Written Answers Nos. 1267-1291
1267. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a decision to not shoot wood pigeon in 2020 has been made; and if so, the way in which the decision was arrived at. [8474/20]
View answer1279. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will reconsider the ban on the shooting of wood pigeons; the consultation she has had with stakeholder organisations prior to the ban being introduced; the scientific analysis the ban was based upon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8724/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1267 and 1279 together.
I refer the Deputies to my reply to Parliamentary Question Nos 1083, 1085, 1086, 1089, 1093, 1094, 1095, 0197, 1100, 1101, 1103, 1104 and 1107 of 27 May 2020 where I addressed the various issues raised by the Deputies.
1268. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated for the restoration of the Ulster Canal in 2019; the expenditure at the end of 2019; the works that were undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8502/20]
View answerThe funding allocated for the restoration of the Ulster Canal in 2019 was €260,000.
The expenditure at the end of 2019 was €105,000.
Works relating to the installation of a new floating jetty facility at Castle Saunderson were completed in October 2019. This capital investment in navigational infrastructure will create a new destination for waterway users of both the Erne System and the Shannon – Erne Waterway. It is expected to bring additional visitors to the river and to the border area around Castlesaunderson.
Waterways Ireland was successful in 2019 in securing €325,000 of Category 2 (project management) funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for additional studies for a section of the restoration between Clones and Clonfad (circa 1 km) in County Monaghan. A further 25% of match funding was provided by my Department. A commission to investigate sourcing a sustainable water supply commenced in 2019 and is ongoing with completion expected this year.
Work is also ongoing on a tender to develop a vision for the canal zone in this section of restoration. Work relating to land requirements and purchase arrangements for this section of the restoration has also commenced. The expenditure for this element of the restoration amounted to €28,500 in 2019.
1269. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding can be provided in 2020 for the restoration of the Ulster Canal; the works that will be undertaken in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8503/20]
View answerWaterways Ireland was successful in 2019 in securing €325,000 of Category 2 funding (project development) towards the restoration of the Ulster Canal under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for restoration between Clones and Clonfad (circa 1 km) in County Monaghan. A further 25% of match funding is being provided by my Department.
A commission to investigate sourcing a sustainable water supply commenced in 2019 and is ongoing with completion expected in July 2020. A tender has also been awarded for the drilling of investigatory wells in order to inform this study. Work is also ongoing on a tender to develop a vision for the canal zone in this section of restoration. Work relating to land requirements and purchase arrangements for this section of the restoration has also commenced.
Waterways Ireland is also preparing outline designs and preliminary investigatory work in order to facilitate the preparation of estimates for the restoration of this section of canal in County Monaghan. These works will be paid for from the secured Rural Regeneration and Development Fund of €433,000, with a spend of €28,500 realised in 2019 and the balance to be spent during 2020 as works are completed.
1270. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if further clarity will be provided to photographers and other artists on the way in which they can ensure compliance with Covid-19 restrictions when they return to work; and if detailed guidance will be made available to assist photographers and other artists to comply with same. [8536/20]
View answer1273. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business identifies the final phase as the likely phase for the re-opening of cinemas; if she has compared this to the re-opening dates identified for cinemas in other European countries; if she has made representations to the Minister for Health on same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8706/20]
View answer1278. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she or her officials have made representations to the Minister for Health on the impact the imposition of a social distancing requirement of two metres would have on theatres, cinemas and other cultural events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8712/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1270, 1273 and 1278 together.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making.
The Government will decide on the easing of restrictions having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations. I understand also that the Department of Health will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified.
On 9 May, the Government issued guidance on returning to the workplace as part of its suite of responses to the COVID-19 situation. The Return to Work Safely Protocol is a guide for organisations in making their assessments and adapting their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE. It sets out in very clear terms for organisations the steps that they must take firstly before a workplace reopens, and then while it continues to operate. It is a matter for all employers to ensure their workplaces are safe for staff and customers/audiences alike.
