Micheál Martin
Ceist:16. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if progress is being made on commemorating 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7487/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommemorative Events
Ceisteanna (16, 19, 36)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:19. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the progress of the development of a 1916 interpretative centre at the GPO on O’Connell Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10703/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:36. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a full and detailed update on events being organised by the commemoration and decade of centenaries programme; and the participation there will be for families of those involved in 1916 in commemorative events. [10602/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 19 and 36 together.
I refer the Deputies to a number of recent replies in this House relating to the commemorative programme for the decade of centenaries. These have outlined the activities undertaken and the events planned for the remainder of 2014, as well as the programme leading up to 2016.
Already this year, we have seen the launch by the Taoiseach of the comprehensive Military Pensions Service Archive on-line project, which has attracted thousands of visitors to date, and the launch by the Tánaiste of the digitisation project, in association with Google, of Ireland's World War I Memorial Record.
During April, the centenary of the foundation of Cumann na mBan will be marked with a series of events, centring on a State memorial at Glasnevin Cemetery and a conference organised by the Women's History Association of Ireland, hosted by the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks. Activities relating to the Ulster and Irish Volunteers, and to the Curragh Mutiny, are also planned.
The achievement of John Redmond and the Irish Parliamentary Party with the passing and suspension of the Third Home Rule Bill will also be acknowledged later this year, alongside the commemorations of the outbreak of the First World War.
Work is continuing apace on advancing a number of capital projects – including the Military Service Pensions Archive, the Courthouse at Kilmainham, the visitor facility at the GPO and Pearse's Cottage at Ros Muc - for which capital funding of €6m was made available for 2014.
Details of other forthcoming events will be posted on the centenary commemorations website at www.decadeofcentenaries.com. I am pleased to note the contribution which the National Cultural Institutions continue to make in this area. This past week-end, for instance, the National Gallery held its inaugural Study Day dealing with the War Artists and War Poets. This was the opening event of a programme that will continue over the coming weeks at the Gallery. Similarly, last weekend the National Museum hosted a lecture on 'The Irish Soldier on Film'.
Public access and participation are key elements in the development of the commemorative arrangements. Where possible, special recognition and accommodation will be arranged for the families of 1916 personnel. Expressions of interest to attend events from family members are being received in the Department of Defence and will be specifically considered when commemorations are being planned.
I very much appreciate the suggestions and advice that I receive in relation to commemorative possibilities and I remain, as always, grateful to hear from Deputies with any views they wish to convey.
Question No. 17 answered with Question No. 8.
National Monuments
Ceisteanna (18, 162)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:18. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if his attention has been drawn to the extent of the damage caused by the recent storms to national monuments across the country; in particular, damage to national monuments near coastal areas; the action he will take to remedy this damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10699/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which ongoing inspections are carried out at protected or other monuments throughout the country with particular reference to the detection of the need for weather-proofing or other damage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11478/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 162 together.
Since the onset of the recent bouts of severe weather affecting many areas of the country, my Department has maintained ongoing contact with regional staff and our partners in the heritage sector, in particular the Office of Public Works and local authorities in the most affected areas, with a view to identifying the full extent of the damage caused to the archaeological heritage.
My Department has received a number of reports of damage to archaeological monuments, mainly concentrated on the west and south coasts. However, due to the remote nature of many of the monuments concerned it is likely to be some time before the full scale of the damage caused becomes evident. Moreover, there may be instances where monuments which currently appear unaffected may exhibit structural weaknesses in the months and years ahead on foot of damage caused by the recent severe weather.
In terms of national monuments in my ownership or guardianship, the most serious report of damage occurred at Dún Beag promontory fort in Co. Kerry, where a section of the fort was lost to an earthen collapse in January. A number of cases of comparatively minor damage to national monuments were also reported, including damage to the roofs of Kilmainham Gaol and the Dwyer-McAllister Cottage in Co. Wicklow.
My Department is continuing to assess the reports of damage received and will respond appropriately in due course.
Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 16.
Question No. 20 answered with Question No. 8.
