Wednesday, 11 Mar 2015

Written Answers Nos 151-178

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Questions (151, 152)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

151. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in view of his Department currently forecasting a potential deficit of 2% in Ireland meeting its 2020 renewable energy commitments, if he will provide the current forecast for the amount needed to cover the potential purchase of energy and carbon credits to cover the forecast deficit; the number of years the deficit is expected to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10713/15]

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

152. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the absence of the REFIT 3 Biomass CHP industry developing, as has been forecast by his Department, if he will provide a forecast on the percentage of the 2020 targets that will be missed by this and the costs associated with purchasing energy and carbon credits to cover that potential shortfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10714/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020, to be achieved through 40% renewables in electricity, 12% in heat and 10% in transport. In 2013, 7.8% of Ireland’s overall energy requirement was met by renewable energy.

Policies and schemes are in place to incentivise the use of renewable energy. The REFIT schemes underpin the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies. The total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid is 2500 MW of which around 2,200 MW is wind. It is estimated that between 3,500 and 4,500 MW of renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target.

Part L of the Building Regulations and the combined heat and power (CHP) supported under REFIT 3 are expected to increase the uptake of renewable heat. Additionally, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme and grant support for the purchase of electric vehicles underpin the deployment of renewable energy in the transport sector.

Analysis by SEAI suggests that in the absence of additional measures a shortfall in the region of 2 to 4 percentage points could emerge in the heat sector. This would represent between 1 and 2 percentage points in terms of the overall renewable energy target. Any shortfall would need to be addressed by purchasing "renewable energy credits" from another EU Member State. While the cost of such credits has yet to be established, the SEAI has estimated that it could be in the range of €100 million to €150 million per percentage point shortfall. There could also be penalties associated with any shortfall.

Any shortfall in terms of targets for Green House Gas emissions would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.

Analysis underpinning the Draft Bioenergy Plan, published in October last year, indicates that an additional bioenergy focussed measure in the heat sector would represent the most cost effective means of meeting a number of different policy goals including reducing the potential shortfall in our renewable heat levels. The draft Plan recommends the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive to incentivise larger heat users in the industrial and commercial sector to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources. The first consultation on the development of this scheme will be published by my Department shortly.

Nuclear Plants

Questions (153)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

153. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the use of nuclear energy here; the amount of imported electricity currently generated by nuclear power; and the amount which will be generated and imported by Ireland by 2025. [10739/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The 2014 Green Paper on Energy Policy covers a broad range of energy issues, including an exploration of all possible fuel options, for securing a balanced, sustainable and secure energy mix. It is in this context that the current discussions on Ireland's future energy policy and fuel mix are taking place.

The use of nuclear fission for the generation of nuclear power is statutorily prohibited by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006 which prohibits the authorisation of development consisting of an installation for the generation of electricity by nuclear fission. The Electricity Regulation Act 1999 also makes similar provision in respect of regulatory authorisations. It is important to note that there are no plans to change the existing legislation in order to allow nuclear power in Ireland.

The statutory prohibitions on nuclear do not prevent the importation of electricity generated by nuclear energy from other countries. It is the case that nuclear generation forms part of the overall UK generation fuel mix. The Lisbon Treaty legally provides for individual Member States to determine their own energy mix. Ireland takes the view that nuclear power plants, wherever located, must comply fully with all relevant conventions and legal provisions in regard to health, safety standards, environmental impact and economic justification. Ireland imports electricity from Britain via the East West Interconnector (EWIC). Ireland can also import electricity from Northern Ireland, which is in turn linked to the UK electricity market via the Moyle Interconnector.

It is not technically feasible to distinguish the flow of electricity across interconnectors by reference to the original source of supply or generation.

