Written Answers Nos. 422-37
422. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will include work on land maps to determine what land abutting the canals is owned privately by Waterways Ireland, the Railway Procurement Agency, Iarnród Éireann, Dublin City Council, the Office of Public Works or another body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55465/13]
View answerI am informed that Waterways Ireland already has an ongoing programme to modernise historic canal ownership maps and register navigation property in its ownership.
423. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the sale of a bog (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55516/13]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. The qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme are that:
- the claimant must have a legal interest in one of the 53 raised bog special areas of conservation
– ownership or turbary right;
- the claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- the turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- the claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- no turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
Following an inspection by officials of my Department of the plot of bog in respect of which the applicant has applied for compensation, it appears that no turf has been cut on this site for many years.
The applicant claims to have ceased cutting turf on this plot when he joined the rural environmental protection scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I am advised that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has indicated to my Department that a turf plot must have been inactive for 5 years before an applicant could have included the plot within the land which he/she declared for the rural environmental protection scheme
My Department is considering the position of those who have applied for compensation but do not appear to fulfil the qualifying criteria of the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for a variety of reasons and will be writing to all such applicants in relation to their position in due course.
425. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the process that is applied for selecting the national city of culture; if the same criteria will be applied for the next city of culture application process; when the 2015 city of culture will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1164/14]
View answer427. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the public consultation that took place which resulted in the decision of having a city of culture project; the persons involved in this debate; when the consultation occurred; the way the decision was arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1251/14]
View answer428. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will explain the criteria chosen to pick Limerick as the city of culture which ensured that €6 million of taxpayers' money was spent in Limerick; the other cities considered; the way the decision was reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1285/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 425, 427 and 428 together.
Following my appointment as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I attended and officiated at many arts and culture events in Limerick. I have a strong belief that Limerick has a vibrant and diverse arts scene, and the idea of a city of culture was discussed with individuals and groups.
I received a written presentation from the Limerick Reorganisation Implementation Group, in May 2012, setting out how a City of Culture for 2014 could work and encouraging this designation. The matter was discussed at Government and the National City of Culture initiative was agreed. In recognition of the work undertaken by Limerick, it was awarded the inaugural designation. The City of Culture year will build on other Government investments in Limerick, including the Regeneration Project, as well as capital funding to improve arts and culture infrastructure in the City.
Limerick City is undergoing a process of profound change at present. This year will see a new single local authority come into being and it is an important one for the city and county. The designation of Limerick as the inaugural City of Culture will help shape, brand and promote a new Limerick City and showcase the very best of Limerick arts on the national and international stage.
Although it was originally hoped to have a National City of Culture every two years, it is not now envisaged that the Department would be in a position to make a similar commitment again as soon as 2016. It is the intention that the next City of Culture will held by a city in 2018. It is envisaged that a call for proposals and a selection process will take place to select the next National City of Culture.
Selection criteria for future holders of the title of City of Culture will include:
- the emphasis on the arts and culture in the location and the events planned for the year;
- community involvement in the planning of the events of the designation year will also be of great importance, with a preference for a "bottom-up" approach which seeks to unite cultural and socio-economic stakeholders in a common project. The City of Culture should be seen as a focus to bring communities together to work towards a shared vision;
- a programme to increase participation in the arts by local residents will be an important element;
- the involvement of local schools in the arts and in year of culture will be given particular weighting;
- the capacity to foster creativity;
- the city's ability to maximise its existing infrastructure and facilities to the benefit of the arts; and
- the lasting and positive impact on the location long into the future.
426. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason Limerick city received €6 million for the year of culture while the Battle of Clontarf organisers, Clontarf group, received nothing for the upcoming 1,000th anniversary in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1181/14]
View answerA series of events organised at community, regional and national levels is being rolled out to mark the Millennium Anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf and the death of Brian Ború.
At national level, the National Museum of Ireland will present a seminal exhibition highlighting the Viking heritage of Ireland during the time of Brian Ború, as well as a series of activities, seminars and related events, for which my Department will be making funds available.
I have been encouraged by the collaboration which has been evident among several local authorities, including Dublin City Council and Fingal, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary County Councils, in making provision for events that will form part of the commemoration of Brian Ború and the Battle of Clontarf. A programme outlining the activities throughout the country is currently being finalised for imminent publication.
