Written Answers Nos. 196 - 213
196. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide e-fibre broadband to the Ballyboughal-Oldtown area in County Dublin, as works have been carried out on all surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17059/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services with approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
Last November I published a national high speed coverage map for 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016.
The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention and includes the townlands of Ballyboghil and Oldtown, Co Dublin. All premises within the AMBER areas will be included in the State's intervention.
Intensive design and planning work is underway in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the AMBER area. Following a public consultation process on the draft Intervention Strategy this summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a 5 year period.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and aims to conclusively address current broadband connectivity issues in mainly rural parts of the country.
197. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the exchange of a Canadian driving licence with an Irish driving licence; the way a person will achieve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17003/15]
View answerUnder EU law, Ireland has automatic relations of exchange of driving licences with other EU Member States. In the case of non-EU States we may reach bilateral arrangements on exchange.
Reaching bilateral agreements is not a straight-forward process. It involves detailed comparison of the two licensing regimes by the relevant authorities in both jurisdictions, so that both can be satisfied the regimes are compatible. On the Irish side, this task is undertaken by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).
For some time now, the RSA has been engaging with the authorities in Canada with a view to reaching agreements on exchange of driving licences. As driver licensing in Canada operates at provincial rather than national level, this means negotiating ten separate agreements. We now have an agreement in operation with Ontario. An agreement with Manitoba has been signed, and the RSA and the Manitoba authorities are working to bring it into operation as soon as possible. The RSA is continuing to work with the authorities in the other Canadian provinces with a view to reaching agreements.
People applying for a driving licence, including an exchange of driving licence, do so through the National Driver Licensing Service. Full details are readily available in the public domain and may be consulted at https://www.ndls.ie/how-to-apply.html#where-you-are-exchanging-a-full-licence-from-another-eu-or-recognised-country-you-must-submit.
198. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available for diving boats (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17015/15]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), which is a division of my Department, does not have any formal relationship with diving teams or diving schools.
With regard to sub-aqua rescue and recovery groups, primary responsibility for missing person searches in inland waters is vested in An Garda Síochána. The IRCG has responsibility for co-ordination of maritime search and rescue on Irish coastal and offshore waters. Diving support to the IRCG is provided in the first instance by the Garda Water Unit and the Navy Diving team. Volunteer diving teams do on occasion offer assistance but in such scenarios their participation is based on an offer of support.
In that context there are no plans at the moment to make funds available for diving teams or boats.
199. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if consideration will be given to introducing a heavy goods vehicle levy for foreign trucks entering the State, similar to the £10 sterling per day Irish hauliers have to pay when entering the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland; his views that this is unfair in view of the fact it only operates one way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17016/15]
View answerThe UK HGV road user levy introduced on 1 April 2014 applies to all HGVs, both UK and foreign, using UK roads. Under EU legislation it is not permissible to discriminate against non-national operators by charging them differently from national operators for use of the roads infrastructure. This Government lobbied against the application of the charge to Northern Ireland, but the decision was a matter for the UK Minister for Transport.
My Department is currently chairing an Inter-Departmental Group on HGV user charges, which was established in January 2014 to consider the introduction of a 'pay-as-you-go' road tax system for HGVs. The group has examined the technical, regulatory and economic dimensions of introducing a HGV road user charge in Ireland. The work of the group expanded to include a full review of commercial motor tax, which has led to the group taking longer than anticipated to finalise its proposals.
The Group held a targeted stakeholder consultation in November 2014 which concluded in February 2015 and has held meeting with stakeholders, including representatives of hauliers and their customers.
The report of the group is currently being finalised for submission to me and to the Ministers for Finance and for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I expect to receive the report in the coming weeks.
200. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the regulations that apply in relation to competence and local knowledge for applicants for a taxi licence; the discretion provided to the taxi regulator and the National Transport Authority in laying out these regulations; his role in overseeing that these regulations and practices are fair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17044/15]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including issues pertaining to the skills tests for applicants for a taxi licence, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I have no role in overseeing the application of the skills tests by the NTA.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
201. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to upgrade Broombridge Station in Dublin 7 as part of the completion of the Luas cross-city line. [17115/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the implementation and development of infrastructure projects in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including Luas light rail projects.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
202. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding proposals his Department is making to the European Union Transport Commissioner in relation to Ireland West Airport Knock, in order to secure the future of the airport and to make it sustainable and self financing going forward from 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17131/15]
View answerAs I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 964 of 24 March, the Exchequer provides funding supports to four regional airports, Donegal, IWA Knock, Kerry and Waterford under the Regional Airports Programme. Reflecting the recommendations of the IWA Knock Study Group and the draft National Aviation Policy in respect of future funding supports for the regional airports, the 2015 - 2019 Regional Airports Programme provides for the continuance those Exchequer supports, where appropriate, to the four regional airports. That Programme establishes a definitive framework for the future development of Ireland's regional airports, including IWA Knock. It will be a matter for the Airport to formally submit a comprehensive business case for funding supports for consideration by my Department.