Road Signage

Questions (154)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

154. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the renaming of the N2 and N3 national primary routes at their point of intersection at Doyle’s Corner, Phibsborough, Dublin 7; in addition, the renaming of the N2 as the R135 and the N3 as the R147 where they intersect, the other traffic calming or steps that were instituted in February 2012, the day of the renaming, or since to mitigate the effect of the convergence of N2 and N3 traffic at Doyle’s Corner, a Victorian crossroads in a residential area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10623/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Section 10 of the Roads Act 1993 as amended by the Roads Act 2007 provides for the Classification of National, Regional and Local Roads.

As part of the 2011 Roads Classification review, a part of the Old National Route 2 (between its junction with R132 at Dorset Street Upper in the city of Dublin and its junction with M50 at Balseskin in the county of Fingal) was re-classified as the R135 while a part of the Old National Route 3 (between its junction with R135 at Phibsborough Road in the city of Dublin and its junction with R102 at River Road in the county of Fingal) was re-classified as the R147). This was to reflect their changed role in the overall road network. The associated Statutory Instruments are SI No. 53 (Classification of National Roads), SI No. 54 (Classification of Regional Roads) of 2012 were signed on 23 February 2012.

The improvement and maintenance of Regional and Local Roads are the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. In that regard, matters relating to traffic-calming etc. in the Phibsborough area would be matters for Dublin City Council.

Legislative Programme

Questions (155)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

155. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide data on all legislation enacted by his Department since March 2011 and the total number of amendments tabled by him. [10644/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Details of all Acts enacted since March 2011, and amendments tabled, are published and can be accessed on the website of the Oireachtas (oireachtas.ie).

National Car Test

Questions (156)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

156. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the recent investigation by The Irish Times into pass and fail rates in National Car Test centres, that found variations of almost 30% in these rates across the 47 test centres nationally; if he has sought explanations from the Road Safety Authority for these wide variations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10655/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The RSA has overall responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of vehicle testing arrangements.  

I understand from the RSA that pass rates vary, to some degree, across the network, particularly depending on the average age of vehicles tested, their mileage, maintenance and condition of local roads. The level of preparation of vehicles is also a major factor in determining the likelihood of passing the test.

The RSA has always recognised the need for consistently high vehicle testing standards no matter which test centre, or which Vehicle Inspector, conducts the test. All Vehicle Inspectors are fully qualified and experienced mechanics. Also, the NCT testing system is computer-controlled and highly automated and provides maximum test security, accuracy and consistency.  Uniform standards are set for what is tested, how the test is carried out and the reasons for failure. The NCT system stands up well to international benchmarking in this regard.

In addition, the testing system and Vehicle Inspectors are subject to a very stringent audit system which is carried out independently by the Automobile Association on behalf of the RSA.  All test centres receive frequent unannounced visits, during which independent re-inspections of vehicles are carried out and Vehicle Inspectors are observed undertaking tests.  These show that over 98% of tests are correctly assessed.

Driver Test Centres

Questions (157)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

157. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will designate Drogheda, County Louth as a driver test centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10660/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority, and I have no role in selecting locations for driver testing centres.  I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Road Projects Expenditure

Questions (158)

Brendan Smith

Question:

158. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide consideration to a motion adopted by the Carrickmacross-Castleblayney municipal district, County Monaghan, in respect of funding for road improvement works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10679/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on such roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.  

In early February, I announced the 2015 regional and local road grant allocations and Monaghan County Council was allocated €7.1m in regional and local road funding this year. No further funding is available.  While Councils could apply in the past for grant funding for certain road improvement projects, budgetary constraints mean that the Specific Improvement Grants Scheme has been curtailed in order to maximise the funding available for repair and strengthening work of the road network.

While funding for 2015 has now been allocated it is important to reiterate that the role of Exchequer grants for regional and local roads is to supplement Councils like Monaghan County Council in their own resources spending in this area.

Road Network

Questions (159)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

159. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide in tabular form figures for the net capital stock for national and non-national roads for 2013 and 2014 on a county by county basis. [10684/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In addition, the asset value of the national road stock is a matter for the NRA. Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.  

