Written Answers Nos. 446-477
446. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the mapping process being undertaken as part of the national broadband plan; the timeline for completion in view of the huge concerns about lack of suitable broadband in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32721/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra453. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll-out of broadband in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32815/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 446 and 453 together.
The Government's Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention. The National Broadband Plan aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.
Since publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector have accelerated with commercial operators investing, or committing to invest, approximately €2.5 billion in networks and services.
The Government has committed to an ambitious plan which involves ensuring the delivery of broadband services to those parts of rural Ireland that will not be served by the commercial sector. Services will be delivered over a network, with fibre at its foundation, which is sustainable and guarantees a quality broadband service to rural consumers into the future. This will be the key element of an intervention strategy that will ensure that all citizens and businesses can access high speed broadband services regardless of where they live.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department, to identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial list has already been identified and includes over 1,100 towns and villages across Ireland.
A stakeholder consultation on the implementation of the State-led intervention has recently been launched and will feed into the mapping exercise, which I expect to conclude in the autumn. It is my intention to conduct a full public consultation on the outcome of the mapping process and the proposed intervention strategy. EU State aid clearance will also be required. This will be followed by a detailed procurement process with a view to commencing construction of the fibre network and provision of services as quickly as possible.
It is my intention to progress this complex and ambitious project as a key priority. I believe that it will address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way and will ensure that rural Ireland can enjoy comparable levels of quality and service as those experienced in urban areas.
447. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the work of the expert panel that was appointed to review the routes for the GridLink project; the timelines he expects on its work with specific reference to considering underground routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32723/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Priority Question No. 3 on today's Order Paper.
448. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form a detailed breakdown of the name and number of ministerial special advisers in his Department; their annual remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32742/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo Special Adviser has been formally appointed since my appointment.
Special Adviser appointments will be undertaken in accordance with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil and the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices (July 2014) issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In accordance with Section 11(1)(a) of the Public Service Management Act 1997, I may appoint a maximum of two Special Advisers.
449. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the gender quota targets for the boards of State bodies and agencies under his remit; the level reached to date; and his future plans to meet and maintain the targets. [32757/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to seeking to attain the 40% target for both genders on State Boards and it is a key concern of mine to ensure high quality representation on Boards irrespective of gender.
This Government adopted a significant innovation in 2011 to widen access by all persons to be considered for appointment to State Boards by providing that expressions of interest be sought publicly from all those that might be interested in serving on such Boards.
In accordance with the Government Decision of 12 April 2011, on my Department's website, Expressions of Interest have been invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of my Department and this information has been used to inform decisions for such appointments. My Department first advertised for expressions of interest in such appointments in June 2011.
Notwithstanding this significant innovation, the level of expressions of interest from women has been less than half that of men. Of the 31 applications made in 2011 on foot of the invitation to submit expressions of interest, 10 were from women and 21 from men. In 2012 the total number of applicants was 37 of which 8 were from women and 29 from men. In the period since, the number of applicants is 110 of which 35 are from women and 75 from men.
There are currently a total of 152 Board Members serving on the Boards of Bodies under the aegis of my Department. Of these 110 (72%) are men and 42 (28%) are women. There have been 33 women appointed to State Boards under the aegis of my Department in the period March 2011 to date in 2014.
I will continue to work with my Government colleagues in pursuit of the target of having at least 40% of board membership from each gender.
450. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his priorities for the remainder of his term in office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32772/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Statement of Government Priorities 2014 to 2016 sets out clear and ambitious targets to build on the achievements of the last three years and to broaden and deepen the economic and social recovery and improve the living standards of our citizens.
Energy and broadband connectivity are amongst the most strategic sectors of the Irish economy and are clearly reflected in the strategy for economic and social recovery set out in the Statement.
The statement identifies the promotion of investment in indigenous energy production, reduction of emissions, improvement of security of supply and creation of jobs as overriding objectives. In doing so we need to be cognisant of energy cost competitiveness, while anchoring Irish energy policy in the three pillars of EU Energy policy. In the area of broadband, the National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses, irrespective of location. Significant commercial investment is already underway and will be complemented by State investment aimed at addressing those areas where there is no commercial case for investment. To help create jobs and growth in small to medium enterprises, an online trading voucher scheme has been launched and is targeting support to over 2,000 SMEs over a two year period.
