Written Answers Nos. 202-209
202. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of whole-time-equivalent and full-time staff in each local authority, at the end of December in 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013; and 2014. [7581/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of staff employed by each local authority at the end of each year since 2008 is set out in the following table on a whole time equivalent basis (WTE). From 2013, a combined staffing figure was returned for Limerick City Council and Limerick County Council. From 2014, a combined staffing figure was returned for Waterford City Council and Waterford County Council and for Tipperary North County Council and Tipperary South County Council. It should be noted also that the 2008 and 2009 figures include Regional Authority staffing numbers; these have been reported separately from September 2010 onwards.
|
LOCAL AUTHORITY |
December 2008 Quarterly Return (Total wte) |
December 2009 Quarterly Return (Total wte) |
December 2010 Quarterly Return (Total wte) |
December 2011 Quarterly Return (Total wte) |
December 2012 Quarterly Return (Total wte) |
December 2013 Quarterly Return (Total wte) |
December 2014 Quarterly Return (Total wte) |
|
Cork City |
1,493.00 |
1,420.00 |
1,374.00 |
1,336.00 |
1,272.42 |
1,247.02 |
1,210.06 |
|
Dublin City |
6,931.50 |
6,480.45 |
6,298.30 |
6,072.35 |
5,772.70 |
5,570.75 |
5,445.70 |
|
Galway City |
535.00 |
487.50 |
442.80 |
438.34 |
435.33 |
419.86 |
410.10 |
|
Limerick City |
554.90 |
528.30 |
485.41 |
465.14 |
443.54 |
1,008.14 |
|
|
Limerick County |
793.60 |
738.60 |
686.38 |
656.65 |
619.33 |
1,035.89 |
|
|
Waterford City |
464.00 |
410.32 |
379.93 |
367.09 |
344.18 |
335.58 |
773.13 |
|
Waterford County |
600.50 |
565.50 |
503.61 |
476.00 |
447.06 |
446.06 |
|
|
Carlow |
357.50 |
331.00 |
297.24 |
285.41 |
276.09 |
265.37 |
264.86 |
|
Cavan |
479.90 |
446.35 |
434.09 |
416.30 |
380.90 |
370.10 |
360.55 |
|
Clare |
907.90 |
828.36 |
810.19 |
785.50 |
750.98 |
749.88 |
712.81 |
|
Cork County |
2,643.00 |
2,364.37 |
2,255.16 |
2,184.11 |
2,088.19 |
2,020.87 |
1947.31 |
|
Donegal |
1,193.30 |
1,007.86 |
999.11 |
959.14 |
911.00 |
873.31 |
832.33 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown (DLR) |
1,242.00 |
1,195.90 |
1,143.40 |
1,063.60 |
1,028.30 |
994.90 |
951.00 |
|
Fingal |
1,589.79 |
1,490.39 |
1,441.90 |
1,391.90 |
1,330.70 |
1,296.33 |
1,250.66 |
|
Galway |
1,066.23 |
934.27 |
846.87 |
811.61 |
770.28 |
746.02 |
752.08 |
|
Kerry |
1,347.20 |
1,225.29 |
1,194.63 |
1,165.77 |
1,119.56 |
1,101.61 |
1,050.34 |
|
Kildare |
1,094.50 |
946.50 |
925.40 |
880.90 |
843.62 |
815.40 |
793.70 |
|
Kilkenny |
615.67 |
568.04 |
545.24 |
529.09 |
507.46 |
494.02 |
486.86 |
|
Laois |
438.27 |
405.50 |
392.79 |
368.88 |
342.70 |
341.93 |
348.57 |
|
Leitrim |
330.15 |
302.50 |
294.85 |
279.13 |
266.15 |
258.98 |
253.09 |
|
Longford |
381.70 |
330.20 |
306.01 |
299.94 |
289.75 |
289.80 |
272.85 |
|
Louth |
733.83 |
691.90 |
674.64 |
652.64 |
652.51 |
634.98 |
606.05 |
|
Mayo |
1,296.30 |
1,177.80 |
1,103.65 |
1,061.50 |
1,000.53 |
963.73 |
927.01 |
|
Meath |
800.04 |
702.58 |
668.82 |
640.64 |
623.58 |
611.56 |
621.98 |
|
Monaghan |
454.57 |
433.99 |
412.72 |
404.69 |
385.05 |
369.83 |
362.74 |
|
Offaly |
499.00 |
478.00 |
418.50 |
399.00 |
388.60 |
379.70 |
376.00 |
|
Roscommon |
581.50 |
550.50 |
487.12 |
461.07 |
434.80 |
414.59 |
407.89 |
|
Sligo |
586.80 |
529.92 |
510.45 |
488.74 |
453.98 |
429.28 |
414.44 |
|
South Dublin |
1,472.25 |
1,402.55 |
1,344.70 |
1,277.60 |
1,176.47 |
1,098.79 |
1,055.69 |
|
Tipp North |
512.15 |
504.22 |
515.57 |
468.83 |
450.36 |
447.85 |
1002.33 |
|
Tipp South |
707.00 |
654.30 |
651.10 |
632.26 |
606.31 |
576.53 |
|
|
Westmeath |
537.36 |
487.92 |
480.43 |
462.79 |
447.26 |
431.59 |
458.54 |
|
Wexford |
863.47 |
804.51 |
788.38 |
765.76 |
723.60 |
715.65 |
699.90 |
|
Wicklow |
903.65 |
827.25 |
789.45 |
747.05 |
716.65 |
709.65 |
678.65 |
|
OVERALL TOTAL |
35,007.53 |
32,252.64 |
30,902.84 |
29,695.42 |
28,299.94 |
27,457.41 |
26,735.36 |
203. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has new policy plans regarding tackling dog fouling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7624/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 provide the statutory framework to combat littering and include provisions relating to dog fouling. Under the Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering (including dog fouling) is a matter for local authorities.
It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution locally within the legislation provided, including the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to litter and dog fouling, taking account of its own local circumstances and priorities.
