Thursday, 21 Feb 2019

Written Answers Nos. 205-224

Pyrite Issues

Questions (205)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

205. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a MICA redress scheme will be introduced for affected homeowners in County Donegal. [8776/19]

Written answers

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

The Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks was established by my Department in 2016, to investigate problems that have emerged in the concrete blockwork of certain dwellings in Counties Donegal and Mayo.

In 2017, the report of the Expert Panel was published and included eight recommendations, which my Department is actively progressing with the relevant stakeholders, prioritising the implementation of Recommendations 1 and 2.

With regard to Recommendation 1, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) established a Technical Committee to scope and fast track the development of a standardised protocol. The standardised protocol will inform the course of action in relation to remedial works for all affected householders. The standardised protocol was published by the NSAI on 13 November 2018 and ‘I.S. 465:2018 - Assessment, testing and categorisation of damaged buildings incorporating concrete blocks containing certain deleterious materials’, is available at www.nsai.ie .

The standard can be used to assess and categorise the damage in properties where the concrete blocks are suspected to contain the minerals mica or pyrite. Previously, there was no common way for engineers or homeowners to assess the damage caused by defective concrete blocks, in order to decide what, if any, remedial work could be carried out. The standard:

1. establishes a protocol for assessing and determining whether a building has been damaged by concrete blocks containing certain excessive amounts of deleterious materials (free or unbound muscovite mica, or aggregate with potentially deleterious quantities of pyrite);

2. describes methods for establishing the extent of the problem;

3. describes the scope of any testing required; and

4. categorises buildings, in accordance with the standard, providing competent persons with guidance on the appropriate measures to be taken.

With regard to Recommendation 2, my Department has been in contact with Engineers Ireland in relation to the establishment of a register of competent engineers for homeowners/affected parties’ reference. Engineers Ireland has provided assurance that they are in the process of finalising measures to establish such a register now that the standardised protocol is in place. Engineers Ireland have recently issued a call for suitably qualified engineers to participate on the register.

In 2017, I visited Donegal and Mayo and met with key stakeholders, including affected homeowners, elected members and officials of the local authorities and other interested parties. I made similar visits to both counties last year and I will continue to monitor the situation and to update affected parties on progress.

Under Budget 2019, the Government approved in principle the development of a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the two counties to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to defective concrete blocks. Work on the development of such a scheme is well underway, including discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the operation and funding of the scheme. It is intended to revert to Government with proposals for the scheme as soon as possible, with a view to publishing details of the scheme thereafter.

Commercial Rates Calculations

Questions (206)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

206. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position regarding commercial rates calculations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8818/19]

Written answers

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

The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015 provide for the valuation of all commercial and industrial property for rating purposes. The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the performance of his functions under the Acts and the making of valuations for rating is his sole responsibility. I, as Minister, have no function in relation to decisions in this regard.

The Deputy may be aware that, under Irish law, there is a distinct separation of function between the valuation of rateable property and the setting and collection of commercial rates. The amount of rates payable in any calendar year is a product of the valuation set by the Commissioner of Valuation, multiplied by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) decided annually by the elected members of each local authority.

A valuation for commercial rates purposes is arrived at by estimating the Net Annual Value (NAV) of the property in question, at a specified valuation date. The term “net annual value” has a legal definition and is set out in section 48 of the Valuation Act 2001 as “the rent for which, one year with another, the property might, in its actual state, be reasonably expected to let from year to year, on the assumption that the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance and other expenses (if any) that would be necessary to maintain the property in that state, and all rates and other taxes payable in respect of the property, are borne by the tenant”. This definition of Net Annual Value is applied to all rateable properties and classes of business on a nationwide basis.

Commercial rates are a charge levied on the occupation of a property based on the valuation of that property determined under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. In the case of a property licensed under the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011 to sell beer, wine and spirits, the annual value of that license is, under the Valuation Acts, a relevant factor in calculating the valuation of such a property.

