Written Answers Nos. 470-488
470. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if her Department has carried out an assessment of the success rates of the maths recovery programme; the improvements in numeracy achieved by the programme. [35904/14]
View answerMaths Recovery is a licensed programme which has been made available to over 300 primary schools through the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST). Emerging evidence from work carried out by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) is positive on the range of interventions including Maths Recovery in place for DEIS schools. An evaluation by the Inspectorate in 2011 also demonstrated that the effectiveness of specialised numeracy programmes is maximised when they are integrated into the overall maths programme in a school. Support for all schools provided by the PDST takes this into account as part of the ongoing continuing professional development programme for "Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life - The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy for Children and Young People 2011 - 2020".
471. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Education and Skills if she will reinstate maths recovery training places for classroom, learning support and resource teachers in DEIS schools. [35905/14]
View answerMaths Recovery is a licensed programme which has been made available to over 300 primary schools through the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST). PDST is currently liaising with the programme providers to ensure continued and adequate support for DEIS schools to access the Maths Recovery programme. In addition, through the support services and the Education Centre network, there are opportunities for all schools to access support in Numeracy as part of the "Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life - The National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy for Children and Young People 2011 - 2020".
472. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding school transportation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35939/14]
View answerI am pleased to advise the Deputy that the individual in question may avail of transport on a concessionary basis. Bus Éireann will be in contact with the family regarding the matter.
473. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Skills the remuneration package for each chief executive officer of State or semi-State organisations under the aegis of her Department; the changes made to such remuneration in the past two years; the remuneration package for each acting CEO if such exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35945/14]
View answerThe salaries for posts of chief executive officer (CEO) are calculated in accordance with specific salary scales. It should be noted that for posts affected by the Haddington Road Agreement, salaries have been cut by 5.5% for those earning between €65,000 and €80,000, 8% for those earning between €80,000 and €150,000, 9% for employees on €150,000 to €185,000, and 10% for those earning over €185,000. The information the Deputy has requested in respect of each CEO is included in the following table.
|
Agency |
Remuneration |
|
An Chomhairle um Oideachais Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) |
The remuneration of the CEO is calculated in accordance with the salary scale of Senior Inspector. |
|
Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (CICA) |
The CEO/Secretary of the Commission is an Assistant Principal Officer, i.e. a civil servant on secondment. |
|
Residential Institutions Statutory Fund Board |
Equivalent to Principal Officer in the Civil Service. |
|
SOLAS |
The Director-General’s salary is for that of a Category 2 agency, i.e. above that of an Assistant Secretary General in the Civil Service. |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
The CEO is paid at the rate that relates to a Category 4 agency i.e. Principal Officer in the Civil Service. |
|
Higher Education Authority (HEA) |
The CEO grade is linked to that of Assistant Secretary in the Civil Service |
|
Léargas - The Exchange Bureau |
Salary scale of €92,730 - €114,366, which is related to the Principal Officer (Higher Scale) in the Civil Service. |
|
National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE) |
Remuneration is equivalent to school principal salary scale, based upon an Adult Education Guidance Coordinator’s salary, qualifications allowances and a principal’s allowance to serve as Director. |
|
National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) |
Equivalent to Deputy Chief Inspector salary scale. |
|
National Council for Special Education (NCSE) |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary General in the Civil Service |
|
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) |
Total remuneration €133,888 of which €45,383 was the non-pensionable difference between the office-holder’s university salary and the CEO’s rate of remuneration. |
|
Residential Institution Redress Board (RIRB) |
The CEO/Secretary is a Principal Officer on secondment. |
|
Residential Institution Review Committee (RIRC) |
The CEO/Registrar is a retired Court Registrar who is paid one day per week, taking into account pension abatement. |
|
Skillnets Limited |
€119,136. This represents a voluntary reduction of 10% |
|
State Examinations Commission (SEC) |
Equivalent to Assistant Secretary General in the Civil Service. |
|
The Teaching Council |
The current Director is on secondment from the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht. That Department continues to pay the salary linked to his substantive grade, which is civil service Director. The Teaching Council reimburses that Department in accordance with the approved level for the post of Director of the Teaching Council (Principal Officer Higher Scale in Civil Service). |
Salary scales can be downloaded from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's website.
474. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government taking into account pumping stations, reservoirs and other resources, the amount of land that Wexford County Council has handed over to the control of Irish Water; and the estimated value of the land, property and other possible incomings such as fishing rights for the reservoirs. [35339/14]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my to Question No. 1541 of 17 September 2014, which sets out the situation in relation to the transfer of assets and liabilities from local authorities to Irish Water. As the process is ongoing at present, the information requested is not available.
475. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the charging for water by Irish Water will impact on building and home improvement costs; and if his Department has examined the possible impact on buildings insurance should water charges increase cost of rebuilding. [35466/14]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
The introduction of water charges is a key element of the Government’s strategy to create a sustainable funding model for water services. The water metering programme will ensure that the system of charges is fair and equitable. The impact on home improvement costs or rebuilding costs were not considerations in this regard. The CER will be considering Irish Water’s charges for connecting to the water services network later in 2014. Pending approval of these charges, there have been no changes to the charges levied for connection to the water services network.
476. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he plans to hold the referendum on extending the right to vote to young people aged 16 and 17 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35550/14]
View answerIn response to the recommendation in the First Report of the Convention on the Constitution the Government committed to holding a referendum before the end of 2015 on a proposal to amend the Constitution to provide for a voting age of 16. The Government Legislation Programme for Autumn 2014 includes provision for the necessary constitution amendment Bill to be published in 2015. The Government will decide on the referendum date in due course.
477. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the paper on vacant land tax sent to him by Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35852/14]
View answerMy Department received a submission from Dublin City Council in October 2013 proposing the introduction of an economic instrument to incentivise the development of vacant sites in urban areas. Following on from this, Action 23 of the Government’s Construction 2020 Strategy – which was published in May 2014 – committed to examining the possibility of enabling local authorities, should they wish to do so, to adopt new measures to incentivise the use and development of vacant and underutilised sites in urban areas. In this regard, I intend to introduce a new Planning Bill shortly to facilitate the implementation of certain planning-related actions in the Construction 2020 strategy. A final decision on the issue of a measure to incentivise the use and development of vacant and underutilised sites in urban areas will be taken in the context of that Bill.
478. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the actions he has taken following his comments that he is examining a freeze on residential rent prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35892/14]
View answerThe private rented sector is an important element of the housing market, with the proportion of households in the sector almost doubling in the period 2006-2011. I am conscious of the difficulties caused by rising rents and the problem of sourcing suitable accommodation, especially in Dublin and other urban centres. The most recent published data from the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) Rent Index shows the extent of rising rents, particularly in Dublin where rents for houses increased by 8.5 % annually, while for apartments the figure was 12.1%.
The fundamental reason behind the rise in rents is a lack of supply. Increasing both public and private housing supply is a critical issue and earlier this year the Government published Construction 2020 - A Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector. It includes a commitment to a social housing strategy which is being finalised and will be considered by Government in the coming weeks.
In addition, the PRTB was asked to conduct a study to explore options to address the difficulties being experienced in segments of the private rented sector due to rising rents and to report back to me with policy recommendations. This report is being finalised and is due to be presented to me in the coming days. It is the first of two studies on the future of the private rented sector and focuses on options to address the recent escalation in rents, mainly in the Dublin region.
While the report is not yet to hand, I understand it explores a range of issues in regard to rent stability ranging from an examination of rent regulation regimes to the tax treatment of the private rented sector and the role of rent supplement. It is a significant report that will require careful consideration, together with colleagues in Government, before deciding on the best options to address the current difficulties in the market. Our overriding objective is to achieve stability and sustainability in the market for the benefit of tenants, landlords and society as a whole.
479. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on planning issues (details supplied) which have been raised with his Department regarding Carlow town and Carlow County Council. [35243/14]
View answerMacCabe Durney Barnes Consultants were appointed in February 2014 to carry out an independent planning review on the performance of planning functions in six selected planning authorities (Carlow, Cork, Galway and Meath County Councils and Cork and Dublin City Councils) in accordance with section 255 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The planning review is being informed by the consideration of planning matters referred to the Minister by a number of stakeholder groups and individuals including the planning issue referred to by the Deputy which was listed among sample case studies.
