Tuesday, 17 Jan 2017

Departmental Properties

Ceisteanna (713)

John Brady

Ceist:

713. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of vacant State-owned properties by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41667/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Commissioners of Public Works own the following properties that are currently vacant. The majority of these properties are former Garda stations that were closed as part of the policing plans of An Garda Síochána in 2012 and 2013.

The future use of the former Garda stations will be determined once the review of closed Garda stations being undertaken as part of the Programme for a Partnership Government has concluded.

County	Location	Property
Cavan	Bawnboy	Former Garda station
Cavan	Ballyconnell	Customs Post
Cavan	Redhills	Former Garda station
Cavan	Stradone	Former Garda station
Clare	Broadford	Former Garda station
Clare	Doonbeg	Former Garda station
Clare	Inagh	Former Garda station
Cork	Adrigole	Former Garda station
Cork	Ballinaspittle	Former Garda station
Cork	Ballyfeard	Former Garda station
Cork	Ballygurteen	Former Garda station
Cork	13 Woodville, Blarney	Garda Residence
Cork	Buttevant	Garda Residence
Cork	No. 4 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage
Cork	No. 5 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage
Cork	No. 7 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage
Cork	No. 8 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage
Cork	No. 9 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage
Cork	No. 10 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage
Cork	No. 11 Crosshaven CoastGuard Cottage	CoastGuard Cottage
Cork	Clonakilty	Agricultural College & Office
Cork	Glenville	Former Garda station
Cork	Goleen	Former Garda station
Cork	Knocknagree	Former Garda station
Cork	Rathduff	Former Garda station
Cork City	McCurtain Street	Former Garda station
Cork City	St Lukes Former GS, Ballyhooley Rd, Cork	Former Garda station
Donegal	Buncrana	Former Garda station
Donegal	Castlefin	Garda Residence
Donegal	Malin	Former Garda station
Donegal	Na Brocacha / Cloghan	Former Garda station
Dublin	91A George's Street, Dun Laoghaire	Building
Dublin	Debtors' Prison, Halston Street	Building
Galway	Ballymoe	Former Garda station
Galway	Corrandulla	Former Garda station
Galway	Gort	Former Garda station
Galway	Kilchreest	Former Garda station
Galway	Kilcolgan	Former Garda station
Galway	Kilconly	Former Garda station
Galway	Kiltullagh	Former Garda station
Galway	Leenane	Former Garda station
Galway	Maam	Former Garda station
Galway	Tynagh	Former Garda station & Garda Res
Kerry	Abbeydorney	Former Garda station
Kerry	Ballylongford	Former Garda station
Kerry	Brosna	Former Garda station
Kerry	Camp	Former Garda station
Kerry	Castleisland	Former Garda station
Kerry	Douglas	Former National School
Kerry	Moyvane	Former Garda station
Kildare	Rathangan	Former Garda station
Kilkenny	Castlecomer	Former Garda station
Leitrim	Drumkeerin	Former Garda station & Garda Res
Leitrim	Glenfarne	Former Garda station
Leitrim	Keshcarrigan	Former Garda station
Limerick	Castletown Conyers	Former Garda station
Limerick	Edward Street	Former Garda station
Limerick	Galbally	Former Garda station
Limerick	Kilfinane	Former Garda station
Limerick	Mary Street	Former Garda station
Limerick	Mayorstone Park	Former Garda station
Limerick	Shanagolden	Former Garda station
Longford	Ballinalee	Former Garda station
Mayo	Ballina	Former Garda station
Mayo	Ballyglass	Former Garda station
Mayo	Bellacorrick	Former Garda station
Mayo	Blacksod	Former Garda station
Mayo	Lahardane	Former Garda station
Mayo	Hollymount	Former Garda station
Meath	Navan	Government Building
Meath	Enfield	Former ESB Building
Monaghan	Clones	Customs Building
Monaghan	Clontibret	Former Garda station
Monaghan	Corrinshigagh	Former Garda station
Monaghan	Innisshannon	Customs Hut
Monaghan	Newbliss	Former Garda station
Monaghan	Smithborough	Former Garda station
Monaghan	Shantonagh	Former Garda station
Monaghan	Tynagh	Former Garda station
Roscommon	Ballintubber	Former Garda station
Roscommon	Ballyforan	Former Garda station
Roscommon	Knockcroghery	Former Garda station
Roscommon	Tarmonbarry	Former Garda station
Tipperary	New Inn (Tipperary)	Former Garda station
Tipperary	No. 3 The Mall, Templemore	Garda Residence
Tipperary	No. 4 The Mall, Templemore	Garda Residence
Tipperary	No. 5 The Mall, Templemore	Garda Residence
Tipperary	No. 9 Church Ave, Templemore	Garda Residence
Tipperary	No. 10 Church Ave, Templemore	Garda Residence
Waterford	Ballyduff	Former Garda station
Waterford	Ardmore	Building
Wicklow	Hollywood	Former Garda station

