Written Answers Nos. 558-576
558. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide all disbursements of capital spending above €20 million on completed projects for each year since 2016 by name of project, Department or body responsible for delivering project, county, NUTS3 region, type of investment, construction commencement, completion year and actual cost in tabular form. [34188/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy in relation to expenditure in excess of €20m on capital projects by my Department since 1st January 2016 is set out in the table.
Each of these projects is located in the Dublin NUTS3 region, with the exception of Pairc Uí Chaoimh which is in the South-West NUTS3 Region.
|
Project |
Body Responsible |
Type of Investment |
Construction Commencement |
Completion Year |
Actual Cost |
|
National Indoor Arena Phase 1 (at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus) |
Sport Ireland |
Exchequer Capital |
2015 |
2016 |
€38.5m |
|
National Indoor Arena Phase 2 (at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus) |
Sport Ireland |
Exchequer Capital |
2017 |
2019 |
€25.4m |
|
Phase 3 of the Master Development Plan including refurbishment of the Dargan and Milltown Wings |
National Gallery of Ireland |
Exchequer Capital |
2014/2015 |
2017 |
€31.7m subject to final account |
|
Redevelopment of Pairc Uí Chaoimh |
Cork County Board |
Exchequer Capital |
2016 |
2017 |
Total cost to be finalised - €30m grant contribution |
The Deputy may also wish to note the significant capital investments that this Department is making as part of Project Ireland 2040 – the National Development Plan. Under the NDP, we are investing:
- €460 million in the National Cultural Institutions investment programme;
- €265 million in a programme of investment in our culture and creativity across the country;
- Over €100 million for the Sports Capital Scheme over the period 2018 to 2022;
- €100 million for projects under the new Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund;
- Some €42 million in the continued development of Sport Ireland National Sports Campus
- Over €100 million in capital investments by Údarás na Gaeltachta;
- €51 million on a range of projects and schemes within the Gaeltacht and to promote the Irish language, including a flagship Irish Language and Culture Centre in Dublin,
- €108 million for Fáilte Ireland tourism product development to 2022 as part of a suite of tourism investments.
This ambitious programme includes a range of high value projects which will contribute significantly to the development of Ireland's cultural and sporting facilities, as well as important economic investments in tourism and rural infrastructure and facilities.
559. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his Department’s 2021 funding commitments, funding streams and targets for the retrofitting of local authority homes, approved housing body owned social housing units and section 38 and section 39 funded community residences which support persons with disabilities.. [32391/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra594. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding for the retrofitting of local authority housing will continue to be provided by his Department; and if not, if all social housing retrofitting funding will now come from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications.. [32688/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 559 and 594 together.
My Department has provided funding support under the Social Housing Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme to local authorities since 2013, for insulation and energy efficiency works to their social housing stock and this will continue within the context of the National Retrofitting Plan.
Budget 2021 provided for funding support of €65 million for this activity next year which will see a significant upscaling on what has been completed by local authorities in previous years and will target 2,400 social homes to be upgraded to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or cost optimal level.
In relation to Section 38 and 39 service providers and Approved Housing Bodies, I understand that they can avail of funding to improve the energy efficiency of their housing stock through schemes administered by the SEAI, which is under the oversight of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
560. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which the €2.4 billion announced in budget 2021 will be spent on the HAP and RAS schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32590/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2021, the total funding being made available for the delivery of housing programmes is €3.3 billion. This overall investment will see the social housing needs of over 28,500 households being met in 2021.
As part of the overall capital funding available of €2.031 billion, local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) will deliver 12,750 new social homes through build, acquisition and leasing programmes.
The €1.276 billion in current funding for 2021 will support the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme and the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) along with a range of other critical housing programmes and supports. These will include the costs of both ongoing and newly sourced homes, the provision of emergency accommodation and services for homeless households, supports for older people, people with a disability and travellers, and funding to support agency operational costs.
Budget 2021 provides €558 million for the HAP scheme which will allow for the continued support of existing HAP households and also enable an additional 15,000 households to be supported by HAP in 2021. €133 million has been allocated to support the cost of RAS in 2021. This funding will go towards supporting 800 RAS tenancies targeted to be achieved by local authorities in 2021, and the ongoing cost of supporting continuing RAS contracts in place at the end of 2020.
561. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if administrative work carried out by a public servant in a local authority is an essential service; and if these workers can be mandated to attend in person at their workplace or should be facilitated with working from home if possible. [33186/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
This is a matter for the Chief Executive of the employing local authority.
562. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if persons are permitted to travel beyond the 5 km limit in order to view accommodation that they wish to rent or purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33626/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 8) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 448 of 2020) came into effect on 22 October 2020 and are expected to expire on 1 December 2020.
Regulation 5 provides that a person shall not leave his or her place of residence without reasonable excuse. Regulation 5(2)(p) provides for a reasonable excuse for travelling or moving in order to - "move to another residence where, in all the circumstances of the case, such movement is reasonably necessary".
563. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33650/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra606. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will suspend hare coursing in view of the level 5 restrictions and instruction from the National Parks and Wildlife Service; and if an order will be given to release all hares in captivity. [32943/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra614. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered issuing a directive to those involved in the hare coursing industry to release the hares that they have in captivity in view of the clarity given about the activity being banned as part of the level 5 restrictions. [33040/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra618. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will order the release of captured hares into the wild now that hare coursing events can no longer go ahead under level 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33132/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 563, 606, 614 and 618 together.
The control of live hare coursing, including the operation of individual coursing meetings and managing the use of hares and greyhounds for that activity, is carried out under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, which is the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Accordingly, I have no function in relation to determining whether coursing is an activity which is permissible under the Government's public health regulations in relation to COVID-19
The licence issued by my Department to the Irish Coursing Club (ICC), to capture and tag hares for the current 2020/21 was temporarily suspended with effect from 21 October 2020 as it was not clear that the netting of hares was compliant with the COVID 19 regulations. The ICC announced a suspension of both parkland and open coursing events due to the Level 5 restrictions. I welcome this decision by the ICC as it is important that all sectors of society abide by the Government restrictions during the Covid 19 response.
My Department is aware that a number of coursing clubs have already captured hares on the basis of forthcoming coursing meetings which are now suspended. As it would be at least 6 weeks before that suspension is lifted my Department instructed the ICC to inform coursing clubs that they should release captured hares back into the wild as soon as possible. Failure to release the hares will be viewed as an egregious breach of the licence and my Department will be obliged to take necessary action, including under the Wildlife Acts, in that regard.
564. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for electoral reform with regard to enabling persons such as MEPs and permanent representatives who work in EU institutions to be allowed to vote by postal ballot in elections here in view of the fact that this exists in other member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPostal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of a number of categories of electors, including:
- Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses/civil partners which includes a person who is a member of a Permanent Mission of Ireland to an international organisation,
- whole-time members of the Defence Forces,
- members of An Garda Síochána,
- electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability,
- certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside,
- full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State,
- prisoners, and
- electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day.
Any person who is ordinarily resident in the State but has to travel, either within or outside of the State, for work on polling day and, as a result, is unable to attend at the local polling station is eligible to apply to his or her registration authority for inclusion in the supplement to the postal voters list to avail of a postal vote for the election or referendum concerned.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future - commits to the establishment of an Electoral Commission by the end of 2021 and mandates it to examine the use of postal voting, with a view to expanding its provision. Work is progressing on the drafting of the General Scheme of a Bill to legislate for the establishment of the Electoral Commission.
The Programme for Government also commits to holding a referendum on extending the franchise at Presidential elections to Irish citizens living outside the State. The Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill has been restored to the Dáil Order Paper and the date for the holding of the referendum will be decided once the legislation has been approved by the Oireachtas.
565. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the deer population has fluctuated nationally in the past ten years; the extent to which culls have taken place or are proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33803/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are three species of deer present in Ireland – red deer, fallow deer and sika deer. A fourth species, muntjac deer, has been reported from the wild on a number of occasions, but we have no evidence that this exotic and potentially invasive species is breeding in Ireland. Wild deer in the State are protected under the Wildlife Acts. There is an annual Open Season during which deer can be legally shot under licence. The current Open Season for deer operates generally from 1 September to the last day of February, depending on the species and gender of deer.