With respect for the autonomy of the community support and tourism development agencies, I have encouraged Fáilte Ireland to give particular consideration to events related to the Battle of Clontarf when considering applications for festivals and events funding. I welcome the commitment of organisations such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to arrange that their existing resources can be targeted towards events relating to this significant anniversary. Comhaltas has produced an original suite of music to mark this anniversary that is set to be premiered in Clontarf and performed around the country during the commemorations.
Confident that this heritage and the commemorative events will be of interest to visitors, I continue to encourage the co-ordination of organisations in Waterford, Killaloe and Ballina in emphasising their Viking heritage and links to Brian Ború, as well as with Armagh Borough Council, Dublin City Council and groups from Clontarf, to maximise the potential benefit to these areas from increased tourism.
Within the limits of the resources available to me, I will be reviewing what other aspects of the millennium celebrations might be supported which would have a national impact, to complement the support provided by other Departments, agencies and local authorities, as well as the significant voluntary and community commemorative initiatives. I believe that, in aggregate, a significant public funding investment of up to €500, 000 is being made to mark this millennium.
Of course, in addition to the Millennial anniversary of Clontarf, I will also be making arrangements for commemorations in 2014 relating to the centenary of the founding of Cumann na mBan, the Curragh Mutiny, the import of arms by the Volunteer movements and, of course, the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.
With regard to Limerick City of Culture 2014, the Deputy will be aware that the Government agreed with my proposal that Limerick City should be designated, given that it is undergoing a process of profound change at present and 2014 is an important year for the city, as it will be the year in which a new single local authority will be established. The Limerick Reorganisation Implementation Group (LRIG) is preparing for this change and I believe that the designation of Limerick as a City of Culture for 2014 will help to shape, brand and promote a new Limerick city.
I believe that Limerick’s designation as City of Culture for 2014 will deliver a programme of cultural events and engagement in arts and culture by the citizens of Limerick and beyond. In bringing artists, arts organisations, local authorities and civic groups in the city and county together in a calendar of events which will showcase all that the city has to offer, I am confident that the initiative will generate a legacy, both locally and nationally.
429. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide in tabular form year on year the occasions on which he has signed off on the awarding of added years to public sector workers between March 2011 and December 2013; the grade of the persons awarded the added years; and the number of added years awarded in each instance. [1354/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware my Department was established on 2 June 2011. Since that time added years were awarded to six staff of my Department who retired on the grounds of ill health, in line with the relevant Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circulars, as set out in the following table.
|
Year |
Added Years Awarded |
Grade |
|
2011 |
6.66 |
Clerical Officer |
|
2012 |
2.12 1.47 6.66 |
State Industrial State Industrial Staff Officer |
|
2013 |
1.21 5.15 |
State Industrial Higher Executive Officer |
430. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide, in tabular form and year on year, the number of commercial and non-commercial State agency board positions under the aegis of his Department filled between March 2011 and December 2013; the number of these positions that were publicly advertised; and the number of female appointments. [1370/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in relation to the appointments in the State boards funded from my Department's Vote Group is set out in the following table. Appointments to the boards of Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency are made by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC), arising from nominations on a 50:50 basis from each jurisdiction. In the case of Údarás na Gaeltachta, five of the appointees are nominated by local authorities under the terms of the relevant legislation.
Appointments to boards of State bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are made in accordance with the revised public appointment procedures approved by the Government. My Department seeks expressions of interest from the public by advertising on its website. Proposed appointees to the position of Chairperson are required to make themselves available to appear before the relevant Oireachtas Committee.
