Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:13. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing last met; and when it will next meet. [17911/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCabinet Committee Meetings
Ceisteanna (13)
Freagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Housing last met on Monday 10 April 2017. It is scheduled to meet again on 15 May.
It will continue to meet regularly and consider progress implementing Rebuilding Ireland, the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, which is a priority issue for the Government.
Question No. 14 resubmitted.
Cabinet Committee Meetings
Ceisteanna (15)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:15. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Regional and Rural Affairs last met; when it will next meet; and the number of times it met in 2016. [17991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Regional and Rural Affairs met on four occasions in 2016, following the formation of the Government. It last met on 12th December 2016 and is due to meet again on 9th May 2017. The Committee provides a whole of government approach to growth in the rural economy as well as supporting quality of life and local service delivery in the regions. This includes supporting the development and implementation of the Action Plan for Rural Development. The Monitoring Group for the Plan, chaired by Minister Humphreys, met on March 23rd and will meet again on July 20th.
Questions Nos. 16 to 38, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 39 to 45, inclusive, answered orally.
Arts Promotion
Ceisteanna (46)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:46. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to address the deficit in affordable artist studio space around the country, in particular in Dublin city; if she will liaise with the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to introduce legislation that would support the inclusion of a provision of artistic, creative and cultural space in all new developments, such as 2% in all developments over 200 units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20414/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the issue regarding the provision of affordable studio space, particularly in Dublin as a result of the changing property market. In general, I would consider that local approaches driven by artists, local arts officers are best suited to respond to the specific local circumstances involved and provide the most effective outcomes. However, my Department is in discussion with the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and the OPW to consider some possible short-term and longer-term approaches to the issue.
In terms of practical responses, I recently announced details of more than €9 million in capital funding for 56 arts and culture centres across the country. Eight of these grants relate to artist studios and creative spaces amounting to a total of €850,000.
As part of the Government’s initiative on the North East Inner City, I also awarded a grant of €35,000 last year to Fire Station Artists' Studios, Buckingham Street, to assist in providing additional studio space in conjunction with Dublin City Council.
I will shortly be announcing a new capital grants Scheme which will provide grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit. Organisations with artists' studios will also be eligible to apply under this Scheme.
The legislative framework for planning is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. However in general, as I stated above, I would consider it more appropriate for local authorities to determine their own needs rather than mandating strict national quotas which may not be appropriate.
The issue of whether any additional guidance would be of assistance will be kept under review in light of the work which is currently being undertaken by my Department and the Arts Council.
Questions Nos. 47 to 51, inclusive, answered orally.
Arts Promotion
Ceisteanna (52)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:52. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which she expects to be in a position to continue to utilise events of a cultural and heritage nature to promote the national image at home and abroad with particular reference to the need to generate increased interest in such matters among young persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20397/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department will continue to support a broad range of programmes and initiatives across its remit to promote Ireland’s national image, including under the recently published Creative Ireland Programme and Action Plan for Rural Development. The Department’s Culture Ireland programme in particular will promote Irish culture on the world stage. The Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme last year facilitated a heightened sense of shared identity and pride of country. Following on from this the Taoiseach and I recently launched the Creative Ireland Programme as the Government's legacy programme – a five year initiative, from 2017 to 2022 which places creativity at the centre of public policy.
This is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing. This will focus on boosting cultural provision and participation in communities and harnessing the goodwill and engagement generated by the 2016 commemorative programme.
The core proposition of this programme is that participation in cultural activity drives personal and collective creativity, with significant implications for individual and societal wellbeing and achievement. The programme is based on five pillars:
- Enabling the creative potential of every child
- Enabling creativity in every community
- Investing in our creative and cultural infrastructure
- Establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production
- Unifying our global reputation
I am confident that this programme will be very beneficial in promoting the national image at home and abroad and in increasing interest in cultural and heritage matters amongst young people.
