Written Answers Nos. 1526-1553
1526. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on their appeal against the refusal to allow their entry to the young farmers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24977/16]
View answerMy Department received a 2015 Basic Payment Scheme application under the herd number shown. This application was received prior to the herd number being changed into joint names to include the person named as a young farmer. My Department also received applications to transfer entitlements and for participation under the Young Farmers Scheme under the herd number shown. The appeal of the decision in respect of the unsuccessful Young Farmers Scheme application is currently under consideration by my Department. As part of this process an official from my Department has been in direct contact with the Agricultural Agent acting on behalf of the person named to discuss the options available to progress the Young Farmers Scheme application. When the required clarifications have been received the case will be concluded and the person named notified in writing.
1527. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a forestry rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24989/16]
View answerUnder the Forestry Act, 1946, a General Felling Licence to clear-fell carries a legal obligation to replant the felled area. There is no provision in the Act to derogate from such an obligation. This provision of the Act was specifically intended by the Oireachtas to help address the chronic deforestation that had occurred in Ireland. By the early 1900’s, forests covered less than 1% of Ireland’s land area; coverage now stands at 10.5% with Government policy aiming to increase that further.
The only exceptions to the replanting requirement are under a Limited Felling Licence for small projects that provide value to the community (such as playing fields for schools and community centres, etc.) or up to 0.5 ha to build a home for a landowner or for his/her immediate family. Any project that is for commercial gain (any ‘business’ such as housing developments, wind farms, farming, industrial, etc.) is required to replant the site or to plant an alternative equivalent site.
Replanting after felling is essential to prevent deforestation. There is an obvious need to avoid deforestation. Forestry makes a valuable contribution to jobs and growth. It also contributes to Ireland’s carbon storage, environment, landscape and amenity. To permit such deforestation would counteract the benefits of Ireland’s afforestation programme and associated public expenditure, which to date has amounted to a substantial State and European Union investment over many years.
1528. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason for the delay in appointing a director to the Agriculture Appeals Office; when a director will be appointed to this office; the number of appeals currently awaiting processing pending this appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25007/16]
View answerA new Director of Agriculture Appeals was appointed on 3 May 2016 following a competitive process organised by the Public Appointments Service in line with the provisions of the Agriculture Appeals Act.
1529. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the detail of the locally led agri-environment schemes (details given) run in conjunction with the broader GLAS; if he will encourage locally driven solutions to address local environmental and biodiversity challenges; if he will provide details and examples of the way to apply for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25041/16]
View answerThe new Locally-Led agri-environment schemes are an initiative of my Department designed to foster innovative new approaches to tackling environmental challenges on the ground, and encouraging a farmer-centred approach.
The first of these schemes, The Burren Programme, has already been launched and the first intake of some 200 farmers has been approved. The Burren Programme will expand to include some 500 farmers over the next few years, providing an opportunity for any qualifying farmer in the Burren to join.
My Department is also awaiting EU approval to introduce a number of other Locally-Led agri-environment schemes under the European Innovation Partnership umbrella. These include dedicated schemes for the preservation of the Hen Harrier and the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. For both of these schemes my Department will appoint an overarching project-team to develop the actions at local-level across all areas, working with farmer representatives on the ground.
There will also be a broadly based ‘bottom-up’ approach for other locally-led agri-environment schemes which will be selected on the basis of a call for proposals. The application process will be straightforward, requiring the proposers to outline their proposals, which will then be shortlisted to select those suitable for funding. The first stage of funding will be for the development of detailed project plans and, when these have been completed, the best projects will be selected and offered a budget to implement their proposals on the ground. Proposals will be specifically invited for projects addressing the conservation of upland peats.
As soon as the required EU approval has issued, my Department will begin to roll-out these additional schemes.
1530. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding sheep inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25103/16]
View answerIn the context of delivering the Direct Payment Schemes and Rural Development measures my Department is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme and compliance with Cross Compliance requirements, as set down in EU legislation, in the areas of the environment, climate change and good agricultural condition of land; public, animal and plant health and animal welfare. These inspections are mandatory and under the legislation there are certain minimum numbers and types of inspections that must take place annually.
With regard to sheep identification and registration inspections, my Department is required to inspect a minimum of 3% of sheep farmers, which in turn must cover 5% of the National sheep flock. In practice, my Department will only carry out the minimum number of inspections in this area as required under the relevant legislation. Furthermore my Department also endeavours to minimise the number of ‘farm visits’ as much as possible by ‘stacking’ Animal IDR inspections on eligibility inspection cases, where this is feasible.