The Health and Safety Authority is the lead agency in overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace. Employers and employees can contact the Health and Safety authority helpline on 1890 289 389 or by email at wcu@hsa.ie
Issues of social distancing requirements and their effect on the culture sector are being monitored and assessed as part of the ongoing process of engagement with stakeholders on sectorial impacts.
1271. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the price achieved in the sale of a site (details supplied) which was owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta; the number of other companies that had expressed an interest in purchasing part or all of the site owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8643/20]
View answerAs I have confirmed to the Deputy in this house on 20/05/2020, Údarás na Gaeltachta has confirmed that the sale of the building to which the Deputy refers, a 12,000 square metre factory, vacant since 2004, is being progressed currently in accordance with the appropriate procedures as laid down for Údarás na Gaeltachta for the disposal of property and lands in its ownership.
The sale of this disused building was approved by the board of Údarás na Gaeltachta in September 2019 as part of a job creation package approved for a long-standing locally owned and managed company. This development is integral to the future growth of the company in question which employs a significant number of people on Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair.
The expansion of the company will facilitate its ability to secure new contracts, expand the workforce and produce new products in Gaoth Dobhair. The building will need to be renovated as well as being extended to allow for the installation of the appropriate machinery as and when required and the company itself will complete and finance those works.
The sale of enterprise property directly to client companies with an appropriate business model, resources, structure and profile is a long-established successful method by Údarás na Gaeltachta and other development organisations to ensure longevity, sustainability and investment by companies in creating employment in rural Gaeltacht areas.
As per the appropriate procedure, two independent valuations were received in order to ascertain the market value of the building at the time of the sale. The higher of these valuations was selected and approved by the Board of Údarás as the minimum sale price for the property, subject to the property being used for enterprise and job creation
The sale price is commercially sensitive to the company in question and, therefore, Údarás na Gaeltachta is legally bound not to disclose same at this time.
No other company had expressed an interest in purchasing part or all of the site to which the Deputy refers from Údarás na Gaeltachta, despite ongoing proactive efforts by Údarás over many years to obtain a viable job creating project and accompanying investment.
Given that the site has lain dormant since 2004, the sale and expansion is a positive development for the Gaoth Dobhair area, which will see cutting edge research, development and innovation, and manufacturing taking place in this factory once again and most importantly, a proposed workforce in excess of 160 in total.
As I stated in this house previously, at a time of global uncertainty, it is encouraging to see companies that are willing to innovate, develop and especially invest in their own local areas and to look to create new employment opportunities.
1272. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the date the National Famine Commemoration Day 2021, due to take place in Buncrana, County Donegal, will be held on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8681/20]
View answerAs I have previously informed the House in May 2018 and in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1399 of 20 May 2020, Parliamentary Question No. 3025 of 23 July 2019 and Parliamentary Question No. 2584 of 24 July 2018, the Government, on 1st May 2018, approved the designation of the third Sunday of May each year as the National Famine Commemoration Day, with the arrangements for the holding of the State commemoration on this day or the preceding Saturday to be decided each year following consultation with the relevant local authority and host community.
Arising from the COVID-19 outbreak, and the associated restrictions on public gatherings Buncrana's hosting of the ceremony was postponed until 2021 and alternative arrangements put in place for this year's commemoration. I was therefore pleased to represent the Government at a formal wreath laying ceremony in St. Stephen's Green, Dublin on Sunday 17th May. This ceremony was conducted in accordance with the current COVID-19 guidelines and was not open to the public.
Officials of my Department and Donegal County Council will resume preparations for the 2021 event later in the year. Further announcements in relation to the details of the arrangements for the National Famine Commemoration Day 2021 will be made in due course.
1274. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she has met with representatives of a theatre (details supplied) further to correspondence of 8 May 2020 to her detailing its financial concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8708/20]
View answer1275. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to provide financial support to a theatre (details supplied) in view of the financial crisis at the theatre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8709/20]
View answer1276. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she or her officials have discussed the financial crisis at a theatre (details supplied) with the Arts Council; if so, the supports that will be made available to the theatre as a result of those discussions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8710/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1274 to 1276, inclusive, together.
