Written Answers Nos. 61-80
62. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if there are plans for looking at mitigations and protections required following north Louth flooding and near flooding recently; what engagement there has been through the OPW and his Department with Louth County Council and other agencies following the flooding in north Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52340/23]
View answerTo deliver the proposed measures set out in the Flood Risk Management Plans for County Louth, Louth County Council, working with the Office of Public Works, has agreed to be the Lead Authority in the delivery of flood relief schemes at Dundalk / Blackrock South, Drogheda, Carlingford / Greenore, Baltray and Ardee, all of which are in the first tranche of projects being progressed. The funding for these schemes has been allocated under the €1.3bn investment in flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030.
The development of flood relief schemes, overseen by project Steering Groups with representatives meeting monthly from the OPW and Louth County Council, involves five distinct, sequential and related stages. Aligned to the decision gateways of the Public Spending Code these are assessing the flood risk and identifying options; seeking planning consent, detailed design, construction and maintenance. Public consultation forms part of each stage and project websites, available on floodinfo.ie provides updates on each scheme’s progress.
The Dundalk/Blackrock South and Ardee projects are being progressed simultaneously and engineering and environmental consultants were appointed in 2020. The proposed scheme will protect some 1,880 properties when completed. The scheme option for Dundalk/Blackrock South is expected in Q2 2024 and Ardee is currently at options development.
The flooding experienced in Louth at the end of October was as a result of heavy rainfall. Louth County Council's Severe Weather Team was convened to ensure a coordinated response was in place to deal with the ongoing weather problems associated with this heavy rainfall, in particular in the north of the County. The primary focus in the aftermath of the flood event was ensuring public safety by attending to road closures and infrastructure damage within the north Louth area.
In the days following the flood event drone footage was captured and surveying of the area arranged. The Office of Public Works and Louth County Council met on Thursday 9th November to assess the flood mechanisms and damages from the event which will also help to inform the proposed Flood Relief Scheme for Carlingford and Greenore. Officials are due to meet again at the end of November to progress the project.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW on an administrative, non-statutory basis in 2009. The purpose of the scheme is to provide funding to Local Authorities to undertake minor flood mitigation works or studies to address localised fluvial flooding and coastal protection problems within their administrative areas. The scheme generally applies where a solution can be readily identified and achieved in a short time frame. The works to be funded are carried out under Local Authority powers and ongoing maintenance of the completed works is the responsibility of the Council.
Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie.
The Department of Social Protection operates a humanitarian assistance scheme to assist households in the immediate aftermath of emergency events including flooding. The purpose of this scheme is to prevent hardship by providing income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged from flooding and severe weather events and who are not in a position to meet costs for essential needs, household items and structural repair.
In addition, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for an emergency humanitarian support scheme to support businesses, community, voluntary and sporting bodies affected by flooding. Under this scheme, emergency humanitarian contributions may be made available towards the costs of returning business premises and community, voluntary and sporting bodies to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock.
63. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform The proposals to intensify co-operation with the relevant departments and agencies in Northern Ireland to deal with flooding problems that affect Border communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52356/23]
View answerThe OPW has an on-going relationship with the former Rivers Agency (now part of the Dept. for Infrastructure, Rivers, Northern Ireland) (DfI Rivers), which is the Competent Authority for the implementation of the 'Floods' Directive in Northern Ireland.
In 2009, the OPW and Dfl Rivers agreed to establish a Cross-Border Co-ordination Group to co-ordinate the implementation of the ‘EU Floods Directive’ across the border. This work was supported by a Cross-Border Technical Co-ordination Group. These groups have met on numerous occasions since to coordinate on the identification of Areas of Potentially Significant Flood Risk, to share information and agree approaches to the production of flood mapping in border areas and to coordinate on the identification of measures and the preparation of Plans.
The Erne Catchment was assessed under the OPW’s Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CFRAM), in close co-operation with DfI Rivers. The study considered increasing watercourse conveyance of the Erne system to lower water levels as a measure to reduce flood risk. This study revealed that water levels in the majority of the Erne catchment in Ireland, remain unchanged regardless of any works that could be carried out in Northern Ireland.
