Results 281-300 of 4,720 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Biodiversity Plan (24 Feb 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: The current National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP) runs from 2017 to 2021 and captures the objectives, targets and actions for biodiversity to be undertaken by a wide range of government, civil society and private sectors to achieve Ireland's Vision for Biodiversity. That Plan contains 119 actions under a framework of seven strategic objectives. These encompass mainstreaming...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Natural Heritage Areas (24 Feb 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: There are 632 proposed natural heritage areas including the Curragh (Kildare). While a review of these sites is foreseen, the current focus of my Department is on fulfilling Ireland’s obligations under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the designation of Natura 2000 sites i.e. special areas of conservation and special protection areas. Although proposed natural heritage area...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Horticulture Sector (24 Feb 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: Arising from the recommendation in the Report on the Review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry, I decided to establish a working group under an independent chairperson to examine the issues which had been identified during the review. Invitations to nominate representatives to the working group have been issued to relevant Government Departments and State Agencies,...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Special Areas of Conservation (24 Feb 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: Regulation 5 of the European Union Habitats (Rockabill to Dalkey Island Special Area of Conservation 003000) Regulations 2019 provides that certain specified activities may not take place within the special area of conservation, without the prior written consent of the Minister or of another public authority, where applicable. These activities are those which have the potential to cause...

Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (25 Feb 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta. Her points on human health, business and the development of Arklow are well-raised. It also involves an area of mutual interest to me and the Deputy, the area of nature, biodiversity and the environment. There is no doubt that this project must be expedited. Since January 2014, Irish Water has had statutory responsibility for all aspects of water...

Topical Issue Debate: Wastewater Treatment (25 Feb 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: I will revert to the Deputy with a written response on the two specific items she raises. It may well be the case that additional costs are involved at this stage, given the delays to the project but I will provide a written response on that. It is important to note that we will enter into a new cycle of river basin management plans and projects similar to this one must be expedited to...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Natural Heritage Areas (25 Feb 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: The Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network, published in January 2014, provides detail on arrangements regarding turf cutting on each of the 75 raised bog natural heritage areas. The review concludes that Ireland could more effectively achieve conservation of threatened raised bog habitat through focused protection and restoration of a reconfigured network which entails: 1....

Housing Shared Equity Loan Scheme: Motion [Private Members] (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. We need to debate housing policies vigorously to ensure they are fit for purpose. There is so much at stake when we are faced with our housing crisis. It is incumbent on every party to put forward solid ideas that will deliver on the ground. Our national housing crisis demands a major response and this Government has stepped up to...

Written Answers — Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport: Rail Network (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: 102. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any plans in place to upgrade the Waterford to Dublin line by providing a second track on the section where currently only one track exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/21]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Interest Rates (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: 179. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that moneys held in solicitor client accounts will shortly be liable for the imposition of negative interest rates by the two largest banks and, given that these funds are often already borrowed from the banks, will be subject to double interest charging; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10963/21]

Written Answers — Department of Finance: Mortgage Lending (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: 208. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties for those buying homes in respect of mortgage approvals lasting for only six months in view of current restrictions on the building industry causing delays in home completions (details supplied); if such mortgage holders will have to reapply for their mortgages through no fault of their own; and if he...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Hedge Cutting (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: The dates for the cutting of hedges are set down in primary legislation. Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts Act prohibits the cutting of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August. I do not have the discretion to extend this period into March. There is provision in the legislation for certain exemptions in respect of cutting vegetation in the ordinary course of...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Parks and Wildlife Service (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: NPWS lands include areas designated as special protection areas or special areas of conservation under the EU nature directives. Such protected areas are collectively referred to as ‘European sites’. In 2010, the European Communities (Control of Recreational Activities) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 293 of 2010) were implemented to regulate certain recreational activities...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Archaeological Sites (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 4 February 2021. My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service monitors designated sites through its own staffing resources and, in conjunction with other public authorities as appropriate, investigates activity within these sites in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts, the European Communities...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: World Heritage Sites (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: Ireland’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites includes those properties that are considered to be suitable for progression to World Heritage status. The current Tentative List is now under review in keeping with UNESCO advice to do so every ten years. In its capacity as Focal Point for the World Heritage Convention, my Department has invited local authorities to submit applications...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Natural Heritage Areas (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: As set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 25 February last, the purpose of the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 is to give legislative effect to the outcome of the 2014 Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network. The Bill was passed by the Dáil on 13 December 2018. The Bill was passed by the Seanad on 6 November 2019. 16 amendments to the Bill were made in the...

Written Answers — Department of Defence: Vaccination Programme (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: 376. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if members of the Defence Forces currently deployed on peacekeeping duties to areas of conflict all over the world will be vaccinated against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10992/21]

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Foster Care (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: 593. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some foster carers are excluded from applying for Tusla home improvement grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11545/21]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (3 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: 788. To ask the Minister for Health the reason dentists were not included in the list of those personnel who can administer Covid-19 vaccinations. [11279/21]

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Turf Cutting (4 Mar 2021)

Malcolm Noonan: I am advised that my Department is liaising with the Department of the Taoiseach in relation to the activity referred to in the Deputy's Question. Any undertaking of the activity would be subject to public health COVID-19 pandemic guidelines and any health and safety protocols issued by the relevant associations, as well as the Birds and Habitats Directives.