secondly, if no State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
In line with the above policy, the OPW has provided a list of its surplus vacant properties, including former Garda station properties, to the Land Development Agency, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the relevant Local Authorities so that they could assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes or for other State use.
In addition, there are a limited number of sundry residential dwellings that are intrinsic to the estates of parks and gardens as part of the national historic properties managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW); and for that reason would not be appropriate for disposal. In general, these properties are allocated to staff in specific posts, such as Park Superintendents, Deer Keepers, etc. where there is a requirement for them to be present on the ground.
Vacant Sites Register / Levy
The Government introduced the Vacant Sites Register / Levy in response to issues of land management and housing supply, and to support local authority development plans. The levy is designed as a disincentive to land hoarding particularly in areas where there is a housing need.
Since the introduction of the Vacant Sites Register / Levy, the OPW has not incurred a levy on a vacant site.
Attached at Appendix 1 is a list of surplus vacant properties (59) and sites (23).
146. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW retains an ability to initiate a compulsory purchase lands and buildings; and if not, if he will point to the amending legislation. [43632/23]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works have the ability to initiate a compulsory purchase of lands and buildings under the following legislation:
• Barrow Drainage Act 1927 and 1933:
• Enacted to make provision for the formulation and maintenance of a scheme of arterial drainage on the River Barrow and its tributaries. Section 7 of the Act empowered the Commissioners to compulsorily acquire lands or rights in lands in connection with a scheme approved by the Minister.
• Arterial Drainage Acts 1945 - 1995:
• Enacted to make provision for drainage and improvement of land by the execution of works of arterial drainage.
• Coast Protection Act 1963:
• Enacted to make provision for coastal protection and encroachment by the sea in connection with schemes approved by the Minister.
• Garda Síochána (Acquisition of Sites and Retention of Premises) Act 1948:
• Enacted to provide for the acquisition, (with the consent of the Ministers for Justice and Finance), of land as a site for a Garda Síochána station or for a house for a member of the Garda Síochána.
147. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reason TVE staff in the Houses of the Oireachtas or Government Departments are not eligible for maternity leave. [43665/23]
View answerSection 9 of S.I. No. 84 of 2010 provides a Secretarial allowance which may be used on a vouched basis for the purchase of secretarial assistance, public relations, information technology (but not web related) and training services from a person employed under a contract for service or the purchase of such services under a contract of service.
The Houses of the Oireachtas Service have confirmed they are currently undertaking a review of the terms and conditions that apply in such contracts of service. I understand protected leave will be considered as part of this review.
148. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to provide a complete list of all buildings owned by the State or any of the State agencies across Dún Laoghaire Rathdown; the occupancy rates and status of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43681/23]
View answerThe attached table gives details of buildings in the ownership of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. The OPW does not hold details of buildings in the ownership of other State bodies.
The day-to-day utilisation of these buildings is managed by the occupants.
|
Building Name |
Address |
Eircode |
Occupier/Use |
|
Security Hut British Embassy Residence |
Stradbrook Road, Blackrock, County Dublin |
D04 P272 |
Security Hut |
|
Blackrock Garda Station - Dublin |
Sweetman Avenue, Blackrock, County Dublin |
A94 X660 |
Garda Station |
|
Clonskeagh (Ipa) |
Milltown Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14 |
D06 WN80 |
Office |
|
Clonskeagh Square |
Unit A2 Block1 Clonskeagh Square, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14 |
D14 H424 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
|
Dalkey Garda Station |
6 Sorrento Road, Dalkey, County Dublin |
A96 K5P2 |
Garda Station |
|
Crofton House Dún Laoghaire |
Crofton House, Crofton Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin |
A96 E5A0 |
Coastguard, BIM |
|
Sandycove Martello Tower |
Sandycove, County Dublin |
A96 FX33 |
Heritage |
|
Dún Laoghaire Social Welfare Office + Fas |
18-21 Cumberland Street, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin |
A96 T209 |
Department of Social Protection |
|
Dún Laoghaire Garda Station |
Corrig Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin |
A96 N299 |
Garda Station |
|
Dún Laoghaire Courthouse |
Corrig Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin |
A96 N299 |
Courts Service |
|
Dundrum Garda Station + Courthouse |
Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14 |
D14 NA09 |
Garda Station |
