Tuesday, 20 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 666-685

Departmental Advertising Campaigns

Questions (667)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

667. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department has carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and other consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48307/18]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The details requested by the Deputy for the years 2012 to 2016 have previously been provided to him in reply to Question No. 825 of 11 July, 2017. Details in relation to expenditure in 2017 were provided in response to Question No. 744 of 14 December 2017. Details of expenditure in 2018 are currently being compiled in my Department, insofar as possible, and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with standing orders.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A

Details of expenditure in 2018 are set out in the following table:

Cost	Campaign
€9,109.90	Rebuilding Ireland Consultation, Communication and Engagement Strategy
€10,957.39	Repair & Leasing Scheme, Buy and Renew Scheme and the Long Term Leasing Initiative
€7,560.07	Public Consultation on the General Scheme of the Water Environment (Abstractions) Bill 2018
€141,227.88	Fire safety campaigns including National Fire Safety Week
€75,367.53	Presidential election and referendums
€77,527.69	Invitation to make submission to the European Parliament Constituency Committee and Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee
€6,509.16	Online advertising inviting submissions to Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee

Rent Pressure Zones

Questions (668)

John Curran

Question:

668. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on the current rent pressure zones (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48323/18]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

In April 2018, the Government approved the priority drafting of a new Bill to amend the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2016 to enhance the powers of the RTB to protect both tenants and landlords in the residential rental sector, particularly with regard to enforcement of the annual rent increase limit in Rent Pressure Zones. 

This Bill's provisions are intended to strengthen further the effectiveness of the rent setting and rent review laws by empowering the RTB to investigate any contravention of the law around rent increase limits (4% per annum) in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) and to take enforcement action, if necessary. The provisions involved include power for the imposition of sanctions on landlords in breach of the legal requirements and power for the RTB to investigate without the need for a complaint to be made.

My Department is working closely with the RTB to appropriately resource and develop its capacity to implement these provisions. The proposed new powers for the RTB are a crucial first step in expanding its overall role and function as part of a multi-annual change management programme to proactively enforce tenancy law. The RTB publishes its quarterly Rent Index and advises my Department on the residential rental market on a continuous basis which informs policy development in this area.

My Department is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General in the drafting of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill and I hope to bring the Bill to Government in the coming weeks for approval to publish.

Electoral Register

Questions (669)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

669. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 622 of 13 November 2018, if online voter registration will be extended to the Seanad Éireann registers of electors maintained by the National University of Ireland and the University of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48335/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

Electoral law provides that the preparation of the register of electors is a matter for each local registration authority.  It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. In March 2017 the Government determined that work should commence on modernisation of the voter registration process in the context of the possible need to register voters resident outside the State in the event that a referendum on extending the franchise in Presidential elections is passed. 

The register of electors maintained by local authorities is separate to the Seanad register of electors, The Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 provides that the governing body of every university which is a university constituency shall cause a register of electors to be kept in accordance with the 1937 Act. The National University of Ireland and the University of Dublin are therefore responsible for their respective electoral registers in accordance with the rules set out in the First Schedule of that Act. 

The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a goal to pursue the implementation of the Manning Report, formally known as the Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform. That report makes recommendations to restructure and reform the Seanad.

In April 2018, the Taoiseach established an Implementation Group on Seanad Reform to consider the Manning report and to develop specific proposals to legislate for Seanad Reform.  The Implementation Group comprises Members of the Oireachtas with the assistance of outside experts, as appropriate. The Group held its first meeting on 9 May 2018 and is to report back shortly, with the text of a Bill. 

The reform of the Seanad, including any reform of the Seanad register of electors, is to be further considered in the context of the work of the Implementation Group.

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Questions (670)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

670. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is considering a farm level scheme with a view to work towards restoring the capital value of farm land to the level that existed prior to designation, that is, special areas of conservation, special protection areas and natural heritage areas. [48414/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are currently in discussions with farming representatives in relation to designated areas, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments in Natura 2000 lands and payments coming from the national exchequer, including via the NPWS farm plan scheme.  The farmer organisations have also raised the issue of devaluation of Natura lands and the increased administrative burdens relating to designations.

Funding for the Natura 2000 network is currently available from existing financial instruments, as foreseen in Article 8 of the Habitats Directive.  This includes, but is not limited to, CAP funding.  My Department has access only to national exchequer funding and at present this funding is limited.  