Following an extensive and detailed pre-notification consultation process over the past number of months, between my Department and the EU Commission, the 2015-2019 Programme has recently been formally notified to the Commission for approval. Once approved, my Department will engage with the four airports to identify the specific level of Exchequer supports to be made available to each airport in strict accordance with the criteria set out in the 2014 EU Guidelines on State aid to airports and airlines.
203. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which the archaeological excavation of any selected historical sites has been considered; if any priorities have been identified in line with international best practice in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17116/15]
View answerMy principal role in relation to archaeological excavation is as licensing authority under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930. A person may not dig or excavate for the purposes of searching for archaeological objects, or any for any other archaeological purpose, other than in accordance with a licence from my Department.
In 2014 I granted 462 archaeological excavation licences. The majority of licences each year are for archaeological excavations on behalf of applicants for planning or other development consents to assess or mitigate the impact of development on known or possible archaeological sites. My Department provides advice to planning authorities and other bodies on the need for such archaeological excavation on a case by case basis.
My Department has for many years provided an annual allocation to the Royal Irish Academy to fund a small number of archaeological research excavations. I understand that the Academy funded seven projects from its allocation of €70,000 in 2014. I have provided an increased allocation of €80,000 for 2015 and it will be a matter for Academy to prioritise the projects that will be funded this year. My Department also makes an annual provision (some €26,000 in the current year) for “rescue” excavations that are undertaken in response to emergency situations where archaeological features are deteriorating or are otherwise in danger and their preservation is not a practical option.
Conservation works by the Office of Public Works at national monuments of which I am owner or guardian may sometimes involve archaeological excavations. The information and knowledge gleaned from such activities makes a significant contribution to the understanding, appreciation and presentation of important national monuments, as well as providing a valuable resource for the professional and educational sectors. I have provided €30,000 for the publication of such reports in 2015.
All licensed archaeological excavations, whatever the reason, are subject to conditions requiring that they be conducted to an appropriate standard and that reports on the findings are lodged with my Department. In accordance with my Department’s published policy document, Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation, which is available on our website, only appropriately qualified and experienced personnel are granted such licenses.
I am satisfied that the arrangements in place for governing archaeological excavations in Ireland fully reflect best international standards, in particular the requirements of the 1992 Council of Europe European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Revised) to which Ireland is a party.
204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if any priority list of endangered sites or heritage buildings has been drawn up or identified; her plans to address any such issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17117/15]
View answerIn relation to sites or heritage buildings deemed to be endangered, a priority list of is not available. However, there are a number of ways in which my Department is made aware of possible risk to sites or heritage buildings, one of these being the receipt of applications for funding for their repair, conservation, preservation or safeguarding.
In that regard, funding for the protection of heritage sites and buildings will continue to be provided by my Department in 2015 via a number of schemes, which will be either directly administered or delivered through local authorities or through the Heritage Council. In February, I 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. Since 2010 over 100 structures have been conserved through this scheme.
In addition, my Department often receives information relating to existing or potential risks to sites or heritage buildings from local authorities, the Heritage Council, heritage-based NGOs and members of the public.
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. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures 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.
The Record of Monuments and Places, as established under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, provides legal protection for up to 130,000 known monuments of archaeological interest. My Department records all reports received of damage to monuments listed in the Record, whether deliberate interference or natural deterioration. Serious cases of illegal damage to monuments listed in the Record are forwarded to An Garda Síochána for investigation. A number of cases relating to breach of the National Monuments Acts have come before the Courts in the last few years with significant penalties imposed on conviction. In any case where a monument which is, in my opinion, of national importance is in danger I may make a preservation order in respect of it. While my Department will advise landowners regarding protection of monuments on their land, I do not have a duty to maintain monuments other than where they are in my ownership or guardianship under the National Monuments Acts.
Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of EU nature and biodiversity policy. It is an EU-wide network of nature protection areas established under the 1992 Habitats Directive. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe's most valuable and threatened species and habitats. It is comprised of special areas of conservation (SACs) (also referred to as sites of community importance in the EU context) designated by Member States under the Habitats Directive and special protection areas (SPAs) which are designated under the 1979 Birds Directive.
Ireland has publicly advertised some 429 SACs and 154 SPAs. Legal protections, consummate with those set out in the Birds and Habitats Directives, have applied to the sites since initially proposed for designation and Ireland’s planning and environmental legislation has operated under these designations.
205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which her Department continues to support various forms of the arts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17118/15]
View answerThe Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life.
