Written Answers Nos. 746-762
746. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the approved recreational activities at a location (details supplied); the process for obtaining permission for a recreational activity and the use of walks at the location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20162/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department manages an extensive conservation and recreational property portfolio of some 79,000 hectares. Our six National Parks account for circa 60,000 hectares with another almost 20,000 hectares of nature reserves and other heritage sites. The site referred to by the Deputy is a State owned Nature Reserve comprising 55.4 hectares of woodland.
The Nature Reserve is open to the public for walking and general enjoyment of the nature conservation value. Recreational activities other than these, or that are organised events involving e.g. sponsorship or commercialisation are treated as activities for which written permission must be sought in advance. Permission may be granted provided that the activity, event or organiser is compatible with nature conservation objectives and does not present a danger to the welfare or safety of the public or interfere with the general enjoyment of the reserve. Public liability insurance may also be required.
The Deputy can contact the local Ranger for the area, to whom such a permit application can be made. Contact details are on www.npws.ie.
747. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the application for UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the ancient royal sites in Rathcroghan, County Roscommon; when the decision will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20195/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s current World Heritage Tentative List has come about from a very comprehensive process undertaken by a panel of Irish and international heritage experts specifically appointed for that purpose. The process included full public consultation and an in-depth review of all proposed candidate sites.
My Department has engaged with local authorities and local groups from the areas with proposals on the Tentative List to gauge the extent of the support available to advance the proposals and to clarify the work and resources required for that purpose. The fundamental requirement is that each site must be capable of demonstrating Outstanding Universal Value to UNESCO.
Of the sites featuring on the Tentative List, the greater progress so far has been with the Royal Sites serial nomination which includes Cashel, Dún Ailinne, the Hill of Uisneach, the Rathcroghan Complex, the Tara Complex and Navan Fort (Eamhain Macha). Technical evaluations have been produced for each of the six component sites and my Department is engaged in on-going discussions with stakeholders from all six locations to review progress and to chart the next steps. In that context, it has been agreed that the technical evaluations will be sent for international peer review following which work will begin on developing draft management plans for each site, including designation of core and buffer zones in each case.
As part of the process, the Steering Group representative of stakeholders from each area will be visiting each of the six sites. The next such site visit, and further plenary meeting, is planned for Rathcroghan in June.
The culmination of these steps, which will also have to be adopted with each of the other tentative list nominations, would be the creation of the full nomination documents for submission to UNESCO.
I am committed to supporting the current proposals in every way that I can. The process is undoubtedly both complex and lengthy and the work at every stage must be supported and developed from the local level up with stakeholder buy-in and commitment at every stage. While this adds to the timescale, it avoids a top down approach lacking the engagement necessary with local communities to secure full support for the proposals and for the protection and preservation of the sites into the future.
748. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding given to Aosdána in the past six years and in 2017 to date; the number of members there have been over the same periods; the total amount of financial support given over the same period; the total cost in 2017 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20349/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAosdana is a unique initiative established by the Arts Council in 1981 to honour creative artists who have made a significant contribution to the arts in Ireland. There are currently some 250 members of Aosdána, including seven new members who came into membership last week. The scheme is the responsibility of the Arts Council and not my Department. I understand that the maximum number of members has been fixed by the Arts Council at 250 since 2005 although the actual number of members at any one time will vary.
Details of Aosdana membership including the names of members who receive funding and the amounts they receive are published every year in the Arts Council's Annual Report and on its website. I understand the cost of Aosdana was €2.6 million in 2016 and details will be available in the 2016 annual accounts later this year. Details of funding paid to members in 2017 will be available in due course.
749. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the new board of the Western Development Commission is to be appointed in view of the fact it has been vacant since 20 February 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20350/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn advertisement seeking expressions of interest for appointment to the Board of the Western Development Commission was advertised on www.stateboards.ie for the last number of weeks.
The closing date for expressions of interest was the 26 April. The expressions of interest will now be reviewed and I anticipate that a new Board will be in place very shortly.
750. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress which has been made on the commitment in the programme for Government in developing an enhanced role for the Western Development Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20351/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government includes a specific commitment to reinforce the role of the WDC to support the implementation of the regional jobs plans in the West and North-West. This is being done in a number of ways:
- The WDC is represented on the Implementing Committees which oversee the delivery of the Action Plans for Jobs for the West and North-West regions.
- The body is also represented on the Monitoring Committee for the Action Plan for Rural Development which is chaired by Minister Humphreys. The WDC is assisting my Department, as part of a sub-group of the Monitoring Committee, in developing indicators to measure the impact of the Action Plan on rural communities.
- The Commission is also represented on a new Taskforce which I established in March to progress the concept of an Atlantic Economic Corridor along the western seaboard. The WDC is involved in a sub-group of the Taskforce which is mapping out the options for EU funding which could support the development of the Western region.
- The WDC has also assisted my Department in participating in, and reporting on, a public Dialogue on the implications of Brexit for areas such as rural communities, regional SMEs, culture, the Irish language, and heritage and outdoor recreation.
The WDC is an important part of a wider focus on regional development by the Government, which also involves a deeper role in economic development by the Local Authorities and the Regional Assemblies. The WDC’s involvement in an increasing number of initiatives, such as those outlined above, go beyond the role the body has played to date.
751. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the Atlantic economic corridor and the role the Western Development Commission will play in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20352/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development both contain a commitment to progressing the concept of an Atlantic Economic Corridor which was proposed in February 2016 by a group involving a number of Chambers of Commerce in the Western region and the American Chambers of Commerce of Ireland.
The Atlantic Economic Corridor proposal aims to contribute to effective regional development by creating sufficient scale along the western part of Ireland to match other regions – and particularly the East coast - in attracting Irish and multinational investment, growing jobs and supporting vibrant local communities.
Towards the end of last year I, along with officials from my Department, held a number of meetings with public bodies and with representatives from the Chambers group to further explore the proposal.
On foot of these discussions, I established an Atlantic Economic Corridor Taskforce in March and chaired the first meeting of the group in Castlebar. The Taskforce contains senior representatives from key Government Departments and other public bodies, Universities and Institutes of Technology, and representatives from the Chambers Group.
A number of sub-groups of the Taskforce have been established to progress aspects of the overall proposal. The Western Development Commission is represented on the Taskforce and also on one of the sub-groups which is mapping out the EU funding which may be available to support the development of the Western region.
I intend to convene a further meeting of the Taskforce in the coming weeks to review progress.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, is currently leading the preparation of a new National Planning Framework, Ireland 2014, on behalf of the Government. The National Planning Framework will be a high-level document that will provide the framework for future development and investment in Ireland. It will also be a tool to assist the achievement of more effective regional development. It will be important to ensure that the development of the Atlantic Economic Corridor concept is consistent with the National Planning Framework.
752. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of an application for funding (details supplied) under the Dormant Account Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20389/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dormant Accounts legislation provides for the disbursement of funds from unclaimed accounts in credit institutions (i.e. banks, building societies and An Post) and unclaimed life assurance policies in insurance undertakings, for the purposes of programmes or projects to assist:
- the personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged;
- the educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
- persons with a disability.
Earlier this year, I announced a new round of funding of €1.75 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund to support social enterprises that provide services to, or employment opportunities for, disadvantaged people. The measure will be managed by Pobal on behalf of my Department
I can confirm from the details supplied by the Deputy that an application has been received under the Social Enterprise Measure. All applications received are currently being assessed by Pobal in accordance with the published criteria. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the process as soon as possible.
753. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has examined increasing the number of national parks in line with other European countries as a means of encouraging active walker tourism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14248/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department manages an extensive conservation and recreational property portfolio of some 79,000 hectares. Our 6 National Parks account for circa 60,000 hectares with another almost 20,000 hectares of nature reserves and other heritage sites.
