Results 41,981-42,000 of 46,575 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Applications (21 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: I am aware of the flooding that has occurred in this location as are the OPW engineering staff who cover this area. However, it is a matter for Donegal County Council in the first instance to identify and address flooding issues in the county. It is open to the Council to undertake any local flood mitigation works using their own resources or to submit an application for funding if...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Expenditure (21 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: The Office of Public Works (OPW) is the lead State body for the co-ordination and implementation of Government policy on flood risk management. It is allocated funding annually from the Exchequer for its various programmes and measures in this area. Approximately €378 million has been expended during the period 2005-2015 on major Flood Relief Schemes, undertaken directly by the OPW...

Confidence in Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: It is the truth.

Confidence in Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection: Motion (Resumed) [Private Members] (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: The Deputy stated he was too dynamic to be the Governor of the Central Bank.

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: I am grateful for the opportunity to address the Seanad on the subject of flooding and flood risk management. I look forward to a constructive discussion and debate which will inform the Government’s approach to managing flood risk in the future. As we all know, flooding is a natural phenomenon and in recent weeks we have all seen the devastating impact it can have on communities....

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: I thank the Senator.

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: I will be as quick as I can. I thank Senators from all sides of the House for what has been largely a constructive and informative debate. I will try to deal with as many of the issues as possible. Senator White and others raised the issue of climate change, and I fully agree with her. We cannot ignore it and pretend it is not happening. That is why I am very proud that our national...

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: That is fine. It was said that we need to have a better exchange of information with the insurance companies with which I agree. That is why we have made provision for a memorandum of understanding. Where we complete a scheme we provide the information to Insurance Ireland so that it can pass that on to the companies which can be factored into the commercial decision-making process. I do...

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: We will certainly look at that matter. In terms of the underspend, I have been at pains not to be party political during this time. Anywhere I went I invited Oireachtas Members of all political hues to attend because I believe rain and floods are not party political issues. I am somewhat frustrated, at this stage, that there has been scaremongering about budgetary matters. Let us be very...

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: Does the Acting Chairman want me to conclude?

Seanad: Flooding: Statements (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: I will revert to the Senators on the other issues. I agree with the point made by Senator Whelan about the Garryhinch reservoir. He is right and I think it is an issue that should be considered. It will probably fall to the next Government to consider same. Briefly, Senator Healy Eames mentioned planting which is a valid issue. We need to look at all of these suggestions. All of the...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Risk Assessments (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme currently being undertaken Office of Public Works (OPW) in partnership with its consultants, local authorities and other stakeholders. The 300 Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) were determined under the Preliminary Flood Risk...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Monuments (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: Online Booking services are scheduled to be introduced at Kilmainham Gaol during March, 2016.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Properties (20 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: As part of An Garda Síochána's policing plans in 2012 and 2013, 139 Garda stations were closed. 15 of these former Garda stations have been assigned or are in the process of being assigned, under licence, for community use as identified in the following table. 10 are being retained or are under consideration for State use as detailed in the table below. Community Use No. County...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Flood Relief Schemes (19 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: Let there be no doubt that there is a national plan and a national organisation called the OPW which is charged with implementing flood relief plans. It is the competent single authority responsible for delivering plans. There is money available, too. We will spend €430 million on flood defences. More will be spent in the next five years than has been spent in the past 20. The...

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Flood Relief Schemes (19 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: I thank the Deputy for his question, which comes in a period of significant difficulty for many throughout the country after a number of bad weather events. There is already in place a national authority for flood risk management. The Office of Public Works, OPW, is the lead State body for the co-ordination and implementation of Government policy on the management of flood risk in Ireland....

Ceisteanna - Questions - Priority Questions: Flood Relief Schemes (19 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: It is not a question of whether we need to establish a statutory authority because we have one in place. The Deputy's party set it up when in government, when the European Communities (Assessment and Management of Flood Risks) Regulations 2010 were introduced under Statutory Instrument No. 122 of 2010 which had been transposed into Irish law. Under the regulations the Commissioners of Public...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes (19 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: The Government has allocated €80.746 m in 2016 for the Office of Public Works (OPW) overall Flood Risk Management Programme of which €52.561m is for the continued implementation of the OPW's comprehensive programme of capital flood relief works. There are currently five major schemes at construction in Bray, Co Wicklow, River Dodder, Dublin, South Campshires, Dublin, Ennis...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Funding (19 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: The Government last year announced details of a €430 million 6 year programme of capital investment on flood risk management and mitigation measures as part of the Government's overall Capital Investment Plan 2016 – 2021. The flood protection capital programme 2016 – 2021 will build on the very significant investment that has already been undertaken in flood relief works...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes Funding (19 Jan 2016)

Simon Harris: The provision of €430 million funding for flood risk management has already been made by the Government and was announced in the Infrastructure and Capital Investment Plan 2016 – 2021published in September 2015. This funding is being made available to the Office of Public Works (OPW) through the annual Estimates process and allows for a graduated increase in the annual capital...