Colm Brophy
Question:31. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the creative schools programme; and the level of involvement of schools in County Dublin in the programme. [26775/18]
View answerCreative Ireland Programme
Questions (31, 40)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:40. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the creative schools programme; the level of involvement of schools in County Offaly in the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26716/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 40 together.
Creative Schools is a flagship initiative of the Creative Youth Plan and Pillar 1 of the Creative Ireland Programme. The initiative is led by the Arts Council in partnership with my Department and the Department of Education and Skills.
This pilot initiative aims to develop and celebrate the arts and creativity in our schools. Last week, 150 schools across the country were chosen to participate in this initiative. These schools were chosen from over 400 applicants and include primary schools, secondary schools, Youth-reach centres, special schools, DEIS schools, co-educational schools, rural, urban, single-sex and Irish language medium schools. Work will begin in September 2018 and run through to the end of the school year in 2019. Details of all the chosen schools can be found on the Creative Ireland website and the Arts Council website.
(https://creative.ireland.ie/en/creative-schools-pilot-selected-schools-2018-2019)
Details of Schools in Dublin in the following table:
Schools in Dublin.
|
Dublin |
|
Balbriggan Educate Together National School, Hamlet Lane, Moylaragh, Balbriggan, Co Dublin |
|
Ballymun Youthreach, Main Road, Ballymun, Dublin 11 |
|
Balrothery NS, St. Oliver Plunkett's NS, Balrothery, Balbriggan, Co Dublin |
|
Belmayne Educate Together National School, North Belmayne, Dublin 13, Co Dublin |
|
Beneavin De La Salle College, Beneavin Road, Finglas, Dublin 11 |
|
Coláiste Mhuire, Ratoath Road, Dublin 7 |
|
Central Remedial Clinic School, Penny Ansley Building, Vernon Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3 |
|
Dublin 7 Educate Together National School, Grangegorman Lower, Dublin 7 |
|
Dún Laoghaire Educate Together National School, The Red Door School, Monkstown Grove, Monkstown Avenue, Monkstown |
|
Griffith Barracks Multi Denominational Primary School, Clogher Road, Dublin 12 |
|
Lucan Educate Together National School, Mount Bellew Way, Willsbrook, Lucan, Co Dublin |
|
Lusk Community College, Raheny Lane, Rathmore Road, Lusk, Co Dublin |
|
Margaret Aylward Community College, The Thatch Road, Whitehall |
|
Mary Queen Of Angels 2, Boys National School, Gurteen Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 |
|
Monkstown Educate Together NS, Kill Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin |
|
Presentation Primary Warrenmount, Blackpitts, Dublin 8 |
|
Rathfarnham Educate Together National School, Loreto Avenue, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14 |
|
Shellybanks ETNS, RDS, Simmonscourt Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 |
|
SS Peter & Paul JNS, Chapel Street, Balbriggan, Co Dublin |
|
St Brigids JNS, Brookfield, Dublin 24 |
|
St Fintan's High School, Dublin Road, Sutton, Dublin 13 |
|
St John Of God GNS, Kilmore Road, Artane, Dublin 3 |
|
St Mary's Holy Faith Secondary School, Old Finglas Road, Glasnevin, Dublin 11 |
|
St Michael's House Special School, Ballymun Road, Ballygal, Dublin 9 |
|
St. Oliver Plunkett's Junior National School, St Helena's Road, Finglas South, Dublin 11 |
|
Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, Belarmine Vale, Stepaside, Co Dublin |
|
Templeogue College, Templeville Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6W |
Details of Schools in Offaly in the following table:
Schools in Offaly.
|
Offaly |
|
Ard Scoil Charain Naofa, Frederick St, Clara, Co Offaly |
|
Scoil Eoin Phóil II Naofa, Arden View, Tullamore, Co Offaly |
|
St Mary's Secondary School, Edenderry, Co Offaly |
Built Heritage Investment Scheme
Questions (32)
Marcella Corcoran Kennedy
Question:32. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports provided to built heritage projects in County Offaly in 2017 and 2018; her plans in this regard for 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26717/18]
View answerWritten answers
Financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures is provided by my Department through a number of schemes which are generally administered by local authorities.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures (i.e. structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures). It is designed to leverage private capital for investment in small scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled conservation professionals. I have allocated funding of €2 m nationally for this Scheme in 2018. In 2017 and 2018, the Built Heritage Investment Scheme provided a total €174,382 in grant aid for 34 projects in County Offaly.
