Written Answers Nos 550-570
550. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the number of persons who progressed into employment or self-employment as a result of local community development programme interventions by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43984/15]
View answer551. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the number of long-term unemployed persons who take up employment following intervention through local community development programme within six months of completion by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43985/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 550 and 551 together.
The aim of my Department’s Local and Community Development Programmes was to tackle poverty and social exclusion in disadvantaged communities. The programme provided funding of €281 million to communities during the period January 2010 to end March 2015, when the new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) was rolled out across communities, following a competitive tendering process.
The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of persons who progressed into employment or self-employment as a result of Local Community Development Programme interventions on a county basis are set out in the following table.
|
County |
Number of participants that progressed into employment from 1 January 2010 – 31 March 2015 |
Number of participants that progressed into self-employment from 1 January 2010 – 31 March 2015 |
|
Carlow |
112 |
397 |
|
Cavan |
142 |
748 |
|
Clare |
98 |
658 |
|
Cork |
1019 |
1505 |
|
Donegal |
492 |
1057 |
|
Dublin |
1826 |
7820 |
|
Galway |
346 |
2395 |
|
Kerry |
457 |
1335 |
|
Kildare |
144 |
1204 |
|
Kilkenny |
102 |
230 |
|
Laois |
152 |
318 |
|
Leitrim |
281 |
437 |
|
Limerick |
357 |
1306 |
|
Longford |
38 |
404 |
|
Louth |
126 |
1466 |
|
Mayo |
169 |
907 |
|
Meath |
137 |
957 |
|
Monaghan |
35 |
410 |
|
Offaly |
276 |
300 |
|
Roscommon |
251 |
319 |
|
Sligo |
79 |
451 |
|
Tipperary |
181 |
148 |
|
Waterford |
173 |
598 |
|
Westmeath |
247 |
653 |
|
Wexford |
182 |
849 |
|
Wicklow |
197 |
676 |
|
MFG Cumas Teoranta & Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta Teoranta (Cross County) |
18 |
80 |
|
Totals |
7637 |
27628 |
In relation to the Deputy’s request for details in respect of the number of long-term unemployed persons who took up employment following intervention through the Local Community Development Programme within 6 months of completion, this information is not available. However, insofar as SICAP is concerned, this information is being recorded and will be available in due course.
552. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the number of full-time jobs created in enterprises supported under the rural development programme Ireland 2011 to 2015 by country in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43986/15]
View answer553. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of villages and communities benefiting from capital enhancement works under the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2011 to 2015 by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43987/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 552 and 553 together.
The number of full-time jobs supported through LEADER in the period 2011 to 2014, by county, is detailed in the following Table 1. The number of villages and communities benefitting from capital enhancement works is detailed in the following Table 2.
As the Deputy will note, some of the Local Action Groups cover more than one county. 2014 statistics for Meath are not currently available. In relation to the Deputy’s request for data in respect of 2015, these data will not be available until early 2016.
Table 1: Number of full-time jobs created under Rural Development Programme (LEADER)
|
County |
LAG |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Carlow |
Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd |
7 |
15 |
14 |
9 |
|
Cavan and Monaghan |
Cavan-Monaghan LEADER |
12 |
7.5 |
14 |
7.5 |
|
Clare |
Clare Local Development Company Ltd. |
9 |
21 |
15 |
18 |
|
Cork |
South and East Cork Area Dev Ltd. |
35 |
12 |
140 |
14 |
|
Cork |
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership |
11 |
14 |
17 |
8 |
|
Cork |
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd. |
7 |
6 |
19 |
70 |
|
Parts of Cork and Kerry |
IRD Duhallow Ltd. |
76 |
23 |
130 |
159 |
|
Donegal |
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. |
26 |
36 |
22 |
13 |
|
Donegal |
Inishowen Development Partnership |
28 |
5 |
54 |
62 |
|
Dublin |
Fingal LEADER Partnership Co. |
3 |
18.5 |
30 |
44 |
|
Galway |
Galway Rural Development Company |
