Written Answers Nos. 1019-1036
1019. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views regarding persons who have an acute sensitivity to mobile phone radiation; if he is aware of this condition; if there are many sufferers of same; the solutions to this problem; and his views on the negative health effects this condition causes to sufferers. [37861/15]
View answerThe term “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” (EHS) is often used where individuals report a variety of physical and mental health problems, including fatigue, headaches, depression, dizziness and problems with sleeping, after exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF), including those associated with mobile telecommunications. EHS was one of the potential health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) examined by an Expert Group Report commissioned by the Government and published in March 2007. The Expert Group reported that the majority scientific opinion was that no adverse short or long-term effects have been demonstrated from exposure to electromagnetic fields at levels below the limits recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). There is specific reference to EHS in the Report which concludes, at page 35, that EHS has no scientific basis to link its symptoms to EMF exposure. This remains my Department’s position based on the considerable scientific evidence available.
The report, entitled Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields, is available for download on my Department’s website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/EnvironmentalRadiation/FileDownLoad,2477,en.pdf.
A substantial volume of research is being carried out internationally by bodies with responsibility for monitoring the health effects of electromagnetic fields, including the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR). This Committee published a Final Opinion on Potential Health Effects of Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields in January 2015, updating its previous opinions from 2009 and taking account of the many studies undertaken in the intervening years. In relation to EMF hypersensitivity, the Final Opinion stated “Concerning EMF hypersensitivity research consistently shows that there is no causal link between self-reported symptoms and EMF exposure.”
My Department will continue to monitor the extensive international research on the issue which continues to be undertaken in this area by bodies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).
1020. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government for an update on the new planning guidelines for wind turbines; the set-back distances between wind turbines and residential homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37988/15]
View answerIn December 2013, my Department published proposed “draft” revisions to the noise, setbacks and shadow flicker aspects of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. These draft revisions proposed:
- the setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments,
- a mandatory minimum setback of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations, and
- the complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings.
A public consultation process was initiated on these proposed draft revisions to the Guidelines, which ran until 21 February 2014. My Department received submissions from 7,500 organisations and members of the public during this public consultation process. It is intended that the revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be finalised as soon as possible. In this regard, account has to be taken of the extensive response to the public consultation in framing the final guidelines. Further work is also advancing to develop technical appendices to assist planning authorities with the practical application of the noise measurement aspects of the Wind Guidelines. My Department is advancing work on the Guidelines in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
The revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006, when finalised, will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála are required to have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions under the Planning Acts.
1021. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of dormant account moneys made available to the State since the inception of this fund; the breakdown of amounts disbursed to each Department; the names of each recipient organisation; the year of allocation; the amount of allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38169/15]
View answerUnder the Dormant Accounts legislation, balances on dormant accounts with banks, building societies and An Post and the net encashment value of certain life assurance policies are paid into the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is managed by the National Treasury Management Agency. The primary purpose of the legislation is to reunite the original account holders with their moneys, including all interest due. In addition, the legislation provides that disbursements from the fund may be made for charitable purposes or for purposes of community benefit. The National Treasury Management Agency is responsible, under sections 17 and 18 of the 2001 Act, for establishing, managing and controlling the Dormant Accounts Fund and making of disbursements in accordance with the direction of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Details of disbursements from DAF are available at http://www.ntma.ie/publications.
Since its establishment in April 2003 to the end of 30 September 2015, the transfers to the Dormant Accounts Fund have totalled some €834.9 million, which includes interest earned of approximately €41.7 million. Funds reclaimed in that period by account holders amounted to around €309.7 million. €303.9 million of disbursements have been approved, with €256.12 million already expended by a large number of community groups and organisations under a range of measures administered by Pobal, on behalf of a number of Government Departments and agencies. Further data in relation to the Dormant Accounts Fund are available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Community/DormantAccounts/.
A Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan was adopted on 1 July 2014 which contained an allocation in excess of €26 million to be expended through a number of Government Departments and agencies. Under the 2014 Plan, Pobal are administering the Social Enterprise and the Disadvantaged Youth Employment Initiatives/Entrepreneurship measure. Pobal are also administering one measure on behalf of the Department of Social Protection and a number of measures on behalf of the Department of Health. The remaining measures under the 2014 Action Plan are being administered by the Departments themselves. Applications under these measures are currently being assessed by Pobal and it is planned that beneficiary organisations will be in receipt of funding before year end.
1022. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government given the current state of negotiations with the tyre industry where two representative bodies have now walked away from consultations regarding the introduction of a tyre recovery scheme and where there is widespread dispute of data presented by his Department on this matter, if he will seek the appointment of an independent facilitator to get these negotiations back on track; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38440/15]
View answer1082. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 672 of 20 October 2015, if he will consider the appointment of an independent facilitator to broker a deal on the critical issues involved, given the current state of the negotiations and the lack of participation by the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37973/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1022 and 1082 together.
I am committed to developing a sustainable and environmentally focused system for the management of waste tyres in Ireland. Like existing systems for waste tyres elsewhere in the EU and for all other waste streams in Ireland, this system must respect the producer responsibility approach and be based on the polluter pays principle. These are long-standing environmental principles which are reflected in both European and domestic legislation.
While I am confident the system I am working to develop will enjoy the full support of all members of the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association, who make up approximately 50% of the Irish tyre market, unfortunately certain elements within the tyres industry do not accept these basic environmental principles. I am not prepared to negotiate on these principles, upon which our environmental protection is built, but I welcome industry involvement and participation in the detailed design and implementation of a regulatory system that has these principles as a starting point.
As I have previously stated, I urge both the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) and the Irish Tyre Wholesalers & Retailers Association (ITWRA) to re-join the process and re-engage with my Department in finalising the details for the new regulatory regime.
1023. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to broaden the remit of the regeneration programme in County Limerick to take those towns on the perimeter of Limerick into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37160/15]
View answerMy Department currently supports an ambitious programme of regeneration in Limerick which seeks to address keys aspects of disadvantage in communities through holistic programmes of physical, social and economic regeneration. Good progress has been made through the programme and the Government remains committed to the ‘Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan’. The wider impact of regeneration activity across the hinterland of Limerick City is recognised and in that regard, I understand that Limerick City and County Council has been examining the relationship between the hinterland and the City. Once this examination is complete I will consider any implications it may have for the regeneration programme .
1024. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the central funding released to each local authority, by total released; by category; by total spend, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37163/15]
View answerCentral Government funding to local authorities presents a complicated picture, with transfers coming from a wide range of Departments and Offices, not solely from my Department, for a variety of purposes. Some streams of funding are delivered directly from funding departments to local authorities, while others are routed through departmental agencies. The Comptroller and Auditor General reports on the Central Government funding of local authorities as part of his Annual Report which provides an overview of the funds flowing from and through central government sources to local authorities and the purposes for which funds have been provided. The most recent report is available at the following link: http://www.audgen.gov.ie/documents/annualreports/2014/report/en/10%20central%20government%20funding%20of%20local%20authorities.pdf.
My Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, including protecting the environment, providing necessary housing supports and fostering community and rural development in partnership with local government and other local development bodies. In order to deliver on this broad business agenda, my Department allocates significant resources to a wide range of organisations, including local authorities. A summary of the funding provided by my Department directly to local authorities to date in 2015, is set out in the Table below. If the Deputy wishes to put down a more specific question concerning funding for a specific purpose from my Department, I will endeavour to provide the information sought.
