Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Written Answers Nos. 593-615

Proposed Legislation

Questions (593)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

593. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to include in the forthcoming road traffic Bill a provision to amend earlier legislation by including an appeal process for taxi workers who inadvertently missed the deadline for renewing their public service vehicle licences, in view of the fact that existing legislation does not permit such an appeal to a decision of the National Transport Authority on such a matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.

  Section 13 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, which came into operation in April of last year, provides for an appeal process in cases where the NTA refuses to grant a licence. These appeal provisions, insofar as they relate to the refusal of the grant (including renewal) of a licence, apply only where the refusal relates to an application that is validly made in accordance with the Act and regulations made thereunder.

Regulations made under the Act by the National Transport Authority (NTA) provide, in effect, that a licence lapses unless an application is made to replace the licence within a period of twelve months following its expiry, after which its replacement is no longer possible. Where a licence has expired a valid application can no longer be made and the appeal procedures under the Taxi Regulation Act 2013 do not apply.

I should add that the legal provisions relating to the lapsing of SPSV licences implement the recommendation of the Taxi Regulation Review Group "to reduce the period during which an "inactive" SPSV licence can be reactivated from the current five years to one year." No changes to this provision are proposed in any legislation currently in preparation.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (594)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

594. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a sports capital grant application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17463/15]

Written answers

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

I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted.   

I  expect to announce allocations later this year.

Aer Lingus Board Remuneration

Questions (595)

Joe Costello

Question:

595. Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the former chief executive officer of Aer Lingus was awarded valuable shares by the board of Aer Lingus, for which the person had no entitlement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17468/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Remuneration matters in Aer Lingus are a matter for the Board of the company.

Each year Aer Lingus provides details of remuneration in its Annual Report and Accounts. The latest such report, available on Aer Lingus' website, relates to 2014. This includes a letter to shareholders from the chairman of the Remuneration Committee and a twelve page Report of the Remuneration Committee on Directors' Remuneration. This Remuneration Report includes the details of the former CEO's remuneration, including details of the status of his share options and the basis on which they were awarded.

Dublin Bus Services

Questions (596)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

596. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware that Dublin Bus drivers who are injured or involved in accidents at work, and require transport to a hospital, are being left to pay for the ambulance fee of €100; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17490/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The issue raised is a matter for Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Local Authority Assets

Questions (597)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

597. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to make the land on which the tourist office building in Salthill in County Galway is located, available for purchase, the land being owned by Galway City Council and the building being owned by Fáilte Ireland. [17556/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

  Under the National Tourism Development Authority Act 2003, Fáilte Ireland requires my consent and that of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when acquiring or disposing of land, or an interest in land, or any other property, however, the management of its existing property portfolio (including decisions on acquisitions and disposals) are operational matters for the Board and management of Fáilte Ireland.

With regard to the property in question, I am aware that, in 2011, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform consented to the disposal by Fáilte Ireland of the Tourist Information Office building to Galway City Council for a nominal consideration on condition that the Council dispose of the site by public tender and that the proceeds of the sale be shared equally between Fáilte Ireland and Galway City Council.  This is now a matter for the Agency and the City Council to progress.

In that regard, I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.

Sports Capital Programme Data

Questions (598)

Pat Deering

Question:

598. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown, by county, of the number of clubs and organisations that have applied for the sport capital grant in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17605/15]

Written answers

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

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table. 

County	Number of Applications (these numbers may vary if duplicates are discovered during the assessment process)
Carlow	28
Cavan	33
Clare	50
Cork	185
Donegal	57
Dublin	229
Galway	116
Kerry	73
Kildare	55
Kilkenny	38
Laois	41
Leitrim	20
Limerick	59
Longford	24
Louth	49
Mayo	75
Meath	62
Monaghan	26
Offaly	38
Roscommon	34
Sligo	42
Tipperary	74
Waterford	40
Westmeath	40
Wexford	60
Wicklow	48
Grand Total	1,596

Sports Capital Programme Data

Questions (599)

Pat Deering

Question:

599. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the moneys that have remained undrawn from sport capital grants, as of 1 April 2015, by county basis. [17606/15]

Written answers

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

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table.