The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures in both private and public ownership, which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. I have allocated €1.324 m nationally for the Structures at Risk Fund 2018. In 2017 and 2018 a total of €42,000 was allocated to two projects in County Offaly under the Structures at Risk Fund.
Details of the projects approved for funding under both schemes are published on my Department’s website and local authority websites.
My Department has provided €350,000 in funding to the OPW in 2018 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. The two Departments continue to work closely together on survey, excavation and research work relating to our national monuments.
The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports. Grant schemes for 2018 are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.
In terms of future funding, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027 represents a major capital investment scheme of close to €1.3 billion in funding over the next 10 years. This plan will see increased investment in protecting and celebrating our built heritage across the country. More details on the commencement and completion dates for projects and programmes, as well as the timing of the expenditure in relation to them, will emerge as we go through the process of appraisal and planning as required under the Public Spending Code.
Foras na Gaeilge
Questions (33)
Catherine Connolly
Question:33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the itemised breakdown of the cost of works to the value of €945,000 which Foras na Gaeilge commissioned from the landlord of its new headquarters (details supplied); if these were approved by the board of Foras na Gaeilge and her Department; if the appropriate procurement procedure was followed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27070/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, Foras na Gaeilge moved to new offices at 63-66 Amiens Street at the beginning of October 2017. The property was substantially refurbished by the landlord in advance of this move and it was the landlord who commissioned all works in relation to the building.
This significant investment upgraded the building from an aged 1980s vintage office building to Grade A standard. This investment was important, not just in terms of ensuring the new accommodation was of an appropriate standard, but also to comply with other obligations, including in relation to environmental standards and universal access.
I am informed by An Foras that the landlord followed an appropriate procurement procedure on a commercial basis to ensure the best value for money in relation to the works on the building. Foras na Gaeilge also received advice from a qualified quantity surveyor in relation to the estimates in order to ensure value for money.
Furthermore, An Foras has also informed me that it made its Board and Sponsor Departments aware of every aspect of this project which it considered material, at the appropriate junctures.
The following is a breakdown of the cost of the works referred to by the Deputy:
|
Works |
Cost |
|
Internal walls (internal wall partitioning, creation of meeting rooms, tea stations etc) |
€152,740 |
|
Internal wall finishes (paint finishes, wood finishes) |
€6,855 |
|
Internal wall completions (internal doors, ironmongery) |
€68,227 |
|
Floor finishes (vinyl floor finishes in tea stations and canteen, timber and vinyl skirting) |
€47,888 |
|
Suspended ceilings (additional tenant specific works) |
€16,936 |
|
Mechanical services (additional works re ventilation to meeting rooms and offices, new mains and cold water pipework) |
€ 87,123 |
|
Electrical services (power distribution to tenant spaces, lighting to tenant spaces, specific ICT wiring) |
€182,972 |
|
Catering equipment / tea stations |
€50,827 |
|
Design & commercial borrowing costs over 15 years |
€319,432 |
|
Total |
€933,000 |
|
Cost per year for 15 years |
€62,200 |
National Orchestras
Questions (34)
Joan Burton
Question:34. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she plans to implement the Boaden report's recommendation that the NSO become a national cultural institution (details supplied). [26710/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Boaden Report made a number of recommendations including the following:
- the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) should be a national cultural institution in its own right or within the National Concert Hall;
- the RTÉ Concert Orchestra (CO) should continue to be part of RTÉ, functioning as a classic "radio" or Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) orchestra, on the model of many such orchestras worldwide;
- while operating independently, the RTÉ NSO should continue to co-ordinate activities with the RTÉ CO to ensure the two work on a complementary basis; and
- both orchestras should be returned to historical levels of staffing and activities.