Heritage Projects
Ceisteanna (53)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:53. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will consider a minor grant scheme for local authorities to administer to community projects aimed at preserving old photographs and video footage in their respective localities; her views on preserving such valuable historical records before they get lost or destroyed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20392/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Local authority arts and heritage officers, archivists and librarians have great experience in working with local communities on initiatives to archive old records in their locality. In this respect, they can use funding available from within their local authority including funds that may be available from the Arts Council or Heritage Council.
In this context Pillar 2 of the Creative Ireland Programme - Enabling creativity in every community, aims to empower local authorities to lead the engagement of citizens with our arts, culture and heritage. All local authorities now have Culture Teams in place and are developing their Culture and Creativity Plans for 2017.
Many of the Culture and Creativity plans which are currently being prepared contain objectives to preserve historical records and photographs For example, Donegal County Council is mounting a free exhibition on the Vanished World of the landed gentry of Donegal using never before seen documents, photo albums and letters from the collections of the Archives Service. South Dublin County Council will be digitising the Corkagh papers which relate to the Finlay and Colley families of Corkagh Demesne in Clondalkin while Wexford County Council are digitising the archives of a prominent shipping company in New Ross.
These are just some of the projects that are being included around the county to preserve historical photographs and records.
Heritage Projects
Ceisteanna (54)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:54. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will address the need for a full-time administrator for a project (details supplied) in Letterkenny taking into account the project is solely run by volunteers yet has potentially huge benefits for local businesses and the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20399/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My role, as Minister, with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage, is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners as regards heritage assets.
I am aware that a Conservation Plan for the project mentioned by the Deputy was launched in February and that the group are now seeking to employ a full time administrator. While my Department recognises the significance and value of this project, and congratulates the group on their work to date, I regret that there is currently no funding available from my Department to pay the salary of an administrator.
The best advice for the group may be to contact the local authority conservation officer and heritage officer, who are best placed to advise the group on the various types of funding available. I understand the project group has been successful in obtaining grant support from the Heritage Council (which my Department funds) in recent years for a community event and also for development of their Conservation Plan.
I also understand that a member of the group has contacted the LEADER Local Action Group regarding LEADER funding for the project, however, no formal application for funding has yet been lodged.
It should be noted that LEADER funding would not cover the costs incurred in providing a full time administrator for a project although other elements of the project may be eligible for funding. The approval of LEADER funding, or otherwise, for the project would be a matter for the LEADER Local Action Group.
Financial support is provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings, including the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund. These schemes are administered via the local authorities and details can be found on all local authority websites.
Illegal Dumping
Ceisteanna (55)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:55. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if her attention has been drawn to illegal dumping at the Glenveagh National Park in an area situated within the park and opposite the staff entrance to the park; if such dumping is a breach of EU regulations, the Water Pollution Act or the Invasive Species Act; if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that this is taking place in a protected area and special area of conservation in addition to being in a national heritage area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20400/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The location to which is referred is a disused borrow pit immediately adjacent to the R251 road and the administrative and works depot at the headquarters of Glenveagh National Park. The habitats adjacent to the borrow pit include willow scrub, and roadside margin vegetation. There is no woodland, active blanket bog, or other Special Area of Conservation qualifying interest habitats at this location. The site is used temporarily to store large boulders and other building material for works necessary within the managed zone of the National Park. Examples of such works include rock armour and surface dressing of internal roads and car parks, trench works in or around the many buildings’ yards and gardens within the park. The temporary storage of such materials facilitates efficient reuse of natural materials within the managed zone of the Park and minimises the need to import such material from elsewhere.
The material currently temporarily stored at the site is both stable and inactive. My understanding is that it does not represent an environmental threat. It should be noted however that it is intended to remove the material in the near future as part of the park works programme.
Heritage Projects
Ceisteanna (56)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:56. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timeframe for the completion and full opening of Killarney House; her plans for 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20380/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Killarney House project involves collaboration between my Department, the Office of Public Works (as project managers for the construction) and Fáilte Ireland. The Department first announced the project in 2011 with a budget of €10m (Fáilte Ireland have committed funding of €5.2 million under its Tourism Capital Investment Programme).
