Written Answers Nos. 1602-1625
1602. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the way in which she plans to protect a site (details supplied) until a detailed investigative report can be carried out on its archaeological significance; if an update will be sought from South Dublin County Council on the way in which it plans to protect the land due to a recent find there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20054/19]
View answer1624. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a detailed report on a site (details supplied) is to be carried out to establish its archaeological significance in view of a recent find there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20053/19]
View answer1625. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the National Monuments Service has analysed the full report into recent bronze age discoveries in an archaeological dig on land on Scholarstown Road, Templeogue, Dublin 16; and if she will request a full independent archaeological survey of the site and publish a plan for the preservation of the significant finds. [20124/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1602, 1624 and 1625 together.
An archaeological assessment, licensed by my Department under the National Monuments Acts, was carried out on the site in question as part of the normal pre-planning process for new development proposals. The objective of such assessments is to verify that an appropriate approach is taken in relation to any archaeological material that may be present. The assessment in this case, comprising of a geophysical survey and archaeological test excavations, identified the presence of subsurface archaeological remains.
In light of these findings, my Department subsequently approved a licensed excavation of the site in accordance with the provisions of the National Monuments Acts. The excavation licence provided for the archaeological excavation and recording of the archaeological features on the site. A standard condition of all such licences requires a report to be submitted to the Department’s National Monuments Service setting out the results of the excavations and subsequent scientific analysis. The National Monuments Service will receive the report of the excavation findings in the coming weeks.
Under the Planning and Development Acts, planning authorities refer development proposals that may impact on archaeological heritage to my Department for comment so that recommendations may be made, as appropriate, to avoid or mitigate any such impacts. My Department has recently responded to such a referral in relation in this case and has asked for further information to be obtained from the applicant with regard to the results of the archaeological assessment carried out to date and of such further assessment as may be appropriate in relation to the work to which the planning application relates. My Department will respond as appropriate on receipt of this information.
1603. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a proposal by a person (details supplied) to be included in the turf cutting compensation scheme will be considered in respect of a parcel of bogland from their holdings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18430/19]
View answerThe voluntary bog purchase scheme, which was introduced in 1999, was established to facilitate the purchase of bog land/turbary rights at agreed rates from domestic turf cutters on raised bog special areas of conservation and natural heritage areas. This scheme was closed to new applicants in 2010.
Following an examination of the location of the bog plot, referred to in the Deputy's Question, I am advised that the plot, which the individual wishes to sell, is not within a site that has been selected for conservation as a special area of conservation or natural heritage area. In addition, the plot would not be a suitable site for the relocation of turf cutters to non-designated bogs.
Therefore, my Department would not be in a position to purchase the plot under the voluntary bog purchase scheme or otherwise.
1604. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the correspondence she has received from Cork City Council in respect of a funding proposal for an event centre. [18468/19]
View answer1607. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the Cork event centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18975/19]
View answer1608. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding planning permission and funding for the Cork event centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18976/19]
View answer1609. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason a new timeline is not in place in view of comments made that a new timeline would be in place by Easter 2019 for the Cork event centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18977/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1604 and 1607 to 1609, inclusive, together.
The Cork Event Centre project is being led by Cork City Council with the development company BAM, having been selected by Cork City Council as the preferred tenderer. BAM in turn has engaged international events company Live Nation as the preferred operator. The project is ultimately being developed and managed by Cork City Council. This means that Cork City Council has responsibility for its delivery. Public funding of €20 million euro was available comprising grants totalling €14 million of which €12 million is from my Department and €2 million from Cork City Council as well as a repayable loan of €6 million also from Cork City Council.
The latest financial projections provided by Cork City Council to my Department indicate an increase in the original cost of project compared to when the project tender was issued in December 2014, which had an estimated cost of €50 million. The cost is now estimated at over €80 million.
In light of this cost increase, Cork City Council wrote to my Department seeking additional funding of €10m for the project from the Exchequer to bring total public funding to €30 million.
Following detailed consideration and in light of the additional works which are now required for the Event Centre, my Department considers that in accordance with public procurement rules, that total public funding for the project may be increased by €10 million to €30 million. This funding is made up of grant aid of €21 million and a repayable loan of €9 million, given that a repayable loan element was in the original RFT issued by Cork City Council in 2014 and subsequently agreed by Cork City Council during tender negotiations with the developer.