I have welcomed the reports recommendations, together with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and we will be reporting to Government shortly on the proposed next steps.
Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 30.
Commemorative Events
Questions (36)
Colm Brophy
Question:36. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the Great Famine Online project. [26776/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Great Irish Famine Online ( http://www.irishfamine.ie/irish-famine-map) was officially launched on the 12th May as part of this year's National Famine Commemoration which was hosted by University College Cork (UCC). It is a major collaborative project between my Department and UCC and publishes online for the first time the 1841 and 1851 famine census database, allowing people to view and analyse detailed information charting changes in the social, political and economic landscape of pre and post famine Ireland.
This website enables users to view the information for any location across the island. It encompasses more than three thousand Civil Parishes and over sixteen hundred towns. Using this census data, it is now possible to analyse the information which was recorded for each Civil Parish on the island of Ireland.
The resulting maps depict the impacts of the Famine in terms of population decline, social transformation and other key themes during this time. These maps and statistics are complemented with text and images, intended to give a complete and visually appealing picture.
The Department of Education and Skills also intend to include this application as a resource on Scoilnet, the official information portal for schools and teachers. An App version of this website is currently under development is expected to made available shortly.
Wildlife Conservation
Questions (37)
Mick Wallace
Question:37. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has given consideration to the reintroduction of the grey wolf in national parks; if research or studies have been carried out in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26706/18]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has no plans to re-introduce wolves to Ireland. Any potential re-introduction of a species would need to be considered within the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) translocation guidelines. These stringent guidelines are accepted as International Best Practice and are available here: https://www.iucn.org/content/new-guidelines-conservation-translocations-published-iucn
Waterways Ireland
Questions (38)
Brendan Smith
Question:38. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the blueway projects identified for development in 2018 and 2019; the level of funding available for such projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27097/18]
View answerWritten answers
Waterways Ireland commenced the development of Blueways as a means to attract new visitors to use the waterways recognising changes in recreational activity with the growth in demand for activities such as walking, canoeing, cycling and stand up paddle boarding.
Further Blueway development planned for 2018 include:
- The Barrow Blueway - in part
- Shannon Blueway - Carrick to Boyle
- Royal Canal Blueway Development at Mullingar
- Blueway - Acres Lake and Lough Allen
- Blueway - Leitrim village to Kilclare Trail Development
- Blueway - Ballyconnell to Bellaheady Bridge Trail Development
The total funding budgeted by Waterways Ireland for such projects in 2018 is €228,000
The Blueway projects for 2019 is under review at present. Waterways Ireland will determine the projects as part of the Business Plan for 2019 and it will include further development at various locations along the Royal Canal, Grand Canal, Barrow navigation and the Shannon-Erne.
On the Royal Canal plans are currently being put in place for the establishment of a 22km Blueway at Mullingar and it is hoped that this Blueway will be in place by July 2018. As part of the Blueway initiative Waterways Ireland has been working with local councils and recreational activity providers in establishing multi-activity Blueway hubs. A successful hub was established in Carlow Town in 2017 and this model will be replicated in Mullingar harbour in 2018.
Waterways Ireland is currently working with Offaly County Council, Kildare County Council, South Dublin Council and Dublin City Council to ensure the progression of planning permission for the development of the Grand Canal Towpath as a walking and cycling route for recreational, tourism and commuter purposes.
National Biodiversity Plan
Questions (39)
Peter Burke
Question:39. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the objectives, targets and actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26715/18]
View answerWritten answers
The National Biodiversity Action Plan 2017-2021, Ireland's third national biodiversity plan, was launched in October 2017. The new Plan demonstrates Ireland’s continuing commitment to meeting and acting on its obligations to protect our biodiversity for the benefit of future generations through a series of targeted strategies and actions.
The Plan reiterates Ireland’s Vision for Biodiversity: that in the future “biodiversity and ecosystems in Ireland are conserved and restored, delivering benefits essential for all sectors of society and that Ireland contributes to efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems in the EU and globally”.
