Written Answers Nos. 152-171
152. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when the OPW will meet with the elected members of the Inishowen municipal district, Donegal County Council and other important local stakeholders in relation to plans to develop An Grianán of Aileach, County Donegal, as they recently committed to. [44004/23]
View answerThe OPW have already engaged with representatives from Donegal County Council and Fáilte Ireland and are in the process of forming a Sustainable Management and Visitor Experience Stakeholder Group for Grianán of Aileach.
After the inception meeting, it is envisaged that a Project plan can be developed. This plan will include clearly defined milestones, meeting dates, and deliverables for 2024 onwards and it would be expected that the Plan would be shared with the elected members of the Inishowen Municipal District. A date for a meeting, if required, can then be agreed.
153. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on the status of the proposed new station at Kilmore Quay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44056/23]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), a Division of the Department of Transport, has 44 Coast Guard Units based in 58 Coast Guard Stations around the country. The IRCG building programme, which includes the provision of new or upgraded facilities at a number of locations across the country, is managed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) on behalf of the Department of Transport, from planning design to build and on-going maintenance. These projects are funded by the Department of Transport.
The provision of facilities for the Coast Guard in Kilmore Quay is a priority on the IRCG building programme. The OPW has acquired a site in Kilmore Quay from Wexford County Council and a feasibility study on the provision of a proposed new facility has been approved by the IRCG.
The project is currently at the pre-planning stage.
154. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the full complement of buildings and lands owned by his Department, or by agencies under the aegis of his Department in County Clare; if they are currently in use, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44163/23]
View answerThe Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland are the owners of the properties listed on the table below. All of the properties are in use/occupied with the exception of two former Garda stations, which are now surplus to requirements by An Garda Síochána, and are presently being prepared for sale in Q1 2024, and Unit 153 Shannon Business Park which is under consideration by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
|
|
Property |
Currently in Use (Yes/No) |
|
1. |
Ennis Garda Station + RAX |
Yes |
|
2. |
Doolin Coast Guard Station |
Yes |
|
3. |
Kilrush Garda Station District Headquarters |
Yes |
|
4. |
Ballyvaughan Garda Station |
Yes |
|
5. |
Corofin Garda Station |
Yes |
|
6. |
Ennistymon Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Yes |
|
7. |
Kildysart Garda Station |
Yes |
|
8. |
Kilkee Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Yes |
|
9. |
Killaloe Garda Station |
Yes |
|
10. |
Kilrush Former Garda Station |
Yes |
|
11. |
Lisdoonvarna Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Yes |
|
12. |
Shannon Garda Station |
Yes |
|
13. |
Sixmilebridge Garda Station + 1 Residence |
Yes |
|
14. |
Tulla Garda Station |
Yes |
|
15. |
Ardnacrusha Garda Station + 2 Residences |
Yes |
|
16. |
Miltown Malbay Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Yes |
|
17. |
Newmarket-On-Fergus Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Yes |
|
18. |
Scarriff Garda Station + Married Quarters |
Yes |
|
19. |
Limerick Regional Veterinary Laboratory |
Yes |
|
20. |
Ennis Government Offices |
Yes |
|
21. |
Killaloe Welfare Centre |
Yes |
|
22. |
Shannon National Vehicle Regristration Unit |
Yes |
|
23. |
Broadford Former Garda Station |
No – being prepared for disposal |
|
24. |
Doora Former National School |
Yes |
|
25. |
Kilmihil Garda Station |
Yes |
|
26. |
Mountshannon Former Garda Station + Married Quarters + RAX |
Yes |
|
27. |
Quin Former Garda Station + Married Quarters |
No- being prepared for disposal |
|
28. |
Ruan Former National School |
Yes |
|
29. |
Ennis Creche |
Yes |
|
30. |
Ennis Friary |
Yes |
|
31. |
Kilfenora Cathedral |
Yes |
|
32. |
Scattery Island Visitor Centre |
Yes |
|
33. |
The Burren National Park |
Yes |
|
34 |
Unit 153 Shannon Business Park - held under a long lease |
No - under consideration by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |
155. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will extend the paid leave for public health service employees unfit for work post Covid 19 infection scheme beyond 31 October 31 recognising the severity of the illness and providing some comfort to those suffering from it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44170/23]
View answerA temporary, ring-fenced arrangement for certain employees in the health sector who were unfit for work post Covid-19 infection came into effect from 1 July 2022 for a period of 12 months.
