Written Answers Nos. 306-324
306. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 251 of 25 March 2021, if he will review the reply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEuthanasia of animals at the time of the removal of TB reactors is a matter for the local Regional Veterinary Office. Consent to the removal of TB reactors is confirmed by herdowners when signing form V8.
As part of previous Freedom of Information requests all relevant documentation has been provided to the person named.
My officials have engaged extensively with the herdowner over the past several years on this issue. The person named has had a number of meetings with senior officials of my Department and, most recently, in November 2019. I am satisfied that the matter has been handled properly, fairly and adequately in full compliance with Department guidelines and was carried out in the best interests of animal health and welfare in the circumstances pertaining to the herd at the time.
307. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether it is unfair that only successful applicants for the 2022 fodder support scheme are eligible to apply for the 2023 scheme; if he will consider opening the 2023 scheme up to applicants who, for whatever reason, did not apply for the 2022 fodder support scheme but are still facing significant extra costs to produce fodder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62403/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that on 2nd November 2022, I launched the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme, which builds on the success of the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme. The 2022 Scheme had over 71,000 applicants, with each of them due to receive an average payment of €735. These payments have begun issuing to farmers over recent weeks.
The 2023 Fodder Support Scheme is a successor to the 2022 Scheme and aims to incentivise farmers, in particular drystock farmers, to grow more fodder (silage and/or hay) in 2023 to ensure Ireland does not have any animal welfare issues over the winter of 2023/spring of 2024. It is also a reflection of the significant increase in input costs such as fertiliser, energy and silage plastic that farmers have experienced over the past 12 months in particular.
Successful applicants for the 2022 Fodder Support Scheme were eligible to apply for the 2023 Scheme which closed at midnight on 5th December 2022. This eligibility condition was necessary to facilitate early advance payments of up to €30 million for the 2023 Scheme before the end of December 2022. The online system will re-open in May/June 2023 to allow the approximately 67,400 participants who applied for the 2023 Fodder Support Scheme amend the area declared or to withdraw from the Scheme if they so wish.
308. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when it is expected that a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their basic payment. [62409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe above named person submitted a BPS application on the 22nd of April 2022.
While completing the administrative checks, two issues were identified in relation to this application. The above named individual has been contacted in relation to these issues, both of which have now been resolved. Payment under BPS will issue shortly.
309. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of all fines, including the amounts, that his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department, have paid since the start of the 33rd Dáil term to the European Commission relating to cases for infringements of European Union law or failure to transpose EU law in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62414/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy in the required time. The information is currently being compiled and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as it is available.
310. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has received any correspondence from the Chinese government or representatives of that state in relation to the Communications Regulation Bill 2022; the way that this Bill may impact agri-food trade between Ireland and China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62457/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not received any correspondence on this issue.
I do not anticipate that this Bill will have any impact on Ireland’s agri-food trade with China, as it is an entirely unrelated issue.
311. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the offshore islands have been included as a distinct entity in the new EMFAF operational programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Seafood Development Programme has been developed to implement the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027. The Programme has been co-funded by the Government and represents a €258 million in our seafood sector and marine environment. It has been developed in the context of Union Priorities established by the EMFAF regulation (Regulation (EU) 2021/1139). Therefore, the Programme is a high-level framework for investment which assesses the requirements of the seafood sector, coastal communities and the marine environment in a holistic way. As such, the priorities identified across the Programme include the scope to support our island communities.
Union Priority 1 concerns fostering sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources. Within this, particular attention has been given to small scale coastal fisheries which includes island-based fisheries. Under Union Priority 2, which concerns fostering sustainable aquaculture activities, and processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products, there is, among many actions, scope to support Producer Organisations. Our Island communities have representation in this regard. Union Priority 3 involves enabling a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and inland areas, and fostering the development of fishing and aquaculture communities. Under this priority there is scope for ongoing community led local development, which has been carried out primarily through our Fisheries Local Action Groups. These groups have representation from our island communities and contribute to the development of community and entrepreneurial initiatives. Finally, Union Priority 4 concerns strengthening international ocean governance and enabling seas and oceans to be safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed. This ultimately contributes to protecting our natural marine environment and resources, including for our islands.
Following the adoption of my Department’s programme by the European Commission, the implementation of the actions in the plan can become more defined. Specifically, schemes will be developed by relevant stakeholders for approval by the Programme’s Monitoring Committee. Based on these schemes, individual projects can be developed which can support more specific areas or work.
312. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the funding that his Department has provided to Cork City Council for the control of horses to date in 2022. [62672/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date in 2022, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has paid funding of €1,875.00 to Cork City Council for Control of Horses activities.
313. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the Horse Project for Cork. [62673/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is fully committed to supporting sustainable, One Health, One Welfare initiatives in line with the Programme for Government and Working Together for Animal Welfare, Ireland's Animal Welfare Strategy 2021-2025 and continues to support a number of urban horse projects nationwide. These projects can foster community leadership and education in responsible horse ownership for young people from disadvantaged communities or backgrounds.
Typically, supports for the projects are provided by the Local Authorities and funding provided by DAFM is paid directly through the Local Authorities to support these projects.
Through Cork City Council, DAFM has in the past supported a Cork City Horse Project which was a collaborative initiative involving Cork City and County Councils and community stakeholders including the Traveller Visibility Group.
In 2016, DAFM supported three equine education modules undertaken by that Project with funding of almost €20,000 though our Urban Horse Projects scheme.
DAFM welcomes further submissions, through local authorities, for assistance in Cork under our Urban Horse Projects scheme.
314. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on social media advertising in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the amount spent per platform. [62798/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) provides public information about the Department's wide range of schemes, services and policies. Social media is one of the channels used to communicate this information.
During the period from January 2021 to date, DAFM incurred expenditure of €29,537.80 (inclusive of VAT) on advertising on social media. Outlined below in a table is a breakdown of expenditure by platform for the period requested.
|
Platform |
Year |
Amount (incl. VAT) |
|
|
2021 |
€2,284.35 |
|
|
2021 |
€465.41 |
|
|
2022 to date |
€12,813.21 |
|
|
2022 to date |
€5,081.76 |
|
|
2022 to date |
€8,893.07 |
315. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures that have been taken since 27 June 2020 to help and support farmers and the agriculture sector in meeting the challenge of climate change. [62820/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the agriculture sector was assigned a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 based on a 2018 baseline of 23MT CO2 eq.
This reduction in emissions will contribute to the economy wide reduction of 51% by 2030. It is a challenging and ambitious target but is one that farmers and the industry are committed to achieving.
I established two Food Vision groups - a Dairy group as well as a Beef and Sheep group to bring stakeholders together with common purpose. The final reports of both groups are currently being considered, however, it is clear that the measures contained within both reports will form the basis of the agricultural mitigation measures of the Climate Action Plan 2023, when it is published shortly.
The challenge now is to have these measures taken up at farm level, this process is well under way. The Teagasc Climate Action Strategy was recently launched with a strong focus on benchmarking farm emissions and expanding the Signpost programme. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will continue to support Teagasc in the roll out of these programmes.
More specifically, from a DAFM perspective, significant financial aid will be put in place to support farmers in their transition. The new €1.3 billion forestry programme was recently launched, with attractive long-term payments available. We will, I'm convinced, see an entire step change when it comes to forestry in this country.
We have just closed the first tranche of applications for the new €1.5bn flagship 1.5 agri-environmental scheme called ACRES. There has been a tremendous response from farmers to ACRES.
In relation to organic farming, we have delivered a 500% increase in funding for the Organics Scheme in the next CAP compared to the outgoing CAP. Other targeted measures include financial support to establish red clover and multispecies swards to assist in reducing chemical nitrogen demand.
Farmers and the agri-sector are leading out on their climate targets. Farmers have also been on this journey for many years. Both I as Minister, and the Government will continue to back and support them in the period ahead.
316. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide details of all fines, including the amounts, that her Department or agencies under the remit of her Department, have paid since the start of the 33rd Dáil term to the European Commission relating to cases for infringements of European Union law or failure to transpose EU law in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62427/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not received or paid any fines relating to cases for infringements of European Union law or failure to transpose EU law in the time period referenced by the Deputy, or since my Department's establishment in 2017.
317. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will publish the full list of projects supported by her Department under the building acquisition measure; if she will outline the plans for the way that these vacant properties will be developed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62487/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June of this year, I launched the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), again prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres.
In recognition of the urgent need to transform and regenerate town centres I introduced a new Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) under the 2022 Scheme to support local authorities to immediately acquire derelict or vacant buildings, with the intention of using these projects for town regeneration purposes in line with the aims of TVRS.
The properties must form the basis of an application under a future TVRS call or be developed for town regeneration purposes via the local authorities' own resources or another funding stream by the end of 2024.