No national census of deer populations has been carried out to date. However, my Department carries out localised annual deer counts on State lands such as National Parks and the indications are that all three deer species are increasing in range and numbers.
Although not a direct measure of deer population size, the licence returns from deer hunters also provide some indication of wild deer numbers. The number of deer reported shot during the hunting season rose steadily from c10,000 in 2000 to over 30,000 in 2010 and this figure has increased again in recent seasons, to 40,000 for the first time in the 2017/2018 season.
Where appropriate, and depending on the annual count and instances of damage caused by deer to habitats, especially woodland, culls may be carried out on State land to ensure that deer populations do not reach levels that would have negative ecological consequences.
Control of deer on private property is the responsibility of landowners. My Department does not have powers to carry out any such culls. Landowners may apply to my Department for a permission under section 42 of the Wildlife Acts to cull deer where this is necessary outside the annual open seasons. These permissions offer a facility whereby a person can obtain a permit, on a case by case basis, to prevent serious damage caused by individual deer on specific lands. Permissions are only issued where there is evidence of such damage.
566. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which various native bird species including songbirds are extinct or are threatened with extinction; the extent to which conservation measures are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33804/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra568. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of predatory birds here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33806/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 566 and 568 together.
My Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which underpin the legislative and policy framework for the protection and conservation of our natural heritage. In particular, the 2011 Regulations transpose two key pieces of EU nature legislation: the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.
Under Article 12 of the Birds Directive, Member States are required to report to the EU Commission on the implementation of national provisions taken under this Directive. In 2019, as part of this reporting obligation, Ireland submitted 209 season specific assessments, including assessments for all of Ireland’s regularly occurring breeding species and a large proportion of those species’ populations that occur here during the non-breeding period.
The 209 ‘species-seasons’ are comprised of:
- 142 assessments of breeding birds (including a short report on one species, Corn Bunting, that went extinct after the Birds Directive came into force);
- 63 wintering accounts with the vast majority related to wintering waterbird populations; and
- 4 accounts of birds using Ireland’s coastlines or offshore waters on passage (i.e. three tern species and one shearwater).
Of these 142 breeding birds, 11 species belong to a cohort known as birds of prey which includes owls, hawks, eagles and falcons.
Table 1 lists these predatory birds and their current estimated population sizes.
|
Species |
Estimated population size |
|
Kestrel |
13,500 breeding pairs T |
|
Sparrowhawk |
11,859 breeding pairs ? |
|
Long-eared Owl |
1,484 – 2,703 breeding pairs |
|
Common Buzzard |
1,938 breeding pairs* |
|
Barn Owl |
400 – 500 breeding pairs |
|
Peregrine Falcon |
425 breeding pairs* |
|
Merlin |
200 – 400 breeding pairs |
|
Hen Harrier |
108-157 breeding pairs Ø |
|
Red Kite |
63 breeding pairs |
|
White-tailed Eagle |
12 breeding pairs |
|
Golden Eagle |
5 breeding pairs |
Notes: * minimum estimate; Ø 108 confirmed pairs and 49 possible pairs; T 9,918 - 17,393 pairs 95% CI; and ? 8,476 – 14,252 pairs 95% CI.
Due to human persecution and other drivers, including land-use and habitat changes (e.g. loss of native forest cover and wetland drainage), a number of raptor species became extinct as a breeding species in Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These include the Golden Eagle (in 1912), the White-tailed Eagle (early 20th C.) and the Red Kite became extinct as breeding species in Ireland in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the early 21st century, these species have been subject to re-introduction programmes which have seen the species re-establish a foothold once again. Current population estimates (based on numbers of breeding pairs) are detailed in Table.
The Hen Harrier population has been monitored in recent decades through national surveys with the fourth and most recent survey completed in 2015. The short-term trend 2005-2015, indicates a decline of 9.7% in the national population. Changes in land-use caused by the intensification of agriculture and afforestation are considered to be the most important drivers among others of this population.