|
Local Authority |
Funds disbursed to local authorities from DECLG’s programmes (Vote) Total (Year to Date) |
Funds disbursed to local authorities from the Local Government Fund Total (Year to Date) |
Funds disbursed to local authorities From the Environment Fund Total (Year to Date) |
Total |
|
Carlow County Council |
6,210,148.30 |
4,543,582.96 |
198,140.00 |
10,951,871.26 |
|
Cavan County Council |
5,698,102.94 |
7,726,438.38 |
355,622.00 |
13,780,163.32 |
|
Clare County Council |
5,834,031.57 |
6,843,428.49 |
665,964.00 |
13,343,424.06 |
|
Cork County Council |
10,202,423.28 |
26,451,221.07 |
927,048.00 |
37,580,692.35 |
|
Cork City Council |
19,898,460.98 |
8,983,605.79 |
263,216.00 |
29,145,282.77 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
6,688,488.45 |
32,325,472.67 |
487,819.00 |
39,501,780.12 |
|
Donegal County Council |
9,077,215.29 |
19,634,437.04 |
286,589.00 |
28,998,241.33 |
|
Dublin City Council |
58,184,926.04 |
60,175,118.67 |
1,304,814.47 |
119,664,859.18 |
|
Fingal County Council |
11,222,451.71 |
28,421,429.87 |
361,332.00 |
40,005,213.58 |
|
Galway County Council |
7,584,292.27 |
12,399,946.45 |
164,119.00 |
20,148,357.72 |
|
Galway City Council |
4,314,908.57 |
6,040,225.68 |
113,254.00 |
10,468,388.25 |
|
Kerry County Council |
5,211,381.72 |
10,143,292.99 |
141,476.00 |
15,496,150.71 |
|
Kildare County Council |
9,863,050.83 |
15,962,645.80 |
174,698.00 |
26,000,394.63 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
8,877,633.87 |
7,945,749.50 |
190,962.00 |
17,014,345.37 |
|
Laois County Council |
7,548,623.09 |
6,514,174.60 |
188,635.00 |
14,251,432.69 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
1,300,897.04 |
6,985,125.55 |
90,197.00 |
8,376,219.59 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
29,924,540.21 |
15,654,024.80 |
492,683.00 |
46,071,248.01 |
|
Longford County Council |
2,772,292.62 |
6,790,157.06 |
224,950.00 |
9,787,399.68 |
|
Louth County Council |
10,341,336.87 |
7,446,329.45 |
229,763.00 |
18,017,429.32 |
|
Mayo County Council |
9,373,876.89 |
17,004,297.60 |
234,384.00 |
26,612,558.49 |
|
Meath County Council |
4,592,127.93 |
12,688,976.71 |
330,229.00 |
17,611,333.64 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
3,364,528.41 |
9,080,642.74 |
241,023.00 |
12,686,194.15 |
|
Offaly County Council |
6,160,007.58 |
5,553,035.00 |
290,774.00 |
12,003,816.58 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
1,985,040.70 |
7,994,199.31 |
253,335.50 |
10,232,575.51 |
|
Sligo County Council |
7,334,301.98 |
8,601,560.68 |
209,764.00 |
16,145,626.66 |
|
Sth Dublin County Council |
9,600,985.59 |
25,153,035.85 |
192,038.00 |
34,946,059.44 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
11,687,355.08 |
20,122,624.47 |
300,489.00 |
32,110,468.55 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
14,406,469.61 |
18,574,467.15 |
353,881.00 |
33,334,817.76 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
6,014,467.06 |
8,334,041.30 |
194,619.00 |
14,543,127.36 |
|
Wexford County Council |
9,917,691.42 |
10,363,226.19 |
328,924.50 |
20,609,842.11 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
8,851,132.49 |
11,819,883.65 |
539,846.00 |
21,210,862.14 |
|
Totals |
314,043,190.39 |
446,276,397.47 |
10,330,588.47 |
770,650,176.33 |
1025. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an application submitted to his Department by a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the expressions of interest for recreation projects 2015 will be finalised; the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37190/15]
View answer1026. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an application submitted to his Department by a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the expressions of interest for recreation projects 2015 will be finalised; the status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37191/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1025 and 1026 together.
My Department recently invited Expressions of Interest from a variety of organisations, agencies and groups in respect of the funding of recreational Infrastructure projects, should funding become available.
This initiative has generated a considerable amount of interest and my Department is currently carrying out a detailed assessment of each expression of interest received, including any received from the groups referred to in the Question. This assessment process, which I envisage will be completed over the coming weeks, will allow projects to be prioritised for any funding which is made available.