The NBAP is a National Plan and, while my Department is the lead agency in development and coordination of the Plan, its implementation depends on engagement across a range of Government departments and agencies, as well as local authorities and other stakeholders across sectors in Ireland.
As a Party to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Ireland has made a commitment to prepare Action Plans towards the achievement of the Convention’s targets: namely to secure the conservation of biological diversity; sustainable use of its components; and the equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources. Many of the targeted actions in the Plan also contribute towards Ireland’s obligations under EU environmental directives.
The Plan contains 119 actions under a framework of seven strategic objectives. These encompass mainstreaming biodiversity into decision making across all sectors; strengthening the knowledge base for the conservation, management and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystem services; increasing awareness and appreciation of biodiversity and ecosystem services; conserving and restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services in the wider countryside; conserving and restoring ecosystem services in the marine environment; expanding and improving management of protected areas and species; and strengthening international governance for biodiversity and ecosystem services.
The objectives in the NBAP lay out a clear framework for our national approach to biodiversity and will ensure that we build on the efforts and achievements of the past while looking ahead to what we can achieve over the next five years and beyond.
The National Biodiversity Action Plan is available for download at the website of my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service (www.npws.ie).
Question No. 40 answered with Question No. 31.
Cultural Policy
Questions (41)
Bernard Durkan
Question:41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to promote and support cultural events throughout the country in view of the desirable objective of promoting a positive national image at home and abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27078/18]
View answerWritten answers
Irish culture and heritage are indisputable assets when it comes to promoting Ireland's image and reputation at home and abroad among all age groups.
My Department supports a broad range of programmes and initiatives across its remit to promote Ireland’s image, including in particular the Creative Ireland Programme and Culture Ireland.
The remit of Culture Ireland, a division of my Department, is to promote and advance Irish arts worldwide thus strengthening Ireland’s cultural profile and global reputation. Strategic priorities include providing support for the international presentation of Irish artists and arts organisations, developing new and diverse international audiences and markets for Irish arts, and linking culture into the Government’s international promotion strategy in tandem with other relevant Government Agencies.
This year, Culture Ireland is presenting Culture Ireland GB18, a year-long programme of Irish arts in Great Britain that aims to showcase Irish artistic excellence in partnership with significant UK institutions, venues and festivals, to build on the unique (and in many respects shared) cultural relationship between the two countries and expand the reach of Irish culture to new audiences.
Great Britain is a key market for Ireland in terms of tourism, trade and investment promotion and the GB18 programme enables us to use our culture and heritage as a unique door-opener for Ireland and Irish business, and an effective means of articulating our values at a time of change in Ireland's wider relationship with Britain.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based programme led by my Department designed to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. Its core proposition is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement.
Pillar I - 'Enabling the Creative Potential of Children' and Pillar II - 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community' of the Programme will see considerable investment this year in highlighting numerous events of a cultural and heritage nature across the country.
For instance, a sum of €3m (€2m from my Department and €1m from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government) has been allocated to all 31 local authorities (€96,000 each approximately) to enable them support an extensive programme of activities, events and initiatives in each county. This will include the launch of long-term creative strategies for each local authority which will be launched later this year.
In addition, each local authority has been allocated funding to host Cruinniú na nÓg, a day of day of youthful creativity that will be held this weekend coming (23 June 2018) and which is specifically targeted at children and young people. Over 500 free events are happening for Cruinniú na nÓg nationwide, further details of which can be found at https://creative.ireland.ie/cruinniu/
It should be noted that the Arts Council, the main Irish Government agency for developing the arts, works in partnership with and provides funding for arts, artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. Festivals, and cultural events are important in this context.
We will continue to work across Government in 2018, to further enhance Ireland's cultural and artistic reputation, particularly in the context of the recently launched ten-year plan "Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018-2027" which sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage. This plan can be accessed at http://www.chg.gov.ie/news-centre/news-centre-publications/
Arts and Culture Capital Scheme Funding
Questions (42)
Niamh Smyth
Question:42. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the review of the cap in the percentage for the art scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27113/18]
View answerWritten answers
In 1997 the Government approved the inclusion in budgets for all Exchequer-funded capital construction projects of up to 1% as funding for an art project, subject to an overall cap of €64,000.