Where a property or part of a property becomes licensed to sell beer, wine and spirits or ceases to be so licensed under the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011, then a “material change of circumstances” (MCC) within the meaning of the Valuation Acts is deemed to have taken place. Where an MCC has come about, a revision application should be made to the Valuation Office to arrange for a revision of the valuation on the property to take account of the new circumstances.

The Deputy may be aware that there are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts, 2001-2015. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (207)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

207. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the capital allocations for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan will be distributed to county councils in 2019; the reason for the delay in distributing the funding to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8827/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan launched on 1 February 2018. Prior to its launch, an initial tranche of €200 million of long-term fixed-rate finance was borrowed by the Housing Finance Agency to provide funds for the scheme to local authorities.

When the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan was initially being developed it was estimated that the drawdown of loans under the scheme would be approximately €200 million over three years. From the data collated on the scheme to date, the RIHL has proven to be more successful than initially anticipated, as a result of which, the scheme would require a further tranche of funds to be borrowed by the HFA in order to enable its continuation.

My Department is currently in discussions with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance with regard to an extension of the scheme in this regard. When these discussions are concluded I will be in a position to make an announcement on the matter.

Water Services Infrastructure

Questions (208)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

208. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the proposed upgrade of the water infrastructure network in Donabate and Portrane, County Dublin; the timeline for delivery, duration of works and commencement date for the project; if a traffic and construction management plan has been carried out to ensure compliance with the principles of proper planning and sustainable development of the peninsula; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8874/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. If Deputies have any queries on specific issues in relation to water services, the team can be contacted via email to [e-mail] or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Water Services

Questions (209)

Shane Cassells

Question:

209. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there are sewage pipe works planned in an area (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8886/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. If Deputies have any queries on specific issues in relation to water services, the team can be contacted via email to [e-mail] or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Tenant Purchase Scheme Data

Questions (210, 211)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

210. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of tenant purchase scheme agreements entered into by Tipperary County Council in each of the years 2011 to 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8905/19]

Jackie Cahill

Question:

211. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the criteria for the local authority tenant purchase scheme will be reviewed in order that local authorities can commence to offer the scheme in a meaningful and effective way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8906/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.

My Department publishes information on the sale of local authority houses each year; this can be accessed on my Department's website at the following link:

http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics.

Sales of houses between the period 2011 to 2015 would have been made under the terms of the 1995 Tenant Purchase Scheme or the 2011 Fixed term Tenant Purchase Scheme for long-standing tenants. The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 set the commencement date as 1 January 2016 for the introduction of the current incremental tenant purchase model. All sales from January 1st 2016 have been made under the terms of this Scheme.

In line with the commitment given in Rebuilding Ireland, a review of the operation of the first 12 months of the current Scheme has been completed and a full report has been prepared setting out findings and recommendations. I hope to be in a position to publish the review shortly, following consideration of a number of implementation issues arising.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (212)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

212. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the review into the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8908/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme was launched in February to replace the existing House Purchase and the Home Choice Loan schemes. It has been established under the Housing (Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan) Regulations 2018, which also provide for the issuance of a statutory Credit Policy. The purpose of the Credit Policy is to set out in more detail the eligibility criteria for obtaining a loan and procedures to be followed by local authorities in considering loan applications.

In order to assist the on-going administration of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, I asked my Department to undertake a review of the operation of the scheme, including any requirements to update the Credit Policy. In carrying out the review, the Department has consulted with a number of local authorities, the Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency. The review will also have regard to the views raised by public representatives since the scheme's commencement. However, in making any recommendations in relation to the operation of the scheme, it will also take account of the need to ensure that lending issued under it is provided on a prudential basis, so as to protect the financial interests of the borrowers and the local authorities.