1027. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware the waiting time for assessments under the housing assistance payment scheme or social housing may be three or more months in some areas, which is resulting in the risk of homelessness for persons who are awaiting acceptance under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37193/15]
View answerThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is deemed to be a social housing support under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. It should be noted that as a long term housing support, an assessment of housing need must be completed in order for a household to qualify for HAP. The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 provide that subject to conditions, a housing authority shall deal with such an application within a period of 12 weeks. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and average waiting times are significantly shorter that the statutory maximum in many areas. The implementation of the HAP scheme is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy. Local Authorities and the Department of Social Protection are working closely together in order to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme.
In the circumstances described where an individual is at risk of homelessness, both Exceptional Needs Payments and Rent Supplement Payments available under the Department of Social Protection’s Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme, can be utilised. While, in general, Rent Supplement is paid once an assessment of housing need has been completed, Exceptional Needs Payments are made on an entirely discretionary basis.
Questions in relation to payments under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme are a matter for my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection.
1028. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that owners of units under the affordable home scheme are compelled to pay €60 per month for mortgage protection insurance as part of the scheme, a sum that is three times the rate charged by market providers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37166/15]
View answer1029. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proportion of the mortgage protection insurance that must be purchased by homeowners under the affordable homes scheme that goes towards death and disability benefits. [37167/15]
View answer1030. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he will take, as part of the re-tendering process in 2016 for the provision of mortgage protection insurance for homeowners under the affordable homes scheme, to ensure they are no longer charged three times the market rate for their policies. [37168/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1028 to 1030, inclusive, together.
The local authority mortgage protection insurance (MPI) scheme is overseen by the Mortgage Protection Committee which is a sub-committee of the County and City Management Association (CCMA) and is representative of the CCMA, local authorities, the Housing Finance Agency and my Department. One of the conditions of the scheme, which is a group policy, is that it is obligatory for all local authority borrowers who meet the eligibility criteria to join the scheme. Altering this condition would have a negative impact on the scheme and increase the cost for all existing borrowers.
The provision requiring that mortgage protection insurance is held by mortgage holders is contained in the Consumer Credit Act 1995. This legislation is the responsibility of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
In terms of comparison to other schemes of mortgage protection, it is important to note that it covers disability as well as death and that the disability cover is for the full period of the disability and not just 12 months as is the case in the majority of MPI policies available.
The Mortgage Protection Committee which oversees the scheme endeavours to achieve a balance between the most economic rate to be charged for the scheme and the benefits provided. In negotiating a renewal of the scheme, which came into effect from 1 January 2012, the Committee were able to harness the downward pressure on pricing in the economy and secure an average 19% reduction on the rate which applied to the previous scheme. As part of the upcoming re-tendering process, the Committee will seek to secure with effect from 1 January 2017, the most appropriate Mortgage Protection Insurance cover at the best value for money for local authority borrowers.
1031. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the tenant purchase scheme; and when he expects the local authorities to be in a position to sell council homes to tenants. [37199/15]
View answerMy colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has signed the statutory instruments required to enable the new scheme for the tenant purchase of existing local authority houses along incremental purchase lines to come into operation on 1 January 2016. The new year commencement will allow time for housing authorities to familiarise themselves with the new scheme and for interested tenants to make necessary preparations to apply to purchase. The statutory instruments concerned will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas shortly.
1032. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware of the concerns of residents of Bettystown, County Meath, regarding the proposed construction of 370 houses in a flood risk area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37204/15]
View answerI am aware of the matters raised by the Deputy from a previous Parliamentary Question. However, the matter raised is first and foremost a matter for the relevant local authority, which in this case is Meath County Council. With regard to the issues raised by the Deputy, the information available to me is that the area has been the subject of Flood Risk Assessment as part of the planning application process and that technical assessments of relevant planning applications by the Planning Authority from the environmental and water services perspectives were satisfactory, subject to the development being constructed in accordance with the drawings submitted and in compliance with the conditions attached.
Moreover, Meath County Council has indicated that a Part VIII planning process for a local flood scheme commenced in August of this year. On consideration of the flood scheme by the Members of Meath County Council and completion of the Part VIII planning process, the detailed design will be finalised with a view to commencing works by the summer of 2016.