I expect to receive the final report from the consultants in the coming weeks and I intend to publish it having considered its contents.
480. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a copy of a foreshore licence application will be returned in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35244/14]
View answerAny applicant for a foreshore lease or licence who wishes to obtain details in relation to their application should contact the Foreshore Unit of my Department, the details of which are as follows:
Marine Planning and Foreshore,
Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government,
Newtown Road,
Wexford
Email: foreshore@environ.ie.
481. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of residential units available through the National Asset Management Agency nationally and to each local authority; the number of units that have been taken up by each local authority to date; the total figure involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35245/14]
View answerMy Department works closely with NAMA, the Housing Agency, local authorities and approved housing bodies in relation to the delivery of social housing. Since the process began in December 2011, NAMA has identified some 5,294 residential properties controlled by its debtors and receivers under this initiative as being potentially available for social housing. Local authorities have confirmed that 1,604 of the properties identified are considered unsuitable by reference to sustainable planning and housing policy or are located in areas with no demand. A further 1,179 units originally identified as available were subsequently discovered by NAMA to be unavailable as the units had already been sold or leased by their debtor in accordance with their strategy for repaying their debt, or became unavailable when the loans associated with these properties were sold and NAMA no longer hold an interest. The potential of a further 540 units is being evaluated.
Of the current 1,971 available properties for which a social housing demand has been confirmed by the local authorities, 736 have been delivered for at the end of June 2014. This figure included 531 complete and operational units and 205 units where contracts had been signed and final completion works were under way. A breakdown by Authority is provided in the table below. A further 603 properties are considered as being active transactions whereby terms are agreed or active negotiation is on-going by all parties concerned or where a detailed appraisal (i.e. determining the most likely delivery mechanism) is being carried out.
The process to source NAMA units requires agreement between several parties and operates is subject to a range of legal and financial constraints. Within this context significant progress has been made . The introduction of the National Asset Residential Property Services Limited (NARPSL) special purpose vehicle (SPV) has aided delivery with some 367 units were delivered in 2013 alone, almost a doubling of what had been delivered in the previous full year of operation. Efforts to source as many suitable properties as possible through this process are on-going, including the reviewing of units previously deemed unsuitable . Information in relation to the delivery of NAMA sourced units, including a full breakdown by county, of units delivered on quarterly basis, is available on the Housing Agency’s website: www.housing.ie/NAMA
|
Local Authority |
Identified |
Complete/ Contracted |
|
Carlow Co. Co. |
137 |
55 |
|
Cavan Co. Co. |
49 |
- |
|
Clare Co. Co. |
202 |
7 |
|
Cork City |
419 |
53 |
|
Cork Co. Co. |
471 |
79 |
|
Donegal Co. Co. |
118 |
- |
|
Dublin City |
790 |
171 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Co. Co. |
321 |
77 |
|
Fingal Co. Co. |
207 |
44 |
|
Galway City |
152 |
60 |
|
Galway Co. Co. |
100 |
1 |
|
Kerry Co. Co. |
114 |
15 |
|
Kildare Co. Co. |
243 |
64 |
|
Kilkenny Co. Co. |
167 |
5 |
|
Laois Co. Co. |
98 |
- |
|
Leitrim Co. Co. |
35 |
- |
|
Limerick City & County |
128 |
9 |
|
Longford Co. Co. |
31 |
- |
|
Louth Co. Co. |
27 |
27 |
|
Mayo Co. Co. |
66 |
- |
|
Meath Co. Co. |
215 |
11 |
|
Monaghan Co. Co. |
42 |
- |
|
Offaly Co. Co. |
79 |
- |
|
Roscommon Co. Co. |
91 |
- |
|
Sligo Co. Co. |
46 |
- |
|
South Dublin Co. Co. |
575 |
40 |
|
Tipperary Co. Co. |
47 |
- |
|
Waterford City & County |
72 |
8 |
|
Westmeath Co. Co. |
64 |
8 |
|
Wexford Co. Co. |
152 |
2 |
|
Wicklow Co. Co. |
36 |
- |
|
Overall |
5,294 |
736 |
482. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a proposal to build prefabs on derelict sites in County Dublin for homeless families; if he has considered permanent accommodation for families, perhaps using timber-frame construction which could be provided quickly in areas with homelessness and housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35246/14]
View answer484. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ring-fence funding for emergency accommodation for homelessness; if he will reinstate the night bus for people who are sleeping rough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35275/14]
View answer492. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who are now in emergency accommodation provided by local authorities having lost their private accommodation which had been paid for with rent supplement. [35341/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 482, 484 and 492 together.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities and the purposes for which housing authorities may incur expenditure in addressing homelessness are prescribed in Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988.