8 |
8 |
11 |
19 |
|
Galway |
FORUM Connemara Ltd. |
5 |
7.5 |
6 |
43.5 |
|
Kerry |
North East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teo |
8 |
3 |
20 |
25 |
|
Kerry |
South Kerry Development Ltd. |
1.5 |
4.5 |
27 |
27 |
|
Kildare |
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo |
10 |
7 |
9 |
6 |
|
Kilkenny |
Co Kilkenny LEADER Partnership |
24 |
17.5 |
22 |
7 |
|
Laois |
Laois Community and Enterprise Dev |
7.5 |
21.5 |
19 |
29.5 |
|
Leitrim |
Leitrim Integrated Development Co Ltd |
7 |
8.5 |
24 |
28 |
|
Limerick |
West Limerick Resources Ltd |
17 |
10 |
11 |
14 |
|
Parts of Limerick and Cork |
Ballyhoura Development Ltd. |
25 |
15 |
20 |
33 |
|
Longford |
Longford Community Resources Ltd |
16 |
2 |
7 |
10 |
|
Louth |
Louth LEADER Partnership |
6 |
0 |
111 |
237 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co. |
12 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
|
Mayo |
South West Mayo Development Company Ltd |
60.5 |
32.5 |
28 |
16 |
|
Meath |
Meath Community Rural and Social Dev. |
24.5 |
126 |
133 |
- |
|
Offaly |
Offaly Integrated Local Dev Co. Ltd. |
13 |
24 |
25 |
11.5 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
6.25 |
12 |
9 |
29 |
|
Sligo |
Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd |
38 |
28 |
39.5 |
70.5 |
|
Tipperary |
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership |
9 |
5 |
4 |
11 |
|
Tipperary |
South Tipperary Local Development Co Ltd |
8 |
24 |
9 |
5.5 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
8.5 |
3 |
24 |
33 |
|
Wexford |
Wexford Local Development |
34 |
8 |
75.5 |
28.5 |
|
Wicklow |
Co Wicklow Community Partnership |
5 |
11 |
9 |
24.5 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath Community Development Ltd |
58 |
16 |
8 |
9 |
|
Islands off Cork, Donegal, Galway and Mayo * |
Comhar na nOileán Teoranta |
8 |
9 |
7 |
17 |
|
- |
- |
633.75 |
568 |
1,121 |
1,148 |
*Since 2012 Comhar na nOileán has responsibility for the Galway gaeltacht.
Table 2: Number of Villages/ Communities benefitting from enhancements
|
County |
LAG |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Carlow |
Carlow County Development Partnership |
11 |
19 |
13 |
25 |
|
Cavan and Monaghan |
Cavan-Monaghan LEADER |
21 |
22 |
26 |
19 |
|
Clare |
Clare Local Development Company Ltd. |
9 |
28 |
13 |
14 |
|
Cork |
South and East Cork Area Dev Ltd. |
18 |
84 |
83 |
76 |
|
Cork |
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership Ltd. |
18 |
8 |
26 |
3 |
|
Cork |
West Cork Development Partnership Ltd. |
17 |
12 |
48 |
29 |
|
Parts of Cork and Kerry |
IRD Duhallow Ltd. |
33 |
25 |
17 |
22 |
|
Donegal |
Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. |
35 |
98 |
56 |
31 |
|
Donegal |
Inishowen Development Partnership |
7 |
7 |
4 |
9 |
|
Dublin |
Fingal LEADER Partnership Co. |
7 |
11 |
14 |
72 |
|
Galway |
Galway Rural Development Company |
37 |
20 |
25 |
13 |
|
Galway |
FORUM Connemara Ltd. |
9 |
18 |
11 |
10 |
|
Kerry |
North East Kerry LEADER Partnership Teo |
8 |
9 |
8 |
15 |
|
Kerry |
South Kerry Development Ltd. |
19 |
14 |
42 |
24 |
|
Kildare |
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teo |
17 |
16 |
33 |
16 |
|
Kilkenny |
Co Kilkenny LEADER Partnership |
26 |
16 |
33 |
31 |
|
Laois |
Laois Community and Enterprise Dev |
37 |
101 |
71 |
171 |
|
Leitrim |
Leitrim Integrated Development Co Ltd |
21 |
26 |
242 |
191 |
|
Limerick |
West Limerick Resources Ltd |
13 |
21 |
12 |
14 |
|
Parts of Limerick and Cork |
Ballyhoura Development Ltd. |
73 |
66 |
111 |
40 |
|
Longford |
Longford Community Resources Ltd |
5 |
10 |
18 |
13 |
|
Louth |
Louth LEADER Partnership |
11 |
17 |
60 |
14 |
|
Mayo |
Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Co. |
22 |
38 |
5 |
6 |
|
Mayo |
South West Mayo Development Company Ltd |
27 |
5 |
5 |
12 |
|
Meath |
Meath Community Rural and Social Dev. |
1 |
148 |
107 |
- |
|
Offaly |
Offaly Integrated Local Dev Co. Ltd. |
38 |
70 |
37 |
17 |
|
Roscommon |
Roscommon Integrated Development Company |
9 |
3 |
2 |
15 |
|
Sligo |
Co. Sligo LEADER Partnership Company Ltd |
11 |
15 |
1 |
19 |
|
Tipperary |
North Tipperary LEADER Partnership |
22 |
42 |
20 |
35 |
|
Tipperary |
South Tipperary Local Development Co Ltd |
28 |
31 |
28 |
15 |
|
Waterford |
Waterford LEADER Partnership Ltd. |
16 |
5 |
10 |
19 |
|
Wexford |
Wexford Local Development |
5 |
8 |
45 |
10 |
|
Wicklow |
Co Wicklow Community Partnership |
7 |
27 |
49 |
33 |
|
Westmeath |
Westmeath Community Development Ltd |
9 |
16 |
9 |
13 |
|
Islands of Cork, Donegal, Galway and Mayo* |
Comhar na nOileán Teoranta |
11 |
14 |
17 |
25 |
|
- |
- |
658 |
1,070 |
1,301 |
1,071 |
Since 2012 Comhar na nOileán has responsibility for the Galway gaeltacht also.
554. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to make a statement on the findings of the critical review on merging the local government audit service into the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. [44153/15]
View answerIn accordance with the Public Service Reform Plan, a critical review on merging the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS) into the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (OCAG) was initiated in 2012 in the context of consideration of agency rationalisation generally. The work of the Group was overtaken by a Government decision in October of that year that the LGAS and the OCAG should not be merged. In light of the Government’s definitive policy position, the work of the review group was brought to a conclusion in advance of reporting.
The Government’s finalised policy approach in relation to local government reform, as set out in Putting People First – Action Programme for Effective Local Government, provided for major changes to structures, roles, functions, funding, governance and accountability in local government taking account, inter alia, of the appropriate interplay between local, regional and national policy considerations, including the establishment of a new National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC). Arising from work on these matters, new arrangements were agreed for enhanced cooperation between the LGAS and the OCAG, taking account of their separate independent statutory responsibilities.
555. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the amount of taxpayer money being spent on paying a mortgage on a derelict house in Mountshannon in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43536/15]
View answerA proposed social housing project at Mountshannon House, Co Clare, was submitted to my Department as part of a prioritised list of proposals from Clare County Council, for funding under the Capital Assistance Scheme. In July 2015, I announced funding approval of over €150 million under the Scheme nationally, to deliver over 1,000 new social housing units. This included 31 new units across 3 projects that were prioritised by Clare County Council, at an overall cost of €2.416 million. While the project in question was not announced for funding approval at that time, it remains under consideration. My Department has sought clarification in relation to a number of aspects of the project and it will be further considered when responses are received.
To date my Department has not provided funding for the acquisition or re-development of Mountshannon House, which is owned by Respond Housing Association and any payments being made are a matter for Clare County Council and Respond Housing Association.
556. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if buildings ( details supplied) in County Kerry are insured appropriately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43561/15]
View answerI have no function in relation to the buildings referred to by the Deputy.
557. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set down in tabular form the number of meetings requested by private external lobby groups and the number held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43598/15]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not routinely compiled by my Department but will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
558. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set down his Department's photography costs since he came into office, inclusive of costs incurred from use of the Ministerial allowance, by year, in tabular form; the occasions for which photographers were booked; the photographers used; the costs associated with each occasion; the policy in place regarding the booking of photographers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43630/15]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not routinely compiled by my Department but will be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
559. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide details of his Department's use of external public relations firms since he came into office by year in tabular form; the uses of these firms and the policy regarding employing them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43646/15]
View answerMy Department has not engaged any external public relations firms since I became Minister.
In relation to my Department’s policy for the engagement of external expertise, this is generally only considered where the issues involved require expert skills or capabilities that are not readily available within my Department.
560. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide details in tabular form on the reports he commissioned from external consultants since March 2011 by year, title, cost, date published and company. [43662/15]
View answerThe information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Year Commissioned |
Consultant/Author etc. |
Name/Description of Report/Review/Study |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Amount Spent Since March 2011 |
|
2011 |
ARUP Consulting Engineers |
Study in respect of provision of fire detection and alarms systems in dwellings. |
Not intended for publication. It is a technical report, to inform work in the Department. |
€29,935 |
|
2011 |
Barrow Archaeological Services |
Archaeological reports on Met Éireann site at Valentia. |
The report is not intended to be published as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€1,210 |
|
2011 |
Building Research Establishment Ltd |
Retrofitting Code of Practice. |
Published March 2014. |
(1) €21,190 |
|
2011 |
Certification Europe Ltd. |
Compost Quality Assurance Scheme. |
Published October 2012. |
€139,142 |
|
2011 |
Dr. Eoin O'Sullivan, Trinity College Dublin |
Review of the Homeless Strategy 2008-2013. |
Published November 2012. |
€6,000 |
|
2011 |
Housing & Sustainable Communities Ltd. |
Toolkit for Local Authorities on regeneration. |
Not intended for publication. This was a report intended to provide assistance to Local Authorities in drawing up proposals for the regeneration of their areas. |
€12,300 |
|
2011 |
Indecon |
Regulatory Impact Analysis of proposed regulations for household food waste. |
Published June 2012. |
€24,725 |
|
2011 |
Malachy Walsh & Partners |
EIS Screening Report for site at Valentia. |
The report is not intended to be published as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€6,336 |
|
2011 |
Marine Institute |
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (1) Initial Assessment; (2) Development of a Monitoring Programme; and (3) Development of a Programme of Measures necessary to achieve Good Environmental Status in Irish Marine Waters. |
(1) Initial Assessment - The technical report was published on the Department's website in Q2 2013 and the summary report was published in Q4 2013. (2) Monitoring Programme – sent to the EU Commission in April 2015. (3) Drawing up of programme of Measures to be completed Q1 2016 |
( 2 ) € 2 ,731,979 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
2011 |
Mr. David Lovegrove |
2011 Report of the Dormant Accounts Board. |
Published July 2012. |
€9,689 |
|
2011 |
Murtagh & Partners |
Review of Dublin Region Homelessness Services and Funding in 2011. |
Published October 2011. |
€27,800 |
|
2011 |
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
Audit reports for ISO9001:2008 in 2011 and 2012. |
Not intended for publication. |
€6,699 |
|
2011 |
Pembroke Communications |
Advise on, and assist tendering process for, Tidy Towns sponsorship. |
No formal report due for publication. |
€4,560 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
2011 |
Price Waterhouse Coopers |
Independent assessment on establishment of National Water Utility. |
Irish Water - Phase 1 report and appendices published January 2012. Implementation Strategy published December 2012. |
€179,584 |
|
2011 |
Pyrite Panel |
Report of the Pyrite Panel - Independent report to provide options for the Minister to deal with the pyrite problem. |
Published July 2012. |
€22,719 |
|
2011 |
RPS Group |
Provision of expertise concerning Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment techniques for the evaluation and revision of Regional Waste Management Plans. |
No formal document due for publication. The work comprises principally advice, guidance documents and technical expertise. |
€45,223 |
|
2011 |
Secretariat to the National Economic and Social Council of Ireland |
Analysis on national climate policy. |
Interim report released October 2012; final report released in February 2013. |
Nil |
|
2011 |
SKM Enviros |
Irish Recycled Plastic Waste Arisings Study. |
Published September 2011. |
€37,566 |
|
2011 |
Tobin Consulting Engineers |
National Litter Pollution Monitoring System - 2011 Report. |
Published April 2012. |
€61,077 |
|
2011 |
White Young Green |
Annual Dust Impact Assessment Report (2011) at the Former Irish Steelworks Site, Haulbowline, Cobh, Co. Cork. |
Published March 2012. |
( 3 ) See footnote |
|
2012 |
AECOM |
Cost optimal study for non-domestic buildings. |
Published March 2013. |
€53,517 |
|
2012 |
Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) |
Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas report on how to support the economic development of rural Ireland. |
Published April 2014. |
( 4 ) €20,702 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
2012 |
DKM Economic Consultants |
Review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. |
Published July 2013. |
€39,690 |
|
2012 |
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
Analysis of Property Tax Options - a report to the Interdepartmental Expert Group on Property Tax. |