Having regard to this context, it is a matter for Meath County Council to ensure that proper account has been taken of all relevant flood risk considerations in the context of its decisions on the overall development of the area, in deciding individual planning applications and undertaking investment in surface water disposal infrastructure in the area.
1033. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the proposals for the refurbishment of housing units at Jamestown Court, Inchicore, Dublin 8, for which planning permission was granted by Dublin City Council in June 2015; if the proposals are acceptable, when the necessary sanction will be given to enable the refurbishment work to proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37289/15]
View answer1041. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the proposals for the refurbishment of housing units at Jamestown Court, Inchicore, Dublin 8 for which planning permission was granted by Dublin City Council in June 2015 for eight units; and if the proposals are acceptable, when the necessary sanction will be provided to enable the refurbishment work to proceed. [37467/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1033 and 1041 together.
Dublin City Council has submitted a proposal for funding from my Department towards the refurbishment of a block of units at Jamestown Court, Inchicore. The proposal is currently under consideration by my Department and a response will issue to the Council in due course.
1034. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated expenditure of his Department in 2015, in tabular form; the budget for expenditure agreed at the start of the year for 2015; the extra expenditure or savings in this budget during the year to date; when and under what process this expenditure and these savings were approved; and his Department's budget for expenditure in 2016. [37261/15]
View answerThe Revised Estimates for Public Services 2015, published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, provide for gross expenditure of €1. 329 billion in respect of my Department in 2015, while the initial allocation provided for in the Abridged Estimates for Public Services 2016 is €1.4 96 billion gross. The 2015 estimates of expenditure are set out in the table beneath. At the end of October 2015, spending by my Department amounted to €789 million. I expect significant further expenditure to take place by end 2015 - traditionally, a very significant proportion of the Department’s capital spend takes place in the final months of the year when projects and initiatives come to a conclusion. Where savings emerge in the finalisation of Department spending in 2015, consideration will be given, in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, to the appropriate use of the resources concerned.
|
2015 Allocations |
Provision |
|
€,000 |
|
|
V34 - GROSS |
1,328,957 |
|
A - HOUSING |
686,708 |
|
A.1 - ADMINISTRATION - PAY |
8,550 |
|
A.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
1,934 |
|
A.3 - LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING |
354,385 |
|
A.4 - VOLUNTARY & CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING |
114,537 |
|
A.5 - SOCIAL INCLUSION |
61,458 |
|
A.6 - ESTATE REGENERATION - SOCIAL HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS |
99,830 |
|
A.7 - PRIVATE HOUSING GRANTS |
24,090 |
|
A.8 - SUBSIDIES AND ALLOWANCES |
4,679 |
|
A.9 - OTHER SERVICES |
17,245 |
|
B - WATER |
168,601 |
|
B.1 - ADMINISTRATION - PAY |
5,442 |
|
B.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
1,175 |
|
B.3 - WATER QUALITY |
11,000 |
|
B.4 - RURAL WATER PROGRAMME |
17,535 |
|
B.5 - FORESHORE |
3,415 |
|
B.6 - WATER CONSERVATION GRANT |
130,000 |
|
B.7 - OTHER SERVICES |
34 |
|
C - ENVIRONMENT & WASTE MANAGEMENT |
35,036 |
|
C.1 - ADMINISTRATION - PAY |
5,932 |
|
C.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
1,844 |
|
C.3 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY |
18,713 |
|
C.6 - LANDFILL REMEDIATION |
8,500 |
|
C.7 - OTHER SERVICES |
47 |
|
D - LOCAL GOVERNMENT |
269,885 |
|
D.1 - ADMINISTRATION - PAY |
8,757 |
|
D.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
2,004 |
|
D.3 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUND |
233,100 |
|
D.4 - FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES |
8,792 |
|
D.5 - LOCAL AUTHORITY LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE SERVICE |
2,400 |
|
