Written Answers Nos. 84-101
84. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education when the tender process will conclude and a contractor appointed to a new school build project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54163/23]
View answerThe large scale capital project at the school referred to by the Deputy, is assigned to my Department’s ADAPT programme.
ADAPT is an acronym for Accelerated Delivery of Architectural Planning and Tendering.
The project which is a key priority for my Department, is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning Stage 3 – Tender Action and Award.
The project brief is to provide a new 8 classroom special school and all appropriate ancillary accommodation, at a greenfield site adjacent to the current location of the school.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that essential enabling works to underground ESB cables at the site for the new school are proceeding and are nearing conclusion.
These essential works are being carried out in conjunction with ESB Networks Ireland and will be completed in advance of the main project progressing.
My Department has received the Tender Report for the new build from the Board of Management and its Design Team. The Tender Report is currently under review. On completion of the review, my Department will be in contact with the Board of Management and its Design Team regarding the progression of the main project.
Recent experience has shown that a Tender Stage can take between 8-12 months.
85. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 26 September 2023, the updates on the claim lodged by an organisation (details supplied) in regard to recognising incremental credit for private post primary teaching service outside the EU; the advice given by her Department to the organisation on this matter; if other relevant updates in relation to this matter will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54210/23]
View answerAs set out in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 255 of 26 September 2023, the teacher unions have lodged a claim concerning the recognition of private post primary teaching service outside the EU towards the award of incremental credit.
My Department examined this request as part of the 2024 budgetary process. However, it was not possible to secure funding to progress this request through the 2024 budgetary process.
My Department was however successful in securing funding for a number of other important initiatives aimed at teachers such as the restoration of 1,000 posts of responsibility and the PME incentive scheme.
My Department will continue to examine ways in which the matter may be progressed in the future.
86. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if his Department has pursued the return to Ireland of important Irish artifacts kept in British museums (details supplied); and if his Department has questioned the legitimacy with which these or other artifacts were removed from Ireland to be placed in British museums. [54146/23]
View answerThe National Museum is charged with maintaining, managing, controlling, protecting, preserving, recording, conducting research and enlarging the collection of museum heritage objectives for the benefit of the public. Its functions also provide for entering into agreements with comparable institutions in support of this primary purpose.
A variety of material originating from Ireland - most especially artefacts from the Monastic Era – is now held in Great Britain and across Europe. Whether carried abroad by missionaries or taken by raiders over the centuries, there is often no surviving record in relation to their departure from Ireland.
Just as our National Collection contains artworks and objects from around the world, so too are Irish artefacts to be currently found in various international museums. Prior to the enactment of the relevant legislation (the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997), and as is the case in many countries, objects from Ireland were often legitimately acquired by antiquarian collectors and ultimately entered the collections of other museums through onward sale or donation. This type of activity dates from a time which predates the current legislation and its provisions relating to the discovery, possession and sale of archaeological objects.
Invariably, these treasures are now in institutional care and curatorial arrangements meet international best practice guidelines. Location abroad is not a primary concern in the modern age as the possibilities for online viewing increase and cultural travel in Europe is increasingly common. Ireland is prominently represented in a shared cultural heritage of Europe that predates the current borders and states.
It is important to recognise that the public holdings in Ireland also include renowned collections and important pieces from Europe and further afield. We are also fortunate to have an exquisite collection of monastic era treasures on permanent exhibition at the NMI. Our collections are held under constant review by the management of the national cultural institutions who respond proactively to change in relation to the ethics of collecting, with a particular consideration for ethnographic material.
The National Museum of Ireland maintains close relationships with international museums. I would note that many Irish objects from collections in overseas museums have been loaned to Irish institutions for specific exhibitions. The national cultural institutions also collaborate and share research in this area. My Department, along with the National Museum of Ireland and other national cultural institutions will continue to consider potential opportunities in this regard.
87. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide the figures for how much funding is available in each of the years 2021, 2022 and 2023 for Fáilte Ireland’s Digital that Delivers Programme. [53961/23]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national tourism policy and implementation of that policy is a matter for the tourism agencies, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland, as well as certain other bodies.
