Written Answers Nos. 754 - 773
754. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way in which established community groups can acquire capital funds to buy accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41109/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not the practice of my Department, generally speaking, to provide capital funding to community groups to acquire accommodation. In many cases, such groups might be best advised to discuss their accommodation needs with their local authority. However, if the Deputy has a particular case in mind and wishes to forward additional information to me, I would be glad to look further into the matter.
756. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the towns in counties Cavan and Monaghan which have benefited under the REDZ scheme since its inception; the years they were successful; the projects the funding went towards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41277/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) are functional, rather than administrative, geographic areas that reflect the spatial patterns of local economic activity and development. They are, in effect, sub-county zones within which most people live and work. The central objective of the REDZ concept is to encourage development on a more collaborative and functional basis, using the synergies and interdependencies between rural towns and their outlying areas to generate local economic activity.
In 2015, a pilot REDZ initiative was launched with the aim of encouraging Local Authorities, Development Agencies and communities to work collaboratively on the basis of these functional areas. A total of €3.758 million was approved in respect of 52 projects under the pilot.
Based on the success of that initiative, I launched a further phase of the REDZ programme in 2016. Under the programme, Local Authorities were invited to submit suitable projects for consideration based on the scheme criteria. Following the assessment of applications received, I approved total funding of €6.142 million for a further 47 REDZ projects across the country. Successful projects were awarded funding of up to 80% of the total project cost, with the balance of funding being met from local sources (Local Authority, private sector or community-based funding), with a minimum 5% cash contribution. Table 1 provides details of the REDZ projects awarded funding in counties Cavan and Monaghan.
A decision on a call for proposals under the REDZ scheme for 2017 will be taken following a review of the scheme later this year.
Table 1 - Details of REDZ Projects awarded in Cavan and Monaghan
|
Year |
County |
Area |
Allocated |
Project Details |
|
REDZ 2015 |
Monaghan |
Castleblayney/Ballybay |
€75,000 |
Provision of Leadership capacity training for the ‘Town Teams’ in Castleblayney and Ballybay, marketing and website improvements, sales, marketing and social media training. |
|
REDZ 2016 |
Monaghan |
Clones |
€140,000 |
Greenway/Linear Park, carpark to serve the town centre, the development of industrial sites at Clones Enterprise Park, Branding/Signage/Heritage Trail |
|
REDZ 2016 |
Monaghan |
Carrickmacross |
€150,000 |
Development of access road to industrial estate, Market House and Lace Gallery Project |
|
REDZ 2016 |
Cavan |
Bailieborough |
€100,000 |
Redevelopment of Bailieborough Courthouse and Bridewell as an Economic and Tourism Hub |
|
REDZ 2016 |
Cavan |
Cavan Town |
€100,000 |
Creation of a Digital Hub in Cavan Town |
757. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans regarding the population of urban foxes, in view of the apparent growth in the urban fox population and the fact that it has become problematic in many, diverse respects; if her Department has conducted any census of urban foxes; if this issue is a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife Service or individual local authorities; and if the NPWS is the appropriate agency to deal with it, the plans that have been put in place to address this growing problem. [41315/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fox is one of the most common and widely distributed mammals in Ireland and, while I have responsibilities under the Wildlife Acts relating to the conservation and management of populations of certain wild animals, I have no regulatory role in relation to foxes, as they are not a protected species under those Acts.
Foxes are widespread across Ireland and, like all wild animals, their populations fluctuate naturally. No national census of urban foxes has been undertaken. However, data collated on the National Biodiversity Data Centre’s website shows that foxes are found in every county of Ireland and have adapted to the urban and suburban landscape.
My Department has no plans at present to introduce measures to control fox populations in urban areas. Control of foxes in such areas is generally not considered to be effective as new animals will quickly occupy any vacant territories. I understand that control programmes in the UK were abandoned when it became apparent they were having no impact on fox numbers. It may be noted that foxes also play an important role in pest control, given that much of their diet is composed of rats and mice.
758. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of protected disclosures made to her Department and bodies under her aegis since the introduction of the protected disclosures legislation in 2014. [41428/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that no protected disclosures have been made to my Department or bodies under the aegis of my Department since the introduction of the relevant legislation in 2014 .
759. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding allocated to Conradh na Gaeilge over each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41526/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding allocated by my Department to Conradh na Gaeilge over the period 2007-2016 is shown in the following table:
|
Year |
Funding |
Note |
|
2007 |
€214,226 |
Refurbishment works - Craobh Luimnigh |
|
2008 |
€103,774 |
Refurbishment works - Craobh Luimnigh |
|
2009 |
€179,478 €115,088 |
Refurbishment works - HQ, 6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 Refurbishment works - Craobh an Aonaigh, Tiobraid Árann |
|
2010 |
€247,616 €54,714 |
Refurbishment works - Craobh an Aonaigh, Tiobraid Árann Refurbishment works - HQ, 6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 |
|
2011 |
€15,676 |
Refurbishment works - Craobh an Aonaigh, Tiobraid Árann |
|
2012 |
€55,200 |
Refurbishment works - HQ, 6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 |
|
2015 |
€34,849 |
Refurbishment works - HQ, 6 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 |
|
2016 |
€90,000 |
The Plé 2016 series of lectures & the digitisation of An Claidheamh Soluis, as part of the An Teanga Bheo strand of the Government’s Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme |
In addition, under the Gaeltacht Summer Camps scheme, local branches of Conradh na Gaeilge availed of funding from my Department to hold summer camps at various Gaeltacht locations. Administration of that scheme has transferred to Údarás na Gaeltachta since 2015.
Conradh na Gaeilge also receives annual funding directly from Foras na Gaeilge following its selection, with effect from 1 July 2014, as the lead organisation with responsibility for awareness raising, language protection and representation on an all-island basis. Prior to 2014, Conradh na Gaeilge was in receipt of core funding directly from Foras na Gaeilge. I am advised that the funding allocated from Foras na Gaeilge over the period 2007-2016 was as set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Allocated Funding from Foras na Gaeilge |
|
2007 |
€596,105 |
|
2008 |
€596,965 |
|
2009 |
* |
|
2010 |
€662,466 |
|
2011 |
€563,723 |
|
2012 |
€573,128 |
|
2013 |
€509,655 |
|
2014 |
€1,281,021 |
|
2015 |
€897,871 |
|
2016 |
€835,177 |
*Note: Prior to 2010, funding was allocated in advance. Therefore, funding allocated in 2007 and 2008 was paid in 2008 and 2009 respectively. From 2010, funding was not allocated in advance but was allocated and paid in the same year.
760. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén dáta a cuireadh an tuarascáil ar dhul chun cinn na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, a rinne Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in 2015, faoi bhráid na Roinne. [41688/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra761. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta i dtaca leis an ngealltanas a tugadh sa phacáiste eolais ón Aire, chomh maith leis an bhfreagra ar Cheist Pharlaiminte Uimhir 325 an 11 Deireadh Fómhair 2016, cathain go díreach a bheidh an Roinn réidh leis an scrúdú atá á dhéanamh ar an tuarascáil a rinne Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in 2015 ar dhul chun cinn na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an féidir léi dáta a foilsithe a shonrú. [41689/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra762. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén uair a fhoilseofar na príomh-thosaíochtaí straitéiseacha don tréimhse cúig bliana ó 2016 ar aghaidh, mar a aithníodh i dtuarascáil a rinne Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in 2015; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41690/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhir 760, 761 agus 762 le chéile.
Is í an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 bunchloch pholasaí an Rialtais maidir leis an nGaeilge. Ós rud é go raibh an Straitéis cúig bliana ar an bhfód ag deireadh 2015, eagraíodh díospóireacht oscailte ina leith ar mhaithe le breathnú siar ar an méid a bhí déanta go dtí sin maidir lena cur i bhfeidhm, chomh maith le breathnú chun cinn ar na tosaíochtaí ina leith don chúig bliana amach romhainn. Mar chuid den phróiseas sin, reáchtáladh sraith cruinnithe poiblí ag an am agus lorgaíodh aighneachtaí scríofa ón bpobal agus ó pháirtithe leasmhara araon.
Ar mhaithe le tacú leis an bpróiseas, ceapadh Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh, chun tuairisc a chur i dtoll a chéile ina ndéanfaí coimriú ar thátal na gcruinnithe agus rianú ar na príomhthosaíochtaí straitéiseacha do na blianta amach romhainn. Chuir an tAcadamh dréacht-thuairisc faoi bhráid mo Roinne ag deireadh Meithimh 2016. Tá an tuairisc seo á breithniú i dtreo í a chur ar aghaidh go gairid chuig an Coiste Comhairleach a ceapadh ag tús 2014 le comhairle a sholáthar maidir le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise. Agus moltaí an Choiste Chomhairligh a bheith faighte agam, bheadh sé i gceist agam tabhairt faoi na príomhthosaíochtaí straitéiseacha don tréimhse chúig bliana a fhoilsiú go luath.
763. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the value of capital investment projects and grants under way or approved for funding by her Department for County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41779/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the annual funding allocation to my Department at subhead level are published in the annual Revised Estimates Volume. Through these subheads, my Department administers and delivers a wide range of programmes and measures, descriptions of which are available on my Department’s website at http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/
Expenditure under these programme areas is recorded and accounted for on a national basis and it is not possible to give a regional or county-by-county breakdown of that expenditure. For example, a number of my Department’s programmes are delivered through agencies and other intermediary bodies that operate across county boundaries and in respect of which there is no detailed breakdown on a county basis held by my Department. Groups and organisations that receive grants directly from my Department are not typically constituted on a single-county basis.
In view of this, and because of the wide range of my Department’s schemes and programmes, and the large volumes of payments and grants involved, it is not possible to provide the information sought. However, if the Deputy has specific queries relating to a particular programme or grant, I will endeavour to provide him with relevant information in that regard.
764. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the date upon which the report by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge on the main strategic priorities for the 20-year plan for the Irish language was submitted to her Department. [41783/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra765. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will confirm, noting the commitment as set out in the ministerial brief as well as the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 325 of 11 October 2016, the date it is expected that the study will be concluded by her Department on the report by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge on the main strategic priorities for the 20 year plan for the Irish language; and if she will confirm a date for publication. [41784/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 764 and 765 together.
The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 represents the foundation stone of the Government's policy on the Irish language. In light of the fact that the Strategy was five years in existence at the end of 2015, an open policy debate was initiated by my Department in order to facilitate feedback in relation to progress to date regarding its implementation and to identify priorities for the coming five years. As part of that process, a series of public meetings were convened, in addition to written submissions being sought from both the public and key stakeholders alike.
In order to assist in the process, the services of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUIG, were engaged by my Department to prepare a report summarising the key conclusions of the public consultation process and to identify key strategic priorities for the coming years. A draft report was submitted by An tAcadamh to my Department at the end of June 2016 and is being examined with a view to submitting it shortly for consideration by the Advisory Committee established at the beginning of 2014 to advise on the implementation of the Strategy. Following receipt of the Advisory Committee’s recommendations, it is my intention to publish the identified strategic priorities for the next five years shortly.
766. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funds available for further development of talented young musicians; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41868/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government appreciates the importance of the cultural and creative industries to Ireland, including the music industry. Under the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts, including music, throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. I am pleased that I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council in Budget 2017 amounting to an increase of €5 million, or 8%. This increase will enable the Council to enhance support to artists and arts organisations around the country, including young and upcoming artists, in line with its strategy statement, Making Great Art Work, which prioritises support for the artist and public engagement.
In addition, my Department, through Culture Ireland, provides supports for Irish artists and musicians to travel abroad and develop their careers. I am pleased that I have increased the annual baseline funding for Culture Ireland from €2.5m in 2016 to €3.5m in 2017.
My Department also provides funding for an annual scheme to assist in the purchase of musical instruments by talented individuals and groups. Under the Music Capital Scheme, which is managed by Music Network, grants are made available to groups to support the purchase of musical instruments. Further details are available on the website of Music Network at www.musicnetwork.ie
My Department also provides funding to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) for its work in the protection and promotion of Irish traditional music and culture. In 2016, funding of €1,448,000 was provided to CCÉ by my Department. CCÉ provide weekly classes in a variety of traditional instruments, singing, and dance through its network of centres and branches all over the country as well as summer schools. CCÉ also maintains a full schedule of educational events, such as lectures, exhibitions, workshops and concerts, sometimes in conjunction with the Fleadhanna Cheoil. Further information is available on the website of CCÉ at www.comhaltas.ie
The Creative Ireland Programme is the Government’s legacy programme for Ireland 2016 and the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in Culture 2025/Éíre Ildánach, the draft framework policy which I published in July this year. It is a five-year initiative, from 2017 to 2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy. It is built around five pillars, the first of which is entitled Enabling the Creative Potential of Every Child. Arising out of this, my Department will be working with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs over the coming months to develop a plan to enable every child in Ireland to access tuition in music, drama, art and coding.