The review is at an advanced stage and is due to be finalised shortly.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (213)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

213. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a person who wishes to avail of a loan under the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme and wishes to self-build can use the site as a deposit or part of in view of the fact that all other financial institutions on self-builds allows same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8928/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

To support prudential lending and consistency of treatment for borrowers, a Loan to Value ratio of 90% applies to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan as per the Central Bank's prudential lending guidelines. Therefore, in order to avail of the loan, applicants must have a deposit of funds equivalent to 10% of the market value of the property.

In the case of a self-build property, a loan can be made up to 90% of either the construction cost, or in the case where the site is also being purchased, the construction cost plus the cost of purchasing a site. However, in both these instances, 90% of the loan being sought is the maximum amount that will be approved. The value of the site cannot therefore be used as a deposit.

Applicants must provide bank or similar statements (such as post office, credit union, etc.) for a 12-month period immediately prior to making an application, clearly showing a credible and consistent track record of savings. The cash savings should be no less than 3% of the market value of the property. Gifts of cash are permissible up to 7% of the market value of the property, where their source is verified.

Decisions by local authorities as to whether to advance a loan to an individual are taken on a case-by-case basis, within the criteria as set out in the credit policy. Each local authority must have in place a credit committee which makes the final decision on applications for loans.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (214)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

214. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if planning permission is sufficient for initial approval of a loan when a person applies for a Rebuilding Ireland home loan on a self-build; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8934/19]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

Applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, whether to purchase or self-build, must first of all satisfy all the eligibility criteria, details of which are available on the dedicated website, http://rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie/.

Applicants applying for loan approval to build their own home may be approved for a loan, subject to the condition that they obtain planning permission for the site on which the construction is to occur. However they must have full planning permission for the site before they will be allowed to draw down the loan.  

In addition to this, applicant(s) are required to submit with their loan application a valuation report that details the site value, cost of works and post construction market value of the completed property.  The valuation report is required to be completed by an independent valuer and will be considered by the local authority in assessing the associated loan application.

Arts Funding

Questions (215, 216)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

215. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding increasing funding for her Department; the position in relation to achieving 2024 targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5799/19]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

216. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the pathway to the doubling of arts funding by 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5800/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.

Our culture, heritage and language play a hugely positive role in our lives enhancing our physical and mental well-being and nourishing our national psyche. The Government recognises the importance of culture, heritage and the Irish language. That is why the Taoiseach has committed to doubling the spend on arts and culture by 2025.

Budget 2019 was an important milestone on this journey. The gross funding package of €339 million for 2019 for developing culture, heritage and the Irish language is an increase of €36 million, or 12%, on that of last year.

Last year the Government launched Project Ireland 2040 to ensure delivery of significantly improved social, economic and cultural infrastructure. Project Ireland 2040 gave explicit recognition to the importance of our culture, language and heritage to our sustainable development over the next decade and beyond. This recognition is underpinned by the unprecedented commitment by Government to invest €1.2 billion in our culture, our language and our heritage over the 10-year implementation of the NDP.

My Department's part in this is the €1.2 billion plan for investing in our culture, language and heritage. The level of investment proposed under this plan will transform our cultural, heritage and language infrastructure across the country. This year, we will see a very significant increase in capital spending by my Department, which will rise by €19.5 million to €74 million. This will allow for the very important planning and early-stage implementation phases of a number of Project Ireland 2040 culture, heritage and language projects.

In April last year, I was delighted to launch my Department's sectoral Plan - Investing in Our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027. The plan sets out significant investment on a phased basis over the next 10 years prioritised across 3 areas - €785m for Culture; €295m for Heritage and €178m for our Language. This level of investment will transform our cultural and heritage infrastructure right across the country and goes a long way towards honouring the commitment to double government spending on arts, culture and heritage.

The 2019 allocation for capital under this plan is some €74 million, an increase of €19.5 million or 36% on my Department’s 2018 capital allocation. This unprecedented increase includes €6 million in respect of Galway 2020 European City of Culture, an additional €2 million for Screen Ireland, over €1.5 million extra for Cultural Infrastructure & Development, €5 million extra for the Heritage programme and an additional €2 million for Údarás na Gaeltachta.