The projects drawn down under the BAM and detail of the proposed purpose are as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Town |
Building |
Proposed Purpose |
|
Carlow |
Bagenalstown |
Former convent |
Hub for regeneration: enterprise, community, multi-use event space, outdoor education space. |
|
Cavan |
Cootehill |
Former Bank of Ireland building |
Remote Working Hub & multi-purpose community space |
|
Cavan |
Market House, Ballinagh |
Former B+F Stores and Market House |
Multi-purpose community space and remote working hub |
|
Clare |
Kilrush |
Former Mars Cinema and Ballroom |
Urban renewal educational research training facility |
|
Cork |
Mitchelstown |
FCA Hall on grounds of old Military Barracks |
Multi-purpose venue for sports activities and organisations |
|
Galway |
Athenry |
Former commercial property |
Multi-purpose Hub |
|
Kerry |
Moyvane |
Former Garda Station |
Multi-purpose community space |
|
Kildare |
Monasterevin |
Former Bank of Ireland building |
Co-working enterprise hubs |
|
Kilkenny |
Glenmore |
Property with adjoining commercial premises |
Community shop and café |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick on Shannon |
Former bakery and shop |
Multi-purpose community space |
|
Limerick |
Feohanagh |
Parochial Hall |
Resource centre for the community |
|
Limerick |
Rathkeale |
Former Bank of Ireland building |
eHub & multi-purpose community facility |
|
Longford |
Edgeworthstown |
Former Public House |
Multi-purpose community space |
|
Louth |
Dunleer |
Former Bank of Ireland building |
Multipurpose community space |
|
Meath |
Rathoath |
Site in centre of Ratoath |
A small park, community building and some element of parking |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan Town |
Convent school building |
Social enterprise hub |
|
Offaly |
Ballyboy |
Former Community Hall |
Multi-purpose community space |
|
Offaly |
Moneygall |
Commercial property with garage |
Multi-purpose community and enterprise hub |
|
Roscommon |
Tarmonbarry |
Former Garda Station |
Multi-purpose community space |
|
Roscommon |
Ballintubber |
Former Garda Station |
Multi-purpose community space |
|
Sligo |
Enniscrone |
Factory |
Community operated co working facility |
|
Sligo |
Ballymote |
Shop |
Ballymote community hub |
|
Tipperary |
Carrick on Suir |
Garden Centre |
Tourism accommodation, cultural, amenity and recreational uses |
|
Waterford |
Portlaw |
Premier Hall |
Multi-purpose community / cultural hub |
|
Waterford |
Lismore |
Former Bank of Ireland building |
Multi-purpose community space |
|
Wexford |
New Ross |
Former Courthouse |
Multi-use community building |
|
Wexford |
Rosslare Harbour |
Former Bank of Ireland building |
Centre to support community action |
|
Wicklow |
Ashford |
Former Garda Station |
Community Centre |
|
Wicklow |
Carnew |
Former Bank of Ireland building |
Remote Working Hub |
318. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she will announce the successful applicants under the community and voluntary energy support scheme; if the full list of successful projects is available by county; when payments will start to issue to organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62507/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNot-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector are woven into the fabric of community life across Ireland, but they are vulnerable to the impact of increased energy costs.
The recent budget allocated €10m to my department to put in place a support scheme for community and voluntary organisations and charities to help with the additional energy costs incurred in 2022. The Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development, will provide once-off support to organisations within the community and voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government. The CVESS opened on 21st November and closed to applications on Friday 2nd December.
Applications are being assessed in batches to support timely decision making and drawdowns of funds. I was pleased to announce the first tranche of successful applicants this week, with further announcements to follow. Payments will be issued directly into successful applicants bank accounts immediately, and a full list of recipients is available on Gov.ie.
I can confirm that my department has streamlined the process for multi-site applicants. Phase two of the scheme is now open for applications and will remain open until 20th January 2023. Further details are available on Pobal’s website.
My Department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including the community and voluntary sector, charities, local authorities and local development companies, to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges. This Scheme is one of a range of supports introduced through Budget ’23 and everyone is encouraged to visit gov.ie/reduceyouruse to find out how they can make energy savings, where safe and possible to do so.
319. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 27 October 2022, if she will provide an update on the development of the pier on Inis Oírr; the expected timeline for the updating of the environmental reports to the standard required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62566/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands. A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department, Galway County Council and the Consulting Engineers meets regularly to monitor progress.