In June 2023 an extension was granted for four further months, from 1 July 2023 to 31 October 2023.
Following this date, the default position is that individuals will move to sick leave arrangements. All illnesses are treated equally under the Public Service Sick Leave Regulations and equity is a fundamental part of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
The Scheme provides for the payment of the following to employees during periods of absence from work due to illness or injury:
• 92 days on full pay in a rolling one-year period
• Followed by 91 days on half pay in a rolling one-year period
• This is subject to an overall maximum of 183 days’ paid sick leave in a rolling four-year period.
• There is potential for access to additional sick leave payment in certain circumstances, either in the form of Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration or under the Critical Illness Protocol.
• In all cases access to these additional supports will be determined by local management, taking into consideration individual circumstances and a medical assessment by the relevant Occupational Health physician.
• Critical Illness Protocol (CIP) can provide for extended sick leave available up to a maximum of double of that available under normal sick leave conditions before Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR) might be available. TRR may also be approved for an extended period of up 2 additional years reviewed at 6 monthly intervals.
156. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department was notified of proposed redundancies at a company (details supplied) announced in August 2023; if he will intervene to try and avoid these redundancies or reduce the numbers involved and to try to get a fair redundancy package for these workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43476/23]
View answerFirstly, my thoughts are with all employees facing job losses and I fully appreciate how difficult this situation can be.
Ireland has a robust suite of employment rights legislation to protect and support workers in collective redundancy situations. The Protection of Employment Act 1977 imposes certain legal obligations on employers proposing collective redundancies. These obligations include engaging in an information and consultation process of at least 30 days with employees’ representatives, and to notify the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of the proposals at least 30 days before the first dismissal takes place. A collective redundancy notification was received from the company on 17 August 2023.
The consultation with employees’ representatives should include the possibility of avoiding the proposed redundancies, reducing the number of employees effected or mitigating their consequences.
While I strongly encourage parties to engage in consultation in a constructive manner with a view to finding a mutually acceptable solution, this is not a matter in which I can intervene. It is important that the autonomy of both employees, employers and their representatives in the matter of resolving differences is respected by the State.
It is the employer’s legal responsibility to comply with their obligations under the Protection of Employment Act 1977. Employers who fail to comply are guilty of an offence and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the statutory agency responsible for bringing such prosecutions.
Employees also have the right to refer complaints to the WRC on a wide range of employment law breaches for an adjudication and redress where appropriate, including the right to refer a complaint should an employer fail to consult or provide certain information to employees’ representatives during a collective redundancy process. The WRC is independent in the performance of its functions and it is important that I respect that independence.
In relation to redundancy payments, the State plays a role by providing for a minimum statutory redundancy payment to eligible employees through the Redundancy Payments Act 1967. However, negotiations on enhanced redundancy packages over and above the statutory entitlement are entirely a voluntary matter between employers, workers and their representatives and the State has no role.
157. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department remains on course to announce in October 2023, as per a previous response, the replacement of the abolished atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43499/23]
View answer167. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department remains on course to announce in October 2023, as per a previous response, the replacement of the abolished atypical work permit scheme for non-EEA fishers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44036/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 167 together.
Following the Department of Justice Report on the Review of the Atypical Working Scheme for non-EEA Crew in the Irish Fishing Fleet, the Implementation Group to address the Report's recommendations was established. This Group includes representatives from the three Government Departments along with representatives from sector agencies.
The work of the Implementation Group has progressed well over the past year with work currently focused on providing assistance and guidance to the fishing sector on the final stages of securing inclusion of non-EEA fishermen as an eligible occupation for employment permits, appropriate employment criteria and the permit application process.
My Department is engaging with An Bord Iascaigh Mhara and sector agencies in order to consult with industry and employee stakeholder bodies during October. Following that process the Implementation Group expect a report to be finalised by end October.
158. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason Article 26 of the European Copyright Directive has not been transposed in full; to outline any plans she has to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43579/23]
View answerDirective (EU) 2019/790 was transposed into Irish law by way of the European Union (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021, Statutory Instrument No. 567 of 2021. The Regulations were signed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 12 November 2021 and are therefore applicable from that date.
Article 26 (Application in time) did not require a specific transposition. It stipulates that the Directive shall apply in respect of all works and other subject matter that are protected by national law in the field of copyright on or after 7 June 2021. It also stipulates that the Directive shall apply without prejudice to any acts concluded and rights acquired before 7 June 2021.
Notwithstanding the fact that Ireland was one of the first few Member States to complete the transposition process (the seventh member state to do so in November 2021), we did so after the application date of 7 June 2021 as stipulated in Article 26. At that time, the Covid-19 pandemic meant that legislative priority had to be directed towards the necessary interventions and supports for businesses and citizens. The drafting process has also had to have consideration of the EU Commission’s Communication Document on Guidance on Article 17, which was circulated three days before the transposition deadline in June 2021.
Following the publication of the Directive in 2019, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment conducted a series of public consultations seeking the views of all stakeholders on the various provisions in the Directive to help to inform how the provisions should be applied in the context of Irish copyright legislation. In concluding its analysis of the Directive, and considering the breadth of views expressed by stakeholders, the Department decided to transpose the mandatory provisions of the Directive only. This was achieved by way of Regulations contained in secondary legislation i.e., by Statutory Instrument.
In addition, and in order to keep stakeholders informed of progress in relation to the transposition of the Directive, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, in May 2021, published an Information Note on the Copyright Directive which set out the actions taken to date and the decision to proceed with the transposition of the mandatory provisions by way of secondary legislation.
159. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the assistance that can he give to help companies (details supplied) that are struggling to deal with the NSAI and that want products listed on the NSAI system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43627/23]
View answerI understand the matter raised relates to an application by the company for certification by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).
I have made enquiries with the NSAI who have informed me that they have checked their records for the application from the company concerned in relation to their product. NSAI can confirm that the application has been withdrawn by the company concerned.
There was a delay on assessment of this product as similar products in use are currently being researched after a significant number of them failed after installation. NSAI is currently researching this product type especially in relation to its water ingress and associated failures that happened across construction sites in Ireland. NSAI will contact the company concerned in relation to the assessment, however they cannot guarantee that the product will be certified. Comprehensive assessment will need to be conducted by NSAI to ensure the product meets Irish Building Regulations requirements.
160. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a trade and investment mission to Italy will happen in Quarter 4 of 2023. [43648/23]
View answerEach year, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland prepare a programme of trade and investment missions and events which support the goal of securing high-level market access for companies based in Ireland who are aiming to grow business overseas and increase domestic employment, and showcasing opportunities for foreign direct investment in support of high-quality jobs and regional development throughout Ireland.
In recent years the majority of Ministerial-led trade missions have taken place to the Eurozone, North America and Asia Pacific, which represent the strongest growth opportunities for Irish companies. These missions have focused on promoting the innovative capabilities and competitive offerings of Irish companies to international buyers in a range of sectors including internationally traded services, fintech, high-tech construction, engineering, ICT and life sciences.
My Department has been working closely with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in relation to the Ministerial-led trade mission programme for 2023. To date in 2023, Ministerial led trade missions have taken place to Dubai; US West Coast; Copenhagen; Warsaw and Prague; US East Coast; France and Germany; and Atlanta and Austin. There are currently no plans to have a trade mission to Italy before the end of 2023.
My Department will continue to work closely with its agencies to identify opportunities to help Irish companies access new markets and increase the levels of foreign direct investment into Ireland.
161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Mexican companies that the IDA Ireland has engaged with in relation to setting up in the State in 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [43649/23]
View answerIDA Ireland has a focus on the Mexico market and works in close co-operation with colleagues from Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs. While IDA Ireland has engaged with Mexican companies with a view to establishing international operations in Ireland over the period in question - and there are Mexican-owned enterprises operating in Ireland - the numbers are commercially sensitive information.