The National Tourism Authority’s significant financial contribution to the project is a clear statement of its confidence that this project will make a significant contribution in the future to the South West’s tourism offering. I am confident that the development will enhance the potential of Killarney House as a top class visitor and heritage tourism centre. It will do this in parallel with respecting its prime focus as a visitor centre for Killarney National Park and by developing its status as a heritage property managed by the Department.
In 2016 it was decided to pursue the opening of Killarney House and Gardens on a phased basis. The House is being developed as the main visitor and interpretative centre for the National Park, highlighting the beauty and interpreting the richness and significance of the Park’s landscapes, habitats, flora and fauna as well as telling the story of interaction with the Park over the centuries. Some of the formal rooms are currently being restored to their former glory.
As the Deputy is aware, the original ornamental grounds and gardens immediately surrounding the House have been restored, creating spectacular landscaped areas that will merge into the natural areas of the Park and which will provide vistas linking the town to the scenery of mountain, woods and lakelands. These gardens opened in April 2016.
The completion of the Historic rooms and the Interpretative Exhibition is being prioritised in 2017. I intend to open the Historic Rooms during the summer and in this context preparatory works on the restoration and refurbishment of the furniture collection for their display, are significantly advanced. The exhibition phase of the project is advancing and I expect that the various elements of works will be completed this year. It is intended that these amenities will be open to the public as soon as it is completed.
Visitors to Killarney usually stay in the town and visit other locations and attractions within the immediate area or in the wider region. The length of stay tends to be quite short and in the case of some, bus tours may consist of just one night. Often a visit will be confined to Muckross House which focuses on cultural heritage and many tourists will leave Killarney unaware of the true extent and beauty of the National Park that surrounds them. When completed, Killarney House will showcase Killarney National Park from both a cultural and natural heritage point of view and will only serve to benefit tourists and local businesses.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Ceisteanna (57)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:57. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad é stádas Bhille nua na dTeangacha Oifigiúla atá beartaithe; agus go háirithe, cén dáta a fhoilseofar Ceannteidil an Bhille; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [20428/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tar éis athbhreithniú cuimsitheach a dhéanamh ar Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú), a dréachtaíodh anuraidh, agus tréimhse comhairliúcháin leis na páirtithe leasmhara, tá Ceannteidil nua Bhille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) á ndréachtú faoi láthair. Tá sé beartaithe na Ceannteidil nua a chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais roimh dheireadh na Bealtaine.
Invasive Plant Species
Ceisteanna (58)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:58. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if rhododendron plants can be banned from sale (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13685/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is responsible for implementing the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477/2011), which together provide the legislative framework on invasive alien species issues.
In 2014, a new EU Regulation on invasive alien species (no. 1143/2014) came into force and my Department is the lead authority with respect to the adoption of the provisions of that Regulation and in transposing the Regulation into domestic law. Comprehensive new national Regulations in relation to invasive alien species are being drafted in my Department at this time.
It is currently an offence to introduce or spread Rhododendron ponticum, the widespread invasive form, under Regulation 49 of the 2011 Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations.
Regulation 50 makes it an offence to import, buy, sell, breed, transport and distribute listed animal or plant species or vector material. However it has become clear that this must be cleared with the EU as being in compliance with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) in regard to the free movement of goods within the Union, and this will be done as part of the work on the new legislation being drafted in my Department.
It is therefore my intention as soon as practicable to ban the sale of Rhododendron ponticum in Ireland.
I would like to stress that there are over a thousand species of Rhododendron, as well as a huge number of varieties, and very few of these are thought to be capable of spreading into the wild in Ireland. Many species and varieties of Rhododendron are sold in Ireland and are economically important in the horticulture sector, but there is no reliable data to show if there is a significant trade in the invasive Rhododendron ponticum.
