Written Answers Nos. 125-140
125. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the progress the Office of Public Works made with its survey of the storm damage that occurred on the East End pier in Inishbofin in 2014; when a decision will be taken to reinstate the pier and breakwater which is vital to the safety of the East End village on the island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31937/18]
View answer126. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when further coastal protection works will be carried out on the western face of Inishbofin to stop further erosion there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31938/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
Following the severe storms of December 2013 and January 2014 and based on estimates provided by the local authorities concerned, funding of up to €69.5 million was made available for a programme of repair and remediation works to roads, coastal protection and flood defence and other public infrastructure damaged in the storms. Of the total amount of funding available, up to €19.6 million was disbursed to local authorities via the Office of Public Works (OPW) for the repair of damaged public coastal protection and flood defence infrastructure. The amount made available to Galway County Council (GCC) for coastal protection repair works was €1,642,800.
The then Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Departments of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Agriculture, Food and the Marine were responsible for the approval of programmes of work and the disbursement of funding for repair of other damaged public infrastructure such as roads, piers, harbours and other community facilities and amenities, and would be in a position to provide information to the Deputy in that regard.
GCC submitted to the OPW a programme of works based on its allocation of €1,642,800 which included works at a number of locations on Inishbofin at the East End and South Face Shore. All funds have now been disbursed to the Council in relation to this programme and I am advised that the Council has undertaken the works on Inishbofin at a total cost of €301,024.
I have been advised that the OPW approved funding of €90,000 in 2015 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to GCC for a comprehensive coastal erosion and flood risk management study for Inishbofin Island as a whole, including the issues of concern at the East End Pier. It is a matter for the local authority to progress this study and GCC would be in the best position to advise the Deputy on the current position on the study.
The identification and carrying out of necessary coastal protection/erosion works is a matter for each local authority and it is open to GCC to carry out coastal protection and flood mitigation works using its own resources. Local authorities may also apply to the OPW for funding under the Minor Works Scheme. The Scheme's eligibility criteria, including a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, are published on the OPW website, www.opw.ie.
127. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the funding provided towards capital projects in counties Meath and Louth in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, by project name, location and cost in tabular form. [31995/18]
View answerThe purpose of the modest amount of capital investment undertaken by my Department, and the Office of Government Procurement therein, is to deliver greater effectiveness and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service. While the counties of Meath and Louth benefit from my Department’s reform plans by delivering a more effective Civil and Public Service, this capital expenditure is primarily invested in IT systems that are developed and maintained in the Department's Dublin offices.
128. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the applications submitted for funding and projects from Meath and Louth County Councils in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018 for projects decided upon or in progress in tabular form. [32011/18]
View answerThe purpose of the modest amount of capital investment undertaken by my Department, and the Office of Government Procurement therein, is to deliver greater effectiveness and efficiency across the Civil and Public Service. While the counties of Meath and Louth benefit from my Department’s reform plans by delivering a more effective Civil and Public Service, this capital expenditure is primarily invested in IT systems that are developed and maintained in the Department's Dublin offices.
129. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if Labour Court recommendations LCR19293 and LCR16000 regarding pension provision for supervisors of community employment schemes will be implemented; the status of the ongoing engagement between his Department and the high level forum that was established to address this issue. [32014/18]
View answerI would refer the Deputy to my response to PQ 28777/18 of 3 July 2018.
130. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the works commenced and completed on the river Shannon; the schedule of remaining works; and timeframe for same. [32078/18]
View answerThe Shannon Flood Risk State Agency Co-ordination Working Group was established in early 2016 by the Government across all of the State Agencies involved with the River Shannon. The Group is building on the existing work and commitment of all the State Agencies involved in flood risk and continues to enhance the ongoing co-ordination and co-operation between members.
The Group’s extensive Work Programme available on the OPW website www.opw.ie demonstrates the ongoing work and co-ordination by all State bodies to jointly and proactively address flood risk on the Shannon under the following themes of activity:
- Physical Works
- Maintenance
- Water Management
- Regulatory
- Policy and Planning
The Group took a decision in October 2016 to trial the lowering of the lake levels on Lough Allen, within the existing statutory framework, during the Winter 2016/2017 to help mitigate potential flood risk. A protocol was finalised between ESB, Waterways Ireland and the OPW to lower the late Autumn and Winter minimum lake levels in Lough Allen by approximately 0.7 metres with the first reduction implemented in October 2016. The trial has been repeated for the Winter 2017/2018 is being repeated again in Winter 2018/2019.
