Written Answers Nos. 153-163
153. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding has been provided for the development of property and evidence management stores in the Kildare Garda division. [30166/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Investment Plan for An Garda Síochána 2016 -2021, provides for funding for the provision of Property Exhibits Management Stores (PEMS) at several locations, including Naas Garda Station, Co. Kildare, which has been identified as the preferred location for the Kildare Garda Division.
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the authorities in Northern Ireland and with the EU Commission about the proposed PEACE PLUS programme; the projected timeframe for its introduction; the measures that will be included in the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30392/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Government has consistently maintained its strong commitment both to the full implementation of the current PEACE and INTERREG programmes and to a successor programme post-2020. My officials and I have worked to ensure that this important funding continues after Brexit.
I was pleased, therefore, that in May 2018, the European Commission included a proposal for a special new PEACE PLUS programme that will build on and continue the work of both PEACE and INTERREG in its proposals for 2021-2027 cohesion policy. I warmly welcome this proposal which is being advanced as part of the ongoing work on the draft cohesion policy regulations and the Multiannual Financial Framework. I also welcome the firm and reiterated commitment of the UK Government to the PEACE PLUS programme.
The PEACE PLUS programme will cover the 2021-2027 programming period. My officials have already commenced initial work with their counterparts in Northern Ireland and in the Special EU Programmes Body on preparations for this new programme. Detailed development work will take place during 2019 and 2020. The draft programme will then be submitted to the European Commission for approval and the aim will to be for the programme to begin as soon as possible after the start of 2021.
The specific themes and activities to be supported in PEACE PLUS will be established during the detailed programme development process co-ordinated by the Special EU Programmes Body. This process will include comprehensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation. The themes selected will be in line with the policy objectives and the overall thematic areas set out in the cohesion policy regulations.
155. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if funding will be provided in budget 2020 to meet the potential costs of the claim regarding public service status for school secretaries and caretakers paid from the ancillary grant. [30130/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe budgetary allocations for 2020 will be decided by Cabinet as part of the annual estimates process and announced in the Budget in October. The prioritisation of measures, within that allocation, for the Education Sector is a matter for the Minister for Education and Skills.
156. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal; if the allocated funding has been spent to date; the timeline for completing the project; his further plans for flooding prevention in the towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30133/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Castlefinn, County Donegal; the budget for the works; if the funding has been spent to date; the timeline for the completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30134/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Lifford, County Donegal; the budget for this project; if the funding has been spent to date; the timeline for the complete delivery of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Glenties, County Donegal; the extent of the planned project; if a budget is secured for the proposed project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30136/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the flooding prevention plans for Downings, County Donegal; the extent of intended flooding prevention plans for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30137/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 160, inclusive, together.
Fifteen projects were identified in County Donegal in the Flood Risk Management Plans that I announced in May 2018. Following consultation and discussions between the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Donegal County Council (DCC), six of the Donegal projects have been selected to be progressed in the first phase of implementation.
The Plans set out the specific measures to tackle flood risk in each community and town, with proposed outline only design provided to protect against the 1 in 100 year flood event and with indicative preliminary cost estimates only provided. More definite estimates of projects costs will not be available until the more detailed project level design and procurement for each scheme is complete. Estimated costs for all of these projects have been included in OPW's multi annual expenditure profiles.
Ballybofey and Stranorlar, County Donegal
The proposed flood relief scheme for Ballybofey and Stranorlar has an estimated early indicative cost of €1.92m and consists of hard defences and improvement of channel conveyance.
While the proposed flood relief scheme for Ballybofey and Stranorlar is not in the first phase of projects to be advanced, both the OPW and Donegal County Council will work closely to ensure that the project will be progressed as early as possible in the coming years and within the 10-year timeframe for the programme of investment.
I would mention also that funding of €157,500 was approved in 2018 under the OPW's Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme for interim flood relief works at Ballybofey and Stranorlar. The works comprise the removal of vegetation and trees on the embankment and construction of pumps / pumping areas. Funding will be provided to Donegal County Council on completion of works.
Castlefinn, County Donegal
The proposed flood relief scheme for Castlefinn is included in the first phase of implementation and has an estimated early indicative cost of €1.75m. The tender documents for the required design consultants are currently being reviewed. The proposed measures consists of a series of flood embankments and walls and associated drainage works.
Lifford, County Donegal
The proposed Lifford Flood Relief Scheme is included in the first phase of implementation and has an estimated early indicative cost of €5.9m. The proposed measures consists of a series of flood embankments and walls.
Tendering for the required engineering consultancy services has commenced and consultants are expected to be appointed in quarter 4 2019.
Glenties, County Donegal and Downings, County Donegal
The proposed flood relief scheme for Glenties, Co. Donegal is in the first phase of implementation and has an estimated early indicative cost of €0.55m. The proposed measures consists of a series of flood embankments and walls and land use management.
The proposed flood relief scheme for Downings, Co. Donegal is in the first phase of implementation and has an estimated early indicative cost of €0.870m. The proposed measures consists of a series of flood embankments and walls.
The proposed schemes for Glenties and Downings are being progressed by Donegal County Council. The tender documents for these schemes are being finalised with the expectation that consultants will be hired in the coming months.
161. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide details of all entities in which he or his Department hold shares; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30189/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following list sets out the entities in which the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform or the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform holds a share certificate:
- Coillte (Irish Forestry Board)
- Murphy’s Irish Seafood (formerly Fastnet Mussels Ltd)
- Kush Seafarms Ltd
- Irish National Stud
- Housing Finance Agency
- Ervia
- National Building Agency (currently being liquidated)
- EirGrid
- ESB
- Bord na Móna
- An Post
- Shannon Group (including Shannon Airport Authority Ltd., Shannon Commercial Enterprises Ltd., Shannon Heritage Ltd., together with the International Aviation Services Centre (IASC))
- Dublin Airport Authority (incl. Cork)
- Irish Aviation Authority
- Dublin Port Company
- Cork Port Company
- Shannon Foynes Port Company
- Waterford Port Company
- Galway Harbour Company
The Deputy may wish to note that Statement 1.8(a) of the Finance Accounts lists the share capital acquired in companies. The latest details can be obtained at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/dd07ee-finance-accounts-2017/.
162. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of car parking spaces at office buildings provided by the Office of Public Works in tabular form. [30194/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by my officials that the number of car spaces at office buildings provided by the Office of Public Works is as follows:
- 5,739 car spaces associated with owned office accommodation
- 5,785 car spaces associated with leased office accommodation, including stand alone car parking.
163. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the capital budget allocation to the OPW in each of the years 2017 to 2019; the amount of the capital budget allocation spent in 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30196/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Capital Budget Allocation and Spend allocation to the OPW for the years 2017 to 2019 is as follows:
|
Vote 13 OPW |
2017 Allocation€000 |
2018 Allocation€000 |
2019 Allocation€000 |
|
126,049 |
177,049 |
179,049 |
|
|
Vote 13 OPW |
2017 Expenditure€000 |
2018 Expenditure€000 |
|
|
123,649 |
174,333 |
Savings within the 2017 capital allocation are primarily due to timing in placing the contract for the Integrated Workplace Management System. Savings within the 2018 capital allocation are primarily due to timing in planning approval for the commencement of some flood relief projects and the Home Relocation Scheme. The 2018 allocation includes a €22m supplementary estimate the majority of which related to the Papal Visit. Savings by the OPW in 2017 and 2018 on its capital allocation were vired for use by the Office on its current expenditure requirements.
