Results 21-40 of 4,354 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Monuments (14 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The definition of “monument” for the purposes of the National Monuments Act 1930 is not in fact date limited. The definition of “national monument” as set out in section 2 of the Act of 1930, contains an automatic carry forward of anything which was an “ancient monument” for the purposes of the Ancient Monuments Protection Acts 1882 to 1910 (which...

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Deputy Griffin for his continued support for this initiative. He is correct that the purchase of Inch Strand by the NPWS on behalf of the State now forms part of the new Páirc Náísiúnta na Mara, along with Derrynane, Conor Pass, Owenmore and Sceilg Mhichíl. The marine national park is a really important and wonderful initiative by the State. At the...

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That was a disingenuous comment.

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: That was a disingenuous comment by Deputy Guirke. I will follow this up with the National Monuments Service, liaise with the OPW on this matter and revert to the Deputy in due course.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Licences (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Work is ongoing on the new elicensing system referred to. It will be available in the coming weeks. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has been in contact with the main stakeholders, and once the system is live details will be published on the NPWS website and normal social media channels. In relation to any GDPR concerns raised, as per the Regulations, it...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Policies (8 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Basking Shark was added as an animal to which Section 23 of the Wildlife Act 1976 applies under Statutory Instrument No. 485/2022, making it a “protected wild animal”. This makes it an offence to hunt, injure (unless under licence) or wilfully interfere with the breeding or resting place of this species. Tour operators or individuals who seek to photograph or research this...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Waterways Issues (8 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Waterways Ireland is the Navigation Authority responsible for the management, maintenance, development and promotion of over 1000 km of inland navigable waterways, principally for recreational purposes. There are eight navigations within this remit, of which the Barrow is one. Waterways Ireland carries out an extensive programme of maintenance works on the Barrow including, inter-alia,...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Departmental Schemes (8 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 259 to 264, inclusive, together. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Farm Plan Scheme is a means to engage with farmers and landowners to enhance nature on their land, through encouragement, advice and financial supports. A total of 372 farm plans were active over the course of 2023, with a total number of 24 planners. However, some farmers...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Post Office Network (8 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: My Department, through the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS), has responsibility for supporting and promoting our built heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. However, my Department does not acquire individual protected structures for conservation purposes, both because of the limited resources available and because, in line with the Planning and...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Compulsory Purchase Orders (8 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I understand that the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for this property, continues to engage with all stakeholders with the aim of resolving issues surrounding Castletown House by agreement.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Parks and Wildlife Service (8 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I have contacted the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department and I note a previous response was issued in 2021 in relation to this incident. I have asked the National Monuments Service to contact the querist directly and he will be in touch in the coming days.

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad: Road Network (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Go raibh maith agat, Seanadóir Ó Gallchóir, as an gceist ábhartha seo. I understand that the Senator’s question is on the provision of additional emergency State funding to local authorities to undertake repair and upgrade works on the local and regional road network in light of excessive rainfall in recent months and other climate change factors. Some of the...

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad: Road Network (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will, absolutely. As I stated at the outset, however, it is the function of the individual local authority to prioritise the funding and where the allocation goes, and to work with the Department in respect of particularly unforeseen circumstances such as the weather events we have spoken about and in terms of road repair or maintenance that could be impacted by the severe weather or...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I had a wonderful visit to Howth portal tomb recently. Also known as Aideen’s Grave, it dates from the Neolithic period and is a recorded monument situated in the Howth demesne townland. Within a peninsula of great historical, archaeological and amenity importance, it is an important landmark. As a recorded monument, Aideen’s Grave...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: As a recorded monument, Aideen's Grave is already afforded protection under the National Monuments Act. When the Historical and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 is commenced, I will give consideration to exercising powers under section 89(5), if necessary and appropriate, in this or any other instance. It is not something I can decide in advance.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I cannot give a specific timeline, but we are progressing it. I can try to revert to the Deputy with a timeline. Under section 89, the amendment would not alter the general position. The Minister has no role in imposing any public access to privately owned monuments. While dependent on the commencement of the Act and the new register that has to be established, the section will enable...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The specific issues the Deputy has raised here are significant. I will speak to the Minister for Transport about the NTA engaging again on this. The Deputy has raised quite a few issues. Certainly the last thing Government wishes in terms of overall policy is to deter people from using public transport or put barriers in their way. It should be affordable, reliable and safe. That is...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan. I wish to clarify that the Minister has responsibility for policy and overall funding in respect of public transport, and neither the Minister or his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Derelict Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The acquisition of properties, such as the one referenced in the Question, is considered within the context of available resources which includes public expenditure management considerations. In all cases, my Department examines any potential acquisition carefully, taking into account any works required, such as conservation works, and the short and long term cost of acquisition and...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Parks and Wildlife Service (30 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The hunting of certain wild animals is regulated in part by the Wildlife Act 1976. Where a wild animal is listed as a 'protected wild animal' under that Act, then the species enjoys the protections of the Act and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) plays a role in regulating hunting activity and enforcing legislation as it applies to that species. In respect of the Old Irish...