In Ireland, primary support for the arts is delivered through the Arts Council which set up as a statutory agency under the Arts Act 2003. The Government provides funding to the Council to carry out its statutory functions. In 2020, the Arts Council has funding of €80.5m to fund the arts as defined under the act including, visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circus and architecture.
I can confirm that the organisation referred to by the Deputy has engaged with officials of my Department. As the organisation is funded by the Arts Council, its on-going funding and financial concerns are matters for the Arts Council, which has the responsibility as well as the competence and expertise to deal with matters such as this. Under the Arts Act, the Council is independent in its funding decisions and I as Minister cannot intervene.
I understand that the Council and the organisation concerned are in ongoing discussions which are well advanced to identify a solution and an agreed way forward. The Arts Council keeps my officials updated on the matter. My Department has also received feedback from the organisation in question on the process.
As Minister, I have full confidence in the Arts Council’s ability to manage the situation to which the Deputy refers.
1277. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the financial provisions and supports her Department will make available to theatres once they are permitted to re-open that will have reduced capacity as a result of social distancing requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8711/20]
View answer1287. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if a one-off emergency post-Covid-19 restart grant payment in association with the Arts Council will be considered for small regional theatres in view of the potential loss of six months or longer in ticket sales (details supplied) [9130/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1277 and 1287 together.
The COVID-19 crisis gives rise to many challenges for the nation as a whole and is having an unprecedented impact on the arts, culture, heritage and Gaeltacht sectors.
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making.
My Department has worked with the Arts Council from an early stage in the COVID-19 crisis, on measures to sustain our cultural infrastructure, support artists and arts practitioners and ensure the ongoing provision of cultural services. Following a meeting I convened on 12 March with the Arts Council, the national cultural institutions and Screen Ireland, the Arts Council announced a series of immediate measures, including an undertaking to honour all funding commitments made to organisations and allow grantees to draw down up to 90% of their funding commitment.
Government has introduced a range of supports for those affected by COVID-19 and those working in the arts, culture and audiovisual sectors are eligible to apply for these supports. My Department has published a new booklet on its website which sets out support and information available to the arts sector in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Officials from my Department are in ongoing contact with the Arts Council and as well as with a broad range of sectorial stakeholders including resource organisations, advocacy groups as well as individual artists and arts practices.
The Council has undertaken a detailed survey of arts organisations to identify the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on audiences, employment and finances for March, April and May as well as a survey of artists seeking information of the economic impact on individual artists and the results are published on their website.
In the context of the wider cultural sector, officials from my Department are continuing to work with the Arts Council as well as other parts of Government, to assess and measure the effects of COVID-19 on the cultural sector and to ensure that optimal use is made of available resources to sustain the sector through this crisis.
1280. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of a turf compensation payment for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8755/20]
View answerAn application for compensation under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme had been received from the individual referred to in the Deputy’s Question.
Annual payments for 2020 (€1,554 to each qualifying applicant) under the scheme to qualifying applicants are being made. I am advised that the payment was made to the bank account of the applicant on 27 May last.
1281. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the action being taken by her Department on the redesignation of the main channel of the Blackwater River as a special area of conservation for the freshwater pearl mussel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8806/20]
View answer1289. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans to uphold the status of the freshwater pearl mussel as a qualifying interest in the main channel of the Blackwater River special area of conservation as recently affirmed by a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9321/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1281 and 1289 together.
In 2011, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department drafted the “Strategy for Conservation of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Ireland”. This Strategy proposed a particular focus of conservation efforts on the 8 best pearl mussel rivers in the country, and set out that it would not be possible to restore some of the 27 populations in SACs, including the Munster Blackwater main channel, because of the low number and poor condition of the remaining mussels, the bad status of the mussel habitat and the magnitude of the pressures in the catchment.
The Blackwater River SAC had been designated on the basis of 18 qualifying interests (9 habitats and 9 species), including the presence at the site of the freshwater pearl mussel, which the Habitats Directive requires be conserved through designation of SACs.
The European Union Environmental Objectives (Pearl Mussels) Regulations 2018 were made in order to remove the pearl mussel as a qualifying interest for the main channel of the Munster Blackwater River, in line with the 2011 Strategy, and in particular amending S.I. 296 of 2009 – the EU Environmental Objectives (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations, to that effect.