DfI Rivers was represented throughout the CFRAM study on the relevant project steering, progress and stakeholder’s groups as well as on the National CFRAM Steering Group. DfI Rivers is currently a member of the National Floods Directive Coordination Group, which has met on 8 occasions since November 2018 with its next meeting scheduled for 29 November, 2023. DfI Rivers and the OPW have undertaken information exchange at all deliverable stages, including delivering joint presentations to stakeholders and also joint attendance at relevant consultation events.
More general cross-border coordination has also been ongoing in the field of flood risk management through bilateral meetings of the two organisations for many years, through the Irish National Hydrometric Working Group and Joint National Committee of the International Hydrological Programme and the International Commission for Irrigation and Drainage that DfI Rivers are members of. This continued close co-operation has provided the opportunity for co-operation in areas such as flood forecasting and hydrometric monitoring.
The OPW does not have Arterial Drainage Schemes on the River Erne system in County Cavan and is not responsible for channel maintenance in the area in accordance with its statutory requirements under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945. However, parts of the Erne Catchment are a Drainage District for which the local authority is responsible for ongoing maintenance.
64. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform when a flood defence scheme (details supplied) will advance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52319/23]
View answerSince 2009, the Office of Public Works, (OPW) has approved funding under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme of circa €5.7 million to County Cork for some 45 projects.
The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the OPW in 2009. Applications for funding from local authorities are considered for flood relief and erosion protection measures costing up to €750,000 in each instance. Funding of up to 90% of the cost is available for approved projects. Applications are assessed by the OPW having regard to the specific economic, social and environmental criteria of the scheme, including a cost benefit ratio and having regard to the availability of funding for flood risk management. Full details of this scheme are available on www.floodinfo.ie.
Funding approval of €295,027 was allocated to Cork County Council in 2021 for a project at the location concerned. Cork County Council confirmed that they have identified an opportunity to provide an enhanced flood mitigation scheme for the area by adding to the funding committed by the OPW. Cork County Council intend to issue a tender this year to invite consultants to undertake the detailed design, planning, procurement, management and delivery of the project.
65. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the proposals there are to review and amend the Arterial Drainage Act 1945; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52355/23]
View answerState intervention in addressing the flooding of lands and the improvement of same by drainage, principally for agricultural use, commenced with the passing of the first Drainage Act in 1842. For the next century, schemes of drainage works were carried out in over 200 Drainage Districts to improve over 200,000 hectares of land. There are approximately 170 of those Drainage Districts remaining in existence. Maintenance of these is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority.
Following the passing of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, the OPW was tasked with carrying out a programme of large-scale arterial drainage schemes, on a catchment basis. Between 1948 and 1992, the OPW implemented 34 Catchment Arterial Drainage schemes and 5 Estuarine Embankment schemes. Investment by the State through the OPW in the programme of Catchment Arterial Drainage schemes and Estuarine Embankment schemes was bolstered by significant investment through the Department of Agriculture in improving land drainage for food production under the Land Project 1949 and successor funding initiatives. There are no plans to undertake further large scale arterial drainage schemes.
In terms of beneficial objectives served, the arterial drainage schemes progressed under the 1945 Act, are providing drainage outfall for 242,800 hectares of agricultural lands. Importantly, there has been significant development in these areas since the schemes were completed and the land drainage schemes are now also providing a level of protection from flooding to property, infrastructure and communities, including in excess of 21,000 properties, 2,400 kilometres of roads and 77 towns and villages.
In order to preserve the beneficial objectives served by the schemes that have been completed under the 1945 Act, the OPW has a statutory duty under Section 37 of the Act to maintain the schemes in proper repair and effective condition. Failure to do so would result in an increased flood risk to benefiting areas and communities.
The maintenance of OPW Arterial Drainage Schemes has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, driven primarily by environmental legislation such as the EU Birds and Habitats Directives and the Water Framework Directive. Arterial drainage maintenance works are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, through a range of environmental assessments, supported by widespread stakeholder consultation. The OPW, in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland and other stakeholders, has developed environmental drainage maintenance procedures to mitigate potential environmental impacts on rivers and streams which are maintained by the OPW for the purpose of land drainage. This OPW Environmental Guidance, which is available on the OPW website, is a practical handbook that brings lessons learned from environmental problem solving, enabling ongoing improvements in environmental performance, based on practical environmental control.