It is also examining a plan for strategic maintenance, to help reduce further deterioration of the River Shannon, and is considering the development of viable flood risk reduction measures in the Shannon Callows, as a further commitment to enhance co-ordinated activities by the relevant State Agencies. These plans are taking into account the environmental, legal and resource implications involved.
During 2017, targeted maintenance works were carried out at Madden’s Island, downstream of Banagher, to improve the conveyance capacity and navigation of the Shannon. Further works were due to be carried out earlier this year, however this was not possible due to the high water level on the channel. This work is scheduled to be carried out later this year during the next cutting season.
Following the receipt of consent in September 2017 from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, targeted works have been planned for a number of other locations for the appropriate seasonal windows. To date, work has been carried out at Muckinish and Shannon Grove (Kilnaborris), in accordance with the consent provided. Further work at these and other five locations at Meelick Weir, New Cut (Illaunalliagh), New Cut (Breaninch), New Cut –weir removal and Marlborough Weir (Incherky) is being planned for later this year in accordance with the seasonal windows to conduct this work.
In addition to the work of the Shannon Group the OPW and Local Authorities have completed 12 flood relief schemes protecting towns within the Shannon catchment. Currently 3 more are under construction or design and a further 34 schemes are planned are proposed as part of the €1bn investment in flood relief measures over the coming decade, I announced on 3rd May. The details of these schemes are set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans, that are the output from the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme - the largest ever study of flood risk undertaken by the State. In summary these are:
12 Flood Relief Schemes Completed in Shannon Catchment
- Dromcolliher, Co. Limerick
- Foynes, Co. Limerick
- Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
- Cappamore, Co. Limerick
- Limerick City, Co. Limerick
- Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
- Tullamore, Co. Offaly
- Newport, Co. Tipperary
- Athlone, Co. Westmeath / Co. Roscommon
- Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
- Ennis, Co. Clare
- Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare
3 Flood Relief Schemes under Construction/Design in Shannon Catchment
- Athlone, Co. Westmeath / Co. Roscommon
- Ennis, Co. Clare
- Limerick City (King's Island), Co. Limerick
34 Flood Relief Schemes for Shannon Catchment proposed in Flood Risk Management Plans
- Bunratty, Co. Clare
- Kilkee, Co. Clare
- Killaloe/Ballina, Co. Clare / Co. Tipperary
- Kilrush, Co. Clare
- Shannon Town, Co. Clare
- Springfield, Co. Clare
- Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
- Portumna, Co. Galway
- Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry
- Banna, Co. Kerry
- Ballylongford, Co. Kerry
-Listowel, Co. Kerry
- Tralee, Co. Kerry
- Clonaslee, Co. Laois
- Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
- Dromod, Co. Leitrim
- Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim
- Mohill, Co. Leitrim
- Adare, Co. Limerick
- Askeaton, Co. Limerick
- Athea, Co. Limerick
- Castleconnell, Co. Limerick
- Foynes, Co. Limerick
- Limerick City and Environs, Co. Limerick
- Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
- Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
- Longford, Co. Longford
- Birr, Co. Offaly
- Rahan, Co. Offaly
- Athleague, Co. Roscommon
- Boyle, Co. Roscommon
- Roscommon, Co. Roscommon
- Nenagh, Co Tipperary
- Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
The OPW continues to work with Local Authorities to support local flood relief projects. Funding of almost €41m has been approved by the OPW to Local Authorities since 2009 under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. To the end of 2017, almost 500 local flood relief projects were completed across every county protecting almost 6,500 properties. Two thirds of these projects delivered flood relief schemes to areas outside of the CFRAM Programme. The details of these completed works by Local Authority area is available on the OPW website, www.floodinfo.ie under the county summary of the Key Message section.
131. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an application by a person (details supplied) for additional space in Mullingar Garda station will be approved. [32080/18]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is aware of the requirement for additional space in Mullingar Garda Station and is currently in discussion with An Garda Síochána regarding a solution for their requirements.
132. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if an application for necessary remedial works at Castlepollard Garda station will be approved. [32082/18]
View answerThe Office of Public Works is awaiting the approval of Garda Estate Management before it can advance the proposed works at Castlepollard Garda Station.
133. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding funding for costal erosion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32095/18]
View answerIn relation to coastal protection/erosion generally, it is a matter for local authorities to identify and prioritise the problem areas along their coastlines. Kerry County Council will assess the local erosion problems in Kilfenora with a view to developing and implementing suitable and viable measures to address the erosion issues there. The local authority may undertake any viable works using their own resources or, if necessary, apply for funding under the Office of Public Works Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.
In July 2018, the Office of Public Works approved funding of €176,166 under its Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection scheme to Kerry County Council for a coastal erosion project in Kilfenora, Fenit. The implementation of these works is a matter for the Council.
134. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if all contributory streams at Cloorty, Granard which flow into the River Camden will be freed of blockages and so on to prevent flooding. [32143/18]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for the maintenance of Arterial Drainage Schemes and catchment drainage schemes designated under the Arterial Drainage Acts of 1945 and 1995. The channels referred to by the Deputy do not form part of an Arterial Drainage Scheme. Therefore, the OPW has no responsibilities for the maintenance of the channel, nor the authority to carry out any works there.
Local authorities have responsibility for the maintenance of Drainage Districts. The channels referred to form part of the Longford Drainage District and consequently the responsibility for maintenance of the channels rest with Longford County Council.
135. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount it would cost to expand the school meals programme to include a daily hot meal for each school child in primary and secondary education. [32174/18]
View answerThis is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, who has policy responsibility for this scheme.
136. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the cost of implementing a living wage of €11.90 for all employees directly employed and-or in agencies funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32228/18]
View answerThe costs of implementing a living wage for all employees of my Department and those directly employed by bodies under the aegis of my Department are set out in the following table.
|
Employees |
Costs |
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform |
€73,343.00 |
|
Office of Government Procurement |
€63,610.00 |
|
|
€136,953.00 |
|
Bodies under the aegis |
|
|
Public Appointments Service |
€201,478.00 |
|
State Labs |
€7,925.00 |
|
Office of the Ombudsman |
€34,863.00 |
|
OPW |
Information will be sent directly to the Deputy |
|
NSSO |
Information will be sent directly to the Deputy |
|
|
€244,266.00 |
The following deferred reply was received under standing order 42.
As at July 12th 2018, the estimated additional cost of implementing a living wage of €11.90 on the annual salaries of staff currently employed on a full time basis by the OPW is €825,000.
138. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills if crèches qualify for funding under a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31638/18]
View answerDEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools, is my Department’s main policy initiative to tackle educational disadvantage. I wish to advise the Deputy that the DEIS Programme is only available in primary and post-primary schools and it is not available in any crèches.
DEIS Plan 2017, published in February 2017, seeks to build on what has already been achieved by schools who have benefitted from the additional supports available under the initial DEIS programme introduced in 2005.
A number of recommendations in the DEIS Plan 2017 relate to early years provision. In terms of direct funding for pre-school provision, since 1994, my Department has funded Early Start classes in 40 DEIS schools. A proposal to expand this programme was set out in the DEIS Action Plan for Educational Inclusion 2005, however a decision not to proceed with this proposal was taken in light of the introduction of the universal Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme, which provides universal free pre-school to all children.
From September 2018, all children will be entitled to receive two full years of free pre-school provision under the ECCE programme. Resource allocation for pre-school services in disadvantage communities funded under the ECCE programme is a matter for my colleague, Minister Zappone, T.D, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA). Since the introduction of the ECCE programme, Government investment in the early year’s sector has been primarily focussed on universal ECCE provision, and my Department works closely with the DCYA to build capacity in the ECCE sector, particularly around the quality of educational provision in ECCE centres.
139. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost of reintroducing ex-quota status of guidance provision in secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32155/18]
View answerMeasures announced by my Department as part of Budgets 2016, 2017 and 2018 mean that 500 of the 600 guidance posts that were withdrawn in Budget 2012, will be restored to schools from September 2018.
These 500 posts are allocated separately and transparently on each school's staffing schedule. These posts have been ring-fenced so they can only be used for guidance activities and to meet the guidance needs of the school.
The cost of restoring the remaining 100 posts is in the region of €6m. This will be considered in the context of future Budgets, however there are needs across the system which have to be balanced in the decisions made in each budget.
140. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the cost to abolish fees for sitting the junior and leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32156/18]
View answerThe State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations.
In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.
