Joan Burton
Question:261. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills the way he will address the pupil-teacher ratio in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30708/16]
View answerPupil-Teacher Ratio
Questions (261)
Written answers
The Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level over the lifetime of the Government. Budget 2016 provided for a 1 point improvement to the primary staffing schedule which was implemented in the current school year.
Budget 2017 sets out the resources available for schools for the 2017/18 school year. This Budget represents the start of a major reinvestment in education, and the first phase of implementation of the Action Plan for Education, aimed at becoming the best education system in Europe within a decade. The budget provides for over 2,400 additional teaching posts for our primary and post primary schools next year.
The Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) is determined by the overall number of posts and enrolments as of the 30th September of the previous year. This cannot be determined until the enrolment data from each schools is confirmed.
There is no change in relation to the staffing schedule of 27:1 that will apply to primary schools for the 2017/18 school year. The staffing schedule for post primary will be adjusted to 19:1 as the allocation for guidance will be provided for separately. The Guidance allocation will be the equivalent of 0.4:1 in the staffing schedule i.e. circa 400 posts.
Further details will as usual be communicated to schools in January next as part of the annual teacher allocation process.
Departmental Funding
Questions (262)
Dara Calleary
Question:262. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide extra funding to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30712/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides annual funding to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland at national level which helps the organisation operate an information service for members and the public as well as assisting in meeting the costs associated with the attendance of some children from disadvantaged backgrounds at workshops and programmes organised by the association.
While there are no plans to increase the funding provided by my Department to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland, my Department continues to provide a range of resources for pupils with Specific Learning Disabilities, of which Dyslexia is one such SLD.
All mainstream schools have been allocated additional teaching resources to cater for children with SLD, either under the General Allocation Model at primary school level, or through High Incidence and learning support allocations for post primary schools.
Schools have access to psychological assessments through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS), or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA).
Further resources provided to schools to support pupils with dyslexia include;
Funding for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers and/or software to assist children with special educational needs, including children with SLDs, where relevant professionals recommend the equipment as being essential for the provision of education. Schools apply to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through their local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) for such support.
Special arrangements at state exams
Additional training for teachers who support children with dyslexia, through the Special Education Support Service (SESS).
An information resource pack on Dyslexia in CD-Rom, DVD and video format, has been developed by the Department in association with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland.
This product has been made available to all primary and post-primary schools. The DVD and video provides support for parents of pupils with dyslexia while the CD-Rom assists teachers who are teaching children with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom.
Schools Amalgamation
Questions (263)
Mattie McGrath
Question:263. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied); when the amalgamation will progress and take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30743/16]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that a major building project, to facilitate the amalgamation of the schools referred to, is included in my Department’s 6 year Construction Programme and is currently completing early architectural planning, Stage 2(a) – the Developed Design Stage. Following a successful completion of this stage, the project will proceed to Stage 2(b), Detailed Design, which includes the application for planning permission and other statutory approvals and the preparation of tender documents. The amalgamation process will be finalised in line with the delivery of the major building project.
DEIS Scheme
Questions (264)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:264. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if his attention has been drawn to an application by a school (details supplied) for DEIS band 1 status; the stage this application is at; the supports that he will offer to this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30763/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the previous representations made by, and on behalf of, the school in question.
I understand that the school in question is a DEIS Urban Band 2 school.
As the Deputy may be aware, a process to review DEIS which began last year is nearing completion and it is my intention to publish a new Plan for Educational Inclusion before the end of this year.
The review is looking at all aspects of DEIS, including the range and impact of different elements of the School Support Programme, the potential for innovation within and between schools and its scope for increased integration of services provided by other Departments and Agencies, in order to improve effectiveness.
Among the measures to be included in the plan are a series of pilot schemes aimed at introducing measures which have been shown to work well in improving results for disadvantaged children and students. The plan is expected to include targeted measures in the areas of:
- Supporting school leadership.
Developing Networks and clusters for DEIS teachers and schools.
- Supporting new teaching methodologies. There is evidence that, for example, changing the way literacy is taught to children who struggle can achieve major improvements in results.
- Exploring ways in which the work of schools can be better integrated with other state supports within the community.