I understand that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine will consider the CAP funding priorities to be included in the CAP Strategic Plan for Ireland in the next operating period.  It is expected that all relevant competent authorities, economic and social partners and civil society will have a role in inputting to the CAP Strategic Plan. In the context of funding for farmers for Natura 2000 management, ongoing discussions with the farming organisation may inform the types of payments that could be considered in the next operating period, via CAP co-financed payments and through other funding instruments.  I understand that there are options in the proposed CAP architecture that include eco-schemes under Pillar 1 and agri-environment/climate schemes under Pillar 2.

Harbours and Piers Funding

Questions (671)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

671. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available for piers (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47675/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

In conjunction with relevant local authorities, my Department is open to co-funding appropriate capital works to improve access to our offshore islands.  The eligibility criteria for this funding are as follows:

- the island must be permanently inhabited; 

- the island be cut off from the mainland daily by the tide;

- the island must not be connected to the mainland by bridge; and,

- the island must not be in private ownership. 

I understand that the island referred to does not satisfy all of the above criteria and, accordingly, would not qualify for funding from my Department.

Departmental Funding

Questions (672)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

672. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding a centre (details supplied) receives; the amount of funding it has received since 2012, in tabular form; if the funding was obtained from capital or public expenditure sources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47711/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Please see in the following tables the amount of Capital and Current funding received by the centre referred to by the Deputy under the Department’s Gaeltacht Support Schemes, Arts, Film and Investment Unit and Údarás na Gaeltachta since 2012. 

	2011	2012	2013	2015	2016	2017	2018	Total
Capital €
Community and Language Supports Programme  - DCHG		14,651.26		15,348.74	124,970.70	326,042.90		481,013.60
Arts, Film and Investment Unit-  DCHG							20,000	20,000
Údarás na Gaeltachta		1,000	1,000					2,000
Total		15,651.26	1,000	15,348.74	124,970.70	326,042.90	20,000	503,013.60

 

	2011	2012	2013	2015	2016	2017	2018	Total
Current €
Community and Language Supports Programme DCHG				1,500	1,500		974.50	3,974.50
Arts, Film and Investment Unit - DCHG
Údarás na Gaeltachta					1,200	7,035.95	10,245	20,480.95
Total				1,500	2,700	7,035.95	11,219.50	24,455.45

Departmental Funding

Questions (673)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

673. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding a centre (details supplied) has received in each year since it was established; the funding which is from capital or public expenditure sources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47712/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

According to my Department's records which extend back to 2011, no funding has been provided to the centre referred to by the Deputy.

National Monuments

Questions (674)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

674. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when she will be in a position to give permission to the Office of Public Works to commence works on a castle (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47792/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I am advised that an application for consent under Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 is currently being prepared by the Office of Public Works for submission to my Department in respect of proposed works at this national monument.  The application will be dealt with as quickly as possible following receipt. 

Caiteachas Ranna

Questions (675)

Pat Buckley

Question:

675. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pat Buckley den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an dóigh léi go bhfuil cothrom na féinne á thabhairt aici don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht, do na hOileáin agus don Fhoras Teanga leis an ardú 8% atá beartaithe aici dóibh i mBuiséad 2019 agus é beartaithe aici ag an am céanna ardú 14% a thabhairt do Chultúr agus 15% a thabhairt d'Oidhreacht ina Roinn féin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [47850/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Is ionann iomlán an mhaoinithe don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin don bhliain 2019 agus níos mó ná €54m. Nuair a chuirtear leithdháileadh an Fhorais Teanga san áireamh, is ionann an maoiniú iomlán agus €67.5m - méadú €5m nó 8% ar leithdháiltí 2018.  San áireamh anseo tá:

- €0.6m sa bhreis chun tacú le cur i bhfeidhm an Phróisis Pleanála Teanga dá ndéantar foráil in Acht na Gaeltachta 2012;

- €1.5m breise d’Údarás na Gaeltachta chun infheistíocht a dhéanamh i gcothabháil agus i gcruthú post i gceantair Ghaeltachta, rud a fhágann gurb é €8.5m (méadú 21% ar 2018) an leithdháileadh iomlán caipitil don eagraíocht;