Farmers in Hen Harrier areas (SPAs and areas identified in the national 2015 survey) are eligible for the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine's agri-environmental schemes known as GLAS and GLAS+. DAFM has estimated that more than €23m per annum is available for Hen Harrier actions alone in GLAS and GLAS+. As of August 2019, some 2,617 farmers had taken up these measures in GLAS and 1,506 in GLAS+.
Since 2017, the Hen Harrier Project supported by DAFM under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) measure of the RDP was launched with a budget of €25 million. Its main objectives include the sustainable management of farmland in the Hen Harrier SPAs, with a strong socio-economic focus in these marginal agricultural areas, and fostering good relations through locally-led solutions between farmers, state bodies and other stakeholders. The project incentivises farmers to manage their land in ways that will improve habitat condition for the benefit of Hen Harrier.
Approximately 30% of Ireland’s breeding bird species assessed are estimated to have remained stable or increased in abundance over the long-term. This cohort includes those relatively recent colonists with strong population growth including Little Egret, Great Skua, Mediterranean Gull, Little Ringed Plover, Bearded Tit and Great Spotted Woodpecker. However these recent additions to Ireland’s breeding bird community need to be viewed in the context that almost 20% of Ireland’s breeding bird species, for which we have data, are considered to be in long term decline.
Some of our breeding farmland songbirds have been flagged in recent decades as being particularly vulnerable to the modernisation and intensification of agricultural practices. This ongoing change in agricultural practices has led to the extinction of Corn Bunting as a breeding bird in Ireland and has been a primary driver of long term declines in species such as Corncrake, Yellowhammer, Whinchat and Twite for example. The latter two species’ estimated populations are now considered to be both less than 100 pairs.
Countryside Bird Survey data for two ground nesting songbird species which are still relatively abundant and widespread, namely Meadow Pipit and Skylark, were used for this reporting round. Their preferred breeding habitats include peatlands and unimproved grasslands, and both populations are in decline with the estimated short term abundance of Meadow Pipit declining by over 12% and for Skylark by almost 11%. Over the last 40 years or so the estimated breeding range of the latter has decreased by almost one quarter. Such estimated declines are of particular concern as both Meadow Pipit and Skylark make up significant proportions of the prey base of some of Ireland’s raptors of conservation concern including Merlin, Kestrel and Hen Harrier. The short term declines for the latter two raptors are estimated to be circa 28% and 10% respectively.
Breeding waders as a group continue to suffer significant declines in both population and breeding range, in both the short- and long-term. Species such as Curlew, Lapwing, Redshank and Dunlin, all of which nest on the ground, have declined by 93% or more in the long term. Certain breeding duck populations are also of concern with numbers of breeding Common Scoter continuing to decline to critically low levels. While this species’ range is stable, the population has declined 21-54% in the short-term and 61% in the long-term. The latest assessment of breeding Red-breasted Merganser (which was reproduced from the 2008-2012 reporting period due to a lack of contemporary data) estimates that this breeding population has declined 62% in the short-term.
The majority of Ireland’s breeding seabird species’ long term population trends are now reckoned to be either stable or increasing. It is possible that the increased level of breeding seabird survey effort undertaken by my department over recent year may be partially responsible for some of these recorded gains. Kittiwake stands out among the seabird cohort where there is now a strong evidence base to conclude that the population is under a sustained and significant decline. Further work on understanding the drivers of this decline is required but indications that a lack of available forage fish may play a role.
Of particular note are the very strong population increases with several of our breeding tern species (e.g. Roseate Tern, Sandwich Tern, Little Tern and Common Tern). At the site level it is evident that targeted conservation measures in the form of wardened tern colonies is resulting in direct and effective conservation positives. However several of these particular species’ estimated long-term breeding range trends are in decline or stagnant which not only reinforces the need for such conservation management interventions but also clearly sets out the on-going obligation that such conservation initiatives are to be maintained or where necessary improved.
Robust and contemporary population estimates have been produced for approximately 85% of our breeding seabird species. Work is on-going in my Department with further surveys targeting seabirds such as Puffin, Manx Shearwater and Storm Petrel. These species whose colonies are located on offshore islands are particularly vulnerable to invasive mammals. Such survey work is needed to provide context and further targeting of the on-going bio-security conservation measures currently being carried out by my Department.