1531. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding farm courses for new entrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25104/16]
View answerTeagasc is the main education provider in the agriculture sector providing high quality education services to over 3,500 learners in agriculture, food, horticulture, forestry and equine studies. Education courses are delivered through a network of agricultural colleges, regional and local education centres and 3 privately owned colleges. They have been developed to meet the training requirements for full-time and part-time farmers and are available on either a full-time, part-time or distance education basis. All of the courses have been validated by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) in terms of their mode of delivery, duration, contact hours, module specifications, entry requirements and other criteria relevant to their delivery.
Teagasc do an exceptional job each year in meeting the education and training needs of farmers. They recognise the challenges that course attendance can pose for young farmers because of other commitments and every effort is made to deliver training in a flexible manner. Interest is particularly high at present with total enrolments to the adult Green Cert in the order of 4,500 for the period 2014 to 2016 arising from the education requirements of the Young Farmers Scheme and National Reserve. This level of enrolments has only been made feasible through the hard work and dedication of Teagasc staff and the sanctioning of additional teaching staff by my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
1532. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2015 BPS payment will issue to a person (details supplied) who has had entitlements transferred to them and land leased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25117/16]
View answerThe person named submitted a 2015 Private Contract Clause application to my Department seeking the transfer of land and entitlements by lease as transferee. The land parcels that were the subject of this transfer application had been declared by a third party on his 2013 Single Payment Scheme application. As a result the transferor held no allocation right on these parcels and the Private Contract Clause application was deemed to be unsuccessful. The person named was notified in writing of this decision and offered the opportunity to seek a review.
The person named subsequently contacted my Department and was advised to submit specific documentation which would assist in resolving his case but to date this documentation has not been submitted. My Department will make direct contact with the person named with a view to resolving this issue.
1533. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if and when a single farm payment will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25139/16]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 10 May 2016. The closing date for this scheme was 29 May 2015. Accordingly the application was deemed to be 100% late meaning no payments were due on foot of the application. An official from my Department has been in direct contact with the person named to clarify the position.
1534. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the agency or body that is tasked with the responsibility for a harbour (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25146/16]
View answerSchull Harbour is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its development, repair and maintenance rests with that Local Authority in the first instance and its’ parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government who also have a general regulatory role in relation to development of the Foreshore, under the Foreshore Acts.
1535. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will confirm details of the most recent capital investment plan announced by his Department to facilitate local authority harbour development and marine leisure programmes; his plans to make a further allocation of funding available for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25149/16]
View answerMy Department annually administers the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme, which funds capital works at the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl.
It also provides limited funding to Local Authorities for selected marine leisure access projects and for the development and repair of piers and harbours, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities.
In 2016, €3.099m was approved to assist in the development and repair of Local Authority owned harbours and slipways, including some marine leisure projects. In addition a further €1.45m was allocated to assist in the repair of piers damaged by storms. In total, 90 projects were approved for assistance under the Programme.
The funding for the 2016 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme is provided for by the Exchequer and there are no current plans for a further allocation in 2016.
1536. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current length of service of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; if there is regulation concerning the maximum length of service of a CEO in a commercial semi-State body; the number of occasions during the past 15 years the position of CEO of Horse Racing Ireland has been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25164/16]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI, subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. I understand that the Board has decided to reappoint the current CEO for a period of five years, and the necessary Ministerial consents have been provided.
There is no general regulation in relation to the maximum length of service of the CEO of a commercial State Body. Such provisions may be made under the legislation establishing particular bodies. Under the Irish Horseracing Industry Act, 1994 Section 3: The chief executive shall hold office on and subject to such terms and conditions (including terms and conditions relating to remuneration) as may be approved of by the Authority with the consent of the Minister and Minister for Finance.
HRI have informed me that the position of Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland was previously advertised in 2009.
1537. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Horse Racing Ireland regarding succession planning for the position of CEO. [25165/16]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI.
1538. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the board of Horse Racing Ireland has carried out its statutory function having regard to best practice of corporate governance in regard to the reappointment of the CEO of HRI. [25166/16]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the Board, subject to the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
In this instance, following the submission of a business case by the Chairman of HRI, the relevant ministerial consents were provided, and I understand that the board decided to reappoint the current CEO.