Officials in my Department are in ongoing correspondence with Cork City Council regarding the provision of additional public funding for the development of the Event Centre and also met with Cork City Council officials in January and March to discuss all aspects around the public funding elements of the project.
High level meetings have taken place regarding legal and funding requirements. I have attended meetings on this project involving the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs on a number of occasions to discuss outstanding matters. Officials in my Department met with Cork City Council in January and March to discuss all aspects around the public funding elements of the project and continue to liaise with the City Council in this regard.
I understand that Cork City Council is considering a number of elements of the project; including planning matters, timelines, as well as certain legal and funding issues. All parties are eager for this project to progress and be delivered in accordance with the Public Financial Procedures and the Public Spending Code.
The Cork Event Centre is a Government commitment and the development of a major new event centre in Cork city centre is very much in line with what the Government is seeking to achieve in terms of balanced regional development and sustainable urban development under Project Ireland 2040.
1605. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding turf cutting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18626/19]
View answerAs set out in my reply to Question No. 227 of 27 February 2019 and as set out in the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, the site referred to in the Deputy's Question is one of the sites being examined as regards the potential for domestic turf cutting on the site in accordance with the provisions of article 6.3 of the EU Habitats Directive.
For the smaller plot of land within the proposed domestic turf cutting area in the south of the site, the results of scientific investigations conclude that turf cutting there would not have an adverse impact on the (ecological) integrity of the special area of conservation site. Domestic turf cutting could take place there subject to consent being received and consultation with the landowner and turbary right holders, if any.
For the larger plot of land within the proposed turf cutting area, the findings of concentrated geophysical and hydrological investigations indicate that any turf cutting there would require monitoring of the turf cutting for an estimated period of a year to assess the level of risk of peat failure (bog burst). In advance of any turf cutting taking place in this area, consent would also be required from the relevant public authority and consultation would have to take place with the landowner and turbary right holders, if any.
Officials from my Department as well as contractors engaged by it will continue to liaise with the Deputy and local turf cutter representatives in relation to this issue.
1606. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the annual capital allocation to Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta in each of the years 2016 to 2018, in tabular form; and the 2019 allocation in this regard. [18901/19]
View answerAt the outset I wish to advise the Deputy that Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta operates under the aegis of Údarás na Gaeltachta and supports the provision of early childhood education services through Irish in the Gaeltacht. The organisation provides administration support and training services for early years education and care services which include naíonraí, breakfast clubs, afterschool services and parent and toddler groups. In this context the following table sets out the current funding allocated by Údarás na Gaeltachta to Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta in each of the years 2016 -2019.
|
County |
New Full time Jobs Created in 2018 |
Number of Full time Jobs in Client Companies at 31 December 2018 |
|
Dún na nGall |
156 |
2,278 |
|
Maigh Eo |
83 |
657 |
|
Gaillimh |
237 |
2,978 |
|
An Mhí |
3 |
178 |
|
Ciarraí |
56 |
689 |
|
Corcaigh |
45 |
699 |
|
Port Láirge |
9 |
146 |
|
Total |
589 |
7,625 |
|
Allocation from Údarás na Gaeltachta |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
|
Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta |
€535,000 |
€535,000 |
€535,000 |
€535,000 |
In addition to the funding detailed above, my Department has approved a three year current funding programme of €1.26m in total to Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta. This funding programme in support of early years education is designed to further underpin the Language Planning Process in the Gaeltacht and is scheduled to continue into the years ahead. A breakdown of that allocation is set out in tabular format below:
|
School Year |
Allocation |
|
2018/2019 |
€355,000 |
|
2019/2020 |
€435,000 |
|
2020/2021 |
€470,000 |
|
Total |
€1,260,000 |
Comhar Naíonra na Gaeltachta is not in receipt of any annual capital allocation from either my Department or Údarás na Gaeltachta.
1610. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to assist the development of better marine facilities on Clare Island, including the extension of the pier and the provision of a breakwater; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19049/19]
View answer1611. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to provide funding for the development of better harbour facilities on the mainland to serve Inishturk Island and Clare Island all year round and in all weather; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19050/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1610 and 1611 together.
I have recently visited Clare Island as part of a series of Islands visits and, as the Deputy is aware, the principal mainland facility used to provide subsidised ferry services for Inishturk and Clare Island is Roonagh Pier. Mayo County Council is the relevant authority with responsibility for both Roonagh Pier and for the harbour facilities on Clare Island. The development and upkeep of these facilities is, therefore, a matter for that local authority.
