Results 2,841-2,860 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: This action reflects the Government's commitment to provide clear economic leadership and the need to safeguard the gains our country has made by ensuring responsibility and appropriate action in the management of the public finances. The budget will seek to prioritise expenditure in the light of our changed budgetary position. As such, it will give clarity and confidence to investors,...

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Obviously, improving our competitive position is essential to facilitating a rebalancing of our economy and reviving export growth.

Irish Economy: Motion (Resumed) (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I was in the Galway tent.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works is not actively considering the disposal of any property at this time.

Written Answers — Construction Projects: Construction Projects (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: A tendering process for the appointment of a Civil Engineering Contractor has been completed and the Office of Public Works expects, subject to available funding, to appoint the successful contractor upon formal Confirmation of the Scheme with construction works to begin shortly afterwards.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The National Flood Policy, which was adopted in 2004, requires that flood relief works carried out by the Office of Public Works be concentrated on areas where the likelihood and impact of flooding in terms of personal and economic damage is greatest, with particular emphasis on dwellings at risk. OPW's resources are fully committed to such priority schemes at present. The OPW is not in a...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The total amount of expenditure to date under the Decentralisation Programme is approximately €244m. This includes the cost of site/property acquisitions, fit-out works and rent paid to date. All completed decentralised buildings acquired to date have been occupied by the Departments/Agencies concerned.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 96, 105, 107 and 109 together. Maintenance works on the River Arra at Newcastle West, involving the removal of vegetation to improve water flow, were carried out by the Office of Public Works subsequent to the recent serious flood event. Similar works had been carried out in 2006. Dredging work was not carried out in recent years as it was not deemed necessary...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Doneraile Park will continue to be managed and maintained by the Office of Public Works as a National Historic Park. An on-going programme of maintenance and improvement works is being carried-out to the range of historic buildings in the Park, including Doneraile House (Court) and adjoining coach-house, walled gardens and associated structures. These works include improved general landscape...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The siting of the proposed Visitor Centre at Nenagh Castle is being re-examined and consultant architects are due to report on the matter shortly. The proposed Visitor Centre will then proceed to the planning stage. Work on the Keep has commenced with inspection works, initial condition assessment and mortar analysis and is progressing with the erection of scaffolding in preparation for...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The number of visitors on an annual basis since 2000 is as follows: Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 to date Number 1,924 2,328 1,522 2,531 2,272 2,224 3,214 2,748 2,400 The Office of Public Works has provided signage panels to Limerick County Council which is responsible for their erection. There is no dedicated promotional budget for the Desmond Banqueting Hall. It forms...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The Government allocated €382 million towards Flood Relief Activities in the National Development Plan from 2007 to 2013. Expenditure in 2007 was €23.1 million with anticipated expenditure in 2008 amounting to €29 million. The allocation for 2009 and subsequent years will be known when the annual Estimates are published.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (25 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Office of Public Works staff respond as far as possible to all reports they receive of damage to private or public property and business as a result of flooding. Many of these requests do not generate formal reports as the position is outlined to interested parties in the course of discussions on the problem, and where OPW has a responsibility for maintenance of channels, necessary works are...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The leases taken out under the Decentralisation Programme since December 2003 are outlined on the tables: Leases taken under the Decentralisation Programme since December 2003 Location Department/Agency Term of Lease Rental Cost (p.a) â'¬ Ballina Road Safety Authority 4 years 9 Months 151,641 Kilrush Revenue Commissioners 25 years 85,050 Listowel Revenue Commissioners 20 years...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The total amount of expenditure to date under the Government's Decentralisation Programme is approximately €244m. This includes the cost of site/property acquisitions, fit-out works and rent paid to date. The costs to date have been offset by property disposals in Dublin. The estimated cost for the entire Decentralisation Programme is of the order of €900m.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Due to a recent increase in the number of persons on the live register the waiting area at Davitt House, Castlebar is now considered to be inadequate. Internal layouts are being revised, to provide an increased number of serving hatches as well as an increase in the capacity of the public waiting area. External shelter to the entrance area will also be provided. Tender documents for this work...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Teagasc offered the Office of Public Works the opportunity of taking over the running and management of Johnstown Castle several years ago. OPW explained to Teagasc at that time that they would be happy to do so, provided restrictive covenants were removed from the legal arrangements which governed the gift of the property to the State. Teagasc undertook to pursue this matter with the...

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The conservation plan for Athassel Abbey is currently at the design and print stage. As the Minister with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, I will be launching the conservation plan in the local area later this year.

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I am very pleased to have this opportunity to address the Seanad and to contribute to this discussion on the current condition of the economy. I look forward to listening to the views of Members. For the information of Members, my colleague, the Minister for Finance, will introduce a Bill in the Dáil later this evening which will give powers to the measures taken earlier today to improve...

Seanad: Economic Situation: Statements (30 Sep 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank all Senators for contributing to the debate. At the beginning of the debate I believe Senator Twomey alleged that I had a lack of respect for this House. I have sat through a debate here and listened to everyone for three hours without interruption.