In response to the Deputy’s question since its inception in July 2011 my department has spent €3,719.83 in 2011 and €2,493.36 in 2012 on media advertising. In determining whether the advertising is done on national or local media my Department examines each case on its own merits and a decision is made on that basis.
The following is the position in respect of the cost of media advertising incurred by the Office of Public Works (OPW) which is under the remit of my Department:
Year
|
Amount
|
2011
|
€154,127.53
|
2012
|
€258,757.28
|
2013 (to 11/9/13)
|
€120,726.07
|
Given the variety of business activities undertaken by the Office of Public Works, a wide range of local, regional and national media advertising services are procured, for example, to promote upcoming events at heritage sites, in addition to the various statutory advertising requirements. Examples of statutory advertisements include those required under the planning code, where local authorities specify the approved local newspapers in which the notices are to be published and statutory planning notices when the Office of Public Works itself plans certain other works (known as Part 9 applications) - examples of these include works to Derrynane House in Kerry and works in Dublin Castle in preparation for the EU Presidency in 2013.. Further examples relate to public exhibition days held for flood relief schemes, including public consultation days under the CFRAM programme.
The OPW also advertises employment opportunities, bridge works and many notices associated with events and initiatives at sites around the country such as the Free First Wednesday initiative, the Community Initiative, Heritage Week and other promotional activities at visitor sites.