Section 16 of the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 set out the powers of dog wardens. In addition, section 28 of the Litter Pollution Acts provides that a dog warden, within the meaning of the Control of Dogs Act 1986, may issue a notice or on-the-spot fine to an individual believed of committing a prescribed offence under the Act. It is also open to a member of An Garda Síochána or a litter warden under the Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2009 to issue a notice where an offence is believed to have been committed. Local Authority Performance Indicators, including those pertaining to litter enforcement, are available at: http://www.lgma.ie/en/search/node/service%20indicators.
I am of the view that there are sufficient penalties in place under the Litter Pollution Acts and that the powers are conferred on appropriate personnel to deal with the issue of dog fouling, when enforced, and I have no plans to introduce further legislation at this time. I believe that raising awareness of the litter problem and educating our young people is key to effecting a long-term change in society's attitudes towards litter disposal. Ultimately, however, it is the responsibility of each individual to ensure that they play their part in preserving the environment for others through the responsible disposal of their litter, including in relation to dog fouling.
204. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for a rent cap in view of rent prices soaring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7630/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the third quarter of 2014, rents were 5.6% higher nationally than in the same quarter of 2013, according to the most recent rent index from the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). Rents for houses were 4.3% higher while apartment rents were 7.3% higher than in the same quarter of 2013. In Dublin, which is seeing the highest rates of increase nationally, overall rents were higher by 9.5% although the rate of annual increase was down slightly.
A report by DKM Economic Consultants, Rent Stability in the Private Rented Sector commissioned by the PRTB and published last autumn considered a number of options in relation to rent control, including a rent cap. A review of the literature for the report found that in every jurisdiction where it was introduced, a rent cap led to a reduction in the supply of rental units due to an increase in demand for the 'lower' priced units. As the main reason behind increasing rents is a shortfall in housing supply, caution must be exercised in relation to measures which, prima facie, would seem to offer a solution.
Fundamentally, the main cause of rising rents is a lack of supply in the market. The implementation of the range of actions under the Government's Construction 2020 Strategy will support increased supply in the wider housing market. New house completions in 2014 amounted to 11,016 units nationally, up 33% on the 2013 figure. Similarly, in the third quarter of 2014 planning permissions were granted for 2,144 dwelling units, compared with 1,409 units for the same period in 2013 - an increase of 52%.
In addition the recently published Social Housing Strategy 2020 sets out clear, measurably actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. In 2015 we will provide over 7,000 new social housing units and a further 8,400 units will be secured under the HAP scheme.
The Government is monitoring the rental market closely and is considering policy options in relation to achieving greater rent certainty. The options put forward in the DKM report form part of these considerations.
205. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details of the nature of the ongoing dredging works at a beach (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he will provide details of the total amount spent to date on dredging works since this beach was redeveloped back in 2002; his plans to erect a breakwater, or similar offshore barrier, at this beach; if he has received a request from the local authority to erect additional sea defences at the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7644/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA draft foreshore licence to cover proposed dredging works at Magheraroarty issued to the County Council's legal advisers in May 2014 and to date has not been returned to the Chief State Solicitor's Office. My Department has advised the County Council that dredging works should not commence in the absence of an executed licence.