The continued requirement for ongoing drainage of such lands is being questioned in light of environmental concerns regarding the impact of such schemes, including by the Citizen Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. This is reflected in the call for a review of the Arterial Drainage Act, which was a recommendation in its ‘Report of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss’ published in April 2023.
There are many views in relation to the programme of arterial drainage maintenance being undertaken by the OPW. While there are calls to cease arterial drainage to progress a number of cross cutting environmental objectives, there are also calls from others to increase the maintenance activities being carried out in light of flood risks. It is also important to note that Climate Change will increase flood risks.
The Programme for Government is committed to a Land Use Review to ensure that optimal land use options inform all relevant Government decisions. Options to reverse arterial drainage schemes and for ceasing arterial drainage maintenance activities for lands currently benefitting from such maintenance, must be informed by land use policy. The flood risk implications for communities must also be carefully considered. In this regard, the Land-use Review will provide clarity regarding future national drainage requirements having regard to a broad range of policy goals, including agricultural, flood risk mitigation, climate action, biodiversity and water quality. This will inform consideration of any changes to Arterial Drainage practices and any associated legislative changes to be made to the Arterial Drainage Act, having regard to all potential benefits and impacts.
66. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will consider reforming his Department’s function in granting consent to major flood relief schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52253/23]
View answerI have asked Officials in my Department to examine any administrative and legislative measures which may be taken to ensure that the confirmation process under the Arterial Drainage Act (as amended) is carried out it in as effective and timely a manner as possible.
It is important to acknowledge that the purpose of the Regulations is to transpose the provisions of EU law, giving further effect to Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU. Any reforms to this process would need to be compatible with the Directives to ensure that the environmental impacts of any flood relief measures submitted under this process are examined to the appropriate standard.
67. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of major flood relief schemes currently in construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52300/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €1.3 billion to the delivery of flood relief schemes over the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 to protect approximately 23,000 properties in communities that are under threat from river and coastal flood risk. Since 2018, as part of a phased approach to scheme delivery, this funding has allowed the OPW, in partnership with local authorities throughout the country, to treble the number of schemes at design, planning and construction to some 100 schemes at this time.
To date, 54 schemes have been completed, which are providing protection to over 12,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €1.9 billion. Consequently, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
Currently there are seven schemes at Stage IV: Implementation/Construction:
• The Dodder Phase 2 Flood Relief Scheme, which is expected to be substantially complete before the end of 2023.
• The Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme, River Mall (Templemore) Flood Relief Scheme, and Springfield Flood Relief Scheme, which are expected to be substantially complete within the next 12 months.
• The Morell River Flood Management Scheme.
• The Glashaboy (Glanmire/Sallybrook) Flood Relief Scheme and the Whitechurch Stream Flood Alleviation Scheme, which both commenced construction in 2023.
In total, when completed, some 1,700 properties will be protected by these seven flood relief schemes.
A further five schemes are anticipated to commence construction in 2024.
68. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under National Strategic Outcome 2 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52297/23]
View answerThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP 2021-30 published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for a range of strategic investment priorities which will contribute towards the achievement of these NSOs, including NSO 2 which relates to Enhanced Regional Accessibility.
This strategic outcome seeks to enhance intra-regional accessibility through improved transport links between key urban centres of population and their respective regions, as well as improving transport links between the regions. The Government is investing in active travel, bus, rail and road projects across the country to deliver on this strategic outcome. The NDP provides funding of €35 billion for transport infrastructure over the period 2021-30. Better transport links delivered under the NDP include upgrades on the N4 from Collooney to Castlebaldwin, from Gort to Tuam on the N17/N18 and the N25 New Ross Bypass. This year has seen the completion of the N5 Westport to Turlough. This road will enable economic development in the West of Ireland, while greatly enhancing connectivity within the region, as well as improving the link between the midlands and the West of Ireland. Other major regional projects under construction include the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade, the Moycullen Bypass and the Listowel Bypass. Last week the Government gave approval to advance construction of the Adare Bypass. The bypass is one element of the Limerick to Foynes Project which is a 33km road connecting Limerick to the port of Foynes. This is a major infrastructural project of strategic importance to Limerick and our national road network.
