Robert Troy
Ceist:247. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a surgery appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [18731/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (247)
Freagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (248)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:248. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if a funding application has been received by his Department for the appointment of the four outstanding epilepsy nurse specialist posts committed to as part of the 2018 Valproate Response Project (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this application; if the application will be expedited given the urgent need for these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18734/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has recently submitted an application to my Department to fund the advanced nurse practitioner (ANP) positions recommended in its report on the Valproate Response Project in 2019. This application is being considered by officials within the Department.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (249)
Joe Carey
Ceist:249. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health the status of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021; when all aspects of the Act will be commenced including the provision regarding the rental of properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18738/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021, which was signed into law on 22 July 2021, and commenced on 20th October, introduces further safeguards in the NHSS to further protect the viability and sustainability of family farms and businesses. It also includes an amendment in relation to applying the 3-year cap to the proceeds of sale of a house while a resident is in long-term care, which removes a disincentive for scheme participants against selling properties that might otherwise remain vacant. This addresses the first relevant commitment in the Housing for All Strategy (action 19.7).
My Department is actively collaborating with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other Departments in the development of a mechanism in relation to the rental of vacant properties "in a way that is targeted, equitable, evidence-based and provides appropriate safeguards for vulnerable older people", as committed to in Housing for All action 19.8. Complex policy questions are currently being resolved in order to meet these criteria and mitigate the high risks and costs associated with unintended consequences, with a view to introducing legislation as soon as possible once this is complete. I expect to be in a position to bring legislation forward in the coming months.
The NHSS is a complex €1.4 billion Scheme that relies on €350m of contributions from over 22,000 residents. It is important to ensure that the costs, benefits, and unintended consequences of any policy changes are fully understood and resolved before they are put in place. There is no existing exemption of rental or similar income from assessment within the Nursing Homes Support Scheme and due care needs to be taken to ensure that any future changes are appropriate to protect and meet the needs of residents while also making provision for those in need of housing.
Disease Management
Ceisteanna (250)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:250. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the progress to date of the ME chronic fatigue syndrome working group established by the HSE; the membership of the group; when it last held a meeting; the work programme and timelines for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18787/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (251)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:251. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of fines and or penalties that have been issued by greyhound coursing clubs since 2015 for failure of an agent to notify the death of a stud sire within the 14 days as prescribed in S.I. No. 561/2005 - Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, 2005. [18454/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership primarily of all greyhounds. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
The ICC has informed my Department that there have been no instances where an agent was fined for a breach of late notification of the death of a stud sire as per the AI Regulations 2005 since 2015.
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (252)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:252. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the table of fines and penalties as set by each greyhound coursing club. [18455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership primarily of all greyhounds. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
The ICC has informed my Department that each coursing club does not set fines or penalties: coursing clubs are affiliated to the ICC body. The ICC is responsible for setting fines and penalties for matters not prescribed for under statutory regulations.
- AI Regulation Section 19.(4) states : “Without prejudice and in addition to any other sanction that may be imposed by the Club under the Irish Coursing Club Rules, the Club on being notified of the conviction of any person for a breach of these Regulations, shall be entitled to refuse registration of any stud sire, service or litter involved in the proceedings leading to the conviction, or to withdraw or cancel any such registration already effected in favour of the convicted person”.
- AI Regulation 5.6.and 5.7 set out instances, whereby an AI licence will not be issued.
- The AIA Sub Committee and the Appeal Sub-Committee deal with applications and appeals of any refusals related to applications.
- The ICC fine structure in relation to the Stud Book is set out at Appendix B at irishcoursingclub.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Rules-Pt-5.pdf
The ICC fine structure and penalties in relation to prohibited substances, is set out in Rule 88, see Article 12: irishcoursingclub.ie/pdfs/Rule-88-v16-12-2019.pdf.
- The ICC may impose an Exclusion Order subject to the consent of Rásaíocht Con Éireann (this provision will be amended upon commencement of the relevant section of the Greyhound Racing Act 2019).
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (253)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:253. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times the period of use of frozen semen of a dead canine sire has been varied in consultation with a club under S.I. No. 561/2005 - Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, 2005, Regulation 14(7); and the variation and the club involved. [18456/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The Board of Rásaíocht Con Éireann introduced regulation in 2005 specifically governing the practice of Artificial Insemination, The Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds Regulations, SI 561 of 2005. These regulations set out in detail the rules governing the practice of artificial insemination and whose remit it is to do so. A copy of these Regulations is attached for ease of reference
The Board's remit in these regulations is chiefly the issue of licences on an annual basis on appropriate recommendation from The Irish Coursing Club, who are Keepers of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book. The legislation covers how and where semen (domestic or imported) may be collected, stored, and covers additionally ancillary regulatory provisions under a number of headings.