The vast majority of those wintering populations assessed as part of the Article 12 Reporting process relate to wintering waterbirds. This group includes ducks, geese, swans and waders among others. Due to its geographical location, climate and wetland habitats, Ireland is an important host for hundreds of thousands of visiting waterbirds during the non-breeding/wintering seasons. Due to the relative sizes of their respective biogeographic populations, Ireland is of international importance for several waterbird species including Whooper Swan, Greenland White-fronted Goose, Brent Goose, and Black-tailed Godwit among others. The population trends for wintering birds varies by group and species. Wintering wader populations, for example, are largely showing continued population declines. While the trends for geese vary, with Greenland White-fronted Geese showing a continued recent decline, and others such as the Barnacle goose showing a positive long term trend.
A range of conservation measures have been put in place in an attempt to halt and reverse population declines for those most threatened bird species. The following examples are targeted at particular bird species but are likely have positive benefits for other species and habitats.
A new project, "Crex LIFE" has been established that will aim to reverse the declines in Corncrake populations, following on from the NPWS Corncrake scheme. The NPWS Curlew Conservation Programme continues to bolster conservation efforts for threatened breeding Curlew, with teams undertaking habitat management and community engagement in core areas. Further innovations for Curlew conservation are being developed by the DAFM-funded Curlew EIP.
The NPWS farm plans put in place conservation measures on priority farmland areas to benefit breeding waders, Chough, threatened passerines such as Whinchat, and various wintering geese and swans. NPWS also liaise with DAFM for the design and targeting of more widespread national agri-environment measures on farmland, which includes measures for: Curlew; breeding waders more generally; wintering geese and swans; threatened passerines such as Twite; Grey Partridge; Hen Harrier; and Twite. NPWS also run a Grey Partridge conservation programme based primarily at Boora, Co. Offaly, which also delivers benefits for breeding Lapwing and other ground-nesting birds such as Skylark. NPWS also implements measures for the rare breeding species Red-throated Diver.
567. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the otter population has fluctuated in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33805/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which the red squirrel population has recovered here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33807/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 569 together.
Ireland continues to remain a stronghold for the European otter. Four national surveys have been conducted to date. The first in 1980/81 found signs of otters throughout the country, at 88% of sites surveyed. There was some suggestion of declines in the survey results of 1990/91 and 2004/05 but the most recent survey (2010/11) indicated recovery to 1980 levels.
The most recent distribution data show that the otter continues to be widespread throughout Ireland in a wide variety of habitat types. Otters have two basic requirements: aquatic prey and safe refuges where they can rest. In Ireland, otter populations are found along rivers, lakes and coasts, where fish and other prey are abundant, and where the bank-side habitat offers plenty of cover.
A total of 44 Special Areas of Conservation have been designated with the otter as a qualifying interest. These comprise extensive stretches of river channels and coastline (including off-shore islands) as well as lakes and blanket bog systems. The main threats to the otter include pollution, particularly organic pollution resulting in fish kills, the removal of riparian vegetation, and accidental deaths (road traffic and fishing gear). The otter population (estimated at between 7,000 and 10,000 breeding females) is considered to be stable or increasing and none of the threats or pressures identified is considered to be impacting on the species at a population level. The overall status of otter is considered to be favourable.
The report from the last national otter survey can be downloaded here: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM76.pdf
In 2019, the National Parks & Wildlife Service of my Department, co-funded a survey across the island of Ireland on the distribution and status of the native Red Squirrel. The survey also examined the distribution of the native Pine Marten and the invasive Grey Squirrel. The Grey Squirrel was introduced to Ireland just over 100 years ago and competes with the Red Squirrel for resources. It also carries a disease that is fatal to the native species. As a result, the spread of Grey Squirrel in the second half of the 20th Century was mirrored by a retraction in Red Squirrel range and a reduction in numbers. In recent surveys, however, it became apparent that in some parts of Ireland there had been a change in the fortunes of the two species.