The maintenance and renewal of the rail network is also a focus of this strategic outcome. The NTA and Iarnród Eireann have ordered 41 Inter-City Railcars (ICRs) which are entering service and will further enhance and expand the rail fleet. Construction of the National Train Control Centre was completed in November 2022 and will be a key enabler for the expansion of rail services as it will enhance rail traffic management and will underpin both the planned and potential future expansion of rail services across the network.
The Government is committed to detailing progress on the delivery of the NDP at regular intervals into the future to allow for full transparency of the implementation of Project Ireland 2040. This is achieved through regular updates of the Project Ireland 2040 capital investment tracker and MyProjectIreland interactive map viewer which list projects and programmes on a regional and county level. In addition, Annual and Regional Reports on the implementation of Project Ireland 2040 have been published for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Project Ireland 2040 Annual and Regional Reports, capital investment tracker and myProjectIreland interactive map are all available on gov.ie/2040.
69. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an update on public pay discussions; his views on widening the current appraisal categories from satisfactory and non-satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52280/23]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware my Department are now engaged in formal negotiations, under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission, on the potential of a successor agreement to Building Momentum. A range of issues are being discussed as part of this and it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specifics at this time.
In relation to the current appraisal categories, since 2016, there has been a two-point system in place for the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) rating system. Performance is evaluated on whether or not the jobholder has performed to a satisfactory level (satisfactory or unsatisfactory).
The current appraisal system was discussed and agreed with the representatives of civil service management and the staff unions at the General Council Subcommittee on PMDS.
71. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the progress which has been made by the steering group to advance the flood mitigation works at Ballycar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52303/23]
View answerI am informed that a Flood Alleviation Options Assessment for Flooding at Ballycar Lough was initiated by Iarnród Éireann and was completed by Consultant Engineers RPS in December 2020. This assessment study built on previous reports of 2011 and 2015 commissioned by Iarnród Éireann. Having considered all various options, the assessment study recommends a new preferred option of a technically viable drainage scheme that would prevent flooding of the railway occurring whilst also including any flood mitigation measures downstream that would be necessary either directly or indirectly with this option.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) has engaged constructively with both Clare County Council and Iarnród Éireann over recent years in relation to the flooding problem at Ballycar and has participated in a meeting on the matter convened by the Council in 2014 and participated on a steering group from 2018 to 2020 comprised of Clare County Council, Geological Survey Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Iarnród Éireann, in relation to the new preferred option.
The selection of the new preferred option was based on the consideration of hydrological, hydraulic, environmental impact assessments (mainly ecology, geology and hydrogeology) and costs of each option. The primary benefits of the measures identified in the assessment are derived from the protection of Iarnród Éireann infrastructure and accordingly it is with Iarnród Éireann, as the key stakeholder, to lead and pursue the resolution of the railway line flooding problem and to secure funding for the proposed project.
I also note that the issue of flooding on the Limerick to Ennis railway line at Ballycar was also considered in the context of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040. That strategy was developed by the National Transport Authority in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The final strategy was published in December 2022. The strategy sets out the framework for investment in transport for the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area for the next 20 years, including proposals for rail investment. With regards to Ballycar, the strategy states that it is the intention of the National Transport Authority and the local authorities to work in collaboration with Iarnród Éireann and other relevant stakeholders to resolve this localised flooding issue on the Limerick-Ennis line.
The OPW will continue to work with Iarnród Éireann and the other steering group stakeholders in addressing the problem on the railway line at Ballycar, In March 2023. My Office met with the Department of Transport, who agreed to discuss the matter of flooding at Ballycar with Iarnród Éireann. My Office continues to be available to meet with the Department of Transport on this matter.
73. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the position regarding Departmental policy or guidelines in relation to the retention, repurposing or sale of former State-owned buildings that are no longer in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51946/23]
View answerThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties.
This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The portfolio also encompasses specialised spaces such as public offices, laboratories and cultural institutions, in addition to warehouses, heritage properties, visitor centres and sites.