- €0.5m sa bhreis i maoiniú reatha d’Údarás na Gaeltachta chun tacú le comharchumainn agus eagraíochtaí forbartha pobail sa Ghaeltacht den chuid is mó;

- Leithdháileadh breise de €0.5m do Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeltachta mo Roinne chun tacú tuilleadh le Próiseas Pleanála Teanga na Gaeltachta;

- Leithdháileadh breise de €0.58m do Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Teanga na Roinne lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht chun scoláireachtaí Gaeltachta a chur ar fáil do dhaltaí ó scoileanna DEIS agus chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh i ndáil le gréasán d’Ionaid Gaeilge agus Cultúir a fhorbairt ar fud na tíre;

- Leithdháileadh breise de €1m chun forbairt a dhéanamh ar infreastruchtúr calafoirt a fhreastalaíonn ar na hOileáin Árainn agus ar Thoraigh; agus,

- Leithdháileadh breise de €0.5m chun seirbhísí riachtanacha iompair a sholáthar chuig na hoileáin.

Rachaidh an infheistíocht mhéadaithe seo de €67.5m don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin in 2019 i bhfeidhm go mór ar phobail Ghaeltachta, go háirithe, mar go bhfuil an chuid is mó den leithdháileadh á tabhairt do chruthú post, forbairt pobail agus pleanáil teanga sa Ghaeltacht, agus, chomh maith leis sin, d’fhorbairt na gcalafort agus na seirbhísí iompair a bhaineann leis na hoileáin. 

Táim sásta, mar sin, go bhfuil neart dul chun cinn déanta ag an Rialtas mar a bhaineann sé leis an réimse cúraimí atá orm i mBuiséad 2019 agus táim ag tnúth le tuilleadh dul chun cinn a dhéanamh sna réimsí sin sna blianta atá amach romhainn.

Departmental Communications

Questions (676)

Clare Daly

Question:

676. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason her Department did not respond to the Northern Ireland Warrenpoint Harbour Authority EIA screening consultation for in-lough dumping in Carlingford Lough rather than the current location 22 miles out at sea (details supplied). [47866/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I have a role as a statutory consultee in a variety of legislative contexts which typically govern the making of plans and programmes, the regulation of projects, and the associated environmental assessments of these (where required) across the range of development and land use sectors. In any such capacity, my Department may make submissions or observations to assist the responsible authority in carrying out its functions, including consent functions, in compliance with various legislative and administrative requirements with respect to the conservation, protection and preservation of natural and built heritage.

In relation to the proposal referred to in the Deputy’s question, in September 2016 the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland (DAERA-NI) consulted under its Marine Works (Environment Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 with various bodies in the Republic of Ireland, including my Department, to inform its decision making as to whether an Environmental Impact Assessment was required for the proposal by Warrenpoint Harbour Authority to create a new disposal site within Carlingford Lough and within the jurisdiction boundaries of the Harbour Authority, to dispose of material dredged from within the Harbour limits.

Whilst my Department endeavours to provide observations or submissions on developments that have been referred for comment it is not always in a position to do so.  No inference however should be drawn from this that my Department is satisfied or otherwise with a development, plan or programme, or that natural or built heritage matters are not material considerations, if my Department does not issue observations on a particular proposal. While my Department may or may not provide observations, , I am not the competent authority for proposals such as that was submitted for Carlingford Lough by Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. It is a matter for the competent authority in this regard to assess the environmental impact assessment screening report and ensure the findings are in compliance with the relevant environment impact assessment legislation.

I understand that in the case of the Warrenpoint Harbour proposal DAERA-NI were content that the proposal did not require a full environmental impact assessment and that the Harbour Authority was obliged to undergo a full site characterisation assessment exercise. I further understand that the placement of dredged material is licensable and that there will be further surveys, assessment and consultation processes. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine would be best placed to advise further on this process.