While the existing National Parks are managed from a conservation perspective, it is also recognised that they are ‘core assets’ which play a very important role in Ireland’s tourism and indeed active walker industry. The National Parks and Wildlife Service manages and maintains more than 485km of trails between National Parks, Nature Reserves and other conservation/recreational properties. These are dispersed geographically across the country and attracted in excess of 4 million visitors annually. Within the National Parks alone, the NPWS is responsible for a trail network spanning some 220km, including both cycling and walking trails, which run over some of the most iconic and scenic landscapes in Ireland. In addition, long-distance trails such as the Wicklow and Kerry Way, 129km and 122km respectively, run through the National Parks and are also maintained by the NPWS. NPWS sites have 18 trails currently listed on the National Trails Register.
Given the resources available for capital investment within our National Parks and Nature Reserves, I am ever mindful of the need to focus on the core responsibilities relating to the management of the existing Parks and Reserves lands and have no plans at present to increase the number of National Parks in the country. However, as part of my Department’s continuing commitment and contribution to improving our tourism and recreation product, we have been exploring ways to optimise the sustainable tourism potential of heritage sites under our control in a way that is compatible with conservation objectives. In this context, it should be noted that in late 2016 my Department negotiated the extension of Wicklow Mountains National Park by purchasing almost 4,900 acres of Dublin Uplands at Glenasmole in 2016 at a cost of €800,000. The purchase underpins the Government’s on-going commitment to the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations of citizens and visitors alike to enjoy.
In addition, my Department, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, launched a strategic partnership earlier this year with a view to growing tourism revenues in the rural areas where the parks are located and increasing Ireland’s appeal as a recreation destination. Fáilte Ireland will be investing capital funding of €500,000 to kick-start the initiative. This initial funding will focus on the five National Parks and five Nature Reserves situated on the Wild Atlantic Way in addition to Wicklow Mountains National Park. The funding will facilitate the undertaking of feasibility, scoping and design of tourism and recreational projects, building on the strengths of each location, as well as further promoting track and trails within our National Parks and Nature Reserves for walkers and tourists.
755. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she has engaged with stakeholders in the music industry in terms of the establishment of a music industry task force with wide representation and which would examine a range of issues including the impact of intellectual property and copyright legislation and enforcement in both the music and technology industries, supports for the business of music education and a dedicated office similar to the Irish Film Board for the music sector. [20528/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 72 on 31 January 2017. The position remains unchanged.
756. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the investigation by her Department with regard to the establishment of a public banking system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20529/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government envisaged that An Post, the Irish League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders would be asked to investigate and propose a new model of community banking, such as the Kiwibank model in New Zealand, which could be delivered through the post office network.
The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks that operate within well-defined regions.
My Department is actively working with the Department of Finance to progress the Programme for a Partnership Government commitments. A public consultation process, seeking views on the community banking model, was launched in early March and ran for four weeks, to 29 March. My Department received a total of 16 replies from a range of stakeholders and all submissions are now available on my Department’s website at: http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/consultation/consultation-on-local-community-banking/
Senior officials from my Department and the Department of Finance also met with representatives of the German Savings Banks Foundation for International Cooperation, Irish Rural Link and the Public Banking Forum of Ireland to discuss the viability of the Sparkassen model of local community banking in an Irish context.
All views received in relation to this matter are being considered and I anticipate that work on the examination of community banking models will be completed by the middle of the year. A report will be submitted to Government at that stage.
757. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Peadar Tóibín den Aire Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gnóthaí Réigiúnacha, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad a dhéanfaidh an rialtas chun na gníomhartha ón Straitéis Fiche Bliain atá curtha i bhfeidhm a thomhas; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [20622/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEagraíodh Díospóireacht Oscailte ar Pholasaí faoin Straitéis 20-Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030, 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. Tá i gceist go ndéanfar dlúth fhaireachán ar na gníomhaíochtaí a bheidh sonraithe sa Phlean sin agus go gcuirfear tuairiscí rialta ina leith faoi bhráid an Rialtais. Sa bhreis air sin tá beartaithe go bhfoilseofar, ar bhonn rialta, tuairiscí ar an dul chun cinn maidir le gach gníomh.
759. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she has taken to ensure artists have an income to allow them live while they develop their craft. [20624/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Arts Act 2003, primary responsibility for the promotion and support of the arts throughout the country is devolved to the Arts Council. The Arts Council is dedicated to supporting a vibrant community of visual artists, visual arts groups and organisations so that the public can experience the highest standard of visual arts, in urban and in rural parts of Ireland. The strategic context for the Arts Council’s support all areas of arts practice is set out in Making Great Art Work: Arts Council Strategy (2016 –2025). This describes how the Council will lead the development of the arts in Ireland over the next decade. The strategy has five priority areas: the artist; public engagement; investment strategy; spatial and demographic planning; and developing capacity.
The Arts Council offers a number of complementary supports so that visual artists can develop their practice and create artistic work. Through its partnership with Culture Ireland and a number of Cultural Institutions, the Council supports representation of visual artists internationally. A number of schemes and initiatives have been established by the Arts Council towards the support of visual arts and full details can be accessed on the Arts Council website (www.artscouncil.ie).
In Budget 2017, I secured significant additional funding for the Arts Council of €5m, or 8%. The increase will assist the Council in implementing its 10-year strategy. It also reaffirms the commitment in the Programme for a Partnership Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves.
Artists may benefit under the artists' exemption tax relief (Section 195 Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (TCA 1997). The first €50,000 per annum of income earned by writers, composers, visual artists and sculptors from the sale of their work is exempt from income tax in Ireland.
In December, I announced that my Department in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection would devise a mechanism during 2017 to assist self-employed artists who have applied for Jobseeker’s Allowance. I have been in contact with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection on the matter and officials of our two Departments are working on this initiative in consultation with the Arts Council. The scheme will be a pilot scheme and is part of the Creative Ireland Programme launched in December. Details of the pilot scheme will be announced shortly.
760. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions between the NPWS and Iarnród Éireann which need to be concluded in order to allow the council to submit an EIS and Natura impact statement, which have been prepared, to An Bord Pleanála to deliver on the long outstanding objective to deliver a cycle and pedestrian way from Donabate to Malahide. [20652/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe progression of any proposals in relation to the development of such a pedestrian and cycle route is a matter for consideration, in the first instance, by Irish Rail and Fingal County Council.
761. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her priorities and plans in regard to the provision of strategic investment rural areas in view of ensuring a high quality of life and locally available employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20808/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January this year, I launched Realising our Rural Potential, the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development. The Plan provides a framework for the coordinated delivery of over 270 actions by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural Ireland.
The Action Plan includes commitments across a range of policy areas to support employment and improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. 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 Plan also includes commitments to invest in flood defences, sports, culture and recreation facilities, town and village renewal, rural tourism projects, community development, and broadband infrastructure.
The Action Plan also sets out a number of actions which will protect and enhance vital services in rural communities.
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. Full details of the Action Plan are available on www.ruralireland.ie.
762. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the degree to which she expects to encourage investment in the services and manufacturing sectors in rural areas in view of creating a balance with the more urbanised areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20809/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 both the economic and social development of rural Ireland.
Strong regions provide the basis for improving economic opportunities and employment potential in rural areas. A key component of the Action Plan for Rural Development is to support the creation of jobs throughout the regions, including through the implementation of eight regional Action Plans for Jobs which are overseen by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The implementation of these Regional Plans will ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally. The Government aims to deliver 135,000 extra jobs outside of Dublin by 2020.
A number of manufacturing and services sectors offer particular opportunities for enterprise growth and job creation in rural areas, including Agri-food, Tourism, Renewable Energy and International Financial Services. The Action Plan for Rural Development includes a number of actions to support these sectors.
Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have also placed a renewed focus on investing in supporting enterprises at regional level, and this will have a positive impact on job opportunities and economic activity in rural communities. Further job opportunities will also be created by Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Shannon Group, and through the Local Enterprise Offices.