In any major portfolio, there will always be a certain level of surplus vacant or non-operational properties. It is normal to have an amount of space vacant, or vacant properties, at any given time as the portfolio could not function without the flexibility that it provides. Not all vacant properties will be deemed surplus to the State’s requirements or suitable for disposal.
The OPW, like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus vacant properties and the arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) Circulars:
• Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property Assets
• Circular 17/2016: Policy for Property Acquisition and for Disposal of Surplus Property
The OPW’s approach to managing surplus vacant properties is firstly, to establish if the property is required for alternative State use, including the potential for it to be re-purposed for either Government Departments or the wider public service.
In line with the above, the OPW has actively engaged and provided a list of its surplus vacant properties to the Land Development Agency, each relevant local authority, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, so that they could assess them for suitability for social or humanitarian housing purposes or for other State use.
Secondly, if no alternative State use is identified, the OPW considers if open market disposal is an option, depending on prevailing market conditions.
Thirdly, the OPW may consider community involvement, subject to a detailed submission that demonstrates that the community or voluntary group seeking to use the property has the means to insure, maintain and manage it in order to reduce costs to the Exchequer.
As a matter of policy, no property is disposed of until there is absolute certainty that there is no alternative State use for that property.
74. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the number of flood management schemes in County Cork; the status of delivery of same; the timeline when they will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52359/23]
View answerThe Government has assessed the flood risk for those communities most at risk from significant flood events. The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management or CFRAM Programme – Ireland’s largest study of flood risk – was completed by the Office of Public Works in 2018. An output of the CFRAM Programme, the Government’s Flood Risk Management Plans provide the evidence for a proactive approach for designing and constructing flood relief schemes for the most at risk communities.
Investment in these schemes is through the €1.3bn for flood relief under the National Development Plan to 2030. This has allowed the OPW to treble the number of flood relief schemes nationally at design, planning, and construction to some 100 schemes. Nationally, 53 schemes have been completed, including Clonakilty and Bandon, at a cost of some €550m which are providing protection to over 12,000 properties and an economic benefit to the State in damage and losses avoided estimated to be in the region of €1.9 billion. Today, work to protect 80% of all at-risk properties nationally is completed or underway.
There are currently ten flood defence schemes being developed for County Cork. The schemes for Ballymakeera, Ballinhassig are at outline design Stage. Midleton, Bantry and Lower Lee are at Stage one which comprises Scheme Development and Preliminary Design and the scheme for Blackpool at Stage two, planning. Morrison’s Island is at detailed design Stage three and the Glashaboy scheme is at Stage four construction. Proposed flood relief schemes for Carrigaline and Macroom are under review to confirm the technical aspects and viability of the schemes and, subject to outcomes, will then progress to Outline Design and Planning.
Commencing on all flood relief schemes identified by the Flood Risk Management Plans is constrained by the availability of the specialist engineering resource required. The Government is committed to delivering other flood relief schemes for Cork including the proposed projects for Ballingeary, Castlemartyr, Castletown Bearhaven, Inchigeelagh, Innishannon, Kanturk, Rathcormack, Schull and Youghal.
The OPW, working closely with the Local Authority, at all times strives to expedite and progress capital flood relief works with the minimum delay within available resources.
75. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Taoiseach whether the Central Statistics Office considers tax incentives for vehicles that are directly operated by fossil fuels under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland-administered triple E programme to be a fossil fuel subsidy. [51661/23]
View answer76. Deputy John Brady asked the Taoiseach if there are personnel in his Department who could be classified as having a significant or exclusive focus of their role dedicated to dealing with integration; if so, to detail the title of the post; the grade level of that post; the core functions of that role; and to provide details of the exact nature of their responsibilities [51833/23]
View answerThe Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has primary responsibility for matters relating to integration.
The Social Policy Division in the Department of the Taoiseach supports the whole-of-government approach to integration and related matters through the Cabinet Committee structure.
77. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach when the next progress report of the climate action plan will be published; and what targets are still outstanding from Q1, Q2 and Q3. [51896/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out how Ireland will respond to the climate crisis, by placing the delivery of climate solutions at the heart of the development of our society. This Plan includes actions to tackle the mitigation and adaptation challenges posed by climate change.