Over the coming months I will engage with my Department in the preparation of a new Statement of Strategy which will set out the key objectives, outputs and related strategies for my Department for the next three years. While I would not attempt to anticipate the full scope of the Statement, or list all the priority areas for action at this stage, I expect that it will include:
- A legislative programme that will include new Broadcasting, Minerals and Fisheries legislation;
- The development of an Energy White Paper which takes account, inter alia, of energy and climate change objectives and targets over the medium and long term, specific obligations to 2020 in relation to renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency, and the need to ensure security of supply and competitiveness in our energy system;
- Further development of the National Broadband Plan;
-Continued roll-out of the National Digital Strategy;
- supporting a diverse and financially stable broadcasting sector;
- the roll-out the National Postcode project; and
- Overseeing the 2015 offshore Oil and Gas licensing Round.
When complete, I will be happy to present a copy of the Statement of Strategy to the House.
451. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a copy of the briefing he has received upon entering office from his Department; if he will publish the briefing; and if so, when the briefing will be published. [32787/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraArrangements will be made to publish the relevant briefing on my Department's website as soon as possible.
454. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide full details, including salary, of every appointment he has approved since coming into office of special advisers under his remit; the salary cap that is in place with respect to special adviser appointments; the number of appointments he has approved with salary in excess of the cap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32891/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo Special Adviser has been formally appointed since my appointment.
Special Adviser appointments will be undertaken in accordance with the Instructions on Ministerial Appointments for the 31st Dáil and the Guidelines on Staffing of Ministerial Offices (July 2014) issued by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
In accordance with Section 11(1)(a) of the Public Service Management Act 1997, I may appoint a maximum of two Special Advisers.
455. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the provision of ongoing State funding for the Irish Deaf Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32030/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra463. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will reverse the recent decision not to grant funds to the Neurological Alliance of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32120/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra499. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the basis for the recent decision to cut €1.2 million of funding from his Department for 25 charities; if he will provide details of the impact assessment which was carried out in respect of this decision; if he will reconsider this decision in view of the invaluable work of these charities and the relatively small amount involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32662/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 455, 463 and 499 together.
The funding scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. During 2013, officials in my Department carried out a review of the scheme, which found that it has fulfilled its main objective of providing multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. The review recommended that organisations be required to demonstrate clearly the added value of the work proposed.
A new round of funding was advertised for applications earlier this year. Pobal was asked to undertake an assessment of the applications received, given that organisation's significant experience and expertise of both the design of assessment criteria and completion of assessment functions. Two well-attended information sessions were hosted by the Department and Pobal during the application process to outline the requirements of the new Scheme. Application Guidelines were also issued, which outlined the scoring process which included capacity of the organisation, strategic fit, demonstration of need, achievability of the proposal and value for money. Organisations were provided with support in the application process, including a dedicated email address as a preferred contact method to deal promptly with queries, and enquiries were also dealt with by telephone.
My predecessor was anxious to make funding available to as many organisations as possible within the prevailing resource constraints and he approved 55 applications for funding for the two-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. The Irish Deaf Society and the Neurological Association of Ireland were not approved for funding on this occasion.
Pobal has put in place a dedicated team to deal with any inquiries from applicants and to provide detailed feedback. There is also a scheme appeals process and applicants have been provided with detailed information in that regard. As that process is now live, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment on the funding process or on the application of any particular organisation.
456. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason in the case of an estate (details supplied) in County Cork some of the properties are exempt from the property charge and some are not. [32407/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Section 10 of the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, an exemption from liability can arise for properties located in developments prescribed on a list made by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, where the Minister is satisfied that the developments on the list are incomplete to a substantial extent, having regard to the condition of public infrastructure and amenities, including access, water services, public lighting and amenity areas. An exemption from the Local Property Tax applies to developments listed in the Schedule to the Finance (Local Property Tax) Regulations 2013. The list of unfinished housing developments eligible for the exemption was compiled by local authorities utilising the categorisation employed for the purposes of the National Housing Survey 2012. The survey was carried out over the course of summer 2012 by my Department in conjunction with local authorities and the Housing Agency. Only developments that were deemed by local authorities to be in a “seriously problematic condition”, regardless of whether a developer was on or off site, were included in the Finance (Local Property Tax) Regulations 2013.
