Written Answers Nos 1-30
11. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects the film industry to grow, with particular reference to the use of this country as a film location capturing our unique scenery, with consequential economic benefit, particularly for tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10179/15]
View answerThe 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 .
12. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will issue more extended mooring permits for boats on the Royal Canal; if she envisages a role for her Department in extending the use of the canals and making them a more attractive amenity for the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10181/15]
View answerWaterways Ireland is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigable waterway system throughout the island, principally for recreational purposes. As a north south implementation body, Waterways Ireland is under the joint remit of my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. The Royal Canal is one of the waterways for which Waterways Ireland has responsibility. I have been advised by Waterways Ireland that it initially identified 14 separate locations for extended mooring permits along the Royal Canal. I understand that there is a surplus of moorings available at all of these locations, apart from the extended mooring location at Castleknock. I also understand that Waterways Ireland does not intend to identify and develop further locations for extended mooring permits at this time since there is insufficient demand.
I have been assured by Waterways Ireland that it is continuously promoting and developing all its waterways, including the Royal Canal, as navigational, recreational and tourism attractions. In addition, Waterways Ireland is also working closely with the tourism and local authorities in developing the recreational and tourism potential of the waterways. In the case of the Royal Canal, Waterways Ireland is working closely with Fáilte Ireland, the National Roads Authority and a number of local authorities in developing a multi-activity recreational and tourism offering, utilising the existing towpath and waterway infrastructure.
13. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will inform the Irish people both at home and abroad when she will announce the date for the Ulster 2015 National Famine Memorial Day to remember all victims of An Gorta Mór; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10175/15]
View answerI can confirm that the 2015 Famine Commemoration will be held in the province of Ulster and that the format for the event will have a clear cross-community aspect. My Department is liaising closely with the key stakeholders regarding the logistics and other arrangements.
My core focus, and that of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, which I chair, is to ensure that the 2015 ceremony will be a fitting tribute to those who perished in Ulster during the Great Famine. My Department is working closely with key stakeholders, both North and South, to achieve this goal.
The 2015 Famine commemoration ceremonies are expected to take place in the latter half of the year, and I hope to be in a position in the coming weeks to announce the exact date and location of both the commemoration here at home and of the International Famine Commemoration, which in recent years has recognised overseas locations that played key roles in the narrative of the Great Famine, including New Orleans, Sydney, Boston and Liverpool.
As in previous years, I would hope to achieve the broadest possible representation from all sectors and communities in marking this solemn event here in Ireland. For instance, in previous years my Department has worked with the Department of Education and Skills to facilitate the participation of primary and post-primary schools nationwide in a minute of silent reflection at noon on the Friday preceding the commemoration. Similarly, many sporting and cultural organisations nationwide have also participated in a minute of silent reflection at events taking place on the day of the commemoration.
This year, it is my great privilege to be able to take this most important of events to my home province of Ulster. My Department and I are deeply committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this year’s commemoration will once again provide people with an appropriate opportunity for a respectful remembrance to mark this pivotal chapter in the history of this island.
14. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén ráta íocaíochta a bheidh ann faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge i mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [10021/15]
View answerTá áthas orm a chur in iúl don Teachta go bhfuil i gceist agam leanúint le tacaíocht shuntasach a chur ar fáil do Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge i mbliana. Beidh cúnamh ar fáil faoin scéim ó mo Roinnse do theaghlaigh sa Ghaeltacht a chuireann lóistín ar fáil do scoláirí agus iad ag freastal ar na coláistí Gaeilge. Íocfar deontas laethúil de €9.50 i leith an scoláire do theaghlaigh atá aitheanta faoin scéim. Íocfar deontas laethúil de €5.00 i leith an scoláire do choláistí cónaitheacha atá aitheanta faoin scéim. Tá na deontais seo mar a chéile is a bhí anuraidh.
15. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress on the relocation of turf cutter on bogs designated as special areas of conservation; and the efforts being made by her Department to find suitable alternatives for relocation. [10171/15]
View answer3,064 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. Notwithstanding the complexity involved, progress in relocating turf cutters to non-designated bogs is being achieved in a number of cases and arrangements have been made as regards:
- Clara Bog special area of conservation in Co. Offaly, where 25 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on Killeranny Bog; and
- Carrownagappul Bog and Curraghlehanagh Bog special areas of conservation in Co. Galway, where 23 qualifying turf cutters have been accommodated on the Islands Bog and Killasolan Bog.