Regarding regional and local roads, the improvement and maintenance of such roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.  The asset value of regional and local roads is a matter for the local authority concerned and I have no function in the matter.

Road Safety

Questions (160)

Tom Fleming

Question:

160. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will request the National Roads Authority and the Road Safety Authority to carry out a comprehensive examination of the adequacy of the Farranfore to Killarney N22 road to cope with the huge volume of traffic with regard to safety aspects; if he will examine correspondence (details supplied) in conjunction with the two authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10701/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and  funding in relation to the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads (such as the N22), is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Driver Licence Renewals

Questions (161)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

161. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding driver licence renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10705/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The operation of the National Driver Licensing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.  I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Bus Éireann Services

Questions (162)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

162. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a bus service (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10711/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

SportNation Programme

Questions (163)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

163. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of the allocations which have been made under the SportNation programme for capital expenditure; the timeframe for the drawdown on these funds; if he anticipates that some local authorities may not avail of their allocation; if he will reallocate such unused funds to support projects that are ready projects in other local authority areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10716/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Details of all allocations made under the SportNation Programme, in association with IPB Insurance, are available on the Department's website www.dttas.ie.

The deadline for drawdown is 30 June 2015 and Local Authorities have been informed that this deadline is absolute.  It is possible that some Local Authorities may not be able to draw down their grants by this deadline and after the deadline I will examine, in association with IPB Insurance, any opportunities to reallocate this funding to projects that can go ahead. 

Departmental Reports

Questions (164)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

164. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide the most up-to-date road condition data from his Department and the National Roads Authority assessing the existing pavement condition of regional roads and the length and area of regional roads requiring remedial works both nationally and at county level. [10752/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The most up to date road condition data as requested by Deputy Dooley is available in a pavement condition study of the Regional Road network carried out by Pavement Management Services Ltd. for my Department in 2011/2012.

I have arranged for a copy of the Report to be forwarded to the Deputy and to be available on my Department’s website www.dttas.ie.

Legislative Programme

Questions (165)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

165. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide data on all legislation enacted by her Department since March 2011 and the total number of amendments tabled by her. [10632/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department does not collate information in relation to the number of legislative amendments tabled to Bills which are before the Oireachtas. The Legislative Observatory section of the website of the Houses of the Oireachtas at www.oireachtas.ie and the Irish Statute Book website at www.irishstatutebook.ie detail all legislation enacted by the Oireachtas, including the particular enactments introduced by my Department.

Departmental Staff Recruitment

Questions (166)

Tom Fleming

Question:

166. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will appoint the necessary additional staff to Killarney National Park, County Kerry, and assign the urgently required complement of staff to the refurbished Killarney House, in view of the fact that the tourist season is imminent and the €17 million investment in this facility needs to be complemented by appropriate staff for it to realise its huge potential and value as a visitor centre in the heart of our prime tourist town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10682/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Staffing 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 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.

Easter Rising Commemorations

Questions (167)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the regions will participate in the 1916 commemorations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10718/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

One of the core objectives of the Ireland 2016 initiative is to encourage and facilitate participation by, and the inclusion of, the citizens of Ireland to the greatest extent possible in the programme of events to commemorate this significant centenary.

In order to facilitate engagement with local communities and people of all ages nationwide, I have met with the County and Cities Management Association and have requested each local authority Chief Executive Officer to lead on the development of local-level plans for Ireland 2016 in their individual counties during 2015. Dedicated Ireland 2016 co-ordinators and steering groups have been put in place in each local authority to help to shape and drive the relevant county programmes. I recently met with Cathaoirligh and Mayors from all counties and cities, as well as the Ireland 2016 co-ordinators, to kick start this process. A series of public meetings will now be undertaken in each county, at which members of the public can come together to hear about Ireland 2016, meet those involved in their community, and to explore and learn about how they can get involved. I have allocated funding of €1 million to local authorities in 2015 to support this overall process.