Published December 2012. |
€60,280 |
|
2012 |
Fehilly Timoney & Company |
Bulky Waste Reuse Best Practice - Feasibility Study. |
Published July 2013. |
€55,289 |
|
2012 |
Flynn Furney Consultants Ltd. |
Environmental Management Services re: review of CEMP at Valentia Site (Method Statement). |
The report is not intended to be published as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€3,167 |
|
2012 |
Glas Ecology |
Environment Management Plan (Breeding Chough and Peregrine Survey, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry). |
The report is not intended to be published as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€4,920 |
|
2012 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Review of leasing model. |
It is intended that the report will be published during 2015. |
€1,937 |
|
2012 |
Indecon |
Feasibility study on a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. |
Published November 2012. |
( 5 ) € 42,706 |
|
2012 |
Inter-Departmental Group |
Design of a Local Property Tax – Report of the Inter-Departmental Group. |
Published December 2012 |
Nil |
|
2012 |
Mr. David Lovegrove |
2012 Report of the Dormant Accounts Board. |
Published March 2013. |
€1,120 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Hendrik W van der Kamp |
Independent Evaluation of the Planning Review Report 2012. |
Published January 2013. |
€12,096 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Seamus Woulfe SC |
Review of the management by the Department of an application by Wicklow County Council for loan approval in respect of the compulsory purchase of land at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow - Phase 1. |
Published March 2012. |
€19,680 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Seamus Woulfe SC |
Review of the compulsory acquisition of land by Wicklow County Council at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow - Phase 2. |
Published April 2013. |
€49,200 |
|
2012 |
Munster Archaeology |
Report on archaeological investigation/survey of Met Éireann site at Valentia. |
Not Intended for publication. Report for internal use only. |
€47,289 |
|
2012 |
Padraic Thornton Planning & Environmental Consultancy |
Preparation of EIA Guidelines. |
Published March 2013. |
€7,200 |
|
2012 |
RPS Group |
All Island Used Tyre Survey. |
Published March 2013. |
( 6) € 17,673 |
|
2012 |
RPS Group |
Review of the Producer Responsibility Model in Ireland. |
Final report published in July 2014. |
€292,306 |
|
2012 |
Tobin Consulting Engineers |
National Litter Pollution Monitoring System - 2012 Report. |
Published April 2013. |
€58,271 |
|
2012 |
Version 1 |
Evaluation of ICT Disaster Recovery configuration and capability. |
Not intended for publication. |
€9,363 |
|
2013 |
AP Env Econ Limited/National Economic and Social Council (NESC) |
Ireland’s Environmental Data: Inventory, Assessment and Next Steps. |
Published April 2014. |
€35,178 |
|
2013 |
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
Affordability aspects of the provision of water services in Ireland and subsequent analysis. |
Published in May 2014 as Appendix 2 and Appendix 5 of the "Report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Affordability Measures". |
€57,655 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
2013 |
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) & University College Cork (UCC) |
Technical support on developing low carbon sector roadmaps for Ireland. |
The project relates to technical support, with no formal document due for publication. |
€107,552 |
|
2013 |
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) & University College Cork (UCC) |
Technical support for the purposes of advising Government on the proposed 2030 EU Framework for Climate and Energy Policies. |
This report was published in June 2015 as part of the consultation on the National Mitigation Plan to transition Ireland to a low carbon economy by 2050. |
€67,768 |
|
2013 |
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
Article 29(2) Report on Progress on Implementation of the EC (Good Agriculture Practices for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010. |
Published April 2014. |
Nil |
|
2013 |
Garrett Fennell Solicitor |
Independent Review of the registration arrangements for Architects under the Building Control Act 2007. |
Published on the Department's website. |
Nil (report produced on a pro-bono basis) |
|
2013 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Review of CALF assessment process. |
It is intended that the report will be published before the end of 2015. |
€11,675 |
|
2013 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Business Process Design of the Housing Assistance Payment. |
Date of publication to be decided |
€54,938 |
|
2013 |
Indecon |
Assessment of Potential Merits of New Initiative re Purchase of Local Authority Houses by Existing Tenants. |
Not intended for publication. |
Nil (report produced on a pro-bono basis) |
|
2013 |
KW Research & Associates |
NTACC Research into why Travellers leave Traveller-specific accommodation. |
