Written Answers Nos. 877-895
877. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the categories and schemes of funding that have been made available by his Department to local authorities for the provision of dog littering signs; if any such funding can be targeted at particular areas in need of such signs in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37142/13]
View answer878. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding will be made available to Wicklow County Council and-or Bray Town Council for the provision of dog littering signs at a location (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37143/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 877 and 878 together.
The Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide the statutory framework to combat the litter problem. Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering, including the provision of signage to deter dog fouling, is a matter for local authorities.
It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to litter, taking account of local circumstances and priorities.
In relation to the provision of funding to local authorities to tackle the issue of dog fouling, under the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme, for which my Department has provided funding for local authorities since 1997, local authorities are invited to select suitable projects for funding and deciding on individual grant allocations. The Scheme requires that projects selected should promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter, including the issue of dog fouling, and since 2008, graffiti. They should also, where possible, focus on voluntary initiatives by community and environmental groups and involve schools and young people in anti-litter and anti-graffiti action. I made a total of €900,000 available to fund suitable projects under the Scheme in 2013, which included funding approval for Wicklow County Council for a Green Dog Walkers initiative, designed to raise awareness about the issue of dog fouling.
I believe that raising awareness of the litter problem and educating our young people is key to effecting a long-term change in society’s attitudes towards litter disposal but ultimately, it is the responsibility of each individual to ensure that they play their part in preserving the environment for others through the responsible disposal of their litter, including dog fouling.
879. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total amount of money provided for projects in the Leader Programme 2007-2013 in tabular form, the amount sanctioned and amount drawn down in each measure and by company. [37148/13]
View answerIn May 2013 Local Development Companies (LDCs) were notified of their revised allocations under Axes 3 & 4 the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which totalled €370m. In this regard, up to 20% of the revised Programme allocation can be spent on administration with the remaining 80% on projects and animation expenses. In some cases LDCs have chosen to spend a portion of the available administration funding on projects.
The information requested is set out in the three tables below.
Table 1: Revised allocation, total project commit ments and total project payments per LDC as at 13 September 2013.
|
Local Development Company |
Revised RDP allocation |
Total Project Commitments |
Total Project Payments |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
€7,251,112 |
€5,375,650 |
€3,911,167 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
€18,502,053 |
€14,863,952 |
€6,677,948 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
€7,444,015 |
€5,724,389 |
€3,103,861 |
|
Cavan Partnership Ltd. & County Monaghan Area Partnership |
€9,923,866 |
€7,546,278 |
€3,775,531 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
€16,175,841 |
€11,567,318 |
€6,499,901 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
€6,825,171 |
€4,716,023 |
€2,483,659 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
€12,775,727 |
€9,887,357 |
€5,332,772 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
€6,217,667 |
€4,295,624 |
€768,930 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
€7,734,929 |
€3,127,927 |
€2,234,364 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
€12,211,887 |
€8,935,153 |
€5,437,307 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
€7,410,663 |
€5,920,348 |
€4,148,229 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
€12,839,050 |
€9,235,325 |
€4,873,210 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
€10,642,073 |
€6,645,220 |
€2,962,163 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
€13,319,465 |
€7,119,255 |
€4,772,067 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development Company |
€9,465,731 |
€6,064,802 |
€3,293,838 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
€10,257,659 |
€7,712,073 |
€4,181,238 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
€7,026,574 |
€5,251,048 |
€2,812,234 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
€7,075,178 |
€4,647,619 |
€2,641,435 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company Teoranta |
€9,535,062 |
€3,831,320 |
€3,089,562 |
|
Meath Partnership |
€15,051,583 |
€11,991,129 |
€4,510,126 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
€8,937,452 |
€6,014,687 |
€3,623,974 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
€12,917,884 |
€10,280,583 |
€5,421,736 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
€10,828,856 |
€8,474,352 |
€4,865,776 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
€11,230,957 |
€8,084,500 |
€3,917,498 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
€9,788,645 |
€6,599,575 |
€5,067,222 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
€10,532,187 |
€7,065,508 |
€4,283,161 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
€9,998,740 |
€6,714,288 |
€3,393,177 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company Limited |
€12,405,282 |
€8,973,419 |
€5,972,415 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Limited |
€10,361,827 |
€7,204,959 |
€4,705,344 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
€11,177,988 |
€8,308,816 |
€5,372,167 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
€12,465,076 |
€9,062,549 |
€5,825,546 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
€9,007,256 |
€6,543,088 |
€3,759,573 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
€8,798,346 |
€5,524,964 |
€2,786,922 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
€11,583,749 |
€9,318,237 |
€5,374,172 |
|
Wicklow Partnership |
€8,908,698 |
€6,532,489 |
€3,035,540 |
|
|
€366,628,249 |
€259,159,823 |
€144,913,766 |
Table 2: Total projects payments per measure per LDC as at 13 September 2013.
