Written Answers Nos 261-274
261. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost to his Department of advertisements placed on its behalf in newspapers, magazines, television and radio, and social media. [46752/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Deputy's question the table below outlines the annual cost of advertising in my Department during 2015.
|
Type of media used |
Description |
Amount |
|
Newspaper advertising
|
Advertisements for expressions of interest for appointments to a panel of appeal officers to review certain decisions made by the Standards in Public Office Commission in relation to the Regulation of Lobbying Act 2015. Appeals to be conducted through Irish.
|
€4,662.62 |
|
Newspaper advertising
|
Public consultation process for Corporate Governance Code
|
€5,036.96 |
|
Newspaper advertising
|
Public Consultation on Commissioning in Human Social and Community Services
|
€6,855.15 |
|
Newspaper advertising & advertising with the Society of Actuaries in Ireland
|
Open competition for an Actuary post in the Department |
€2,460.00 |
|
Total |
|
€19,014.73 |
262. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of annual subscriptions to external membership bodies and groups in the Office of Public Works including the cost and details. [46765/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total paid by the Office of Public Works in respect of subscriptions to external membership bodies and groups in 2015 was €111,820.51. Details of payments made in 2015 are on the table below.
TABLE OF MEMBERSHIP BODIES/GROUPS TO WHICH SUBSCRIPTIONS WERE MADE DURING 2015
|
EXTERNAL MEMBERSHIP BODY/GROUP |
TOTAL PAID € |
|
ACCA |
278.58 |
|
ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS OF IRELAND |
160.00 |
|
ALL KERRY TOURISM MARKETING LTD |
500.00 |
|
ALPINE GARDEN SOCIETY |
49.37 |
|
AN TSEIRBHIS OIDEACHAIS |
652.00 |
|
ARBORICULTURAL ASSOC |
475.12 |
|
BOTANIC GARDENS |
300.00 |
|
BOTANIC GARDENS EDUCATION |
136.21 |
|
BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND |
38.00 |
|
BOYNE VALLEY GARDEN TRAIL |
200.00 |
|
BRAND ARTILLERY LTD |
2,999.97 |
|
BRITISH COUNCIL FOR OFFICES |
421.38 |
|
BRITISH PLANT GALL SOCIETY |
20.57 |
|
BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL SOCIETY |
70.66 |
|
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTIONS |
1,814.01 |
|
CANAL & RIVER TRUST |
1,381.71 |
|
CARLOW TOURISM |
50.00 |
|
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF ARBITRATORS |
913.57 |
|
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS |
460.91 |
|
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF LIBRARY & INFORMATION PROFESSIONALS |
165.60 |
|
CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS |
1,031.32 |
|
CIAT |
1,450.64 |
|
CIBSE |
397.48 |
|
CIOB |
404.00 |
|
CIPD |
124.82 |
|
CIRIA |
415.99 |
|
CITA LTD |
1,150.05 |
|
COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE |
65.00 |
|
COUNTY KILDARE FAILTE |
150.00 |
|
DATA PROTECTION COMMISSION |
430.00 |
|
ENGINEERS IRELAND |
21,763.38 |
|
EUROPEAN BOTANICAL AND HORTICULTURAL LIBRARIES |
120.00 |
|
GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION |
35.00 |
|
GARDEN HISTORY SOCIETY |
108.73 |
|
HERITAGE ISLAND LTD |
8,118.00 |
|
HISTORIC GARDEN FOUNDATION |
36.94 |
|
HISTORIC IRISH TOURIST HOUSES & GARDENS ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND |
1,300.00 |
|
HOOK RURAL TOURISM LTD |
300.00 |
|
IFPRA |
233.81 |
|
INSTITUTE OF CIVIL ENGINEERS |
40.53 |
|
IOSH |
883.78 |
|
IPASS PROFESSIONAL TRAINING |
280.00 |
|
IRISH BIOGEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY |
15.00 |
|
IRISH COMPUTER SOCIETY |
750.00 |
|
IRISH HEART FOUNDATION |
300.00 |
|
IRISH LANDSCAPE INSTITUTE |
170.00 |
|
IRISH PEATLAND CONVERSATION COUNCIL |
45.00 |
|
IRISH PLANNING INSTITUTE |
220.00 |
|
IRISH SOCIETY OF BOTANICAL ARTISTS |
50.00 |
|
IRISH TOURIST INDUSTRY |
13,124.00 |
|
IRLOGI THE IRISH ORGANISATION FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION |
360.00 |
|
KERRY HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY |
60.00 |
|
KILKENNY TOURISM LTD |
184.50 |
|
LEGAL ISLAND LTD |
595.00 |
|
LIBRARY ASSOCIATION |
60.00 |
|
LIFTING EQUIPMENT |
1,373.61 |
|
MEDIATORS INSTITUTE OF IRELAND |
