Written Answers Nos. 299-317
299. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the 400 acres of public forestry lands sold to an organisation (details supplied) in 2016 for €230 million; if this public property was placed on the open market to obtain the best value for the public interest; if not, if it was sold in a private deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9338/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra301. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Coillte lands at a location (details supplied) were originally in the Land Commission portfolio transferred to Coillte in 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9340/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 301 together.
Coillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have referred both matters to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
300. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the Land Commission was dissolved in 1989 with 2,500 ha of agricultural land, if he can ascertain the amount of that land that was gifted to Coillte/NPWS; if so, if he will provide a breakdown by estate, area, acreage, and so on; the amount of this land that is still in Coillte/NPWS control; the amount that has been sold off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9339/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this information is not readily available, a response will issue directly to the Deputy within 10 days.
|
County |
Area |
Estate |
Hectares |
Year |
|
Cavan |
Corraquigley |
Nugent - Exchange |
1.398 |
1999 |
|
Leitrim |
Clooncahir |
Clements - Purchase |
1.837 |
2007 |
|
Total |
3.235 |
|
County |
Area |
Estate |
Hectares |
Year |
|
Roscommon |
Foxborough |
Worthington |
19.197 |
2001 |
|
Roscommon |
Finisclin |
Johnston |
13.45 |
2005 |
|
Roscommon |
Cloonchambers |
Wills Sandford |
261.46 |
2000 |
|
Galway |
Tobermina |
Paley |
6.64 |
2006 |
|
Galway |
Tobermina |
Castlehackett |
21.97 |
2001 |
|
Roscommon |
Tiaquin |
Kelly |
2.188 |
2011 |
|
Galway |
Farm |
Burke |
20.123 |
2012 |
|
Galway |
Brooklagh |
Burke |
79.758 |
2012 |
|
Galway |
Not recorded |
Clanricarde |
3.779 |
2012 |
|
Roscommon |
Inchinalee |
Hynes & O’Leary |
1.31 |
2015 |
|
Roscommon |
Clooncraff (Lough Ree) |
McLoughlin/Brennan |
31.515 |
2013 |
|
Roscommon |
Clooncan |
Brabazon |
2.581 |
2013 |
|
Roscommon |
Cloonagh |
De Freyne |
23.957 |
2014 |
|
Roscommon |
Errit |
De Freyne |
15.629 |
2014 |
|
Roscommon |
Cloondart |
De Freyne |
14.685 |
2014 |
|
Roscommon |
Leabeg |
Blake/Kelly |
21.86 |
2013 |
|
Westmeath |
Cloncrow |
Daniell |
2.787 |
2013 |
|
Total |
542.889 |
302. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Coillte had provided him with its five-year business plan; if this plan included a deal between Coillte and an organisation (details supplied); if a letter of expectation sent instructing Coillte to proceed with its plan referred to the five-year business plan; if it included the aforementioned deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9341/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to deliver on its objectives to be both commercially successful and to provide a broader range of benefits around climate, biodiversity and recreation Coillte produced a Corporate Plan in 2019. The Plan set out its proposed business and financial models for the years 2020 to 2024.. The Plan did not include any reference to a deal between Coillte and the organisation named.
Over the last two years, Coillte has also developed a new draft Vision for its operations out to 2050. This vision clearly set out its goals on afforestation which would be a achieved through combination of means, including commercial partnerships.
The Shareholder Letter of Expectation which issued in June 2022 acknowledged the financial targets proposed in the Plan. I have published this letter on my Department's website www.gov.ie/forestry.
303. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of members of the Coillte board of directors who have experience or knowledge of forestry management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9342/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Minister and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.The Forestry Act 1988 sets out the governance of Coillte and provides that the number of Directors shall be not more than nine. Directors, with the exception of the one worker Director on the Board and the CEO where appointed, are selected through a competitive Public Appointments Service process for new Board members. Each Director is then appointed by the shareholding Ministers i.e. the Minister with responsibility for forestry and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Details of the current Board of Directors, including their professional backgrounds, can be found on the Coillte website.
304. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will now place in the public domain the New Era Coillte Review Report, in light of the outpouring of public outrage at a deal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9343/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNewEra publishes their Annual Financial Reviews on the NTMA website. The most recent report for 2021/22, which includes Coillte, is available here NewERA-Annual-Financial-Review-2021-22.pdf (ntma.ie)
305. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total number of businesses established by Coillte since 1989 which are no longer operational, for example, Coillte landscaping, Griffner/Coillte timber houses, Coillte Hardwoods, Coillte Christmas Trees; the accumulated debts associated with those failed enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9344/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
306. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of the public forest estate, broken down into tree species and age, with all of the other assets such as forestry machinery, tractors, trucks, chainsaws, tools, and so on when the Forest Service was wound down to make way for Coillte in 1988; if he will outline what became of all the old assets, for example, forestry machinery, tractors, trucks, cars, chainsaws, tools, and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9345/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte is a private limited company established under the Forestry Act 1988 and is operationally independent from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have referred the matter to Coillte for direct follow-up with the Deputy.
307. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9383/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrant awards are made periodically by the Research Division of the Department for ‘public good’ research projects. These projects are undertaken by researchers in eligible Irish Research Performing Organisations following Calls for Research Proposals.
These calls are competitive and the final report of all funded projects is published on the Department’s website. Research Division currently have 196 live projects.
|
Live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned |
Expected date of completion |
|
A novel method to produce haemoglobin based films for food packaging applications |
31/12/2022 |
|
A smart and open-science approach to monitor and analyse deer populations in the Republic of Ireland and set the scene for evidence-based deer management |
31/08/2022 |
|
A systematic review and synthesis of climate adaptation research relevant for Irish Agriculture and a research gap analysis and prioritisation |
28/02/2025 |
|
Abating Ammonia in Agriculture |
30/11/2024 |
|
Accelerating genetic gain and improving beef output from dairy herds |
31/05/2026 |
|
Accounting for Forest Ecosystem Services in Ireland |
28/02/2026 |
|
Adaptation, mitigation and protection strategies to increase resilience of Irish forests to address the impacts of climate change |
31/03/2026 |
|
Adding value to ready to eat crustacean products by improving their quality, safety and shelf life using enhanced conventional and novel processing methods. |
31/12/2018 |
|
Agrifood quality estimation using hyperspectral techniques |
29/02/2024 |
|
Evaluating Land-Use and Land Management Impacts on Soil organic Carbon in Irish Agricultural Systems |
30/11/2022 |
|
Amoebic Disease of Salmon |
31/12/2020 |
|
Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Animal Production |
31/10/2021 |
|
An ICT-based real-time advisory tool to minimise tail biting in fattening pigs |
31/01/2024 |
|
Application of next generation sequencing for the identification of DNA based biomarkers in regulatory regions of the genome for susceptibility to bovine respiratory disease complex |
30/04/2022 |
|
Application of Novel food processing and microanalytical technologies to identify and control spores, in dried food ingredients, and of biofilms in food processing environments-a systems microbiology approach to ensuring quality and safety |
30/04/2019 |
|
Assessment of the risk and route of contamination of Bisphenol A (BPA) in Irish origin meat and meat products |
31/10/2022 |
|
Assuring the Chemical and Microbial Safety of Organic Waste Spread on Land in Ireland |
30/11/2025 |
|
Behaviours for Safer Farming |
30/09/2023 |
|
Beverage formulation/reformulation targeted at older population using in vitro assay to design whey protein structure for optimum glutathione (GSH) generation and increased antioxidant potential |
31/05/2019 |
|
Biomarkers and Microbiome in Farms for Antimicrobial Resistance Management |
31/12/2023 |
|
Biostimulants and Biopesticides for Crop Production |
31/08/2024 |
|
Blue whiting protein hydrolysates for management of sarcopenia |
31/03/2023 |
|
BoviTB |
31/12/2025 |
|
Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome & Virome Project |
31/12/2022 |
|
Bridging Research & Practice to Improve the Future Sustainability and Growth of the Irish Bivalve Industry |
30/11/2025 |
|
Building the M.bovis WGS Computational Toolbox |
31/01/2025 |
|
Campylobacter – Control On-farm via Prevention and Exclusion |
28/02/2021 |
|
CAPRI-Green - Enhancement of CAPRI modelling with specific focus on its environmental and economic analytical capacity for Ireland |
31/12/2021 |
|
Characterising the effect of Dietary Fibres on the Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health in ‘at-risk’ individuals: Opportunities for New Food Product Development |
30/09/2022 |
|
Circular Biobased Pilot Scale Demonstration |
31/12/2024 |
|
Clean Broilers through Enhanced Farm Biosecurity, Processing Prerequisites and HACCP Based Interventions |
30/09/2021 |
|
Climate Resilient and Responsible Innovations in Potato |
30/06/2024 |
|
Climate-smart Dairy: Assessing Challenges, Innovations, and Solutions |
31/03/2025 |
|
Combating Antibiotic Resistance in Philippine Lakes: One Health upstream interventions to reduce the burden |
31/05/2025 |
|
COMplex Biofilms and AMR Transmission |
28/02/2025 |
|
Controlling Campylobacter Contamination in Poultry Processing |
31/08/2023 |
|
CREDIT (Cadmium: Reduce, Evaluate, Detect, Inform with Technologies |
31/07/2022 |
|
Decision support system for sustainable and GHG optimized milk production in key European areas |
31/12/2022 |
|
Deer impact on biodiversity: linking soil, plants, and vertebrates |
