Results 2,241-2,260 of 4,726 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Motor Fuels (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: That is not the case. Of the 77 responses from the consultation on the move to E10, more than 60 were received from classic car owners or enthusiasts in classic vehicle clubs. Many of the respondents were supportive of the move to E10. There probably are issues. In this regard, I mentioned possible corrosion. There is still an opportunity owing to there still being a limited supply of...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Motor Fuels (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: There is an additive that can be used, and there is a public awareness campaign. It is important to engage. The experience in other countries has not been negative.

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Greenways Provision (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Senator for the opportunity to discuss this issue on behalf of the Minister for Transport. The safeguarding of environment and natural habitats is a hugely important issue. The Government is conscious of fulfilling our statutory obligations in this regard, as well as being committed to the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030. As set out in the strategy for the future development...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Greenways Provision (3 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I reassure the Senator that he is correct. We cannot have one project that will deliver an environmental benefit but could potentially be injurious to another environmental objective, namely, our habitats. It is critical that a rigorous process is in place to support projects as they move forward. They must go through rigorous screening, environmental impact assessment and appropriate...

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

Malcolm Noonan: A small number of housing estates nationally rely on developer-provided water services infrastructure, commonly referred to as DPI, for their water services. The infrastructure concerned mainly consists of wastewater treatment facilities, with a small number providing drinking water services for the estate. The majority of estates with DPI are legacy issues from the mid-1990s to the...

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

Malcolm Noonan: Fully on board.

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

Malcolm Noonan: The Deputy is correct. That is certainly what the Department, the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and I want to achieve. A multi-annual programme is in place to assist bringing resolution in respect of DPI. Such infrastructure is a temporary short-term solution that dragged. We are conscious that the issues with DPI need to be resolved from the point of view of the environmental...

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: 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: 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...

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...

Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (11 May 2023)

Malcolm Noonan: I attended the same meeting with representatives of the IFA, and I met representatives of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association yesterday as well. Farming here will not thrive without nature being restored, and we cannot restore nature without farmers. The Government is negotiating a position in the EU to develop a stance on the nature restoration regulation that will work for Irish...

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 Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to present to him and the committee today these three sets of proposed planning regulations. The three sets of regulations consist of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) Regulations 2023, the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. X) Regulations 2023, and the Planning and Development (Street Furniture Fees)...