Written Answers Nos. 230-235
230. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a breakdown of the amount paid from the hen harrier compensation scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7326/15]
View answer232. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a breakdown of the amount each county and each designated special protection area received of the €24 million that was paid from the scheme to over 750 applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7328/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 232 together.
The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme commenced in 2006. This was not a compensation scheme, but rather a proactive incentivisation scheme to trial approaches to farming for conservation in some of Ireland's most important biodiversity areas, where there were no specifically targeted measures in national agri-environment schemes. Eleven types of NPWS Farm Plan Scheme were implemented.
A total of 728 NPWS Farm Plans were approved, typically of a 5-year duration. Of these, 376 were for Hen Harrier, which applied in the Special Protection Areas outlined in Table 1 below.
The general scheme was closed to new applicants in April 2010 and my Department is honouring contracted commitments to the end of the 5-year period. As of this date, 120 NPWS plans remain active, of which 76 relate to the protection of the Hen Harrier.
Of the total expenditure of €24.7m incurred on the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, over €14m has been spent from 2008 to date for the protection of the Hen Harrier. The information sought in terms of financial breakdown per designated site and county is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work, which would be difficult to justify.
Table 1: NPWS Hen Harrier Farm Plans
|
Designation Code |
Designation Name |
County |
Number of Plans |
|
004160 |
Slieve Bloom Mountains |
Laois, Offaly |
10 |
|
004161 |
Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle |
Cork, Kerry, Limerick |
193 |
|
004162 |
Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains |
Cork |
11 |
|
004165 |
Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains |
Limerick, Tipperary |
36 |
|
004167 |
Slieve Beagh |
Monaghan |
10 |
|
004168 |
Sieve Aughty Mountains |
Galway, Clare |
116 |
231. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of farmers or landowners that have applied to get the designation removed, after the deadline close in early February 2008; the number that have been successful; the amount of ground removed; when and the location where the ground was removed; the reason provided for removing the ground; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7327/15]
View answerFrom the information provided in the Deputy's Question, I assume that the reference is to the intention to designate six special protection areas selected for the protection of Hen Harriers, in particular, which were advertised in November 2007.
I am advised that a total of 17 applications to appeal the designations were received after the closing date for receiving such applications. As these applications were received outside the statutory timeframe, they were deemed to be unsuccessful.
233. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7329/15]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate the constraints that apply in replying to a "details supplied" Question of this nature.
The scheme to which the Deputy appears to be referring commenced in 2006 and was closed to new applicants in April 2010. The scheme was entirely funded by the Exchequer and at its peak had an annual allocation of circa €5 million per annum. Plans approved under the scheme were typically of a 5-year duration. My Department is honouring contracted commitments to the end of that period and I am advised that all valid claims have been processed in a timely manner.
234. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is implementing a plain English policy, as outlined by the National Adult Literacy Agency, in her Department's communications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7277/15]
View answerDelivering a high standard of service to our customers is a key priority for my Department. In that regard, the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) 'plain speaking' guidelines have been published internally for reference and guidance.
In addition, my Department also plans to produce guidelines for its staff in relation to adhering to the NALA principles. These guidelines will promote a uniform approach to the communication of information, avoiding any unnecessary literacy-related barriers.
In the meantime, I am strongly encouraging my officials to use plain English.
235. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress on the job appointments to Killarney House and Gardens to complement the €1 million investment; when the opening date of the facility will be; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7380/15]
View answerStaffing requirements for Killarney House remain the subject of consideration in light of my Department's overall business needs and the approved pay framework for 2015. The final phase of restoration, refurbishment and new works at Killarney House is currently ongoing and, accordingly, the nature and extent of posts required, including their budgetary implications, have yet to be finally determined. I can confirm, however, that funding has been made available to appoint a horticultural assistant to assist with landscape works to the grounds and ornamental gardens of Killarney House. The precise timing and duration of this appointment has not yet been finalised.
With regard to the opening date for the facility, I expect that the various elements of works will be completed at different stages during the year and it is intended that these amenities will be open to the public as soon as possible afterwards. Landscaping work to the grounds and ornamental gardens is progressing and a contract for the interpretation phase had been awarded.