|
Local Development Company |
Exp under Measure 311 - Diversification |
Exp under Measure 312 - Business Creation |
Exp under Measure 313 - Encouragement of Tourism |
Exp under Measure 321 - Basic Services |
Exp under Measure 322 - Village renewal |
Exp under Measure 323 - Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage |
Exp under Measure 331 - Training |
Exp under Measure 341 - Skills acq, animation |
Exp under Measure 421 - Co-operation |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
€239,208 |
€529,009 |
€319,788 |
€1,101,545 |
€695,996 |
€459,494 |
€376,481 |
€148,700 |
€40,946 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
€53,654 |
€1,005,079 |
€780,415 |
€1,373,516 |
€973,257 |
€1,161,156 |
€873,860 |
€102,238 |
€354,773 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
€3,600 |
€401,443 |
€552,571 |
€253,475 |
€874,136 |
€347,969 |
€260,050 |
€164,401 |
€246,216 |
|
Cavan Partnership Ltd. & County Monaghan Area Partnership |
€281,666 |
€565,180 |
€730,451 |
€1,253,085 |
€508,472 |
€276,624 |
€131,646 |
€24,706 |
€3,700 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
€403,173 |
€1,497,642 |
€666,881 |
€645,514 |
€1,412,562 |
€977,426 |
€363,626 |
€489,170 |
€43,907 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
€68,609 |
€400,161 |
€415,757 |
€372,981 |
€736,089 |
€166,051 |
€263,652 |
|
€60,359 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
€157,459 |
€405,245 |
€512,696 |
€2,027,498 |
€939,320 |
€928,568 |
€193,046 |
€38,592 |
€130,348 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
€15,177 |
€91,278 |
€20,141 |
€205,646 |
€28,913 |
€201,211 |
€203,154 |
€0 |
€3,411 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
€37,657 |
€216,241 |
€621,222 |
€587,627 |
€433,262 |
€134,817 |
€147,484 |
€53,554 |
€2,500 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
€180,799 |
€709,265 |
€562,941 |
€1,750,260 |
€1,585,316 |
€373,065 |
€236,814 |
€0 |
€38,848 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
€94,236 |
€369,793 |
€669,953 |
€1,146,866 |
€1,021,426 |
€544,710 |
€174,900 |
€15,571 |
€110,774 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
€83,422 |
€897,581 |
€559,189 |
€857,289 |
€1,012,523 |
€654,391 |
€611,463 |
€57,200 |
€140,152 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
€275,945 |
€456,277 |
€239,979 |
€1,177,983 |
€148,996 |
€55,123 |
€422,122 |
€185,737 |
€0 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
€178,007 |
€904,034 |
€651,305 |
€813,149 |
€1,251,510 |
€57,886 |
€700,686 |
€175,128 |
€40,360 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development Company |
€335,518 |
€299,894 |
€438,765 |
€675,521 |
€576,354 |
€302,671 |
€305,400 |
€123,552 |
€236,165 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
€120,466 |
€434,453 |
€866,990 |
€655,857 |
€913,386 |
€772,113 |
€213,897 |
€188,522 |
€15,554 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
€63,487 |
€173,543 |
€210,355 |
€839,868 |
€606,405 |
€192,860 |
€573,546 |
€139,672 |
€12,498 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
€2,625 |
€398,694 |
€338,352 |
€587,267 |
€856,088 |
€90,336 |
€187,005 |
€181,068 |
€0 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company Teoranta |
€11,718 |
€323,607 |
€423,821 |
€948,710 |
€620,046 |
€462,162 |
€181,162 |
€68,323 |
€50,013 |
|
Meath Partnership |
€324,112 |
€717,849 |
€696,242 |
€829,539 |
€128,321 |
€237,861 |
€875,641 |
€651,181 |
€49,381 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
€30,319 |
€489,568 |
€301,689 |
€1,154,063 |
€675,733 |
€363,048 |
€317,883 |
€108,694 |
€182,977 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
€353,908 |
€640,029 |
€906,633 |
€944,064 |
€913,747 |
€1,232,143 |
€201,528 |
€136,635 |
€93,050 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
€34,279 |
€454,885 |
€773,715 |
€1,245,343 |
€1,016,786 |
€809,365 |
€314,932 |
€185,619 |
€30,854 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
€190,362 |
€566,846 |
€806,874 |
€1,130,652 |
€314,736 |
€190,259 |
€354,892 |
€306,566 |
€56,311 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