It may be noted that, as Minister, I am not bound by the list of applicants when making appointments and that I can also approach candidates who, in my view, may have a contribution to make and be willing to serve.
|
State Board |
Total number of places on the board |
Number of board members appointed between March 2011 and December 2013 |
Were these appointments subject to the public advertisement process? |
Number of appointments drawn directly from the public advertisement process |
No of female appointments |
|
National Museum of Ireland |
16 |
0 |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
National Concert Hall |
15 |
15 (inc Chair) |
Yes |
12 |
9 |
|
National Gallery of Ireland |
17 |
1 |
N/A – the appointment was underway prior to the introduction of the public applications process. |
N/A |
0 |
|
National Archives Advisory Council |
12 |
6 |
Yes – the process was adhered to but no applications were received following advertisement. |
0 |
4 |
|
Irish Manuscripts Commission |
20 |
19 (inc Chair) |
No – the commissioners were reappointed pro tem during the public service reform process. |
N/A |
8 |
|
Chester Beatty Library |
3 |
3 |
Yes |
3 |
1 |
|
Crawford Art Gallery |
16 |
8 (inc Chair) |
7 board members were reappointed pro tem during the public service reform process. There was one new appointment in November 2013. |
1 |
2 |
|
Irish Film Board |
7 |
7 (inc Chair) |
Yes |
5 |
3 |
|
Arts Council |
13 |
5 |
Yes |
3 |
1 |
|
Censorship of Publications Board |
5 |
0 |
Yes |
None to date |
N/A |
|
Censorship of Publications Appeals Board |
5 |
0 |
Yes |
None to date |
N/A |
|
Heritage Council |
15-17 – in accordance with the Heritage Act, 1995, which states that the Council shall comprise of a Chairperson and not fewer than 14 or more than 16 ordinary members. |
7 (inc Chair) |
Yes |
4 |
3 |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
12 |
12 (inc Chair) |
Yes |
4 |
2 |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
16 |
16 |
N/A – Appointments are made by the NSMC |
N/A – Appointments are made by the NSMC |
4 |
|
Ulster -Scots Agency |
8 |
8 |
N/A – Appointments are made by the NSMC |
N/A – Appointments are made by the NSMC |
4 |
431. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide, in tabular form and year on year, the number of JobBridge interns taken on in his Department in 2013. [1386/14]
View answerThe number of placements in my Department under the JobBridge scheme in 2013 is shown in the following table, together with the equivalent figure for 2012.
|
Year |
No. of Placements |
|
2012 |
4 |
|
2013 |
5 |
432. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the grant aid that is available for insulation of ceilings and walls in listed buildings; if he will provide a list of companies that work specifically with listed buildings and a list of guidelines on restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1556/14]
View answerI recently announced the introduction of the Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme for the repair and conservation of structures protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2012. A sum of €5 million has been made available to the scheme under the Government’s Capital Stimulus programme.
The scheme will operate throughout 2014 and will be administered by the local authorities. Further information, including the type of works that qualify under the scheme together with application forms, is contained within circular (BHJLS 13/1) available on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie and on the website of each local authority. Works to improve the thermal performance and energy efficiency of buildings include the draught-proofing of windows, doors and other openings and attic/loft insulation to pitched roofs may qualify under the scheme.
However, lining or insulating the interior/exterior of walls is not eligible under the scheme as it can have a significant effect on both the character and the physical well-being of a historic building and, in the context of a protected structure, generally will require planning permission and may not be considered appropriate. I would advise the Deputy to contact the relevant planning section or architectural conservation officer in the local authority with any specific queries regarding the technical operation of the scheme. The closing date for applications to the scheme varies between local authorities but is not later than 14 February.
The statutory Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004), reissued by my Department in 2011, contains chapters on walls (Chapter 8) and on roofs (Chapter 9) which outline the general conservation principles that apply to protected structures and to historic structures in general. In addition, as part of an architectural Advice Series, my Department has published a series of advice books, one of which includes practical advice and guidance on energy efficiency in traditional buildings. Both the Planning Guidelines and the Advice Series are also available on my Department’s website at www.ahg.gov.ie.
The recruitment of contractors or companies to carry out conservation work is a matter in the first instance for the owners of protected structures. My Department has no direct role in the employment of contractors, consultants or crafts people and does not maintain a list of companies as referred to in the question.
433. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to implement the recommendations by the Joint Committee on the Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht report on Shannon flooding published in 2012; if he will outline the detail of the responses to date to the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1596/14]
View answerThe recommendations in the Report cover a number of areas within the responsibility of my Department:
- Waterways Ireland, the North South Implementation body with responsibility for the Shannon Navigation; and
- the National Parks and Wildlife Service, which has general responsibility for the implementation of National and EU law under the Wildlife Acts and the Birds and Habitats Directives for the protection of habitats and species.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead agency for the coordination and implementation of Government policy in relation to the management of flood risk in Ireland. It has the lead role in developing policy on national flood risk management and has the lead role in co-ordinating the actions and activities of Government Departments, the local authorities and other key stakeholders in this area.
