Written Answers Nos. 182-192
182. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a breakdown, on a bog by bog basis, of those who applied for compensation for cessation of turf cutting; if he will provide figures for those who accepted compensation as an interim measure while awaiting a relocation bog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45052/12]
View answerDetails are set out in a table, on a bog by bog basis, of the number of applications received by my Department under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme, as well as the number of applicants for compensation who have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. A total of 1,612 payments have been made to date in respect of the 2,418 applications for compensation received by my Department.
|
Site code |
Name |
Number of applications received |
Number expressing an interest in relocation |
|
000006 |
Killyconny Bog (Cloghbally) |
45 |
8 |
|
000231 |
Barroughter Bog |
52 |
19 |
|
000248 |
Cloonmoylan Bog |
68 |
8 |
|
000285 |
Kilsallagh Bog |
27 |
8 |
|
000296 |
Lisnageeragh Bog and Ballinstack Turlough |
20 |
9 |
|
000297 |
Lough Corrib |
76 |
7 |
|
000301 |
Lough Lurgeen Bog/ Glenamaddy Turlough |
27 |
9 |
|
000326 |
Shankill West Bog |
8 |
3 |
|
000382 |
Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog |
2 |
0 |
|
000391 |
Ballynafagh Bog |
54 |
28 |
|
000440 |
Lough Ree |
264 |
75 |
|
000497 |
Flughany Bog |
17 |
3 |
|
000566 |
All Saints Bog and Esker |
6 |
2 |
|
000572 |
Clara Bog |
107 |
56 |
|
000575 |
Ferbane Bog |
3 |
3 |
|
000580 |
Mongan Bog |
5 |
1 |
|
000581 |
Moyclare Bog |
25 |
21 |
|
000582 |
Raheenmore Bog |
0 |
0 |
|
000585 |
Sharavogue Bog |
2 |
0 |
|
000592 |
Bellanagare Bog |
160 |
41 |
|
000595 |
Callow Bog |
86 |
16 |
|
000597 |
Carrowbehy/Caher Bog |
4 |
0 |
|
000600 |
Cloonchambers Bog |
25 |
4 |
|
000604 |
Derrinea Bog |
1 |
0 |
|
000614 |
Cloonshanville Bog |
7 |
0 |
|
000641 |
Ballyduff/Clonfinane Bog |
2 |
0 |
|
000647 |
Kilcarren-Firville Bog |
25 |
3 |
|
000679 |
Garriskil Bog |
0 |
0 |
|
001242 |
Carrownagappul Bog |
118 |
65 |
|
001818 |
Lough Forbes Complex |
12 |
4 |
|
002110 |
Corliskea/Trien/Cloonfelliv Bog |
74 |
13 |
|
002298 |
River Moy |
65 |
9 |
|
002331 |
Mouds Bog |
87 |
36 |
|
002332 |
Coolrain Bog |
53 |
9 |
|
002333 |
Knockacoller Bog |
24 |
5 |
|
002336 |
Carn Park Bog |
57 |
32 |
|
002337 |
Crosswood Bog |
67 |
31 |
|
002338 |
Drumalough Bog |
18 |
1 |
|
002339 |
Ballynamona Bog and Corkip Lough |
57 |
29 |
|
002340 |
Moneybeg and Clareisland Bogs |
82 |
12 |
|
002341 |
Ardagullion Bog |
40 |
11 |
|
002342 |
Mount Hevey Bog |
66 |
38 |
|
002343 |
Tullaher Lough and Bog |
189 |
27 |
|
002346 |
Brown Bog |
6 |
0 |
|
002347 |
Camderry Bog |
14 |
8 |
|
002348 |
Clooneen Bog |
10 |
1 |
|
002349 |
Corbo Bog |
60 |
24 |
|
002350 |
Curraghlehanagh Bog |
44 |
18 |
|
002351 |
Moanveanlagh Bog |
26 |
3 |
|
002352 |
Monivea Bog |
38 |
4 |
|
002353 |
Redwood Bog |
75 |
5 |
|
002354 |
Tullaghanrock Bog |
1 |
0 |
|
002356 |
Ardgraigue Bog |
17 |
2 |
|
2,418 |
711 |
183. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 2 February 2012, if he will provide a copy of documentation signed by a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon under the voluntary bog purchase scheme stating that turf cutting would cease on sites included in special areas of conservation. [45070/12]
View answerThe individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question sold his interest in land in a raised bog special area of conservation under the voluntary bog purchase scheme, administered by my Department. An incentive bonus of €6,000, available under the scheme, was also paid to him on the condition that he would permanently cease turf cutting on sites included in special areas of conservation.