Heritage Projects
Ceisteanna (21)
Kevin Humphreys
Ceist:21. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on plans to restore and salvage the heritage vessel the Naomh Éanna currently under the control of Waterways Ireland; the meetings he has held regarding this vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10632/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Naomh Éanna is owned by the Irish Nautical Trust and has been moored at Grand Canal Dock since 1989, when it was found to no longer meet health and safety requirements to operate as a passenger-carrying vessel. Unfortunately, the ship has deteriorated substantially in the past 20 years and presents a real risk in the Grand Canal Basin, in the heart of Dublin's Docklands. In April 2013, a report on the hull condition of the vessel, commissioned by its owners, highlighted serious safety concerns. Based on the report’s findings, the Irish Nautical Trust issued a ‘Notice to Vacate’ to both of the businesses that had been operating from the vessel. I am advised that very significant investment would be required to preserve the already unstable hull of the vessel and to bring the vessel to the point where it would be safe and insurable. I am further advised that the vessel's owners do not have the financial resources to deal with these issues. In the circumstances, Waterways Ireland offered to arrange for the removal and disposal of the ship on behalf of the Irish Nautical Trust. Waterways Ireland made this offer as the property owners of the Grand Canal Dock because of the continuing serious risk posed by the condition of the Naomh Éanna, the disruption and expense that would be involved were it to sink in the Grand Canal Dock and the absence of any firm indication that the very significant level finance required to make it safe and insurable was potentially available. The Irish Nautical Trust accepted the offer and confirmed its approval to Waterways Ireland to dispose of the vessel on its behalf.
Following a commitment given in Dáil Éireann on 13 February 2014, a meeting of the accountable bodies with an interest in the matter took place on 18 February to determine if anything could be done to avert the disposal of the Naomh Éanna. This meeting included officials from my Department, Waterways Ireland, the National Asset Management Agency and the Health & Safety Authority (HSA). The Marine Survey Office, Dublin City Council, Dublin Port Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency were also invited but were not in a position to send representatives. The meeting concluded that the proper course of action to be taken was to proceed with the disposal of the vessel because of the continuing serious risk it posed, the disruption and expense that would be involved were it to sink in the Grand Canal and the absence of any firm indication that the very significant level finance required to make it safe and insurable was potentially available. This decision was not taken lightly.
I am aware of the desire among some individuals and groups to see the Naomh Éanna restored and, as I advised in Seanad Éireann on 26 February, any such interested individuals or groups now have until 31 March to come up with a realistic proposal to restore the vessel. Any such proposal would have to be based on a credible, definitive business plan with access to the required finance and, in that regard, I must re-iterate that there is no question of State funding being made available. In view of the serious safety issues posed by the Naomh Éanna, it will not be feasible to delay action to deal with those issues beyond that time frame.
Ulster Canal Restoration Project
Ceisteanna (22)
Heather Humphreys
Ceist:22. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on the progress of the Ulster canal project; the work carried out to date by the interagency group which was set up to examine possible funding options; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10604/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, in July 2007 the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) agreed to proceed with the restoration of the section of the Ulster Canal between Clones and Upper Lough Erne. The then Government agreed to cover the full capital costs of the project, which were estimated at that time to be of the order of €35m. It was always the intention that the Ulster Canal project would be funded from the Waterways Ireland annual allocations, as agreed through the annual estimates processes in this jurisdiction, as well as the deliberations of NSMC in relation to annual budgets. It was a key consideration throughout the process that the Ulster Canal project would be supported by a significant level of projected income from the commercialisation of certain Waterways Ireland assets. However, the economic downturn has had a negative impact on those plans.
I am continuing to explore all possible options to advance this project within the current fiscal constraints. In this regard, I established an Inter-Agency Group on the Ulster Canal to explore ways to advance the project and to examine possible funding options for it, including existing funding streams and the leveraging of funding from other sources.
The Group comprises County Managers from Monaghan and Cavan County Councils, the Director of Leisure, Development and Arts from Fermanagh District Council, representatives from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Fáilte Ireland, Strategic Investment Board, Waterways Ireland and senior officials from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Northern Ireland and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The Inter-Agency Group has met four times, last meeting on 9th December 2013. The Group continues to examine leveraged funding opportunities for the project. This includes the exploration of EU funding which may be potentially available in the next round of structural funds covering the period 2014 - 2020.
In the meantime, the Ulster Canal project is progressing on an incremental basis. Planning approvals have been received for the project in both jurisdictions. Compulsory Purchase Order land maps are in preparation and consideration is being given to how the construction work and other technical aspects of the project will be structured and the necessary lands secured.
National Monuments
Ceisteanna (23)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:23. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the consent application is for a restoration of the National Monument per se and is independent of the Chartered Land planning application that seeks the demolition of other buildings occupied by the 1916 Provisional Government; if his decision will ensure the creation of a commemorative centre on the site involving the full repair and conservation of the four buildings; and if it will exclude the demolition of any structures or the removal of any material from the area which date from or before 1916; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10706/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The national monument at Nos. 14 to 17 Moore Street is the subject of a Preservation Order under the National Monuments Acts. The effect of the Preservation Order is that any works affecting the site require my consent, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, under section 14 of the National Monuments Act 1930, as amended.