The Department of the Taoiseach prepares quarterly progress reports on the delivery of measures committed to under the Climate Action Plan. These are published online for full transparency on climate action implementation. The progress reports provide a detailed breakdown of completed and delayed actions each quarter.
The latest progress report for the Climate Action Plan was published on 14 November and placed the Department’s website. It reports on actions that were due to be completed in Q3 2023.
There have now been three progress reports produced under Climate Action Plan 2023. A delivery rate of 75% was reported for Q1 2023, a delivery rate of 63% was reported for Q2 2023 and a delivery rate of 29% was reported for Q3 2023. Combined, this gives an overall implementation rate of 67% on the Climate Action Plan 2023 to date.
Attention is drawn to ‘high impact’ measures across all Progress Reports, highlighting those actions with more significant emissions reduction or adaptation potential.
The latest Progress Report details progress made on the 42 climate actions due for delivery in Q3 2023.
All delayed measures listed in the Q3 Progress Report will be carried forward and reported on in Q4. A considerable number of delayed actions this quarter report minor delays and are expected to complete shortly.
Some high impact measures completed in Q3 and highlighted in the progress report include:
·Delivery of the Onshore RESS Auction;
·Establishment of the new Maritime Area Regulatory Authority;
·The Launch of the Forestry Programme; and
· Introduction of a National Fertiliser Database. The Fourth Progress Report on the Climate Action Plan 2023 is currently being compiled.
78. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach to report on the work of the climate action delivery board; and the dates on which they met in 2020, 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 [51897/23]
View answerThe Climate Action Delivery Board is jointly chaired by the Secretaries General of the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.
Membership of the Delivery Board consists of Secretaries General from those Government Departments who have the main responsibilities for climate action delivery. Meetings are also attended by the Chiefs of Staff of the three Government parties.
A full list of the members of the Delivery Board and its terms of reference are available on the Department of the Taoiseach website.
The Climate Action Delivery Board’s original remit focused on overseeing the implementation of the last Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019.
In November 2021, the Delivery Board updated its terms of reference to provide for changes including the addition of a requirement for the Delivery Board to monitor the implementation of Carbon Budgets and Sectoral Emissions Ceilings which are now in place.
The Delivery Board met on the following occasions; 26 November 2021, 28 January 2022, 08 April 2022, 22 July 2022, 30 November 2022, 15 February 2023, 23 June 2023, and 26 October 2023. The Delivery Board did not meet in 2020, however, climate-related matters were brought forward through a number of alternative structures in 2020, including the Senior Officials Group on the Environment and Climate Change and the Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate, where members of the Delivery Board attend with Government Ministers
The Delivery Board is scheduled to meet again in December, and it is envisioned that it will continue to meet on a quarterly basis going forward.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 has given the Delivery Board an additional role of providing recommendations to the Cabinet Committee on the Environment and Climate Change on measures required to overcome any barriers or impediments to the implementation of climate policies.
79. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the total number of Freedom of Information requests submitted to his Department in 2022 and to date in 2023; and the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety. [51981/23]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy are set out in the table beneath.
|
Year |
Number of FOI Requests Received |
Number of FOI Request Refused |
|
2022 |
325 |
107 |
|
2023 (to date) |
320 |
79 |
It should be noted that of the 107 requests refused in 2022, 66 requests were refused on the basis that no records were found and that in 2023, of the 79 requests refused, 48 were refused on the basis that no records were found also.
80. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach the total costs incurred by his Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date. [52172/23]
View answerThe amount spent on advertising with RTÉ from 2016 by the Department of the Taoiseach is set out in the accompanying table. The bulk of this expenditure relates to public information campaigns relating to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. All expenditure is placed through a media buying company procured through an Office of Government Procurement framework.
|
- |
RTE Advertising Expenditure |
|
2016 |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Nil |
|
2018 |
€86,486 |
|
2019 |
Nil |
|
2020 |
€2,185,958 |
|
2021 |
€1,376,870 |
|
2022 |
€85,160 |
|
22 Nov, 2023 |
Nil |