However, officials from my Department are working on an on-going basis with the National Biodiversity Data Centre to monitor reports of the sale of Rhododendron ponticum in Ireland and develop a clearer picture of the extent of the issue and assess what resources are required, with a view to dealing with this satisfactorily in the context of the new legislation and bring about more effective control.
The new invasive alien species legislation currently being drafted in my Department will, inter alia, deal with the issue of trade in invasive species as envisaged under Regulation 50 of the 2011 Birds and Habitats Regulations, subject to our obligations under the TFEU.
Arts Funding
Ceisteanna (59)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:59. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding that will be made available to regional arts centres across the country; the criteria by which these funding decisions are made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20086/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I recently announced details of grants of over €9 million in capital funding for arts and cu lture centres across the country. This capital scheme is the most significant investment in arts and cultural centres in a decade and will target investment at a range of different facilities, including arts centres, theatres, galleries and museums, as well as artists’ studios and creative spaces. This kind of investment is at the centre of what I am trying to achieve through Creative Ireland and the Action Plan for Rural Development. The Arts and Culture Capital Scheme was considerably over-subscribed. The Department received 106 applications in total under Stream 1 and 2 seeking total funding of over €20m with eligible requests for funding totalling over €14.6m. The detailed selection criteria and eligibility requirements were published in the Guidelines of the Scheme. There was a two stage assessment process. The first stage involved all applications being reviewed on receipt to ensure eligibility. All eligible applications were then forwarded to an Assessment Panel which undertook the second stage of the assessment of the applications which advanced from stage one. The Assessment Panel reviewed each eligible application within the defined criteria and scored them accordingly. The recommendations were then forwarded to me for decision as set out in the published scheme conditions. Following these assessment processes, 56 projects are being funded. Seven flagship projects will receive substantial funding allocations while a further 49 projects will receive funding ranging from €20,000 to €276,000. Full details of these can be found on my Departments website.
I will be opening a further Stream of funding under this Scheme shortly. It will provide small capital grants of up to €20,000 to not-for-profit organisations with a defined arts and cultural remit. While the amounts involved are relatively modest, the grants will in themselves make a huge difference to individual organisations and will be of particular benefit to local cultural centres throughout rural Ireland.
Wild Fires
Ceisteanna (60)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:60. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her Department's estimation of damages caused, loss of habitat and loss of wildlife in view of the recent and ongoing spate of dangerous and severe wildfires across the countryside over the past month and in the context of the recent passage of the Heritage Bill which extends the permitted burning periods into March; and the existing measures in place to prevent illegal burning and current enforcement practices. [20415/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Significant environmental damage is caused by wildfires and the issue has become more acute in recent years. The primary responsibility in terms of fire fighting lies with the Fire Service and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. With regard to gorse fires in particular, my Department is one of a number of agencies represented on the Inter-Agency Gorse Fire Group that explores issues surrounding such fires. An Garda Síochána is also represented on the Group and leads any criminal investigation. My Department, of course, cooperates fully with any Garda investigations and any other investigations that may be initiated by other statutory bodies. The main source of wild gorse fires is thought to be the deliberate starting of fires without concern for the consequences. Aside from such malicious activities, one of the main challenges is to encourage members of the public, (including landowners, farmers and recreational users of publicly accessible land), to act responsibly at all times, to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, to be mindful of the need to protect property, both publicly owned and privately owned and to appreciate the value of our natural heritage, particularly in our National Parks, Nature Reserves and Designated (Natura 2000) Sites.
With regard to the National Parks in particular, on an on-going basis, officials from my Department are in close liaison with both the Gardaí and the Fire Service. My staff remain ever-vigilant when conditions exist that might result in fires in the National Parks.
Finally, Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts 1976, as amended, prohibits the cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August.
Following a review of Section 40, which involved, inter alia, consideration of submissions from interested parties, I announced proposals in December 2015 to introduce legislation to allow for managed hedge cutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two year basis. The legislation required to allow for these pilot measures is included in the Heritage Bill 2016, which was published in January 2016.