Údarás na Gaeltachta Data

Questions (677)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

677. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the employment positions with Údarás na Gaeltachta; the number of vacant, existing and newly created posts which have been filled or for which recruitment remains ongoing for each of the years 2013 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the job title and location; the way in which the post was advertised; the platform and or publication used for same in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47871/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I am informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the details requested by the Deputy are as set out in the following table:

Year	Existing/Newly Created	Job   Title	Location	Advertised	Platform   Used
2013	NIL
2014	Existing	Dlíodóir	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie
2015	Existing	Riarthóir/Rúnaí	Dún na nGall	Externally	Udaras.ie
	Existing	Feidhmeannach Faisnéise & Pleanála	Na Forbacha	Internally	Internal   Communications
	Existing	Stiúrthóir Fiontraíochta & Fostaíochta	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie   Irish Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie,  Irish Times Executive Jobs, Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print)
2016	Existing	Bainisteoir Airgeadais	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie Irish   Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie,  Irish Times   Executive Jobs, Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print)
	New*	Feidhmeannach Caidrimh Poiblí	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie Irish   Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie,  Irish Times   Executive Jobs, Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print)
	New*	Feidhmeannach Acmhainní Daonna	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie Irish   Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie,  Irish Times   Executive Jobs, Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print)
	Existing	Feidhmeannach Forbartha Gnó	An Daingean	Externally	Udaras.ie
	Existing	Stiúrthóir Forbartha   Réigiúnach Pobail & Pleanáil Teanga	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie
	Existing	Feidhmeannach Maoine   & Seirbhísí Teicniúla	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie
2017	Existing	Fáilteoir & Riarthóir	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Cléireach Creidiúnaithe	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Riarthóir Pá &   Scéimeanna Fostaíochta Pobail	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Cléireach Féichiúnaithe	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Oifigeach Oiliúna & Oideachais	An Daingean	Internally	Internal   Communications
	Existing	Cúntóir Maoine	Dún na nGall	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Línitheoir	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	New	Feidhmeannach   Pleanála Teanga	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Feidhmeannach Maoine   & Innealtóireachta	Dún na nGall	Internally	Internal   Communications
	Existing	Riarthóir Dlí	Na Forbacha	Internally	Internal   Communications
	Existing	Cuntasóir Airgeadais	Na Forbacha	Internally	Internal   Communications
	Existing	Príomhfheidhmeannach	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie Irish   Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie,  Irish Times   Executive Jobs, Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print)
	Existing	Fáilteoir/Riarthóir	Dún na nGall	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Rúnaí/Riarthóir Ard-Oifig	Na Forbacha	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
	Existing	Feidhmeannach   Forbartha Gnó	An Daingean	Externally	Udaras.ie with a feed through to social media platforms
2018	Existing	Stiúrthóir Fiontraíochta & Fostaíochta	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie Irish   Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie, Monster, Indeed, Irish Times Executive Jobs,   Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print), LinkedIn
	Existing	Feidhmeannach Acmhainní Daonna & Forbartha Foirne	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie Irish   Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie, Monster, Indeed, Irish Times Executive Jobs,   Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print), LinkedIn
	Existing	Stiúrthóir Forbartha Réigiúnaí, Pobail & Pleanála Teanga	Na Forbacha	Externally	Sigmar.ie Irish   Jobs.ie, Publicjobs.ie, Monster, Indeed, Irish Times Executive Jobs,   Tuairisc.ie, Irish Times (print), LinkedIn

* regrading of existing post.

Commemorative Events

Questions (678)

James Browne

Question:

678. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for War of Independence and Civil War commemorations in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47923/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Government's approach to the remembrance of all of those who lost their lives during the Independence Struggle, the Civil War and the significant events and themes associated with this period, including those that may be relevant to Wexford, will be informed by the guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations and the core principles set out in its Second Statement, published in October 2017. I acknowledge the very significant work completed by the Advisory Group over the past year in formulating its guidance.  I am now considering the recommendations of the Group. I anticipate that the remainder of the period will follow the approach adopted in the first half of the Decade of Centenaries of being respectful, meaningful, proportionate and authentic.

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Questions (679, 680)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

679. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of hectares in each county that are designated special areas of conservation, special protection areas and natural heritage areas by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48007/18]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

680. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the percentage of land designated as special areas of conservation, special protection areas and natural heritage areas by county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48008/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 679 and 680 together.