My Department has not received any proposals from Mayo County Council in relation to the development of either of these facilities. Should such proposals be forthcoming, my Department will give consideration to same, having regard to the funding available for island infrastructure development and the various demands on that funding.
1612. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to seek permission from the EU for the provision of a public service obligation air service to Cleggan airport and to Inishbofin from Connemara airport; if so, when she plans to lodge the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19052/19]
View answerPublic Service Obligation air services may only be imposed by EU Member States with the prior consent of the EU. No such consent has been sought in relation to an air service between Inishbofin and Cleggan.
While there are proposals to transfer part of each of the sites on Inishbofin and at Cleggan to the HSE and the Coast Guard respectively, neither of the proposed developments on these sites will, in any way, prejudice the future use of either location for the provision of air services between Inishbofin and Cleggan.
1613. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the budget allocation for Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2018 and 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19347/19]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is outlined in the following table.
|
Year |
Current (Admin) €m |
Current (Programmes) €m |
Capital €m |
Total €m |
|
2018 |
9.637* |
3.350 |
7.638** |
20.625 |
|
2019 |
9.442 |
3.850 |
9.700*** |
22.992 |
* An additional current allocation of €0.4m, arising from savings elsewhere in the Department’s Vote was secured for an tÚdarás in 2018 and is included in the figure provided.
** An additional capital allocation of €0.638m, arising from savings elsewhere in the Department’s Vote was secured for an tÚdarás in 2018 and is included in the figure provided.
*** An additional capital allocation of €0.7m, arising from savings elsewhere in the Department’s Vote was secured for an tÚdarás in 2018 and carried forward to 2019 and is included in the figure provided.
1614. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent of funding for museums (details supplied); and her plans to take over the running and financing of another museum. [19373/19]
View answerIn relation to the first museum to which the Deputy refers, my Department provided funding of €10,000 in respect of an exhibition in 2018. The Deputy may also be aware that my colleague, Deputy Ciarán Cannon, Minister of State for Diaspora and International Development, previously announced funding of $100,000 to this museum in 2017.
With regard to the second museum to which the Deputy refers my Department has provided total assistance of €47,300 to that Museum since 2010, mostly through specific allocations arising from applications under the Regional Museum Capital schemes. These schemes provide support for local, regional and specialised museums, to promote and enhance these institutions through the provision of funding for capital costs. The museum in question currently has an application for funding with the Department under the Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme 2019, which closed on the 19th April 2019. The assessment of the applications will take place in the coming weeks and are carried out on a competitive basis. All applicants will be notified shortly afterwards in relation to the decision regarding their respective projects.
My Department has had no direct approach with respect to taking over the running and financing of the museum in question. Typically, my Department provides funding to assist local, regional and specialised museums throughout Ireland, but they remain independent in their operation, subject to appropriate governance and oversight.
1615. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the properties that remain under the ownership of the State within the area of a site (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and the plans in place for their future use and development. [19432/19]
View answerThe specific site referred to by the Deputy is privately owned.
1616. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding from Údarás na Gaeltachta provided to a company (details supplied) in 2018. [19679/19]
View answer1617. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of employees in a company (details supplied) which received Údarás na Gaeltachta grant aid. [19680/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1616 and 1617 together.
At the outset, I wish to inform the Deputy that Údarás na Gaeltachta is tasked with the economic, social and cultural development of our Gaeltacht areas and, as a central part of its economic mission, the organisation supports eligible businesses of all types to provide employment in primarily rural Gaeltacht communities. Enterprises applying for state support from An tÚdarás, as with all development agencies, must ensure that their activities are being undertaken in accordance with the regulatory framework laid down by the state and the EU.
Many Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies undertake activities under the approval and licence of state agencies and Departments. In that context, the Deputy will be aware that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has a statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010 and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Accordingly, that Department sets out the legislative provisions for the licensing of mink farming in the state and applies rigorous controls on licence-holders in the areas of animal welfare, animal accommodation, security and nutrient management. I understand that licensees are also subject to regular inspections by departmental officials.
I have been advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that the eligibility of the company referred to by the Deputy for state aid was thoroughly assessed under the requirements set out in State Aid rules and that it was found to be eligible for state support.
Finally, I have been informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that in 2018, a total of €3,560 in grant aid was paid to the company and that the company had 13 full time employees at the end of 2018.