The non Garda station properties on this list are currently being examined to determine their potential for future State use. Properties for which there is no alternative State use identified will be disposed of on the open market through an advertised process.

Flood Prevention Measures

Ceisteanna (714)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

714. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the provision of funding by the Office of Public Works for flood defence works on the North Beach in Arklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41682/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The application received from Wicklow County Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for funding to undertake a project at North Beach, Arklow has been assessed by the Office of Public Works (Office of Public Works) and is not eligible for funding under the scheme as it does not meet the scheme criteria. The works proposed relate to maintenance works on an existing structure which works are not eligible for funding nor does the proposal meet the cost benefit criteria of the scheme.

The Office of Public Works has discussed the application with Wicklow County Council and has advised the Council of the position and that it is open to the Council to submit a revised application which satisfies the criteria.

Flood Relief Schemes

Ceisteanna (715)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

715. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if direct consultation will be carried out with the residents of the affected area on the eastern CFRAM study, River Liffey from city boundary at Knockmaroon Hill to the Liffey Valley Park, Chapelizod, Dublin 20, prior to the adoption or imposition of any measures in the area to allow them to make an informed decision with regard to the proposals; and if further details will be provided to outline in greater detail the measures being considered and proposed, and their extent. [1165/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding, is the Office of Public Works Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. It is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the Office of Public Works working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans. There is a proposed option in the Eastern CFRAM Study for the areas within Chapelizod affected by flooding from the River Liffey.

Extensive informal and statutory public consultation in Chapelizod and Lucan was held at each stage of the CFRAM programme. The details are:

Public Consultation Days on the Draft Flood Maps for the Chapelizod and Lucan areas took place locally on 4 and 5 March 2015 and in Dublin City Council Offices on 30 and 31 March 2015. Office of Public Works carried out National Statutory Consultation on the CFRAM Draft Mapping from 20 November to 23 December 2015. Members of the public had the opportunity to make comments and statutory objections to the Draft Maps at this stage.

Public Consultation Days on the Proposed Options for Chapelizod and Lucan areas took place locally on 2 and 3 March 2016 and on the Draft Flood Risk Management Plans on 1 and 2 November 2016. Office of Public Works also carried out National Statutory Consultation on the East CFRAM Draft Flood Risk Management Plans from 23 September to 2 December 2016 to further facilitate local input in finalising the CFRAM Flood Plans.

While no further consultation is planned under the CFRAM Programme, further project level consultation will take place in accordance with the required statutory mechanism used to progress the final CFRAM Flood Risk Management Plans, when approved. The Office of Public Works is on track to complete the Flood Risk Management Plans, in Spring 2017, for approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (716)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

716. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his attention has been drawn to the potential of the Grianán of Aileach hill fort in County Donegal; and if he will ensure that facilities at this site are developed and the site is promoted in tandem with the Hill of Tara, with which the site at An Grianán of Aileach is of at least equal national historical importance. [1194/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Grianán an Aileach site is a National Monument of significant historic importance which is maintained by the Office of Public Works (Office of Public Works) in accordance with the provisions of the National Monuments Acts 1930 – 2004.