The Irish Coursing Club has the regulatory responsibility to maintain all relevant records relating to the satisfaction of compliance of the regulations. This includes the number and type of matings carried out and subsequently registered by them. The ICC publishes metrics on matings and litters declared on a periodic basis and attached is a copy of such a publication which identifies whether the mating was carried out by Frozen Semen Implant (FSI) or Artificial Insemination (AI).
The regulations were amended in 2014 by the Artificial Insemination of Greyhounds (Amendment) Regulations SI 494 of 2014, which effectively removed the period of use for semen drawn more than 2 years from the death of a Stud (copy attached) .
Greyhound Industry
Ceisteanna (254)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:254. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of successful matings in the greyhound coursing industry that involved TSI surgical artificial insemination for the years 2019 to 2021 in tabular form; and the number of those successful matings that resulted from a deceased sire. [18457/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership primarily of all greyhounds. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.
The ICC has provided my Department with the following data for the years 2020 and 2021, however as surgical implants are not recorded separately on its system it was by a manual check through all its mating certs that the number of surgical implants was ascertained. It was not possible in the time allowed to provide the data for 2019 but the ICC has assured my Department that it will provide the data within the next week. Officials from this Department will forward the additional information directly to the Deputy.
|
Litters by Surgical Implant |
Surgical Implant litters involving a deceased sire |
|
|
2020 |
7 |
3 |
|
2021 |
6 |
0 |
Agriculture Schemes
Ceisteanna (255, 256)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:255. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers that put land into the REAP scheme in 2021 are able to leave the scheme without penalty in order to grow cereals on that land under the tillage incentive scheme. [18466/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJackie Cahill
Ceist:256. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if farmers can swap parcels of land that are in the REAP scheme in order to free-up suitable land for the tillage incentive scheme. [18467/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 and 256 together.
A requirement of the Results-Based Environment Agri Pilot Project (REAP) is that all land declared must remain in the project for the duration of the contract. My department encourages all participants to adhere to the terms and conditions of any scheme or project that they are accepted into. In the event that a participant does not satisfy such terms and conditions a penalty and/or recoupment may apply.
Information in respect of the Tillage Incentive Scheme is available online at www.gov.ie/en/service/28bbb-tillage-incentive-scheme/
Question No. 256 answered with Question No. 255.
Animal Passports
Ceisteanna (257)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:257. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of compliance notices issued in respect of the failure of owners to chip their horses since January 2013, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18590/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All EU and national legislation relevant to my Department is enforced by a large team of authorised officers assigned to specific geographic locations across my Department's Regional Office network. These officers work closely with their counterparts in the Local Authorities and other Government Departments and agencies.
Compliance notices are issued,as deemed appropriate, by individual officers across the country on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific circumstances involved. Such notices may involve potential non-compliance with more than one legislative requirement. My Department does not maintain a central database of compliance notices issued by authorised officers or of the specific legislation referred to in those notices.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (258)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which it is expected to reach published targets on forestry; when the plan commenced; when it is expected to achieve the proposed targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18647/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department issued 4,050 forestry licences last year, which is an increase of 56% on the number issued in 2020, and met our revised target of 4,000 licences. It is our intention to build on this momentum in 2022.
The Forestry Licensing Plan was published and commenced in January 2022. The Plan sets out a range of forestry priorities set to run for the whole of 2022.
The main priorities are:
- A target of 5,250 new licences to issue, which is a year-on-year increase of 30%.
- A higher priority will be given to afforestation licences for 2022 with a 107% increase in output up to 1,040.
- There will be a year-on-year increase of 48% of private felling, roads and afforestation files. Coillte felling licences will maintain the levels they achieved in 2021.
- The Department will also refocus on the delivery of approvals from several schemes including Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS) (Ash Dieback), the Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Frost) and the Native Woodland Scheme.