Only part of the development in question was deemed to be in “seriously problematic condition” by Cork County Council and this part of the development was subsequently listed in the Schedule to the Finance (Local Property Tax) Regulations 2013 and therefore benefits from an exemption from the Local Property Tax.
457. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of mortgage-to-rent transactions that have been fully completed to date; the number currently at an advanced stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32625/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the mortgage-to-rent scheme in operation through my Department, 64 cases have completed with tenancy agreements signed. In respect of 42 of these units all legal agreements with the local authority have been signed with payments being made or having been made by my Department. A further 122 are at an advanced stage of negotiation, with full funding approval having been issued by my Department in respect of 70 of these by the end of June 2014.
458. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the best practice guidelines for the development of the Irish wind energy industry are in line with European best practice guidelines, particularly in respect of effects on cultural heritage, proximity to residential communities and these communities' rights to quality of life and the visual impact of the development of this industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32710/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), planning authorities must have regard to my Department’s 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines, when considering planning applications for such developments. The Guidelines provide advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy development through the development plan and development management processes. They are also intended to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy development and the treatment of planning applications for such developments. Guidance is provided on issues such as natural and built heritage, proximity to residential communities, noise, shadow flicker and aesthetic considerations in siting and design including landscape impact.
It is unclear which European best practice guidelines the Deputy is referring to in his question. The 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines take account of European Union legislation on matters such as Environmental Impact Assessment and the protection of Habitats. As part of a focussed review of the 2006 Guidelines, Marshall Day Acoustics were commissioned during 2013 to carry out research relating to wind turbine noise including an examination of current EU and international practice. This research was an important input into proposed draft revisions to the Guidelines, which were put out for public consultation in December 2013.
These draft revisions propose;
- The setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments,
- A mandatory minimum setback of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling for amenity considerations, and
- The complete elimination of shadow flicker between wind turbines and neighbouring dwellings.
My Department received submissions from some 7,500 organisations and members of the public during the public consultation period, which are currently being considered. These public submissions will be an important input into the final version of the guidelines which I intend to issue to planning authorities later this year.
459. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update regarding housing estates (details supplied) in County Cork, which are the subject of negotiations between his Department, Irish Water and Cork County Council with regard to a possible takeover by Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32019/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that where an estate is completed to the satisfaction of the planning authority in accordance with the planning permission (and any conditions attached to the permission), the planning authority must initiate taking in charge procedures as soon as possible following a request to do so by the developer or by the majority of the owners. Similarly, where an estate has not been completed to the standard outlined in the planning permission and the planning authority has not taken enforcement action within seven years of the expiry of the permission authorising the development, section 180 also provides that the planning authority must initiate taking in charge procedures if requested to do so by the owners of the units concerned. The decision as to whether an estate should be taken in charge is ultimately one for the elected members of the planning authority.
Section 180 was amended in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010 to provide that a local authority may take in charge an unfinished estate, at the request of the owners of the housing units, at any time after the expiration of the planning permission, in situations where enforcement actions have commenced or where the local authority considers that enforcement action will not result in the satisfactory completion of the estate by the developer. Planning authorities have also been empowered to take in charge part of an estate or some, but not all, of the facilities in an estate.
The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of responsibility for the provision of public water services from local authorities to Irish Water. In addition, it provides a mechanism whereby water services infrastructure may be transferred by Ministerial Order to Irish Water. Contrary to certain misunderstandings that may exist, there is no specific legal impediment to the taking in charge of water services infrastructure by local authorities. The potential to streamline this process for the future is currently under review.
In Circular Letter PL 21/13 issued by my Department to planning authorities on 30 December 2013 in the light of the transfer of certain statutory water services functions from local authorities to Irish Water with effect from 1 January 2014, it was stated that legislative amendments to further clarify the existing provisions on the taking in charge of housing estates would be made in 2014. As part of this process, my Department will also consider, in consultation with local authorities, whether it is appropriate to make further amendments to section 180 of the Planning and Development Act in relation to the taking in charge provisions generally in the context of the forthcoming Planning Bill, for instance in relation to the time limits for the taking in charge of estates.
In order to clarify the current up-to-date position with regard to the taking in charge of estates, my Department will shortly issue a further circular letter to planning authorities with a view to clearing up any misunderstandings that may exist in this regard.