180.00 |
|
MEETA |
550.00 |
|
MILITARY HISTORY SOCIETY |
32.00 |
|
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE CONVERSATION OF PLANTS |
44.93 |
|
NATIONAL IRISH SAFETY ORG. |
450.00 |
|
ORGANIC TRUST LTD |
680.00 |
|
PLANTNETWORK |
491.57 |
|
PUBLIC RELATIONS INSTITUTE |
250.00 |
|
PURE-NET RY |
2,500.00 |
|
REGISTER OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS OF IRELAND |
536.25 |
|
RHODODENDRON, CAMELLIA AND MAGNOLIA GROUP |
33.98 |
|
RIAI |
369.00 |
|
RICS |
4,903.00 |
|
ROSPA |
662.01 |
|
SCOTTISH ROCK GARDEN CLUB |
31.58 |
|
SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS IRELAND |
856.00 |
|
THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF BUILDING |
1,137.00 |
|
THE HISTORIC STRUCTURE SURVEY COMPANY LTD |
3,850.00 |
|
THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY |
202.98 |
|
THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF THE ARCHITECTS |
20,330.00 |
|
THE SOCIETY OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS |
2,545.00 |
|
THE WORKPLACE NETWORK |
2,074.99 |
|
TIPPERARY TOURISM CLG |
420.00 |
|
TREE COUNCIL OF IRELAND |
300.00 |
|
WICKLOW COUNTY TOURISM |
475.00 |
|
WORLD URBAN PARKS INC |
680.98 |
|
GRAND TOTAL |
111,820.51 |
263. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of annual subscriptions to newspapers or magazines in the Office of Public Works including the cost and details. [46766/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works currently subscribes to 110 serial publications. The cost of these in 2015 was €47,868.
The relevant titles are listed as follows:
|
Relevant Titles |
|
Irish Times |
|
Irish Independent |
|
Examiner |
|
Sunday Times |
|
Sunday Independent |
|
Sunday Business Post |
|
Daily Mail |
|
Meath Chronicle Drogheda Independent |
|
Farmers Journal |
|
Financial Times |
|
Herald |
|
Wicklow People Phoenix |
|
A10 - New European Architecture |
|
Access by Design |
|
Architect - Northbrook |
|
Architects Journal & AJ Buildings Library – Print and internet |
|
Architectural Review |
|
Art Newspaper |
|
Blueprint - Sidcup |
|
British Deer Society |
|
Building - Market Harborough |
|
Concrete - Camberley Detail - Zeitschrift fur Architektur und Baudetail & Detail Green |
|
Domus |
|
Economist - UK Edition |
|
Estates Gazette & Directory |
|
Flash Art - International Edition |
|
Garden Design Journal |
|
Garden History & Garden History Society News |
|
Gardens Illustrated |
|
Health and Safety Review |
|
Health and Safety Review - Internet |
|
Historic Gardens Foundation – Membership includes Historic Gardens Review & Newsletter |
|
Horticulture Week |
|
Hydrological Sciences Journal - Journal des Sciences Hydrologiques - Print & Internet |
|
Irish Printer |
|
JA - the Japan Architect |
|
Journal of Architectural Conservation |
|
Journal of Architecture - Print & Internet |
|
Journal of Design History - Print & Internet |
|
Journal of Flood Risk Management - Corporate-Government - Small - 1-1000 FTE - Internet |
|
Landscape Architecture |
|
Lighting Journal - Official Journal of the Institution of Lighting Engineers |
|
New Civil Engineer Plan |
|
RIBA Journal - Royal Institute of British Architects |
|
Scientific American - Instit Subs - Hospitals Public Library Primary Secondary School Library |
|
Sculpture - Washington |
|
Structural Engineer |
|
Studies in Conservation |
|
Studies in the History of Gardens and Designed Landscapes - Print & Internet |
|
Topos - European Landscape Magazine |
|
Water and Environment Journal - Print & Internet |
|
Environment – CIWEM |
|
WebDesigner - Sittingbourne |
|
World of Interiors |
|
Plantsman |
|
Apollo - London |
|
Creative Review |
|
Flower Arranger |
|
Irish Farmers Journal |
|
Occupational Safety and Health Journal |
|
Arboricultural Journal - Print & Internet |
|
Archives of Natural History - Print & Internet |
|
Blumea |
|
Brittonia - Print & Enhanced Access - Internet |
|
Bryologist |
|
Conservation Biology & Conservation - Oxford - Print & Internet |
|
Cryptogamie - All Sections (Algologie, Bryologie, Mycologie) |
|
Curtis's Botanical Magazine - Print & Internet |
|
Garden History – Journal of the Garden History Society |
|
Historic Gardens Foundation – Membership, includes Historic Gardens Review |
