Written Answers Nos. 507-520
507. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trucks that entered ports here in 2020 that were inspected physically for compliance with the animal and plant all-Ireland rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3421/21]
View answerEU Regulations require that live animals and plants, plant and animal products coming from non-EU countries are subject to import controls, at the first point of entry to the European Union. These so called sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls apply to all non-EU countries, regardless of whether the non-EU country has a free trade deal with the EU or not. These controls did not apply to the live animals, plants, and products made therefrom, from GB, in 2020.
SPS import controls consist of three types; documentary, identity and physical. The frequency of each type of control is laid down in EU Regulations that are directly implementable in the Member States. All vehicles carrying consignments of live animals and animal products must be physically presented at the border control post for control. In the case of plant and plant products, some vehicles may not be required to present, provided correctly completed health certificates, advance notification has been provided in advance, and physical checks are not required.
In 2020, 3,689 containers were checked by staff from my Department at the border control post in Dublin Port (Dublin Port was the only portal BCP in 2020). 2,482 containers were required to physically present at the border control post for controls. The remainder were not required to physically present, as they were consignments of plant and plant products where advance notification had been provided, correctly completed health certificates had been submitted and physical checks were not required.
508. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of trucks entering Ireland from the UK that have been inspected physically in relation to compliance with the new EU-UK Brexit agreement rules on food, animal and plant safety to date in 2021; the total number of such trucks that entered Ireland; the requirement for same as laid down in the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3422/21]
View answerEU Regulations require that live animals and plants, plant and animal products, coming from non-EU countries, are subject to import controls, at the first point of entry to the European Union. These so called sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) import controls, are separate from customs controls. SPS controls apply to all non-EU countries, regardless of whether the non-EU country has a free trade deal with the EU or not. On 1st January, these SPS controls came into force for plants, animals, and products made therefrom, coming from GB.
SPS import controls consist of three types; documentary, identity and physical. The frequency of each type of control is laid down in EU Regulations that are directly implementable in the Member States. All vehicles carrying consignments of live animals and animal products must be physically presented at the border control post for control. In the case of plant and plant products, some vehicles may not be required to present, provided correctly completed health certificates and advance notification have been provided in advance, and physical checks are not required.
From 1st January to 8 am on 20 January, approximately 600 trucks coming off ferries from the UK have been checked by my Department at Dublin Port.
509. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the immediate actions he took after his Department received the notice to stakeholders from the European Commission on 17 August 2020 regarding the withdrawal of the United Kingdom and EU rules relevant for landing of fishery products in the EU; if proposals were considered so that fishermen from this jurisdiction with boats registered in Northern Ireland could land their catches at the nearest port to them and thus continue to use the ports they traditionally used; the reason his Department was not ready to designate these as ports where these fishermen could land at from the 1 January 2021 in addition to Killybegs and Castletownbere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3426/21]
View answerFollowing the publication of the readiness notice on 17 August, my Department engaged with the Department of Foreign Affairs to discuss the practical implications this readiness notice would have for Irish vessels landings into Northern Irish ports and for Northern Ireland vessels landings into Irish ports. After exchanges between DFA and the UK Task Force, it was clarified in November that, in line with the Northern Ireland protocol, landings by Northern Ireland vessels would be treated as landings by third country vessels for the purposes of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) legislation and North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC); that Northern Ireland vessels landing into Irish ports would not be subject to Sanitary & Phytosanitary (SPS) requirements and that Irish vessels landing into Northern Ireland ports would have to land in NEAFC designated ports. A link to the readiness notice was published on my Department's website and on the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) website to ensure that the notice was readily available for members of the Irish fishing industry.
However, up until the conclusion of EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on Christmas Eve, it remained unclear whether Northern Ireland vessels that had access to Irish waters would continue to have such access.
The SFPA submitted papers on 25th September and 10th December to my Department on the designation of third country ports, firstly looking at potential designation of ports around Ireland and then more specifically at a third country port designation in North Donegal, namely Greencastle. Given the significant practical and cost implications for the State in the designation of EU ports for Third Country landings because under EU Regulations such designations represent an entry point to the European Union following which food is free to circulate within the full EU common market, the SFPA did not recommend designation of third country ports at this time. In any ports designated, Ireland is obliged to ensure that it has in place a meaningful control presence.