Published on the Department's website April 2014. |
€11,938 |
|
2013 |
RPS Group |
Public consultation process on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and producing a report. |
Published November 2013. |
€9,000 |
|
2013 |
SLR Environmental Consulting (Ireland) Ltd/National Economic and Social Council (NESC) |
Wind Energy in Ireland: Building Community Engagement and Social Support. |
Published July 2014. |
€50,451 |
|
2013 |
Tobin Consulting Engineers |
National Litter Pollution Monitoring System - 2013 Report. |
Published June 2014. |
€52,014 |
|
2013 |
Userneeds |
Usage survey on the Met Éireann website. |
Not intended for publication - this was a report volunteered to Met Éireann by the survey company on a 'sample' basis. |
Nil - provided as a 'free sample' |
|
2014 |
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
Socio-Economic Impact of a nuclear accident in the UK. |
The intention is that the report will be published, but the specific date is not yet known. |
€79,950 |
|
2014 |
Glas Ecology |
Environment Management follow up Report (Breeding Chough and Peregrine Survey, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry). |
The report is not intended to be published as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€1,599 |
|
2014 |
Institute of Public Administration (IPA) |
Peer review of Met Eireann's Operational and Strategic Review. |
This report is not intended for publication. |
€4,920 |
|
2014 |
MacCabe, Durney Barnes |
Independent Planning Review. |
Expected to be published by end 2015. |
€94,521 |
|
2014 |
National Institute for Public Health and the Environment - Netherlands (RIVM) |
Electromagnetic Fields in the Irish Context. |
Expected to be published in Q1 of 2016 |
( 7 ) See footnote |
|
2014 |
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)/National Economic and Social Council (NESC) |
Environmental Policy Integration: Case Studies Research. |
Report is being considered by the NESC Council with publication expected to be later in 2015. |
€38,222 |
|
2014 |
National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)/National Economic and Social Council (NESC) |
Sustainable Urban Development |
Published July 2015. |
€20,303 |
|
2014 |
Padraic Thornton Planning & Environmental Consultancy |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Directions in Westmeath. |
Published May 2014. |
€5,000 |
|
2014 |
Patricia Thornton Tom Philips Associates |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Directions in Limerick. |
Published August 2014. |
€4,151 |
|
2014 |
Ricardo-AEA |
NSMC Residential Solid Fuel Study. |
Expected to be published before the end of 2015 |
( 8 ) €16, 475 |
|
2014 |
Tobin Consulting Engineers |
National Litter Pollution Monitoring System - 2014 Report. |
Published July 2015. |
€52,014 |
|
2014 |
University College Cork (UCC)/National Economic and Social Council (NESC) |
Review of Environmental Social Policy Literature. |
Published July 2015. |
€4,305 |
|
2015 |
AECOM |
Additional cost optimal calculations for domestic and non-domestic buildings. |
Not intended for formal publication. |
€33,683 |
|
2015 |
Behaviour & Attitudes Ltd. |
Market Survey to determine weather forecast consumption behaviour of the Irish public. |
Not intended for publication. Extracts may be published in the future. |
€19,865 |
|
2015 |
Deloitte |
Business Case Review for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) |
Date of publication to be decided |
€28,939 |
|
2015 |
Dr. Dagmar Stengel |
Best practice in relation to the sustainable exploitation and management of intertidal seaweed resources. |
Not intended for publication. |
€14,391 |
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
2015 |
ILC Sports and Recreation |
Review of Comhairle na Tuaithe and the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy |
January 2016 |
€15,341 |
|
2015 |
IT Executive Focus |
Review of the Structure and Delivery Model of the ICT Services for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government |
Not intended for publication. |
Nil |
|
2015 |
Mazars Consulting |
Independent Review of Homeless Services (2015) |
Expected to be published on the Department's website in early 2016 |
Nil |
|
2015 |
RPS Group |
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) services on the National Mitigation Plan |
November 2016 |
(9) € 23,191 |
|
2015 |
Steering Group on Fire Safety Review (Chaired by Martin Riordan) |
Review of Fire Safety arrangements in multi-unit developments where concerns arise regarding non-compliance with statutory requirements. |
Date of publication to be decided. |
Nil |
|
2015 |
Tobin Consulting Engineers |
National Litter Pollution Monitoring System - 2015 Report. |
Expected to be published July 2016. |
€24,539 |
(1)The contract was in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Total cost of the study is €169,302 (inclusive of VAT). My Department's contribution was €21,190 (inclusive of VAT) with the balance met by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (i.e. €148,112 inclusive of VAT).