Under the Code of Corporate Governance the Chairman assures me that Horse Racing Ireland is compliant with the Code.
1539. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received any correspondence opposing the reappointment of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25168/16]
View answerI can confirm that I received representations in relation to the reappointment of the CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI). However, the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer is a matter for the board of HRI subject to the consent of the relevant Ministers. In this instance, following the submission of a business case by the Chairman of HRI, the relevant ministerial consents were provided, and I understand that the board decided to reappoint the current CEO.
1540. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the procedure in place for confidential disclosures within Horse Racing Ireland. [25171/16]
View answerHorse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The matter referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI but they have informed me that there are detailed procedures in place for any employee to raise matters of concern.
1541. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the figure for the annual capital spend on the development and upgrading of harbours for fisheries listed by harbour and year for each of the years 2008 to 2015; and the budget allocation for 2016 for capital spend on the development and upgrading of harbours for fisheries listed by harbour. [25179/16]
View answerMy Department annually administers the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Capital Development Programme. This Programme funds capital works at the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl. Table 1 below details the voted capital expenditure listed by harbour for the State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres for each of the years 2008 to 2015. The budget allocation for 2016 for capital spends on the development and upgrading of these six Fishery Harbour Centres is €11,179,000.
Table 1 – Fishery Harbour Centre Voted Capital Expenditure, 2008 – 2015
|
Year |
Castletownbere |
Dingle |
Dunmore East |
Howth |
Killybegs |
Ros An Mhíl |
Total |
|
2008 |
€7,635,734 |
€1,010,121 |
€580,634 |
€158,305 |
€410,286 |
€2,987,839 |
€12,782,919 |
|
2009 |
€7,871,560 |
€410,938 |
€588,695 |
€176,863 |
€426,243 |
€6,602,305 |
€16,076,604 |
|
2010 |
€4,515,186 |
€1,048,817 |
€281,781 |
€253,688 |
€558,080 |
€1,476,084 |
€8,133,636 |
|
2011 |
€2,832,389 |
€695,093 |
€756,140 |
€480,004 |
€987,465 |
€2,224,805 |
€7,975,896 |
|
2012 |
€855,504 |
€469,861 |
€548,567 |
€1,409,545 |
€526,548 |
€438,787 |
€4,248,812 |
|
2013 |
€949,975 |
€840,369 |
€815,126 |
€1,352,781 |
€798,350 |
€422,189 |
€5,178,790 |
|
2014 |
€229,601 |
€221,293 |
€533,494 |
€765,901 |
€263,574 |
€274,456 |
€2,288,319 |
|
2015 |
€382,742 |
€2,123,267 |
€6,967,740 |
€1,599,590 |
€1,935,467 |
€291,048 |
€13,299,854 |
1542. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the figure for the annual spend on storm repair of harbours for fisheries listed by harbour and year for each of the years 2008 to 2015; and the budget allocation for 2016 for storm repair of harbours for fisheries listed by harbour. [25180/16]
View answerMy Department owns, manages and maintains the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl. It also has responsibility for North Harbour Cape Clear, and a limited number of piers, lights and beacons in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
Under its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department provides funding, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities, to assist Local Authorities in the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways under their control. Responsibility for the maintenance and development of the Local Authority piers and harbours rest with that local authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
As part of the Government’s response to the damage caused by the storms of 2013 and 2014, designated storm repair funding was made available to Local Authorities in 2014 and 2015, a detailed breakdown of which is included in Tables 1, 2 and 3 below. Prior to 2014, specific funding was not allocated for storm repair of harbours for fisheries. My Department has allocated over €1.3m to Local Authorities for storm repair works in 2016, details of which are included in Table 4 below.