|
Horticulture Connected |
|
Horticulture Week |
|
Index of Fungi |
|
Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society |
|
Kew Bulletin - Print & Enhanced Access - Internet |
|
Lichenologist |
|
Madrono |
|
Molecular Ecology & Molecular Ecology Resources |
|
New Journal of Botany - Journal of the Botanical Society of the British Isles |
|
Orchid Review |
|
Palms - Journal of the International Palm Society |
|
Plant Ecology & Diversity |
|
Plant Pathology - Print & Internet |
|
Public Garden |
|
Restoration Ecology - Print & Internet |
|
Rhodora - Print & Internet |
|
Sibbaldia - Occasional Series of Horticultural Notes from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (book series) |
|
South African Journal of Botany |
|
Systematic Botany |
|
Taxon |
|
Irish Arts Review |
|
Irish History |
|
Irish Printer |
|
IRN |
|
Employment law reports |
|
Corporate Real Estate Journal |
|
Business and Finance |
|
Irish Archaeology |
|
Irish Beekeeper |
|
S & M handbook of rent review |
|
Irish journal of planning law and practice |
|
Irish planning law and environmental law review |
|
Reveille |
|
IBEC HR Databank |
|
Administration |
|
FIRA |
264. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the annual cost in the Office of Public Works of advertisements placed on its behalf in newspapers, magazines, television and radio, and social media. [46767/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraExpenditure incurred on the OPW Vote in 2015 in relation to advertising was €360,935.98. A further €45,077.29 was incurred on advertisements where the costs were borne elsewhere.
265. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans to enable public sector workers to enjoy the same entitlements as their colleagues in the Civil Service regarding transferring 14 weeks of entitlements to parental leave between one parent and the other under the Parental Leave Act. [46809/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of my responsibilities as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have overarching responsibility for the terms and conditions of employment of public servants. However, specific policies relating to parental leave in each of the sectors of the public service, other than the civil service, are dealt with by the appropriate responsible Minister.
The arrangements for parental leave in the civil service are set out in Circular 20/2008: Parental Leave in the Civil Service which was updated to reflect changes in the Parental Leave Acts 1998-2006. This circular provides (at Paragraph 10) that either parent may transfer parental leave to the other parent, where both of the parents of a child are entitled to parental leave in respect of the child and where both parents are working for the same employer. Persons employed in the Civil Service are deemed to be working for the same employer when availing of parental leave. A decision to grant or refuse the transfer of parental leave is subject to the consent of the Department/Office in question and should be based on the business needs of the organisation concerned.
266. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the target for the employment of persons with a disability across the public service; if all public bodies are required to reach this target; the way he will ensure this is achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46935/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 5 of the Disability Act 2005 sets a 3% target for the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector.
The National Disability Authority (NDA) reports annually on compliance with this target. In its latest published report for 2013, the NDA reported that the proportion of staff with disabilities in the public service exceeded the 3% target for the third successive year. In the Civil Service, the area of the public service for which I have direct responsibility, 4.4% of staff employed were reported as having a disability. In relation to other areas of the public service, each Minister is responsible reporting on the target set in the Disability Act 2005 for the employment of persons with disabilities in public bodies under his or her aegis.