My Department has no responsibility for, or role to play in, the day to day management, maintenance or operation of water or waste water infrastructure. However, it is aware of problems with some water services infrastructure that was provided by developers and which is not connected to the public network. My Department is currently considering what long-term solutions might be appropriate in such cases.
460. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application to Mayo North East Leader Partnership by a company (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the continuing delay; if it will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32036/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 506 of 8 July 2014, which sets out the position in this matter.
461. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application to Mayo North East Leader Partnership by a company (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delay; if it will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32088/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations. The LAG for the area referred to in the question is Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP).
This project file concerned was submitted to my Department by MNELP on 18 June 2014 for a review which should be completed shortly.
462. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the first fix water pipe leak initiative (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32090/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out a commitment to the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake this metering programme.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it was always anticipated that in the course of installing meters, pre-existing leaks and other latent defects due to the age or condition of the water pipes would be discovered. It is not accurate to assume that these leaks are caused by Irish Water’s contractors. The meter installation programme gives Irish Water a strong starting point for mains rehabilitation by enabling the discovery of pre-existing leaks and helping to target more effective investment in leak repair.
The Government has agreed to provide additional funding to Irish Water for their capital investment, to include a free first fix scheme. Irish Water has submitted its water charges plan, including its proposed capital investment plan, to the Commission for Energy regulation. Irish Water will announce details of the proposed first fix scheme in the light of the Commission’s consideration of its water charges plan.
464. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 27 March 2014, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32133/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2014 contains a special provision, in the form of a targeted €10m Special Resolution Fund (SRF), to assist further in addressing the legacy of unfinished housing developments. The SRF is designed to encourage the resolution of the remaining tranche of unfinished developments identified in the National Housing Development Survey 2013 and, particularly, those developments not likely to be resolved in the normal way through solely developer/owner/funder action because of the presence of specific financial barriers. It is envisaged that the SRF should be particularly targeted to address the remaining unfinished developments with residents living in them and, in particular, any developments that local authorities identified, for the purposes of the Local Property Tax waiver, as in a seriously problematic condition. In December 2013, my Department wrote to local authorities seeking proposals for funding support under the SRF and the deadline for receipt of applications was 28 February 2014. All submissions were evaluated by my Department in accordance with the criteria circulated to the local authorities. On 2 May 2014, allocations from the Special Resolution Fund were announced and I can confirm that an allocation of €250,000 was made available in respect of the housing development in question.
The following link contains a list of all developments approved for SRF funding:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,37940,en.htm
It is hoped that the SRF will enable very substantial progress to be made in resolving as many of the remaining unfinished developments as possible.
465. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the issuing of a foreshore licence in Burtonport to County Donegal Council. [32135/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is engaging with the Attorney General’s Office in relation to matters concerning the Foreshore licence application from Donegal County Council for works at Burtonport Harbour, Co. Donegal. Upon receipt of the final advices of the Attorney General, my Department will seek to conclude this application as soon as possible.
466. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 104 of 17 June 2014 and his commitment to review the reason for the change in the taking in charge process, the reason for the change in the legislation; his plans to amend this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32136/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra500. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the development of protocols required to clarify the procedures to be followed in the taking charge of housing estates by local authorities and the subsequent transfer of waste services infrastructure to Irish water; when such protocols are expected to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32705/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 500 together.
Section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, sets out the process by which local authorities can take in charge housing estates. When taking an estate in charge under the terms of this provision, a planning authority must take in charge any roads, open spaces, car parks, sewers, water mains, or drains within the attendant grounds of the development.
In Circular Letter PL 21/13, issued by my Department to planning authorities on 30 December 2013 in the light of the transfer of certain statutory water services functions from local authorities to Irish Water with effect from 1 January 2014, it was stated that legislative amendments to further clarify the existing provisions on the taking in charge of housing estates would be made in 2014. My Department is currently considering, in consultation with Irish Water, what amendments to section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 will be required in this regard.
As part of this process, and in the light of efforts to streamline the planning process to facilitate economic recovery, the Department will also look at, in consultation with local authorities, whether further changes to the current overall taking in charge system are desirable, for instance in relation to the time limits for the taking in charge of estates.
My Department will shortly issue further guidelines to local authorities by means of circular letter in relation to the taking in charge of water services infrastructure.
467. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application to Mayo North East Leader Partnership by a centre (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the continuing delay; if it will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32139/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations. The LAG for the area referred to in the question is Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP).