It was intended that the Conservation Objectives for the SAC would be altered so that the mussel would remain a qualifying interest in certain tributaries, but would no longer be so in the main channel of the river.
In December 2018, a judicial review was brought before the High Court, challenging the making of the 2018 Regulations. In light of the recent jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union in relation to the remit of the application of the legal requirements of the SEA Directive, my Department decided that the prudent course of action was to agree to an Order of Certiorari to have the making of the 2018 Regulations quashed. Accordingly, on 5 December 2019, the High Court by consent made an Order of Certiorari quashing the European Union Environmental Objectives (Pearl Mussels) Regulations 2018 (S.I. No. 355 of 2018).
My Department is currently reviewing the case and all of the evidence presented by affidavit. While the consent by the Department was agreed on foot of procedural matters, it was clear that the scientific evidence on which the 2011 strategy was based has changed in light of further knowledge; and it is clear that no change to the regulations would be possible without extensive survey work in the river, a substantial and difficult task give the length and size of the river, the high speed of the flow and the depth and dark nature of the water. The necessary survey work would be likely to require 2 years to complete, given reasonable weather and river conditions.
1282. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of some members of the local community in the Baile Ghib Gaeltacht, County Meath, regarding the melting of plastic and the subsequent emissions or fumes from this in an Údarás na Gaeltachta factory (details supplied); if she will engage with Údarás na Gaeltachta in relation to these concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8837/20]
View answerI have been advised by Údarás na Gaeltachta that a new enterprise, Novelplast Teoranta, commenced operations in Baile Ghib in 2019 manufacturing PET (polyethylene terephthalate) pellets/chip directly from industrial offcut filament and fibre material from PET manufacturing facilities. I am also informed by Údarás na Gaeltachta that this residue material is not contaminated and arrives at the facility in a clean and dry baled format, which is then shredded, heated and extruded into pellet form.
While the issue of emissions and environmental controls are matters for the relevant planning and licensing, I understand that Novelplast Teoranta has verified to Údarás na Gaeltachta that emissions monitoring was carried out by an independent body after the plant commenced operations in 2019, which confirmed that there were no harmful levels of emissions from the plant. I further understand that this report was then independently verified by Meath County Council, and that an abatement system was subsequently installed at the factory to reduce the emissions even further and also to reduce any odours being produced from the normal operation of the factory.
I understand that Novelplast Teoranta employs up to 20 people in the Baile Ghib Gaeltacht area in County Meath, and that both Údarás na Gaeltachta and Novelplast Teoranta have been proactively engaging with the local community on an ongoing basis from the outset of the project and will continue to do so to allay any concerns.
1283. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fhógrofar pacáiste cúnaimh dúnadh Coláistaí Gaeilge mná tí agus pobail de bharr nach mbeidh na Coláistí Gaeilge ar oscailt I mbliaina; an fáth go bhfuil an oiread moille ar an gcoinneadh; ar chuir sí mbeanran faoi bhráid an rialtais faoin ábhar seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8942/20]
View answerBeidh áthas ar an Teachta a chloisteáil gur fhógair mé an tseachain seo caite go bhfuil beart éigeandála aon uaire ar fiú €4.7m é ceadaithe agam chun tacú le cobhsú earnáil na gcoláistí samhraidh Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht.
Tá an tionscnamh cobhsaithe á fheidhmiú mar bheart sonrach aon uaire chun inmharthanacht leanúnach na hearnála a chinntiú agus, dá réir, ligean don earnáil leanúint ar aghaidh chun cur leis an iarracht chórasach atá á déanamh chun tacú leis an nGaeilge agus leis na réigiúin Ghaeltachta de réir chuspóirí uileghabhálacha na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010–2030 agus an Phlean Gníomhaíochta 5 Bliana don Ghaeilge 2018–2022.