On 16 July last I made a determination in relation to a consent application and related Environmental Impact Statement submitted by the owners in relation to proposed works on the monument site. My decision provides for the creation of a 1916 commemorative centre, involving the full repair and conservation of the four buildings. The order which I signed did not approve the demolition of any structures or the removal of any material from the site which date from or before 1916. Nor did it approve works for the provision of an underground car park within the boundary of the national monument site, or the demolition of the Moore Lane facades of Nos. 15 and 16.
The national monument is in private ownership and, accordingly, the advancement of proposals that reflect the terms of the consent I have granted is a matter for the owners. The consent is, however, conditional on a revised project design that takes full account of the terms of my decision being submitted for my approval within 9 months of the decision date. A further condition requires substantive works to commence on site within 3 months of the approval of the revised proposals.
In the meantime my Department I have met with representatives of the monument owners, Chartered Land Ltd, who affirmed their intention to respond in an entirely positive way to the terms of the consent I had granted. They have since had a number of further meetings with my Department to discuss and clarify various aspects of the detailed conditions set out in consent order with the objective of ensuring that their final designs for the approved works are fully compliant with what I have prescribed. My understanding is that those designs will be submitted to me very shortly to verify that they are in compliance with the consent order. They will be assessed as quickly as possible on receipt.
The National Asset Management Agency has recently confirmed to my Department that it will make the necessary funding available for the works covered by my consent. This adds considerably to the prospects of a fitting tribute to the 1916 leaders being in place in Moore St in time for the centenary of the Rising. I understand that Chartered Land has also indicated to my Department that it could be expected to bring the approved works to completion within that timeframe.
Film Industry Promotion
Ceisteanna (24)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Ceist:24. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the discussions he has had with the film industry; his strategy to grow the film industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10702/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Film Board (IFB) has primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland, in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions. It is a statutorily independent agency responsible for the promotion and development of the Irish film industry and I have no responsibility in relation to its day-to-day operational matters, including the allocation of resources to different support programmes and schemes. The IFB has been allocated €14.037 million from my Department's Vote in 2014 to carry out its functions. Following consultations between my Department, the IFB and the Department of Finance, a number of changes to section 481 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (Film Tax Relief Scheme) are being introduced to ensure that Ireland retains or regains competitiveness in attracting foreign film projects to Ireland. The scheme was extended to the end of 2020 in the 2013 Finance Act and further changes were announced by the Minister for Finance in his 2014 budget speech. The budget announcement brings forward the new regime for film tax reliefs to 2015, and extends the definition of 'eligible individual' in the scheme for film relief to include non-EU talent. I am confident that this will increase the attractiveness of Ireland as a destination for film investment and allow the audiovisual production sector to maintain existing jobs and create new ones.
Historic Towns Initiative
Ceisteanna (25)
Sandra McLellan
Ceist:25. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to expand the successful historic towns initiative. [10603/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Historic Towns Initiative (HTI) is a joint undertaking by my Department, the Heritage Council and Fáilte Ireland, which have come together to promote the heritage-led regeneration of Ireland’s historic towns. In order to pilot the HTI, three towns – Listowel, County Kerry, Westport, County Mayo, and Youghal, County Cork – were chosen, based on their respective typologies in terms of their geographical locations, form and evolution, and distinct local heritage. The key objective of this HTI pilot is that the cultural heritage of historic towns can be used to create a desirable place in which to live, do business and to visit. With leadership and vision, this initiative can also help generate economic benefits that will enable the historic town to prosper, such as increased visitor numbers and decreased numbers of vacant buildings and commercial premises. A framework document was launched in February 2013 and a working group convened to represent the three partner organisations and town councils in order to develop the framework for the implementation of the pilot phase. The initiative is currently ongoing and my Department has allocated €240,000 in capital funds in 2013 divided between the three towns. Funding was also allocated by Fáilte Ireland to the towns in 2013 and each town made an additional contribution in the form of direct financial aid or contribution-in-kind.
To date the initiative has resulted in a series of innovative programmes of works which have enhanced the heritage character of each town. The pilot phase is due to be completed in mid-2014, following which the operation of the initiative will be reviewed. At that stage I will consider the future expansion of the initiative to other historic towns, along with participating criteria for historic towns. However, any enlargement of the initiative will, as the Deputy can appreciate, be subject to the availability of funding in the context of the many competing priorities for the conservation, preservation and presentation of the State’s heritage.