€159,294 |
€251,876 |
€679,150 |
€1,512,116 |
€1,629,755 |
€487,306 |
€327,785 |
€5,000 |
€14,940 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
€201,892 |
€820,959 |
€1,103,240 |
€1,033,882 |
€657,553 |
€80,333 |
€231,825 |
€140,677 |
€12,800 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
€62,710 |
€591,809 |
€499,928 |
€1,279,744 |
€393,655 |
€113,091 |
€119,141 |
€132,079 |
€201,021 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company Limited |
€316,702 |
€844,810 |
€714,576 |
€1,259,092 |
€1,013,564 |
€648,099 |
€563,074 |
€244,508 |
€367,991 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Limited |
€201,852 |
€747,578 |
€769,354 |
€868,195 |
€629,493 |
€768,542 |
€602,249 |
€35,845 |
€82,235 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
€49,018 |
€824,731 |
€1,481,350 |
€1,298,844 |
€1,183,689 |
€381,376 |
€144,764 |
€8,395 |
€0 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
€469,085 |
€682,875 |
€1,104,124 |
€1,503,067 |
€705,347 |
€336,930 |
€719,999 |
€272,794 |
€31,323 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
€20,717 |
€536,165 |
€151,082 |
€1,218,646 |
€939,162 |
€590,917 |
€157,750 |
€132,746 |
€12,388 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
€44,525 |
€306,988 |
€375,663 |
€1,006,595 |
€427,795 |
€257,816 |
€198,775 |
€138,276 |
€30,489 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
€239,283 |
€1,254,867 |
€1,109,158 |
€1,178,713 |
€548,168 |
€465,331 |
€521,911 |
€47,819 |
€8,923 |
|
Wicklow Partnership |
€174,932 |
€129,599 |
€744,635 |
€1,332,842 |
€337,434 |
€168,352 |
€115,795 |
€31,951 |
€0 |
|
|
€5,479,415 |
€19,939,854 |
€21,798,987 |
€36,069,055 |
€26,708,993 |
€15,289,403 |
€12,187,936 |
€4,734,918 |
€2,705,205 |
|
Local Development Company |
311 - Diversification |
312 - Business Creation |
313 - Tourism |
321 - Basic Services |
322 - Village renewal |
323 - Conservation and upgrading |
331 - Training |
341 - Skills acq, animation |
421 - Co-operation |
Total Committed |
|
Avondhu/ Blackwater Partnership Limited |
239,208.44 |
983,386.74 |
357,835.55 |
1,351,732.53 |
755,246.17 |
727,443.95 |
425,470.95 |
269,000.00 |
266325.37 |
5,375,649.70 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Limited |
460,242.03 |
2,845,115.40 |
1,697,755.34 |
3,321,166.29 |
2,190,058.81 |
1,720,564.21 |
1,520,034.32 |
204,706.00 |
904309.45 |
14,863,951.85 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership Limited |
234,540.50 |
418,876.69 |
1,121,571.54 |
891,618.96 |
1,731,956.24 |
486,124.86 |
330,595.04 |
209,986.08 |
299118.73 |
5,724,388.64 |
|
Cavan Partnership Ltd. & County Monaghan Area Partnership |
281,665.66 |
1,170,998.59 |
1,298,124.10 |
2,911,340.75 |
1,179,121.36 |
475,844.70 |
158,276.41 |
39,706.23 |
31200 |
7,546,277.80 |
|
Clare Local Development Company Limited |
655,468.00 |
2,436,192.00 |
1,521,042.00 |
1,638,781.00 |
2,272,017.00 |
1,780,201.00 |
567,326.00 |
593,136.00 |
103155 |
11,567,318.00 |
|
Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta |
109,158.36 |
857,401.62 |
1,386,275.08 |
529,569.14 |
1,053,064.57 |
346,119.57 |
361,853.03 |
|
72581.3 |
4,716,022.67 |
|
Donegal Local Development Company Limited |
457,299.68 |
1,225,973.19 |
1,510,894.14 |
3,191,739.80 |
1,750,092.09 |
1,038,158.39 |
295,466.43 |
97,422.04 |
320310.86 |
9,887,356.62 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership |
32,576.50 |
336,370.12 |
933,374.86 |
1,065,192.32 |
674,251.29 |
581,928.03 |
605,405.90 |
2,231.88 |
64292.77 |
4,295,623.67 |
|
FORUM Connemara |
37,656.73 |
323,191.07 |
885,736.59 |
758,729.55 |
549,355.11 |
180,213.51 |
258,520.21 |
121,471.20 |
13053.51 |
3,127,927.48 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company Limited |
408,445.17 |
1,301,329.06 |
1,111,371.61 |
2,748,074.22 |
2,208,493.84 |
632,979.46 |
321,778.16 |
70,000.00 |
132681.68 |
8,935,153.20 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
190,886.90 |
600,772.57 |
1,082,314.75 |
1,487,335.99 |
1,305,128.69 |
841,715.80 |
209,349.38 |
34,820.50 |
168023.29 |
5,920,347.87 |
|
I.R.D. Duhallow |