Further details in relation to the Creative Ireland Programme are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://creative.ireland.ie/sites/default/files/creative_ireland_programme.pdf
767. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise an méid ama a thógann sé pleanáil a dhéanamh ar chéanna idir staidéir chomhshaoil agus an phleanáil féin, an bhfuil iarratas déanta ar Chomhairle Contae na Gaillimhe dul ar aghaidh leis an bpleanáil ar an gcéad chéim eile de Ché Inis Meáin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41883/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar a míníodh i bhfreagraí ar cheisteanna éagsúla ar an ábhar seo anuraidh, níl na hacmhainní ag mo Roinn faoi láthair chun maoiniú a dhéanamh ar Chéim III de Ché an Chalaidh Mhóir, Inis Meáin. É sin ráite, mar thoradh ar na cruinnithe a bhí agam le hionadaithe poiblí an cheantair, le hoifigigh ó mo Roinn fhéin agus le Comhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe tá iarrtha agam ar an Roinn dul i dteagmháil arís leis an gComhairle Chontae maidir leis an réamh-obair a bheidh i gceist i mbliana chun an fhorbairt ar Chéim III a thabhairt chun cinn.
768. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta céard é an staid reatha maidir le forbairt na cé ar Inis Oírr; céard iad na bearta a chaithfear a dhéanamh sula lorgófar tairiscintí don togra; cén uair atáthar ag súil go mbeifear réidh le tairiscintí a lorg don togra seo; céard é an caiteachas measta ar an togra i mbliana ó thaobh na Roinne de; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41884/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLe seachtain anuas, tionóladh cruinniú idir oifigigh mo Roinne agus oifigigh Chomhairle Chontae na Gaillimhe chun an fhorbairt atá beartaithe ag Cé Inis Oírr a phlé. Táthar ag súil comhairleoirí a fhostú chun an tionscadal a thabhairt chun cinn agus tairiscintí a lorg don obair thógála in 2017. Ní féidir an caiteachas a dhéanfar ar an togra in 2017 a mheas ag an bpointe seo.
769. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta i bhfianaise an méid a dúradh sa fhreagra ar Cheist Uimhir 289 an 15 Nollaig, an féidir léi a dheimhniú nach bhfuil sé ar intinn go líonfar an folúntas mar Phríomh-Oifigeach Cúnta atá tar éis tarlú de bharr cheapachán Aodháin Mhic Cormaic mar Stiúrthóir; cén fáth atá leis seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [41886/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá sé curtha in iúl dom go bhfuil an folúntas do Phríomhoifigeach Cúnta, a d’eascair as ceapachán Stiúrthóir na Gaeilge, líonta cheana féin.
770. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é an líon scoláirí ar íocadh deontas ina leith faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge gach bliain le deich mbliana anuas agus cá mhéad airgid a caitheadh ar an scéim de réir contae; an bhfuil sé ar intinn an deontas in aghaidh an scoláire a mhéadú in 2017; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [1031/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an t-eolas atá iarrtha ag an Teachta maidir le líon na bhfoghlaimeoirí agus caiteachas de réir contae faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge tugtha sna táblaí thíos.
Maidir le maoiniú na scéime do 2017, tá sé i gceist agam leanúint leis an gcúnamh atá ar fáil ó mo Roinnse faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge arís i mbliana. Mar atá le feiceáil ó na táblaí thíos, tá méadú tagtha le cúpla bliain anuas ar líon na rannpháirtithe atá ag freastal ar na cúrsaí seo agus tá méadú ar an maoiniú atá mo Roinnse ag cur ar fáil dá réir.