The Office of Public Works estimates that the site attracts in excess of 100,000 visitors per annum, notwithstanding that access is difficult and that there is no provision for visitors apart from a County Council owned carpark near the site. The Office of Public Works is therefore very well aware of both the tourism potential and the conservation risks at the site and has been considering how best these issues might be addressed. Office of Public Works has been in touch with both Donegal Co. Council and Fáilte Ireland regarding a solution to the practical issues involved to meet the needs of the site and the many visitors who travel to it each year. These contacts will continue and a meeting is planned soon with County Councillors from the area. The Office of Public Works is hopeful that progress can be made on this issue and regards the local engagement with the Council as essential to move the matter forward positively.

Flood Relief Schemes

Ceisteanna (717)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

717. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe for the finalisation of the CFRAM draft flood risk management plans; and when the national programme of schemes will be published. [1587/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding, is the Office of Public Works's Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. It is the principal vehicle for implementing the EU Floods Directive and national flood policy. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the Office of Public Works working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of flood risk management plans.

The Flood Risk Management Plans are now being finalised taking account of all observations and comments received as part of the statutory public consultation on the Draft Plans. The Office of Public Works is on track to finalise the Flood Risk Management Plans, in Spring 2017, for approval by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

National Monuments

Ceisteanna (718)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

718. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the historic sites at Newgrange and Kilmainham Gaol are self-financing at this stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1756/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The National Monument sites at Newgrange/Brú na Boinne and Kilmainham Gaol are extremely important in historic terms and, with combined admissions of in excess of 600,000 visitors annually, are among the most popular paid-entry sites operated by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

There are considerable costs involved in operating visitor sites of this scale with a significant outlay in maintaining the historic structures intact and providing the necessary staffing and other logistical supports necessary to open the sites to visitors on a year round basis. Set against this however, the sites also generate considerable income, not alone through admission charges which accrue directly to the Exchequer, but also through the economic multiplier effect which results from the ancillary spending they engender among tourists visiting the areas where they are located.

The Office of Public Works is currently preparing annual accounts in respect of these sites to analyse the Income and Expenditure position in detail. The full cost and income information for 2016 is not available as yet and it may take some additional time for all the relevant data to be compiled and the accounts finalised. The Office of Public Works is confident, however, that the detailed analysis will reveal that the financial performance of these sites is robust and represents good value to the taxpayer. Where the accounts for these sites have been finalised, the data can be made available to the Deputy.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (719)

Tony McLoughlin

Ceist:

719. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the OPW has identified a suitable site for the construction of the new Sligo - Leitrim divisional Garda headquarters in Sligo as announced in the 2016 - 2021 capital plan; the location of this site if identified; the reason a site which was identified in Sligo, but which has since fallen through, was not proceeded with; the expected start date for construction of this facility for the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1782/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works is currently seeking to acquire a suitable site or property for the provision of a new Garda Station in Sligo.

In order to ensure that all possible viable options are considered and to achieve the best possible value for money, the Office of Public Works intends to advertise in local and national newspapers seeking submissions from property owners or property developers wishing to provide a useable site in the order of 1.5 hectares or buildings on comparable sized plots. Following receipt of submissions, the Office of Public Works will evaluate the submissions and, together with An Garda Síochána, select the most suitable proposal. The Office of Public Works will then proceed with the legal matters regarding purchase of that site or building.

As the delivery of this Garda Station is to be undertaken as part of a larger PPP bundle, exact dates and details in relation to construction are not available at this time.

Labour Employer Economic Forum

Ceisteanna (720)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

720. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum which he chaired on 5 October 2016; and the details of further meetings which he anticipates chairing. [40017/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The inaugural meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) on 5 October last was chaired by An Taoiseach and attended by the sponsoring Ministers of Public Expenditure and Reform, Finance and Jobs Enterprise and Innovation with representatives of employers and trade unions.