The Bill recently completed its passage through Seanad Éireann and will now go to Dail Éireann. In the meantime, the existing provisions relating to Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts remain in force.
My Department will liaise with the relevant services in the context of collating data on habitat destruction in recent illegal fires.
National Concert Hall
Ceisteanna (61)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:61. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans for the development of the National Concert Hall; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20084/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Concert Hall in conjunction with the Office of Public Works is working on the preparation of a Master Plan which will, amongst other things, maximise the use of the historic site and ensure that the National Concert Hall is fit for purpose in the 21st century. My Department has been supportive of the preparation of this work in the context of Pillar 3 of the Creative Ireland Programme which aims to assist the National Cultural Institutions in preparing ambitious but realistic investment plans, building on progress already underway, to address infrastructure deficiencies in a planned and measured way.
In due course, my Department will of course have to examine the plan in line with the requirements applying to all public capital development projects and in light of the resources available to my Department.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (62)
Joan Burton
Ceist:62. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has received correspondence from a group (details supplied) regarding the sale of Luggala Estate, County Wicklow, the adjoining lands of the estate and its future use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19858/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department has received the correspondence from the organisation mentioned in the details supplied and has acknowledged same. As previously stated this would be a significant addition to our stock of publicly owned heritage properties and lands. However, the Department could only consider acquiring this property if the price fell within a certain range or in the context of a donation or bequest.
Departmental Expenditure
Ceisteanna (63)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:63. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the details of the expenditure to date of the capital carry over from 2017; the value of work carried out to date with the €28 million pre-paid to local authorities under the town and village enhancement scheme and the CLÁR programme in 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19528/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Provision is made in the Revised Estimates Volume for the carryover of unspent Capital funding from the previous year, subject to a Ministerial Order being made by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform before 31st March in the year of carryover. The amount of capital funding carried over into 2017 for my Department was €13.548 million.
Since the making of the relevant Order by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the 6th March 2017, expenditure totalling just over €2.1 million has been incurred from the carryover. A total of €658,000 has been spent under Subhead A.15: Decade of Centenaries 1912-1922, while €1.448 million has been spent under Subhead B.5: Natural Heritage (National Parks and Wildlife Service).
With regard to the second part of the Deputy’s question, the 2016 CLÁR programme provided funding for the development of local infrastructure such as safety lights at rural schools, better road markings and pedestrian crossings close to community facilities, the provision of play areas and multi-use games facilities, and support for access roads to public amenities. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme provided funding for improvements to the public realm, tourism infrastructure, town health checks and other similar projects.
Table 1 outlines, on a county-by-county basis, the amount of funding which the Local Authorities have reported as having been expended to the end of February 2017 under the Town and Village Renewal scheme and the CLÁR programme.
However, expenditure has been increasing and my officials are continuing to impress on all Local Authorities the need to have their projects completed as soon as possible. In this context, satisfactory progress in relation to projects under the 2016 schemes will be an important consideration in 2017 funding decisions under the scheme.
My Department is also engaging closely with Local Authorities to ensure that all expenditure is in line with the Public Spending Code and that the funding is spent promptly and in accordance with project proposals.