County	Total Amount Remaining
Carlow	€698,185
Cavan	€863,855
Clare	€940,219
Cork	€5,591,579
Donegal	€2,268,917
Dublin	€31,233,763
Galway	€3,701,853
Kerry	€2,121,677
Kildare	€3,271,674
Kilkenny	€1,855,686
Laois	€864,810
Leitrim	€644,165
Limerick	€2,510,662
Longford	€451,140
Louth	€1,981,767
Mayo	€1,485,544
Meath	€2,838,961
Monaghan	€1,072,333
Offaly	€920,000
Roscommon	€504,848
Sligo	€1,105,157
Tipperary	€2,576,068
Waterford	€1,527,547
Westmeath	€1,286,320
Wexford	€1,690,524
Wicklow	€1,758,824

Sports Capital Programme Data

Questions (600)

Dessie Ellis

Question:

600. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in view of the fact that a total of €75 million remains outstanding from previous rounds of the sports capital programme and from special allocations, if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount outstanding for applications from each local authority area; and the contact or discussions he has had with each local authority on the matter. [17629/15]

Written answers

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

The funding outstanding from previous rounds of the Sports Capital Programme, on a county by county basis, will be provided to the Deputy under separate cover.  Information of this type is retained on a county basis, and not in the manner sought by the Deputy.  I wrote to all Local Authorities last year seeking an update on the status of their projects and reminding them of the need to draw down grants as soon as possible.  However, this correspondence only related to allocations where the local authorities were the actual grantees.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (601)

Tom Fleming

Question:

601. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine an application (details supplied) for a sports capital grant for the redevelopment of a substandard playing pitch, in view of the urgent need to carry out essential drainage work, and install new fencing and goal posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/15]

Written answers

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

I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted.

  I expect to announce allocations later this year.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Questions (602)

Brendan Smith

Question:

602. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the duties and responsibilities that have been delegated to the Minister of State (details supplied) in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17831/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I refer the Deputy to his previous Dáil question No. 262 of the 12th February 2015. The position remains unchanged.  

Public Transport

Questions (603)

Seán Kyne

Question:

603. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the progress of the public consultation process on wheelchair accessibility on public transport; if he will confirm the next step in this process; and when it will take place. [17862/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The commercial bus and coach sector provides public transport services under licence from the National Transport Authority (NTA). Arising from their function in this regard, the NTA has recently undertaken a public consultation on "Transitioning to a Wheelchair Accessible Licensed Bus Sector".

I understand that the NTA is currently examining the responses to this public consultation process and will be providing me with its recommendations within the next month.

Sports Capital Programme Applications

Questions (604)

Tom Fleming

Question:

604. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will examine an application under the sports capital grant programme in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Kerry, which club urgently needs to install a sand-based pitch and hurling wall, as the pitch is waterlogged for long periods and is unsafe and hazardous; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17875/15]

Written answers

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

I can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2015 Sports Capital Programme and the Deputy's support for the project is noted.

I expect to announce allocations later this year.

National Deer Cull

Questions (605)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

605. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider implementing a controlled cull of the deer population in south Tipperary, in view of the damage to property, and threats to public safety, which are occurring because of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17708/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual open season, during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The open season for deer operates generally from 1 September to the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer.

My Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as National Parks and I am aware that deer species are increasing in range and numbers. Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.

Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners, who may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.

In relation to deer policy in general, my Department, together with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, recently published Deer Management in Ireland – A Framework for Action, which recommends a series of actions on deer management and conservation in a number of areas, including addressing the impact of deer in places where they are widespread. An Irish Deer Management Forum had been established to implement the various actions listed in the Report. The Forum itself comprises representatives from the main stakeholder areas such as landowners, forestry, hunting and conservation organisations, as well as representatives from both Departments.

Special Protection Areas Designation

Questions (606)

Seán Fleming

Question:

606. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if compensation measures are in place, or are being examined, for the reduction in value of land, where a person's lands are included in a special protection area, and plans to compensate landowners for the reduction in the value of their land, as a result of this designation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17731/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The designation of Special Protection Areas, or SPAs, is a legal obligation placed on all Member States in the EU, and Ireland was found by the European Court of Justice in 2007 to have failed to designate a sufficient number of SPAs.