While it is clear that a proportion of funding must be used to provide sufficient bed capacity to accommodate those in need of emergency accommodation it is equally important that resources are channelled to deliver more permanent responses to homelessness in a focused and strategic way.
The level of funding available to housing authorities in 2015 for housing programmes including homelessness is currently being considered in the context of the Estimates process. In light of budgetary demands, I am working with my colleagues in Government to ensure that appropriate funding priority continues to be attached to homelessness.
In February 2013, the Government’s Homelessness Policy Statement was published in which the aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. The statement emphasises a housing-led approach, which is focused on accessing permanent housing as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. The availability and supply of secure, affordable and adequate housing is essential in ensuring sustainable tenancies and ending long-term homelessness.
On 20 May 2014, the Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness was published in which the Government's approach to delivery on its objective of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. A copy of this plan is available on my Department's website at,
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/
This plan sets out a range of measures to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households within the next three years and mobilise the necessary supports. Progress in implementing the plan is reported quarterly through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and a copy of the Quarter 2 Progress Report is also available on my Department's website at the link provided above.
Based on data recorded on the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS), a recent survey of lead housing authorities confirmed that 2,509 unique individuals utilised Section 10 funded emergency accommodation nationally during the week of 14 to 20 July 2014. A copy of this report is available on my Department's website at the link provided above.
Bringing vacant local authority properties back into productive use as quickly as possible is one of the critical actions in the implementation plan and steps are being taken across the country to bring 1,800 such units into use before year end.
Other suitable vacant residential properties in State ownership are also being considered to be brought into productive use as quickly as possible. Some large sites in Dublin City have been identified by key State stakeholders including OPW, the Department of Defence, and the HSE and these are being considered by Dublin City Council. I understand that proposals on the use of prefabricated units are also being considered by the City Council; in the event that the Council submits formal proposals in this regard, these will require careful consideration by my Department. The use of construction innovations, such as timber-framed housing, could be also considered for meeting immediate need on sites that become available.
The Homelessness Policy Implementation Team charged with overseeing and monitoring the delivery of actions outlined in the Government's implementation plan has been considering this matter further and options are being considered to alleviate the immediate problems in the Dublin region.
The supply of housing more generally will be addressed in the short to medium term by the actions being progressed in the Construction 2020 Strategy and will be strengthened further through the Social Housing Strategy which I expect will be finalised in the coming weeks.
I understand that the night bus previously operated by Dublin City Council and which picked up rough sleepers and transported them to emergency accommodation was discontinued in 2011. This issue is being considered further by the Homelessness Policy Implementation Team.
483. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the affordable housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35256/14]
View answerAs announced in the Government’s 2011 Housing Policy Statement, all affordable housing schemes have been stood down in the context of a full review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The Part V Review, carried out by the Housing Agency at my Department’s request, has been completed and will be submitted to Government shortly. It is anticipated that any legislative changes required on foot of the review will, subject to Government approval, be incorporated into the General Scheme of a new Planning Bill, which is expected to be published shortly.
The allocation of an affordable home is made on the basis that an individual is in need of housing, is a first time buyer, cannot afford to purchase privately on the open market but can service a mortgage obtained by loan through an approved financial institution or a local authority where private finance has been refused. While the terms and conditions of the various affordable housing schemes and the regulations governing local authority loans do not prohibit an affordable home owner from renting a spare room in his/her home, a local authority may attach conditions to the contract with the purchaser pertaining to subletting of the unit and its use by the purchaser as his/her normal place of residence.