D.6 - FRANCHISE |
2,585 |
|
D.7 - OTHER SERVICES |
12,247 |
|
E - COMMUNITY & RURAL DEVELOPMENT |
133,298 |
|
E.1 - ADMINISTRATION - PAY |
4,661 |
|
E.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
663 |
|
E.3 - SUPPORTS FOR COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR (NAT LOTT) |
12,624 |
|
E.4 - LOCAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES (NAT LOTT) |
45,407 |
|
E.5 - RAPID |
500 |
|
E.6 - DORMANT ACCOUNTS MEASURES |
6,726 |
|
E.7 - WESTERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION |
1,488 |
|
E.8 - NATIONAL RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES |
3,816 |
|
E.9 - LEADER RURAL ECONOMY SUB-PROGRAMME 2007-2013 |
45,000 |
|
E.10 - PROGRAMME FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION |
11,174 |
|
E.11 - INTERREG PROGRAMME |
511 |
|
E.12 - TIDY TOWNS COMPETITION |
1 |
|
E.13 - IRISH WATER SAFETY |
657 |
|
E.14 - OTHER SERVICES |
70 |
|
F - PLANNING |
16,357 |
|
F.1 - ADMINISTRATION - PAY |
1,552 |
|
F.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
92 |
|
F.3 - AN BORD PLEANÁLA |
13,558 |
|
F.4 - PLANNING TRIBUNAL |
1,045 |
|
F.5 - OTHER SERVICES |
110 |
|
G - MET ÉIREANN |
19,072 |
|
G.1 - ADMINISTRATION - PAY |
12,397 |
|
G.2 - ADMINISTRATION - NON PAY |
6,675 |
1035. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocation for his Department in 2016 which covers the Lansdowne Road agreement; and the demographic or other inflationary pressures. [37277/15]
View answerThe provisional allocation for my Department as announced in the recent Abridged Estimates Volume (AEV) 2016 amounts to €1.446 billion. The Administration budget for my Department includes an amount of some €32,000 in respect of the Lansdowne Road agreement. The table below sets out the administration allocations in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) 2015 and the AEV for 2016.
|
- |
2015 |
2016 |
|
V34 - ENVIRONMENT, COMMUNITY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ADMIN) |
61,678 |
64,772 |
|
(i) - SALARIES, WAGES AND ALLOWANCES |
47,291 |
48,791 |
|
(ii) - TRAVEL AND SUBSISTENCE |
1,465 |
1,465 |
|
(iii) - TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES |
1,642 |
1,642 |
|
(iv) - POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES |
1,284 |
1,294 |
|
(v) - OFFICE EQUIPMENT & EXTERNAL IT SERVICES |
8,486 |
10,070 |
|
(vi) - OFFICE PREMISES EXPENSES |
1,339 |
1,399 |
|
(vii) - CONSULTANCY & VFM & POLICY REVIEWS |
171 |
111 |
1036. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to allow local authorities to take estates in charge that were originally holiday home schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37319/15]
View answerThe taking in charge of residential estates by planning authorities is provided for under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and applies to developments which include the construction of 2 or more houses and the provision of new roads, open spaces car parks, sewers, watermains or service connections relating to such development. Under section 3 of the Act , a “house” means a building or part of a building which is being or has been occupied as a dwelling or was provided for use as a dwelling but has not been occupied, and where appropriate, includes a building which was designed for use as 2 or more dwellings or a flat, an apartment or other dwelling within such a building.
The taking in charge provisions in section 180 of the Act do not differentiate between holiday homes and normally occupied houses. In relation to estates which have been completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the planning permission, section 180(1) of the Act provides that the planning authority must, if requested to do so by the developer or by the majority of the owners of the houses involved, initiate the taking in charge procedures set out in section 11 of the Roads Act 1993 .
My Department is currently reviewing, in the context of the forthcoming Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill, the current provisions in section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, relating to the taking in charge of housing estates by planning authorities with a view to improving and streamlining the taking in charge procedures. A particular focus of the review will be the time limits for the taking in charge of housing estates with a view to expediting the process. My Department is consulting with planning authorities in this regard.
