Written Answers Nos. 332-356
332. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if construction on the new forensic science laboratory has started; the timeframe for the completion of the project; and the estimated cost of the project. [15266/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe construction on the new Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory project is being managed by the OPW. The project commenced on site in March 2020 and the construction contract duration is just over 2 years. The construction Contract Value is €79.69m ex vat.
333. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will address a matter regarding a car park (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15320/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraArdfert Friary is a National Monument in the ownership of the State. It is located near Ardfert Cathedral which is opened to visitors on a seasonal basis by the Office of Public Works. There are no visitor facilities at the Friary site and, as the access route to the site is not in the sole ownership of the State, public access cannot always be assured.
The Office of Public Works has no information as to why the proposal regarding the development of a carpark at Ardfert Friary did not proceed and there are no plans currently to install such a facility at the site.
334. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the amounts spent by the OPW on the refurbishment of Santry Garda station in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [15364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the Office of Public Works (OPW) carried out no major refurbishment works at Santry Garda Station during the years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Ongoing minor works were carried out and details of the expenditure for each of the 3 years is outlined in the table below. These figures are for both works funded by the OPW and An Garda Síochána and include maintenance work, elective projects, the upgrade of mechanical and electrical systems and asbestos removal.
|
Year |
OPW Expenditure |
An Garda Síochána Expenditure |
Total Expenditure |
|
2018 |
€135,882.55 |
€66,726.22 |
€202,608.77 |
|
2019 |
€128,688.20 |
€3,029.87 |
€131,718.07 |
|
2020 |
€44,440.39 |
€9,120.12 |
€53,560.51 |
|
Total |
€309,011.14 |
€78,876.21 |
€387,887.35 |
335. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the contractor that will be appointed for the construction of a new Intreo centre in the old library building in Tuam, County Galway (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15406/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe project concerned is the fit out of an office to accommodate Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection staff engaged in Employment Services, Activation, Social Welfare Inspectorate and Community Welfare Services as distinct from an Intreo office. The contract has been placed with Finna Construction Limited.
336. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the position regarding a bridge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15719/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe bridge in Caherrevagh, Cloonamealtogue, Shrule, Co. Mayo, is on the Bridge Maintenance Programme and is scheduled for works 2021, subject to environmental conditions.
337. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the plans of the OPW to reopen in the near future the Ashton and Islandbridge gates in the Phoenix Park to traffic in view of the fact that the closure is causing serious disruption to residents travelling by necessity in a north to south direction from many neighbourhoods in the Dublin 15 area. [15826/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Perimeter Gates of the Phoenix Park including the Ashtown Gate and Islandbridge Gate were reopened to vehicular traffic on Friday10 July.
This decision was based on an increase in the volume of traffic in the neighbouring areas surrounding the Park to which the gate closures have in part contributed. In fact, a further increase in traffic volume in the coming weeks and months with the escalation of the returning workforce within the City and the re-opening of Schools might be anticipated.
I would like to assure the deputy that this Office will continue to evolve its approach to the operations and somewhat complex issues of the Phoenix Park in order to respond, where possible, to the usage patterns of locals and visitors and to ensure that the amenities of this historic park continue to be central to its management approach on a daily basis, where flora and fauna thrive and where visitors’ health and wellbeing can be enhanced through experiencing the natural environment in the Park.
338. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will liaise with Leitrim County Council to put a fund in place to help stabilise the situation in Drumkeerin in the wake of the recent landslide; if additional funding will be allocated to the council to reinstate the roads affected by the landslide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15902/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the National Emergency Management Framework responsibility for responding to these events is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority.
In relation to the bog slide in the Drumkeeran area assistance in the form of emergency funding to deal with the aftermath of these type of events has, in the recent past, generally come from Government to the relevant local authority through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, allowing the local authority to procure contractors to undertake the necessary clean up and remedial works. The OPW is in contact with Engineers in Leitrim County Council and providing advice as required.
339. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his views on a matter regarding lands adjacent to a building (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16107/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe local OPW Regional Office is liaising with Donagh O'Regan, Reeks, Killarney, Co. Kerry in order to clarify the issue and resolve the matter.
340. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of tribunals, public investigations and commissions of investigation in process; the length of time each has been under way; when each will conclude; the cost to date of each; and the estimated cost of each at completion. [16138/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has had no tribunals, public investigations or commissions of investigations under its remit since it was established in 2011.
341. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter regarding a seal cull (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14780/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two species of seal in Irish waters - the Harbour or Common Seal and the more numerous Grey Seal - are both protected under the EU Habitats Directive and Ireland is obliged to maintain their numbers at a favourable conservation level. We are also required to monitor their populations and report to the European Commission on their conservation status. A standardised monitoring programme has been in place for both species since 2009.
Representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service have met with fishermen in Kerry on a number of occasions, most recently on 8 January 2020 in Killarney. Discussions have covered a broad range of issues including current inshore fishing practices and trends, seal predation on fish, seal behaviour and numbers, as well as the by-catch of seals in fishing gear and the management of seal-fishery interactions.
NPWS continues to investigate solutions for deterring seal interactions with static fishing gears and to continue their collaboration with the Marine Institute and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to investigate such problems and their solutions in partnership with the fishing industry.
As part of the overall response to the COVID-19 crisis, staff in my Department are, for the most part, currently working remotely. However, steps were taken early in the crisis to ensure staff remained contactable and they can be contacted by email throughout this period.
Finally, while seals are a protected species, my Department may issue licences to cull individual problem seals, and affected persons can apply for such licences. My Department has no plans to undertake a general cull of seals.
342. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the Minister who has responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. [14917/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware the Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. has recently announced a reallocation of responsibilities between a number of Government Departments including my own.
As soon as the necessary orders to give effect to these changes are in place, the heritage functions of this Department, which includes the National Parks and Wildlife Service, will transfer to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
343. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she will be taking to remedy the persistent failure to designate special areas of conservation under the habitats directive more than five years after the deadline expired in view of the fact the European Commission has now referred Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for breaches of the directive (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15204/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra344. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason EU site-specific conservation objectives have not been established for 87 sites of community importance; and the reason necessary conservation measures have not been established at any of the 423 sites of community importance. [15205/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together.
My Department has in place a special areas of conservation designation, conservation and management work programme. Under this on-going programme, 276 sites have been designated as special areas of conservation by Statutory Instrument, site specific conservation objectives have been published for 364 special area of conservation sites and site specific conservation measures have been prepared for 53 sites. The Department is working to identify and list necessary conservation measures for each Habitats Directive Annex I habitat and Annex II species on a site-by-site basis. This will include integration of conservation measures already being delivered.
Furthermore, a range of conservation schemes are in place such as the European innovation partnerships, GLAS (green, low-carbon agri-environment scheme) and the native woodland scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Farm Plan Scheme administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department.
Sites are protected under Irish law from the time they are publicly nominated for designation as special areas of conservation i.e., all 439 special area of conservation sites are protected in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.
345. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the annual budget for rhododendron ponticum clearance in Killarney National Park in each of the years 2000 and 2019, in tabular form. [15219/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked my officials to collate the information sought for the period in question and I will send it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
346. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of rhododendron ponticum in the previously cleared oak woodlands of Killarney National Park; when the last assessment of the woodlands took place; and if it was carried out by independent scientific experts. [15220/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe highly invasive non-native weed Rhododendron ponticum occurs in low to moderate, or slight to severe, levels throughout previously cleared oak woodlands of Killarney National Park, depending on the classification terminology being used. Higher densities occur in woodlands close to dense infestations where rhododendron has never been cleared, due to seed rain.
Densities of seeding plants varied from 0.3 plants/ha to 18.6 plants/ha (2018 data, the highest density was from a single clump). Data from selected woods is given in the Table below.
Previously cleared woodlands are the subject of ongoing management. Assessment of rhododendron in these woodlands is also ongoing, with ground surveys and drone surveys carried out in many of these woods in November 2017, May and September-October 2018, May 2019 and early March 2020. All these surveys were carried out by independent scientific experts, with the exception of two smaller surveys which were carried out by a graduate student and an NPWS professional.