Faoin tionscnamh cobhsaithe, cuirfear tacaíocht ar fiú suas le €3.1m é i dtreo údaráis na gcoláistí le cur ar a gcumas táillí/éarlais a aisíoc le tuismitheoirí agus cuirfear €1.6m ar fáil chun tacú leis an 700 teaghlach Gaeltachta incháilithe a chuireann lóistín deimhnithe ar fáil dóibh siúd a fhreastalaíonn ar cheann de na 42 coláiste samhraidh Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht a bhfuil aitheantas acu faoin scéim.
Tagann an tionscnamh seo tar éis gur fhógair mo Roinn ar an 20 Aibreán 2020 nach reáchtálfaí aon chúrsa foghlama Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht an samhradh seo de bharr na paindéime Covid-19, ar mhaithe le sláinte phoiblí a chosaint.
Tuigim go maith na dúshláin ar leith atá roimh na pobail Ghaeltachta de bharr chinneadh mo Roinne nach reáchtálfaí aon chúrsa foghlama Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht an samhradh seo. Cheadaigh mé an tionscnamh cobhsaithe seo ar fiú €4.7m é chun an earnáil a chobhsú ar bhealach a thugann aitheantas don tairbhe a bhaineann leis an gcóras faoina dtugtar deiseanna sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga taobh amuigh den seomra ranga do 26,000 scoláire gach bliain.
Tugann an earnáil seo, a bhfuil luach measta timpeall €50 milliún go bliantúil don gheilleagar i réigiúin Ghaeltachta bainteach leis, foinse luachmhar ioncaim don 700 teaghlach Gaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil dóibh siúd a fhreastalaíonn ar na cúrsaí mar aon le tairbhe níos leithne do na pobail Ghaeltachta. Ar an mbunús seo agus ar mhaithe le hinmharthanacht leanúnach na hearnála a chinntiú oiread agus is féidir, i gcomhthéacs leas níos leithne na teanga, bhí áthas orm a bheith in ann an tionscnamh cobhsaithe seo a chur ar fáil.
Beidh an Roinn i dteagmháil leis an páirtithe leasmhara éagsúla - idir lucht stiúrtha na gColáistí Gaeilge agus na teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fáil - sna laethanta atá amach romhainn chun na socruithe cuí a chur i bhfeidhm.
1284. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil i gceist teacht i gcabhair ar na hallaí agus aiseanna pobail a bheidh thíos ó thaobh ioncaim dhe leis an gcinneadh gan aon choláistí Gaeilge a bheith ann I mbliana; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8953/20]
View answerAithníonn an Roinn gur tréimhse dhúshlánach í seo do phobal na tíre trí chéile agus go bhfuil tionchar á imirt ag COVID-19 ar gach éinne.
Is tríd an Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga de chuid na Roinne a chuireann an Roinn tacaíocht airgid ar fáil do phobail na Gaeltachta chun áiseanna pobail, teanga agus caitheamh aimsire a fhorbairt nó a athchóiriú mar aon le trealamh ina leith a cheannach.
Níl aon chlár ag an Roinn chun teacht i gcabhair ar na costais a bhaineann leis na háiseanna sin a riar.
1285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter regarding the condition of the roads within Killarney National Park (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8954/20]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department manages an extensive conservation and recreational property portfolio of some 87,000 hectares. Our 6 National Parks account for circa 65,000 hectares with another almost 22,000 hectares of nature reserves and other heritage sites. In the past 4 years more than €3m has been invested in Killarney National park including more than €330k on upgrading the road network. The roads mentioned by the Deputy are included in the Department’s future plans for investment within the park but do not form part of the budgeted works for 2020.
1286. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated to the Royal and Grand canal greenway projects; the progress made to date on works; and the expected completion date of works of each stage and or section of these projects. [9055/20]
View answerRoyal Canal
The Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport has allocated €12.3m to the Royal Canal Greenway since 2012. This Greenway is expected to open this year from Maynooth in County Kildare to Cloondara in County Longford and become the longest stretch of Greenway in the country at 130km long, including the Longford Branch. There is still some work on installation of ancillary infrastructure, signage and marketing to be completed. The tenders for this work have had to be postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Development of the urban section of the Royal Canal is funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA). A number of sections along this urban stretch have been completed; from Spencer Dock to Sheriff Street and from Ashtown to Castleknock. Works have commenced on the stretch between these two completed sections and consultations are ongoing for the final section from Castleknock to Maynooth in County Kildare.