Ireland is committed to the implementation of the EU Nature Directives. It has identified and protected 439 sites for designation or designated as special areas of conservation and 154 sites as special protection areas. In addition, 148 natural heritage areas have been designated under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

COUNTY	Total Terrestrial Area (ha)	Terrestrial SAC Area (ha)	Percent Terrestrial SAC Area	Terrestrial SPA Area (ha)	Percent Terrestrial SPA Area	Terrestrial NHA Area (ha)	Percent Terrestrial NHA Area	Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area (ha)	Percent Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area
Carlow	89,601.72	4,418.62	4.93%	0.00	0.00%	0.00	0.00%	4,418.62	4.93%
Cavan	193,133.53	11,825.05	6.12%	3,149.68	1.63%	729.48	0.38%	13,771.56	7.13%
Clare	319,736.63	38,308.04	11.98%	30,526.55	9.55%	3,003.72	0.94%	68,519.00	21.43%
Cork	746,600.61	23,875.53	3.20%	26,383.69	3.53%	1,564.30	0.21%	49,102.05	6.58%
Donegal	484,559.33	84,982.74	17.54%	47,179.26	9.74%	5,293.24	1.09%	94,800.80	19.56%
Dublin	92,566.98	3,862.00	4.17%	2,262.34	2.44%	16.56	0.02%	4,138.38	4.47%
Galway	612,204.63	129,527.72	21.16%	75,872.08	12.39%	15,958.62	2.61%	172,931.25	28.25%
Kerry	474,870.45	119,222.89	25.11%	46,123.98	9.71%	1,660.26	0.35%	151,292.31	31.86%
Kildare	169,408.69	1,722.45	1.02%	30.41	0.02%	260.10	0.15%	2,012.89	1.19%
Kilkenny	206,138.29	4,281.71	2.08%	262.09	0.13%	34.82	0.02%	4,315.20	2.09%
Laois	171,917.93	6,433.51	3.74%	15,225.27	8.86%	277.70	0.16%	18,541.45	10.79%
Leitrim	158,871.88	17,833.85	11.23%	632.21	0.40%	4,396.69	2.77%	22,206.98	13.98%
Limerick	268,522.06	6,001.94	2.24%	23,286.96	8.67%	172.44	0.06%	28,485.99	10.61%
Longford	108,476.68	5,986.10	5.52%	5,369.42	4.95%	1,037.99	0.96%	7,075.31	6.52%
Louth	82,626.59	3,873.49	4.69%	755.30	0.91%	0.00	0.00%	4,256.53	5.15%
Mayo	558,678.44	124,326.28	22.25%	46,866.10	8.39%	7,873.36	1.41%	133,939.51	23.97%
Meath	234,249.99	2,425.75	1.04%	1,094.27	0.47%	436.01	0.19%	3,424.78	1.46%
Monaghan	129,444.74	56.81	0.04%	3,448.74	2.66%	1,130.80	0.87%	3,511.70	2.71%
Offaly	199,644.77	6,452.77	3.23%	9,622.80	4.82%	1,414.72	0.71%	13,033.46	6.53%
Roscommon	253,753.32	13,599.66	5.36%	9,817.81	3.87%	4,132.91	1.63%	18,131.51	7.15%
Sligo	181,235.05	25,144.27	13.87%	4,488.40	2.48%	1,591.87	0.88%	28,341.13	15.64%
Tipperary	425,286.93	14,514.25	3.41%	18,138.43	4.26%	4,507.42	1.06%	33,574.46	7.89%
Waterford	183,942.10	10,314.74	5.61%	2,492.39	1.35%	0.00	0.00%	11,948.07	6.50%
Westmeath	183,763.43	9,483.43	5.16%	9,281.51	5.05%	2,789.87	1.52%	13,621.48	7.41%
Wexford	235,795.72	6,599.73	2.80%	4,140.61	1.76%	2.39	0.00%	8,723.55	3.70%
Wicklow	202,485.43	32,662.12	16.13%	31,263.07	15.44%	0.00	0.00%	37,411.45	18.48%
Totals:	6,967,515.91	707,735.45	10.16%	417,713.36	6.00%	58,285.27	0.84%	951,529.41	13.66%

  Land may be within more than one designated area category - this has been taken in to account in the Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area and Percent Terrestrial SAC/SPA/NHA Area columns. SAC/SPA/NHA  Area figures represent the total area nominated for designation/designated within each county.