Primary responsibility for the promotion and financial support of the arts at all levels is devolved to the Arts Council. A grant of over €58 million has been provided to the Council in 2015 for this purpose. The Arts Council operates under the provisions of the Arts Act 2003, which provides, inter alia, that the Council is independent in the performance of its functions in funding the arts. Details of funding provided by the Council are available on its website at www.artscouncil.ie.
206. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the progress in respect of the preparation of the 1916 commemorations; the extent to which events in Dublin and throughout the country will be co-ordinated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17158/15]
View answerThe Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme was launched on 31 March 2015. One of the core objectives of the programme 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.
The programme is underpinned by five intersecting and overlapping themes: Remembering, Reconciling, Presenting, Imagining and Celebrating. The programme comprises seven strands: State Ceremonial, Historical Reflection, An Teanga Bheo, Youth and Imagination, Cultural Expression, Community Participation and Global and Diaspora. It outlines a range of activities and events already planned under each of the seven strands and full details about the work being undertaken under each strand is outlined on the website www.ireland.ie.
The development of the centenary programme has been informed by the Expert Advisory Group on Commemorations, the All-Party Consultation Group on Commemorations and an extensive consultation, engagement and planning process, which has already been underway for several months and will continue until the end of this year. The purpose of the process is to inform, to stimulate debate and discussion about the events of 1916 and to foster programme initiatives. The consultation process involves a range of Government Departments and agencies, relatives, local authorities, local community groups, schools and universities, the Diaspora, historians and historical societies, as well as interested individuals and organisations. The strength of local community involvement and the unique perspectives and creative ideas of the participating groups and citizens will ensure that the significant events of 1916 will be brought to life and made interesting and relevant for people of all ages on the island of Ireland and abroad.
Some of the events and projects detailed in the programme are Dublin-based, particularly some of the State ceremonial events, given the very significant role that key buildings and locations in Dublin played in the 1916 Easter Rising. However, it should also be noted that Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme is very much a national programme and a range of events is planned across the country for 2016, including a number of State ceremonial events.
In addition, the Community Participation programme strand will be led by local authorities and I have allocated funding of €1 million in 2015 to support this overall process. A series of public meetings is currently being 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 requested that local authorities consult widely with local interest groups and community organisations, historical societies, schools and youth organisations, other stakeholders and members of the authority in relation to the selection of initiatives and development of county plans. Each local authority is expected to publish its plans in October 2015.
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the Gallipoli centenary is likely to receive particular mention at this year's national day of commemoration at Kilmainham, Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17159/15]
View answerVarious events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign were held on the 25 and 26 April 2016 last. The Tánaiste, Minister Alex White and Minister of State Ó Ríordáin attended the Dawn Service, hosted by the Australian Ambassador at the Military Cemetery, Grangegorman on Saturday the 25th. I attended the Service of Remembrance organised by the New Zealand Ireland Association at Christchurch on Sunday the 26th, where I laid a wreath on behalf of the people of Ireland, in memory of those who served and died in that campaign. I also hosted a reception afterwards in Dublin Castle on behalf of the Government.
The annual National Day of Commemoration Ceremony held annually at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, as well as other locations across Ireland, honours all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars or on service with the United Nations.
208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she expects to be in a position to convey events relating to 1916 to young persons, through schools or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17160/15]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that that the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme was launched by Government on 31st March. The Youth and Imagination strand of the programme places children and young people at the heart of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. It provides a platform to our children and young people to articulate their views on the events and ideals of 1916. Through creative and innovative initiatives, children will be guided upon a journey to explore the aspirations and principles of the participants in the Rising. They will be inspired to reflect on the ideals of the Proclamation and, in an action-learning context, to write their own new proclamation for 2016, to reflect the values, hopes and dreams of their generation.
Work will continue with the Thomas Meagher Foundation, which has been engaged in the provision of the National Flag to secondary schools around the country. In addition, special flag ceremonies will be held at which the National Flag will be presented to every national school in the country by a member of the Defence Forces. Drama, film, art and music will all feature prominently in the Youth and Imagination strand of the programme so that learning moves from the remote pages of history books to become real, vivid and inviting.
Children and young people will also be encouraged under the ‘1916 Ancestry Project’ to look to the past, tracing a family tree back to 1916 and exploring what life was like during that time. Intergenerational and community learning will be central to this journey of discovery and children will be invited to engage with local historical societies, active retirement groups and relatives of those who fought in the Rising, as well as exploring the abundance of online and archival material available.
Proclamation Day will take place on 15th March 2016. The day will begin with the raising of the National Flag, followed by a reading of the Proclamation. Schools will use this occasion to display the results of their own proclamation for a new generation and 1916 Ancestry Projects, as well as other arts and drama initiatives.
A widespread consultation process with children and young people across a range of age groups will take place this year, led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, on the theme of “Imagining our Future”. This will include consultation in relation to the dedicated children’s day planned for the 2nd April 2016 in memory of the children who died during the Rising.