It is essential, in my view, that, wherever possible, use is made of opportunities for co-funding from the EU in providing payments to farmers who own lands subject to such designations. Therefore, while my Department has the lead role in relation to the implementation of the EU Habitats and Birds Directives, significant funding is provided through the Rural Development Programme (operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine) to assist farmers in meeting the requirements of the Birds and Habitats Directives. Participation in the Basic Payment Scheme requires farmers to abide by the statutory requirements relating to SPAs and Special Areas of Conservation – collectively known as Natura 2000 sites. Agri-environment schemes such as the new GLAS scheme have provided, and will provide, a range of supports, including payments in respect of Natura 2000 sites, to tens of thousands of farmers.

A habitat enhancement scheme (known as the National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme) was available to farmers in Hen Harrier SPAs to undertake proactive measures for the species. These measures were not a condition of the designation, nor were they mandatory. For that reason, they are not considered to be compensation for the prevention of an activity or a development on the lands in question. Voluntary commitments were entered into by 377 landowners under the Farm Plan Scheme, covering over 9,000 hectares. I am advised that 42 farm plans are still active.

The designation of lands does not mean that the lands are subject to blanket restrictions, although they must be managed appropriately. This requirement means that certain State-funded grant schemes must be operated with due care where they may affect such lands and they cannot be considered an automatic entitlement of the landowner.

Special Protection Areas Designation

Questions (607)

Seán Fleming

Question:

607. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide the list of townlands in the Slieve Bloom mountains which were designated special protection area's site code (details supplied); the way letters of objection by landowners to having their land designated an such were dealt with [17732/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Sieve Bloom Mountains special protection area extends to parts of the counties of Laois and Offaly. The intention to designate this site was advertised in November 2007, along with five other Hen Harrier special protection areas. Landowners were advised that they could appeal against the proposed designation of the site as a special protection area. The appeals process has two stages: a Departmental review of an objection to the proposed designation, after which landowners who receive an adverse review may opt to take their cases to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. This is an independently chaired Board which makes recommendations to me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on such cases.

In total, 25 appeals were lodged, of which 22 were finalised at the first stage and 3 were referred to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. Of the 22 dealt with internally, 12 were successful, 1 was partly successful and 4 were unsuccessful. 2 objections were withdrawn and 3 objections were not progressed due to the appeal criteria not being met. Of the 3 appeal cases that were taken to the Board, 1 was partly successful, 1 was withdrawn, and 1 was unsuccessful.

All appeals on this site have been concluded and the boundary finalised. The site has been formally designated as a special protection area by Statutory Instrument (S.I. 184/2012) since 2012.

A list of townlands in both counties that are wholly or partly included in this special protection area is set out under Schedule 2 of that Statutory Instrument. For ease of reference, they are as follows:

Slieve Bloom Mountains Special Protection Area

County Laois

Ballaghlyragh Or Nealstown, Ballaghmore Upper, Ballinla, Ballinrally, Ballyfarrell, Ballyfin, Ballyfin Demesne, Ballyfin Upper, Ballyhuppanane, Ballykenneen Lower, Ballykenneen Upper, Ballylusk, Ballynahimmy, Ballynalug, Barnaboy, Barradoos, Baunreagh, Birchwood, Bockagh, Bordowin, Boyle, Briscula, Brisha, Brittas (Ed Clonaslee), Brockra, Bughorn, Bunastick, Camcloon (Ed Ballyfin), Capard, Cappanarrow, Capparogan, Cardtown, Carrowreagh (Ed Nealstown), Castleconor, Castlecuffe, Cloncully, Clonoghil (Ed Marymount), Clonoonagh, Cones, Coolagh (Ed Castlecuffe), Coolnabanch, Coolnamony Lower, Coolnamony Upper, Corbally (Ed Meelick), Cummer, Deerpark (Ed Ballyfin), Deerpark (Ed Brisha), Dernamanagh, Derrycarrow, Derrycon, Derrylahan (Ed Marymount), Drim, Drimhill Or Quarryfarm, Drimmo, Garranbaun, Garryhedder, Glebe (Ed Tinnahinch), Glenall, Glenamoon Glenbarrow, Glenconra, Glendine (Ed Arderin), Glendine (Ed Clonaslee), Glendineoregan, Glenkeen Lower, Glenkeen Upper, Glenkitt, Glennaglass, Gorragh Lower, Gorragh Upper, Gorteen (Ed Meelick), Gorteennameale, Gortlusky, Gortnaglogh, Inchanisky Island (Ed Nealstown), Johnsborough, Keeloge North, Killinaparson, Killinure (Ed Lacka), Knockannagad, Knocks, Lacka, Lackan, Lackey, Lisnarode, Moher East, Moher West, Monasop, Monelly, Monicknew, Mountainfarm, Mounthall, Northgrove, Oldcamp, Ross (Ed Tinnahinch), Rossadown, Rossalee, Rossbaun, Rossdorragha, Rossmore (Ed Ballyfin), Rossnabarnagh, Rossnacreena, Scarroon, Sconce Lower, Sconce Upper, Shanavaur, Skerry, Srahanboy, Srahcullen, Srahduff Glebe, Stooagh, Tinnahinch, Tubbrid and Whitefield.