(2)This report, monitoring programme and programme of measures arise from a broader process connected with Ireland’s obligation to implement the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The work primarily consists of a determination of the status of Ireland’s marine waters, the measures necessary to achieve, or maintain, the required Good Environmental Status by 2020 and a programme to monitor this. The preparation of a draft Initial Assessment (under Art. 8 of the MSFD) including proposals for Good Environmental Status (Art. 9) and for draft Environmental Targets (Art.10) is underpinned by a suite of monitoring measures to measure the maritime environment against these targets (Art. 11). Where human activities are preventing these targets from being met, a Programme of Measures will be drawn up to mitigate the effect of these activities, or halt them as appropriate (Art.13).
(3)My Department previously provided funding to Cork County Council to support the production of an annual Dust Impact Assessment Report at the former Irish Steel site at Haulbowline Island. Following a Government Decision in June 2011, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine assumed the lead role in relation to the remedial works necessary to be undertaken on the site. Accordingly, funding provided to Cork County Council for the annual Dust Impact Assessment Report 2011 and subsequent years is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
(4)This report has been co-funded by my Department, Teagasc and the Western Development Commission. The cost to my Department of €20,702 represents 40% of the overall expenditure.
(5)This report was co-funded by my Department and the Private Residential Tenancies Board. The cost to my Department of €42,706 represents 50% of the total cost.
(6)Survey jointly commissioned and funded by Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland and my Department.
(7)The cost of this project, which is estimated at €66,950, will be met by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
(8) This report has been commissioned by my Department under the auspices of the North South Ministerial Council and in conjunction with the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland. The cost is being evenly split and the final charge to my Department is estimated at €40,000.
(9)The Report will cost €90,440 in total (including 23% VAT) and is being co-funded on an equal share basis by the Departments of Transport, Energy and Agriculture.
561. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide details of the number of special advisors on his staff and their yearly salary from 2011 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43678/15]
View answerSince my appointment as Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in July 2014 I have appointed two Special Advisers in accordance with Section 11 of the Public Service Management Act 1997. Both were appointed to the Principal Officer (Standard) Scale. There is a temporary replacement in situ for one of those Advisers who is absent on unpaid long term sick leave. The total salary costs for these Advisers for 2014 was €90,298.08 and to date in 2015 is €185,860. No Special Advisers were appointed in respect of my colleagues, Ministers of State Coffey or Phelan at my Department.
Previous to my appointment, my predecessor Minister Phil Hogan, who served as Minister from March 2011 to July 2014, appointed two Special Advisers. In addition, as a Minister of State who regularly attended Cabinet, the then Minister of State, Jan O'Sullivan also appointed two Special Advisers.
The following table sets out the total salary costs for all Special Advisers appointed to my Department from 2011 to date.
Total Salary Costs for Special Adviser 2011 – 2015
|
Year |
Salary Costs* |
|
2011 |
€194,963 |
|
2012 |
€339,348 |
|
2013 |
€393,867 |
|
2014 |
€385,036 |
|
2015 |
€185,860 |
*Includes Employers PRSI
562. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government why local authorities have turned down the offer of 4,000 houses offered by the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43719/15]
View answer596. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will clarify the position regarding local authorities turning down 4,000 houses offered by the National Asset Management Agency for social housing, the reason for this and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44217/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 596 together.
Since December 2011, my Department and the Housing Agency have been engaged with the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) identifying properties that might potentially be suitable for social housing purposes. Of the total 6,574 units identified nationally, 4,048 are no longer available for social housing purposes for a variety of reasons. 2,469 of these properties were considered by local authorities to be unsuitable for social housing because of sustainable planning and housing policy issues associated with the units, or the units were located in areas with no social housing demand. A further 1,579 units originally identified as available for social housing were subsequently discovered by NAMA to be unavailable.
Since the process began, up to end of September 2015, a total of 1,600 NAMA residential properties have been delivered for social housing use, comprising of 1,241 completed properties, with a further 359 that have been contracted and where completion work is on-going. A further 486 properties are considered as being active transactions whereby terms are agreed or active negotiation is on-going by all parties concerned or where a detailed appraisal is being carried out. An additional 440 properties are to be further appraised.
The process of reviewing units previously deemed unsuitable by local authorities is on-going. Local Authorities, particularly those in high demand areas, are continually reviewing the list of available NAMA properties to see if they are suitable to be brought into use as social housing.
Overall, I expect that in excess of 2,000 units for social housing purposes will be secured from the engagement with NAMA.
Full details of units offered and delivered under this process including a breakdown by Local Authority is available on the website of the Housing Agency at www.housing.ie/NAMA.
563. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 522 of 10 November 2015, if the meeting he held with representatives of an organisation (details supplied) during the tendering process for Telecare has been investigated by Pobal. [43731/15]
View answer564. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 522 of 10 November 2015 why an organisation (details supplied) was not excluded from the procurement process on the basis of clause 6.7 of the tender document, which states that canvassing will disqualify. [43732/15]
View answer565. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out details on the members of the panel who decided on the award of the Telecare contract, including their academic and technical qualifications relevant to adjudicating on tenders for such a contract. [43733/15]
View answer566. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government why Muintir na Tíre has been permitted to work in conjunction with Pobal in administering the senior alert scheme, given the close links between Muintir na Tíre and a company (details supplied), and the potential conflicts involved. [43734/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 563 to 566, inclusive, together.
My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
The scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of Pobal, who took over this role in September 2015 given that organisation’s significant experience delivering programmes on behalf of Government.
The assessment of the tenders for the Seniors Alert Scheme, including the award of contracts, was managed separately by Pobal, an independent company, following a public advertisement on eTenders on 20 October 2014. This process was conducted in a robust manner consistent with EU and national Procurement Guidelines.
Membership of the panel established for the tender evaluation process comprised four staff members of Pobal with experience in tender evaluation and grant administration and one representative from my Department who has experience in EU procurement, particularly in relation to IT contracts. The panel’s evaluation report was submitted to Pobal senior management, who ultimately decided on the matter and approved the recommendations therein.
It should be noted that Pobal was supported in its work by external independent experts in procurement. Pobal has clearly indicated that there was no interference with the tender process or its outcome by any third party. Accordingly, the organisation referred to was not excluded from the process.
As part of the roll out of the new service model, Pobal, in conjunction with my Department, organised a number of information meetings in relation to the transition of the scheme to Pobal. I understand that a number of individuals and groups, including Muintir na Tire, are continuing to engage with and work in collaboration with Pobal on the new service model in order to continue to provide support to the community groups who provide an excellent service for the elderly.
567. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the funding provided in each of the years 2011 to date under the housing adaptation grant scheme for persons in receipt of a payment under the disability scheme, in tabular form, the funding allocated for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43748/15]
View answer568. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the funding provided in each of the years 2011 to date under the housing aid for older persons scheme in tabular form as well as the funding allocated for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43749/15]
View answer569. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the funding provided in each of the years 2011 to date under the mobility aid scheme in tabular form as well as the funding allocated for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43750/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 567 to 569, inclusive, together.
My Department provides funding under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. There are three separate grants available and local authorities receive an overall allocation, with the responsibility for the apportionment between the three grants being a matter for each authority.
Information on the exchequer funding provided by my Department to each local authority for these grants is available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/, by selecting ‘Social and Affordable Housing’, ‘Housing Adaptation Grants by Area 2008 to date’. Information on the 2015 allocations are contained on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/GeneralNews/MainBody,41581,en.html.
Allocations for 2016 will be notified to local authorities in the New Year.
570. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the average cost of the construction of completed social housing units in each of the years 2011 to date in tabular form as well as the estimated future average cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43752/15]
View answerThe averages for the all-in construction costs for a local authority house from 2011 up to 2013, which is currently the last full year for which this analysis is available, are set out in the following Table.
|
Year |
Average Cost Nationally |
|
2011 |
€162,305 |
|
2012 |
€162,500 |
|
2013 |
€167,375 |
In general terms, the cost of delivering a social housing unit is dependent on a wide range of factors, including the type, size and geographic location of the units and on the contractual arrangements leading to its procurement. Social housing is procured in accordance with the relevant EU and domestic legislative and policy requirements as determined by the National Public Procurement Policy Guidance and Capital Works Management Framework published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The prevailing economic conditions at present suggest that housing costs, including social housing costs, are more likely to rise rather than fall during 2016. This is due to the fact that housing supply currently falls significantly short of housing demand and construction input costs are subject to inflationary pressures, as the construction industry transitions from under-activity over an extended period to significant growth in all sectors (i.e. residential, commercial and civil construction).
It is not possible, however, to state the estimated future average cost of construction of social housing units given the range of factors that apply. Over and above cost issues, the nature of the social housing units that might be developed in any one year, as well as their location and various other factors, will all impact on such a figure. Value for money is and will remain a critical and inherent objective of the process to develop future social housing.