|
Dundrum Former Central Mental Hospital - The Chapel |
Dundrum Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14 |
D14 W0V6 |
Intra State transfer to the Land Development Agency |
|
Kill O' The Grange Garda Station |
Rochestown Avenue, Kill O The Grange, County Dublin |
A96 V621 |
Garda Station |
|
Security Hut Canadian Embassy |
Killiney, County Dublin |
A96 |
Security Hut |
|
Loughlinstown House |
Loughlinstown, County Dublin |
D18 KP65 |
Euro Foundation |
|
Rathfarnham Castle |
Rathfarnham |
D14 K3T6 |
Heritage |
|
Rathfarnham Garda Station |
Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 |
D14 A584 |
Garda Station |
|
Pearse Museum + Park |
Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16 |
D16 Y7Y5 |
Museum/Restaurant/Park/Caretaker Hse |
|
Shankill Garda Station |
Shankill, Shankhill, County Dublin |
D18 CD50 |
Garda Station |
|
Stepaside Garda Station |
Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, County Dublin |
D18 T206 |
Garda Station |
149. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform given the requirement of some public servants to retire at 60 years of age and given that some public servants wish to continue working, and if they seek to transfer across to another position within the public service, it appears that they must begin on a starting salary scale; the actions he is considering with regard to remedying the situation and bringing it to a point where people can move on their existing salary scale or a similar salary scale when they transfer. [43708/23]
View answerRetirement ages in the public service are provided for in primary legislation. There are public servants that work in roles that have a lower compulsory retirement age than is standard across the rest of the public service.
Public servants in these roles who have retired, and are in receipt of a public service pension, are entitled to apply for positions in other parts of the public service with a higher compulsory retirement age through open competition. In line with public service pay policy, the appointment of retirees is at the 1st point of the appropriate pay scale, as per the attached letter of 22 February 2012.
Public servants in these roles who have not retired, and instead preserved their pension entitlements, are also entitled to apply for positions in other parts of the public service through open competition. However such individuals are subject to the same starting pay arrangements as those that apply to all prospective public servants recruited through open competition.
As per Circular 08/2019, Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public service should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale.
Notwithstanding the general policy, there are certain specific circumstances where other arrangements may apply;
• Circular 08/2019 provides that appointees to the civil service who are moving from posts elsewhere in the public service to what is deemed to be an analogous grade and pay scale may be appointed at the current point of scale. It is a matter for the recruiting Department/Office to satisfy itself that analogous conditions exist.
• Circular 21/2004 provides for incremental credit for previous service for the grades of Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, or equivalent public service grades.
150. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the Office of Public Works is responsible for land in County Dublin (details supplied). [43800/23]
View answerThe property referred to by the Deputy is owned by the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and is leased to the Edmund Rice Schools Trust Limited on a 99 year lease.
151. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the Minister of State for the OPW will meet with the elected members of the Inishowen municipal district, Donegal County Council, as they have repeatedly requested, to examine how the flood defence works at Burnfoot, County Donegal, can be advanced more speedily, in order that eight families can be returned to their council homes that were vacated for safety reasons after the August 2017 flood in the area and to assure other local affected homeowners and businesses. [44003/23]
View answerI am cognisant of and very sympathetic to the issues facing the residents of Burnfoot who remain in homes at risk of flooding and those that have been relocated to alterative homes for safety reasons after the flood event in the area in August 2017.
The Burnfoot Flood Relief scheme is currently at Stage I (Scheme Development and Preliminary Design) which is due for completion at the end of 2023. The scheme is due to be submitted to the relevant planning authority in Q1 2024 (Stage II). Subject to a successful and timely planning process it is currently envisaged construction can begin in the first half of 2025.
Every effort is being made by all parties to expedite the process and ensure the scheme is in place as soon as is practically possible. It is currently envisaged that the scheme following its construction will provide protection from flood risk for all properties in both Líos Na Greíne and Páirc An Grianán including those properties currently vacant in Páirc An Grianán.
Quarterly updates on the advancement of the proposed Burnfoot Flood Relief scheme are provided to elected members of the Inishowen Municipal District by the Flood Relief Scheme Unit of Donegal County Council.