31/01/2024 |
|
Delivering processed meat products with health benefits |
31/07/2018 |
|
Demonstration of sensor-based rapid microbial testing technology to increase shelf life, safety and traceability of industrial fresh meats |
30/09/2022 |
|
Developing an outcomes-based framework for the DAFM animal welfare NGO grant programme |
31/01/2024 |
|
Developing genetic parameters for resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infections in lambs and their incorporation into the Irish national breeding programme |
31/10/2025 |
|
Developing improved Vicia faba breeding practices and varieties to drive domestic protein production in the European Union |
30/09/2023 |
|
Developing Multifaceted bioeconomy demonstration sites within Irish Midlands and connected Just Transition Region: Quo Vadis |
31/12/2024 |
|
Developing the next generation of protein-enriched spray dried dairy powders with enhanced hydration properties |
31/07/2022 |
|
Development and validation of an on-farm, electronic disease diagnosis platform for cattle |
31/05/2021 |
|
Development and Validation of High Throughput predictors for large capacity screening of methane emitting ruminant livestock at an individual and system level |
28/02/2027 |
|
Development and validation of novel technologies to reduce methane emissions from pasture based Irish Agricultural systems |
30/11/2023 |
|
Development of a National Framework for Vitamin D Deficiency Prevention – A Multi-Actor Approach to Nutrition Security |
31/05/2026 |
|
Development of a novel high protein, polyphenol enriched dairy beverage for athletes and physically active individuals. |
30/09/2022 |
|
Development of a vaccine against bovine coronavirus variants that cause respiratory disease in cattle |
31/10/2023 |
|
Development of an Ecosystem for Delivery of Next Generation Wood Products |
31/10/2025 |
|
Development of genomic epidemiology systems for tracking and eradicating Mycobacterium bovis in Ireland |
29/02/2024 |
|
Development of novel sustainable enzyme-based cleaning-in-place regimes for cheese production |
31/10/2024 |
|
Development of Spore Analysis Critical Control Point (SACCP) charts for application in dairy manufacturing processes |
31/03/2019 |
|
Development of Synbiotics for enhancing the soil microbiome |
28/02/2025 |
|
Development of water use and waste management framework for the dairy processing industry |
28/02/2019 |
|
Digitalisation in agriculture and forestry through data security |
31/03/2022 |
|
Distilling and Brewing- BuildING CAPacity |
31/07/2024 |
|
Duckweed as a novel, sustainable source of protein for Ireland |
31/08/2026 |
|
Early Warning Models for Detecting Re-Emergence of BVD |
31/01/2025 |
|
Eco-friendly compostable pectin based packaging material derived from waste sources of fruit pulp and its validation in bread packaging |
30/09/2024 |
|
Efficacy & safety of nitrification and urease inhibitors |
31/08/2026 |
|
Enhancement of texture, flavour & nutritional value of meat products for older people |
31/10/2017 |
|
Ensuring food safety in grass systems using NBPT treated urea |
30/09/2022 |
|
Evolving grass weed challenges and their impact on the adoption of carbon smart tillage systems |
31/03/2026 |
|
Examination of the Irish milk metabolome for improved prediction of milk processability and sustainability |
31/03/2026 |
|
Exploitation of dairy ingredients in the development of 3 Dimensional Structured Dairy Snacks |
31/07/2022 |
|
Exploration of Irish meat processing streams for recovery of high value protein based ingredients for food & non food uses |
31/08/2018 |
|
Extraction and exploitation of bioactive fish components for health enhancement |
30/06/2023 |
|
Facilitating water table management on carbon rich soils |
31/03/2026 |
|
FARM interventions to Control Antimicrobial ResistancE |
31/03/2025 |
|
Farm Sustainability Tools for Efficient Nutrient Management |
31/08/2024 |
|
New strategies to predict and monitor semen fertility |
31/03/2023 |
|
Genetic, nutritional and management approaches to improve fertility in lactating dairy cattle |
30/11/2017 |
|
Fisheries Knowledge for Optimal Sustainable Management |
31/03/2022 |
|
Flavoromics of Grass-Fed Beef and Lamb |
31/05/2026 |
|
Innovative control of fluke in Irish livestock leading to sustainable use of anthelmintics and reduced potential for anthelmintic resistance |
30/11/2017 |
|
Food based dietary guidelines for sustainable and healthy lifestyles |
31/07/2024 |
|
Foodborne Viruses in Ireland – farm to fork Investigation, Identifying Risk and mitigation Approaches for Hepatitis E Virus, Hepatitis A Virus, Norovirus & Sapovirus. |
30/04/2020 |
|
Forest growth and development on high pH soils and marl sites |
31/08/2022 |
|
Forest Management Research |