A full copy of the report can be obtained from the NDA site. http://nda.ie/Publications/Employment/Employment-of-people-with-disabilities-in-the-public-service/Reports-on-compliance-with-public-sector-jobs-target/2013-Report-on-Compliance-with-Part-5-of-the-Disability-Act-on-the-Employment-of-People-with-Disabilities-in-the-Public-Sector.html
As far as policy developments in this area are concerned, the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for people with disabilities includes key actions as follows:-
- commence a review of the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA) Code of Standards to ensure that they fully support the employment of people with disabilities in the public service; and
- that the establishment of special public service competitions for people with disabilities to meet identified shortfalls in public service employment targets, including where appropriate the provision of alternative recruitment channels for people with disabilities, with work in that regard to be taken forward by the Department of Public Expenditure in consultation with the Public Appointments Service (PAS);
In the context of the implementation of the Strategy, it has been agreed in principle to increase the public service employment targets on a phased basis from 3% to 6%. This decision requires the making of formal statutory instruments by individual Ministers under Section 47 of the Disability Act 2015.
Finally, a number of Departments and Offices in the Civil Service are participants in the Willing Able and Mentoring (WAM) Programme which is a graduate work experience programme aimed at persons with disabilities. This programme was not subject to the moratorium. Details of WAM can be found here: http://www.ahead.ie/wam
267. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will support a matter on reform (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46943/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI note the correspondence the Deputy received from PeopleTalk in relation to public sector reform and citizen empowerment. I understand that PeopleTalk seeks to rebuild trust in public life and give citizens a say in public sector reform and I welcome any proposals that strengthen the voice of citizens, particularly at local level.
As the Deputy will be aware, rebuilding public trust in government and state institutions has been a major priority of the Government since we took office in 2011. In this context, we have demonstrated our commitment to improving how we encourage and facilitate the participation of citizens in decisions that affect their daily lives.
We recognise that effective engagement with citizens, be that in the design and delivery of services or in the development of legislative proposals, for example, is hugely important for achieving improved outcomes. A number of reforms have recently been implemented to better listen to citizens and businesses and to foster participatory decision making.
Ireland became a full member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in July 2014 on publication of its first OGP National Action Plan (NAP). Prior to this, an intensive process of consultation was undertaken in the development of the Plan. This culminated in a two day OGP Europe Regional Conference which was held in Dublin in May 2014, which brought officials and civil society together to discuss many topical issues and policies. A draft version of the OGP plan was published for public comment during the event. A number of open events have subsequently been held under the OGP banner to allow citizens, civil society, business and researchers to engage, give their views, inform and seek information.
The Constitutional Convention is an example of effective engagement with citizens in public policy. The convention ran from December 2012 to March 2014. Its membership comprised 66 randomly-selected citizens, 33 politicians from both Houses of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly and an independent chair. The Convention made 38 recommendations including holding a referendum on marriage equality which took place on 22 May, 2015. The referendum was passed by a decisive majority and was the first time that a proposal for constitutional change put forward by a Constitutional Convention has resulted in actual Constitutional change.
One of the actions in the OGP Plan was to review existing public consultation guidance nationally and internationally and develop new proposals. A draft principles-based set of guidelines have been approved by the Government and were put out for public consultation. A total of 50 submissions have been received on foot of that consultation process and these raise a lot of important issues, which my Department is currently considering. I will arrange to add PeopleTalk to the list of those who contacted the Department in this regard, so that they can be updated as this process is advanced.
Separately, public consultations have taken place on a range of services and advisory groups are established where it is considered appropriate to assist in policy development. Some examples in my own Department include consultations on Open Data Initiatives, Data Sharing, Accountability proposals and Corporate Governance arrangements for the Civil Service and just last month I launched a public consultation on Commissioning Human, Social and Community Services.
More generally, we have implemented a significant programme of reforms aimed at making the Public Service more open, transparent and accountable. Examples include changes to how appointments are made to State Boards, reforming legislation in areas such as Freedom of Information, Protection of Whistleblowers, the scope and powers of Parliamentary Inquiries, the role of the Ombudsman, the regulation of Lobbying, and revision of the legislative framework for the management of conflicts of interest and standards of conduct of public officials.