Table 1 – Expenditure by county: Town & Village Renewal Scheme and CLÁR programme
|
Expenditure to 28th Feb 2017 |
||
|
County |
Town & Village Renewal scheme |
CLÁR Programme |
|
Carlow |
€ 162,841.53 |
€ 8,179.00 |
|
Cavan |
€ 0.00 |
€ 32,739.33 |
|
Clare |
€ 76,740.36 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Cork |
€ 0.00 |
€ 6,443.62 |
|
Donegal |
€ 0.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Dublin* |
€ 40,614.00 |
N/A |
|
Galway |
€ 70,933.00 |
€ 98,554.18 |
|
Kerry |
€ 132,420.00 |
€ 28,289.00 |
|
Kildare* |
€ 42,000.00 |
N/A |
|
Kilkenny |
€ 0.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Laois |
€ 0.00 |
€ 95,500.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€ 104,896.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Limerick |
€ 212,213.17 |
€ 164,035.67 |
|
Longford |
€ 89,387.68 |
€ 3,087.00 |
|
Louth |
€ 57,882.00 |
€ 4,767.00 |
|
Mayo |
€ 141,934.00 |
€ 31,908.00 |
|
Meath |
€ 57,910.52 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€ 139,772.00 |
€ 34,446.00 |
|
Offaly |
€ 0.00 |
€ 63,773.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€ 16,705.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Sligo |
€ 0.00 |
€ 10,000.00 |
|
Tipperary |
€ 242,512.00 |
€ 72,775.26 |
|
Waterford |
€ 129,000.00 |
€ 169,160.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€ 0.00 |
€ 1,660.00 |
|
Wexford* |
€ 54,746.00 |
N/A |
|
Wicklow |
€ 109,833.00 |
€ 0.00 |
|
Totals |
€ 1,882,340.26 |
€ 825,317.06 |
*Counties that do not have CLÁR Areas
Arts Funding
Ceisteanna (64)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:64. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to ensure that the allocation of funding being provided for the arts by her Department is decided by the Arts Council only; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20083/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Most of my Department's arts and culture budget is allocated to the agencies under its remit. Within these allocations, the Arts Council is the primary State agency for funding the arts in Ireland.
In 2017, I will provide over €65m to the Arts Council, an increase of over 8% since 2016. Details of the Arts Council's expenditure including its individual grants can be viewed on the Arts Council's decisions database which provides a listing of 2007 –2017 Arts Council funding decisions. Decisions are routinely published in the Arts Council newsletter, and decisions are also recorded in the Arts Council's annual reports, which are available online.
The Council is statutorily independent in relation to its funding and executive decisions.
My Department has traditionally provided funding for capital investment in arts and cultural infrastructure and across a range of other cultural initiatives. Details in this regard are available on my Department’s website.
Creative Ireland Programme
Ceisteanna (65)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:65. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she will take to implement pillar 4 of the Creative Ireland programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20087/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Taoiseach and I launched the Creative Ireland Programme 2017 – 2022 in December 2016 as the Government Legacy Programme for Ireland 2016 and as the main implementation vehicle for the priorities identified in the draft policy document Culture 2025/Éire Ildánach, which sets out an overarching vision and framework for culture over the coming years.
The Creative Ireland Programme is a cross-Government initiative to mainstream culture and creativity in the life of the nation and to promote individual, community and national wellbeing.
The objective of the fourth pillar of the Programme – Establishing Ireland as a centre of excellence in media production – is to elevate the creative industries including media, architecture, design, digital technology, fashion, food and crafts together on an all of government basis. The initial focus this year will be on Ireland's potential to be a global leader in film production TV drama, documentary, children's storytelling and screen animation.
In November last, I announced the commissioning of an economic analysis of our screen based creative industries to examine the economic impact and potential of the Irish film, TV and animation sector. Following an open tender process, Olsberg SPI Ltd in association with Nordicity, was selected to conduct the study. Later this month, a Media Production Workshop will be held to consult the key stakeholders in the sector. This will be followed by the publication of an industry-wide, long-term plan for Ireland as a global media hub later this year.
Rural Development Plan
Ceisteanna (66)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which it is anticipated progress can be made towards providing and extending vital services in rural and urban areas with a view to ensuring the availability of the highest quality of such services at all locations throughout the country, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the persons therein and the attractiveness for job creating investment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20396/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My remit specifically covers rural areas. In January this year, I launched Realising our Rural Potential, the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development. The Plan contains over 270 actions to be delivered by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural Ireland. The Action Plan contains measures across a range of policy areas which will help to maintain and revitalise rural communities across the country. A key component of the Plan is to support the creation of jobs throughout the regions to ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally. The Plan aims to deliver 135,000 extra jobs outside of Dublin by 2020.