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Questions (681)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

681. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if it is policy to inform landholders if their land is to be designated as a special protection area, special area of conservation or natural heritage area; the other methods by which the attention of the public is drawn to such proposed designations; the number of appeals received by the appeals advisory board since the inception of these designations against designation; the number of these that went to a full oral hearing; the number of cases in which the advice of the board was varied by her; the years in which this occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48009/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

When lands are being proposed for inclusion within a special area of conservation, special protection area or natural heritage area, each landowner is notified in writing of the proposed designation and is sent an information pack on the relevant site. The information pack explains the scientific reasons for the proposed designation, sets out the activities requiring my prior consent, as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and includes information on how to appeal against the proposed designation. A map showing the boundaries and extent of the site is also sent to landowners to help them to determine whether or not their land is located within the site proposed for designation.

Notice of the proposed designation is also:

1. published in at least one newspaper with circulation covering the area in which the site is located, in one national newspaper and on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department;

2. broadcast on a radio channel generally available in the area in which the site is located; and

3. provided for display in local Garda stations, local authority offices, public libraries, local offices of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,  the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and offices of Teagasc.

My Department also notifies the relevant Ministers and public authorities of the proposed designation of a site.

Formal appeals against the inclusion of lands within a site proposed for designation are heard by the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board.  

Following an appeal hearing, the Board makes a recommendation to me, as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.  This recommendation is based on scientific grounds as to whether lands should be included in the site proposed for designation. The recommendation of the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board may be accepted in full, in part or rejected.

Details of the number of appeals received by the Board since its inception, the number of appeals heard by the Board and the number of cases in which the recommendation of the Board was accepted in part or rejected by me, as Minister, are outlined in the following table:

No. of Appeals received by the Board since its inception.	No. of Appeals heard by the Board	No. of cases in which the recommendation of the Board was accepted in part or rejected	Years in which the recommendation of the Board was accepted in part or rejected
977	401	0	Not applicable

Special Areas of Conservation Designation

Questions (682)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

682. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of times the European Commission has approached her Department seeking further designations of special protection areas and special areas of conservation; her response in relation to these requests; the reason for each response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48010/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

The Irish list of Special Areas of Conservation was reviewed in detail by the European Commission and Member States in 1999, 2002 and 2003 and on each of those occasions the Commission required additional designations of sites or refinements of the designations. A further process of examination of the marine Special Areas of Conservation was carried out in 2009 and 2016. Ireland is now considered sufficient in almost all respects although there is a "scientific reserve"  on sufficiency of marine sites for reef habitat and for the bottle-nosed dolphin.

In 2007, the European Court of Justice in case C-418/04 ruled that Ireland was required to designate additional Special Protection Areas, under the EU Birds Directive. This process is largely complete for land and freshwater sites, although there are still some landowner appeals under consideration in a small number of sites.

Ireland is still required by the European Commission to complete an analysis of the requirements (if any) to designate Special Protection Areas in Ireland’s marine territory. Data collection on seabird distribution has been carried out in the past 3 years and this data will be reviewed in 2019 to determine if there are marine areas which meet the criteria for such designation.  

Special Areas of Conservation Management

Questions (683)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

683. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there are definitive maps available for the National Parks and Wildlife Service protected sites at Portrane and Rogerstown, County Dublin; if so, if she will provide links to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48248/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Rogerstown Estuary is designated as a special area of conservation (Site Code 000208) and a special protection area (Site Code 004015).

It was formally designated by Statutory Instrument as a special area of conservation in 2018 and as a special protection area in 2010. The boundaries of the special area of conservation and special protection area follow the coast along Portrane/Burrow.

The boundaries of all designated sites may be viewed on the Map Viewer on the website of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department at http://webgis.npws.ie/npwsviewer/

More detailed maps are available by contacting the Site Designations Unit, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 90 North King Street, Dublin 7, D07 N7CV, [e-mail].

Maoiniú d’Fhoras na Gaeilge

Questions (684)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

684. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén soláthar airgid a cuireadh ar fáil i meastacháin 2018 agus i meastacháin 2019 don Fhoras Teanga, briste síos idir Foras na Gaeilge agus Gníomhaireacht na hUltaise; an bhfuil sí sásta leis an maoiniú atá á chur ar fáil don dá áisíneacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [48267/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Mar is eol don Teachta, is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas (CATT) a cheadaíonn na buiséid do na Forais Trasteorann uile, An Foras Teanga san áireamh.  Mar gheall ar chúinsí polaitiúla i dTuaisceart Éireann, áfach, níorbh fhéidir cruinnithe CATT a eagrú ó lár 2016 agus, dá bhrí sin, níl na buiséid i leith 2017, 2018 agus 2019 ceadaithe go hoifigiúil go fóill.  Idir an dá linn, tá sé aontaithe ag na Ranna Airgeadais sa dá dhlínse go bhfeidhmeodh na Forais Trasteorann uile sna blianta 2017 agus 2018 de réir na buiséid a cheadaigh an CATT ina leith don bhliain 2016. 