In terms of current funding, allocations fall to be determined annually as part of the Estimates process. In 2019, total current funding for my Department increased by €16.5m or just under 7% to €265.159 million, including an additional €6m for the Arts Council; an additional €2m across all of the National Cultural Institutions; an extra €2m in additional funding for the Heritage programme and an extra €3m for the Irish Language, Gaeltacht and Islands.

In broad terms, of the total allocation of €339 million for 2019, almost €189 million is for culture, which is an increase of 13%. Of that €189 million, including €40 million in respect of capital, has been allocated to culture.

The transformation and renewal of our national cultural institutions is already under way. I note that work has commenced on the National Library's refurbishment and the National Archives will begin moving files off-site shortly in advance of starting its redevelopment work. Many other cultural institutions are at an advanced stage with their proposals, including the National Concert Hall, the Abbey Theatre and the National Museum of Ireland. Our capital investment programme under the national development plan envisages expenditure of €460 million over the decade of the plan. In addition to this, in 2019 our national cultural institutions collectively will receive an increase of more than €2 million in current funding.

We also will be providing the funding for the essential preparatory work for Galway 2020. This increase in funding also provides for increases to key institutions and agencies that deliver arts, creativity and culture across the country and to further develop the core programme areas to increase citizen engagement with creativity.

The Arts Council, for example, will receive an additional €6.8 million in 2019 to enhance its support for artists and arts organisations. This allocation is more than double the 2018 increase and brings Government support for this very important body to €75 million. The Government and I welcome the very positive reaction of the Irish arts community to this news.

The cumulative impact of these funding increases is further testament to the commitment to double Government spending in the arts, culture and heritage sector. My Department and I will continue to work rigorously with an Taoiseach and all of my Government colleagues towards delivering on the commitment to increase Government spending in the arts and culture sector on a trajectory that will see funding doubled.

Departmental Staff Data

Questions (217)

John McGuinness

Question:

217. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of conservation rangers employed in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; if there are vacant positions; if so, the length of time each position has been vacant; if vacancies for conservation rangers can be filled by employees who wish to transfer from Inland Fisheries Ireland; if there is a list of those wishing to transfer; if so, the number on the list; the process relative to requests for transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8826/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Staffing resources required to meet my Department’s business needs are assessed through my Department’s workforce planning process, having regard to emerging business needs and Government policy on public sector pay and staffing as advised by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.  My Department’s Workforce Plan does not identify vacancies per se across the different work sectors, whether arising from retirements or other factors, but seeks rather to identify gaps in service delivery that can be addressed on a priority basis in light of available resources. 

I am advised that there are eight Conservation Rangers in the South Eastern Region, which takes in Counties Carlow and Kilkenny.  The Public Appointments Service held an open competition to recruit Conservation Rangers for this Department and, arising from that competition, a panel of suitably qualified persons is in place.  I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department is currently working to fill fourteen Conservation Ranger posts across the country from this panel.  The new appointees will be allocated to fill gaps where it is considered that insufficient cover exists at present.  It should be noted that, where such gaps exist, a measure of cover is already provided by way of higher management grades, particularly District Conservation Officer. 

I am not aware of any mechanism whereby Conservation Ranger posts can be filled by employees that wish to transfer from Inland Fisheries Ireland, nor of the existence of a list of those wishing to transfer, such as described by the Deputy.

Architectural Heritage

Questions (218, 221, 223)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she plans to protect endangered historical sites or structures nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8957/19]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to support heritage houses throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8961/19]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of listed buildings including sites throughout County Kildare; the extent to which she continues to interact with a view to future protection and ongoing maintenance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8963/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218, 221 and 223 together.

My functions as Minister with regard to the protection of our architectural heritage are set out in the Planning and Development Acts, as are the responsibilities of local authorities and owners.

The Planning and Development Acts give primary responsibility to planning authorities to identify and protect our architectural heritage by including structures on the relevant local authority’s Record of Protected Structures. 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.