My Department has been in contact with MNELP and they do not appear to have received any application in the name of the promoter referred to in the question.
468. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of an application to Mayo North East Leader Partnership by a club (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the continuing delay; if it will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32144/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Board of Mayo North East Leader Partnership (MNELP) approved this project and issued a letter of offer to the promoter on 18 June 2014, which was accepted, signed and returned to MNELP on 23 June 2014.
469. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of an application by a company (details supplied) in County Mayo to Mayo North East Leader Partnership; the reason for the delay; if it will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32147/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations. The LAG for the area referred to in the question is Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP), which has informed my Department that the project promoter has confirmed that they no longer intend to proceed with the project in question.
470. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application in respect of a centre (details supplied) in County Mayo to Mayo North East Leader Partnership; the reason for the delay; if it will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32149/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations. The LAG for the area referred to in the question is Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP), who I understand will be submitting the project file in question to my Department for review within the next number of days.
471. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application by a company (details supplied) in County Mayo to Mayo North East Leader Partnership; the reason for the delay; if it will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32150/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Board of Mayo North East Leader Partnership ( MNELP ) approved this project and issued a letter of offer to the promoter on 19 May 2014, which was accepted, signed and returned to MNELP on 26 May 2014.
472. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding funding for the Cork harbour main drainage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32158/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. Irish Water has recently published its Proposed Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016 and this is available on the Irish Water website, www.water.ie.
The further progression of all water services capital projects including the Cork Lower Harbour Sewerage Scheme is now a matter for Irish Water to consider.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via an email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
473. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount that has been allocated towards repair and refurbishment of local authority housing in the most recent budget; the amount allocated towards energy retrofit and remediation works; the amount in each case that has been spent; if any funds allocated for either purpose in the previous five years went unspent and if so the amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32184/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock, including the compilation and implementation of planned maintenance programmes and the carrying out of responsive repairs and pre-letting repairs to vacant properties is a matter for each individual local authority under section 58 of the Housing Act, 1966. My Department is committed to supporting local authorities in maintaining and improving the quality of the national social housing stock through a range of measures including large-scale urban regeneration programmes, estate-wide remedial works and improving the standard and energy efficiency of individual dwellings .
This year, my Department introduced a new measure, with funding of €30 million, for the refurbishment of vacant and boarded-up houses and returning these to productive use in as short a timeframe as possible. €15 million of this was allocated to local authorities on 28 April 2014 for the refurbishment of 952 vacant houses and a further €15 million was allocated on 8 July 2014 in respect of an additional 1,000 houses. In the case of the energy retrofitting measure, just over €15 million was allocated on 12 February 2014 in respect of Phase 1 insulation works. I intend to allocate a further €15 million very shortly for the completion of Phase 1 works and the commencement of Phase 2, which will include improvements to the fabric of dwellings.
Details of the 2014 allocations and funding drawn down to the end of June are set out in the following table :
|
Measure |
Capital Provision 2014 |
Funding drawn down |
|
Regeneration and Remedial Works |
€79.4m |
€11,625,517 |
|
Energy Efficiency |
€30m |
€4,531,225 |
|
Retrofitting of Vacant Properties |
€30m |
€0 |
Over the course of 2010 and 2011 there was an underspend of some €61 million, principally under the regeneration measure.
474. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the number and condition of unfinished estates in a particular local authority area is factored into the needs and resources allocation model for the Local Government Fund when determining the amounts to be dispersed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume that the Question refers to general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. General purpose grants are my Department’s contribution towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers.
Local authorities’ cost and income bases vary significantly from one another and calculating an appropriate distribution of these grants is complex. General purpose grants are structured to bring about equalisation over time; that is a position of balance where the financial needs of local authorities are met by their resources and they are able to provide an appropriate level of service to their customers.
In determining these grants a number of factors are taken into account including the overall funding available for this purpose, the estimated cost to each authority of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers, the income each authority should generate from local sources and the necessity to provide each authority with a baseline allocation that supports its financial stability.
Apart from General Purpose Grant allocations from the Local Government Fund, Budget 2014 contains a special provision, in the form of a targeted €10m Special Resolution Fund (SRF), to assist further in addressing the legacy of unfinished housing developments. On 2 May, the former Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., announced the allocations from the Special Resolution Fund to local authorities in respect of 86 unfinished housing developments across the country; the related press release is available on my Department’s website at: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,37940,en.htm.