Finally, it is worth noting that there was extensive consultation at all of the key stages in the development of the above legislative reforms and they were among the Bills that have been subjected to the pre-legislative scrutiny process by Oireachtas Committees. Under this process, Oireachtas Committees seek written submissions on the Heads of the Bill or on the general subject matter from individual experts, stakeholder groups or interested parties; consult with the general public; and hold public hearings inviting individuals or groups to make presentations to the Committee.
268. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amount of funding budgeted in 2015 for the Office of Public Works overall flood risk management programme; the amount of this that was budgeted for expenditure on capital flood relief works; the amount of the overall budget spent to 31 December 2015; the amount of this that was spent on expenditure on capital flood relief works; the budget for the OPW's overall flood risk management programme for 2016 and, separately, the budget for expenditure on capital flood relief works in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1048/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is shown in the table following:
|
Expenditure Heading |
2015 Budget (Revised Estimates Volume) €m |
2015 Provisional Outturn €m |
2016 Budget Estimate €m |
|
Overall Flood Risk Management Programme (Note 1) of which: Capital Flood Relief Works (Note 2) |
87.815 61.284 |
75.049 48.368 |
80.746 52.561 |
Note 1 . The amounts shown for this heading include provision for expenditure on capital flood relief works, on arterial drainage maintenance activities, the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme, purchase of plant and machinery, hydrometric and hydrological investigation and monitoring and on the general administrative costs of operating the programme. Full details are provided in the Revised Estimates Volume 2015.
Note 2 . The amounts shown for this heading provide for the preparation and design of flood relief schemes, the construction of flood relief works, the payment of compensation costs arising from these works and the carrying out of minor coastal or non-coastal works by Local Authorities with funding provided by the OPW under the Minor Works Scheme. It also provides for the carrying out of CFRAM studies. The 2015 figures also include an amount in respect of specific funding approved by Government for Local Authorities for the repair of coastal protection infrastructure damaged in the storms of winter 2014. The 2016 allocation includes a deferred surrender or capital carryover of €7m from the 2015 allocation.
Expenditure on the flood relief programme in 2015 was less than budgeted for due primarily to delays in the planned commencement of construction of certain capital projects. However, a significant element of the underspending in this or other years on the OPW's capital allocation is dealt with normally through the system of deferred surrender or capital carryover. This ensures that the funding is not lost to the flood capital investment programme.
I can assure the Deputy that the OPW has had and will continue to have sufficient funding available to it to meet its requirements for flood relief in any year. There is no issue in relation to underfunding of the flood relief programme.
The allocation of €52.561 million for capital flood relief measures in 2016 allows for the design, planning and construction of major flood relief schemes and the funding of minor works projects undertaken by local authorities. Major schemes in Waterford, Ennis and the river Wad in Dublin will be completed and schemes at Claregalway, Bandon, Skibbereen, Foynes and Templemore are expected to commence construction works in 2016. Another 21 schemes will continue to be advanced through design and planning stages.
269. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the steps the Office of Public Works is putting in place to protect deer in the Phoenix Park, given that over 21 deer were killed by cars in 2015. [1049/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works work in close co-operation with the Mammal Conservation Unit of University College Dublin in regard to the welfare of deer in the Phoenix Park. Consultation also takes place with the National Parks & Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine. The herd population is maintained at 450-550 as this is the optimum carrying capacity for the Park.
Road signage to indicate traditional deer road crossing points is in place and low speed limit signs are clearly displayed for motorists.
A number of roads have been closed to through traffic and summer weekend road closures are in place on Chesterfield Avenue which minimises deer contact with cars.
OPW records show that 16 deer were killed by cars in 2015.
270. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the details of any application to the Office of Public Works by Mayo County Council for flood mitigation works in the Keenagh, Deelbridge, Comminch and Tubrid More areas of Ballina in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1079/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works (OPW) has not received any application for funding from Mayo County Council under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme in relation to works at the Keenagh, Deelbridge, Comminch and Tubrid More areas of Ballina in County Mayo.