30/11/2020 |
|
Future Proofing Irish livestock sustainability (SmartSward) |
31/07/2023 |
|
Gas to Grass |
31/10/2023 |
|
Generation of Functional Foods to Promote the Growth of Newly Identified Health Associated Microbes in the Gut |
28/02/2023 |
|
Genetic Improvement of the Sport Horse Population for Show Jumping in Ireland |
30/11/2022 |
|
Genetic selection for improved milk and meat product quality in dairy, beef and sheep. |
30/04/2019 |
|
Genomic evaluation for the sustainable Improvement of Sitka spruce |
31/08/2023 |
|
Genomics to Investigate Risks of Toxin-Producing Vibrio in Irish Shellfish |
31/01/2022 |
|
Greenhouse gas emission efficiencies of Irish beef and dairy systems |
31/12/2024 |
|
HALYomorpha halys IDentification: Innovative ICT tools for targeted monitoring and sustainable management of the brown marmorated stink bug and other pests |
31/03/2024 |
|
Harnessing the potato-microbiome interactions for development of sustainable breeding and production strategies |
31/12/2022 |
|
High Nature Value Farmland and Forestry Systems for Biodiversity |
30/11/2022 |
|
Highlighting Pathways to Empower Rural Women to have Sustainable & Equitable livelihoods in Farming |
31/01/2024 |
|
Hydrological and sediment impacts of forestry operations in Ireland |
31/08/2024 |
|
ICONICA: Impact of long-term phosphorus additions on Carbon sequestration and Nitrogen Cycling in Agricultural soils |
31/03/2025 |
|
Identification and sustainable deployment of wheat genetic diversity to enhance the resilience and security of the European Food supply |
31/01/2026 |
|
Impact of plant diversity on carbon storage and yield stability in semi-natural grasslands |
31/03/2025 |
|
Improved Animal Husbandry through Inhibition of Microbial Bile Salt Hydrolase |
31/05/2021 |
|
Improved Pig Health through the Novel Application of SynBio in Phage Therapy |
30/09/2025 |
|
Improvements to the dynamic yield models and to Growfor |
31/08/2022 |
|
Improving the eating quality of Irish Pork |
31/07/2017 |
|
Increasing Risk of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning Events In Ireland |
30/11/2025 |
|
Indentifying functional SNPs |
30/11/2022 |
|
Innovative Design for the Future - Use and Reuse of Wood (Building) Components |
31/07/2022 |
|
Innovative food friendly processes of hemp CBD extraction and evaluation of hemp as a source of functional-food ingredients |
30/04/2026 |
|
Innovative food processing and new technological solutions for the design of novel healthy products for the prepared consumer foods sector |
31/08/2024 |
|
Innovative food structures to enhance the sensory experience, the nutrient profile and nutrient bioavailability for older people. |
30/11/2021 |
|
INTEGRATED CROP- RUMINANT LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS AS A STRATEGY TO INCREASE NUTRIENT CIRCULARITY |
28/02/2026 |
|
INtegrated Framework fOR Mapping, Modelling and Monitoring Ireland’s BIOeconomy |
30/11/2025 |
|
Investigation of chlorates in foods: using the dairy industry as a transferrable knowledge model |
31/12/2023 |
|
IPM 2030- Stage 1: Alternative Plant Protection |
31/01/2024 |
|
IPM 2030- Stage 2: Crop Guidelines |
31/01/2025 |
|
IPM 2030- Stage 3: Impacts of Pesticides |
31/01/2024 |
|
Knowledge-driven genomic predictions for sustainable disease resistance in wheat |
31/05/2022 |
|
Land-Use, Agriculture and Bioenergy Measures for the Abatement of Climate Change and inclusion in Marginal Abatement Cost Curve analyse |
31/01/2027 |
|
Lowering the Carbon & Ammonia footprints of pasture-based dairy production |
31/10/2024 |
|
Manipulation and Integration of Nitrogen Emissions (MINE) |
31/01/2022 |
|
Mental health Help-seeking in Irish Farmers |
31/10/2023 |
|
Microbiota-inflamation-Brain axis in heart failure: new food, biomarkerS and AI Approach for the prevention of underRnutrition in Older |
31/03/2024 |
|
Milking extracellular vesicles for improved infant milk formula |
30/04/2023 |
|
Mitigation of Emissions from Livestock Agriculture |
31/01/2024 |
|
Modelling Opportunities for Forestry Recreation |
30/04/2022 |
|
Modular mass timber building for the circular economy |
30/04/2025 |
|
Multi-criteria assessment, decision support and management tools for sustainable circular mixed farming systems for dairy production |
28/02/2025 |
|
MultiRepro - A multidisciplinary approach to improving the reproductive performance in the Irish sheep, beef and dairy populations |
31/05/2022 |
|
Mycotox-I: field to fork assessment and mitigation of mycotoxin exposure risk on the Island of Ireland |
30/11/2025 |
|
National Adult Nutrition Survey II |
31/08/2023 |
|
Network for insect vectors in Ireland |
30/11/2025 |
|
New Active Sustainable Packaging with Natural Antimicrobials for Shelf Life extension of Fish Products |