The aim of the LEEF is to provide a forum to discuss areas of shared concern affecting the economy, employment and the labour market such as competitiveness, sustainable job creation, labour market standards, equality and gender issues in the workplace.

An economic and fiscal outlook for Budget 2017 presented by Department of Finance formed the centre piece of the discussion at the first meeting, including the latest growth projections and risks such as Brexit. A wide ranging productive discussion and exchange of views ensued covering a range of topics including housing, childcare, international competitiveness, regional development, labour taxation, female participation, third level education and insecure employment.

Following the conclusion of the discussion, it was agreed that the Forum would prove a useful mechanism for ongoing dialogue on challenges facing the country in which all sides had a shared interest and should meet in future on a quarterly basis.

The next meeting is scheduled for Qtr. 1 and arrangements are in hand with relevant parties to agree date and practical arrangements such as Agenda etc. for that meeting.

Flood Relief Schemes Applications

Ceisteanna (721)

Ciaran Cannon

Ceist:

721. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the Office of Public Works has received an application for minor works flood relief funding for a flood relief project at Station Road, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if so, when the funding will be made available. [41181/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

No application has been received from Galway County Council under the Office of Public Works's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for the area mentioned in the Deputy’s question.

Significant funding of €2.0 million approximately under the Minor Works scheme has been approved to date for various flood relief measures in Ballinasloe and its environs and this has provided valuable protection to many households and businesses.

Ballinasloe is an Area for Further Assessment (AFA) within the Shannon CFRAM Study. Statutory public consultation on the draft Plans for the Shannon CFRAM study area took place between 15 July 2016 and 23 September 2016.

The draft Plans set out the proposed strategy, actions and measures that are considered to be the most appropriate following detailed modelling and appraisal of possible options for the flood risk management measures, including environmental assessment at the Plan level.

Priority is given to those measures set out in the Plans that have the greatest overall benefit based on a multi-criteria assessment.

The proposed measures for Ballinasloe set out in the draft Shannon Plan include structural works at Station Road (embankment and wall). These works will be progressed as an integral part of the overall flood relief scheme for the Ballinasloe AFA.

Given the level of investment on flood relief works and studies already undertaken to date in Ballinasloe it would not be considered appropriate to progress measures under the Shannon CFRAM Plan for Station Road in advance of the overall scheme of works for the Ballinasloe AFA.

Ministerial Remuneration

Ceisteanna (722)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

722. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the pay and allowances paid to all senior and junior Ministers (details supplied). [41224/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy in relation to current salaries and allowances:

Officeholder Position	TD's Salary	Officeholder Allowance	Total
Taoiseach	€87,258	€98,092	€185,350
Tánaiste	€87,258	€84,051	€171,309
Minister	€87,258	€70,282	€157,540
Minister of State	€87,258	€34,381	€121,639
Minister of State attending Cabinet	€87,258	€34,381 + €15,829	€137,468

Whether or not a person serves as a Minister has no bearing on the funding provided to Parties and to Independent Members under the Parliamentary Activities Allowance. The Allowance (formerly known as the Party Leader's Allowance) is payable to the parliamentary leader of a qualifying party based on the number of party members elected to Dáil Éireann and the number of members elected/nominated to Seanad Éireann at the last preceding general election or a subsequent bye-election or, in the case of Seanad Éireann, nominated to it after the last preceding general election. The allowance is also payable to members of Dáil or Seanad Éireann who are elected other than as a member of a qualifying party - i.e. Independent members.