The Action Plan also sets out a number of actions which will protect and enhance vital services in rural communities. For example, the Plan includes a commitment that no small school will close against the wishes of parents; it also sets out a number of actions in relation to access to healthcare, including an increase in the number of GPs in rural areas.
Our towns and villages are the heart of our rural communities, and it is important that we implement measures to help breath life back into these rural towns and villages. The rejuvenation of towns and villages will be supported under the Action Plan through schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLÁR Programme, both of which were launched in the last number of weeks.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme will support the rejuvenation of up to 300 rural towns and villages through an investment of €20 million over the next 15 months. Minister of State Ring announced an allocation of €5 million for the CLÁR Programme this year. Both schemes are open for applications through the Local Authorities.
The actions set out in the Action Plan for Rural Development are the start of an on-going process which will be built on continuously to unlock the potential of rural Ireland and improve the lives of people who live and work in rural communities.
Built Heritage Investment Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (67)
Ciaran Cannon
Ceist:67. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when successful applications under the 2017 structures at risk and built heritage investment schemes will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20393/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Financial support is provided by my Department through a number of structured schemes for the conservation and protection of heritage buildings, including the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund. I am delighted to be able to say that tomorrow I expect to announce a significant investment in both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Structures at Risk Fund for 2017. These will now support a large number of projects across every local authority area in the country.
The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures in both private and public ownership, which are protected under the Planning and Development Acts and are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. Structures must be on the local authority Record of Protected Structures. The fund, administered through the local authorities, seeks to encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures which might otherwise be lost.
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures (i.e. structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures). The scheme supports heritage projects across the country in and creates employment in the conservation and construction industries, while helping to regenerate urban and rural areas.
The administration of both schemes is devolved to local authorities who are contacting successful applicants in the coming days. A circular outlining the terms of each scheme can be found on my Department’s website. Any queries about the operation of the schemes should be directed to the relevant local authority.
Cúrsaí Gaeilge
Ceisteanna (68, 79)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:68. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an ndeimhneoidh sí go bhfuil athbhreithniú práinneach ag teastáil maidir leis an Straitéis Fiche Bliain i ndáil le torthaí an daonáirimh agus go háirithe an laghdú suntasach atá tagtha ar líon na gcainteoirí Gaeilge; an bhfuil an t-athbhreithniú seo tosaithe; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [20431/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraÉamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:79. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na beartais bhreise atá i gceist aici a dhéanamh chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn de thoradh ar na drochthorthaí a bhí ann ó thaobh cúrsaí Gaeilge de sna torthaí daonáirimh a foilsíodh le gairid; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [19527/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh. 68 agus 79 le chéile.
Is léir ó thorthaí Daonáirimh 2016 go leanann na dúshláin atá roimh an nGaeilge mar theanga i gcónaí. Is gá, i bhfianaise na dtorthaí seo, ár gcuid iarrachtaí a threisiú tuilleadh - mar fhorais stáit, mar eagraíochtaí Gaeilge agus mar phobal i gcoitinne chun na dúshláin sin a cheansú. Is ea is mó seans go mbeidh toradh bisiúil ar ár gcuid iarrachtaí ar fad má ghlacann gach páirtí leasmhar go fonnmhar leis an deis chun a gcion a dhéanamh ar son na Gaeilge mar chuid de fheidhmiú na Straitéise 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge, a bhfuil an próiseas pleanála teanga agus an Polasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta mar chuid lárnach de.
Ainneoin go léiríonn torthaí an daonáirimh gur tháinig laghdú beag ar na figiúirí i gcomparáid le torthaí 2011, is ábhar misnigh é gur léiríodh sna torthaí go raibh ar chumas breis is 1.76 milliún duine a bhí 3 bliana d'aois agus os a chionn an Ghaeilge a labhairt in 2016.