IDA Ireland has offices in 25 overseas locations, covering 55 countries, and continuously reviews its strategic approach to winning investment for Ireland. The IDA presents prospective investors with value propositions tailored to meet their particular strategic challenges and needs, partnering with potential and existing clients to help them to grow or expand their international operations in Ireland.
162. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Enterprise Ireland owns properties or sites which are vacant or derelict; if so, the number and addresses of such properties; if they are recorded on the vacancy or dereliction registers; and the reason for which they are vacant or derelict, in tabular form. [43707/23]
View answerEnterprise Ireland has notified the department of one Vacant/Derelict property. Detailed below:
|
Property |
Vacant/Derelict |
Reason |
Recorded on the vacancy or dereliction registers |
|
Shannon Aquatic Toxicity Laboratory, Town Centre, Shannon, County Clare |
Vacant |
Tenant (Eurofins Scientific Ireland Limited) exercised a break clause in the lease. They vacated the property in April 2023. |
No |
It should be noted that Enterprise Ireland have been in discussions with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth regarding the use of the property for humanitarian accommodation.
The site was assessed and deemed suitable for repurposing for such use. A license agreement, approved by the EI Board, is currently being progressed. OPW has recently completed a cost assessment to convert the building and we will shortly engage on the next phase of the project.
163. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the IDA owns properties or sites which are vacant or derelict; if so, the number and addresses of such properties; if they are recorded on the vacancy or dereliction registers; and the reason for which they are vacant or derelict, in tabular form. [43856/23]
View answerProviding property solutions can be a significant element in the winning of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), especially owing to the ongoing market challenges, and, accordingly, IDA Ireland continues to deliver and maintain a portfolio of advanced property solutions in support of our Enterprise Policy. In that regard, availability of zoned land for sale and development is vital to IDA's continued success in attracting FDI to Ireland. Moreover, IDA-owned property is also made available to Enterprise Ireland (EI) and Local Enterprise Office (LOE) client investments in regional locations.
The ongoing replenishment of stock is essential to ensure the portfolio remains fit-for-purpose and demonstrates longevity. As client requirements continue to evolve, there is a necessity and market imperative for IDA having ‘ready to go’ serviceable site solutions to support the initial and long-term investment plans of the agencies' client base.
IDA maintains a focus on land banks to future proof the ability of their property portfolio to support the project pipeline, most notably large-scale capital-intensive projects which can have significant regional and national economic impacts.
In these contexts, continued investment in infrastructure upgrades, provision and future proofing, in addition to further land acquisitions and the building of new buildings, are all critical to delivering on IDA’s and EI’s balanced regional development agenda.
In respect of IDA’s land portfolio, I am advised that the IDA has shared details of it’s portfolio with the Land Development Agency (LDA) and is constructively engaged with the LDA in that regard. The Agency currently has c.1186 hectares suitable for marketing to IDA and EI clients, both new and existing. These sites are listed in Table 1 below. There is an additional c.260 hectares on its parks that are unsuitable for development for reasons such as unsuitable topography, protected structures, archaeology and flood risk amongst others.
IDA currently has c.35 buildings, 15 of which are available for marketing, with the balance occupied under lease arrangements with clients. These are listed in Table 2 below.