Grand Canal
In 2019, the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) awarded €2.35m to Offaly County Council for the Tullamore to Daingean section of the Grand Canal and a further €1.7m to Kildare County Council for construction of the Grand Canal Greenway section between Aylmers Bridge and Sallins. Construction on these sections is due to finish in 2021 but COVID -19 may impact the completion dates.
The Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport also provided funding of €415,321 for construction of the section known as Arthur’s Way in 2014/15.
The section of the towpath between Blackhorse and the 12th lock in the Dublin area has been completed and planning has been secured for the stretch from the 12th lock to Hazelhatch in Kildare, although no funding has been secured to date. The remaining sections of the Grand Canal towpath in the urban area have yet to secure planning and funding.
1288. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta stádas an phróisis idirbheartaíochta atá ar siúl idir a Roinn, Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Coláiste Lurgan maidir leis an plean atá acu suíomh a fhorbairt in Indreabhán; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [9225/20]
View answerAr mhaithe le cur tuilleadh le forbairt Chois Fharraige - ar leas na Gaeilge agus gheilleagar an cheantair araon - tá an Roinn i gcomhar le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta ag breathnú faoi láthair ar na roghanna maidir le forbairt ionaid oideachais agus óige i gceantar an Chnoic ar an suíomh a bhfuil Coláiste Lurgan ag feidhmiú ann, atá in úinéireacht Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Tá plé ar bun faoi láthair le páirtithe leasmhara – pobal an cheantair agus lucht stiúrtha Choláiste Lurgan san áireamh - mar chuid den obair ullmhúcháin i dtreo an rogha cuí a aimsiú ar mhaithe le bheith in ann cead críochnúil na Roinne agus Bhord an Údaráis faoi seach a lorg chomh luath agus is féidir.
Tá an obair ullmhúcháin seo ar bun ar bhealach a thógann san áireamh, oiread agus is féidir, mianta páirtithe leasmhara agus, ach an oiread le gach togra caipitil maoinithe ag an Stát, riachtanais an Chóid Caiteachais Phoiblí de chuid na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí agus Athchóirithe.
Ach an obair sin uile a bheith déanta faoi réír an Chóid, déanfar an togra a mheas i gcomhthéacs an chiste airgid atá ag an Roinn do thograí caipitil agus na n-éileamh eile ar an gciste sin. Faoi réir théarmaí an Chóid, níl an fhorbairt tagtha go dtí an pointe fós gur féidir cead pleanála a lorg ina leith.
1290. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will implement measures at least in the special areas of conservation for which the species is a qualifying interest with the goal of improving the bad overall status of the freshwater pearl mussel to be in compliance with the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9322/20]
View answerThe freshwater pearl mussel is a species that is very sensitive to water quality and to land use management that may impact on the rivers in which it lives.
It is therefore essential that measures to improve status are developed and implemented with the cooperation of landowners, farmers, foresters and water users, and the Government Departments and Agencies, and Local Authorities that provide the policy, monitoring, planning and regulation that impacts on water.
My Department works closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (DHPLG), the Environment Protection Agency and the Local Authorities Water Programme, and others, towards improved status for the pearl mussel.
For the past 5 years my Department has operated the KerryLIFE project, co-funded with the EU, which is researching and trialling measures with the full involvement of farmers and foresters, to reduce impacts of farming and forestry in two of the top catchments for the mussel in Ireland.
I am pleased that the Department of Agriculture has built very extensively on the work of KerryLIFE by developing the Pearl Mussel Project, which seeks to improve the quality of watercourses in the top eight catchments for pearl mussel in Ireland, working with farmers in a results–based approach.
My Department will as soon as possible, given the Covid restrictions, launch a new Integrated Project under the EU LIFE programme, called LIFE Wild Atlantic Nature, which includes further mussel conservation work among its targets.
Finally, my Department will work closely with DHPLG on their “Waters of LIFE “ Integrated Project which can also yield improvements for mussel habitat in rivers.