It is open to the Council to undertake any such works using its own resources or to submit an application for funding if necessary under the OPW Minor Works Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the scheme's eligibility criteria which includes a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding. Application forms and related guidelines are available on the OPW website under Flood Risk Management. http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/
271. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the next higher executive officer open competition for the Civil Service will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1177/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware from my answer to her previous PQ on this matter (ref; 33509/15), the Public Appointments Service (PAS) is the independent centralised provider of professional recruitment, assessment and selection services for the Civil Service.
The initiation of an inter-departmental or open recruitment campaign for any particular civil service grade is determined by factors such as the requirements identified in workforce planning and the need to establish priorities for targeted recruitment into the civil service to meet specific service and skill needs.
As part of the review of targeted recruitment into the civil service in 2016, the question of holding open and inter-departmental competitions for the Higher Executive Officer will be considered.
272. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Morrell River flood relief scheme; when he expects the Office of Public Works to proceed with the project given that it has received the options report and cost-benefit analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1181/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraKildare County Council (KCC), in consultation with the Office of Public Works (OPW), engaged Consulting Engineers to carry out a Full Feasibility Study, Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Lower Morrell River and the surrounding River Catchment in an effort to resolve the outstanding localised flooding issues in the Straffan area. A Steering Group which comprises representatives of KCC, OPW and the consultants, was set up to advance the project.
KCC and their consultants submitted a Draft Options Report/Feasibility Study to OPW outlining possible flood relief measures for the Lower Morrell River Catchment in 2014. Following consideration of the draft report by the OPW, it was agreed by the Steering Group that the consultants would carry out a more detailed review of the proposed scheme with further analysis of the various options considered to assess the benefits of the current works proposals as they have evolved. The review would also investigate if there are additional or alternative and more cost effective measures that can be put in place to alleviate flooding in the area. Any changes identified by the review process would need to be incorporated into the Cost Benefit Analysis and Environmental Impact Statement before the scheme can be advanced.
I am advised that the consultants have completed the review process and KCC has submitted their findings to the OPW for consideration. The OPW and KCC will meet later this month with a view to finalising the Feasibility Report. Once the Feasibility Report has been finalised, and provided the scheme is still economically and environmentally viable, KCC and the OPW will decide on how best to advance the proposed works. The OPW has included provision for the cost of the proposed works in its financial profiles in the period up to 2018.
273. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Question No. 231 of 30 April 2014, if he will provide an update on a property (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1219/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commissioners of Public Works are assessing the property options for the remaining closed Garda Stations, on a phased basis. The former Garda Station in Goleen will form part of the next phase of stations to be assessed in line with the OPW's disposal policy. Proposals for community use will be considered following the assessment of (i) the suitability of the property for alternative state use and (ii) its potential for disposal on the open market.
No State interest has been identified at this time.
The Commissioners of Public Works have received submissions from community groups expressing an interest in the property.
It is anticipated that a decision on the future use of this property will be made in Q2 of 2016.
274. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to previous parliamentary questions, including Question No. 277 of 3 July 2012, if he is aware that properties in Tullig Mór and Tullig Beg in Ballinhassig, County Cork, were flooded on 29 and 30 December 2015 and that many of the same properties were also flooded in 2009; the plans the Office of Public Works has to prevent this problem from recurring in Ballinhassig; what assurances he can give in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1293/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of Public Works is liaising with Cork County Council in relation to information on the flooding of properties in that local authority area during December, 2015.
The OPW received a number of applications in 2011 and 2012 from the Council, under the Minor Works & Coastal Protection Scheme, to carry out flood relief works in Ballinhassig. These applications did not meet the criteria for the scheme. A further application was received from the Council in March 2013 to carry out a flood risk assessment and outline design of flood relief proposals. This application was not approved as the area was subject to study as part of the Lee Catchment Flood Risk Assessment & Management (CFRAM). The OPW's consultants for the South Western CFRAM study reviewed the Lee CFRAM outputs in 2013 and indicated that the hydrology for the Owenboy River needed to be updated.
It is the intention of the OPW to update the hydrology and undertake a Flood Relief Feasibility Study for Carrigaline, subject to available resources. In that context it is expected that progress on this study, which will cover Ballinhassig, will commence during the first half of 2016.
Depending on the outcome of the Feasibility Study, flood relief measures for Ballinhassig will be progressed.