31/08/2026 |
|
NEXCELSIOR: Next steps in managing the impact of ash dieback |
28/02/2022 |
|
NEXUSMAP - Next generation approaches to improved diagnostics and molecular epidemiology for control of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis |
31/08/2022 |
|
Novel Nitrate/Nitrite Reduced and Nitrate/Nitrite Free Meats: Safety, Quality and Shelf-life |
31/05/2026 |
|
Novel Nutritional & Managment strategies to reduce antimicrobial reliance & antimicrobial resistance in Irish Pig farms |
30/09/2024 |
|
NUTRIGEN - The interaction between genotype and nutrition in high yielding dairy cows in seasonal grass based systems of milk production |
30/11/2021 |
|
Online Pest-Risk Analysis Modelling |
31/01/2025 |
|
OPTI-BC - Optimising production technology in Ireland for break crops |
31/07/2022 |
|
Optimised breeding program for efficient and quality beef from dairy herds |
31/03/2024 |
|
Optimising non-invasive genetic methods for surveying badger populations in Ireland |
31/01/2025 |
|
Palatable, nutritious and digestible foods for prevention of under-nutrition in active aging |
31/03/2024 |
|
PASTURE-NUE: A multidisciplinary approach to increasing the nitrogen use efficiency of pasture-based systems |
31/12/2025 |
|
Precision Nutrition for improved animal productivity, product quality and environmental sustainability – (Precision Nutrition) |
30/09/2018 |
|
Process Analytical Technologies for Dairy and Infant Formula powder manufacture |
30/04/2019 |
|
PROTECTS: Protecting terrestrial ecosystems through sustainable pesticide use |
28/02/2023 |
|
Protein-I: Shared Island Sustainable Healthy Nutrition |
31/12/2026 |
|
Quantifying, understanding and mitigating microbial and chemical food safety risks in horticulture |
31/07/2024 |
|
Rapid demonstration model of a sustainable food systems approach in Horticulture |
30/11/2025 |
|
Recovering and Exploiting Old and New Barley Diversity for Future-Ready Agriculture |
31/12/2025 |
|
REfining Emission Factors for Inventory Reporting |
28/02/2027 |
|
Reintegrating Land and Livestock for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Circularity |
31/01/2025 |
|
Relationship between bending, tension and other properties of Irish spruce |
29/02/2024 |
|
Response of tree species to climate change |
31/03/2024 |
|
Reviewing and updating the network of gene conservation units for target native forest species in Ireland |
31/05/2022 |
|
Roadmap for efficient and effective ruminant breeding programs to reduce enteric methane production |
28/02/2027 |
|
Rumen microbiome MINING for bacterial cultures to reduce Methane |
31/12/2026 |
|
Rural Generational Renewal 2050 |
28/02/2023 |
|
SCOPE (Sensing CrOp PathogEns) |
30/09/2022 |
|
Seaweed Bioactives supplemented animal feeds |
31/05/2026 |
|
Seaweed-Microbe Interactions to enhance bioactive yields for food applications |
30/06/2022 |
|
Seaweeds and seaweed-ingredients to reduce enteric methane emissions from pasture-based sheep, cattle and dairy cows |
31/01/2024 |
|
Seaweeds as a source of non-digestible complex polysaccharide components for the development of novel prebiotic ingredients for the functional food industry |
30/11/2018 |
|
SEERAC - Spatially Explicit Ecological Risk Assessment framework for Conservation planning of Coastal waters |
30/06/2021 |
|
Sensing Nutrients for Agronomic Advice |
31/01/2024 |
|
Sensory Network Ireland |
30/09/2019 |
|
Shelf-life and safety of fermented and smoked foods |
30/06/2024 |
|
Signature of Irish Grass Fed Beef |
31/08/2024 |
|
Soil management effects on soil organic matter properties and carbon sequestration |
31/05/2025 |
|
Strategies for Circular Agriculture to reduce GHG emissions within and between farming systems across an agro-ecological gradient |
28/02/2025 |
|
Strengthening Implementation of National Action Plans by estimating the Full Economic burden of AMR across all ONE Health settings |
31/12/2024 |
|
Surveillance Welfare and Biosecurity of Farmed Animals |
31/12/2023 |
|
Sustainable construction and Assessment Of the full Lifecycle impact of Irish harvested Wood products |
31/03/2026 |
|
Sustainable ruminant breeding programs for low environmental footprint |
31/08/2023 |
|
Sustainable Transition of the Rural Economy through Generational Renewal |
31/01/2024 |
|
Surveillance Welfare and Biosecurity of Farmed Animals |
31/10/2021 |
|
SymbiOtIc soLutions for HEalthy Agricultural Landscapes |
28/02/2025 |
|
Technologies for the enrichment & recovery of novel bioactive ingredients from plant food processing wastes |
30/09/2018 |
|
The effect of conservation agriculture interventions on greenhouse gas emissions |
28/02/2024 |
|
The foodborne emergence and epidemiology of Clostridium difficile in Ireland |
30/09/2022 |
|