Works have been undertaken on Lemanaghan Bog in County Offaly with a view to facilitating turf cutters from Moyclare Bog. Works have also been completed at Cloonabricka Bog in County Galway to facilitate additional cutters relocating from Carrownagappul and Curraghlehanagh Bogs.
It is expected that 12 turf cutters can be accommodated at Lemanaghan Bog and 8 turf cutters can be accommodated at Cloonabricka Bog from 2016.
Progress has been made to relocate a small number of individual turf cutters to bog plots in County Westmeath and County Galway.
Potential relocation sites had been identified for each of the remaining raised bog special areas of conservation where relocation may be required. When relocation sites have been assessed as suitable, my Department has been seeking expressions of interest from turf cutters with a view to them moving to these sites. In 2014, my Department wrote to over 250 turf cutters, from 14 special areas of conservation, seeking expressions of interest in relocating to specific non-designated bogs. It is expected to continue the process this year.
However, for a number of these special area of conservation sites, the relocation site identified may not be suitable or may not have the capacity to cater for the number of turf cutters who may wish to relocate there. In such cases, and in the context of the finalisation of the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan, my Department is considering the available options in terms of relocation and the provisions of the EU Habitats Directive. Under Article 6.3 of the Directive, consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation where it can be shown that such cutting will not have an adverse effect on the site. Under Article 6.4 of the Directive, consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation for imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
Given the clear scientific evidence of the negative impact of turf extraction on raised bogs, it will only be possible to utilise the provisions of Article 6.3 in a small number of cases. Similarly, the flexibility provided for under Article 6.4, if required, will only be applicable to a small number of sites.
16. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the detailed programme of commemorations for 1916 will be published; her plans to increase allocations to local authorities to mark the occasion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10197/15]
View answerPlans to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising are well underway and I expect to be in a position to publish a detailed programme of commemorative events within the coming weeks. The aim of the commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising is to have a rich diversity of programmes and events, complementary and additional to formal State occasions, which will run throughout 2016. In this regard, I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful. I have secured an allocation of €4 million in current funding to support the development in 2015 of the Ireland 2016 initiative. Within this allocation in 2015, €1 million is to be distributed across all local authorities. 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 very shortly.
I believe that the work of local authorities will be central to the commemorations programme for 2016 and I have met with the CEOs and mayors of local authorities, as well as with their arts and heritage officers, to discuss the best ways of ensuring the success of the locally-based programmes of events and initiatives.
17. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on the lifting of the derogation for the Irish language to be recognised as an official language in the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10015/15]
View answerAs previously advised to the House, a decision on whether or not to extend the derogation for the use of Irish in the EU institutions for a further period of time is required by December 2015 at the latest. In that context, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of An Taoiseach, continues to be actively engaged with the EU institutions in order to formulate specific proposals on the optimal approach to the derogation. Clearly, the outcome of that engagement will inform the proposals that will be brought to Government in due course, prior to a final decision being taken on this matter.
18. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the budgetary resources and number of staff she has allocated to the commemorations unit within her Department for 2015-16. [10173/15]
View answerLast year, I established a dedicated 2016 Project Office in my Department, which has responsibility for co-ordinating and leading on all activities relating to the development and implementation of the Ireland 2016 initiative, focused on the commemoration of the centenary of the events of the 1916 Easter Rising. To date, four officials from my Department have been assigned full-time to the Project Office. The Director of Market Development at Fáilte Ireland, together with one additional staff member of Fáilte Ireland, has also been seconded to my Department to assist with the development and delivery of the programme. Two persons have been recruited on fixed-term contracts under an open procurement process and I anticipate that further staff resources will be assigned to the Project Office in the period ahead.
My Department also has a separate Decade of Commemorations Unit, with 4 staff, which works with interested parties to co-ordinate and support other anniversary events as they arise along the historic centenary timeline. Key events for the Unit in 2015 will be the commemorations to mark Gallipoli and the sinking of the Lusitania.
In terms of financial resources, I have secured an allocation of €4 million in current funding to support the development in 2015 of the Ireland 2016 initiative. This allocation will be used to engage with and support a wide range of activities and events by interested groups, including local community groups, as well as Irish language, educational and cultural projects. The allocation of €4 million is in addition to the capital provision of €22 million in 2015, which will be allocated to a number of flagship commemorations projects. In addition, I have allocated €300,000 in 2015 to support the Decade of Commemorations programme.
Final 2016 allocations will be subject to the normal Budgetary and Estimates processes.
19. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sí chun cumhacht an Choimisinéara Teanga a láidriú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [10170/15]
View answerI gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas a tugadh i gClár an Rialtais, rinne mo Roinn athbhreithniú ar Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. Ag eascairt as an athbhreithniú sin, thóg an Rialtas cinneadh anuraidh Bille a dhréachtú chun leasuithe a dhéanamh ar an Acht Teanga. I gcomhthéacs an athbhreithnithe, thóg an Rialtas cinneadh nach ndéanfaí Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a chónascadh le hOifig an Ombudsman, mar a bhí beartaithe.
I gcomhréir le polasaí an Rialtais, cuireadh Ceannteidil an Bhille faoi bhráid an Chomhchoiste um Chomhshaol, Chultúr agus an Ghaeltacht. Bhí éisteachtaí ag an bhFochoiste um an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge maidir leis na Ceannteidil i mí na Bealtaine seo caite. Foilsíodh tuarascáil an Chomhchoiste maidir leis na Ceannteidil ar an 24 Feabhra. Tá na moltaí atá inti, cuid acu a mholann ról an Choimisinéara Teanga a láidriú, á meas agam faoi láthair.
20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is satisfied that the number of National Parks and Wildlife Service officers is sufficient to protect our wildlife. [10014/15]
View answerMy Department directly employs some 565 staff, who operate across a broad range of functions within my Department’s programme areas - Arts, Culture and Film; Heritage; Irish Language, Gaeltacht and Islands; and North/South Co-operation. As the Deputy will appreciate, the staff of my Department are allocated to these functional areas on the basis of need, having regard to a number of factors, including overall resource availability. The majority of administrative staff are based in departmental offices in Dublin, Killarney, Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, and Wexford, with regional and field staff (mainly at professional, technical and industrial grades) dispersed across the country.
Of the total Departmental staff, 283 work in the area of natural heritage through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department. In addition, approximately 50 further seasonal staff are engaged during the year to assist the NPWS with its activities. The staffing requirements in this area, as with all other areas of my Department, is the subject of ongoing consideration in light of the overall business needs and within the pay framework approved for 2015. Within this context, I am satisfied that the NPWS continues to fulfil a comprehensive and valuable role in the conservation and protection of our natural heritage and delivers an excellent service to the public.
21. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans, legislative or otherwise, to enhance the protection of certain species; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10196/15]
View answerProtection of wildlife species is provided under the Wildlife Acts and I have no plans at present for any further protective measures for species through legislation.
My Department has published species action plans for species which require strict protection under the EU Habitats Directive. These include cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), otters and bats. These are available in the Publications section of my Department’s website at www.npws.ie. These plans set out the main threats faced by these species and the actions needed to protect them. I am glad to say that these species are generally regarded to be in good status in Ireland’s land and marine territory at this time.
My Department is also working with other relevant Departments in the preparation of a Threat Response Plan for the Hen Harrier, which it is hoped will be drafted by early summer.
22. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the campaign to end the derogation of the Irish language in the European Union; the action her Department has taken to facilitate the Department of An Taoiseach, in making a decision on this issue; the number of times she has raised this issue with European Union representatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10188/15]
View answerAs previously advised to the House, a decision on whether or not to extend the derogation for the use of Irish in the EU institutions for a further period of time is required by December 2015 at the latest.
In that context, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of An Taoiseach, continues to be actively engaged with the EU institutions in order to formulate specific proposals on the optimal approach to the derogation. Clearly, the outcome of that engagement will inform the proposals that will be brought to Government in due course, prior to a final decision being taken on this matter.
23. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will commit to re-establish Culture Ireland as an independent entity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10193/15]
View answerThe 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. In line with the Critical Review of Culture Ireland undertaken as part of the Public Service Reform Plan in 2012, the functions of Culture Ireland were fully merged into my Department and an Expert Advisory Committee was established with representation from a range of bodies with a shared interest in Ireland’s international promotion, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Tourism Ireland, the IDA and the Ireland Funds, as well as representation from the arts community. The Expert Advisory Committee works with the executive of Culture Ireland to promote Ireland's artists and gain further opportunities worldwide and to maximise the potential of Ireland's creative talent as a motivator for business and tourism interests for Ireland.
I am satisfied that the international promotion of Irish arts through my Department's Culture Ireland Division continues to make significant impact internationally through its regular grant rounds and showcase programme, designed to create new opportunities for Irish artists. Since 2005, Culture Ireland has promoted and supported over 7,500 Irish cultural projects and events worldwide, ranging across music, theatre, dance, literature, film, visual art and architecture. This support has created significant goodwill and influence for Ireland and has helped to contribute to the strength of Ireland's reputation for creative excellence.