Funding for such works is a matter for Donegal County Council as are any plans for any other works on the foreshore at Magheraroarty which may also be subject to the provisions of the Foreshore Act 1933.
206. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of revenue the Exchequer has received from the exploitation of national natural oil and gas reserves in each year for the past three years; and the estimate for revenue in this area in the current year and the next five years and beyond. [7422/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has three producing gas fields namely the Kinsale, Ballycotton and Seven Heads fields off the coast of Cork. There is no commercial production of oil in the Irish offshore. The revenue generated for the State from the production from these gas fields is received in the form of acreage rental fees, royalty payments (with the exception of the Seven Heads Gas field) and corporation tax.
Profits from the three producing gas fields are taxed at a corporation rate of 25% (double the standard rate of corporation tax for trading income). In addition, royalties from the Kinsale and Ballycotton gas fields are payable to the State at a rate of 12.5% of the fair market value of the gas at the well head. The combination of tax, royalties and acreage rental fees currently provides for a State take of 40% of net income from these two fields.
Royalties are not payable on production from the Seven Heads Gas field as Ireland moved away from a royalty based payments system to a tax based system in 1987.
The direct financial return to the State from the Corrib gas field, which is expected to come into production in 2015, will be through acreage rental fees and the 25% corporation tax on profits.
In June 2014 Government approval was received to revise Ireland's oil and gas fiscal terms along the lines recommended by international energy consultants Wood Mackenzie. A key recommendation of Wood Mackenzie was that tax rates in respect of new licences should be revised to ensure a higher share for the State from the most profitable fields. This would result in the application of maximum rate of 55% in the case of new licences. My Department is working with the Department of Finance and Revenue Commissioners to give operational effect to this approach.
The acreage rental fees figure for 2012, 2013 and 2014 for the three producing gas fields were, respectively €0.77 million, €0.73 million and €0.77 million. The forecast acreage rental fees figure for the three gas fields for 2015 is €0.77 million.
The royalties received in 2012, 2013 and 2014 from the two gas producing fields were, respectively, €3.96 million, €4.59 million and €1.98 million. The forecast royalty figure for the two gas fields for 2015 is €1.5 million.
The amount paid in taxation in respect of Ireland's producing gas fields is a matter between the companies concerned and the Revenue Commissioners and not one in respect of which I have a function.
Several factors impact on the level of State take from a producing gas field, such as the wholesale price of gas, which is subject to significant movement over time, as are production levels. As such attempting to accurately estimate State receipts in the next five years and beyond would be a speculative exercise.
207. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are large areas of County Cavan with inadequate broadband telecommunications infrastructure; his plans to bring this infrastructure up to modern standards, at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7593/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are large areas of County Monaghan with inadequate broadband telecommunications infrastructure; his plans to bring this infrastructure up to modern standards, at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7594/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step change in the quality of broadband services available.
A public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 which was launched last November, closed on the 12th February. 27 submissions have been received to date and will be assessed over the coming weeks in terms of the overall intervention strategy. The map continues to be available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016. The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises or home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands throughout the entire country including Counties Cavan and Monaghan.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
In tandem with the mapping consultation, intensive design and planning work is underway in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy. The strategy will address a range of issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership model for the infrastructure and likely market impact.
Following a public consultation process on the draft Intervention Strategy during next summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a 5 year period.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
209. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the circumstances in which two Russian military aircraft entered Irish controlled air space in January 2015; if his attention had been drawn to the fact that these aircraft were going to enter Irish controlled air space; the details that he knew of this situation at the time; the details regarding the episode now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7469/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed that two Russian Bear military aircraft flew at 10° west in Irish controlled airspace on Wednesday 28th January, 2015. The IAA coordinated closely with its UK counterparts and there was no risk to commercial aircraft operating in the area during the incident. The Russian aircraft did not enter Irish sovereign airspace (over the land territory of the State and 12 nautical miles from the Irish coast) at any time but were in an area under IAA air traffic control (which extends to 256 nautical miles from the Irish coast). The Russian aircraft were approximately 50 nautical miles from the Irish coast at their nearest point.
In line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules, it is normal practice for the IAA to be informed by the relevant State of any military flights operating in Irish controlled airspace. Ensuring the application of this practice is an important consideration and as this did not occur in this particular instance my Department has raised the issue with ICAO and outlined concerns arising.