County Offaly

Ballybritt, Ballyduff (Ed Gorteen), Ballykelly, Ballymacmurragh, Ballynalack, Ballyphilip, Ballywilliam (Ed Roscomroe), Barcam, Barlahan, Beagh, Castletown And Glinsk, Clashroe, Clogh, Clonlee, Coldblow (Ed Gorteen), Coolcreen, Cooleeshill, Cumber Lower, Cumber Upper, Deerpark (Ed Letter), Forelacka, Glenafelly, Glendine (Ed Tulla), Glendossaun, Glenletter, Glenregan, Gorraun (Ed Gorteen), Gorteen (Roscrea Ph), Hundredacres, Keeloge (Ed Gorteen), Kilcreman, Knockloughlin, Lackaroe, Laughil (Ed Gorteen), Letter, Lismoney, Magherabane (Ed Letter), Newtown (Ed Roscomroe), Pigeonstown, Pollduff, Sheskin, Spink and Tulla and Crumlin.

Easter Rising Commemorations

Questions (608)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

608. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views that Ireland should mark the anniversary of one of the main foundational moments in this country's struggle to achieve a national republic, the Easter Rising of 1916, in a manner similar to other republics, such as the United States of America and the French Republic, that is to say without any sense of apology to, or cultural cringe towards, the foreign people and government that long usurped the sovereign and indefeasible right of the people of Ireland to the ownership of Ireland, and to the unfettered control of Irish destinies; the manner in which she plans to give expression to this in the centenary celebrations of the 1916 Rising, and to the vision of a republic that cherishes all of the children of the nation equally and is oblivious of the differences which had been carefully fostered by an alien government, which had divided a minority from the majority in the past; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17252/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme which was launched by Government on 31st March clearly states how important it is that we the citizens come together in 2016 to celebrate and have pride in Ireland’s independence and to honour those who gave their lives, so that the dream of self determination could become a reality. It is important also that we do this in a way that is respectful and inclusive to reflect the mature Republic that we have become over the last 100 years.

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 Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme places a special focus on the Seven Signatories of the Proclamation. A number of specific projects and activities in the programme relate to the Seven Signatories and individual signatories will also be remembered in a wide variety of ways.

At the centre of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme are the State Ceremonial Events, which represent the formal and solemn remembrance of the events of 1916 by the citizens of Ireland as the seminal event in our modern history, which led to our independence. The importance of our national flag and the ideals behind the Proclamation will also play a central role in the programme of events.

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.

Departmental Budgets

Questions (609)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

609. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding a budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17673/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Staffing requirements for Muckross House, and Killarney National Park in general, remain the subject of consideration in light of my Department’s overall business needs and the approved pay framework for 2015. My Department has recently secured approval for the recruitment of additional seasonal staff in Muckross for the 2015 season. As part of this, a new centrally located information kiosk adjacent to the main arrival point at Muckross will be established. This will enhance the visitor experience as it will provide visitors, at the very outset of their visit to the site, with valuable information on the variety of locations to visit – Muckross House, Muckross Gardens, Walled Garden Centre, Traditional Farms, nature trails, and so forth.

The subject of OPW budgets is a matter for my colleagues, Brendan Howlin T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and Simon Harris, T.D., Minister of State at the OPW.