As can be seen in the table below, as of 1st April 2022 the projected target of year to date licences to be issued was 1,313 and the output of licences was 1,310.
|
Scheme |
Output YTDLicences |
Target YTDLicences |
|
Felling (Private) |
373 |
455 |
|
Felling (Coillte) |
569 |
390 |
|
Afforestation |
165 |
260 |
|
Roads |
203 |
208 |
|
Total (licences) |
1,310 |
1,313 |
My Department will continue to issue progress updates weekly through our forestry dashboard available here gov.ie - Forest Statistics and Mapping (www.gov.ie). In addition my Department will issue a quarterly progress report for a comprehensive KPI update on implementation of the Licensing Plan.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (259)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which conifers with a capacity to sequestrate up to four times the level of carbon-related emissions are likely to become a feature of afforestation in the future. [18648/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The rate of carbon sequestration by forests depends on a number of different factors which includes the soil present, species and age. Ireland's Afforestation Programme provides financial supports to land owners to plant a range of species. The current requirement under the Forestry Programme is that there is a mix of species and places a target of 30% broadleaves and 70% conifers. Last years afforestation programme in 2021 resulted in 41% of the 2,016 hectares afforested planted with broadleaves.
The recently developed Teagasc Forest Carbon tool, funded by my Department, provides a range of indicative figures for carbon sequestration for different species and soil types.
For example a productive Sitka spruce forest growing on a mineral soil will sequester 8.32 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year. The total CO2 removed from the atmosphere for these forests is estimated at 444 tonnes of CO2 per hectare over its lifetime. Similarly a slower growing oak forest on mineral soils will remove 2.31 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year. The total CO2 removed from the atmosphere for the oak forest is estimated at 535 tonnes of CO2 per hectare over its lifetime. These examples illustrate that although the rate at which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere is different for different species the overall carbon removed over the lifetime of each forest can be broadly similar.
Although certain species will remove CO2 at a faster rate as we approach our 2030 and 2050 climate targets we must take into account the wider ecosystem services that forests provide. A mix of forests of different species will provide a balance between a range of services which include climate, biodiversity employment and the provision public goods.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (260)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which the management of forests is being taken seriously with particular reference to the need to ensure that afforestation is an ongoing part of the economy. [18649/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All forestry activities funded under the current Forestry Programme 2014-2020 (extended to end 2022) must be conducted in line with the principles of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM). My Department offers attractive supports through the Programme to forest owners to assist them in the creation and management of their forests.
These include generous grants and premiums to landowners who wish to plant forestry through the Afforestation Scheme. The Scheme provides 100% establishment grants with annual premiums for up to 15 years, depending on the species chosen.
Support measures for the sustainable ongoing management of forests, are also funded by my Department. The Continuous Cover Forestry scheme is an alternative forest management approach where the forest canopy is maintained at one or more levels without clearfelling. The Woodland Improvement Thinning and Tending Scheme for broadleaves aims to improve the quality and value of retained trees by removing poorer quality stems and redirecting growth onto better quality ones. Protection of forests is further supported by the Deer Fencing Scheme as excluding deer can help trees to establish successfully. The Native Woodland Conservation Scheme aims to conserve existing native woodland and help to convert conifer stands to native woodland at key locations.
My Department supports Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups whose aim is to increase the level of forest management activity amongst participating forest owners. The target group are those forest owners that require additional knowledge to help them undertake one or more management activities in their forests. KTGs provide the mechanism for gaining this expertise and empower them to manage their own forest over its rotation.
As the Deputy may be aware, Project Woodland was established in February 2021 to ensure that the current licensing backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. A national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. SFM is a key tenet of the EU Forest Strategy 2030 which will feed into how we shape this new Irish Forestry Strategy. The Irish strategy will recognise the multi-functionality of forests as yielding social, economic and environmental benefits guided by an overarching commitment to SFM. This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027 which will continue to offer supports for the establishment and management of forests in Ireland.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (261)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he has in mind to ensure that the lands suitable for forestry are sufficiently utilised for the plantation of trees in the future; if native deciduous species will be intermingled with species having a greater capacity for sequestration of carbon. [18650/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All lands suitable for afforestation must be environmentally suitable and have the capacity to grow trees sustainably. My Department has published "Land Types for Afforestation" which sets out the eligibility criteria for grant aid and is based on the capability of lands to produce a sustainable crop of timber. Existing forests and the creation of new forests are important for climate change mitigation and for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The impacts of climate change resulting from increasing temperatures will also have an impact on existing forests and can impact the choice of species to plant in the future. The planting of more resilient forests which contain a mixture of different species will help forests adapt in the future.