The use of marine derived antibacterial agents to combat the prevalence of salmonella in pork products. |
30/04/2018 |
|
Towards a Co-designed Regional Strategy for the Bioeconomy |
31/07/2026 |
|
Towards Integrated Pest Management for Pine Weevil in Ireland |
30/06/2022 |
|
Transformation to Continuous Cover Forestry: Synergies and Tradeoffs |
31/01/2026 |
|
Transforming pasture-based livestock systems through improved design of multi-species mixtures under reduced-nitrogen regimes |
30/06/2027 |
|
Tri-partite Collaborative: Targeted Genome editing to Understand and Enhance Genetic Resistance to Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle |
30/09/2021 |
|
True SOC Sequestration: Understanding Trade-offs and Dynamic Interactions Between SOC stocks and GHG Emissions for Climate-Smart Agri-Soil Management |
28/02/2025 |
|
Understanding Listeria monocytogenes growth in food in order to simplify the guidelines for undertaking food challenge studies. |
31/08/2022 |
|
Unlocking data-driven innovation for improving productivity and data sharing in mushroom value chain |
28/02/2024 |
|
Unlocking Protein Resource Opportunities to Evolve Ireland's Nutrition |
31/10/2025 |
|
Unlocking the potential of microalgae for the valorisation of brewery waste products into omega-3 rich animal feed and fertilisers |
31/08/2025 |
|
Using a 'One Welfare' framework to develop alternative high welfare pig production systems |
30/11/2025 |
|
Using stakeholder insights to drive behavioural change in the pig industry |
31/12/2023 |
|
Utilising organic bio-resources and novel technologies to develop specifically designed and sustainable peat replacements for professional horticultural crop production |
31/01/2027 |
|
Valorisation of Digestate using Photocatalysis and Hydrodynamic Cavitation |
31/05/2025 |
|
Virome analysis of BM-FARM herds |
31/05/2025 |
|
Wildlife and AntiMicrobial Resistance |
31/01/2024 |
Other Divisions within the Department engage in research that is either undertaken or commissioned. There are currently 13 such projects ongoing.
|
Title of current study/ review/ research undertaken or commissioned |
Scheduled End Date |
|
Two host species transmission data analysis and modelling to calculate risk maps for bovine TB during eradication by badger vaccination in Ireland (Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Netherlands) |
31 December 2023 |
|
An investigation into the role of land-use and wildlife vectors in Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in the Republic of Ireland. A nationwide study to examine casual factors and identify high-risk areas for BTB breakdowns. |
31 December 2023 |
|
Estimating the Burden of Cattle Disease in Ireland to inform Private and Public Sector Health Investment Policy Considerations. A project contributing to the Global Burden of Animal Disease Programme. |
31 August 2025 |
|
Towards 2030: filling the wildlife ecology gap in the bTB eradication strategy by modelling badger abundance, health, and sett distribution, using recent advances in Bayesian modelling. |
31 December 2024 |
|
An investigation into the role of land-use and wildlife vectors in bovine tuberculosis (BTb) in the Republic of Ireland. A nationwide study to examine casual factors and identify high-risk areas for BTb breakdowns |
31 December 2023 |
|
Application of Whole Genome Sequencing to BVD Virus in Ireland, to understand transmission and investigate outbreaks. |
31 July 2023 |
|
The epidemiology of Mycoplasma bovis infection in cattle in Ireland. |
31 March 2024 |
|
Bovine Abortion: risk factors, pathogens and diagnostics |
31 March 2024 |
|
Byesian Modelling of BTb Transmission factors in Irish Cattle Herds |
31 March 2023 |
|
Estimating the hidden burden of bovine tuberculosis in Ireland – Missed Cattle Infections |
31 December 2023 |
|
Towards 2030: filling the wildlife ecology gap in the bTB eradication strategy by modelling badger abundance, health, and sett distribution, using recent advances in Bayesian modelling. |
31 December 2024 |
|
The UCD Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis (UCD CVERA) conducting research for the control and eradication of regulatory animal diseases, which includes national programme for bovine tuberculosis. |
Ongoing |
|
Applying Behavioural Science to the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Programme - Economic Social Research Institute (ESRI |
Q4 2023 |
308. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be an increase in local improvement scheme funding in the budget for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9427/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity, which I view as an important issue for rural Ireland – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.