I understand that a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study on the River Shannon (Shannon CFRAMS) is currently being carried out on behalf of the OPW. This study, commissioned in 2011, is due for completion in December 2016 with the publication of Flood Risk Management Plans (FRMP). The results of the study are awaited. In the meantime, the Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service and Waterways Ireland fully support the work of the Office of Public Works as the lead state agency in the management of flood risk on the River Shannon.
434. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 340 of 17 December 2013, if he will outline fully for the 353 staff based outside Dublin where each employee is based, the number of staff based at Na Forbacha, County Galway, and the cost of travel, the number of individual claims for staff based there to Dublin or elsewhere in the country in 2012 and 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1680/14]
View answerThe distribution of the 353 staff based outside Dublin as requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.
Administrative and Professional & Technical staff
|
Location |
No of staff |
|
Government Buildings, New Road Killarney |
44 |
|
Na Forbacha, Co na Gaillimhe |
39 |
|
Government Buildings, Newtown Road, Wexford |
36 |
|
Killarney National Park |
12 |
|
NPWS Western Region, Loughrea, Co Galway |
10 |
|
Government Buildings, Headford Road, Galway |
9 |
|
NPWS Southern Region, Nenagh, Co Tipperary |
9 |
|
Government Buildings, Ballina, Co Mayo |
8 |
|
NPWS Northern Region, Ballinafad, Co Sligo |
6 |
|
Wicklow Mountain National Park, Laragh, Co Wicklow |
6 |
|
Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, An Spidéal, Co na Gaillimhe |
6 |
|
NPWS Northern Region, Ballinafad, Co Sligo |
5 |
|
Ballycroy National Park, Co Mayo |
5 |
|
Glenveagh National Park, Letterkenny, Co Donegal |
5 |
|
Station Road, Kildare Town |
5 |
|
Archaeologists (Field Staff) |
4 |
|
Eastgate, Little Island, Cork |
4 |
|
Government Buildings, Nenagh |
4 |
|
St. Francis Street, Ennis |
4 |
|
An tEastát Tionscail, Gweedore, Co Donegal |
3 |
|
Friarsmill Road, Mullingar |
3 |
|
Moyne, Co Longford |
3 |
|
NPWS, Atlumney, Co Meath |
3 |
|
St Patricks Street, Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Flood Street, Galway |
2 |
|
Government Buildings ,Mullingar |
2 |
|
Government Buildings, The Glen, Waterford |
2 |
|
Gweedore, Co Donegal |
2 |
|
National Monument Depot Mallow, Co Cork |
2 |
|
NPWS South East Region, Kilkenny |
2 |
|
NPWS South West Region, Little Island, Cork |
2 |
|
Dromohair, Co Leitrim, |
2 |
|
Ballinasloe, Co Galway |
1 |
|
Clifden, Co. Galway |
1 |
|
Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co Galway |
1 |
|
Coole Park National Reserve, Gort, Co Galway |
1 |
|
Glengariff Nature Reserve, Glengariff, Co Cork |
1 |
|
Kilmurray South, Cork |
1 |
|
NPWS,North Eastern Region, Kildare Town |
1 |
|
NPWS North & Midlands Region, Ballinafad, Co Sligo |
1 |
|
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Ardcavan Lane, Wexford |
1 |
|
Total |
260 |
State Industrial Staff
|
Location |
No of staff |
|
Glenveagh National Park, Letterkenny, Co Donegal |
28 |
|
Killarney National Park, Killarney, Co Kerry |
25 |
|
Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, Co Galway |
16 |
|
Wicklow Mountains National Park, Laragh, Co Wicklow |
11 |
|
Coole Nature Reserve, Gort, Co Galway |
3 |
|
Dromore Wood Nature Reserve, Ruan, Ennis, Co Clare |
2 |
|
Glengarriff Nature reserve, Cork |
2 |
|
NPWS Northern Region, Ballinafad, Co Sligo |
2 |
|
Ballycroy National Park, Co Mayo |
1 |
|
Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim |
1 |
|
Flood Street, Galway |
1 |
|
Little Island, Cork |
1 |
|
Total |
93 |
The requested details in relation to travel by the 39 staff based in at Na Forbacha, County Galway are set out as follows.