Table 1- Marketable IDA Land
|
Property Ref |
Property Name |
Property County |
Net HA Marketable |
|
00002039 |
Carlow ABS Site |
County Carlow |
12.60 |
|
00001033 |
IDA Cavan B&T Park, Killygarry |
County Cavan |
4.03 |
|
00000191 |
Cootehill Industrial Estate |
County Cavan |
0.21 |
|
00000298 |
Ringaskiddy Strategic Site |
County Cork |
158.47 |
|
00000143 |
IDA Cork B&T Park, Kilbarry |
County Cork |
57.24 |
|
00001063 |
Carrigtohill Strategic Site |
County Cork |
47.28 |
|
00001054 |
IDA Fermoy B&T Park, Carrignagroghera |
County Cork |
6.05 |
|
00000127 |
Poundlick Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
3.86 |
|
00000130 |
Millstreet Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
3.13 |
|
00000135 |
Pulleen Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
2.47 |
|
00000446 |
Seafield Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
1.97 |
|
00000152 |
Drombrow Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
1.96 |
|
00000124 |
Springfield Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
1.87 |
|
00000352 |
IDA Cork B&T Park, Model Farm Road |
County Cork |
1.37 |
|
00000125 |
Foxhole Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
1.01 |
|
00000149 |
Charleville Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
0.87 |
|
00000147 |
Clonakilty Industrial Estate, Miles |
County Cork |
0.81 |
|
00000131 |
IDA Mallow B&T Park, Quarterstown |
County Cork |
0.68 |
|
00000145 |
IDA Cork B&T Park, Carrigtohill |
County Cork |
0.32 |
|
00000787 |
Ringaskiddy Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
0.20 |
|
00001011 |
Rossa Avenue Industrial Estate |
County Cork |
0.12 |
|
00000314 |
IDA Letterkenny B&T Park, Lisnenan |
County Donegal |
17.54 |
|
00000312 |
Knocknamona Industrial Estate |
County Donegal |
1.31 |
|
00001043 |
IDA Letterkenny BP, Lisnenan |
County Donegal |
1.25 |
|
00000310 |
Lurganboy Industrial Estate |
County Donegal |
0.87 |
|
00001034 |
Belcamp Strategic Site |
County Dublin |
46.44 |
|
00001041 |
College Park Strategic Site |
County Dublin |
34.57 |
|
00000291 |
IDA Dublin B&T Park, Blanchardstown |
County Dublin |
4.53 |
|
00000288 |
Poppintree Industrial Estate |
County Dublin |
3.59 |
|
00001025 |
Swords Business Park |
County Dublin |
1.32 |
|
00000282 |
Whitestown Industrial Estate |
County Dublin |
0.56 |
|
00001062 |
Athenry Strategic Site |
County Galway |
90.06 |
|
00001060 |
Oranmore Strategic Site |
County Galway |
62.94 |
|
00000073 |
IDA Galway B&T Park, Parkmore |
County Galway |
13.09 |
|
00001050 |
IDA Tuam B&T Park, Donore Road |
County Galway |
10.13 |
|
00001045 |
IDA Ballinasloe B&T Park, Creagh |
County Galway |
8.88 |
|
00000079 |
Ballygar Industrial Estate |
County Galway |
3.44 |
|
00000062 |
Tuam Business Park |
County Galway |
2.17 |
|
00000064 |
Michael Killeen Park, Roundstone |
County Galway |
1.42 |
|
00000071 |
Glenamaddy Industrial Estate |
County Galway |
0.91 |
|
00000067 |
Mountbellew Industrial Estate |
County Galway |
0.20 |
|
00002020 |
IDA Kerry B&T Park, Dromthacker |
County Kerry |
16.53 |
|
00000324 |
IDA Killarney B&T Park, Tiernaboul |
County Kerry |
1.45 |
|
00000158 |
Farrantoreen Industrial Estate |
County Kerry |
0.82 |
|
00000166 |
Clash Industrial Estate |
County Kerry |
0.51 |
|
00002045 |
Newbridge Business Park, Littleconnell |
County Kildare |
87.50 |
|
00000271 |
Newbridge Business Park, Moorfield |
County Kildare |
12.11 |
|
00000272 |
Newbridge Industrial Estate |
County Kildare |
2.53 |
|
Property Ref |
Property Name |
Property County |
Net HA Marketable |
|
00001047 |
Belview Strategic Site |
County Kilkenny |
43.91 |
|
00000206 |
Purcellsinch Industrial Estate |
County Kilkenny |
3.59 |
|
00001037 |
IDA Kilkenny B&T Park, Loughboy |
County Kilkenny |
2.39 |
|
00001031 |
IDA Portlaoise B&T Park, Dublin Road |
County Laois |
25.41 |
|
00000101 |