Earlier this year Galway County Council sought quotations from environmental consultancies to carry out a Gap Analysis Study. This was to review the environmental information available and to compile recommendations for the extent of further studies required which would form a part of the supporting materials for the Foreshore Licence. The Gap Analysis study has been completed and submitted to my Department.
I understand that Galway County Council intend to publish a CPO notice and schedule in the coming days, which should expedite the process. The timeline for the next steps will be determined subject to completion of the CPO process.
In the meantime, Galway County Council has recently adopted new bye-laws, which have come into effect for the duration of the pier’s development, and hopes to recruit a harbour master in the coming months.
320. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 108 of 27 October 2022, if she will provide an update on the development of Caladh Mór pier on Inis Meáin; if her Department has received the draft business case to-date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62567/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands.
Galway County Council is responsible for the development of stage 3 of Caladh Mór Pier on Inis Meáin, which is included in the National Development Plan.
Officials from my Department meet with members of Galway County Council on a regular basis to receive updates on the progress of the development.
As part of the preparatory works, the National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) was requested by Galway County Council to develop a model simulation for the harbour. This has been completed, and a full demonstration took place in mid-September, with the skippers of the key relevant vessels in attendance.
That data has now been compiled, along with the feedback received from the vessel operators who participated. It is my understanding that Galway County Council will soon start preparing a draft business case, based on the findings and data from the model simulation, to be presented to officials from my department.
Following on from this, my Department will be in a position to evaluate the next steps in the process.
321. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 27 October 2022, the status of the development of the promised enhanced Community Centres Investment Fund which will be targeted specifically at new build community centres; the details of the funding that will be allocated to new build community centres under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62568/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I informed the Deputy in my previous response to Parliamentary Question No. 91 on 27 October 2022, the Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and I was delighted to secure €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 for a 2023 Community Centres Investment Fund.
This builds on the €15 million which was announced under the fund in 2022. The huge interest in this fund shows how important community centres are for communities throughout Ireland. This Government is committed to providing funding to improve and upgrade these centres which will allow them to continue to provide services for communities to come together.
On October 12th, I announced over €12.5 million in funding for almost 580 successful Category 1 applicants. On December 8th, I was delighted to announce a further €33 million in funding for 278 successful Category 2 and 3 applicants. Details of the successful applicants are available on my Department’s website.
It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted for new build community centres. The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and I hope to announce further details in quarter 1 of 2023.
322. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress being made with the community hub in a premises (details supplied) in Monasterevin; the target date for its opening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62594/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June of this year, I launched the 2022 Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), again prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres.
In recognition of the urgent need to transform and regenerate town centres I introduced a new Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) under the 2022 Scheme to support local authorities to immediately acquire derelict or vacant buildings, with the intention of using these projects for town regeneration purposes in line with the aims of TVRS.
Kildare County Council were approved funding under this measure to purchase the building referred to by the Deputy with the intention of further developing it into a co working and remote working hub. The properties funded under BAM must form the basis of an application under a future TVRS call or be developed for town regeneration purposes via the local authorities' own resources or another funding stream by the end of 2024.
323. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has given consideration to re-establishing an offshore island specific local action group for the LEADER programme in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62622/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a key programme within Our Rural Future, and the Expression of Interest stage to select the Groups to deliver the next LEADER programme is now open.
As is the case with the current LEADER programme, the sub regional areas for the new LEADER programme will correspond with county boundaries. This alignment will help to ensure coherence of LEADER funding with other initiatives and policies delivered on a county basis, thus helping to deliver the best impact and value for money for LEADER.
The offshore islands will continue to be aligned with their relevant sub-regional area and a separate Island Local Action Group (LAG) will not form part of the LEADER delivery model.
However, a number of important new elements are included in the model for the new programme which address the specific needs and challenges of the Island communities. Any LAGs selected in an area that includes island communities will be required to identify in their LEADER strategy specific actions developed in consultation with the island communities themselves and include an indicative budget to implement such actions. In addition, a representative of the island grouping, in each sub-regional area, must be included in the decision-making body of the LAG.
It is important that the key public and private stakeholders in communities across Ireland come together in partnership to deliver the new LEADER programme, ensuring that LEADER can continue to deliver real benefits to rural communities across Ireland including our island communities.
324. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on social media advertising in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and the amount spent per platform. [62811/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe amount spent by my Department on advertising on social media in 2021 is detailed in the table below.
|
Platform |
Campaign |
Total Amount |
|
|
Promotion of Government's Rural Development Policy - Our Rural Future |
€4,798.52 |
No such expenditure has been incurred to date in 2022.