|
2007 |
Líon Scoláirí |
Caiteachas Faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
6,074 |
€1,021,869 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,354 |
€347,098 |
|
Co. na Gaillimhe |
11,469 |
€2,589,994 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
3,148 |
€645,494 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
1,655 |
€337,418 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
1,157 |
€258,783 |
|
Co. na Mí |
179 |
€39,470 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
235 |
€53,330 |
|
IOMLÁN |
26,271 |
€5,293,456 |
|
2008 |
Líon Scoláirí |
Caiteachas Faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
6,413 |
€1,050,488 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,734 |
€431,367 |
|
Co. na Gaillimhe |
12,449 |
€2,776,222 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
3,002 |
€608,620 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
1,766 |
€347,130 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
1,333 |
€287,490 |
|
Co. na Mí |
194 |
€42,168 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
221 |
€50,001 |
|
IOMLÁN |
28,112 |
€5,593,486 |
|
2010 |
Líon scoláirí |
Caiteachas faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
5,141 |
€762,845 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,786 |
€381,728 |
|
Co. na Gaillimhe |
11,961 |
€2,548,891 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
2,279 |
€442,015 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
1,393 |
€273,630 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
1,144 |
€231,660 |
|
Co. na Mí |
195 |
€40,820 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
221 |
€46,260 |
|
IOMLÁN |
25,120 |
€4,727,849 |
|
2011 |
Líon scoláirí |
Caiteachas faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
4,675 |
€660,226 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,874 |
€367,251 |
|
Co. na Gaillimhe |
12,311 |
€2,472,177 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
2,331 |
€470,503 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
1,031 |
€190,219 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
1,017 |
€194,291 |
|
Co. na Mí |
279 |
€52,953 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
196 |
€38,542 |
|
IOMLÁN |
24,714 |
€4,446,162 |
|
2012 |
Líon scoláirí |
Caiteachas faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
4,737 |
€664,351 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,936 |
€318,811 |
|
Co. na Gaillimhe |
11,668 |
€2,352,816 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
2,146 |
€407,881 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
1,019 |
€120,441 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
893 |
€119,051 |
|
Co. na Mí |
278 |
€51,129 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
163 |
€16,945 |
|
IOMLÁN |
23,840 |
€4,051,425 |
|
2013 |
Líon scoláirí |
Caiteachas faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
4,702 |
€629,770 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,957 |
€311,050 |
|
Co. na Gaillimhe |
10,995 |
€2,199,580 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
2,092 |
€365,220 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
877 |
€106,337 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
648 |
€83,021 |
|
Co. na Mí |
342 |
€62,092 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
170 |
€15,685 |
|
IOMLÁN |
22,783 |
€3,772,755 |
|
2014 |
Líon scoláirí |
Caiteachas faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
4,149 |
€624,682 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,892 |
€267,793 |
|
Co. na Gaillimhe |
11,340 |
€2,023,208 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
1,837 |
€290,635 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
777 |
€89,255 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
687 |
€76,097 |
|
Co. na Mí |
345 |
€56,924 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
174 |
€16,480 |
|
IOMLÁN |
22,201 |
€3,445,074 |
|
2015 |
Líon Scoláirí |
Caiteachas Faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
5,107 |
€698,015 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
3,061 |
€289,900 |
|
Co na Gaillimhe |
11,492 |
€2,182,879 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
2,231 |
€321,807 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
951 |
€81,638 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
796 |
€85,577 |
|
Co. na Mí |
350 |
€57,617 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
32 |
€9,997 |
|
IOMLÁN |
24,020 |
€3,727,430 |
|
2016 |
Líon Scoláirí |
Caiteachas Faoin Scéim |
|
Co. Dhún na nGall |
5,668 |
€790,821 |
|
Co. Mhaigh Eo |
2,955 |
€278,909 |
|
Co na Gaillimhe |
11,989 |
€2,283,357 |
|
Co. Chiarraí |
2,804 |
€412,957 |
|
Co. Chorcaí |
1,047 |
€83,833 |
|
Co. Phort Láirge |
1,064 |
€105,604 |
|
Co. na Mí |
393 |
€49,400 |
|
Co. an Chláir |
104 |
€8,925 |
|
IOMLÁN |
26,024 |
€4,013,806 |
771. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the detailed breakdown of all expenditure for 2016, in tabular form, against the detailed allocations in the Revised Estimates volume for 2016; the reason for the underspend for each heading in which this occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1032/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is continuing on finalising the 2016 expenditure figures for my Department and adjustments continue to be made in relation to individual financial transactions to ensure that expenditure is accounted for in accordance with Government accounting policies, principles and procedures. As in previous years, this annual process will take a number of weeks to complete.