In surveys conducted in 2007 and 2012 it was evident that the Grey Squirrel had disappeared from parts of the midlands of Ireland. This disappearance was linked in subsequent studies to the re-emergence of the Pine Marten, a native Irish carnivore. The Pine Marten had previously almost disappeared but has made a considerable recovery after becoming protected under Irish and EU legislation. High densities of Pine Marten were found in the midlands of Ireland, in the areas where Grey Squirrel had disappeared. Meanwhile, Red Squirrel had made a recovery in some of these areas and seemed capable of co-habiting woodlands with the native carnivore.
The 2019 survey sought to update the distribution maps for the three species in recognition of the rapidly changing situation and I am pleased to say that the results are very encouraging. Red Squirrel sightings have increased considerably, particularly in Ulster and Leinster, and it has returned to many parts of the midlands from which it had disappeared. The most marked increases in Red Squirrel sightings were in Co. Westmeath, Co. Offaly and Co. Laois, the areas from which the Grey Squirrel has disappeared from longest. The midlands gap in Red Squirrel distribution recorded in previous surveys has retracted, however it is still rare in much of Co. Meath, Co. Louth and Co. Dublin. Meanwhile the grey squirrel has continued to decline and is absent now from large areas of the midlands. Full details of the survey results, including the up to date map of the red squirrel’s distribution, can be found in the online report here: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/IWM121.pdf
Of further note is the recent revision of the All-Ireland Red Data List of Mammals. The 2009 version of the List had included Red Squirrel as “Near Threatened” due to concerns about its decline and the threat posed by the grey squirrel. The updated Red List from 2019 now lists red squirrel as “Least Concern” in recognition of its improved status.
The 2019 All-Ireland Red Data List of Mammals can be downloaded here: https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Red%20List%20No.%2012%20Mammals.pdf
570. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if floating regasification storage units typically used for liquefied natural gas transfer will be regulated under the National Marine Planning Framework; the nature of this regulation and timeline for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33942/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe draft National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) was launched by my Department on 12 November 2019. The draft NMPF is Ireland’s first comprehensive marine spatial plan document and outlines the clear structure and direction proposed for the development, conservation and enjoyment of our maritime area. This important new text will, when finalised, stand as the marine equivalent of the terrestrial National Planning Framework and will become the key decision-making tool for regulatory authorities and policy makers into the future. The draft NMPF, as well as other associated reports, are available for viewing on my Department's website via the following link: www.marineplan.gov.ie.
My Department is now finalising the draft NMPF based on the evaluation of public consultation submissions received. The final NMPF will be prepared for submission to Government and presentation to the Houses of the Oireachtas before the end of the year. The NMPF will then be submitted to the European Commission by end-March 2021 in line with the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive
Under Part V of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2018, all marine plans, including those related to floating regasification storage units typically used for liquefied natural gas transfer, are obliged to comply with the requirements and meet the the objectives of the NMPF on the date the NMPF is approved and adopted by the Oireachtas.
Specifically, all marine plans are obliged to analyse and organise activities in the maritime area for the purpose of achieving ecological, economic and social priorities. They are also required to establish a national strategy for Government in relation to the strategic planning and sustainable development in the maritime area, utilising an ecosystem based approach, which is required for the purpose of supporting proper planning and sustainable development in the maritime area. Furthermore, the plan must encourage the colocation of relevant activities and developments in the maritime area.
The Marine Planning and Development Management Bill will coalesce the requirements made in the Planning and Development Amendment Act (Amended) 2018 to further support the final NMPF.
It is my understanding that the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is currently reviewing policy relating to LNG and as this work is pending, it is not included in the current iteration of the NMPF; however, this will be kept under review by my Department and included in subsequent iterations of the NMPF when developed. The regulation of LNG policy, including floating regasification storage units, will remain a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Communications and Climate.
571. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of villages and towns in County Tipperary that do not have wastewater treatment plants. [32308/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level and my Department does not maintain a register of the sort that might contain the information which the Deputy seeks.
It may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at Oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
572. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a survey has been carried out on the capacity of wastewater treatment plants in villages and towns that have same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32309/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level including issues around the capacity of existing infrastructure.