Similarly, whether or not persons serve in a Ministerial position has no bearing on the funding provided to qualifying Parties under the Electoral Acts, which are the responsibility of the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

Shared Services

Ceisteanna (723)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

723. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the purpose and design of the centralised payroll shared services system; if he will provide the Departments that have already been transferred to the centralised payroll shared services system; the Departments that are due to be transferred to the centralised payroll shared services system; the timeframe for the transfer of each Department to the centralised payroll shared services system; the information that will be held by the centralised payroll shared services system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41460/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

Purpose and design of the Payroll Shared Services Centre

The Public Service Reform Plan (November 2011) identified the implementation of shared services as a major element in the Reform Programme. Shared services consolidate administrative functions in areas such as Finance, IT, Payroll and Human Resources which allow organisations and Governments focus their resources on core activities which in turn lead to administrative efficiency and reduced cost.

Prior to the establishment of the Payroll Shared Services Centre in December 2013, payroll, pension and travel and subsistence payments for Government Departments and their clients (approx. 120,000 payees) was being administered by 18 different Payroll Centres.

To meet the strategic objectives of achieving sustainable cost efficiencies and maximising the service benefits, a Government Decision in 2013 approved the consolidation and development of an integrated Payroll Shared Service across the Civil Service, on the basis of an appropriate payroll operating model with standardised end-to-end processes on a common technology platform. There is a single governance structure, single licence agreements with technology providers, and improved and standardised processes and service level agreements with client Departments.

Departments already transferred to the PSSC

Government Departments that have migrated to date are:

Departments of An Taoiseach;

Department of Finance;

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform;

Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government;

Department of Defence (pensions);

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade;

Department of Justice and Equality;

Department of Education and Skills;

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine;

Department of Health;

Department of Children and Youth Affairs;

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment;

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport;

Department of Arts; Heritage; Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs;

Other Public Service Bodies who have transferred to the PSSC are:

An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Office of the Attorney General, the Central Statistics Office, the President's Establishment; Child Detention Schools; Health Information and Quality Authority; National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; National Disability Authority; Civil Service Redress Board; Law Reform Commission; State Examinations Commission; Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission; Courts Service; Chief State Solicitor's Office; Office of the Ombudsman; Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; Office of the C & AG; National Museum; National Library; Property Registration Authority; Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission; National Council for Special Education; Public Appointments Service; and State Laboratory.

Departments due to be transferred to the PSSC

The Government Departments that have still to be transferred to the Payroll Shared Services Centre are:

- Department of Social Protection

- Department of Defence (Military payrolls)

- Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Other Public Service Bodies who have still to be transferred are the Office of Public Works, the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Valuation Office.

Numbers and timeframe for transfer

As at January 2017, the number of payees the PSSC services is just over 102,000 and the end-state number of customers will be approx. 128,000 Civil and Public Servants and retirees. The transfer of client Departments and Public Service Bodies to the PSSC began in December 2013 and has been conducted in waves at a time. The final waves are due for completion by the end of November 2017.

Information held by the PSSC

The information held by the centralised payroll system comprises;

- Individual payee data;

- Data that is required to produce payments and for reporting and interface purposes, such as Paygroup and Travel & Subsistence group information, Pension Schemes and Pay Codes; and

- Payment history details.

Seanad Relocation

Ceisteanna (724)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

724. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Office of Public Works plans to relocate Seanad Éireann to the National Museum; the consultations his Department has undertaken; the consultations his Department intends to undertake; the point at which the planning application is; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41496/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Following extensive consultation with and agreement between the National Museum of Ireland and the Houses of the Oireachtas, my Office is now undertaking the detailed planning of those works necessary to facilitate the temporary relocation of Seanad Éireann to two rooms on the First Floor of the National Museum together with the preparation of the required Statutory Planning documentation.

Seanad Relocation

Ceisteanna (725)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

725. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the way in which the relevant bodies came to the decision of the National Museum as the best possible location for Seanad Éireann while the Seanad Chamber undergoes renovation works; the process his Department undertook to choose this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41497/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Office of Public Works provided a report on possible locations for the temporary relocation of Seanad Éireann to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission advised that the Ceramics Room of the National Museum of Ireland was the only appropriate location to meet their requirements.