The results of pilot programmes will be carefully monitored before any decisions around mainstreaming are considered.
A new assessment framework is being developed using centrally held CSO and DES data for the identification of schools for inclusion in a new programme to tackle educational disadvantage. The number of schools to be included in the programme will be determined by this proposed new identification process which will assess all schools in the country, including those not currently participating in DEIS. It will not be necessary for schools to make an application.
Implementation of actions arising from the Plan for Educational Inclusion will begin in the 2017/18 school year, and will be a continuing theme in our wider Annual Action Plan for Education.
Third Level Facilities
Questions (265)
John Brassil
Question:265. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will expedite funding for a new library building at a college (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30786/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Education and Skills has been made aware of the challenges faced by the third level institution in question with respect to its current library facilities.
There are many competing demands on the limited capital budget for higher education and the library development proposal will be considered within the context of competing demands. I am not in a position to commit to a funding allocation at this point.
Education Funding
Questions (266)
James Browne
Question:266. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will ensure children’s constitutional right to free primary education by providing free school books, classroom resources and not imposing voluntary contribution fees or charging for the school transport scheme and increase capitation to schools as costed by a charity (details supplied) at €103 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30812/16]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy.
I strongly support any measures that can be put in place to reduce costs for parents.
All schools must be sensitive to the financial pressures on parents in making decisions, not just about school uniforms or books, but about any matter that has cost implications for parents.
In relation to school transport I wish to inform the Deputy that children who are eligible for school transport pay an annual charge of €100, subject to a maximum of €220 per family; the charge can be paid in two instalments in July and December. These children are exempt from paying the annual charge if they hold valid Medical Cards (GMS Scheme).
The Action Plan for Education outlines hundreds of actions to be implemented over the 3 year period 2016 to 2019. Some of the actions as part of the plan are to strengthen the focus on reducing school costs for parents by:
- Restoring capitation funding over a three-year period as resources permit
- Increasing the financial support for book rental schemes, in order to reduce or eliminate school book costs for parents
- Issuing a new circular to school authorities and ETBs regarding school uniform policy and other costs and the need to put a greater emphasis on reducing the cost of school uniforms and other costs
Budget 2017 represents the start of a major programme of reinvestment in education, and the first phase of implementation of the Action Plan for Education, aimed at becoming the best education system in Europe within a decade.
It was not possible to provide additional funding in Budget 2017 in relation to this element of the Action Plan due to the many competing demands for the available funding. However, this commitment remains a priority for me to address as soon as possible during the lifetime of the Action Plan. It is important to note that the total allocation to this Department for additional policy measures, after demographics and Industrial Relations commitments, was €130 million and of which all our commitments in higher and further education and primary and secondary schools had to be funded.
My Department’s position in relation to voluntary contributions is that they are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay. I have no plans to alter this position so long as schools ensure that the contributions are sought in a manner that makes this clear to all concerned.
Separately, the Deputy will be aware that the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill, which was published on 6th July 2016, contains a provision prohibiting the charging of fees or seeking payment or contributions for an application for admission to a school or for the enrolment or continued enrolment of a student in a school.
I also intend to introduce a stronger complaints procedure and a charter for parents. It is important that schools should consult parents on matters relating to their children's education, including those matters which have cost implications, and schools should be responsive to the views and concerns of parents. In that regard requiring schools to have a parent charter will ensure that schools will interact better with parent associations and with individual parents.
I plan to make an announcement shortly on draft legislation that will replace Section 28 of the Education Act, 1998 and require every school to publish and operate a Parent and Student Charter in accordance with national guidelines. These guidelines will be published after consultation with the education partners.
I believe that these actions will significantly strengthen the focus on reducing school costs for parents.
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Questions (267)
Róisín Shortall
Question:267. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Skills the pupil-teacher ratios that will apply in 2017 as a result of budget 2017. [30861/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government has a commitment to reduce class sizes at primary level over the lifetime of the Government. Budget 2016 provided for a 1 point improvement to the primary staffing schedule which was implemented in the current school year.