The matter raised is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred this question to them for direct response to the Deputy. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
88. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will reverse her decision in relation to the Ministerial approval of RTÉ's request to transfer the administration costs of the superannuation scheme from RTÉ (scheme sponsor) to the pension fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54052/23]
View answerMy Department received the following advices from NewERA in 2023 in relation to Pensions in RTÉ; firstly, a 2.5% increase in Pension payments back-dated to 1 January 2022 and secondly, a change to the Scheme regulations which would have the effect of transferring the annual operational costs of running the Scheme from RTÉ for discharge from the Scheme itself.
NewERA concluded that Ministerial consent should be provided for the Pension Increase Request and that there was now a basis, in their view, to agree to the Proposed Regulation Amendment given the improved funding levels of the Scheme and the updated plans for the de-risking of Scheme assets and settlement of Scheme liabilities.
My Department wrote to officials in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on this basis.
The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform has approved the 2.5% increase to pensions, effective from 1 January 2022. HR has indicated that further consideration is required in relation to the proposal to amend the Regulations of the Scheme in relation to the annual operating costs before a decision on consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform can be made.
89. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the main policy achievements of her Department in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54076/23]
View answerAs stated in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2023-2025, the mission of my Department is to lead the sustainable development of Tourism, Media and the Gaeltacht and promote participation in the Culture, Arts, and Sports sectors and the Irish language, supporting social progress, and enhancing cultural and economic growth across Irish society.
My Department implements policy to ensure the achievement of this mission and details on all of the recent policy achievements of this Department can be found in my Department’s 2022 annual report (www.gov.ie/en/publication/7153c-annual-report-2022/) and Statement of Strategy 2023-2025 (www.gov.ie/en/publication/502f6-statement-of-strategy-2023-2025/).
Working with Minister of State Thomas Byrne and Aire Stáit Patrick O'Donovan we are continuing to make significant progress across all areas of our Department's brief. Some of the key highlights of the many initiatives and policy achievements across the Department are set out below.
Tourism
• I am continuing to progress the development of a new national tourism policy framework that will seek to mainstream sustainability – environmental, economic and societal – across the entire tourism sector. The new framework will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. Following initial consultations with key stakeholders earlier this year, I will shortly launch a public consultation to give the public the chance to have their say. I hope to have the new policy framework finalised in the first quarter of next year.
• I secured continued additional funding for overseas marketing of Ireland as a leading holiday destination in 2023.
• €7.6 million in Shared Island funding has been secured for a new brand collaboration project linking the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way.
• €7.75 million in Brexit Adjustment Reserve funding has allowed Tourism Ireland to put in place a marketing strategy to retain business from Great Britain, increase the numbers of EU visitors in Ireland to reduce dependence on the Great Britain market and drive greater market diversification.
• €3 million was allocated to Tourism Ireland this year to promote regional access to Ireland in overseas tourism markets through initiatives like the Regional Cooperative Marketing Access Scheme which seeks to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions. Co-operative marketing activities during 2023 (up to Quarter 3) to date achieved at least a 10:1 return on campaign investment.
Culture
My Department’s Arts and Culture programme aims to promote and develop Ireland’s world class artistic and creative strengths at home and abroad, maximising their societal and economic value for the country, and supporting the Arts and entertainment sectors to develop and grow. There has been sustained investment in Arts and Culture in recent years. Some of the highlight initiatives in 2023 are as follows:
• I have secured an increase in the ceiling on donations of cultural and heritage goods to the national collections with tax relief being provided under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. The annual capacity of the scheme was increased from €6m to €8m - the first increase since 2002.
• In February, the National Cultural Institutions (National Concert Hall) (Amendment) Act 2023 was signed into law. This Act provides for the transfer of the National Symphony Orchestra and RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, RTÉ Cór na nÓg and RTÉ Cór Linn from RTÉ to the National Concert Hall and the transfer of staff, property, rights and liabilities of the Orchestra and Choirs. The Act also amended the Broadcasting Act 2009 to reflect the transfer of function and responsibility from RTÉ.