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.

The decision as to whether a building is placed on, or removed from the Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the relevant local authority. My Department does not keep a record of derelict or semi-derelict sites across the country, nor does it keep heritage sites under review generally, except where these sites are national monuments in State care or otherwise part of the historic national heritage estate which is managed by the Office of Public Works.

As Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, 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. 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.

My Department is also providing funding to the OPW in 2019 to assist in the conservation and presentation of historic buildings and national monuments in State ownership. As in previous years, in cooperation with its Office of Public Works and local authority partners, my Department’s National Monuments Service will also make available such funding as may be required over the course of 2019 in relation to the discharge of my functions as Minister under the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2014 to support rescue excavations and post excavation research at archaeological sites where there is an urgent risk to such being irreparably lost or damaged.

In November 2018, I announced €4.3 million in funding for the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) 2019 (formerly the Structures at Risk Fund). The BHIS is a scheme for the repair and conservation of 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.

The HSF is for conservation and enhancement to heritage structures and historic buildings, in both private and public ownership, for the benefit of communities and the public.

Both schemes were open for applications until 31 January 2019. Full details are available on my Department’s website and on each local authority’s website.

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 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 €1.2 billion in funding over the next 10 years, as part of Project Ireland 2040. This plan will see increased investment in protecting and celebrating our 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.

The public consultation for Heritage Ireland 2030, which I launched on 1 November, gives everyone the opportunity to have their say on the future of our heritage and to help identify the priorities for €285 million identified in Project Ireland 2040 for investment in our built and natural heritage.

There are four ways that people can engage with this consultation and have their say: by logging on to my Department’s website and completing the short survey at www.chg.gov.ie/heritage/heritageireland2030; by email to [e-mail] ; by participating in ongoing local events and workshops; or by post to Heritage Ireland 2030, The Custom House, Dublin 1, D01 W6XO.

National Monuments

Questions (219, 228)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of historical sites or structures under archaeological investigation nationally; the progress in respect of such sites; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8958/19]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of archaeological excavations nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8968/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 228 together.

Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, my Department has established and maintains the Record of Monuments and Places, which affords legal protection to over 120,000 recorded archaeological sites and monuments in the State.  Anyone proposing works in relation to a monument that is included in the Record of Monument and Places must give my Department two months prior notice before works can start. My Department also continually updates an inventory of archaeological monuments in the State, to ensure protection of newly-discovered archaeological sites. Furthermore, investigations are carried out where the Department receives a report of a threat or damage to a monument. Responsibility for management and maintenance of historical buildings and sites in State ownership rests with the Office of Public Works.

My function as Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to archaeological excavations is to regulate this activity through the licensing system under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended. The majority of archaeological excavations are carried out by private sector archaeological consultants for the purpose of assessing the impact of proposed development on possible archaeological features or mitigating the impact of development on archaeological heritage.  A much smaller number are carried out for conservation or research purposes.  In deciding whether to grant an archaeological excavation licence, appropriate consideration is given to the need to maintain the integrity of affected archaeological sites.  

In 2018, 956 excavation licenses were issued by the Department's National Monuments Service, while 83 excavation licenses have been issued up to the end of January this year. All archaeological excavation licences are granted subject to conditions requiring the excavations to be conducted to an appropriate standard and that reports on the results are furnished to my Department's National Monuments Service.

National Monuments

Questions (220)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of round towers nationally in need of improvement, restoration works or both; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8959/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Round towers that are, or form part of, national monuments in my ownership or Guardianship under the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2014, are conserved and managed on a day-to-day basis by the Office of Public Works, in close cooperation with my Department's National Monuments Service, which ensures their long-term preservation. National monuments are fully protected under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, and any works at or in their vicinity may only be conducted with Ministerial Consent under Section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended). 