This public investment will leverage an additional €12m from third parties (developers/lenders/bonds) which will be invested in these estates. It is hoped that the SRF will enable very substantial progress to be made in resolving as many of the remaining unfinished developments as possible.
475. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the lowest score that was needed to be awarded a grant under the scheme to support national organisations, SSNO, scheme of grants announced recently that is administered by Pobal for his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32221/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector aims to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services.
The new scheme was advertised for applications earlier this year. Pobal were asked to undertake an assessment of the applications received, given that organisation's significant experience and expertise of both the design of assessment criteria and completion of assessment functions.
Some 157 applications were received by Pobal. Of these, three applications did not meet the basic eligibility criteria. The remaining 154 applications were appraised by Pobal against the criteria as outlined in the application guidance.
My predecessor was anxious to make funding available to as many organisations as possible within the prevailing resource constraints and, having considered the recommendations of Pobal carefully, he approved 55 applications for funding for the two-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. This included all those organisations with a score of 61% or higher, and one additional organisation which was included for funding on the basis that the organisation offers a unique service for disabled persons.
476. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of agencies or State bodies under the aegis of his Department that have been abolished since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32239/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Table below, my Department’s agency modernisation/rationalisation programme has seen a significant reduction in the number of agencies, with further reductions planned for 2014 with the merger of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland and the dissolution of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority.
|
Action |
Status |
|
Merge Local Government Computer Services Board and Local Government Management Services Board |
Completed August 2012, new Local Government Management Agency established. |
|
Merge 2 Regeneration Agencies in Limerick into Local Authorities |
Completed in July 2012. |
|
Subsume An Chomhairle Leabharlanna into existing public body |
Completed November 2012 – subsumed by Local Government Management Agency |
|
Comhar to be integrated into the National Economic and Social Council. |
Completed January 2012 |
|
Merge the Affordable Housing Partnership, National Building Agency and Centre for Housing Research into a new body |
Completed August 2012 - Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency established |
|
Discontinue the Dormant Accounts Board |
Completed December 2012 |
|
Merge Environmental Protection Agency and Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland |
Preparatory work well advanced. Merger to be completed Q3 2014, following enactment of underpinning legislation |
|
Dissolve the Dublin Docklands Development Authority |
To be completed late in 2014 following enactment of necessary legislation |
|
Fire Services Council |
Functions assimilated into the Department in 2011 |
|
Rent Tribunal to merge with the Private Residential Tenancies Board ( PRTB) |
Administrative functions transferred to the Private Residential Tenancies Board, pending the enactment of the necessary legislation |
477. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of new agencies or State bodies that have been established under the aegis of his Department since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32254/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board merged with the establishment of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in August 2012. The LGMA also took on the residual functions of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, which has dissolved as of 1 November 2012. The LGMA is a central resource for the local government sector, providing, procuring and coordinating a range of support services and expertise which are most appropriately and efficiently delivered on a shared service basis at national level.
The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) was established in 2012. It rationalises the functions of the National Building Agency (NBA), the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) and the Centre for Housing Research (CHR). The AHP and the CHR have been closed down and the NBA ceased operating in June 2011. The HSCA was set up to work with and support local authorities, approved housing bodies and my Department in the delivery of housing and housing services.
The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann to be formed and registered under the Companies Act. The Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 provided for the transfer, in part, of water services functions from 34 water services authorities to Irish Water with effect from 1 January 2014.
The Pyrite Resolution Board was established on an administrative basis in February 2013 and was placed on a statutory footing in January 2014 following the enactment of the Pyrite Resolution Act 2013. The role of the Board is to oversee and direct the delivery of a cost effective pyrite remediation scheme for homeowners whose homes are affected by significant damage due to pyritic heave and where there are no other practicable options for redress. The Board will work with the Housing Agency to deliver the scheme.
Although not a State Board in the normal sense, the National Oversight and Audit Commission for Local Government was established on 1 July 2014 to provide independent scrutiny of local government performance in fulfilling national, regional and local mandates, including financial performance in respect of its financial resources.
The establishment of the NOAC is part of the reform process legislated for by the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and is a very significant development in public accountability. The need for enhanced scrutiny of local government performance was recognised in the Action Programme for Local Government, published by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in October 2012, not least in those areas of new focus for the local government sector, particularly in terms of community and local economic development.