Wildlife Rangers Appointments

Questions (610)

Paul Murphy

Question:

610. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the internationally recognised importance of Bull Island in north Dublin as a nature reserve, and the ongoing threat to its wildlife from persons and unleashed dogs, if she will arrange for funds to be made available for the employment of a wildlife ranger and dog warden exclusively for the island; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17722/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Bull Island is monitored regularly by officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. There are no plans currently to deploy additional staff resources to the site. My officials will, of course, continue to support the main landowner, Dublin City Council, which is working to raise awareness and address management issues generally at the site.

Heritage Council Funding

Questions (611)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

611. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a group (details supplied) was successful in its application for funding to the Heritage Council under the local heritage grants scheme, and if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17725/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across its range of programmes, given competing priorities within the heritage sector. The Heritage Council’s Grants Programme is administered and assessed independently by the Council. As Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I have no role in this regard.

I am aware, however, that the Heritage Council last week (30th April, 2015) announced funding for 197 heritage projects its 2015 Community-based Heritage Grants Scheme. totalling €547,000. Further details are available on the Heritage Council’s website at www.heritagecouncil.ie

Architectural Heritage

Questions (612)

Gabrielle McFadden

Question:

612. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the types and amounts of grant aid schemes available to conserve protected structures in private ownership; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17836/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Funding for the protection and conservation of built heritage will continue to be provided by my Department in 2015 via a number of schemes, which may be directly administered, or delivered through local authorities or the Heritage Council.

Yesterday (5 May, 2015), I announced grant funding of €624,000 to 22 local authorities under the Structures at Risk Fund 2015, which will enable conservation works to 28 heritage structures in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts 2000, as amended, and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. This Fund, which is being 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. The Fund was open to 2 applications per local authority, of which 1 application may be in respect of a privately-owned building. The amount of funding available per project was subject to a minimum level of €15,000 and a maximum level of €60,000. Since 2011, almost 130 structures will have been funded under this scheme.

Insurance Costs

Questions (613)

Gabrielle McFadden

Question:

613. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps that can be taken to address the situation where insurance companies are charging higher premiums to those who own protected structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17837/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department is aware of issues, such as higher premiums, surrounding insurance cover for historic buildings. I understand that officials of my Department have met with both the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority and the Irish Insurance Federation (now Insurance Ireland) to discuss this matter. My Department is also engaging with local authority Architectural Conservation Officers and other stakeholders in collating specific information regarding historic buildings and insurance with the intention of further examining this issue.

The principle issue with protected structures centres on the cost of reinstatement to the insurer. There is widespread belief that full reinstatement of protected structures, following loss or disaster, will be required by the regulatory authorities. While reinstatement is often a concern for owners, my Department’s guidance is that there is not a requirement for the planning authority to seek full reinstatement unless this is justified. My Department’s view is that every local authority should be able to provide information on reinstatement to individual owners and judgements should be made on a case by case basis.

It should be noted that there are several insurance providers in the market who offer insurance cover for historic properties on a case by case basis, having regard to the risks applicable to older structures in general. Such risks, which arise from age of services, structural stability, etc., relate to all traditionally built buildings - commonly those over 100 years old - and do not singularly target structures protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

My Department will continue to pursue matters surrounding insurance for historic properties and keep the issues under review.

Library Services Provision

Questions (614)

Seamus Healy

Question:

614. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the future of Bolton Library, Cashel, County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17860/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to Parliamentary Question 1005 on 24th March 2015. While I am aware that there are discussions taking place in relation to the future of Bolton Library, my Department does not have a direct role in the matter.

Public Sector Staff Recruitment

Questions (615)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

615. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details of recruitment, under the aegis of her Department, to the public sector since the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment. [18248/15]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform announced the partial lifting of the embargo on recruitment to the public service as part of Budget 2015. Details of the operation of revised arrangements are being finalised between officials of my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In the interim, my Department and bodies under its aegis have continued to progress the filling of certain key posts on the basis of specific sanction obtained from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. In the period 1st January to 30th April, a total of 14 such appointments have been made by bodies under the aegis of my Department, including the Arts Council, the Crawford Art Gallery, Foras na Gaeilge, the National Library and the National Gallery, while a recruitment process in relation to a further 13 positions is ongoing.