209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she and her Department expect to support the film industry, both indigenously and through the use of this country as a film location, with obvious economic benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17161/15]
View answerPrimary 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. Detailed information on the supports available from the Film Board, including in relation to film locations, can be found on its website at www.irishfilmboard.ie.
The Government considers the audiovisual industry to be very important and, in addition to the excellent work of the Irish Film Board, continues to support the growth of the sector in other 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 Film Tax Relief Scheme has been extended to the end of 2020 and 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.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the various bogs in County Kildare affected by special areas of conservation and national heritage areas, in respect of traditional turf cutting; the extent to which agreement has been reached with all turf cutters at each bog; the number still outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17162/15]
View answer160 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 320 annual payments, 146 turf deliveries and 24 once-off incentive payments have been made in respect of the applications received from Mouds Bog and 92 annual payments, 18 turf deliveries and 9 once-off incentive payments have been made in respect of the applications received from Ballynafagh Bog. 71 applicants from Mouds Bog and 23 applicants from Ballynafagh Bog have expressed an interest in relocation to a non-designated bog.
Discussions have been on-going 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. However, turf cutters have not 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.
I am advised that, in agreement with local turf cutter representatives, external experts, engaged by my Department, are 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.
The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), which is available to download from my Department’s website at http://www.ahg.gov.ie/en/Publications, provides details on future arrangements regarding turf cutting on each of the 75 raised bog natural heritage areas.
Carbury Bog natural heritage area in County Kildare is one of the natural heritage areas which are to be conserved. In the case of this bog, the review envisages the cessation of turf cutting on the site by 1 January 2017 to preserve its conservation value. Turf cutting may continue on the bog until that date, on plots that have been cut in the five year period prior to the Government decision of 14 January 2014 on the review.
To ensure that cutting does not intensify prior to 1 January 2017, owners of plots or of turbary rights who have cut over the relevant 5-year period must obtain a permit to cut from my Department. Contractors are also obliged to obtain permits.
The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been extended to land owners and turbary right holders affected by the restrictions on turf cutting in raised bog natural heritage areas. No applications for compensation have been received, to date, in respect of Carbury Bog.
The Natural Heritage Area review also envisages the complete or partial de-designation of 46 existing natural heritage areas where turf cutting may continue into the future. In these de-designation cases, it is not necessary for individuals to seek consent to cut turf. Hodgestown Bog natural heritage area in County Kildare is one of those de-designation cases.
211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has conversed with traditional canal users, canal dwellers and recreational users arising from the draft proposals and increased charges possibly affecting the future use of the canals, at least one of which was restored through voluntary effort; if agreement has yet been reached in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17163/15]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions No. 654 of 10 February 2015 and No. 169 of 11 March 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 the Chief Executive and the senior management team of Waterways Ireland prior to submitting their views. In addition, 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 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 liaison 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. As previously stated, 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.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she hopes to improve the promotion of various sites or buildings of historical or architectural value, with a view to promoting the national image at home and abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17164/15]
View answerIn line with the Programme for Government, my Department recognises the importance of our heritage sites, both natural and built, to Ireland’s economy and society. Our heritage assets continue to offer vital opportunities for the provision of important cultural, social and employment benefits throughout the country. In this regard, figures available for 2013 show that some 3.5 million overseas visitors engaged in cultural activities while in Ireland. Almost 2.5 million tourists visited historic houses or castles, with over 1.5 million visited our archaeological monuments. In 2013, there were over 4.1 million visitors to heritage sites where the Office of Public Works provides a guide service. While the promotion and development of tourism is the responsibility of Ireland’s National Tourism Development Authority, Fáilte Ireland, my Department is committed to exploring the role Ireland’s unique heritage has to play in promoting Ireland at home and abroad.
In 2015 my Department’s voted allocation will fund, inter alia, the activities of the Heritage Council, whose mission is to engage and advocate a wider appreciation of heritage. My Department continues to engage with the expansion of access and improvement of facilities at our National Parks and Nature Reserves. The grant-aiding for conservation of the country’s built heritage is carried out via a number of programmes, which includes the provision of funding to the Office of Public Works for the conservation, presentation and promotion of the State’s heritage portfolio. Under the Government Policy on Architecture 2009-2015 – Towards a Sustainable Future: Delivering Quality within the Built Environment, my Department continues to support initiatives which promotes awareness of architecture and the built environment. This includes supporting the Irish Architecture Foundation in operating the highly successful Open House events.
If the Deputy requires more detail on specific programmes or plans, I will be happy to provide this information.
213. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide an update on an application under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [17177/15]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has been received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question.
Officials of my Department have been in contact with the applicant and with other family members in relation to related applications for compensation in respect of the same bog plot.
My officials are in the process of assessing the applications on foot of recently received correspondence and will write to the applicant in relation to the matter shortly.