• In June 2023, I launched a sectoral consultation for a new national policy framework on culture and climate action and, taking into the account the feedback from that consultation, work is ongoing to finalise the policy.
• Earlier this year, an Advisory Committee on the Restitution of Culturally Sensitive Objects in Ireland was established. The committee is tasked with advising the Government on issues related to restitution of historically and culturally sensitive objects in Ireland.
• In September 2023, I announced the establishment of an Advisory Committee on the Representation of Women and Women’s Stories within National Cultural Institutions and the National Collection. The Committee will be tasked with advising on the representation of women within the context of the NCIs and the National Collection, overseeing an audit of the National Collection and identify best practices models that can support the NCIs.
• The €1m increase in funding to €7.6million for Culture Ireland in Budget 2024 marked the highest level of funding for Culture Ireland since its establishment and will support more Irish artists to launch and develop their careers on an international stage. Culture Ireland operates a regular grant scheme to support Irish artists, generating jobs and creating new audiences for Irish arts, enhancing Ireland's reputation. Culture Ireland will continue to expand its schedule of international showcase activity in 2024, reaching 30 separate events in 2024.
• The Basic Income for the Arts scheme is a three-year pilot that I established as a research project so that an evidence base can be developed around the impact of such a payment to artists. this in turn which will inform future Government policy in relation to how Ireland supports her artists. In 2023, evaluation of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme began. This research will provide invaluable insights into how the provision of a basic income might impact on elements of an artist’s or a creative arts worker’s life. Three research papers were published this week analysing the data collected thus far.
• This year we have made significant progress across the 36 actions in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Task force, with some actions now completed. The recommendations of the Report of the Night-Time Economy Task force aim to support the overall economic growth of our cities and towns by providing employment opportunities, boosting tourism, and encouraging cultural development. We will continue to work with our Government colleagues to further the actions and to develop new opportunities within the Night-Time Economy in support of the Report’s recommendations.
• 2023 is the concluding year of the Decade of Centenaries Programme 2012-2023. The Programme was supported with a current funding allocation of €5m that underpinned a broad and inclusive programme of events and projects delivered by Government and the National Cultural Institutions, the local authorities, institutions of learning, the Arts Council, RTÉ and a range of other creative and cultural partners. The overall programme was very well received by stakeholders over the last decade and is considered to have successfully delivered on its objective to mark, and commemorate appropriately, the key historical period leading to Ireland’s independence and the foundation of the State.
Gaeltacht
• Following the completion of the Programme for Government commitment to review the process of appointments to the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, legislation is currently being drafted to provide for the return of Údarás na Gaeltachta elections.
• Under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021, the statutory Irish Language Services Advisory Committee was established on 20 June 2022. The overall responsibility for the preparation of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services falls on the Committee. A number of significant provisions of the Act were commenced last year.
• With the intended commencement of all these provisions before year-end, all substantive provisions of the Act will have been commenced a year ahead of schedule, as set out under Section 20(3) of the Act.
• An tAire Stáit O'Donovan is working towards commencing Section 4 and Section 5 of the Act before year-end, and to commence on the same date, Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the Act, which relate to the establishment of the Coiste Logainmneacha (Placenames Committee). We hope to commence Section 16 of the Act, which will amend the Juries Act 1976. Under this provision, summons notices issued to people to serve as a juror will be done so bilingually and indeed this has already begun, owing to close collaboration between this Department and the Courts Service on the matter over the last year or so.
• Work on a new Strategy for the Language-based Arts and an associated investment package for the sector has been advanced significantly during 2023 while Ealaín na Gaeltachta Teo. published its 2023-2026 Strategy in Q4 2023.
• Significant new investment was made in developing the language in our schools in 2023, including in excess of €2m for the expansion of the Gaelbhratach programme and the extension of the Languages Assistants Scheme to statutory Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks.
Sport
• Minister of State Byrne launched the National Code of Conduct Template for Irish sports, which sets forth a set of guidelines and principles that promotes the behaviour and conduct expected from athletes, coaches, parents/guardians, supporters, referees/officials, and club members, regardless of the sporting environment.