IDA Carrick-On-Shannon B&TP, Keeneghan |
County Leitrim |
4.21 |
|
00000112 |
Mohill Industrial Estate |
County Leitrim |
2.07 |
|
00000110 |
Carrickleitrim Industrial Estate |
County Leitrim |
0.42 |
|
00000107 |
Drumshanbo Industrial Estate |
County Leitrim |
0.04 |
|
00002010 |
The National Technology Park |
County Limerick |
23.88 |
|
00002015 |
IDA Limerick B&T Park, Raheen |
County Limerick |
3.56 |
|
00000003 |
Aghafad Industrial Estate |
County Longford |
2.03 |
|
00002053 |
IDA Dundalk B&T Park, Fairhill |
County Louth |
52.89 |
|
00002052 |
IDA Drogheda North Business Park, Mell |
County Louth |
19.08 |
|
00001048 |
Mullagharlin Strategic Site |
County Louth |
17.20 |
|
00001046 |
Mullagharlin Strategic Site East |
County Louth |
6.41 |
|
00001051 |
IDA Drogheda B&T Park, Rathmullan |
County Louth |
3.57 |
|
00000182 |
IDA Dundalk B&T Park, Finnabair |
County Louth |
2.88 |
|
00002047 |
Xerox Technology Park |
County Louth |
0.62 |
|
00000178 |
Greenore Industrial Estate |
County Louth |
0.03 |
|
00000825 |
Ballina Industrial Estate |
County Mayo |
10.61 |
|
00000049 |
Foxford Industrial Estate |
County Mayo |
0.68 |
|
00000044 |
IDA Castlebar B&T Park, Drumconlan |
County Mayo |
0.66 |
|
00000042 |
Bango Erris Industrial Park |
County Mayo |
0.61 |
|
00001026 |
IDA Navan B&T Park, Athlumney |
County Meath |
23.91 |
|
00000199 |
IDA Monaghan B&T Park, Knockaconny |
County Monaghan |
5.26 |
|
00000024 |
IDA Tullamore B&T Park, Srah |
County Offaly |
0.64 |
|
00000027 |
Clara Industrial Estate |
County Offaly |
0.49 |
|
00000023 |
Tullamore Industrial Estate |
County Offaly |
0.23 |
|
00000001 |
IDA Roscommon B&T Park, Gallowstown |
County Roscommon |
2.64 |
|
00000088 |
Castlerea Industrial Estate |
County Roscommon |
1.17 |
|
00001056 |
Oakfield Strategic Site |
County Sligo |
30.18 |
|
00000120 |
IDA Sligo B&T Park, Finisklin |
County Sligo |
10.77 |
|
00000118 |
Easkey Industrial Estate |
County Sligo |
0.06 |
|
00001058 |
IDA Clonmel B&T Park, Ballingarrane |
County Tipperary |
20.07 |
|
00000220 |
Knockanrawley Industrial Estate |
County Tipperary |
2.08 |
|
00000239 |
Waterford Industrial Estate |
County Waterford |
21.94 |
|
00001040 |
IDA Waterford B&T Park, Butlerstown |
County Waterford |
18.05 |
|
00001053 |
IDA Dungarvan B & T Park, Lisfennel |
County Waterford |
11.57 |
|
00002048 |
IDA Athlone B&T Park, Lissywollen |
County Westmeath |
22.89 |
|
00001055 |
IDA Mullingar B&T Park, Ardmore |
County Westmeath |
22.47 |
|
00000094 |
IDA Athlone B&T Park, Garrycastle |
County Westmeath |
11.90 |
|
00000011 |
Clonmore Industrial Estate |
County Westmeath |
3.19 |
|
00001036 |
Athlone Garrankesh Estate |
County Westmeath |
0.09 |
|
00000229 |
IDA Wexford B&T Park, Sinnottstown |
County Wexford |
3.13 |
|
00000230 |
Whitemills Industrial Estate |
County Wexford |
0.41 |
|
00000237 |
Kilcannon Industrial Estate |
County Wexford |
0.39 |
|
00001038 |
IDA Arklow B&T Park, Ballynattin |
County Wicklow |
12.57 |
Table 2 - Marketable IDA Buildings
|
County |
Building Name |
Address |
Occupancy Status |
|
County |
Building Name |
Address |
Occupancy Status |
|
Galway |
Unit 2 |
Unit 2, Michael Killeen Park, Roundstone, County Galway |
Available |
|
Galway |
Unit 3 |
Unit 3, Michael Killeen Park, Roundstone, County Galway |
Available |
|
Westmeath |
Advance Factory 4 |
Advance Factory 4, Athlone Business and Technology Park, Garrycastle, Athlone, County Westmeath. |
Available |
|
Sligo |
Advanced Office Building |
Advanced Office Building, Sligo Business and Technology Park, Finisklin, Sligo. |
Available |
|
Sligo |
Advance Technology Building 6 |
Advanced Technology Building 6, Sligo Business and Technology Park, Finisklin, Sligo. |
Available |
|
Louth |
Advanced Office Building |
Advanced Office Building, Finnabair Business & Technology Park, Dundalk, Co. Louth |
Available |
|
Monaghan |
Advanced Technology Unit |