In order to prevent short-term profit taking on the resale of the house to the detriment of the objectives of the schemes, houses sold to first time buyers under the various affordable housing schemes, at a significant discount from market value, contain a clawback provision. However, where a person is selling an affordable home and the clawback amount payable would reduce the proceeds of resale below the initial price actually paid, the legislation provides for the amount of the clawback payable to be reduced to the extent necessary to avoid that result. A breach of contract conditions would be a matter for a local authority to pursue as it considers appropriate given the particular circumstances involved. The administration of the various affordable housing schemes in any particular case is a matter entirely for the relevant local authority.
485. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding water charges in respect of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35277/14]
View answer510. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if payment for water charges can be made in post offices; and if there is an extra charge if someone pays in this manner. [35755/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 510 together.
With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act defines a customer as the occupier of the premises in receipt of water services. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
In July 2014 my predecessor issued a direction under Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 which addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free household allowance. In addition to the above, the Government has agreed to put in place further affordability measures to assist pensioners, persons with disabilities, and carers who receive the Household Benefits Package. The conditions and administrative approach to this additional measure are being developed by the Department of Social Protection.
The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it has submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues, including a number of proposed payment options. The CER is currently reviewing submissions received on the consultation and a determination will be made by the CER later this month. Full details of the CER public consultation are available on www.cer.ie.
486. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the new regulations in relation to motor tax for commercial vehicles; the measures that must be taken to get such a vehicle taxed, such as a crew cab; if a person needs to be an employer of at least three people; if the law is being applied by all local authorities equally across the country or if the level of implementation differs; if this process is audited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35278/14]
View answerMotor tax is based on the construction and use of a vehicle. In order to qualify for the commercial rate of motor tax, a vehicle must be constructed or adapted for use as a goods vehicle and used solely for the conveyance of goods in the course of trade or business.
The carriage of employees is permitted in a commercial vehicle provided they are employed by the registered owner of the vehicle and the carriage takes place only in the course of their employment. The Roads Act 1920 does not specify the number of employees.
There are no new regulations in relation to the taxation of commercial vehicles. Earlier this year, my predecessor issued a direction to motor tax offices that an existing requirement to remove all seats to the rear of the driver’s seat and to remove rear seat belts and weld over the seat belt holes and anchor points would no longer apply to goods vehicles. However, the goods carrying area of a vehicle is still required to have a capacity equal to or higher than the person-carrying capacity.
Licensing authorities have an obligation under Article 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing)(Amendment) Regulations 1992 to be satisfied that a vehicle is correctly taxed and it is thus open to a motor tax office to seek additional documentation supporting a claim for the goods rate of motor tax. Such documentation may include a certificate of commercial insurance or evidence of registration for VAT purposes or, at the discretion of the licensing authority concerned, any other appropriate documentation that would indicate that the applicant is in trade or business. It is up to the individual concerned to provide whatever evidence is required by the licensing authority in order for it to be satisfied that the applicant is entitled to the goods rate of motor tax, which is effectively a concessionary rate.
In addition to the primary and secondary legislation governing the motor tax system, it is open to me as minister, to issue such directions to licensing authorities as are considered necessary for securing uniformity of administration and it is the duty of licensing authorities to comply with any directions so given.
All local authority motor tax offices are subject to an annual audit by the Local Government Audit Service.
487. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money spent by his Department or Donegal County Council on a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35286/14]
View answer488. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of times his Department has approved the sending to tender of a scheme (details supplied) in County Donegal; the dates of each approval; the outcome of each tender; and the reason in each case it did not proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35287/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.
The Gweedore Sewerage Scheme was included in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010-2013 as a scheme to commence construction during the lifetime of the Programme. In order for it to advance to tender stage it was necessary for Donegal County Council to prepare Contract Documents for the scheme and submit them to my Department.
In late 2013, Donegal County Council submitted the Contract Documents for the scheme to my Department for approval. Following an examination of these documents my Department issued approval to Donegal County Council which allowed the Council to advance the contract to tender stage. My Department recouped some €3.06m to the Council in respect of the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme up to the end of 2013.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. Irish Water has published its Proposed Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016 and this is available on the Irish Water website www.water.ie. The further progression of all water services capital projects including the Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is now a matter for Irish Water to consider.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
