Written Answers Nos. 501-518
501. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the vacant sites in County Donegal which are available for use or purchase by potential investors and are currently owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16322/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra502. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of Údarás na Gaeltachta sponsored visits by potential investors to County Donegal in 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16323/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.
I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that it currently has 17 sites available in the Donegal Gaeltacht for use or purchase by potential investors. These sites, which have a combined total area of 162.77 acres, are located in various Gaeltacht areas within the county.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has also confirmed that, during 2014, it engaged with 15 entrepreneurs/businesses who undertook site visits to view Údarás property in the Donegal Gaeltacht. These entrepreneurs were made up of local, national and international individuals and companies.
503. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the Meelick Weir restoration project, Meelick, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16562/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been informed by Waterways Ireland that the project is currently at the final stages of environmental consultations. Following the completion of those consultations, a planning application will be submitted. Subject to planning approval being granted and availability of funding, works are programmed to commence on site in June 2016.
504. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has received submissions from, or made overtures to, traditional turf cutters who found themselves disadvantaged by the habitats directive, to the extent that special areas of conservation or national heritage areas seriously impeded them in their traditional turf cutting; if any review or revision will be made to address any issues still outstanding, notwithstanding developments to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16783/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland, like all EU Member States, is bound by the requirements of the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive. These Directives aim to ensure the protection of habitats and species which have been selected for conservation within special areas of conservation and special protection areas. The Directives have been transposed into national law under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and the Wildlife Acts. In advance of the designation of a site, my Department writes to all identified land owners with a legal interest in the site, outlining the intention to designate the site, the appeals process and how to get further information. Public notices in relation to the proposed designation are also placed in local media.
Landowners may object to the proposed designation of a site as a special area of conservation or special protection area. Following the completion of a departmental review of an objection to the proposed designation, landowners may opt to take their cases to the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board, an independently chaired Board which makes recommendations to me, as Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on such cases. The appeals process includes an oral hearing.
Since this Government has come into office, huge efforts have been made to solve the issue of the protection of Ireland's raised bog special areas of conservation within the framework of the Habitats Directive. This has included intense engagement with turf cutting interests, farmers, non-governmental organisations and with the European Commission.
3,076 applications have been received under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme for raised bog special areas of conservation. Of these, 768 applicants have expressed an interest in relocation to non-designated bogs. In addition, around 1,500 submissions would have been received from stakeholders, including turf cutters, during the public consultation process on the draft National Peatlands Strategy and the draft National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan.
In the context of the finalisation of the National Raised Bog SAC Management Plan, my Department is considering the available options in terms of relocation to non-designated bogs and the provisions of the EU Habitats Directive. Under article 6.3 of the Directive consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation where it can be shown that such cutting will not have an adverse effect on the site. Under article 6.4 of the Directive consent could only be given to cut turf on a raised bog special area of conservation for imperative reasons of overriding public interest.
Given the clear scientific evidence of the negative impact of turf extraction on raised bogs, it will only be possible to utilise the provisions of article 6.3 in a small number of cases. Similarly, the flexibility provided for under article 6.4, if required, will only be applicable to a small number of sites.
Final resolution of all issues in relation to the protection of Ireland's raised bog special areas of conservation will only be brought about by everyone working together, within the law, with my Department and with the Peatlands Council, which was established with the purpose of ensuring the input from all stakeholders.
The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, published in January 2014, provides detail on future arrangements regarding turf cutting on each of the 75 current raised bog natural heritage areas. The Review has concluded that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network. This will entail the phasing out of turf-cutting on certain natural heritage areas by 1 January 2017 and the partial or complete de-designation of certain natural heritage areas.
505. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the process and procedure for the appointment of persons to a position (details supplied); when it is expected that this position will be filled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16226/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department is currently recruiting to fill the position referred to by the Deputy for the 2015 visitor season. This post was advertised in a local newspaper on 24th, 25th and 26th March 2015 and on my Department’s website. The position is being filled through an open, competitive and merit-based recruitment process, which assesses the candidates’ suitability on the basis of the qualifications, competencies and skills required to fulfil the role. All applications received by the closing date were considered and were shortlisted for interview, based on the information supplied on the application forms and on the documentary evidence of qualifications provided. Those shortlisted were invited to attend for interview during the week commencing 20 April 2015 and I am advised that the appointment will be made shortly.
My Department is committed to ensuring that all such appointments are made on merit, following a fair and transparent recruitment process, and in accordance with the Codes of Practice published by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
506. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if funding is available for a hotel on an island in a Gaeltacht area in order to upgrade its heating system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16255/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not operate any scheme which provides assistance towards the refurbishment of hotels in the Gaeltacht or on the offshore islands.
507. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide a report regarding her plans to re-stock the hare population at Bull Island in Dublin 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16631/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra510. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware that hares are now extinct on North Bull Island, Dublin 3; if she will re-stock the hare population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16683/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra514. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she is aware that the Irish hare is feared extinct on North Bull Island; the action her Department is taking to protect wildlife on this internationally recognised nature reserve. [16779/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 507, 510 and 514 together.
Bull Island is monitored regularly by officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. Despite these efforts and those of local landowners, the hare population there has remained at very low levels for the past 20 years.
A 1995 estimate put the population at 15-20 animals. Since then there has been some declines, as well as introductions during the 1990s. One current estimate of the population put the number as low as 6, with another estimate at 10-15. Such low numbers are believed to be attributable to a number of potential pressures, particularly disturbance by dogs. I understand that the main landowner, Dublin City Council, is working proactively to raise awareness and address management issues.