• Minister Byrne and I progressed the development of the first National Swimming Strategy, which is due to be published in Quarter 1 of 2024.
• 2023 also saw continued progress towards greater gender equality in sport including female representation on the boards of sporting organisations with overall female representation now standing at 41% and for first time there is female representation on the board of every funded sporting organisation.
• Minister Byrne and I were also able to deliver a doubling in annual funding for in Sport Ireland’s key Women in Sport programme in the recent Budget which will increase from €2 million to €4 million from next year.
• Minister Byrne also launched a new, multi-annual Social Innovation in Sport programme to develop innovative social inclusion programmes through the use of sport and physical activity, with a specific focus on individuals at risk of social exclusion and poverty.
• We are continuing to support the hosting of Major Sports Events in Ireland and to explore further hosting opportunities. This is evidenced by the Government’s support for events such as the US College Football Classic every August from 2022 – 2026, the hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final in 2024 the Europa Cup Final in 2024, the Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick and the EURO 2028 football championships, which UEFA recently announced will be held in Ireland and the UK. In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a high level policy paper has been drafted and is currently being finalised. The policy will help to inform which events we will target in the future.
• A new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) was launched in 2023. This round of the SCEP closed for applications on Friday 8 September. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a large number of applications and it is evident that the total number will exceed the previous record of 3,106 applications submitted under the last (2020) round.
• Minister Byrne and I announced additional funding of €37.6 million for the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Programme (LSSIF) this week, which will see 27 individual projects benefitting, bringing the total awarded to date to Large Scale Sport Infrastructure funded projects to €124 million. We have also announced our intention to open a new round of this fund in the first half of 2024.
• A significant policy development in the area of sports capital is the requirement for future grantees to have an access policy in place that ensures similar access for females and males to facilities funding by either the SCEP or the LSSIF.
Broadcasting and Media
• Further to the publication of the Future of Media Commission report in July 2022, Government established an Implementation Group to develop an Implementation Strategy and Action Plan to give effect to the accepted recommendations. The Plan was published in January 2023.
• Separately, a Technical Working Group was established to consider options for the reform of the TV licence system. The Group has concluded its report and I have given a firm commitment to address the long-term funding of public service broadcasting within the life-time of this Government. Discussions with relevant cabinet colleagues are ongoing in this regard, and a decision will be taken after the two Expert Advisory Groups appointed by Government following the issues which arose in RTÉ earlier this year, have concluded their work.
• A key recommendation from the Future of Media Commission’s report is a new regulator to underpin an enhanced regulatory and developmental framework, which is key to supporting the future development of the media sector. This new regulator – Coimisiún na Meán – was established on 15 March 2023 under the provisions of the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act, 2022. I secured funding of €7.8m to support this work in 2023.
• The Future of Media Commission recommended the establishment of a new Media Fund to provide support for the provision of public service content by the wider media and journalism sector at local, regional and national levels on a platform neutral basis. The Media Fund is being established on an administrative basis, and I have secured €6m for the implementation next year of the first two Schemes under the Media Fund, namely the Local Democracy and Courts Reporting Schemes.
• In September, I launched Cúla4, TG4’s new Irish language television service for children and young people, which follows a period of sustained investment in TG4.
Over the next period, we will continue to invest, legislate and deliver policy and funding for these important sectors, which provide critically important services in our communities, and are integral to our economy and our society.
90. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will ensure the immediate installation of the 2008 NFCD plaque at the famine sculpture (details supplied); the reason this plaque has not been installed; the earliest date for installation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54117/23]
View answerIn June 2023, following agreement between my officials, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the OPW, a commemorative plaque was installed in the Custom House Visitors Centre for the public to view. This plaque commemorates the first National Famine Memorial Day in 2008.
In relation to a proposed plaque at the famine memorial sculpture on Customs House Quay, this is a matter for Dublin City Council as the sculpture is under the Council’s remit.
91. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing commencements in Louth and Meath to date in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53959/23]
View answerData on the commencement of residential dwellings, at local authority level, are published monthly on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/a5cb1-construction-activity-starts/
92. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has received an application from Cork City Council for stage two funding regarding the redevelopment of Spring Lane, halting site in Cork; when this application was received; when he intends to agree to the funding request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53960/23]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
On 4 August 2023, my Department granted Stage 1 approval to Cork City Council for the redevelopment of Spring Lane Halting Site for a budget provision of €12,69m. On 27 September 2023, a Stage 2 application was submitted by the local authority to my Department for approval, including for a revised amount of €20.49m.
My Department is considering the application, having regard to the increased funding sought and the additional information provided by Cork City Council.
93. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to Kildare County Council’s housing aid grants for older people, if he can investigate a grant application for persons (details supplied). [54016/23]
View answer96. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options that are available for disabled people who cannot afford adaptions and are slightly over the means test threshold, and therefore are not entitled to have it paid for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54030/23]
View answer99. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase the threshold for the housing aid for older persons grant, given the current maximum grant under this scheme is €8000, with the cost of labour, materials and living increases making it inaccessible and unaffordable for many older people to bridge the gap between the awarded grant and the actual cost of the project (details supplied), and with many older people needing to refit their bathrooms on health and safety grounds to the HSE-required standard to include accessible showers, toilets and grab rails as part of their long term needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54096/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 93, 96 and 99 together.
My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to administer the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People.
The income limits and maximum grant amounts payable under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme are underpinned by S.I. 670 of 2007, and amended in 2014 by S.I. No. 104 of 2014.
The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a matter for the local authority to determine grant eligibility. Local authorities, in administering the scheme, work with qualifying applicants to secure the most beneficial outcome possible in line with the applicants' financial circumstances and within the parameters of the Grant Scheme. However, individual applications are solely a matter for the local authority in question.
Housing for All commits to reviewing the grants scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. The review was informed by engagement with external stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Written submissions were also invited and considered as part of this process. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds (including the means test provisions) and grant limits, and the application and decision-making processes including the supplementary documentation required.
On foot of my consideration of the Review report, my Department shared the report and supplementary analysis with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and is engaging with the Department on the recommendations in the report. I will publish the report once this engagement has concluded.
94. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to respond to concerns raised by a union (details supplied) in respect of the Planning and Development Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54025/23]
View answerThe Planning and Development Bill 2023 outlines significant organisational restructuring of An Bord Pleanála, notably the separation of the decision making element of the organisation (the Planning Commissioners) from those with responsibility for oversight of its governance. It is in this context that the proposed new name of An Coimisiún Pleanála arises.
The Commission will include a separate corporate structure, which will be led by a Chief Executive Officer and have a strengthened management team and organisational structure. A non-executive Governing Board will be responsible for the governance, strategic direction and performance of the organisation. The decision making function currently assigned to the Chairperson and Board Members will now be undertaken by the Chief Planning Commissioner and the Planning Commissioners.
The Bill does not provide for, or make any legislative changes to, any staffing grades below executive management level.
95. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the new fire station in Dunleer, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54026/23]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003.
My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.
Louth County Council has indicated that Dunleer remains their top priority project, and a new fire station at Dunleer is provided for in the Fire services Capital Programme 2021 - 2025.
The Council submitted a preliminary appraisal to my Department in January 2021. Following examination of the proposal, approval in principle for this project issued on 25 June 2021, along with approval for the Council to appoint a design team and to progress this project to full design and cost plan stage.
Louth County Council are working to finalise the acquisition of their preferred site. Upon final confirmation of site acquisition, Louth County Council will move quickly through the necessary phases to progress the construction of a new station for Dunleer. My Department will continue to work with Louth County Council to progress the new Dunleer fire station project.
97. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will seek a review of the closure of a service (details supplied) provided under local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54038/23]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through general policy-setting and preparing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2017, my Department was informed by Roscommon County Council that Castlerea fire brigade was to be stood down. A formal decision not to re-open Castlerea Fire station was made, at the appropriate local level, by Roscommon County Council in 2020 based on an independently peer reviewed report “Roscommon County Council Fire Services – Operations Risk Management Review and Area Risk Assessment” presented to the Council at their July 2020 meeting.