All species of broadleaves and conifers remove carbon by sequestration and provide benefits for climate change mitigation when planted on the right site. The rate of carbon sequestration can differ between species. Conifers in general remove carbon at a faster rate than broadleaves. However both types in general store similar amounts when both forests are mature. When assessing the benefits of forests and the mix of forest types planted it is important to recognise the range of non timber benefits which also include biodiversity.
My Department has published the Agriculture, Forest and Seafood Climate Change Sectoral Adaptation Plan which provides information on Ireland's changing climate and the measures that should be taken on how to manage forests now and in the future. This adaptation plan is published on my Departments website.
Forestry Sector
Ceisteanna (262)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which afforestation is likely to become a serious part of the economy in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18651/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Irish forestry sector currently contributes significantly to the Irish economy, accounting for an estimated €2.3 billion of GDP and supporting almost 9,400 rural jobs. The current Forestry Programme which commenced in 2015 and has been extended to the end of 2022 provides significant supports for afforestation. This includes grants and premiums for 12 different planting categories to promote a good species mix and covers 100% of the cost of establishing a forest. In 2021, total expenditure by my Department was €69.5 million which includes afforestation grants, annual premium payments and grant aid for forest roads.
As the Deputy may be aware, afforestation levels have been declining in recent years and Project Woodland was established in February 2021 to ensure that the current licensing backlog is addressed and that a new impetus is brought to woodland creation in Ireland. A national shared vision for the future of Ireland's trees and forests and a new Forestry Strategy are currently being developed. This new Forest Strategy will underpin a new Forestry Programme for the period 2023 - 2027.
My Department is very conscious of the afforestation target of 8,000ha per year set out in the Climate Action Plan and supports will be included in the next Forestry Programme to incentivise afforestation. I am committed to working with all our stakeholders to substantially increase our afforestation rates over the next decade thereby contributing even more significantly to the economy.
Control of Dogs
Ceisteanna (263)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:263. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to introduce regulation and a database for non-greyhound stud sire dogs, that is, companion dogs. [18453/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. The Act provides a robust regulatory framework for the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments.
The day to day regulation of dog breeding establishments to ensure compliance with the Act is a matter for local authorities. It is the responsibility of each local authority to maintain the register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area. The Act also places an obligation on any person seeking to operate a dog breeding establishment to have the premises included on the register. Welfare standards regarding dog breeding establishments have been provided for through guidelines.
Following a review, my Department is currently developing legislative amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, with a view to inclusion in the Government legislative programme. The points raised by the Deputy will be considered as part of that process.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (264)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:264. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position in relation to the development of a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18548/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €376 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The Athy Food Hub project was approved for funding of €311,159 under the second call for Category 2 applications to the Fund, which was completed in August 2020. The lead for this project is Kildare County Council. Based on progress reports submitted to my Department by the council, development work on the project has been proceeding well.
In December 2021, I announced the opening of the fourth call for Category 1 applications under the Fund. The closing date for applications is 29th April 2022. A guidance document and application form relating to the call can be accessed on my Department's website.
Library Services
Ceisteanna (265)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:265. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding is available for community libraries; and if Cork City Council has applied for this for Blackpool library. [18464/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The delivery of public library services, including the provision of library premises, is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Blackpool is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
My department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that is investing €29m in 17 projects, as well as the My Open Library service and a Small Scale Capital Works programme, between 2016 and 2022.
Cork City Council has not submitted a request for Libraries Capital Programme funding to my department. However, as the Libraries Capital Programme is currently fully committed, should Cork City Council submit a request for funding, it will only be considered for support if additional capital funding becomes available.
Local authorities may also submit library development projects as elements of broader regeneration proposals under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This funding was established to support sustainable development, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland's five cities and other large towns.
Cork City Council is required to consult with my department and the Local Government Management Agency prior to the development of plans for a new public library in Blackpool. They will then be requested to submit a proposal to my department for technical assessment to ensure that the project complies with the 'Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks' which guides the development of the public library service.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (266)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:266. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on a funding allocation (details supplied); if the project has commenced and the associated timeline on works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18643/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €376 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The Ballintubber Abbey project was approved for funding of €2,677,352 from the second call for Category 1 applications to the RRDF. Mayo County Council is the lead party for the project. I am informed by my officials that the project is currently engaged in the detailed design process.
If more detailed information is required on the progress of the project, I would advise the Deputy to contact the Council directly.