Estimated densities/ha based on transect surveys in autumn 2018.
|
Area |
Seeding plants/ha |
|
Eagles Nest |
1.4 |
|
Gortaderaree |
0.3 |
|
Oak Island |
18.6 |
|
Bula |
3.8 |
|
Cahernabane |
4.6 |
|
Ullauns |
10.4 |
|
Cromaglan |
0.4 |
|
Cahnicaun |
3.2 |
|
Cuckoo Wood |
5.6 |
|
Brickeen Is. |
7.0 |
Various areas, including some of the above, have been subject to Rhododendron control measures since 2018. In particular, specific contracts were undertaken in 2019 to monitor and remove flowering or seed bearing Rhododendron plants from a number of areas in Killarney National Park. This is in addition to major contracts to undertake total removal of all Rhododendron from locations, including at Eagles Nest, Tomies, Powlagower and Ullauns.
347. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there has been an independent scientific review of the rhododendron ponticum clearance methods currently being used by Killarney National Park; and if those methods have been compared for effectiveness with previous methods employed by a company (details supplied). [15221/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) sought to undertake an expert Peer Review of Rhododendron ponticum and the programmes and measures for its control in Killarney National Park. Overseas experts were invited to participate in this independent scientific review. Despite agreement to participate from an independent overseas expert, it has subsequently not proved possible for him to undertake the review. Consequently, the NPWS contracted an expert environmental company to undertake part 1 and 2 of this review. This work is now under way. The NPWS is open, and indeed is expecting, that the review will look at all relevant methods, issues and approaches, including that of the group mentioned by the Deputy.
348. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the EU formal complaint regarding the Annex I habitat in Killarney National Park and the presence of rhododendron ponticum; the steps taken to rectify the issues raised in the formal complaint; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15222/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn environmental NGO made a complaint to the European Commission in 2017. The Commission made the Department aware of the complaint in July 2018. The Department replied to the Commission in respect of the contents of the complaint in August 2018 and an acknowledgment was received.
In June 2019 on foot of further correspondence from the NGO, the Commission contacted the Department asking for comments thereon. The Department responded to the Commission on the 5th July 2019. The contents were acknowledged and no further correspondence has been received by the Department from the Commission in respect of the matter.
349. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the draft national architecture strategy; and if she will consult the incoming joint Oireachtas committee on housing, local government and heritage at the earliest opportunity on the matter. [15223/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently drafting a new National Policy on Architecture which will support long–term planning strategies and will assist in addressing key issues including societal well-being, climate change and urban regeneration. The adaptation of existing as well as the design of new buildings will, of course, be critical to meet the targets set by the Climate Action Plan 2019.
My Department, supported by a steering committee including officials from the Office of Public Works, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Department of Education and Skills, the Health Service Executive, the City and County Architects Association, the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, the Arts Council, the schools of architecture and the Irish Architecture Foundation, recently completed a public consultation process allowing the opportunity for all communities, stakeholders and citizens to have their say on the proposed new Policy.
The consultation phase considered the main ways in which architecture and our built environment affect society, our health and wellbeing and our ability to prosper. These include climate adaptation and mitigation and sustainable development, the benefits for everyone of obtaining high quality in the built environment, the protection and reuse of our built heritage, ways we can demonstrate built environment leadership and the need to foster education about our built environment. The Department invited online and written submissions, and social media engagement, alongside a series of workshops and meetings, including virtual workshops in line with public health restrictions, to allow wide-ranging involvement in the drafting of the new policy, as well as consideration of the effect of Covid-19 on our built environment.
The Policy will be informed by the feedback we received from the consultation phase, with over 150 submissions, as well as by a review of the previous policy.
It is my intention that a new National Policy on Architecture will play an integral part in implementing our vision for the future, providing policy actions that will encourage best quality in researching, understanding, managing, enhancing and reusing our existing built environment assets as well as delivering sustainable new places and spaces.
I will, of course, be happy to consult with the incoming Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage at the earliest opportunity in relation to the Policy.
350. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will address a matter regarding peg holders (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15237/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt would not be Departmental practice to publish the information sought in details supplied. The use of moorings for fishing/pleasure boats on the lakes in the area in question are subject to a fixed mooring allocation to traditional users. On an annual basis there are 20 pegs available which are subject to a lottery by the area’s regional management. This lottery is run in conjunction with, and witnessed by the three local fishing clubs. These pegs are allocated annually for a twelve month period, and this lottery is open to all residents in the State.
351. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to financial assistance for aquariums (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15287/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003, my Department has responsibility for the inspection and licensing of zoos and aquariums in the State. The role of my Department is regulatory and its functions do not include the provision of funding or grant aid to zoos or aquariums nor does it have a remit with regard to the day to day management of the zoos. There are currently 68 licensed establishments in the country.
While my Department does not have resources to provide direct financial assistance, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department has been in contact with zoos and aquariums throughout the COVID-19 crisis with the aim of providing any assistance possible and establishing the issues facing the industry at this time. Officials from the NPWS have also been in frequent contact with BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), the main representative body of the industry in Ireland as well as the UK.
Cognisant of its role as the regulatory authority for zoos and aquariums in the State, my Department is examining the issues around funding for the sector in the context of the Government's overall response to the difficulties faced by many businesses across all sectors as a result of the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.
352. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of tests carried out in Moanveanlagh Bog in March 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15420/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, Moanveanlagh Bog Special Area of Conservation is one of the bogs identified for assessment as regards the potential for domestic turf cutting within parts of the site, in accordance with the provisions of article 6.3 of the EU Habitats Directive.
Scientific assessments in that regard were undertaken on the bog by contractors engaged by my Department in March 2019 and May 2019. These assessments concluded that, in a small area within the site, turf cutting there would not have an adverse impact on the (ecological) integrity of the special area of conservation site. Domestic turf cutting could take place there subject to consent being received from the relevant public authority and consultation with the landowner and turbary right holders, if any.
For a larger plot of land within the site, the findings of concentrated geophysical and hydrological investigations indicate that any turf cutting there would require monitoring for an estimated period of a year to assess the level of risk of peat failure (bog burst). In advance of any turf cutting taking place in this area, consent would also be required from the relevant public authority and consultation would have to take place with the landowner and turbary right holders, if any.
It has not been possible to undertake any further scientific investigations within the site due to site access issues. My Department is willing to try to bring a resolution to outstanding issues. If the Deputy feels that he would be able to assist, officials from my Department are available to discuss further.
353. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available for 2020 for each heritage function that will be transferred from her Department. [15467/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to answer this question at present as the transfer of functions has not yet occurred therefore there is no agreement on corresponding financial allocations. This question will be proper to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, when reconfigured, in due course.
354. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if she will consider conducting an investigation into a possible famine site (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15979/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that a granite pillar was brought to the attention of my Department’s National Monuments Service as possible evidence of the existence of a famine graveyard at the location in question. However, my Department's view is that the origins and associations of the pillar are unlikely to relate to such burials.
While there is insufficient evidence at this point for the marker to be recorded as an archaeological monument, I understand that my Department has given guidance to the owner of the site, Coillte, and to other interested parties, to assist investigations and to help find out more about it.
355. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the further steps she plans to take to assist arts businesses which are very seriously affected by Covid-19 to survive financially through the crisis taking into account their importance economically, socially and culturally to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15664/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment that the Government will publish a series of immediate actions to support the economy - the "July Stimulus". In this context the Government will, among other things, consider further additional measures that may be needed to support the tourism and hospitality sector.
My Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs. The Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
Fáilte Ireland has put in place a number of supports for the tourism and hospitality sector. Details of these are available on Fáilte Ireland's website.
My predecessor also established the Tourism Recovery Taskforce on 20th May 2020 to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan. This will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The Taskforce has submitted an initial report.
356. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps she plans to take to reduce the cost of transporting goods to the islands in view of the disproportionate cost associated with freight on purchases by islanders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14787/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has 11 different contracts in place to transport light and heavy cargo to the off shore islands. Of these contracts, 9 are dedicated solely to the provision of carrying heavy cargo at a cost of €1.3 million per year to the Exchequer. These subsidies are of great benefit to the islanders as they provide a real reduction in the cost of transporting goods to and from the islands which would otherwise be too expensive to transport.
The subsidies provided by my Department also ensure that cargo vessels travel in accordance with agreed schedules to the islands, thus ensuring regularity of service for island communities.
I should also point out that the schedule of charges for the transport of cargo to the islands was reduced significantly by my Department a number of years ago and that these charges have remained largely unchanged since. This initiative has ensured that the real cost of cargo transport has reduced significantly over the past number of years.