Advanced Technology Unit, Monaghan Business Park, Knockaconny, County Monaghan |
Available |
|
Dublin |
AF.BLDGS.2 |
AF.BLDGS.2 Whitestown Industrial Estate, Tallaght, County Dublin |
Available |
|
Kerry |
Unit 4, Killarney BandT |
Unit 4, Tiernaboul Industrial Estate, Killarney County Kerry |
Available |
|
Wicklow |
House & Cottage Ballynattin |
Arklow Business and Technology Park, Ballynatin, Co. Wicklow |
Available |
|
Louth |
Advanced Technology Building |
Advanced Technology Building, Mullagharlin Business & Technology Park, Dundalk, Co. Louth |
Available |
|
Limerick |
ABS |
Advanced BS, National Techology Park, Castletroy, Limerick |
Available |
|
Limerick |
Advanced Technology Building |
Advanced Technology Building, Raheen, Limerick |
Available |
|
Waterford |
ATB No.3 |
Waterford Business & Technology Park |
Available |
|
Carlow |
Advanced Technology Building |
Dublin Road, Carlow |
Available |
164. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority owns properties or sites which are vacant or derelict; if so, the number and addresses of such properties; if they are recorded on the vacancy or dereliction registers; and the reason for which they are vacant or derelict, in tabular form [43857/23]
View answerI can confirm that the Health and Safety Authority owns no properties or sites which are vacant or derelict.
165. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the review, promised within 12 months of its transposition, into the impact of the European Copyright Directive was conducted; if he will publish it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43948/23]
View answerI propose to take the two questions together.
The Report of the Future of Media Commission was published in July 2022. Recommendation 6-9 relates to the implementation the Copyright Directive, an assessment of its effectiveness and further action being taken if necessary. Directive (EU) 2019/790 was transposed into Irish law by way of the European Union (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021, Statutory Instrument No. 567 of 2021. The Regulations were signed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 12 November 2021 and are therefore applicable from that date.
The Future of Media Commission Report – Implementation Strategy and Action Plan was published in January 2023. In relation to Recommendation 6-9, my Department will use the Stakeholder Consultation Forum (as outlined in Chapter 7 of the Report of the Future of Media Commission) as a mechanism to consult with stakeholders on the operation of the Copyright Directive in practice and to seek views on potential for changes to the operation of the Irish legislation. This specifically relates to an assessment of the actual and forecast economic benefits flowing to Irish press publishers as a result of negotiated agreements as set out in Article 15 of the Directive (Protection of press publications concerning online uses) which was transposed by way of Regulation 13 of the Statutory Instrument. My Department is currently preparing this focused review which will be published on my Department’s website within the coming weeks.
In addition, Article 30 of the Copyright Directive obliges the EU Commission to review the Directive’s implementation no sooner than June 2026. As part of this review, my Department will engage with the European Commission in order to ensure that the Commission’s review takes account of issues raised in the context of the forthcoming focused review here in Ireland.
166. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the stakeholder consultation forum, promised by the end of Q3 of 2023 on the operation of the European Copyright Directive, has not yet taken place; when it will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43949/23]
View answerI propose to take the two questions together.