Garda Station Refurbishment

Ceisteanna (726)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

726. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the Barraduff Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41535/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The Garda Station at Barraduff was completely refurbished in 2010 which included the incorporation of the Married Quarters into the Garda Station for Garda operational purposes.

The Married Quarters is therefore not available for other use.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (727)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

727. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will consider a matter (details supplied) regarding a Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41536/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Advertisements were placed in local and national newspapers in January 2015 for suitable sites to provide a new Garda Station in this location.

Following receipt of submissions at that time, a site has been identified for the new Garda Station and the Office of Public Works is finalising legal formalities to acquire this site. This process is nearing completion now, and at this stage it is not possible to include any other sites in the process.

Harbours and Piers

Ceisteanna (728)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

728. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will confirm ownership of a pier (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41622/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland that they have no title to Kilkeveragh Pier in Portmagee, Co. Kerry.

My officials have made extensive enquiries on your behalf and I am satisfied that my office has no responsibility for this Pier.

Parliamentary Party Allowances

Ceisteanna (729)

James Lawless

Ceist:

729. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the names of the Deputies currently receiving a Leader's allowance payment; the amount of this payment; the party, political or Technical Group each of these Deputies belong to; and if any Deputies have voluntarily surrendered some or all of this payment, in tabular form. [41869/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Parliamentary Activities Allowance (formerly known as the Party Leader's Allowance) is provided for in the Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices Act 1938 as amended, most recently by the Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Act, 2014.

The Allowance is paid to the parliamentary leader of a qualifying Party - not to the individual members of a Party - in relation to expenses arising from the parliamentary activities of the Party. Payments are made in respect of members of the Party elected to Dáil Éireann and members elected/nominated to Seanad Éireann at the last preceding general election or a subsequent bye-election or, in the case of Seanad Éireann, nominated to it after the last preceding general election. The legislation also provides that payments may be made to a member of Dáil or Seanad Éireann who is elected other than as a member of a qualifying Party - i.e. an Independent member.

All Independent Deputies are currently in receipt of the Allowance bar one who is yet to claim the allowance. The annual rate of the allowance payable to an Independent Deputy is €37,037. My Department does not keep a record of Groups to which Independent Deputies may be affiliated as this has no bearing on the payment of the Allowance. The legislation provides that each Independent member (and Party leader) must prepare a statement of expenditure for the allowance, to have it audited by an independent auditor and furnish it with the auditor's report to the Standards in Public Office Commission - with any unspent monies being returned to the Exchequer. Therefore, the issue of voluntarily surrendering some or all of the Allowance does not arise.

Flood Relief Schemes

Ceisteanna (730)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

730. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the person or body responsible for flood defences at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41888/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

The flood defence embankment referred to by the Deputy does not form part of an Office of Public Works Arterial Drainage Scheme and as such this Office is not responsible for its maintenance.

I am advised that the embankment at this location is referred to as a “Land Commission” embankment. While there is no statutory obligation of the State for the maintenance of this embankment, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine does provide some administrative arrangements, including acting as a Public Trustee to manage the funds held in trust towards the maintenance costs that may arise for some of these embankments.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (731)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

731. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will outline all funding announcements made by him or by his Department for projects in County Mayo since January 2015, in tabular form; the details of each project; the status of the project at 31 December 2016; the amount of funding drawn down at 31 December 2016; and the reason for the delay in the project or funding draw down. [1064/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's Capital Plan was announced on 29 September, 2015 and outlined exchequer capital spending of €27 billion over the next six years. In the 2016 Summer Economic Statement, the Government committed to additional capital investment of €5.14 billion over the period of the plan.

Individual Ministers will be able to advise on the range of projects in County Mayo that are being funded under the Capital Plan by the relevant line Departments.