National Raised Bog Management Plan Discussions
Ceisteanna (26)
Luke 'Ming' Flanagan
Ceist:26. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the rates of growth of active raised bog habitats in special areas of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10730/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Active raised bogs are acid, peat forming, rainfall fed bogs, with a water level generally higher than in the surrounding areas and dominated by bog mosses (Sphagnum species) which are the main peat forming species. The principal peat forming bog mosses require water tables over, at or slightly below the bog surface for most of the year and water levels rarely drop more than 20cms below the bog surface even during dry summer weather. These acid and permanently wet conditions minimise decomposition of the biomass produced by the plants each year. This in turn leads to the accumulation of the partially decomposed plant material known as peat. Peat accumulation proceeds slowly at an average rate of only 1-2mm/year or approximately 1 metre every 1,000 years. This habitat now occupies just over 1,210ha in the Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), down from an estimated 1,940 in 1994 and over 99% less than the area it once occupied in Ireland. Even in the raised bog SACs, the active bog habitat now only covers less than 12% of the remaining high bog area whereas, in intact bogs, it would occupy almost 100%.
This habitat is very sensitive to any changes in water levels caused by the installation of drains, by increases in horizontal runoff rates due to increased surface slopes, or changes in directions of surface flows. Water levels can also be affected by increased vertical losses due to development of cracks or swallow holes or increased hydraulic gradients between the surface and base of the bog. Both drainage and turf cutting can cause such adverse hydrological changes with consequent widespread ecological impacts. These adverse changes cannot be reversed unless the hydrology of the area becomes suitable once more for peat growth. Unfortunately some of the changes arising from drainage and turf cutting are irreversible and can greatly reduce the potential for restoration to active bog habitat. Severe fires can also damage the vegetation and surface peat layers of the bog and temporarily halt peat growth even in actively growing bogs. Fires can also speed up the drying out process if it is already underway and dried out bogs are much more susceptible to further fire damage.
The area of active raised bog at a national level has been assessed as Unfavourable Bad-Decreasing - the lowest possible ranking under the Habitats Directive assessment system. Its extent has decreased in both reporting periods up to 2013 and 2007. These assessments were based on changes in the area of active raised bog mapped during the baseline survey in 1994-5 and two monitoring surveys in 2004-5 and 2011-13. In both monitoring periods almost all bogs surveyed were within the SACs and therefore the results are representative of the condition of the raised bogs in the SAC network. The basic mapping methods were similar for all 3 surveys but the availability and use of GPS microcomputers, in the field, has undoubtedly improved the accuracy of the mapping in the 2007 and 2013 reporting periods. When comparing results from the different surveys, efforts are made to ensure consistency of interpretation between the different survey dates.
The results of the most recent monitoring survey in 2011-13 showed a slight decrease of approx. 1.5% in the area of active raised bog when compared to the results of the 20004-5 monitoring survey. This loss is substantially smaller than the 25% - 36.8% decrease shown when the results of the 20004-5 monitoring survey are compared with the results of the baseline survey in 1994-5. In addition, comparison of 1990s and 2004/05 vegetation descriptions indicated that there were significant declines in habitat quality as the wettest vegetation types in the active bog habitat were much more severely impacted. Comparisons of rates of loss between sites identified a strong relationship between habitat losses and the location and intensity of major impacting activities such as turf cutting.
The slow-down in the rates of loss of Active Raised Bog are considered to be due to a combination of factors. These include acquisition of turbary rights by my Department, the implementation of peat cutting cessation schemes which resulted in a substantial decline in peat cutting rates overall and a complete cessation in some sites, the fact that practically no new drainage took place on the high bog in the new reporting period (2007-2012) and the positive effects of restoration works undertaken with many sites developing new active peat forming areas. The adverse effects of extensive drainage works undertaken in the 1980s and early 1990s period would have continued to cause major habitat losses in the 1994/95-2004/05 period.
However, this rate of loss would be expected to decrease over time as all the more vulnerable areas were impacted initially. In addition, the natural blockage of drains by slumping and Sphagnum growth would have further reduced the drainage impact and therefore the rate of loss. It is estimated that there was 51ha of active raised bog lost during this period but that this was offset by the successful restoration of 38 ha of active bog on 12 bogs leaving a net loss of 13ha. In addition, the restoration works on those bogs and on another 9 SACs would have slowed the rate of loss of active bog and improved the condition of the non-active bog habitat. It takes at least a decade for restoration works to restore significant areas of active bog.
It is hoped that, in the next Habitat Directive reporting period (2019), a stabilisation in the area of active bog can be reported but that will depend on our ability to prevent further damaging impacts and, with community support, implement a program of restoration works. If we can do that we can look forward to significant increase in active bog at the following reporting period in 2025.
Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 13.
Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 10.