The Local Improvement Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this month with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works on our off shore Islands. This is the third consecutive year where the basic allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme has been increased. I also announced the allocations for this years scheme earlier than was the case in 2022, in order to give local authorities the most time possible to complete works on the ground.
I will continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns this year in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme as was seen in 2021 and 2022.
Finally, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department contributing to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme.
309. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding was made available for a project (details supplied) under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund; the amount made available at the time; the amount drawn down to date; the current status of the project; the estimated time for completion of the project; the final drawdown of the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9282/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €395 million for projects costing €542 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 smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The Youghal Public Library project was awarded funding of €4,048,511 under the third Call for Category 1 proposals to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2021. The total cost of the project is €4,498,346. The amount of funding drawn down to date is €189,109.
The detailed design for the project is currently being developed and the estimated completion date is September 2025.
310. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total capital allocation she has for works to be carried out on the offshore islands this year by county councils, exclusive of major island pier developments; the value of the submissions she recently received from county councils; when she will make a decision on the allocations for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9371/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra311. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when it is intended to approve the minor works programme for roads, piers, and so on, for islands this year, given that it will be absolutely necessary that an urgent decision be made on this if the money provided is to be spent in this calendar year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9382/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
It is an objective of this Government to provide the necessary supports for our off-shore islands so that those communities can continue to live, and thrive, on the islands.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department operates an annual capital funding programme to enable the relevant local authorities to carry out minor capital works on the offshore islands and develop key infrastructure such as piers on the islands and mainland to support the sustainability of our island communities.
Last year, I secured a significant increase in the capital allocation for the islands to €4.644 million and I am delighted that I have secured the same amount again in 2023.
The closing date for submissions from Local Authorities for inclusion in this year's capital programme was last Wednesday, 15 February 2023. I understand that the value of submissions received from Local Authorities this year is almost equivalent to the total allocation, however my Department is still awaiting clarifications on a submission from one Local Authority.
It is also important to note all projects submitted for consideration will have to assessed by my Department before they are sent to me for consideration and approval.
I am conscious of the importance of providing sufficient notice of approval to local authorities in order to allow them plan and carry out the works, given the added logistical considerations associated with island works. On that basis, I hope to be in a position to approve the funding for these works as soon as possible.
312. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9396/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the table below.
|
Live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by the Department of Rural and Community Development. |
The date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. |
|
Research scoping paper to carry out a 'Volunteer Managers Skills Analysis Survey'. |
Expected to be completed in Q3 2023 |
|
Volunteering Recognition: developing questions for the Irish Census on formal and informal volunteering |
A final report is due in Q2 of 2024. |
|
Youth Volunteering: Building Capacity for the FutureResearch on the impact of the cost and availability of public liability insurance on the Community and Voluntary sector |
A final report is due in Q4 of 2023. |
|
Digital Town Blueprint Research Reports. |
26 individual research reports are due to be finalised in Q1 2023 and will be incorporated into the 26 Town Centre First Plans. |
|
Research on the identification and development of key indicators that can be used for monitoring rural and community development. This work is being undertaken through a Joint Research Agreement between DRCD and the ESRI. |
Expected to be completed in Q2 2023.The Joint Research Agreement between DRCD and the ESRI runs to the end of 2023. |
|
Outcomes for Young People in Rural Ireland developed with Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth |
The final report is expected in Q3 2023. |
|
Research project NUI Post-doctoral Fellowship in Rural Development |
The research is scheduled to be completed in 2025. |
|
Research on the training needs of the community and voluntary sector. |
Expected to be completed by Q3 2023. |
|
Research project on engagement of marginalised communities in local planning and decision making. |
The project is expected to be completed by Q4 2023. |
|
A Data Gathering Exercise on Social Enterprise in Ireland |
A final report is expected in Q1 2023. |
|
Review of the implementation of National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022 |
It is envisaged that a report on this review will issue in Q1 2023. |
|
Impact assessment of the Connected Hubs Network and the 2021 and 2022 Connected Hubs Calls. |
The report is expected to be submitted in Q2 2023 |
313. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline her Department’s programme for addressing particular issues of need arising from cost-of-living increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9436/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra314. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she has identified particular requirements in the area of rural and community development, with particular reference to the need to make specific interventions to help those affected by increasing demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9437/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra317. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she has, in the past twelve months, positively intervened to assist various sectors in urban and rural settings; if she expects to be in a position to do so in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9440/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to introduce any new initiatives in the programme of assistance for rural and community groups throughout County Kildare and throughout the country in the coming year based on any applications received to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9435/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 313, 314, 317 and 319 together.
My Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland, including Kildare. We do this by delivering a wide range of strategic interventions and investments throughout the country.
In 2022 my Department provided substantial support for rural and community development, including through investment in infrastructure and initiatives assisting the retention and attraction of jobs throughout the regions. This will continue in 2023. My Department has a strong budget available in 2023 to support delivery for rural and urban communities.
This includes a funding allocation of €7.5 million in 2023 for the Clár Programme. The Community Centre Investment Fund has an allocation of €20m for 2023, up from €15m last year. For 2023 the Local Improvement Scheme has a funding allocation of €12 million, up from €11 million in 2022, and €10.5 million in 2021. The Leader Programme has an allocation of €46million in 2023.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has an allocation of €60m for 2023. To date, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €395 million for projects costing €542 million throughout rural Ireland. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is another important area of investment with an allocation for 2023 of €16 million. The allocation for this Scheme has increased year on year since 2020, and the projects funded will be key enablers of the recently launched National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Embracing Ireland's Outdoors. There is also €10m for the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme which will also assist communities with increased costs.
Scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year and this process is at an advanced stage in respect of planning for our 2023 schemes. As part of this process, I am anxious to ensure that the range of schemes offered by my Department continue to be structured in a way that ensures clear coherence, shows alignment with key policies such as Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy, and that deliver real and tangible benefits for communities.
315. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she proposes to liaise with the community sector throughout the country, with a view to identifying and addressing issues as they arise at an early date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9438/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2019, my Department launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, the Strategy to support the community and voluntary sector. The Strategy seeks to create a vibrant and active civil society, developing opportunities for all communities to contribute, engage and participate in decision-making and policy implementation.
As part of the implementation, in November 2022 my Department held the first Civic Forum. The Forum, attended by over 100 representatives from national and local government as well as a wide representation from across the community and voluntary sectors, provides a space for formal engagement between the sector and state.
My Department also has overall responsibility for the funding, governance oversight and development of Public Participation Networks (PPNs). The focus of the PPN is to empower and assist volunteer-led community groups to participate in local authority policymaking and decision-making. PPNs are also called upon on occasion to bring the perspective of the local community sector to national policy matters. A PPN has been established in each of the 31 local authority areas, and over 18,000 groups nationwide are currently members of a PPN. This means that my Department’s engagement with PPNs give it a deep reach into the local community sector.
DRCD also provides funding to the members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar to engage in dialogue and policy formation. The Pillar is a seventeen member group representing community and voluntary organisations which contribute to the social dialogue process. The Pillar plays an active role in contributing to my Department’s policy formation, meeting with my officials twice a year, with individual members also contributing separately as part of wider Departmental policy engagement.
These initiatives ensure robust structures and open dialogue, facilitating early identification of emerging issues and collaborative means to addressing challenges.
316. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to interact with urban and rural communities, with a view to continuing to identify priorities in a timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9439/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra321. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department continue to monitor the needs of rural and urban communities, with a view to ensuring an appropriate and timely response as issues arise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9444/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra322. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have identified a rapid response mechanism in respect of issues that tend to impact on communities, urban and rural; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9445/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 316, 321 and 322 together.
My Department continues to liaise with stakeholders in communities around the county including the Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of those communities.
While the schemes administered by my Department have a consistent, ongoing focus, they are regularly adapted and supplemented in response to emerging needs identified through the aforementioned stakeholder engagement. Such examples are the Community Call Initiative, the Covid-19 Stability Scheme, the Accelerated Town and Village Renewal Scheme , the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme and the recently announced Community Recognition Fund.
My Department will continue to monitor issues that arise in communities and tailor our approach to the emerging issues.