Table 1
|
Storm Damage Programme - Non Fishery Harbour Centres |
Expenditure 2014 |
|
Cape Clear North Harbour |
€97,682 |
|
SD Dooagh Pier Replace Seawall & Repair Rd |
€115,000 |
|
Westcove Beacon,Co. Kerry |
€81,703 |
|
Gun Rock,Co. Galway |
€6,947 |
|
Department owned programme |
€301,332 |
Table 2
|
Storm Damage Programme –Local Authorities |
Expenditure 2014 |
|
Clare County Council |
|
|
Seafield Repairs to Wall, Ladders, Dredging |
€18,000 |
|
Ballyvaughan Repairs to Pier & Side Walls, Deck |
€65,700 |
|
Kilbaha Repairs to Pier Wall & Wave Wall |
€17,810 |
|
Liscannor Repair to Seawall, Harbour Wall, Deck |
€130,880 |
|
Cork County Council |
|
|
Baltimore Pier replace Cush Buoy |
€29,590 |
|
Cleanderry Repairs to Slipway |
€20,777 |
|
Courtmacsherry Hbr AtoN Installation |
€4,096 |
|
Deelish Access Improvements, Construct Slip |
€27,000 |
|
Dursey Repair & Reconstruct Pier Wall |
€7,233 |
|
Glandore Refurbish Pier, Repairs & Grouting |
€180,000 |
|
Letter Repairs to Pier |
€27,000 |
|
McDonald's Quay Repair Works |
€46,666 |
|
Pallas Reconstruction of sea/quayside wall |
€34,300 |
|
Barleycove Beach Pontoon Replacement |
€31,638 |
|
Travarra Pier Repairs to Access |
€12,131 |
|
Donegal County Council |
|
|
Bundoran Pier Handrail Repairs |
€5,798 |
|
Arranmore Stackamore Slipway |
€6,750 |
|
Bunaniver Repairs to Pier & Slipway |
€28,107 |
|
Bunagee Pier Point & Grout Wall & Rock Armour |
€3,556 |
|
Ballysaggart Pier widening of slipway |
€13,500 |
|
Buncrana Harbour Dredging |
€45,000 |
|
Ballyshannon Harbour Markings |
€29,674 |
|
Bruckless Pier Replacement of Decking |
€9,019 |
|
Arranmore - Rannagh Damaged Slipway |
€26,926 |
|
Cladnageeragh Pier Pile Driving |
€22,500 |
|
Doonalt Pier Replacement of Decking |
€6,457 |
|
Leabgarrow Harbour Arranmore |
€45,000 |
|
Donegal Town Pier Railing Repairs |
€2,098 |
|
Cassan Sound Pier New Deck |
€8,287 |
|
Inis Caoriagh Slipway |
€18,000 |
|
Cruit Island Slipway |
€5,549 |
|
Curransport Slipway Repairs |
€6,661 |
|
Rathmullen Pier Repairs to Upstand & Steps |
€12,246 |
|
Owey Island Redeck Pier & Construct steps |
€27,000 |
|
Port Salon underpinning of Pier & Sea Wall |
€22,500 |
|
Magheroarty Harbour Dredging |
€42,200 |
|
Port Inver Repairs to Concrete Wall |
€13,987 |
|
Malinbeg Ballyederlan Gortalia Tawney Repairs |
€10,251 |
|
Wyon Point & Rinnalea Replace Navigation Lights |
€9,000 |
|
Malimore Pier Construction old Decking |
€3,174 |
|
Galway County Council |
|
|
Annaghavann Realign existing slipway |
€180,000 |
|
Cora Point Repair slip & replace safety railing |
€134,429 |
|
Inis Óirr reconstruct slipway |
€107,983 |
|
An Mace reconstruct wave wall & new deck slap |
€90,000 |
|
Seán Céibh breakwater & quay walls repair |
€135,000 |
|
Sruthan Pier Construct quay walls & decks |
€216,000 |
|
Trá Ban Reconstruct Breakwater & construct ladders |
€198,000 |
|
Cé Caladh Thaidh repair hardstand area |
€108,000 |
|
Cé Finnis safety improvement works |
€108,000 |
|
Cé Pointe repair slipway & pier |
€180,000 |
|
Cé Rossadilisk safety & maintenance works |
€108,000 |
|
Cé Sruthan Bui repair to existing stone pier |
€135,000 |
|
Inis Oírr repair deck & replace railing & light |
€22,473 |
|
Spideál Na Strengthening existing breakwater |
€89,962 |
|
Dolan repair existing stone pier |
€108,000 |
|
Kerry County Council |
|
|
Fenit Pier Surface Repairs |
€7,740 |
|
Local Aids to Navigation KY |
€17,395 |
|
Cuan Pier pier wall repairs |
€2,700 |
|
Brandon Pier - pier wall repairs |
€2,796 |
|
Dunquin Pier - Repairs to pier wall & Steps |
€27,000 |
|
Bunnavalla Pier - slip access repairs |
€4,430 |
|
Tahilla Pier - Wall Repairs |
€5,412 |
|
Blackwater Pier - pier wall repairs |
€613 |
|
Coonanna Pier - seawall & handrail repairs |
€1,125 |
|
Knightstown Pier - seawall repairs |
€6,750 |
|
Kilmakilogue Pier and slip repairs |
€18,675 |
|
Cooscrome Pier - seawall repairs |