It may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at Oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
573. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a rental property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32330/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020 came into effect from 1 August 2020 to temporarily provide enhanced protections for those tenants who are facing rent arrears due to Covid-19 and, as a result, are at risk of losing their tenancy. The Act also provides for permanently enhanced protections which were designed to ensure that tenants and landlords engage to address any rent arrears arising at the earliest juncture.
In rent arrears cases, a landlord is required to engage early by serving both the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and the tenant with a 28-day warning notice seeking payment of rent arrears. Upon receipt of the warning notice, the RTB acknowledges receipt to the landlord and the tenant and provides information to the tenant to enable them to get advice from the Money and Budgeting Advice Service (MABS) and offers assistance to the tenant in obtaining this advice.
The RTB and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) are working with tenants in rent arrears to outline the financial supports which may be available to enable the tenant to meet their rental obligations to sustain their tenancy.
Any subsequent notice of termination grounded on rent arrears must be copied to the RTB and will be invalid if the associated rent arrears warning notice had not been served on both the RTB and the tenant. The aim is to ensure that early action is taken to address rent arrears, to the benefit of both the tenant and the landlord.
The tailored approach in the Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020 targets a temporary prohibition on rent increases to those who can least afford it. It protects tenants from imminent tenancy termination caused by rent arrears. The Act balances the need to protect those worst affected by Covid-19 with the need to respect property rights and the legitimate interests of landlords.
The temporary enhancements to tenancy protections under the Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020 provides that where a tenant’s ability to pay rent has been impacted by Covid-19 and the tenant meets specific criteria, new procedures and protections apply under the Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020. Tenants who follow these procedures cannot be required to vacate their rental accommodation before 11 January 2021, and are not required to pay any rent increase in respect of the period ending 10 January 2021.
Tenants who are currently (or at any stage between 9 March 2020 and 10 January 2021):
- in receipt of (or entitled to receive) Illness Benefit for Covid-19 absence - further information available at - https://www.gov.ie/en/service/df55ae-how-to-apply-for-illness-benefit-for-covid-19-absences/); or
- in receipt of (or entitled to receive) the Temporary Wage Subsidy, Employment Wage Subsidy or any other social welfare payment or State support paid as a result of loss of earnings due to Covid-19 (this includes the rent supplement or a supplementary welfare allowance);
and
- at risk of losing their tenancy,
can receive the aforementioned protections to remain in their tenancy without any increase in rent until 11 January 2021.
In order to qualify for these supports, tenants must complete and sign a Self-Declaration form, available on the Residential Tenancies Boards (RTB) website - www.rtb.ie, if they meet the above criteria and submit it to the RTB and their landlord.
Tenants are required to pay rent to their landlord and, in the event of tenants having difficulty doing so on foot of Covid-19, they are encouraged to engage with their landlords at the earliest opportunity.
Many Government Departments, agencies and organisations are engaged in supporting landlords and tenants during this time, providing information, advice and income supports to those who are facing financial difficulty. Tenants facing difficulty in meeting the rental payments should engage with the Department of Social Protection (D/SP) as income supports such as Rent Supplement and Social Welfare Allowances are available to assist them.
The D/SP Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) scheme offers a safety net within the overall social welfare system by providing assistance to those whose means are insufficient to meet their own needs and those of their dependents. The main purpose of the scheme is to provide immediate and flexible assistance to those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. There are several payments within the scheme including once-off exceptional needs payments (ENPs) which can cover rent arrears. Further information on these supports can be found by calling the D/SP Income Support Helpline for Covid-19 on 1890 800 024 or by visiting the D/SP website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-social-protection/
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Due to the quasi-judicial nature of work of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me, as Minister, or my Department to comment on or intervene in the specifics of any individual case.
My Department and the RTB urge landlords to consider the negative impacts of Covid-19 on their tenants and to show forbearance where temporary rent arrears might arise. Tenants and landlords are urged to discuss any problems promptly, keep lines of communication open and respect each other’s positions. If the problem cannot be resolved, registered landlords and all tenants can apply to the RTB for dispute resolution. Further information is available on www.rtb.ie.
My Department has published a guidance document, the Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020: What this Means for Landlords and Tenants, which sets out exactly what is expected as the rental protections under the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 expire, and provides details on the new protections for tenants in rent arrears and the income and other supports available to tenants and landlords.