Budget 2017 sets out the resources available for schools for the 2017/18 school year. This Budget represents the start of a major reinvestment in education, and the first phase of implementation of the Action Plan for Education, aimed at becoming the best education system in Europe within a decade. The budget provides for over 2,400 additional teaching posts for our primary and post primary schools next year.
The Pupil Teacher Ratio (PTR) is determined by the overall number of posts and enrolments as of the 30th September of the previous year. This cannot be determined until the enrolment data from each schools is confirmed.
There is no change in relation to the staffing schedule of 27:1 that will apply to primary schools for the 2017/18 school year. The staffing schedule for post primary will be adjusted to 19:1 as the allocation for guidance will be provided for separately. The Guidance allocation will be the equivalent of 0.4:1 in the staffing schedule i.e. circa 400 posts.
Further details will as usual be communicated to schools in January next as part of the annual teacher allocation process.
Training Support Grant
Questions (268)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:268. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will be increasing the rates for young persons aged under 26 years on programmes such as VTOS, Youthreach, CTC and Solas training courses and who are currently on €160 per week to €193 per week, in line with the increase in the back to education allowance announced by the Department of Social Protection in the budget for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30865/16]
View answerWritten answers
The training allowances paid to learners on VTOS, Youthreach, CTC and ETB training courses, funded by my Department through SOLAS, are based on Department of Social Protection payment rates.
These training allowances will be increased in line with the increase in the Department of Social Protection Back to Education Allowance announced in Budget 2017.
Question No. 269 answered with Question No. 217.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (270)
Joan Burton
Question:270. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Skills if the rebuild of a school (details supplied) is to be released to tender; when works on the rebuild of the school will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30874/16]
View answerWritten answers
The project referred to by the Deputy has recently been approved to proceed to Stage 3 which involves the tender competition for appointment of the building contractor. The school and its design team have been informed.
The tender stage for any major project normally takes between four and six months to complete. The school and its design team have been asked to ensure that tenders are received as early as possible. My Department awaits confirmation from the school and its design team in this regard. It is anticipated that construction will start early in 2017.
Schools Building Projects Status
Questions (271)
John Lahart
Question:271. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills his plans to provide funding for a school (details supplied) to upgrade from its current building; if his attention has been drawn to the inadequate space available for students in the school and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30878/16]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers opened in September 2012 in temporary accommodation, pending delivery of the school's permanent school building.
In December 2012, outline planning permission to provide a permanent school building for the school was submitted to the relevant local authority but was refused on the grounds of site access. This was appealed by my Department to An Bord Pleanála but subsequently withdrawn to facilitate submission to the local authority of an amended outline planning permission in 2013, which was also refused on similar grounds.
This decision was appealed by my Department to An Bord Pleanála but refused. However, the Board considered that the matter of assessing alternative means of accessing these lands would benefit from a co-ordinated approach by my Department and the planning authority in the interests of achieving a comprehensive and balanced solution to ongoing access issues on this educational campus.
My Department and the local authority have met to discuss appropriate access routes with a view to a further planning application being submitted as soon as possible. My Department is also actively in discussion with relevant landowners to advance this process to a satisfactory conclusion.
Schools Building Projects Data
Questions (272)
Willie Penrose
Question:272. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the M4/N4 report which dealt with an assessment of educational infrastructure in the Mullingar area; if in this context progress is being made in the provision of a secondary school for Kinnegad, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30891/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's means of analysing demographic trends and data have changed considerably since the report to which the Deputy refers was completed in 2005.
For school planning purposes, my Department divides the country into 314 geographic areas known as school planning areas. These defined areas facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs. In identifying the requirement for additional school places in a school planning area, my Department uses a Geographical Information System to identify the areas under increased demographic pressure nationwide. The GIS uses data from the Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Department of Social Protection and my Department's own databases. With this information, my Department carries out nationwide demographic analyses to determine where additional school accommodation is needed at primary and post-primary level.
Following the 2015 demographic analyses, four new primary schools and nine new post-primary schools will open in 2017 and 2018 to cater for increased demographic needs. That announcement noted that a range of areas nationwide, including Kinnegad in the Killucan school planning area, are experiencing increased demographic pressures and would be kept under ongoing review. My Department is continuing to keep the school planning area under review, to take account of updated enrolment data and the impact of capacity increases in adjoining school planning areas.