In relation to my Department, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has provided funding for flood risk projects in County Mayo since January 2015 and details of these projects are set out in the following tables:

Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme

Local Authority	Project Location	Project Details	Approved Funding	Date of Approval	Status of Project	Funding Drawn-down
Mayo County Council	Barnagreggaun/ Mossbrook, Balla	Clean drains, install pipe & construct banking alongside road	€5,760	21/09/15	Completed	€5,184
	Additional storm damage funding	Additional once off funding allocation to enable local authority to address outstanding storm damage repairs to public coastal protection infrastructure arising from the second period of severe weather during the Winter 2013/2014 storms	€6,000	08/10/15	Completed	€6,000
	Total (2015)		€11,760			€11,184
Mayo County Council	Salmon Leap Cottage, Belclare	Divert flood waters away from house back into main channel	€9,000	14/03/16		€0
	Crossmolina Car Park	To remove existing railing, construct wall & flood barrier & associated works	€95,220	11/08/16	Ongoing	€47,708
	Crossmolina Walkway	To remove existing shrubbery, construct walls, supply & install flood gate & associated works	€64,350	11/08/16	Ongoing	€40,173
	Crossmolina, Chapel Street	To repoint/repair existing stone wall	€29,700	11/08/16	Ongoing	€20,792
	Copper Beach, Straide	Raise embankment at site - 35m embankment 5600 high with slopes 1:1	€5,490	07/11/16		€0
	Seasonmaster, Straide	175m long raised embankment at site perimeter Raise road surface above adjacent watercourse	€28,575	07/11/16		€0
	Total (2016)		€232,335			€108,673

The Office of Public Works is not involved in the day-to-day administration and management of the Minor Works projects. The commencement and progression of the approved projects is a matter for the local authority.

Crossmolina Flood Gates Pilot Project

Local Authority

Project Location

Project Details

Approved Funding

Date of Approval

Status of Project

Funding Drawn-down

Mayo County Council

Crossmolina

Survey and assess suitability of properties at risk of flooding for installation of flood gates; recommend and install flood gates in suitable properties

No specific funding amount approved but Office of Public Works has committed to fund the cost of the pilot project

Jan 2016

Ongoing. House surveys completed. Work on installation of flood gates due to commence in week beginning 9/01/17

€0

Flood Relief Schemes Status

Ceisteanna (732, 733, 734)

Joe Carey

Ceist:

732. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a flood relief project (details supplied) in County Clare; when it will move to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1080/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Carey

Ceist:

733. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the provision of a flood relief scheme (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1081/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Carey

Ceist:

734. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding the provision of a flood relief scheme for Clonahinchy, Quilty, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1083/17]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

I propose to take Questions Nos. 732 to 734, inclusive, together.

The Ennis South Scheme is being progressed by Clare County Council (CCC) with funding from the Office of Public Works (Office of Public Works). Day to day management of the project is the responsibility of CCC. From enquiries my office has made it is understood that tender documents are being prepared at present and the Council expect to be in a position to go to tender within the next 4 weeks. Following on from the tender period and subsequent assessment of tenders they hope to be in a position to commence work on the ground by the end of the second quarter of this year.

With regard to the Springfield/Clonlara areas, in light of the extreme flooding experienced in December 2015 and January 2016, the Office of Public Works has instructed the consultants for the Shannon CFRAM study to undertake further analysis to better understand the specifics of the flood event and to review the hydraulic modelling and flood mapping for this area. This work is underway and is expected to be completed shortly. Following the review of the modelling and flood mapping the assessment of options in this area will be revisited to determine if potential measures are viable.

In relation to Clonahinchy, the Office of Public Works and CCC met in September 2016 to explore alternative flood risk management options and measures which would be economically viable, as the Council’s initial proposals as set out in the consultants report it had commissioned did not meet the relevant criteria. Office of Public Works is awaiting a revised proposal from CCC to produce a cost-beneficial and effective flood defence option for Clohaninchy.

The Office of Public Works acknowledge the ongoing local community involvement and have highlighted to CCC the importance of keeping the local community informed of proposed flood risk management plans.