1618. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19685/19]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme was received by my Department from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question. With respect to 53 raised bog special areas of conservation sites, the qualifying criteria for the scheme are that:
- The applicant must have had a legal interest (ownership or a turbary right (right to cut turf)) in one of these sites on 25 May 2010 and must have had the right to cut and remove turf from the property on that date;
- The applicant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period up to 25 May 2010;
- The turf resource on the site has not been exhausted; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
I am advised that a letter was issued from my Department requesting further information in relation to the application. Contact has been made again with the applicant advising her to return this information in order that the application may be further processed.
1619. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address the perceived decades of neglect that has led to the deterioration of the Market House, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, in view of the significant cost of the repair and restoration; if she will pursue funding sources including from the historic structures fund and the built heritage investment scheme in view of the significant cost of repair and restoration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19785/19]
View answerMy role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners. As the Deputy will be aware, this building is in the ownership and management of Monaghan County Council, and is, in the first instance, a matter for it.
Part IV of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, gives primary responsibility to planning authorities (i.e. local authorities) to identify and protect the architectural heritage by including particular structures on their 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 Market House in Castleblayney is recorded in my Department’s National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and is rated there as of Regional Importance. As such it was recommended to the local authority for inclusion in its Record of Protected Structures and it is a protected structure within the meaning of the Planning and Development Acts.
As the owner of this protected structure, the local authority has a duty under the Acts to ensure the structure does not become endangered. I am informed that there is considerable work underway at present in advance of conducting an analysis of its structural integrity. I understand that further decisions in relation to the future of the structure will be made when this assessment is completed.
In terms of the support that my Department can offer, my role in relation to protected structures is mainly advisory. My officials remain available to advise Monaghan County Council in its efforts to manage the building and see it returned to a sustainable use that is consistent with its significant history and position in the town. While projects funded under my Department's Historic Structures and Built Heritage Investment Schemes have been announced this year, it is open to the Local Authority to make an application for funding under these schemes when they are next open for applications.
1620. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of an application for a section 42 licence by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19801/19]
View answerTwo applications dated 28 and 29 March 2019 for licences under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts, in respect of the persons referred to in the Question, were received in my Department on 4 April last. It is a requirement of the Section 42 application process that applicants must provide a map with the land holdings that are subject of the application showing the areas where serious damage is occurring. As neither application included such maps, the applicants were requested to provide the necessary documentation. On receipt of the outstanding information my Department will give further consideration to the applications.
1621. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the recent gorse fires that destroyed hundreds of acres of land around the villages of Loughanure and Annagry, County Donegal; her plans to carry out an evaluation of the destruction of flora, fauna and wildlife as a consequence of these fires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20003/19]
View answerMy Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible for the implementation of policy and legislation, on a national level, to protect and conserve Ireland's natural heritage and wildlife. In exercising these functions, the NPWS surveys, monitors and assesses designated habitats and species throughout the country regularly and frequently with a view to not only maintaining the current status of our habitats and species but also, where feasible, to put in place practical plans and measures to reverse negative trends of biodiversity loss.
I am aware of the damage caused by recent gorse fires in County Donegal. My understanding is that this fires did not impact designated habitats.
While my Department is not carrying out specific forensic evaluations of the impacts on flora and fauna in the areas affected, officials in the NPWS will work with the relevant lead authorities, where requested, to further the investigations as to the cause of the fires.
1622. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to reports of hedgerow destruction on the part of Irish Rail, including severe hedge trimming and hedge removal (details supplied); if she has raised the matter with Irish Rail; her plans to carry out an investigation in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20005/19]
View answerMy Department is aware of the reported incident and officials of the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department are investigating the matter.
1623. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to put in place an information and support system for landowners in order that they will not engage in the burning of vegetation outside the burning season from September to February inclusive as legislated in section 7(1) of the Heritage Act 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20006/19]
View answerSection 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.
Following a review of Section 40, which included consideration of submissions from interested parties, proposals were announced in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning of vegetation at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The relevant legislation was included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was enacted in July last year.
Section 7(1) of the Heritage Act 2018 provides that I may make Regulations to allow the burning of vegetation during such periods in the month of March and in such parts of the country as specified in the Regulations.
I recently made a decision not to make Regulations to extend the season for the burning of vegetation into March 2019. Therefore, the existing provisions in the Wildlife Acts on burning remain in force.
My Department gave wide publicity to the fact that I decided not to extend the burning season into March. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine also issued a statement warning about the illegal burning of land during the closed season.