Other round towers which comprise national monuments in the ownership of a local authority are the responsibility of the relevant local authority, while Ministerial Consent is also necessary for works at or in their vicinity. Other round towers may also be in local authority ownership, or may be in the ownership of other organisations or individuals. The upkeep of such structures is the responsibility of the relevant owners. Those that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) or Register of Historic Monuments (RHM) are protected by the provisions of Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, and Section 5 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1987, respectively. Anyone proposing works in relation to a monument that is included in the RMP or RHM must give my Department two months' prior notice before works can start.  

My Department also provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through grant schemes which are generally administered by the local authorities.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) provides assistance for the repair and conservation of 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, tradespersons and craftsmen and women.   

The Historic Structures Fund (HSF) (formerly the Structures at Risk Fund) is for conservation and enhancement to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, for the benefit of communities and the public.  

In November 2018, I announced a total of €4.3 million in funding for the BHIS and HSF for 2019. Full details of both of the schemes are available on my Department’s and local authorities' websites. 

The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of our architectural 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.  Details are published by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.

Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 218.

Creative Ireland Programme

Questions (222)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to engage with various local community groups involved in musical and artistic productions throughout County Kildare and nationally with particular reference to the best means of supporting their voluntary efforts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8962/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

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.

Under Pillar 2 - 'Enabling Creativity in Every Community' of the Programme, in 2018, my Department allocated a sum €2m and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government allocated a sum of €1m 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 level of funding will be replicated this year. 

In total in 2018, over 1,200 different initiatives around Ireland were funded under Pillar 2.  These include arts projects, grant schemes, concerts, conferences, exhibitions, festivals, outreach projects, publications, research programmes, and workshops among other activities. They cover topics such as archaeology, architecture, biodiversity, crafts, heritage, dance, film, history, literature, music, photography, poetry, storytelling, theatre and the visual arts.

In Kildare in 2018, up to thirty projects were supported under the Creative Ireland Programme, many of which included musical and artistic elements.  Among the highlights in 2018 were the following projects: 

Arts and Heritage Seminar - an initiative between the Irish Walled Towns Network, Creative Ireland, Kildare Heritage Office and Arts Office to explore ways to work together for the benefit of communities and arts practitioners.

Be-Lingual: Sense of Place: artist Marta Golubowska created 3 or 4 separate pieces of art reflecting on the process of learning the Irish language and immersing herself into the Irish culture in Kildare County.

Citizen Scientist: the project engaged with the members of the John Sullivan Centre (The Clane Irish Wheelchair Association) to record flora and fauna in the centre's biodiversity and heritage garden and submit their findings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre.

Creative Rathangan - Meitheal, exploring the transformation of Rathangan's people & environs, boglands, streetscapes and waterways through arts, heritage and local history.

Creative Rathangan workshops , June – December 2018, engaged with a number of selected themes, exploring the transformation of Rathangan's people and environs, its natural and manmade structures especially its boglands, streetscapes, and waterways.

Cruinniu na nOg Library events including Autism Friendly Sensory Story time, Craft and Gardening events at Leixlip Library, Immersive Story telling experience with The Gruffalo in Kildare Town and Celbridge Library and many others

Engaging the Senses Symposium: Helium Arts in partnership with Creative Ireland and Kildare County Council Arts Service hosted a symposium and practical workshop for arts, healthcare, and early years professionals interested in exploring multi-sensory, creative play through the arts for very young children with complex needs.

Féile na Sollán Festival – a  celebration of music, dance, singing, language and Irish traditional culture, the festival is jam-packed with events for every age group.

Griese Youth Theatre: Commemoration of Armistice Day

Growing Gardens: Forest School in collaboration with Earthforce Education ran a 'Traditional Crafts Forest School' on the grounds of Castletown House, Celbridge.

If These Walls Could Talk: a project centred around young people from the north Kildare Area who explored themes of Wellbeing, Sense of Place, and Heritage.