It is important to note that the non-availability of any particular fire station does not mean that fire risk management, including fire service response, is diminished. The systemic approach to fire risk management, which has been the policy underpinning the delivery of fire services in this country for more than a decade, has seen a welcome and steady downward trend in fire losses in Ireland.
Roscommon County Council provide fire services from fire stations at Roscommon town, Elphin, Boyle, Ballaghaderreen and Strokestown. Significant areas of the county are also served from fire stations located in adjacent counties including Athlone, Ballinasloe, Ballyhaunis, Carrick-on-Shannon and Lanesboro. The response is codified in a formal Pre-Determined Attendance profile that is validated by the Chief Fire Officer.
Fire cover for Castlerea has continued to be provided from the adjacent fire stations and my Department has been assured that fire cover in the area continues to be managed and delivered in an efficient and safe manner by adjacent fire brigades. Roscommon Fire and Rescue Service is equipped to deal appropriately with the level of fire risk in the community and, while Castlerea Fire Brigade was stood down more than five years ago, the fire service to residents, business owners, institutions and schools has continued to be delivered in a safe and appropriate manner in line with the Operations Risk Management Review presented to Roscommon County Council.
I remain assured that fire safety in the area continues to be managed and delivered in an efficient and safe manner by Roscommon Fire Service.
98. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any restrictions on planning for housing being built beside wind turbines. [54051/23]
View answerIn making decisions on a planning application for any type of development, a planning authority, or the Board as appropriate, must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received from the public and the statutory consultees, and any relevant Ministerial or Government policies as well as any planning guidelines issued by my Department. Planning authorities must then make their own decisions, based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.
The current Wind Energy Development Guidelines 2006 do not provide for a mandatory minimum setback distance between wind turbines and residential dwellings. However, in the context of, and in addition to, noise limits, they indicate - for the purpose of protecting residential dwellings in noise sensitive locations and for visual amenity purposes - an advisory minimum setback distance of 500 metres between each wind turbine and the nearest point of the curtilage of any residential property in the vicinity of the proposed development.
My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including setback distance, noise, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
It should be noted that Action EL/23/4 of the Climate Action Plan 2023 Annex of Actions contains a commitment to having new draft Guidelines prepared by the end of Q4 2023, with revised Guidelines to be published in 2024.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, or subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
100. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has authorised the use of decoy crows for the purpose of protecting crops and animal feed by farmers pursuant to section 35(4) of the Wildlife Act 1976, as amended; and if not, to provide reasons that purpose has not been authorised. [54098/23]
View answer101. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown of the number of licences or permits that his Department has granted for decoy crows for the purpose of scientific research, for protecting crops and animal feed by farmers, and for other purposes approved by the Minister, respectively, for each year since 2020. [54099/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together.
Licences under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife Acts, as amended, allows for certain use of decoys but may only be granted for ‘scientific research or for another purpose approved of by the Minister’. The use of decoy crows has not been authorised for the purpose of protecting crops and animal feed by farmers. However, the General Wild Bird Declaration allows for the control of crows where there is a threat to public health & safety and vector in the spread of animal diseases; to prevent serious damage to livestock; and also in the protection of fauna, notably the nests and young of game birds. The control method that can be used for all of the above reasons is by ‘shooting with rifle or shotgun and by use of cage traps with or without live decoys subject to conditions’. This can occur during specific time periods as outlined in the Declaration that can be found here: www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/eu-birds-directive-article-9-derogations
Below are details of licences granted under Section 35 of the Wildlife Acts, as amended:
|
Year |
Scientific Research (including predator control for conservation purposes) |
Protecting crops and animal feed |
|
2020 |
17 |
0 |
|
2021 |
3 |
0 |
|
2022 |
7 |
2 (issued in error) |
|
2023 |
13 |
0 |
|
Total |
42 |
2 |