Teaching Qualifications
Questions (273)
John Brassil
Question:273. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will intervene to resolve the Droichead/INTO issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30929/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Teaching Council is the statutory body with responsibility for professional standards at all stages of the teaching career. In that context, it has established standards for post-qualification professional practice, as set out in, Droichead, the new model of induction for newly qualified primary and post-primary teachers. The model ensures that the same standards and requirements apply to all teachers who have gained conditional registration with the Teaching Council. Droichead was the subject of a three-year pilot before it was approved by the Teaching Council in March 2016.
The growth and development phase of Droichead commenced in September 2016 and by 2018 the Droichead model will be available to all newly qualified teachers to enable them to gain full registration with the Teaching Council. As part of the growth phase, the Council indicated that from September 2016, newly qualified teachers in mainstream settings may complete probation in the traditional manner, through the completion of a period of satisfactory service in a school and through the demonstration of professional competence in a school setting. The evaluation of professional competence is conducted by the Inspectorate.
However, probation by the Inspectorate will not be possible in a special education or restricted setting but teachers in these setting can avail of the Droichead process to gain full registration with the Council.
The INTO issued a directive to its members not to co-operate with or participate in Droichead or any form of probation or induction that does not include fully external evaluation for all NQTs, with effect from 1 July 2016. Their action will impact on the induction/probation process for NQTs in special education settings with effect from September 2016.
I wish to inform the Deputy that under the recent pay measures agreed with the INTO for new entrant teachers there will be an immediate time-bound engagement involving the relevant parties to resolve issues with the teacher induction process (Droichead), including issues giving rise to the current union directive on non-cooperation. I would therefore encourage the INTO to engage with the Teaching Council as the statutory professional standards body for teaching to clarify the concerns that it has about Droichead.
Nitrates Action Programme Implementation
Questions (274, 275, 276, 280)
Brendan Griffin
Question:274. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will consider giving discretion to the local authority to extend the slurry ban deadline time for 2016 and for future years as the current deadline has the potential, due to inclement weather, to cause needless pollution in local areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30432/16]
View answer
Bobby Aylward
Question:275. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will extend the 15 October deadline for slurry spreading in view of the severe weather experienced over the past few months, which has severely curtailed spreading activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30468/16]
View answer
Peter Burke
Question:276. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the efforts he is making to extend the deadline for slurry spreading in view of the adverse weather conditions experienced and the exemption granted in the North; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30569/16]
View answerPeter Burke
Question:280. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will consider extending the deadline for slurry spreading, taking into account the adverse condition of farming land after heavy rainfall and the backlog facing contractors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31021/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 274 to 276, inclusive, and 280 together.
I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 84 and 86 of 13th October 2016. The position is unchanged.
Social and Affordable Housing
Questions (277, 292)
Róisín Shortall
Question:277. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a 2015 National Development Finance Agency project (details supplied); his views on the fact that this project violates his Department's guidelines on social mix; the reason for his Department's decision to endorse this development as a public private partnership initiative despite violating these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30580/16]
View answerRóisín Shortall
Question:292. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 137 of 29 September 2016 and 135 of 6 October 2016, if he will make public the exact data on which the site at a location (details supplied) was selected for development; his views on the fact that this area already has an extremely high concentration of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30579/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 292 together.
As set out in the replies to Question No. 137 of 29 September 2016 and to Question Number 135 of 6 October 2016, the site at Scribblestown was identified and proposed for inclusion in the Social Housing PPP programme by the Dublin Social Housing Delivery Task Force and by Dublin City Council, having regard to social housing need, and the suitability of the site to be developed for social housing at this location.
The social housing need in the Ashtown, Blackhorse Avenue, Santry, Whitehall, Cabra, Finglas and Glasnevin areas of Dublin City Council is in excess of 4,000 applicants, based on latest Dublin City Council data. The development at Scribblestown would contribute towards delivering homes for these applicants. The current percentage of social housing in the Scribblestown area, also based on data from Dublin City Council, is 15%.