Irish Sign Language (ISL) Festival in Athy Town: students of ISL taught others what they knew and helped them understand the beauty of ISL

Kildare Culture Night offered a myriad of cultural events, showcasing artistic endeavour that has taken place throughout the year across the county. Projects ranged from youth theatre, Irish language, and traditional Irish Music, orchestral, big-band and choral performances, pop-up galleries, and bat-walks to salsa dancing, book launches, comedy shows and historical tours.

Kildare Fáilte is reinvigorating the events calendar to communicate heritage, historical, creative and cultural activities in Co. Kildare.

Kildare Military Seminar June 2018

Kildare Readers' Festival 2018 an entirely free literary festival connecting readers with authors and artists with a multiude of different events.

Kildare Walking Festival 2018 which promoted walking and a healthier lifestyle. It also showcased the natural beauty of Kildare and took walkers to locations they may not know and can return to.

Liffey Stories: a series of interpretation initiatives developed to interpret the built, natural, archaeological and geological heritage of the River Liffey from source to Sea.

Naas Youthreach Art Skills Development: artist photographer Brian Cregan worked together with two groups of young people at Naas Youthreach during an artist residency to develop their practical and artistic skills

Peat Crossing Borderlines: Irish Peatland Conservation Council (IPCC) marked European Year of Cultural Heritage and International Bog Day by organising this event

Prosperous Heritage Festival: a weekend full of history talks, music, re-enactments, a 1798 museum, old-fashioned crafting displays, a commemoration ceremony, and much more.

Seachtain na Gaeilge in Naas & Sallins. Highlights include Bricfeasta as Gaeilge, Pop-Up Gaeltacht, outdoor family concert with Michael Harrison, Andrew Meaney, Janine Redmond and Aoife Scott

Swift & Vanessa: A Love Story. This project involved commissioning author and dramatist Martina Reilly to research, write, direct and stage a play that depicts the tragic love-story of Jonathan Swift and Vanessa (Esther Van Homrigh), which unfolded in the grounds of Celbridge Abbey.

The Watchers: Climate Observations explored links between the local and global in terms of planetary scale systems of climate observation.

These activities were delivered under Kildare's five-year Culture & Creative Strategy which was launched by me - along with those of every other local authority- last September. 

These strategies highlight the critical role our Local Authorities play as providers and enablers of cultural and creative experiences in communities across Ireland, with all of the vitally important social, and indeed economic, consequences that follow. The strategies recognise that the arts and creative endeavours are crucial to society and community growth. With collaboration and shared purpose at the heart of the Creative Ireland Programme, each strategy provides meaningful opportunities for people and their communities, together with each Local Authority, to build and nurture a creative society. All the strategies are available online at https://creative.ireland.ie/en/creative-communities  

In addition to funding directly from my Department, the Arts Council also provides significant supports for the arts at local level.

Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 218.

Film Industry

Questions (224)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she continues to engage with the film industry with a view to encouraging production filming and location here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8964/19]

Written answers

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish film making and the Irish film, television and animation industry.  Its statutory remit is to assist and encourage the making of film in the State and the development of a film industry in Ireland.  Screen Ireland supports these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.

Both myself as Minister, and my Department, have a strong relationship with the film industry with meetings and other interaction taking place on an ongoing basis. In Budget 2019, I announced an increase of 14% to Screen Ireland bringing the total allocation to over €20 million.

During the course of my work I and officials in my Department continue to meet with the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer of Screen Ireland, and with representatives from the industry. In the last year I have visited the animation production studio of Brown Bag Films and Troy Studios.

As part of the Government's Audiovisual Action Plan, launched last June, I established an oversight steering group charged with the overall implementation of the plan's recommendations.  I have put this in place as previous strategic plans have lacked an agency or group responsible for implementation. The group includes representatives of all Departments and State agencies with involvement in the audiovisual industry. The steering group will report to me at regular intervals and is engaging proactively with stakeholders in the film industry. 

My Department continues to work with the Audiovisual High Level Steering Group to address issues raised in the audiovisual industry, and to support the industry and the people who work in it.