€7,606 |
|
Dromatoor Pier - basin dredging |
€7,650 |
|
Louth County Council |
|
|
Carlingford Harbour Repairs to Revetment |
€4,500 |
|
Mayo County Council |
|
|
Old Head Pier repairs |
€12,600 |
|
Carramore Pier repairs |
€47,700 |
|
Blacksod Repair Work |
€72,000 |
|
Faulmore Repair Slipway & Access Rd |
€44,999 |
|
Roonagh Repairs |
€18,000 |
|
Rathlacken Pier Repairs to Pier Slip & Rd |
€134,918 |
|
Killerduff Harbour Repairs |
€134,167 |
|
Lecanvey Revetment to Pier & Remove Shingles |
€10,800 |
|
Frenchport Pier Repair Pier & Surrounding Area |
€18,000 |
|
Inishkea Island Pier Repair Pier |
€45,000 |
|
Belderrigh Pier Repair to Pier Wall, ladders etc |
€90,000 |
|
Bunlough Repair to slipway & seawall |
€9,000 |
|
Saleen Repairs to Pier Slip & Surrounding Area |
€90,000 |
|
Mulranny Pier Repairs to Pier Wall & Deck |
€67,500 |
|
Islandmore Pontoon |
€13,608 |
|
Clare Island Piers & Slipway Repairs |
€76,500 |
|
Inishbiggle Pontoon |
€27,000 |
|
Killala Repair Access & Harbour Deck |
€63,000 |
|
Kilcummin Repairs & Remove Stone Pier & Slip |
€63,000 |
|
Purtoon Replace Slipway & Seawall |
€27,000 |
|
Porturlin Repair Pier Wall, Deck & Lights |
€135,000 |
|
Sligo County Council |
|
|
Enniscrone Pier Storm Damage Repairs |
€61,021 |
|
Mullaghmore Hbr Storm Damage Repairs |
€89,100 |
|
Wexford County Council |
|
|
Ballyhack pier repairs, H&S & Access works |
€45,000 |
|
Courtown 1 Pier Assessment & Repairs |
€7,526 |
|
Fethard Hbr Pier Repair, H&S & Access Works |
€9,000 |
|
Slade Hbr Rock Armour Replacement, H&S works |
€54,000 |
|
Cahore Pier, Mooring & Rock Armour Repair |
€49,500 |
|
Courtown 2 Repairs to North & South Pier |
€306 |
|
Wexford Harbour Repair damaged harbour buoyage |
€9,000 |
|
St Helen Hbr repairs, Health & Safety and Access Works |
€45,900 |
|
Carne Repairs, H&S & Access Works |
€13,500 |
|
Kilmore Quay Retrapod Enhancement to East Pier |
€180,000 |
|
Waterford County Council |
|
|
Dunmore East Sormwall Repair |
€6,333 |
|
Tramore Seawall Repairs |
€134,420 |
|
Boatstrand Repair West Slip & Seawall |
€295,293 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
|
|
Arklow - South Pier Navigation Lights |
€5,078 |
|
Total Local Authority Storm Damage Programme |
€5,316,065 |
Table 3
|
Storm Damage Programme – Local Authorities |
Expenditure 2015 |
|
Cork County Council |
|
|
Baltimore Buoy |
€1,605 |
|
Donegal County Council |
|
|
Bunagee Pier |
€89,568 |
|
Bruckless Pier |
€7,181 |
|
Port Inver |
€4,012 |
|
Malinbeg Ballyederlan Gortalia Tawney |
€1,903 |
|
Galway County Council |
|
|
Cé Finnis safety improvement works |
€27,000 |
|
Wexford County Council |
|
|
Courtown 1 Repairs |
€469,473 |
|
Courtown 2 Repairs |
€629,693 |
|
Total Local Authority Storm Damage Programme |
€1,230,435 |
Table 4
|
Storm Damage Programme – Local Authorities |
Programme Cost 2016 |
Approved DAFM Funding 2016 |
|
Clare County Council |
|
|
|
Carrowmore Pier |
€39,000 |
€29,250 |
|
Cork County Council |
|
|
|
Baltimore Harbour |
€55,000 |
€41,250 |
|
Kinsale Harbour (Castlepark) |
€35,000 |
€26,250 |
|
Gyleen |
€30,000 |
€22,500 |
|
Donegal County Council |
|
|
|
Buncrana Harbour |
€50,000 |
€37,500 |
|
Magheraroarty Harbour |
€50,000 |
€37,500 |
|
Ballysaggart Pier |
€7,500 |
€5,625 |
|
Innishboffin Slipway & Boatyard |
€100,000 |
€75,000 |
|
Leabgarrow Pier |
€10,000 |
€7,500 |
|
Gortnasade Slipway |
€20,000 |
€15,000 |
|
Portnablagh |
€10,000 |
€7,500 |
|
Downings Pier |
€7,500 |
€5,625 |
|
Port Tormore |
€50,000 |
€37,500 |
|
Muckross |
€75,000 |
€56,250 |
|
Galway County Council |
|
|
|
Cleggan Pier |
€110,000 |
€82,500 |
|
Bunowen Pier |
€80,000 |
€60,000 |
|
Céibh Tuairin/Tooreen, Carraroe |
€100,000 |
€75,000 |
|
Kerry County Council |
|
|
|
Ballinskelligs Pier |
€150,000 |
€112,500 |
|
Louth County Council |
|
|
|
Clogherhead Harbour |
€10,000 |
€7,500 |
|
Carlingford Pier |
€25,000 |
€18,750 |
