Results 2,461-2,480 of 4,726 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputy for her positive comments on the regulations.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Yes, it would require planning permission.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: There no changes to it. It is the same.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: As far as I know, regarding the street furniture, the local authority can be prescriptive about specific advertising, be it for drink products or whatever. Generally, the advertising has to be restricted to advertising the premises, but that is not always the case. Sometimes the coverings or the surrounds are supplied by drinks companies, and I know there are issues there with drinks...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Advertising is not permitted.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: As far as I am aware.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Yes.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I agree wholeheartedly, and where we have positioned the urban regeneration and development fund, URDF, funding and other funding to support local authorities to make that big change in public spaces is critically important. We have all had the experience that came out of Covid-19 where maybe there is resistance at a local level to reverting to traffic themes which were in there in the past....

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: It is. It is really important. The first point is that at local level, all local authorities should have an access officer and should have a local consultative access group to consult regarding general planning issues. The planning authority is the first point of contact in ensuring that our public spaces are disability-proofed, as well as buildings. Regarding oversight of the local...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Just to give assurance to the Deputy, in the circulars which are being issued to local authorities, we are giving clear guidance on disability proofing, and ensuring that public spaces and the public realm is maintained in a safe way for people of all abilities. That is hugely important. On the second point with regard to drinks advertising, generally, companies are getting more clever at...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Planning and Development Regulations: Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Absolutely, and it is certainly something which the committee could perhaps give consideration to having a deeper dive into at some point. It would be useful.

Seanad: Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023: Second Stage (10 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Senators Higgins, Ruane, Black and Flynn for bringing the Bill to the Seanad and to all of the Senators for their contributions. Before I speak specifically through my notes, I will respond to some of the points raised by Senators during the debate this evening. It is useful that we have had this debate. I would say at the outset that I value this Chamber. I am here often, as the...

Seanad: Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023: Second Stage (10 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I find the level of debate and contributions to be consistently of a high standard here. My own experience of that important scrutiny element of the Seanad has been through the Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023, to which Senator Higgins brought forward quite a number of amendments, and many of which we have accepted. They have strengthened that Bill. I stress that is tangible...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (10 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I reiterate that the progress of individual wastewater treatment infrastructure such as that relating to Kilcummin is a matter for Uisce Éireann. Charging arrangements for customers is also a matter for Uisce Éireann.

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (10 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: For clarity, the temporary development contribution levy waiver was announced by the Government last week. It will apply for one year to permitted residential developments that commence from 25 April 2023. As I understand it, there have been a number of public consultation meetings in the area. There was a meeting with MDC members on 24 April. Uisce Éireann has set out the scheme...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (10 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: We have been clear. I have spoken to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage about this matter. This scheme we are talking about is separate from the waiver scheme that was announced last week. The Kilcummin scheme is most welcome, as the Deputy said, for protecting the lakes of Killarney and providing adequate infrastructure for the community there. The meeting with the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (10 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: The Deputy and I discussed the matter previously. I appreciate the challenges the new scheme is creating but it is a great opportunity. There was a meeting with Uisce Éireann and Killarney municipal district council on 24 April. There were discussions ongoing with Uisce Éireann on the matter. The Deputy has raised this Topical Issue matter in light of the Government decision...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Social Welfare Benefits (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an gceist seo. The household benefits package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, and the free television licence. The Department of Social Protection will spend approximately €285 million this year on the household benefits package for more than 510,000 customers and their households. The household benefits package is available to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Social Welfare Benefits (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta arís. To reiterate, the Minister certainly gives consideration to proposals by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Age Action and other agencies in her work in trying to ensure those most vulnerable are supported in the best way possible. That is what the Government is trying to achieve and the ESRI has supported the direction we have taken as...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: Fully on board.