This guidance document clearly explains the new rent arrears procedure for both landlords and tenants facing rent arrears. The Guidance document is available on the Department's website - www.housing.gov.ie - and on the RTB's website - www.rtb.ie.
The RTB has engaged with stakeholders with regard to the recent tenancy protection enhancements and launched advertising campaigns, including on social media, informing the public and directing people to its website for more information. The advertising campaigns ran from 15 April until to 1 August 2020 and the final phase of a related mail-shot to tenants and landlords concluded last week.
On 24 October 2020, the Residential Tenancies Act 2020 was enacted and came into operation to help mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on tenants and to support the efforts of Government in restricting the movement of people in order to suppress the spread of Covid 19. The Act modifies the operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020 to prevent any notices of termination served by landlords, in all but limited cases such as anti-social behaviour, from taking effect in geographical locations and during periods specified by the Minister for Health in Regulations made by him under section 31A of the Health Act 1947 in respect of which a restriction applies on the movement of people outside a 5 km radius of their place of residence. The current restriction to 5 km is due to expire on 1 December 2020.
The Residential Tenancies Act 2020 operates independently of, and complements, the provisions of the Residential Tenancies and Valuation Act 2020.
At this time, a landlord can serve a warning notice seeking payment of rent arrears and, if required, can serve a follow-up notice termination. Where the tenant has made the required declaration, the enhanced protections under the Residential Tenancies and Vaulation Act 2020 apply and the tenancy cannot be terminated until 11 January 2021. A landlord can refer a dispute to the RTB where he or she contests the applicability of enhanced protections under the Residential Tenancies and Vaulation Act 2020.
A tenant is obliged under section 16(c) of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020 to allow, at reasonable intervals, the landlord, or any person or person acting on the landlord's behalf, access to the dwelling (on a date and time agreed in advance with the tenant) for the purposes of inspecting the dwelling. A breach of this tenant obligation can also be referred to the RTB. A landlord may report anti-social behaviour to An Garda Síochána for appropriate action.
574. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding allocated for the multi-annual programme by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32351/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme.
The allocations under the current multi-annual rural water programme were announced on 15 October, 2019.
All local authorities that submitted bids were informed of the outcome of their bids in a circular which included an overall and a breakdown of the allocations per county. The Deputy will find that the circular addresses all of the items raised in the question.
The circular is available on my Department's website at the link under:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/rural-water-programme/circular-l219-approval-schemesprojects-under-multi-annual
575. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 333 of 15 September 2020 and 143 of 13 October 2020, if the steering group will visit locations, for example, in north County Dublin, currently suffering the effects of coastal erosion and flooding in order to witness the effects of coastal erosion and flooding as part of informing its initial scoping exercise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32364/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra576. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the responsibilities he has with respect to addressing issues of costal erosion in Portrane and Fingal, County Dublin; the steps he has taken to assist residents at this location whose homes are under threat of collapsing into the sea due to costal erosion; and if he will meet with the residents to discuss their concerns. [32369/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 576 together.
The position is as set out in to Parliamentary Questions No. 333 of 15 September 2020 and No. 143 of 13 October 2020 referenced by Deputy O’Callaghan. Given that this is a strategic scoping exercise and having regard to the early stage of the work of the Steering and Working Groups, I am not in a position to comment on, nor do I wish to pre-empt, the approach that will be taken to progressing this important project.
In terms of residents living in areas that are specifically impacted by coastal erosion, this is a local matter under the operational jurisdiction of the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW). In that regard, I would like to draw the Deputy’s attention to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 8 October 2020 and the answer provided by my colleague, Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan, where Minister O’Donovan detailed measures being undertaken by the OPW, in conjunction with Fingal County Council, to address the immediate issues caused by coastal erosion at Portrane, County Dublin. For the Deputy’s information, I understand that Fingal County Council are, this week, undertaking certain coastal erosion protection works at Quay Road, Portrane.
More generally, coming from a constituency affected by coastal erosion and having visited the areas mentioned in the Question, I am very aware of the potential impacts and urgency of the situation faced by residents of coastal areas, and I look forward to working with the Group and progressing its findings through Government.