The purpose of this funding allocation is to

- support engagement and facilitation within local communities to generate awareness of the Ireland 2016 initiative and the commemoration of the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising; and

- support each local authority in developing and delivering a plan for a suitable programme of events and initiatives to take place at a county level in line with the national plans for Ireland 2016.

Local authorities will be notified of individual allocations in the coming weeks.

Film Industry Promotion

Questions (168)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department continue to engage with international film makers with a view to maximising the potential use of this country as a film location with obvious beneficial economic impact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10719/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Government considers the film industry, and indeed the audiovisual industry in general, to be a very important and valuable industry and continues to work to support growth in the industry in a number of ways.

In particular, Section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 - the Film Tax Relief Scheme - has undergone a number of improvements, which took effect at the start of this year. The changes have been welcomed by the industry and were developed following consultations between my Department, the Irish Film Board and the Department of Finance. The intention is to ensure that Ireland remains competitive in attracting film projects.

The scheme has been extended to the end of 2020. One of the changes, for example, is to include talent from outside the EU in the definition of "eligible individual". I am confident that this will increase the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination for film investment and allow the audiovisual production sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones.

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions, is the responsibility of the Irish Film Board. This includes assistance with locations for the making of films. The Film Board has a good track record of using Irish scenery as a major asset in attracting film makers to Ireland.

My Department is also working with the Film Board and other State agencies to see how studio capacity can be increased in Ireland to assist in future growth.

Detailed information on the supports available from the Film Board, including in relation to film locations, can be found on its website www.irishfilmboard.ie.

Inland Waterways Development

Questions (169)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which discussions are taking place with persons and representatives of canal dwellers and recreational users of the canals with a view to reducing the costs highlighted in a previous draft report; if she expects to be in a position to meet the concerns of those involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10720/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question No. 654 on 10 February 2015. I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding certain aspects of the proposed bye-laws that Waterways Ireland intends to make in order to enhance the management of the canals for all canal users.

Waterways Ireland undertook a public consultation process in relation to the proposed bye-laws in 2014. I am advised that the main stakeholders, including the Inland Waterway Association of Ireland, the Heritage Boat Association, the Royal Canal Amenity Group and the Irish Boat Rental Association, were contacted individually and invited to meet with Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their views. The current permit holders, including traditional canal users and canal dwellers on the Royal and Grand Canals and the Barrow Navigation, received individual written notices and were also given the opportunity to make their views known.

I understand that over 2,000 submissions were made in the course of the public consultation process. A summary of the consultation process and of the submissions received is available on the Waterways Ireland website at http://www.waterwaysireland.org/public-consultation.

The current position is that there is ongoing engagement between Waterways Ireland and my Department with a view to finalising the draft bye-laws which will be referred to me with recommendations for consideration and final decision. It is my intention to afford interested Deputies and Senators an opportunity to discuss the proposals with me prior to making a final decision on the draft bye-laws.

Cultural Policy

Questions (170, 171)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which efforts continue to be made to interact with the Irish diaspora through the medium of culture; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10721/15]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which Irish history and culture continues to be promoted overseas through the Irish diaspora; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10722/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 and 171 together.

The Culture Ireland Division of my Department promotes Irish arts worldwide, creating and supporting opportunities for Irish artists and companies to present and promote their work at strategic international festivals and venues. Culture Ireland recognises the significance of culture and the importance of cultural identity for our many emigrants. Culture Ireland, in promoting Irish artists abroad, places a special focus on key territories and areas where there is a strong Irish diaspora and interest in Irish culture. Events supported by Culture Ireland offer an important opportunity to engage with members of the diaspora and assist them in maintaining their cultural ties to Ireland.

Many of the presenters who seek Culture Ireland support to promote Irish arts events worldwide are members of the diaspora, who have created annual arts events in key territories worldwide, including Irish film and music festivals. Indeed, the work of the diaspora has served to generate new audiences and new interest in Irish arts, extending beyond those with Irish connections.