The Report of the Future of Media Commission was published in July 2022. Recommendation 6-9 relates to the implementation the Copyright Directive, an assessment of its effectiveness and further action being taken if necessary. Directive (EU) 2019/790 was transposed into Irish law by way of the European Union (Copyright and Related Rights in the Digital Single Market) Regulations 2021, Statutory Instrument No. 567 of 2021. The Regulations were signed by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment on 12 November 2021 and are therefore applicable from that date.
The Future of Media Commission Report – Implementation Strategy and Action Plan was published in January 2023. In relation to Recommendation 6-9, my Department will use the Stakeholder Consultation Forum (as outlined in Chapter 7 of the Report of the Future of Media Commission) as a mechanism to consult with stakeholders on the operation of the Copyright Directive in practice and to seek views on potential for changes to the operation of the Irish legislation. This specifically relates to an assessment of the actual and forecast economic benefits flowing to Irish press publishers as a result of negotiated agreements as set out in Article 15 of the Directive (Protection of press publications concerning online uses) which was transposed by way of Regulation 13 of the Statutory Instrument. My Department is currently preparing this focused review which will be published on my Department’s website within the coming weeks.
In addition, Article 30 of the Copyright Directive obliges the EU Commission to review the Directive’s implementation no sooner than June 2026. As part of this review, my Department will engage with the European Commission in order to ensure that the Commission’s review takes account of issues raised in the context of the forthcoming focused review here in Ireland.
168. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the full complement of buildings and lands owned by his Department, or by agencies under the aegis of his Department in County Clare; if they are currently in use, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44155/23]
View answerMy Department does not own any property. My Department and its Offices are tenants in ten buildings across the country including the Workplace Relations Commission office at Suite 19, Block A, Clare Technology Park, Gort Rd, Ennis, Co. Clare, provided to it through the Office of Public Works (OPW) who manage the State's property portfolio on behalf of Government Departments.
With regard to agencies under the aegis of my Department, while this is an operational matter for the agencies themselves, I have requested responses and this information is set out in tabular form below:
|
Agency |
Property |
Status |
|
Enterprise Ireland |
Shannon Aquatic Toxicity Laboratory, Town Centre, Shannon, County Clare |
Not currently in use |
169. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Education if she will source drivers for an organisation (details supplied) for children going to school in Ballyragget, County Kilkenny. [43406/23]
View answerThe School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the current school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, are transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services are being provided in the current school year for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
Children are eligible for transport at primary level where they reside not less than 3.2 kilometres from and are attending their nearest national school, and at post primary level where they reside not less than 4.8 kilometres from and are attending their nearest post primary school/education centre as determined by the department/Bus Éireann, having regard to ethos and language.
The details supplied indicate that the service in question is a private service operating outside the Scheme over which the Department and Bus Éireann has no remit. Funding is not provided to private contractors providing services outside of the school transport scheme.
Should the Deputy wish to provide further information relating to the school(s) of attendance for which these services are provided, School Transport can investigate the matter further with Bus Éireann.
170. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Education the number of enquiries to Tulsa's education welfare officers in the north Kildare area on behalf of pupils refused places in local schools for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic calendars; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43686/23]
View answerThe Educational Welfare Service (EWS) is part of Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) and operates under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs), based throughout the country, deal with children and families who have difficulties in relation to school attendance, participation and retention. It is a statutory service and its primary role is to ensure that every child either attends school regularly or otherwise receives a certain minimum education, to ensure and secure every child’s entitlement to education.
The number of enquiries received by Tusla's Educational Welfare Service is not collated for statistical purposes.
171. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Education the reason no schools have been fitted with solar panels under the Climate Action Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43942/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Budget 2023 provided for the provision of funding from the Climate Action Fund in relation to the provision of Photovoltaic Panels in schools up to 6KW output.
This is positive news for our schools and will assist with their energy needs and costs along with supporting the decarbonisation of our school buildings.
My officials are working closely with colleagues in the Department of Environment, Climate and Communication in relation to the arrangements for this multi-annual scheme and details will be announced in the shortest timeframe possible.
As part of planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme, the capacity surveys of the school system that are currently underway will also include obtaining up to date data on the number of schools that have solar panels currently. This is important preparatory work in planning for the rollout of this multi-annual scheme. The provision of the solar panels will be fully funded for schools.