245,727.00 |
1,571,329.00 |
1,190,501.00 |
1,525,863.00 |
1,763,963.00 |
|
842,003.87 |
219,227.00 |
1876710.73 |
9,235,324.60 |
|
Kildare (Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta) |
427,509.30 |
1,461,349.11 |
675,784.44 |
1,745,528.75 |
1,032,752.95 |
502,629.45 |
500,763.06 |
268,737.18 |
30,166.00 |
6,645,220.24 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Limited |
213,533.54 |
964,992.53 |
994,390.72 |
1,296,206.59 |
2,150,132.62 |
74,895.95 |
849,001.90 |
482,648.52 |
93453.03 |
7,119,255.40 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise Development Company |
636,256.86 |
740,432.32 |
805,818.45 |
893,732.22 |
1,244,991.68 |
671,215.83 |
627,355.45 |
176,184.05 |
268815.29 |
6,064,802.15 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Company |
505,114.58 |
934,145.32 |
1,123,279.98 |
1,188,664.42 |
2,025,024.62 |
1,256,911.31 |
286,696.55 |
376,682.30 |
15554.24 |
7,712,073.32 |
|
Longford Community Resources Limited |
362,705.38 |
594,539.06 |
435,750.85 |
1,366,541.43 |
1,157,260.74 |
248,399.56 |
866,327.05 |
205,526.12 |
13997.59 |
5,251,047.78 |
|
Louth LEADER Partnership |
258,143.00 |
1,065,922.72 |
461,225.14 |
920,664.21 |
1,033,121.97 |
337,176.75 |
277,599.12 |
293,765.80 |
|
4,647,618.71 |
|
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company Teoranta |
16,787.50 |
372,710.96 |
532,135.90 |
989,091.58 |
1,087,048.54 |
462,162.44 |
216,084.09 |
71,379.62 |
83919.56 |
3,831,320.19 |
|
Meath Partnership |
517,648.53 |
1,668,101.67 |
2,918,927.32 |
1,448,711.85 |
875,893.95 |
1,636,056.23 |
1,848,178.39 |
907,613.43 |
169997.87 |
11,991,129.24 |
|
North & East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teoranta |
112,790.68 |
1,111,506.02 |
768,904.95 |
1,167,506.68 |
968,725.27 |
755,149.57 |
551,664.30 |
179,222.71 |
399216.37 |
6,014,686.55 |
|
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership Company |
972,508.66 |
1,514,756.89 |
1,719,387.43 |
1,405,874.09 |
1,984,339.61 |
1,693,583.37 |
508,135.30 |
290,745.26 |
191252.28 |
10,280,582.89 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company |
193,774.96 |
1,069,624.41 |
1,566,949.50 |
1,873,182.65 |
1,821,102.34 |
1,015,519.58 |
489,427.40 |
362,905.13 |
81866.45 |
8,474,352.42 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
663,441.82 |
1,405,820.79 |
1,500,223.21 |
1,366,064.17 |
1,121,663.42 |
837,784.27 |
615,941.14 |
389,298.53 |
184262.58 |
8,084,499.93 |
|
County Sligo LEADER Partnership Company |
171,073.95 |
528,611.86 |
1,040,257.67 |
1,966,380.75 |
1,729,233.33 |
731,056.12 |
411,706.36 |
6,314.87 |
14939.84 |
6,599,574.75 |
|
South East Cork Area Development Limited |
201,891.77 |
930,310.30 |
2,016,753.18 |
1,308,450.51 |
1,461,593.88 |
140,647.17 |
717,818.24 |
259,774.94 |
28268 |
7,065,507.99 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership Limited |
204,102.45 |
1,173,443.21 |
1,215,219.79 |
1,945,318.26 |
1,036,505.97 |
225,620.85 |
284,258.19 |
274,862.14 |
354957.33 |
6,714,288.19 |
|
South Tipperary Local Development Company Limited |
464,193.75 |
1,390,635.34 |
940,712.85 |
1,432,488.16 |
2,187,422.22 |
811,266.34 |
702,395.52 |
567,786.79 |
476517.62 |
8,973,418.59 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company Limited |
366,675.34 |
1,096,537.13 |
1,383,696.04 |
1,789,540.96 |
635,567.41 |
1,056,661.11 |
714,001.80 |
44,744.06 |
117535.5 |
7,204,959.35 |
|
Waterford LEADER Partnership Limited |
49,017.99 |
2,109,016.96 |
2,265,438.18 |
1,400,733.90 |
1,566,865.89 |
622,741.04 |
216,886.90 |
58,000.73 |
20114.25 |
8,308,815.84 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
548,662.35 |
1,250,881.09 |
1,495,355.02 |
1,910,361.40 |
1,616,691.56 |
785,683.59 |
1,056,892.48 |
312,071.86 |
85949.91 |
9,062,549.26 |
|
West Limerick Resources |
61,804.84 |
1,192,510.33 |
471,861.70 |
1,829,718.24 |
1,775,432.33 |
729,030.73 |
289,640.76 |
175,701.78 |
17387.5 |
6,543,088.21 |
|
Westmeath Community Development |
297,954.44 |
604,397.86 |
615,058.24 |
1,792,403.20 |
1,230,326.75 |
299,420.16 |
480,943.84 |
150,869.00 |
53590.05 |