|
Year |
Number of Claims |
Value € |
|
2012 |
202 |
€63,052.11 |
|
2013 |
153 |
€51,470.41 |
435. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht having regard to the prospective reopening of the Royal Canal towpath at Portland Place in summer 2014 further to the refurbishment of the collapsed wall at Portland Place and having regard also to the Spencer Dock greenway project and the relining works to be carried out at the sixth level, if he will direct Waterways Ireland to commission a strategic environment assessment for a new canal-side walkway along the south side of the sixth level of the Royal Canal at Phibsborough from Shandon Gardens to the railway bridge at the seventh lock with a new pedestrian crossing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1686/14]
View answerI am informed by Waterways Ireland that it does not own the lands on the southside of the Royal Canal between Shandon Gardens and the 7th lock, at Liffey Junction and therefore will not be commissioning a Strategic Environment Assessment for a new canalside walkway.
436. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to permit fishing in an area (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1466/14]
View answerI am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the state Agency responsible for the Inland Fisheries Resource, that the River Fergus is currently closed to salmon angling as the most recent available salmon stock information derived from rod catch returns indicates that the river is not meeting its conservation limit.
I am also advised that the conservation limit for the River Fergus is only reaching 9% of its conservation limit. I am assured that the river remains a high priority for Inland Fisheries Ireland and significant efforts have been made since 2007, when for conservation reasons it was closed for salmon angling, to determine the annual salmon stock status.
While permission under the Planning Acts was not granted to IFI to install a crump weir and fish counter on the Fergus in 2011, in September 2013 IFI was able to install a Logie counter into the new fish pass incorporated to the OPW flood relief scheme. This counter will provide information on the returns of salmon to the Fergus. In future years, these returns will offer the scientists a primary index on the status of salmon in the Fergus.
Catchment wide electro-fishing is another method used to assess salmon rivers where no rod catch or counter data is available. The method is only used for rivers where there is no other index of stock. The River Fergus has been surveyed 4 times since 2007; in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2013. Due to high water level conditions in 2011 and 2012 catchment wide electro-fishing was not possible. The following table indicates the number of sites surveyed and results returned. The sole index for salmon abundance on the Fergus indicates it is substantially below the Catchment-wide electro-fishing threshold value of 17 salmon fry (average 7.4 salmon fry over all surveys to date) and would not qualify for the Catch & Release management option.
|
FERGUS |
2007 |
2009 |
2010 |
2013 |
|
No of sites sampled |
19 |
35 |
39 |
75 |
|
Catchment-wide average |
13 |
4 |
6 |
5.9 |
437. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Ireland was not one of the group of progressively-minded EU countries which succeeded in blocking the motion for 7% cap on biofuels, particularly in view of Ireland's strong commitment to hunger eradication; and if he will commit to supporting the 5% cap when the debate is resumed. [55191/13]
View answerThe Government shares the concerns expressed that biofuel production and its use, unless properly regulated, may not deliver the required greenhouse gas savings and could impact negatively on food production and on food prices. Throughout discussions on the European Commission's proposal to address the risk of indirect land-use change (ILUC), which have been ongoing for almost a year at this stage, Ireland has argued for measures that will mitigate the ILUC risks of certain categories of biofuels.
In this regard, Ireland's preference is to see as low a cap on biofuels with a risk of ILUC effects as is realistically achievable in order to mitigate the potential conflict between biofuel use in the EU and land use in the developing world. In the interests of facilitating negotiations with the European Parliament with a view to reaching an agreement as quickly as possible, at the December meeting of the Energy Council Ireland supported the Lithuanian Presidency’s proposal, which included a 7% cap on biofuels with a risk of ILUC. However, agreement could not be reached at the Council and seven Member States voted against the proposal, including a number of Member States who had argued for a higher cap or no cap at all.
It should be noted that in the absence of an agreement, there will continue to be no restriction on Member States using first generation biofuels with a risk of ILUC in meeting their renewable energy targets. It is for this reason that Ireland will continue to support efforts to secure as low a cap as is achievable.