In the meantime, I can advise the Deputy that my Department's total gross allocation for 2016 was €382.649 million. Whilst it is still too early in the year to provide final expenditure figures on a detailed subhead by subhead basis for the reasons I set out above, I can advise that provisional figures indicate that total gross expenditure at 31 December 2016 amounted to €362.185 million. In addition, the capital carryover of €6.158 million from 2015 was expended in full.
When provision is made for the carry over by way of deferred surrender to 2017 of €13.548 million, and account is taken of expenditure which could not be incurred under Programme E of my Department’s Vote because of the non-receipt of corresponding Appropriations-in-Aid, it is anticipated that the remaining balance will amount to some €425,000 in administration budget efficiencies and some €600,000 in programme savings. The programme savings largely relate to capital savings on commemoration projects that did not proceed as promptly as anticipated. This anticipated surplus figure underlines my Department's ongoing commitment to ensuring that the maximum value possible is derived from its budget allocations.
A further €1.7 million in respect of surplus Appropriations-in-Aid in other programme areas will also fall to be surrendered. Public Financial Procedures provide that any surplus Appropriations-in-Aid that may arise cannot be used to fund expenditure and must be surrendered to the Exchequer, unless the prior approval of the Dáil has been obtained by means of Supplementary Estimate.
Details of the actual outturn for my Department at subhead level for 2016, together with explanations for any variances between allocations and expenditure, will be published in the Annual Appropriation Account and be available on the website of the Comptroller and Auditor General later this year, as was the case for previous years.
772. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details by county of each project approved under the CLÁR programme 2016, in tabular form; the amount allocated to and the location and nature of each project; the details of the way each project was selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1034/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline. The 2016 CLÁR programme focused on three separate measures:
- Measure 1: Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities
- Measure 2: Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas
- Measure 3: Local Access Roads.
In October 2016, all Local Authorities with designated CLÁR areas were invited to make submissions under the measures outlined above. The Local Authorities were advised that priority would be given to Measures 1, 2 and 3 in that order and were asked, as part of the application process, to outline their priorities in the context of their own county development planning. Following an assessment of the applications received, on 1st December 2016, I announced funding of €8.24 million to 651 successful projects under the programme.
Details of the successful projects will be made available on my Department’s website shortly.
773. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the population of the CLÁR areas in each county when they were designated last; his plans to review these areas in view of population shifts in the past ten years; if census 2016 data has been examined to date in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1035/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) was originally launched in October 2001 to provide for targeted investment in disadvantaged rural areas.
The areas originally selected for inclusion in the CLÁR programme were those which suffered the greatest population decline from 1926 to 1996, with the exception of the Cooley Peninsula which was included on the basis of the serious difficulties caused in that area by Foot and Mouth disease. The average population loss in the original CLÁR regions over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.
In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by the National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (NIRSA) at NUI Maynooth and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% per county between 1926 and 2002. Parts of five counties were added (Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Wicklow), increasing the total number of counties covered by the programme at that stage from 18 to 23.
The 2016 CLÁR programme was based on the same data and areas that applied in 2006. Table 1 below details the 2002 population of the 23 counties included the 2016 CLÁR scheme.
It is my intention to review the CLÁR areas in 2017 based on the detailed 2016 Census data which is expected to be available in March/April of this year.
CLÁR Population Summary
|
COUNTY |
Population 2002 |
Electoral Districts |
|
Carlow |
2,975 |
10 |
|
Cavan |
46,467 |
85 |
|
Clare |
46,297 |
123 |
|
Cork |
83,644 |
179 |
|
Donegal |
66,329 |
104 |
|
Galway |
64,531 |
145 |
|
Kerry |
72,753 |
142 |
|
Kilkenny |
8,243 |
31 |
|
Laois |
9,305 |
39 |
|
Leitrim |
25,799 |
76 |
|
Limerick |
21,829 |
49 |
|
Longford |
21,381 |
49 |
|
Louth |
8,124 |
7 |
|
Mayo |
84,349 |
141 |
|
Meath |
3,963 |
14 |
|
Monaghan |
30,006 |
55 |
|
Offaly |
4,797 |
20 |
|
Roscommon |
41,679 |
104 |
|
Sligo |
27,229 |
70 |
|
TippNR |
14,501 |
42 |
|
TippSR |
18,124 |
42 |
|
Waterford |
12,611 |
40 |
|
Westmeath |
10,197 |
40 |
|
Wicklow |
1,609 |
7 |
|
TOTAL |
726,742 |
1,614 |