Maidir leis an gceist faoi athbhreithniú práinneach ar an Straitéis, ba mhaith liom a mheabhrú gur eagraíodh Díospóireacht Oscailte ar Pholasaí faoin Straitéis, mar chuid de Phlean Athnuachana na Státseirbhíse, i mí na Nollag 2015 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 thoradh ar an díospóireacht oscailte sin tá sé i gceist go mbeidh plean gníomhaíochta don tréimhse 2017-2022, ina mbeidh spriocanna sonracha agus amscálaí ina leith, á chur i dtoll a chéile ag mo Roinn agus á fhoilsiú faoi lár na bliana seo. Le foilsiú an phlean seo, beifear ag súil go dtabharfaí aghaidh ar na rudaí is tábhachtaí mar a aithneofar iad sa phlean cúig bliana agus go nglacfaidh gach páirtí go fonnmhar leis an deis a gcionn a dhéanamh ar son na Straitéise.
Ba mhaith liom a rá freisin go bhfuil allúntas breise de €250,000 curtha ar fáil i mbliana chun cabhrú tuilleadh le cur i bhfeidhm an phróisis phleanála teanga. Sa chomhthéacs sin, dhéanfainn tagairt shonrach don chiste ar fiú €850,000 in iomlán é a d’fhógair mé le gairid chun cur ar chumas Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge araon an próiseas pleanála teanga a bhrú chun cinn sa bhliain reatha.
Maidir le beartais nua, ó cuireadh tús leis an bpróiseas pleanála teanga trí bliana ó shin - atá mar chuid lárnach d’fheidhmiú na straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge, is ar ullmhúchán pleananna a bhí an próiseas dírithe go dtí seo. Agus tús á chur le feidhmiú pleananna teanga i suas le 13 limistéar Gaeltachta faoi leith i mbliana, tógfar céim mhór chun tosaigh le feidhmiú an phróisis agus dá réir, le feidhmiú na Straitéise. Fágfaidh sé seo go mbeidh pobal na Gaeltachta ag glacadh páirte níos mó ná riamh chun na dúshláin atá roimh an nGaeilge ar bhonn áitiúil a cheansú. Ós rud é go mbeidh feidhmiú pleananna teanga ar bun feasta, bheifí ag súil leis go mbeidh tionchar dearfach aige seo ar fad ar staid reatha na Gaeilge.
Is fiú a lua chomh maith, ar ndóigh, go bhfuil ardú ar an gcistíocht atá ar fáil i mbliana do na gnáthchláir reatha ar thaobh na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta, a bhfuil dlúthbhaint acu chomh maith, ar ndóigh, le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain agus le cás reatha na Gaeilge dá réir. Leis an allúntas méadaithe atá curtha ar fáil don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht trí chéile, tá mé cinnte go mbeifear in ann tacú tuilleadh le cur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise agus an phróisis phleanála teanga mar a bhaineann sé leis an nGaeltacht, na Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus na Líonraí Gaeilge.
Is sainchomhartha suntasach é, chomh maith, go bhfuil an Polasaí don Oideachas Gaeltachta á chur i bhfeidhm ar an talamh anois. Is é seo an chéad phlean a d'eisigh an stát ó bunaíodh é, a thugann aghaidh go sonrach ar na dúshláin atá roimh an teanga sa Ghaeltacht. Tá mo Roinn ag obair as lámh a chéile leis an Roinn Oideachais agus Scileanna chun ár gcion a dhéanamh sa chaoi is go mbeidh rath ar an bpolasaí seo.
Ar deireadh, ba mhaith liom tiomantas agus dáiríreacht an Rialtais i leith chur i bhfeidhm na Straitéise 20 Bliain a threisiú uair amháin eile. Sin ráite, ag deireadh an lae áfach, tá ról tábhachtach le himirt ag pobal na Gaeilge agus na Gaeltachta i dtaca le spriocanna na Straitéise a bhaint amach. Creidim gur ag obair i gcomhar lena chéile is fearr a bhainfimid torthaí dearfacha amach le súil go mbeadh feabhas suntasach ar thorthaí daonáirimh 2021 mar a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge agus an Ghaeltacht.