Culture Ireland also supports an annual programme of events in Irish centres abroad, including partner organisations such as the Irish Arts Centre, NY, Centre Culturel Irlandais, Paris, and the London Irish Centre. All these centres have a strong Irish diaspora membership, which can engage in an ongoing programme of contemporary arts from Ireland through Culture Ireland's input.

The St Patrick’s Day period is recognised as the main focus period to connect with the diaspora through cultural events. Culture Ireland supports a significant Irish cultural programme each year globally, with highlights in areas where there is a significant diaspora such as London, New York, Sydney and Shanghai. Locally, the diaspora work with Culture Ireland to maximise the impact of the events around this period to celebrate and highlight our artistic strengths and build on Ireland's global reputation as a country of creativity.

This year, the international culture programme for the St Patrick’s Day period will see funding in excess of €200,000 supporting more than 50 events taking place in 22 countries. The St Patrick’s Day period offers a unique platform to highlight the strength of Ireland’s creative sector, and foster tourism and inward investment. It presents Ireland with an unrivalled opportunity to showcase our culture and our talented artists globally. It is a key opportunity to put the spotlight on the best of our culture, and to allow new audiences and the diaspora to see, hear and experience Irish artists first-hand.

EU Directives

Questions (172)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the degree to which various aspects of the habitats directive will be re-examined with a view to ensuring that it is not unfairly and unnecessarily impacting on landowners who depend on agriculture for their living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10723/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I am advised that it is not within the competence of Member States to re-examine legislation enacted by the EU. However, the European Commission has recently commenced a “Fitness Check” of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives. It is my understanding that the Commission will launch a 12-week public internet consultation in April to assist in its examination of the Directives.

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme Data

Questions (173)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which full and final agreements have been reached with the various parties involved in County Kildare affected by restrictions on turf cutting in special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10724/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

160 applications under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation have been received and acknowledged by my Department in respect of Mouds Bog and 60 applications in respect of Ballynafagh Bog in County Kildare. A total of 245 annual payments, 146 turf deliveries and 20 once-off incentive payments have been made in respect of the applications received from Mouds Bog and 86 annual payments, 18 turf deliveries and 9 once-off incentive payments have been made in respect of the applications received from Ballynafagh Bog. 66 applicants from Mouds Bog and 25 applicants from Ballynafagh Bog have expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog. Progress has been made with a view to the relocation of 12 qualifying turf cutters from Ballynafagh Bog to Timahoe North, County Kildare, which is in the ownership of Bord na Móna. Turf cutters have not yet agreed with my Department to relocate to this site.

Lattins Bog, also known as Mouds North Bog, in County Kildare, has been assessed as a suitable relocation site for turf cutters from Mouds Bog. My Department had sought expressions of interest from qualifying applicants under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme with a view to relocation to this site. However, the level of interest received in relocation to this site has been muted to date.

I am advised that, in agreement with local turf cutter representatives, a contractor, engaged by my Department, is in the process of examining whether turf cutting could take place on Mouds Bog where it can be shown that such cutting would not have an adverse effect on the site, in accordance with article 6.3 of the EU Habitats Directive.

Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme

Questions (174)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has received submissions from those affected by restrictions under the habitats directive affecting traditional turf cutters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10725/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Ireland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. These Directives aim to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within special areas of conservation and special protection areas. The Directives has been transposed into national law under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and the Wildlife Acts.

In advance of the designation of a site, my Department writes to all identified land owners with a legal interest in the site, outlining the intention to designate the site, the appeals process and how to get further information. Public notices in relation to the proposed designation are also placed in local media.

Landowners may object to the proposed designation of a site as a special area of conservation or special protection area. Following the completion of a Departmental review of an objection to the proposed designation, landowners may opt to take their cases to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board, an independently chaired Board which makes recommendations to me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on such cases. The appeals process includes an oral hearing.