I understand that a copy of the documentation signed by this individual at the time has been sent to him.
184. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the work his Department has carried out to investigate the impact that the halting of turf cutting and plans to raise water table levels would have on adjoining private homes in an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45212/12]
View answerMy Department’s approach to the restoration of sites of the nature referred to by the Deputy is set out in the document National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan – Proposed Approach, which is available on my Department’s website at www.npws.ie. The document outlines the structures and procedures through which land-owners and those with a legal interest in the sites and in land adjoining the sites will be fully consulted and engaged in the planning and execution of restoration and management measures. I can advise that any restoration measures will be undertaken in a fully considered and structured way, following full consultation with affected parties.
185. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the amount of money spent to date on the development of the airstrips on Inishbofin and at Clauin Leacht an Abba, Cleggan, County Galway; the estimated cost to build the terminal buildings at each location; the expected date of completion of these projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45259/12]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the total expenditure to date on the development of airstrips on Inishbofin and at Cluain Leacht an Abba, Cleggan, is €8.6m. The Deputy will appreciate that my Department has not yet tendered for the construction of terminal buildings at the airstrips. It would, therefore, be inappropriate to indicate an estimated cost of construction of such buildings or to indicate a date as to their completion.
186. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details in tabular form for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 the total amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department, any body under his aegis or State agency for which he has responsibility; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; the nature of the work concerned; the fees paid to each consultant; if the matter was advertised for competitive tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45291/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department, as currently configured, was established on 2 June 2011 and therefore the available information is being provided from that date. I am advised that €41,557 was spent by my Department on consultancies during this timeframe. The details requested in relation to this expenditure are set out in a table. It may be noted that contracts for the provision of services are not included.
With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that the engagement of consultants is part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy’s Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.
TABLE: Expenditure on consultancy by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht from 2.6.11 to date
|
Name of company |
Consultancy |
Competitive tendering |
Amount paid since 2 June 2011 |
|
University of Birmingham |
Research relating to Bord na Móna Peatlands Survey |
Yes |
€28,378 |
|
Avia Solutions |
Review of financial submissions relating to Aran Islands PSO contract |
No |
€6,300 |
|
Dr Evelyn Moorkens, Environmental Consultant |
Strategic approach to Margaritifera (freshwater pearl mussel) conservation |
No* |
€1,929 |
|
Bonnar Keenlyside |
Review of Dublin Contemporary 2011 |
Yes |
€4,950 |
* a recognised Irish expert on the particular species involved
187. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide details in tabular form for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and to date in 2012 inclusive, of the arrangements entered into by him, any body under his aegis or State agency for which he has responsibility for the obtaining of advice from a senior or junior counsel and or a firm of solicitors; the subject matter for which advice was sought; the names of the barristers' and solicitors' firms concerned and the fees paid; the nature of the work concerned; if in each case the matter was advertised for competitive tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45308/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department was established on 2 June 2011. I am advised that from that date no legal advices of the nature referred to were obtained by my Department. I should say my Department is aware of the need to minimise such costs and, in general, avails of legal advices from the Attorney General's Office and the Chief State Solicitor's Office.
With regard to bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group, the Deputy will appreciate that the seeking of such legal advices is part of the day-to-day operational responsibilities of the bodies in question. I am arranging, therefore, for the terms of the Deputy’s Question to be transmitted to the heads of relevant bodies with a request that they provide information, to the extent feasible, directly to the Deputy.
188. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all companies or persons providing an external professional service to his Department such as ICT, legal advice, advertising, project management and including any other external professional service not listed; the amount invoiced by each company to him over the past 12 months, in tabular form. [45325/12]
View answerThe extensive range of information requested by the Deputy is being collated at the moment and will be forwarded to her at the earliest opportunity.
189. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action farmers are supposed to take regarding dilapidated thatched houses which are constantly deteriorating in condition and are health and safety issues as many of them are in the middle of commercial farm yards. [45345/12]
View answer190. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the areas that owners of potentially viable dwelling houses that need thatching should take in this economic climate in view of the fact that the grants when they are available will only cover a tiny portion of the cost of thatching; if he will recommend a way of maintaining the integrity of such houses, as galvanising such houses is not an realistic option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45346/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage, including thatched buildings, by including them on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future. In the first instance, therefore, the owner of a thatched property should refer to the relevant local authority to ascertain if the property is included in the Record of Protected Structures.
My Department, with the assistance of an Expert Advisory Committee representing key stakeholders, is currently concluding a review of the operation of Part IV of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012. The review will consider the need, in the light of current economic circumstances, for alternative ways of supporting the conservation of protected structures.
While the overall number of thatched roofs declined in the second half of the 20th century, increased legislative protection for the architectural heritage and heightened awareness of this part of our national heritage has meant that this decline has stabilised.
There are a number of State financial supports currently available to owners/occupiers of thatched structures. In 2012 my Department is providing €500,000 in grant-aid assistance through a Structures at Risk Fund administered by local authorities to assist with works to safeguard structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012 and, in certain cases, works to structures within Architectural Conservation Areas. I have approved offers of funding for the conservation of two thatched structures in 2012 under this scheme, which is administered by the local authorities. The closing date for applications for 2012 has now passed.
The Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, also administers a Heritage Management Grant Scheme under which applications for the conservation of thatched structures are considered. However, I understand that the closing date for applications for this scheme for 2012 has also passed.
In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Heritage Council also administers a grants scheme to REPS 4 participants on the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings called the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme, which is now open for applications. Grants are available under this scheme to carry out approved conservation works to the exterior of farm outbuildings, including roofs.
I further understand that the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government administers a grant scheme for the renewal or repair of thatched roofs of owner-occupied houses.
The level of funding available in 2013 and future years for these schemes will be subject to the normal Budgetary and Estimates processes. As the Deputy can appreciate, the scope for additional funding for the conservation of the built heritage is constrained by the significant reduction in the public finances.
Finally, as part of an Architectural Advice Series, my Department plans to publish an advice book on thatching in 2013, which will include further practical advice and guidance on aspects of conserving and restoring thatched structures. The nine previously published booklets in the series cover areas such as roof and energy efficiency for traditionally built buildings and the full series is accessible on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie.
191. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form, in respect of 2011, the number of payments issued by his Department and each agency within the remit of his Department to suppliers in respect of the supply of goods and services; splitting the payments between those issued within 30 days of receipt of the invoice; between 30 and 60 days of receipt of the invoice; between 60 and 90 days of receipt of the invoice; between 90 and 120 days of receipt of the invoice; and in excess of 120 days of receipt of the invoice. [45014/12]
View answerMy Department aims, in its dealings with suppliers of goods and services, to pay all invoices as soon as possible after the goods and services have been satisfactorily delivered and the supporting documentation necessary to enable the payment has been received by my Department. A table outlines the number of payments made by my Department in 2011 broken down into the timeframes as requested by the Deputy.
|
No. of days |
No. of payments |
|
Within 30 days |
3,768 |
|
Between 30 and 60 days |
82 |
|
Between 60 and 90 days |
15 |
|
Between 90 and 120 days |
3 |
|
Over 120 days |
20 |
|
TOTAL |
3,888 |
The percentage of invoices paid over 30 days represents 3% of the total number of invoices and the delayed payment largely arose due to clarifications being sought from the relevant suppliers. Prompt payment interest of €200 was paid in respect of only 5 of these invoices.
Payment of invoices made by the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the individual agency in the first instance and I have no function in this regard. However, I am asking the Agencies concerned to respond directly to the Deputy.
192. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason TV3 and 3e television services will not be available to people who cannot get Saorview terrestrial service and depend on Saorsat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45058/12]
View answerThe SAORSAT satellite service has been developed by RTÉ on its own initiative and is not a requirement under the Broadcasting Act 2009.
The carriage of 3e, TV3 or any other broadcaster on the SAORSAT service is a commercial decision for each of the broadcasters in question and the terms and conditions relating to such carriage would be a matter for commercial negotiation between RTÉ and the relevant broadcaster.