Under the terms of the Scheme, funds to commission a per cent for art piece are factored into and funded from the overall budget of each capital project by the public body undertaking it. This is a matter for each project promoter or commissioning body.
My Department has responsibility for the promotion of the Per Cent for Art Scheme and set out guidelines in 2004 to assist project managers to operate the scheme and to provide a common national approach to its implementation. Guidelines on the Per Cent for Art Scheme are available on the Public Art website www.publicart.ie. and on the Department's website.
The current cap was set by Government in 1997 and given the period which has elapsed since the cap was last adjusted in 1997, my predecessor asked the Department to conduct a review of the scheme. My Department has carried out an initial scoping exercise on the operation of the scheme and will now be consulting on a more formal basis with Departments and Agencies who operate the scheme. I expect to receive proposals for changes to the scheme in the coming months.
Wildlife Protection
Questions (43)
Clare Daly
Question:43. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a cross-departmental discussion will be considered in order to respond to a growing need for powers of enforcement, particularly pertaining to the criminal activity of badger baiting in the countryside. [27074/18]
View answerWritten answers
Staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department are designated as Authorised Persons under the Wildlife Acts and Authorised Officers under the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and in that context they have powers of enforcement to deal with wildlife crime, including badger baiting.
On an ongoing basis NPWS staff conduct patrols and site visits to enforce the various provisions of national and EU legislation, as required. They also investigate reports of breaches of legislation, including in relation to badger baiting.
Members of An Garda Síochána are also empowered under the same legislation to investigate alleged wildlife crime offences and to prosecute if they see fit. My Department is working closely with An Garda Siochána in relation to this type of activity. Earlier this year, the NPWS organised a Wildlife Crime conference at which a number An Garda Siochána Officers attended. The NPWS and an Garda Siochána are currently developing closer and more formal liaison arrangements for sharing of information and intelligence and the carrying out of joint operations in relation to wildlife crime.
In the meantime, the Heritage Bill 2016 which has completed its passage through Seanad Eireann and Committee Stage in the Dail includes provisions to improve the powers of authorised persons in relation to enforcement activity under the Wildlife Acts. I will continue to keep this matter under review.
Waterways Ireland Data
Questions (44)
Brendan Smith
Question:44. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the capital funding in 2018 provided to Waterways Ireland for work on the Erne-Shannon Waterway; the projects to be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27096/18]
View answerWritten answers
Waterways Ireland has set aside capital funding in the amount of €284,000 for work on the Shannon Erne Waterway in 2018.
The projects to be undertaken in 2018 are:
Dredging
Certain areas will be dredged to deepen or widen the channel on the waterway to ensure a navigable channel.
Areas to be dredged are: Aghalane, Kicorby, Ballyconnell and Bellaheady.
Service Block Refurbishment
This project will entail the upgrade of Shannon-Erne Service Blocks to meet modern standards at Aghalane, Ballyconnell, Haughton's Shore, Ballinamore, Keshcarrigan and Leitrim Village.
Masonry repairs and/or grouting
Repairs of lock structures along the navigations.
Blueway Trail Development
The existing Blueway trail in Ballinamore Co. Leitrim between Lock 7 Ballyduff and Aghoo Bridge will be connected to Lock 4 Aghoo. This will provide a commencement point at Lock 4 Aghoo including car parking and signage.
A 3.5km Blueway Trail will be developed between old Aghalane Bridge and Lock 1 Corraquill with associated signage and interpretative panels.
Shannon-Erne Blueway Lock 16 to Kilclare:
This comprises the upgrading of the existing 4.9km towpath between Lock 16 Killarcan and Lock 9 Kilclare to a walking and cycling standard thereby creating a multi-purpose Blueway. This project requires the installation of a new footbridge across the navigation at Lock 12 Lisconor. The trail will pass 8 original nineteen century locks and create a path climbing from the Shannon level up to the summit (or highest) level of the Shannon-Erne.
Trailhead signage, interpretative panels, amenity provision and Pedestrian and Cycle counters will be part of this project in addition to bike racks which will be provided at access points to the trail.