5,524,963.54 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
497,461.96 |
2,055,685.54 |
1,855,302.88 |
1,597,759.07 |
1,290,626.16 |
955,144.31 |
867,952.52 |
164,404.94 |
33900 |
9,318,237.38 |
|
Wicklow Partnership |
182,184.00 |
306,257.00 |
1,381,823.00 |
1,997,074.00 |
1,753,509.00 |
561,325.00 |
168,933.00 |
156,804.00 |
24,580.00 |
6,532,489.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
259,159,823.02 |
880. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding empty houses that are causing major problems in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [37208/13]
View answerMy Department understands that Dublin City Council is currently preparing tender documentation for the demolition of vacant housing in the area in question. It is expected that demolition works will commence before the end of this year.
881. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to lift the legal immunity enjoyed by the EPA, so that it can be made accountable for decisions or EIS statements prepared. [37290/13]
View answer971. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the context of the recommendations of the Review of the Environmental Protection Agency Report by the EPA Review Group in May 2011 on the legislative framework of the EPA, the steps the Government has taken to revise the EPA’s absolute statutory immunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38746/13]
View answer972. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the context the recommendations of the Review of the Environmental Protection Agency Report by the EPA Review Group in May 2011 on the legislative framework of the EPA, the steps the Government has taken to make the EPA subject to the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction in respect to alleged maladministration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38747/13]
View answer973. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in the context of the recommendations of the Review of the Environmental Protection Agency Report by the EPA Review Group in May 2011 on the legislative framework of the EPA, the steps the Government has taken to introduce a generic whistle blower protection law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38748/13]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos. 881 and 971 to 973, inclusive, together.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Review Implementation Plan was published on 31 January 2012 and is available on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie. The plan contains a list of 58 actions arising from the review, some of which are a matter for my Department and others which are the responsibility of the EPA and others.
In the plan, I prioritised a number of actions for implementation in 2012, with others to be considered over a longer period as they will require detailed consultation and possibly primary legislation. Details of the expected timeframes for the implementation of individual recommendations were set out in the implementation plan. Implementation of the majority of recommendations is progressing in a satisfactory manner. However, delays have arisen in some areas, particularly those requiring legal advice and/or legislative change. My Department and the Agency have continued to liaise on implementation and I expect to publish a review of progress made in the near future.
The review recommended, inter alia, that immunity from prosecution, as applicable to the EPA in carrying out its functions, be reconsidered. As set out in the implementation plan, I propose to commence consideration of this issue in the latter half of 2013. It should be noted that primary legislation would be required if, subsequent to this consideration, it is decided to progress it. Furthermore, I also note that the EPA is not the only Agency that currently has statutory immunity. In this context, it will be particularly important to thoroughly examine the potential impact of any change in this provision on the ability of the EPA to discharge its statutory functions effectively.