I met with the SFPA on 25th November 2020, where this matter was discussed. I met with the SFPA again on 8th and 13th January 2021 to discuss designations. Following on from this consultation with the SFPA, I have decided to designate five additional Irish ports, for both IUU and NEAFC purposes, to accept UK registered-Northern Ireland vessel landings.
The five new ports designated are Ros a Mhíl, Howth, Greencastle, Rathmullen and Burtonport and join Killybegs and Castletownbere which continue to be designated for landings from vessels of any third country origin. Under the new designations, Ros a Mhíl and Howth will be able to accommodate landings of whitefish and prawn from vessels under 26 metres and will operate Monday to Friday from 10am to 10pm. Greencastle, Rathmullen and Burtonport will be designated for non-quota species landings from vessels under 18 metres and will operate from 2pm to 8pm from Monday to Friday.
From 1st January 2021, the United Kingdom is a third country and subject to IUU legislation and NEAFC requirements. This means that any UK registered vessel, including any Northern Ireland registered vessel, must comply with third country landing requirements when landing in the EU, including Irish ports. This is a direct result of Brexit and included in the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland.
The designation of extra Irish ports is an important decision, which will allow fishers in small vessels to continue their livelihoods in a safe manner following Brexit. It is important now more than ever, to support our fishers and fishing communities and to do all we can do help them continue their livelihoods. I am working to make sure the necessary notifications and requirements are in place to have these ports operational from Monday, 1 February 2021.
Any UK-Northern Ireland registered boats landing into any of the seven Irish ports will have to comply with additional documentary and procedural requirements as a result of Brexit. Designation of ports is within the State’s authority, but all requirements and protocols are subject to EU and international law and must be strictly adhered to to gain entry to ports.
510. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 14 January 2021, when he expects to have completed his consideration of the evaluation in view of the fact that his predecessor commenced this consideration over two years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3429/21]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine instigated a feasibility study for a scheme for the voluntary relocation of farmyards. This work is being carried out within the terms of the Inter-departmental Flood Policy Group and will be concluded shortly.
My Department continues to monitor the situation in relation to the floods of farmland in general and farmyards where it arises.
511. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on an appeal for GLAS payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3437/21]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that the Agriculture Appeals Office operates independently of my Department.
I have been advised, however, that the records of the Agriculture Appeals Office indicate that an appeal was received from the above named in February 2020.
The Appeals Office requested the file and a statement on the grounds of appeal from my Department and all relevant documentation has been forwarded to the Appeals Office.
I am advised that the appeal has been assigned to an Appeals Officer for examination and determination. The Office is currently experience delays in dealing with appeals due to a significant increase in the number of agriculture and forestry appeals received in 2020 and the restrictions put in place to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 situation. I have been assured that the appeal in question will be dealt with as soon as possible.
512. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the issuing of equine ID will be prioritised, given the critical situation regarding animal neglect, abandonment and suffering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3479/21]
View answerMy Department continues to prioritise equine traceability and equine welfare. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262, which came into effect on 1 January 2016, lays down the rules governing the identification of equidae. This legislation was transposed into national legislation in Ireland via the European Union (Identification of Equidae) Regulations (S.I. No 62 of 2016)(as amended). This sets down the rules regarding the identification of equines for owners/keepers of equines who are responsible for their identification.
Enforcement of equine identification legislation is primarily undertaken by authorised officers throughout my Department's Regional Office network and at slaughter plants. These officers work closely with their veterinary colleagues across the various Local Authorities and liaise with members of An Garda Síochána and Revenue Commissioners Officials, as required. Authorised officers from my Department engage in checks at sales venues including marts and fairs, as well as at horse slaughter plants and at export points including ports and airports. Similarly, potential equine welfare and abandonment issues are dealt with by authorised officers of my Department in conjunction with authorised officers from other agencies.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to provide for additional urban horse welfare programmes. The Department continues to take a proactive approach in tackling challenges by developing facilities for urban horse populations and in educating young people among these communities in the care and welfare of horses. This work is carried out in close collaboration with Local Authorities and will be reflected in the new Animal Welfare Strategy to be launched shortly.