Shannon-Erne Blueway Ballyconnell to Bellaheady Bridge Recreational Trail:
This project will develop a 5.5km walking and cycling trail from Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan to Bellaheady Bridge along the Woodford River on the Shannon-Erne Waterway and associated accommodation works with trailheads at Ballyconnell on Waterways Ireland property and at Bellaheady on Cavan County Council property.
It will also connect with the UNESCO Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark town and forest walk which is 6 km in length. Trailhead signage, interpretative panels and amenity provision and Pedestrian and Cycle counters will be provided along with bike racks at access points to the trail.
Both of the projects are partly funded by Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme in conjunction with Cavan County Council
National Orchestras
Questions (45)
Joan Burton
Question:45. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding she plans to set aside under her Department's capital plan to facilitate the future relocation of one of the RTÉ orchestras to the National Concert Hall as proposed under the Boaden report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26713/18]
View answerWritten answers
The National Symphony Orchestra has been based in the National Concert Hall since it opened its doors in 1981 and has provided the backbone of its classical musical programme since then.
Under Project Ireland 2040 the Government has committed €78m for the refurbishment of the National Concert Hall. This will include the refurbishment and extension of the main auditorium, the re-organisation of public facilities and the refurbishment of the former Medical Library to serve as the RTE National Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal Studio. This will ensure that the Orchestra is housed in fit-for-purpose accommodation in the future.
The Boaden Report made a number of recommendations including the following:
- the RTE National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) should be a national cultural institution in its own right or within the National Concert Hall;
- the RTE Concert Orchestra (CO) should continue to be part of RTE, functioning as a classic "radio" or Public Service Broadcasting (PSB) orchestra, on the model of many such orchestras worldwide;
- while operating independently, the RTE NSO should continue to co-ordinate activities with the RTE CO to ensure the two work on a complementary basis; and
- both orchestras should be returned to historical levels of staffing and activities.
I have welcomed the report's recommendations, together with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and we will be reporting to Government shortly on the proposed next steps.
Heritage Sites
Questions (46)
Bernard Durkan
Question:46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of heritage sites and buildings deemed to be at risk throughout the country; if particular actions are proposed to address issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27079/18]
View answerWritten answers
My role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our built heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
I am the owner or guardian of almost 1,000 national monuments in State care right across the country ranging from prehistoric burial monuments, to medieval fortifications and religious sites. Our national monument portfolio also includes more modern structures such as the eighteenth-century terrace at 14-17 Moore Street. These sites benefit from the full protection of the National Monuments Acts.
Sites in my ownership or guardianship are maintained by the Office of Public Works. Conservation matters in relation to these sites are managed through regular liaison between the OPW and my Department, identifying condition issues and proposing appropriate conservation actions, carried out under consent where relevant.
Under the National Monuments Acts, local authorities are responsible for maintaining the national monuments of which they are owners or guardians.
The recent securing by my Department of €30 million over the next 10 years for our national monument estate will enable my Department, working closely with the OPW to identify, resource and implement necessary conservation measures to ensure these wonderful sites, some dating back almost 6,000 years, will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides for the protection of architectural heritage. The Act gives primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including relevant structures on the Record of Protected Structures. Inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures places a duty of care on the owners and occupiers of protected structures and also gives planning authorities powers to deal with development proposals affecting them and to seek to safeguard their future.
I draw on information provided by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, maintained by my Department, to recommend structures for inclusion on the Record of Protected Structures. The final decision, however, is a reserved function of the planning authority.
Through the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), my Department manages a property portfolio in respect of national parks and reserves of approximately 87,000 hectares. The existing National Parks are managed from a conservation perspective, and they are ‘core assets’ which play a very important role in Ireland’s tourism industry.
In addition to the statutory role of Local Authorities, Financial support is provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings. €2m has been provided for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2018 and 370 projects have been approved for funding. €1,324,000 has been provided for the Structures at Risk Fund 2018 and 76 projects across the country have been approved for funding.