Since this Government has come into office, huge efforts have been made to solve the issue of the protection of Ireland's raised bog special areas of conservation within the framework of the EU Habitats Directive. This has included intense engagement with turf cutting interests, farmers, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission.

3,064 applications have been received under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation. Of these, 781 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. In addition, around 1,500 submissions would have been received from stakeholders, including turf cutters, during the public consultation process on the draft National Peatlands Strategy and the draft National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan.

Final resolution of all issues in relation to the protection of Ireland's raised bog special areas of conservation will only be brought about by everyone working together, within the law, with my Department and with the Peatlands Council, which was established with the purpose of ensuring the input from all stakeholders.

Easter Rising Commemorations

Questions (175)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she, through her office, will promote and encourage traditional and folk music in the context of 1916; if local and national radio and television will be included in such promotion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10726/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The objective of the Ireland 2016 initiative, which I am leading and which was formally launched on 12 November 2014, is to develop, coordinate and deliver a programme to honour and remember those who fought or died in the Rising. It will also reflect on the legacy of that period and look towards our future, based around the themes set out in the Government's framework plan: I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary in 2016 will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.

A 2016 Project Office in my Department is currently engaged in an extensive consultation process across the Government, State agency and community sectors to progress the development of detailed plans for 2016. This includes engagement with the National Cultural Institutions, the Arts Council, Culture Ireland and the Heritage Council to ensure that a comprehensive and diverse cultural programme is developed. Groups and individuals are also being encouraged to work within existing local authority structures to develop local events and initiatives for commemorating 1916 and the 2016 Project Team is working closely with these structures to facilitate this engagement. Members of the team also recently met with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, which has committed to supporting the Ireland 2016 project at various levels throughout the organisation, both at home and abroad. I am advised that a comprehensive and wide-ranging programme of commemorative activities is being developed, including the commissioning of a commemorative suite of music, the inclusion of 1916 commemorative aspects in Fleadhanna Ceoil in 2016, as well as in the Comhaltas Concert Tour and the Scoil Éigse 2016. My Department's 2016 Project Team will be working with Comhaltas to support these initiatives.

A communications strategy is currently being developed by my Department in order to promote and encourage the roll-out of the Ireland 2016 programme. A communications manager has been appointed on fixed-term contract to lead and drive the strategy. These efforts will include proactive engagement with all media forms, including local and national radio, television and social media.

Heritage Sites

Questions (176, 177, 178)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which various at-risk heritage sites and buildings continue to be protected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10727/15]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has received communication indicating heritage sites or buildings deemed to be at risk for whatever reason; the number of sites and locations made known to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10728/15]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department is engaged in restoration of major historical and cultural sites throughout the country at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10729/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 to 178, inclusive, together.

Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the protection of the architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including relevant structures on the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Inclusion on the RPS places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.

I recently announced an allocation of €624,000 for the Structures at Risk Fund 2015, to enable conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration and which are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. This fund, which will be administered through the local authorities, encourages the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost. Since 2011, over 100 structures have been safeguarded for the future as a result of the Structures at Risk Fund.

My Department has a number of measures at its disposal to facilitate the restoration of major historical or cultural sites. I am the owner or guardian under the National Monuments Acts of approximately 1,000 national monuments located at approximately 750 sites and in such cases there is a statutory duty to maintain the national monument. Such maintenance is undertaken by the Office of Public Works. Local authorities are responsible under the National Monuments Acts for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians. A wide range of other monuments (in the order of 130,000) are currently subject to protection under other provisions of the National Monuments Acts but my Department and the Office of Public Works do not have a direct role in their maintenance except where, as already noted, a monument is a national monument of which I am owner or guardian.

My Department is also providing €350,000 of funding to the Office of Public Works (OPW) in 2015 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership.

Finally, in 2014 my Department was provided with a special allocation of €5 million from Capital Stimulus funding for a new Built Heritage Jobs Leverage Scheme to assist with works to safeguard structures, in private and civic ownership, protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.