The Department continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide, bringing education on all aspects of equine welfare to people in disadvantaged areas. As an example, the DSPCA with financial assistance from the Department, continues to facilitate castration and ID clinics and education programmes in an effort to address the problem of over-breeding which can add to welfare issues.
The Control of Horses Act, 1996 is currently under review within the Department and plans for replacement legislation are well advanced. The Department will be further engaging with stakeholders on this . Under the Act, Local Authorities may take a range of actions in relation to equines including prohibiting horses in certain areas, the issuing of licences, the seizure of horses in contravention of the Act. These powers can be used in respect of straying horses which includes horses put on land without the owner’s permission, including public land. The Local Authorities may also prosecute offenders under this Act.
The Department continues to support other agencies and Local Authorities in enforcing the law.
513. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if and when a felling licence will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3525/21]
View answerAn application for a tree felling licence for the person named has been received and has been referred to my Department’s Ecology Unit. The application site is near four designated sites, including Ballynafagh Bog. Therefore, the impact of any felling operations on the sites and the surrounding area, must be carefully considered before deciding on the licence application.
If the applicant wishes, and at their own expense, they may provide a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). The NIS must be prepared by a suitably qualified person. A NIS can considerably reduce the time taken to assess the application, as once received, the NIS will be examined by an ecologist within two to three months and a decision will issue once the assessment of the application is complete.
514. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial supports in place to help community centres stay afloat during Covid-19. [3135/21]
View answerI am aware of the challenges faced by many community centres and community organisations at this time and my Department has put a range of initiatives in place that provides supports to the community sector during the COVID-19 crisis.
My Department currently supports over 420 community organisations under the Community Services Programme (CSP) to provide local services through a social enterprise model. In response to the difficulties being experienced by organisations due to COVID-19, my Department developed a CSP Support Fund during 2020 totalling €4.75m which assists all CSP supported organisations to continue to retain their CSP supported employees on their payroll and also provides assistance for the Employers PRSI contribution, during this crisis period up to April 2021.
The 2020 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) was launched in June 2020 with funding of €2m and provides small capital grants to community organisations. Separately, with funding from the July stimulus package, my Department launched a €5m fund under the CEP for repairs or upgrades to community centres and community buildings. While it is now closed for 2020, it is hoped to run the CEP again in 2021.
More recently my Department launched a €1.7m COVID-19 Emergency Fund, which local community and voluntary groups can apply for by contacting the Local Community Development Committee in their area. This follows on from a previous €2.5m round of this fund.
In 2020, my Department launched the €45m COVID 19 Stability Fund for organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector, Charities and Social Enterprises. Funding of €44m has been approved to just under 600 organisations to date and the payment processes for this funding remain ongoing. The Stability Fund is now closed for further applications.
My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the Community and Voluntary sector, Local Authorities and Local Development Companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges presented by COVID-19. I would encourage all groups to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company so that they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
Information on all funding available through my Department can be found on my Department's website.
515. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the islands action plan; the status of the consultation process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3200/21]
View answerPrior to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic my officials had been engaged in a process of consultation with island communities in relation to the development of a new Islands Policy. This consultation was carried out through structured public meetings on the islands. The consultation process had to be temporarily suspended during 2020 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and to avoid health risks, both for the island communities and Departmental officials.
The consultation process was re-commenced through an on-line format in the final quarter of 2020 and will conclude shortly. The Department will also consult with other key stakeholders such as Government Departments and Local Authorities through an on-line approach.
An Interdepartmental Committee was established in 2019 to oversee the development of the Islands policy. This group met on two occasions prior to the commencement of the consultation process. With the main phase of the public consultation process now coming to an end, arrangements are being made to convene a meeting of this group before the end of January.
The Committee will review progress to date and consider the main messages which have emerged from the consultation process. The scope and structure for the drafting of the new policy will also be agreed at that meeting, and the final phases of the consultation process involving discussions with individual Departments will be mapped out.
I envisage that the new Islands Policy will be published in the second half of this year. The policy will be a significant milestone for our offshore islands and will include recommendations to support a cross-Departmental approach to the future development of the islands.
516. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the roll-out of broadband connection points; the number of publicly accessible broadband points that are now live by county; the number of these that are on offshore islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3201/21]
View answerBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) are among the first deliverables of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and will provide high-speed broadband connectivity to publicly accessible sites in rural and isolated areas of the country, including a number of our off-shore islands.