Culture Ireland continues to provide critical financial support for Irish artists for events and activities abroad. For many individual artists and companies, it is their international work which helps make a life in the arts sustainable. International presenters also value the support of Culture Ireland, both in terms of showcasing an introduction to new Irish talent, as well as financial support to assist artists' travel.
In 2014, Culture Ireland supported over 300 events, which reached audiences of over 3 million and a further 6 million television viewers. During last year also, Culture Ireland focused on a number of special initiatives, including in particular the hugely successful Ceiliúradh event in the Royal Albert Hall, which formed part of the State visit by President Higgins to Great Britain. This role in delivering high profile international programmes is a key element of the work of Culture Ireland.
In 2015, I have maintained the level of Culture Ireland's funding, which is a measure of the importance I place on its work. I am confident that it will continue to operate effectively on the international promotion of Irish arts into the future.
24. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a risk assessment has been conducted to determine the risks to the integrity, and security of the national collection in the National Library of Ireland; if she is satisfied that the national collection, in the conditions it is currently stored, is adequately protected from damage by fire, water, degradation, oxidation, biological agents, fungi, heat and light; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10183/15]
View answerThe National Library of Ireland is a statutorily independent body. While my Department provides funding to the national cultural institutions, the management and board of each institution are responsible for all operational matters, including storage, and conservation, and I do not have a statutory function in respect of such day-to-day matters. It is the responsibility of the management and the board of each institution to determine the spending priorities for their individual institutions, based on the resources available to them and the need to ensure the conservation and protection of collections.
I was pleased, at the conclusion of the recent Estimates processes, not only to have ensured there would be no reduction in funding for the arts and culture areas of my Department for 2015, but also to have secured an additional €2 million in funding for the national cultural institutions. This included an increased allocation of €600,000 for the National Library in 2015.
The overall funding secured for 2015 gives more certainty to the institutions and will allow them to continue to deliver on their core objectives, including the protection and conservation of their collections.
25. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht how her Department will support community groups on our offshore inhabited islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10122/15]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is referring in his Question to the new arrangements for certain non-Gaeltacht inhabited islands.
As the Deputy will be aware, I have been in contact with my colleagues, Minister Alan Kelly and Minister of State Ann Phelan, with regard to the continuation of some services that had been delivered under the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) on these islands. As a result of the agreement reached, I am pleased that my Department will be in a position to deliver a revised funding approach towards community development on the non-Gaeltacht islands with effect from 1 April 2015. A total sum of €300,000 will be available for the remainder of the year, being the balance of the overall allocation of €400,000 approved for 2015.
While I am aware that SICAP, the successor programme to the LCDP, will operate within all local authority areas, the funding from my Department will assist with the delivery of other essential services for these island communities. My Department will seek to enhance this delivery into the future through engagement with the communities on the relevant islands.
26. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if, as part of the commemoration of 1916, consideration will be given to placing the national flag in classrooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10017/15]
View answerPlans to commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising are well underway and I expect that a detailed programme of commemorative events will be published in the coming weeks. The aim of the commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising is to have a rich diversity of programmes and events, complementary and additional to formal State occasions, which will run throughout 2016. In this regard, I am committed, together with my Government colleagues, to ensuring that the commemorations to mark the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be inclusive, appropriate and respectful.
My Department has received over 100 proposals regarding the commemoration of the Rising, including proposals along the lines referred to in the Deputy's Question. These proposals are being considered in the context of the overall commemorative programme and the level of resources available.
It should also be noted that I am working with my colleague, Ms Jan O'Sullivan, T.D., Minister for Education and Skills, and other parties to develop a special 2016 Education Commemoration Programme. Further details in that regard will be announced in due course.
27. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to commemorate victims of the Famine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10195/15]
View answerAs Chair of the National Famine Commemoration Committee, I am responsible for ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place to commemorate the Great Irish Famine. My Department is currently in discussions with the key stakeholders, North and South, to ensure that the 2015 ceremony will be a fitting tribute to those who perished in Ulster during that tragic time in our history.
The 2015 Famine commemoration ceremonies are expected to take place in the latter half of the year, and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the exact date and location of both the commemoration here at home and of the International Famine Commemoration, which in recent years has recognised overseas locations which played key roles in the narrative of the Great Famine, including New Orleans, Sydney, Boston and Liverpool.