Is mar seo a leanas na buiséid a cheadaigh an CATT don bhForas Teanga i 2016:

- €14,782,911 (£10,348,038) i gcás Fhoras na Gaeilge, á chómhaoiniú 75% ó mo Roinnse agus 25% ón Roinn Pobal i dTuaisceart Éireann; agus

- £3,347,048 (€2,342,933) i gcás Ghníomhaireacht na hUltaise, á chómhaoiniú 25% ó mo Roinnse agus 75% ón Roinn Pobal i dTuaisceart Éireann.   

Anuas air sin, cuireann mo Roinn maoiniú breise ar fáil d'Fhoras na Gaeilge i ndáil le nithe imfhálaithe mar a bhaineann le Clár na Leabhar Gaeilge (buiséad €1.061m i 2018) agus Colmcille (buiséad €118,519 i 2018).

San ollchomhthéacs sin, is é €14.028m an soláthar sna Meastacháin Athbhreithnithe 2018 ó dheas chun freastal ar na búiséid a bheidh ceadaithe ag an gComhairle Aireachta Thuaidh Theas amach anseo don bhForas Teanga, mar aon le maoiniú imfhálaithe i leith Chlár na Leabhar Gaeilge, Cholmcille agus maoiniú aon-uaire a bhain le Bhliain na Gaeilge 2018.  Is é €13.323m an soláthar i Meastacháin 2019 do na nithe céanna, seachas Bliain na Gaeilge.

Ní foláir dom a rá freisin go bhfuiltear ag fanacht le treoir ó na Ranna Airgeadais maidir le cur chuige aontaithe do na Foras Trasteorann sa bhliain 2019.  Ar ndóigh, ní bheidh soiléiriú ar chúrsaí meastacháin ó thuaidh i gcoitinne ar fáil go ceann tamaill eile ós rud é nach dtosaíonn an bhliain airgeadais ó thuaidh go dtí mí Aibreáin. 

Departmental Advertising Campaigns

Questions (685)

Brendan Howlin

Question:

685. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her Department has carried out advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and other consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48305/18]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I refer the Deputy  to the replies provided to Question No 1072 of 20th March 2018 and Question No 759 of 14 December 2017 and also to the reply given to his Parliamentary Question No. 349 of 11 July 2017, further to which details of advertising costs (All Print Media) for 2017 and 2018 are set out  in the tables below.

In 2016, my Department paid €19,680 and €2,070 to Q4PR and Public Jobs respectively to promote awareness of the 2016 European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) campaign for the recruitment of Irish language translators to the institutions of the European Union.  Sums of €17,466 and €6,125 are scheduled to be paid this year to D’Arcy Marketing and BigO respectively for a similar campaign in respect of EPSO’s 2018 recruitment competition.

During 2017, my Department spent €16,100  through the Careers Portal (www.careersportal.ie) on a Public Awareness Campaign for the provision of new materials showcasing career and educational opportunities with the Irish language

The Creative Ireland Programme has also undertaken a citizen engagement and public awareness campaign to get people involved in cultural and creative activity. A full breakdown of all costs in 2017 in relation to this can be accessed on the Creative Ireland website at the link below. A breakdown of  costs incurred in respect of this programme in 2018 will also be compiled and published in due course. www.creativeireland.gov.ie/sites/default/files/media/file-uploads/2018-01/Creative%20Ireland%20Programme%20End%20of%20Year%20Report%20%202017.pdf.

Details of advertising costs (all print media) 2017 

Advertising Costs	-
Mediavest Ireland Ltd	€21,202
Iris Oifigúil	€ 3,234
FCR Media Ltd	€12,318

 Details of advertising costs (all print media)  2018

Advertising Costs	-
Iris Oifigúil	€ 2,397
Spark Foundry	€2,403
Western People Ltd	€1,624

 Value for money is a critical consideration at all times in assessing whether external firms should be engaged to provide services of this nature.