These sites will be provided with a temporary wireless connection by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company contracted to deliver the NBP. This connection will remain in place until the sites have been given a permanent connection under the NBP.
Vodafone Ireland subsequently install and manage WiFi access points and other customer-facing equipment at the BCPs to enable them to be fully operational.
As of Thursday, 14th January 2021, 171 sites had the initial connection established by NBI and Vodafone had installed their equipment at 126 of these sites. 113 sites have been reviewed and accepted as fully "live" by my officials. The table below provides a summary of the number of live BCPs by county, including those on offshore islands and islands connected by a landbridge.
Vodafone are installing sites on a daily basis and will continue to do so as and when they become available. The location of all BCPs which have been installed or which are planned at any point in time is available on NBI's website, at https://nbi.ie/bcp-map/.
In addition to the substantial Government investment already made in the BCPs, my Department is investing an additional €5 million in 2021 to develop the facilities and services available at these sites and other digital hubs.
My officials are also exploring the use of BCPs as educational settings, as locations for eHealth services, as remote working hubs and as locations for the creative arts.
|
Local Authority |
Live BCPs |
Of which on islands |
|
CARLOW |
2 |
|
|
CAVAN |
6 |
|
|
CLARE |
4 |
|
|
CORK |
8 |
1 |
|
DONEGAL |
6 |
1 |
|
DUBLIN / DLR |
1 |
|
|
DUBLIN / FINGAL |
2 |
|
|
DUBLIN / SDCC |
1 |
|
|
GALWAY |
4 |
1 |
|
KERRY |
3 |
2 |
|
KILDARE |
1 |
|
|
KILKENNY |
6 |
|
|
LAOIS |
3 |
|
|
LEITRIM |
1 |
|
|
LIMERICK |
1 |
|
|
LONGFORD |
3 |
|
|
LOUTH |
7 |
|
|
MAYO |
7 |
1 |
|
MEATH |
8 |
|
|
MONAGHAN |
9 |
|
|
OFFALY |
5 |
|
|
ROSCOMMON |
7 |
|
|
TIPPERARY |
4 |
|
|
WATERFORD |
3 |
|
|
WESTMEATH |
4 |
|
|
WEXFORD |
4 |
|
|
WICKLOW |
3 |
|
|
113 |
517. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the rural regeneration and development fund applied for in respect of Inis Cealtra, or Holy Island, County Clare. [3222/21]
View answer518. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the rural regeneration and development fund applied for in respect of Loop Head Light House, County Clare. [3223/21]
View answer519. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the rural regeneration and development fund applied for in respect of a garden (details supplied). [3224/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 517 to 519, inclusive, together.
Arising from the first and second calls under the Rural Regeneration scheme, 63 Category 1 projects have been approved for funding of €131 million and 76 Category 2 projects have been approved for funding of €35 million. Category 1 relates to major capital projects that can drive sustainable rural regeneration and development, while Category 2 supports projects that require development funding to bring them to a stage where they are ready to apply under Category 1 calls.
The three projects referred to by the Deputy are all being led by Clare County Council.
The Iniscealtra project was approved for funding of €920,500 under the second first call for Category 2 applications. Based on the periodic updates my Department seeks in relation to progress on funded projects, I understand that the Council has appointed contractors to carry out work on the visitor experience interpretation and preliminary design.
The Loop Head Lighthouse was approved for funding of €868,500 under the first call for Category 1 applications. I understand the Council has commenced the waterworks for the Loophead Lighthouse and is engaged in the planning and design of the enhancement of the tourism offering within the compound of the Lighthouse.
The Vandeleur Project was approved for funding of €1,720,000 under the first call for Category 1 applications. I understand the Council is currently engaged in the tender process to appoint a contractor to deliver the final project.
If more detailed information is required on the progress of the above projects, I would advise the Deputy to contact the Council directly.
520. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the category 1 rural regeneration funding application submitted by Louth County Council in respect of the Omeath project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3255/21]
View answerThe third call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on 1st December. My Department received 66 applications to this call and I understand that an application was received relating to the Omeath Regeneration Strategy Project, submitted by Louth County Council.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
In light of the foregoing, it will therefore be a number of weeks before an announcement of successful projects can take place.