The following criteria formed the basis of the assessment of sustainability for prospective social housing sites being delivered through the Public Private Partnership programme:
- Compatibility with the relevant development plan for the area;
- Impact on sustainable communities in the area; and
- Access to services by future residents (amenities such as public transport, schools, shops).
My Department’s guidelines concerning such issues as sustainability and social mix are set out in Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities, which is available on the Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current/category/housing/type/publications?query=sustainable%20design.
The assessment criteria for the selection of PPP sites reflect provisions contained in these guidelines.
Voluntary Sector Funding
Questions (278)
Willie Penrose
Question:278. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if there is increased funding available in his Department to assist volunteer centres and information services; if so, if he will ensure that a centre (details supplied) is provided with an increase of funding of up to €80,000 which is just two thirds of the annual cost of running a volunteer centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30590/16]
View answerWritten answers
My Department’s Community & Voluntary Supports & Programmes provide a cohesive framework of support for the community and voluntary sector. This programme supports 21 Volunteer Centres and 8 Volunteer Information Services, as well as a number of national organisations, including Volunteer Ireland. Over €3m was allocated for these organisations in 2016. With the assistance of Volunteer Ireland, my Department has recently initiated a review of the distribution of funding to Volunteer Centres, to ensure a more sustainable distribution of funding. The funding of all Volunteer Centres will be considered in the course of this review, and in the context of funding available following Budget 2017.
Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme
Questions (279)
Thomas Pringle
Question:279. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the amount of the €50 million of the €200 million local infrastructure housing activation fund that will be allocated to County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30957/16]
View answerWritten answers
I recently announced the Government’s approval to the establishment of a Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund of €200 million to relieve critical infrastructural blockages to enable the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites and to improve the economic viability of new housing projects in Dublin and in urban areas of high demand for housing. The Fund will be composed of an Exchequer allocation of €150 million, matched by a €50 million contribution from participating local authorities. Funding is to be allocated to local authorities on the basis of a competitive bid process in relation to proposals with the capacity to secure the early delivery of additional housing at scale, including at affordable prices.
In line with the Government’s Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland, I issued a call for proposals under the new Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund to local authorities on 26 August 2016, with a closing date for receipt of proposals of last Friday, 14 October.
I received a proposal from Donegal County Council, together with proposals from other local authorities, which will now be evaluated and assessed by my Department, in line with the criteria set down in the Call for Proposals. I intend to announce successful bid proposals before the end of the year.
Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 274.
Electoral Commission Administration
Questions (281, 286)
Jan O'Sullivan
Question:281. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason for the delay in concluding the Drogheda boundary review process; when he will bring a recommendation to Government on the outcome of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30209/16]
View answerBobby Aylward
Question:286. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when the three-man boundary review commission established to examine the boundary between counties Kilkenny and Waterford is expected to publish its concluding report, taking into consideration that it is over six months past the initial deadline of 31 March 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30415/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 286 together.
The chairpersons of the committees which are reviewing the boundaries at Athlone, Carlow, Drogheda and Waterford have indicated that further work was required in order to complete the reviews, including work arising from the large volume of submissions received on foot of public consultations.
My Department has been in communication with the chairpersons regarding the additional timescale required, and it is anticipated that these reports will be submitted in the coming weeks. As the committees are independent in the performance of their functions, it is not appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.
Water Charges Administration
Questions (282)
Jim O'Callaghan
Question:282. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that the commission investigating water charges takes account of the needs of those who require additional water beyond the average normal use of a person due to medical and health needs such as, for example, Crohn's disease. [30331/16]
View answerWritten answers
The role of the Expert Commission on Domestic Public Water Services is to make recommendations on a sustainable long term-funding model for the delivery of domestic public water and waste water services by Irish Water. I am satisfied that the terms of reference for the Commission cover all of the issues relevant to the consideration of the future funding of domestic water services.
Housing Adaptation Grant Data
Questions (283)
Carol Nolan
Question:283. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of persons currently on the waiting list for the housing adaptation grant scheme for people with a disability by local authority area; the average waiting time per local authority area; the average level of funding awarded to each local authority for the purposes of carrying out works under the scheme for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30382/16]
View answerWritten answers
The detailed administration of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability , including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grants to applicants under the various grant measures, is the responsibility of the local authorities and my Department does not hold information in relation to waiting lists or times. The average level s of funding provided by my Department to local authorities under these Grants are available in the following table, while details of the 2016 allocations are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/grantsfinancial-assistance/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-eu5625-million-improve-homes.