In respect of the EPA falling within the remit of the Ombudsman Act 2012, the EPA Review Group recommended that it should do so in respect of issues of maladministration only. My Department is liaising with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Office of the Attorney General on this issue.
In regard to whistleblower legislation, my colleague the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, T.D., published, in July 2013, the Protected Disclosure Bill 2013, which will establish a detailed and comprehensive legislative framework protecting whistleblowers in all sectors of the economy.
882. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding housing adaptation grants in respect of persons with disabilities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37304/13]
View answerOn 22 February 2013 I announced capital allocations to local authorities under the suite of Grants for Older People and People with a Disability amounting to €42.750 million. Through active management of my Department’s overall housing budget for 2013, I allocated further funding across all Local Authorities on 19 July bringing the overall funding for these grants to €45.607 million.
In the case of Kerry County Council, the initial allocation for the grant schemes in 2013 amounted to €1,445,971. I approved two subsequent supplementary allocations in April and July, bringing the Council’s overall allocation to €1,697,533.
I am currently reviewing the operation of the grant schemes with the objective of targeting those in most need and ensuring that the maximum numbers of households can benefit from these schemes. My Department will continue to explore all opportunities to stretch the available resources and I intend to announce revised terms and conditions for the grant schemes later this year. Capital allocations to local authorities next year are being considered in the context of the Estimates for 2014 and the competing demands for funding across all the measures within my Department’s housing programme.
883. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to publish legislation to address noise pollution; if he still envisages the introduction of fixed payment notices to tackle noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37310/13]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to take further steps to address noise pollution, inter alia , through the introduction of fixed payment notices (also known as on-the-spot fines) . The development of new noise legislation by my Department is being considered in the context of this c ommitment, however, as indicated in the Government Legis lation Programme published today, it is not possible at this time to indicate when the Bill will be published, having regard to other priorities in the area concerned and the broader range of legislative priorities to be progressed across my Department’s remit.
Currently, a person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority, which may initiate proceedings on grounds of noise nuisance under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992. This Act also provides for any person, or group of persons, to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet, A Guide to the Noise Regulations, outlining the legal avenues available to persons experiencing noise nuisance, is available on my Department’s website www.environ.ie.
884. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legislative basis, either through an Act of the Oireachtas or statutory instrument, that sets the basis for voting hours here for presidential, general, European and local elections, in addition to referendums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37336/13]
View answerElectoral law provides that polling at an election or referendum shall be between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. for a period of not less than twelve hours. The legislative basis is as follows –
- Section 7 of the Presidential Elections Act 1993 as amended by section 52 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001,
- Section 96 of the Electoral Act 1992 as amended by section 23 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001,
- Section 10 of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997 as amended by section 51(b) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001,
- Section 26 of the Local Government Act 2001 and
- Section 13 of the Referendum Act 1994 as amended by section 55(a) of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001.
886. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he and his Department have considered as part of the reform of local government to allow and make provision for an office of the newly directly elected mayor of Dublin in Brussels, in view of the benefits this has given to London as part of the Mayor of London's office in Brussels; if he believes such an office would provide Dublin with a clear voice in the EU, if he will ensure that its interests are taken into account by EU policy-makers when new initiatives are developed, and facilitating access to funding for Dublin to maximise gain from the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37346/13]
View answer889. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a proposed plebiscite on the establishment of an office of a mayor may be put to an individual area, such as the current electoral area of Dublin; if he will detail the local authorities this plebiscite in 2014 will cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37396/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 886 and 889 together.
The Government’s Action Programme for Effective Local Government provides for the potential to convene a special forum of the elected members of the four Dublin authorities to consider the options for local governance in the Dublin metropolitan area including the potential for a directly elected mayor for the area, which would be put for decision through a plebiscite held alongside the 2014 local elections. On 25 April 2013 I invited the Lord Mayor of Dublin to convene such a forum and to report by end-year, to allow Government to make appropriate decisions on the next steps in preparation for the plebiscite.
I understand the forum of the four Dublin local authorities has commenced its consideration of the options for a directly elected mayor, and it would be open to the forum, in considering the role and function of such an office, to include consideration of desirable supports in an EU context. I would envisage the poll at any plebiscite being taken across the four Dublin local authorities with one result being declared for the entire area.
887. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a building that is used as a dwelling but which has no toilet facilities is liable for the household charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37352/13]
View answerThe Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the Household Charge.
The Charge operates on a self-assessment basis. The 2011 Act places the charge under the care and management of the local authorities, and application in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation may be a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately may be a matter for the Courts.
Under the 2011 Act "residential property" is defined as a “building that is situated in the State and that is occupied, or suitable for occupation, as a separate dwelling, whether or not the occupier shares, or would be entitled to share… any accommodation, amenity or facility with any other person.”
There are a number of indicators as to what makes a property suitable for occupation for the purposes of determining liability to the Charge. The indicators include the structure of the property, whether or not it has a roof, whether or not it is so affected by dampness as to render it unsuitable for habitation, and whether or not it has sanitary facilities, including a water closet and water supply. A property that is not suitable for occupation should not be regarded as a residential property within the meaning of the 2011 Act and would not therefore be liable for the Household Charge. The Household Charge has been replaced by the Local Property Tax in 2013. Any potentially liable owner should contact their local authority to determine whether or not the property in question has been liable for the Charge.
888. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made to date in determining the pricing scheme for the water meters currently being installed; if there will be a free allowance; if the allowance will be calculated on a per person or per household basis; and the details available currently to households. [37393/13]
View answer898. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the principle that recipients of social welfare payments should get a basic free allowance of water and that charges should only apply for usage above that allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37622/13]
View answer945. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm the water charge allowances that are planned for persons with illnesses and larger families (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38255/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 888, 898 and 945 together.
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment for the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies.
The Government has also decided to assign responsibility for the economic regulation of the water sector, including the setting of charges, to the Commission for Energy Regulation. The primary role of the Regulator will be to protect the interests of customers and to ensure a consistent and appropriate level of service is provided to them. An appropriate approach to charging customers will be put in place and a public consultation will take place as part of the regulatory process.
Affordability issues will be addressed by my Department, in consultation with the Department of Social Protection, the Regulator, Irish Water and other stakeholders, in the context of developing a water pricing framework. The agreed approach to affordability issues will then be reflected in the charging structure established by the Regulator. No decision has yet been taken on the level of, or the approach to, the free allowance.
890. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on extending of the electoral franchise to non-Irish citizens voting in referenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37461/13]
View answerSubject to age and residency requirements, a registered elector's citizenship determines the polls at which he or she is entitled to vote. All non-Irish citizens may vote in local elections; EU citizens may vote in local and European Parliament elections and British citizens may vote at Dáil, European Parliament and local elections. Irish citizens alone are entitled to vote in Presidential elections and referendums.
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, I have no proposals at present to extend the current arrangements for voting by non-Irish citizens.
891. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the number of tetra recycling facilities available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37462/13]
View answernister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Mr. P. Hogan) In accordance with the provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996 the preparation and adoption of a waste management plan, including in respect of infrastructure provision, is the statutory responsibility of the local authority or authorities concerned. Under section 60(3) of the 1996 Act, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it. Accordingly, questions regarding the number of tetra recycling facilities provided by local authorities should, in the first instance, be directed to the local authorities concerned.
However, my Department operated a number of Waste Recycling Capital Grants Schemes from 2000 to 2012. Under these schemes funding of €97.5m in capital grants has been provided to local authorities for the development of recycling infrastructure. In addition my Department provides annual subventions to local authorities for the operation of civic amenity sites and bring bank facilities. Since 2002 some €86.8m was provided to local authorities in this regard.
Recycling rates in Ireland reached the European average in 2011 and the recovery and recycling rate for used beverage cartons in Ireland is in the region of 48%.
892. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total cost of all media advertising to his Department for each of the past five years; the efforts his Department is making to ensure that local media, both print and radio, are being supported as well as national media by his Department's budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37477/13]
View answerThe details requested are set out in the table below:
|
- |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 (to date) |
|
Total |
2,486,182 |
1,067,295 |
709,175 |
653,74 6 |
183,92 7 |
The table reflects the reconfiguration of my Department announced in March 2011 with the transfer of heritage functions to the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht and the transfer into my Department of a range of Community functions.
My Department carries out public awareness campaigns as the need arises. The use of national and or local media outlets is dependent on the nature of the matter to be communicated. Local media outlets are used where and when it is appropriate to do so.
893. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of all bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department to which ministerial appointments are made; the statutory provision providing for the making of such appointments in each case; the annual allowances or other payments made to the chairperson; the annual allowance or other payment made to an ordinary member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37492/13]
View answer894. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of the boards, bodies or committees under the remit of his Department where there is currently a vacancy to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37507/13]
View answer895. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a list of the bodies, boards or committees under the remit of his Department where there is anticipated to be a vacancy within the next six months to be filled by ministerial appointment; if so, if the anticipated vacancy relates to the chairperson or an ordinary member or members, specifying the number of anticipated vacancies in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37522/13]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos. 893 to 895, inclusive, together.
The position as of 30 June 2013, the latest date for which information is available, is as follows:
|
Vacancies |
||||||
|
Agency / Body |
Governing Legislation for Appointments |
Post |
Number of board members |
Fee |
Current |
Before end of 2013 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
€20,520 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997 |
Member |
7 |
€11,970 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
€11,970 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Housing Finance Agency |
Articles of Association |
Member |
10 |
€7,695 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
€8,978 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Irish Water Safety |
Irish Water Safety (Establishment) Order 2006 |
Member |
12 |
Nil |
0 |
0 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
€11,970 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Housing & Sustainable Communities Agency |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (Establishment) Order 2012 |
Member |
5 |
€7,695 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
Nil |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Local Government Management Agency |
Local Government Management Agency (Establishment) Orders 2012 and 2013 |
Member |
10 |
Nil |
0 |
0 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
* |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Private Residential Tenancies Board / Rent Tribunal |
Residential Tenancies Act 2004 |
Member |
9 |
* |
0 |
2 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
€11,970 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) |
Radiological Protection Act 1991 |
Member |
10 |
€7,695 |
0 |
3 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
8,978 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Western Development Commission |
Western Development Commission Act 1998 |
Member |
10 |
5,985 |
0 |
0 |
|
Chair |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|||
|
Pobal |
Articles of Association |
Members |
15 |
Nil |
0 |
2 |
|
Chairperson |
1 |
PPC Rate: €175,877 - Non PCC Rate: €167,300 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
PPC Rate: €124,716 |
0 |
0 |
||||
|
Deputy Chair |
1 |
Non PCC Rate: €118,581 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
PPC Rate: €109,580 |
0 |
2 |
||||
|
An Bord Pleanála |
Local Government (Planning and Development) Act 1976 |
Member |
8 |
Non PCC Rate: €104,317 |
0 |
0 |
|
PPC Rate: €153,162 |
0 |
0 |
||||
|
Director General |
1 |
Non PPC: €145,679 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Deputy Director General |
1 |
PPC Rate: €130,881 Non-PPC Rate: €125,011 |
0 |
0 |
||
|
Environmental Protection Agency |
Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 |
Directors |
3 |
PPC Rate: €119,381 Non-PPC Rate: €113,511 |
0 |
1 |
* Those PRTB / Rent Tribunal members of the Board who are entitled to Board fees are paid such fees on an attendance basis only. Details regarding the scale of fees and the amounts paid are published in the annual reports of the PRTB.
The rates of remuneration for the Boards of An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection Agency have subsequently been reduced in line with the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2013.
Reference to remuneration for chairs and members of Boards is to the level of fee to which they are entitled. Where public servants are appointed to Boards, no fees are payable. In 2012, my Department contacted State Agencies under its aegis, requesting that Board members be offered the option to waive fees on a discretionary basis.
A notice was placed on my Department’s website on 19 July, 2011, seeking expressions of interest, from suitably qualified and experienced persons, for consideration as members or chairpersons of the boards of State bodies under the aegis of my Department.
Vacancies on the boards of other bodies under the Department’s aegis will be notified on the website as they arise. However, expressions of interest can be made at any time and will be kept on file in my Department for consideration as vacancies occur.
All appointments are made in accordance with the appropriate legislation governing appointments to each body. In considering applications, due regard is also had to Government policy regarding gender balance on State boards.
A number of different statutory processes are involved in appointments to State boards. In some cases statutory selection procedures must be followed or nominations must be sought from independent nominating panels before appointments are made by the Government or by the Minister. In a number of situations, only some appointments to the body concerned are made by the Minister, or appointments are made with the consent of another Minister.
The Boards of An Bord Pleanála and the Environmental Protection Agency are executive in nature, and Board members are full-time, salaried positions.
Appointments are made taking into account the requirement of the position and the qualifications, experience and expertise of the potential candidates.
Pobal is a not-for-profit company with charitable status, which manages programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU.