As in previous years, I would hope to achieve the broadest possible representation from all sectors and communities in marking this solemn event here in Ireland. For instance, in previous years my Department has worked with the Department of Education and Skills to facilitate the participation of primary and post-primary schools nationwide in a minute of silent reflection at noon on the Friday preceding the commemoration. Similarly, many sporting and cultural organisations nationwide have also participated in a minute of silent reflection at events taking place on the day of the commemoration.
This year, it is my great privilege to be able to take this most important of events to my home province of Ulster. My Department and I are deeply committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this year’s commemoration will once again provide people with an appropriate opportunity for a respectful remembrance to mark this pivotal chapter in the history of this island.
28. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil an Rialtas chun deireadh a chur leis an maolú ar an nGaeilge san Aontas Eorpach; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [10169/15]
View answerMar a cuireadh in iúl don Teach cheana, beidh cinneadh le tógáil faoi dheireadh na bliana 2015 ar a dhéanaí maidir le síneadh a chur nó gan a chur leis an maolú reatha atá i bhfeidhm i ndáil le húsáid na Gaeilge in institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh.
Tá plé ar bun ag mo Roinn, i gcomhar le Roinn an Taoisigh, le hinstitiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh maidir leis an gcur chuige is fearr maidir le todhchaí an mhaolaithe. Is léir go mbeidh tionchar ag toradh an phlé sin ar na moltaí a bheidh le cur faoi bhráid an Rialtais in am trátha sula dtógfar cinneadh críochnaitheach maidir leis an gceist seo.
29. Deputy Michael Conaghan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of our mediocre record as a country in valuing, protecting, conserving, and presenting our industrial heritage as a significant cultural tourism product, if her Department will set out and articulate a plan for a tangible and appropriate record of this sphere of our past; her views that two adjacent sites in County Dublin (details supplied), the old mill site at Rowerstown Lane, Kilmainham and the Inchicore Railway Works site in Dublin 8, are best suited as sites to conserve and evoke two great eras of industrial technology, production, and work - the era of industrial technology of work and production based on harnessing the force of flowing water and the era of industrial production, harnessing the power of fire and water steam power. [9985/15]
View answerMy role, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, with regard to the protection and management of our built and natural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation. Statutory protection of the architectural heritage is primarily a matter for the planning authorities under Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Under the provisions of the Act, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures and to include in that record every structure which is, in the opinion of the planning authority, of such interest within its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time.
Section 53(1) of the 2000 Act enables the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its Record of Protected Structures. A planning authority must have regard to any such recommendations. Ministerial recommendations are generally based on National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) surveys undertaken by my Department of the post-1700 built heritage of the country. Such a survey for Dublin City is currently underway and, as such, I am not in a position at this stage to make recommendations on the structures referred to by the Deputy. However, I understand generally that industrial heritage sites are being considered, in terms of their significance, in the fieldwork for the survey completed to date. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities and in this case is ultimately a matter for Dublin City Council.
I do not accept that the State, as implied, does not place a value on Ireland’s industrial heritage. Appreciation for our industrial heritage is a growing area of interest and can have a contribution to make to Ireland's cultural tourism product. For example, the Irish Architectural Foundation's OPEN HOUSE Dublin programme, which my Department funds, operated a very successful walking tour of the CIE railway works complex at Inchicore in 2010. I further understand that the Heritage Council, which is funded by my Department, in 2005 in partnership with Dublin City Council, commissioned the Dublin City Industrial Heritage Record (DCIHR).
The conservation and protection of Ireland's built heritage, both for its intrinsic value and as a support to economic renewal and sustainable employment, will continue to be a priority for my Department.
30. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has investigated the net cost of availing of the storage arrangement offered by Trinity College Dublin and National University of Ireland Dublin for materials from the National Library of Ireland's collection; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that moving items from the national collection to these universities would likely improve the conditions of their storage, and preservation; if her attention has been further drawn to the potential benefit of freeing up properties currently used by the National Library of Ireland for storage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10184/15]
View answerWhile my Department provides funding to the national cultural institutions, the management and board of each institution is responsible for all operational matters, including storage and conservation, and I do not have a statutory function in respect of such day-to-day matters. It is the responsibility of the management and the boards of the individual institutions to determine the spending priorities for their institutions, based on the resources available to them and the need to ensure the conservation and protection of their collections.
That said, I am aware that discussions regarding an off-site storage facility are ongoing between the National Library, Trinity College Dublin and National University of Ireland Dublin. The National Library has kept my Department apprised of progress in relation to this matter.