Table
|
Local Authority |
Total allocation 2006-2015 |
Average Annual Allocation 2006-2015 |
|
Carlow |
€10,217,046 |
€1,021,705 |
|
Cavan |
€9,836,336 |
€983,634 |
|
Clare |
€14,665,932 |
€1,466,593 |
|
Cork County |
€41,502,096 |
€4,150,210 |
|
Donegal |
€13,880,211 |
€1,388,021 |
|
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€10,072,316 |
€1,007,232 |
|
Fingal |
€12,680,609 |
€1,268,061 |
|
Galway County |
€12,711,606 |
€1,271,161 |
|
Kerry |
€20,345,923 |
€2,034,592 |
|
Kildare |
€16,895,539 |
€1,689,554 |
|
Kilkenny |
€10,948,696 |
€1,094,870 |
|
Laois |
€10,540,986 |
€1,054,099 |
|
Leitrim |
€5,663,442 |
€566,344 |
|
Limerick |
€23,623,134 |
€2,362,313 |
|
Longford |
€6,970,927 |
€697,093 |
|
Louth |
€12,376,207 |
€1,237,621 |
|
Mayo |
€19,073,668 |
€1,907,367 |
|
Meath |
€10,298,447 |
€1,029,845 |
|
Monaghan |
€11,066,208 |
€1,106,621 |
|
Offaly |
€9,844,934 |
€984,493 |
|
Roscommon |
€10,557,872 |
€1,055,787 |
|
Sligo |
€8,229,233 |
€822,923 |
|
South Dublin |
€17,236,452 |
€1,723,645 |
|
Tipperary |
€26,741,176 |
€2,674,118 |
|
Waterford |
€14,529,627 |
€1,452,963 |
|
Westmeath |
€9,700,058 |
€970,006 |
|
Wexford |
€15,580,700 |
€1,558,070 |
|
Wicklow |
€8,901,795 |
€890,180 |
|
Cork City |
€14,259,636 |
€1,425,964 |
|
Dublin City |
€65,583,542 |
€6,558,354 |
|
Galway City |
€5,918,580 |
€591,858 |
|
Totals |
€480,452,935 |
€48,045,294 |
Fire Service
Questions (284)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:284. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of the report currently being conducted into the provision of fire services in south Donegal in both Ballyshannon and Bundoran; when is this report expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30390/16]
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The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Act, 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects. Donegal County Council, in partnership with my Department, has made substantial progress in modernising fire stations in Co Donegal and has replaced 12 of the 15 fire stations following investment of some €11 million by my Department over the last decade or so. The following towns in County Donegal are now served by modern fire stations with full facilities: Milford (1998); Buncrana (2000); Letterkenny (HQ) and An Fal Carrach (both in 2003); Carndonagh and Donegal Town (both in 2004); Killybegs (2005); An Clochan Liath, Glenties and Moville (all in 2007); and most recently Gaoth Dobhair and Stranorlar (2009). My Department has channelled significant investment to fire authorities over the last number of years and as a consequence, the high quality of Ireland’s fire service infrastructure is now widely acknowledged.
My Department, earlier this year, announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on the current annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres. Under this programme, sixteen new-build fire stations are to be provided and ten fire stations are to be upgraded. The projects in the capital programme will be reassessed on an annual basis and priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects offering best value-for-money and to take account of the state of readiness of the projects.
The provision of a new fire station in Ballyshannon has been the subject of discussions for a number of years. While this station is not included in the five year programme referred to above, my Department is liaising with Donegal County Council and has indicated clearly that it will consider a proposal for advancing a fire station project in the south of the county to finalise the fire station programme in Donegal. I understand that the Council is undertaking a process to inform a fire station proposal, with a view to its submission to my Department by end 2016.
In further considering any proposal, my Department will have regard to established national priorities for funding in this area and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide, as well as the value for money offered by the proposal.