|
Mayo County Council |
|
|
|
Kilcummin |
€120,000 |
€90,000 |
|
Killerduff |
€20,000 |
€15,000 |
|
Mulranny |
€75,000 |
€56,250 |
|
Waterford County Council |
|
|
|
Boatstrand |
€150,000 |
€112,500 |
|
Tramore Pier |
€150,000 |
€112,500 |
|
Passage East |
€150,000 |
€112,500 |
|
Wexford County Council |
|
|
|
New Ross Marina 1 |
€30,000 |
€22,500 |
|
Kilmore Quay Harbour 1 |
€10,000 |
€7,500 |
|
Kilmore Quay Harbour 2 |
€60,000 |
€45,000 |
|
Wexford Harbour 1 |
€15,000 |
€11,250 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
|
|
|
North Quay Arklow |
€140,000 |
€105,000 |
|
Total Local Authority Storm Damage Programme |
€1,934,000 |
€1,450,500 |
1543. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected annual capital spend on the development and upgrading of harbours for fisheries for each of the years 2017 to 2021. [25181/16]
View answerMy Department owns, manages and maintains the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl. It also has responsibility for North Harbour Cape Clear, and a limited number of piers, lights and beacons in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
All developments in the six Fishery Harbour Centres are considered under annual Capital Programmes on the basis of available Exchequer funding and competing priorities. Given the annual nature of funding allocation decisions no funding has been allocated for the development and upgrading of harbours for fisheries for 2017 to 2021 at this point.
Under its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department provides funding, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities, to assist Local Authorities in the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways under their control. Responsibility for the maintenance and development of the Local Authority piers and harbours rest with that Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
1544. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the projected annual spend on storm repair of harbours for fisheries for each of the years 2017 to 2021. [25182/16]
View answerMy Department owns, manages and maintains the six State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl. It also has responsibility for North Harbour Cape Clear, and a limited number of piers, lights and beacons in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
Under its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department provides funding, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities, to assist Local Authorities in the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways under their control. Responsibility for the repair, maintenance and development of the Local Authority piers and harbours rest with that local authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.
Given the annual nature of funding allocation decisions, no funding has been allocated to spend on storm repairs of harbours for fisheries for the years 2017 to 2021 at this point.
1545. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the conditions that apply to the grant given in 2016 to the Connemara Pony Breeders Society regarding the testing of ponies; if his Department is aware of considerable delays before issuing passports back to breeders after testing; the steps he will take to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25194/16]
View answerAs part of its breeding programme, the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society commissions DNA testing on all horses it registers. This process is conducted by a specialist laboratory independent of the Society and the speed at which the Society issues passports to owners is contingent on the completion of the parallel test process. Commission Regulation 2015/262 concerning equine identification prevents a passport been issued by the issuing body until this information is received.