In terms of funding for future years, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027 represents a major capital investment scheme of close to €1.3 billion in funding over the next 10 years. This plan will see increased investment in protecting and celebrating our built heritage across the country. More details on the commencement and completion dates for projects and programmes, as well as the timing of the expenditure in relation to them, will emerge as we go through the process of appraisal and planning as required under the Public Spending Code.
Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga
Questions (47)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:47. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil aon phleananna aici cúntóirí teanga a chur isteach i scoileanna nach bhfuil aon chúntóirí teanga acu agus atá páirteach sa Scéim Aitheantais do Scoileanna Gaeltachta de chuid na Roinne Oideachais; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [26705/18]
View answerWritten answers
Mar atá luaite agam cheana féin faoin ábhar seo níl aon fhógra déanta agam fós maidir leis na scoileanna a bheidh ag fáil tacaíochta faoi Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga don scoilbhliain 2018/19.
I láthair na huaire, tá mo Roinn ag tabhairt faoi athbhreithniú ar Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga lena chinntiú go bhfuil an scéim ag feidhmiú ar an gcaoi is fearr is féidir mar thaca don Phróiseas Pleanála Teanga agus an Pholasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta araon. Is é Lárionad Taighde agus Foghlama Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath atá i mbun an athbreithnithe thar ceann na Roinne.
Mar is iondúil ag an tráth seo den bhliain, tá na socruithe idir lámha ag mo Roinn, i gcomhar leis na páirtithe leasmhara atá ag plé le riar na scéime thar ceann na Roinne, i dtreo allúntas na scoilbhliana 2018/2019 a fhógairt go luath.
Is féidir leis an Teachta glacadh leis gur i dtreo cur leis an líon scoileanna atá aitheanta faoi Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga, agus í a threisiú tuilleadh de thoradh an athbhreithnithe, atá mo Roinn ag díriú i rith an ama.
Departmental Funding
Questions (48)
Martin Heydon
Question:48. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the funding being provided for small scale local festivals in County Kildare in 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26722/18]
View answerWritten answers
Support for festivals is provided from a number of sources, including from the Arts Council under the remit of my Department, and Fáilte Ireland, under the remit of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
My Department operates a Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme, designed to support local cultural festivals and summer schools which are not in receipt of other public monies and which may not be eligible for funding from those bodies.
The total amount of current funding available to this fund for 2018 is €76,000. 71 applications were received in 2018. 50 projects were considered to be eligible under the scheme.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that Kildare Midsummer Arts Festival Naas & Sallins were successful applicants under the 2018 Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme and will be provided with a grant of up to €1,000 towards festival activities.
In addition, Cruinniú na nÓg is taking place on Saturday, June 23rd in every local authority right across the country. There are over 500 free events happening for Cruinniú na nÓg nationwide, including in County Kildare. Fuill details are available on www.creative.ireland/cruinniu;
Building on the success of last year's Cruinniú na Cásca events, it was decided this year to focus on children and young people and the development of Cruinniú na nÓg is now a key initiative of the Creative Youth Plan to enable the creativity of every child and young person.
Underlying the Creative Youth Plan, of which Cruinniú na nÓg is one of 18 actions, is a firm conviction that participation in creative and cultural activities from dancing to singing to coding equips our young people to flourish in their personal lives and helps give them skills that will stand to them throughout their lives.
Cruinniú na nÓg is a day dedicated to celebrating and encouraging children and young people to participate in a range of cultural and creative activities through performance, coding, theatre, art and music workshops, readings, screenings, special events and much more. It’s a day for ‘doing’, ‘making’ and ‘creating’.
Local Authorities have been key to the delivery of this initiative and are a vital element of the Creative Ireland Programme. This year, my Department doubled the funding allocation from €1m to €2m for the 31 local authorities to deliver the Creative Ireland Programme at local level and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government provided €1m. Local authorities are currently finalising 5 year culture and creativity strategies and I look forward to publishing these shortly.
Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge
Questions (49)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:49. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta ós rud é gurbh é mí Iúil na bliana seo caite an chéad sprioc a luadh leis an bPlean Gníomhaíochta Cúig Bliana don Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, an bhfuil náire uirthi go raibh moill bliana lena fhoilsiú agus an bhfuil aon athruithe curtha i bhfeidhm aici chun a chinntiú nach dtárlódh a leithéid de mhoilleadóireacht arís. [27055/18]
View answerWritten answers
Mar atá ráite agam roimhe seo mar fhreagra ar Cheisteanna Dála eile faoin ábhar seo, ós rud é go bhfuil freagracht thras-Rannach i gceist maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, ba ghá le plé agus idirbheartaíocht chuimsitheach a dhéanamh le Ranna Stáit ábhartha agus le páirtithe leasmhara eile maidir le hullmhú an Phlean Gníomhaíochta. Rinneadh é sin ar mhaithe lena chinntiú, oiread agus is féidir, go mbeadh téagar cuí leis na bearta a bheidh leagtha amach sa chlár.
Mar atá mínithe agam go minic roimhe seo chomh maith, is é nádúr na hoibre seo go dtógann sé am chun nithe a aontú le páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla a bheidh freagrach i ndeireadh báire as pé beart a aontaítear a fheidhmiú, de réir mar a bhaineann sé leo.
In éindí le léargas a thabhairt faoina bhfuil déanta ó seoladh an Straitéis in 2010 chun cúram a dhéanamh de 9 réimse gnímh na Straitéise, leagfar amach go beacht sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022 cad atá beartaithe ag gach páirtí leasmhar a dhéanamh chun dlús a chur le feidhmiú na Straitéise idir seo agus 2022.
Leagfar amach sa phlean, dá réir, raon bearta agus tionscnamh a chuirfear sa tsiúil thar an tréimhse mar a bhaineann leis na réimsí gnímh chomh maith le ráthchlár mar a bhaineann sé le feidhmiú gach birt faoi leith.
Tá lúchair orm a fhógairt go bhfuil na socruithe idir lámha ag mo Roinn faoi láthair chun an plean a sheoladh ar an Aoine 29ú Meitheamh 2018.
National Monuments
Questions (50)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:50. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason her Department and the national monuments service, NMS, have not protected the togher in Mayne Bog, County Westmeath since its discovery in 2005 in view of new structures identified in 2017 by contracted archaeologists (details supplied). [27056/18]
View answerWritten answers
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Questions Nos. 660 and 661 on 28 March 2018 in which I set out my Department’s significant input and involvement in the safeguarding of the toghers, or ancient trackways discovered at Mayne.
I also referred in that response to the significant and long-term engagement my Department’s National Monuments Service has had with stakeholders, including the local authority and the landowners. In that context, the Department is meeting again with the landowners and their archaeologists this week to review the latest developments with regard to the site.
I am satisfied that the various measures that have and are being taken represent the best approach to securing an optimal outcome for the protection of the archaeology in this case.
Cultural Policy
Questions (51)
Catherine Connolly
Question:51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the details of the contract in place in respect of the creative director of Galway 2020; the terms of the contract; the moneys paid in respect of their departure; when a new creative director will be appointed; the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27069/18]
View answerWritten answers
Following the designation of Galway as European Capital of Culture for 2020 the company, Galway 2020, was established and commenced trading on 1st June 2017.
Hannah Kiely, the CEO of Galway 2020 is responsible for leading the Executive Team working closely with the Galway 2020 Board of Directors to deliver the ambitious programme for Galway as European Capital of Culture in 2020, as well as ensuring that a strong and lasting legacy follows to benefit the city, county and wider region.
The Board is comprised of an experienced team of individuals with a wide range of skill sets, chaired by Dr. Aideen McGinley. My Department is represented on the Board of Galway 2020 by Mr Declan McGonagle.
The hiring practices, details of employment contracts, and staff salaries paid by Galway 2020 are a matter for the Board of Galway 2020, and I have no remit in this area.
My Department officials continue to work and support the Galway 2020 Company and its Board and to meet with them regularly on the preparations for delivery of their programme for European Capital of Culture 2020. I am satisfied that the necessary steps are being taken to put in place an effective team to deliver Galway2020.