While it is a matter for the landowners on the island to consider if they wish to translocate hares there, such a proposal would require a licence from my Department under the Wildlife Acts and, in that regard, it would be important that conditions on the island would be suitable for a reintroduction programme.
508. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will provide details of grant aid that may be available from her Department, possibly funded through the national lottery, to assist with the establishment and running costs of céilí bands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16651/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not have any funding scheme to assist with the establishment and running costs of céilí bands. In previous years, my Department has provided funding for the Music Capital Scheme managed by Music Network that provides funding towards the cost of musical instruments. In 2014 funding of €209,000 was provided under this scheme. Details of the allocations have been published by Music Network on its website at http://www.musicnetwork.ie/musicians/winners/music_capital_scheme_2014/. I intend to announce shortly details of the 2015 Music Capital Scheme, which will again be managed by Music Network.
509. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding streams available to a prospective project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16675/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMany projects are being undertaken responding to the increased interest of Irish participation in World War 1 and reflecting the commitment of community groups, with varying levels of facilitation and practical support from local authorities. It should be noted that, while my Department is happy to provide advice and assistance in relation to local initiatives, they are generally funded locally. The Arts and-or Heritage Officers of Donegal County Council could also be useful contacts, as such a proposal might be considered in the context of initiatives with a community impact.
511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the current position in respect of ability to provide funding for local festivals, including the Prosperous Music Festival, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16735/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, to increase access to and participation in the arts, and to make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. Primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts at all levels throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Council, although funded by my Department, is statutorily independent in its day-to-day operations, and specifically in its funding decisions. Information of funding available to festivals, including that from the Arts Council's Festival and Events Scheme, is provided at www.artscouncil.ie.
I understand that festivals are also supported by my colleague, Mr Paschal Donohoe, TD, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, through Fáilte Ireland. Further information in this regard is available at www.dttas.ie.
Support may also be provided by the local authority through its arts office. Further information is available on the website of Kildare County Council at www.kildarecoco.ie.
512. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if her attention has been drawn to the need for preservation of Saint Naul's Well in Inver, County Donegal; the role of her Department in preserving this monument and its access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16736/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile St Naul’s Well is included in the Record of Monuments and Places established under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, it is not in my ownership or guardianship, as Minister. My Department, therefore, has no role under the National Monuments Acts in relation to either maintenance or provision of public access.
As a consequence of its inclusion in the Record of Monuments and Places, any person proposing to carry out, or authorise the carrying out of work, at or in relation to the monument is obliged to give two months written notice to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
On foot of a request from a member of the public, an official of my Department carried out an inspection of the monument in December 2012 and advised the owner of the legal protection afforded to it under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994.
513. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the imposition of burdens on the land folios, with lands designated as special protection areas or special areas of conservation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16743/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe designation of an area of land as a nature conservation site, whether it is a special area of conservation or special protection area, does not create a burden on a land folio for that area. The actual imposition of a burden on land folios is a matter for the Property Registration Authority of Ireland. Provision is made under regulation 14(6) and regulation 18(9) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 to facilitate this process for special areas of conservation and special protection areas, respectively. However, I have no plans at present to seek the imposition of such burdens.
515. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the commemoration of 1916 will include remembering those who lost their lives in Lowestoft and Yarmouth in England, two towns bombarded by the German imperial navy in support of the Rising on the Tuesday of Easter week 1916; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16780/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the centre of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme are the State Ceremonial Events, which represent the formal and solemn remembrance of the events of 1916 by the citizens of Ireland as the seminal event in our modern history, which led to our independence.
The proposed calendar of State Ceremonial Events was published as part of the Centenary Programme on 31 March. Consideration will be given to the inclusion of additional commemorative events in the calendar over the coming months in consultation with all stakeholders and interested parties. The 2016 Project Team will also consult with colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and with the members of the Expert Advisory Group where necessary.
516. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht further to Parliamentary Question No. 286 of 5 March 2015, the reason nothing has been done by her Department to attempt to resolve an escalating crisis concerning Killarney National Park (details supplied); if she will intervene to ensure that the matter will be addressed by the relevant agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16786/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked my officials to consider the matter without delay and to make arrangements for a meeting with the relevant parties.
517. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on research conducted by the language centre in Maynooth University, County Kildare, on summer Irish language colleges in the Gaeltacht (details supplied). [16798/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the research referred to by the Deputy, which carried out an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats relating to the Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht. The findings of the study are mostly positive regarding the impact of the Irish colleges. My Department will be examining the report’s conclusions, in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, in the context of future policy with regard to the Irish colleges.
518. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her views on the findings in the research conducted by the language centre in Maynooth University (details supplied) in County Kildare, that a lack of money is the biggest reason for students not being able to attend a summer Irish language college in the Gaeltacht; the measures she intends to implement to increase access to summer Irish language colleges to those currently unable to afford them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16799/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, my Department provides grants to Gaeltacht households which accommodate Irish students while attending Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht. This helps to reduce the overall cost for all families, including families from disadvantaged areas, who wish to send their children to the Gaeltacht. I am aware that scholarships are provided from time to time by various Irish language, cultural and sports organisations, as well as by several local authorities. I am also aware that some of the Irish colleges themselves offer part scholarships.
With regard to the research referred to by the Deputy, my Department will be examining the report’s conclusions, in co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, in the context of future policy with regard to the Irish colleges. In addition, my Department will be engaging in discussions with CONCOS, the federation of Irish colleges, regarding the report's recommendations, including ways to improve access to the Irish colleges.