My Department has allocated funding in 2016 to the Connemara Pony Breeders Society under an Equine Infrastructures Grant Scheme which it operates, to provide assistance to the CPBS for DNA testing. Grant payment is based on vouched expenditure.
My Department has contacted the Connemara Pony Breeders Society regarding its passport issuing process and it has advised that procedures are being put in place to minimise passport turnaround time.
1546. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 491 of 28 June 2016, when payment will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25229/16]
View answerI can confirm that my Department has received an application from the herd owner to which the deputy refers. The closing date for receipt of applications for PI calves born in 2015 was 4th March 2016. These applications have now been finalised and it is anticipated that payments will issue in the coming days.
1547. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason his Department has penalised a person (details supplied) on the grounds of an administrative error carried out by the person's agent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25231/16]
View answerAn application under the 2015 Basic Payment Scheme was received from the person named on 14 May 2015. During processing of this application a dual claim error arose in respect of one of the parcels declared. Following correspondence with the two applicants involved in the dual claim it was determined that the person named did not have the right to claim the parcel concerned , and as a result a reduced payment issued.
An appeal against the penalty applied has been received by my Department. Further information has been requested from the person named on foot of this appeal. As soon as this information is received the appeal will be finalised and the person named notified of the outcome.
1548. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied) under the afforestation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25233/16]
View answerThe appeal, by the person named, under the Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme, which was received in late July, is currently under consideration and the appellant will be notified of the decision as soon as it has been determined.
1549. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated with regard to an application for TAMS 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25298/16]
View answerThe person named has applied for investments under the Animal Welfare, Safety and Nutrient Storage Scheme in TAMS II and approval issued on 2 September 2016.
1550. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding hedges on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25333/16]
View answerSection 70 of the Roads Act 1993 obliges the owner or occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that trees, shrubs etc. on the land are not a hazard or potential hazard to road users and that they do not obstruct or interfere with the safe use of, or maintenance of a public road. It is not possible to compensate farmers or land owners for complying with their statutory obligations. However under the GLAS scheme farmers can be compensated for very specific management of hedgerows through coppicing or laying and these actions can be delivered on hedgerows adjoining public roads.
1552. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the compensation paid to farmers who have had tuberculosis reactors in their herd; if he will review in particular at the compensation available to farmers who have had numerous outbreaks of TB over a number of years and have been hugely hindered by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25404/16]
View answerThe primary compensation scheme for farmers whose herds are affected by TB is the On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme under which compensation is payable for cattle removed as reactors. The amount is based on the market value of the animal i.e. the price that might reasonably have been obtained for it, from a purchaser on the open market, if the animal had not been affected by TB. Each reactor is valued by an independent Valuer and my Department pays the difference between this valuation and the salvage value which the farmer receives directly from the slaughter plant.
A review of all the TB Eradication Compensation Schemes was recently completed by my Department. Following that review the maximum ceiling limits, which are payable under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme, for any individual reactor animal removed have been substantially increased.
In addition, herdowners compensated under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme may also qualify for supplementary payments under the Depopulation, Income Supplement and Hardship Grant Schemes, subject to compliance with the relevant criteria. These rates have also been, in some cases, significantly increased. Furthermore, qualification for the Income Supplement and Hardship Grant schemes has been expanded ensuring that some herdowners are now receiving compensation where they would not heretofore.
The changes to the compensation regime apply to and benefit all herdowners including those who have had numerous TB breakdowns.
I would remind the deputy that these supplementary compensation schemes are unique in Ireland and not the norm in other jurisdictions where there is a TB problem. For example in Northern Ireland, England and Wales compensation is only payable for the value of the removed reactor. It is worth noting also that significant progress is being made in the fight against TB which means that there are now fewer reactor numbers and fewer herds restricted than before. This has the effect of lessening the chances of farmers being impacted by this disease.
In view of the foregoing, I am satisfied that farmers, receive a level of compensation which adequately reflects the market valuation of reactors, as if they had not been affected by bovine TB and may, in addition, receive additional support where the relevant criteria are met. In light of this no further review of the scheme is warranted at this time.
1553. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will continue to monitor the situation regarding the impending closure of a company (details supplied) with a view to ensuring the re-homing of the animals currently in its possession. [25405/16]
View answerWhile this matter is primarily one for the Local Authority involved. I can confirm that the establishment concerned is working with the ISPCA with a view to facilitating the rehoming of the dogs involved.
