Results 3,581-3,600 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

Seanad: Appropriation Bill 2007: Second Stage (Resumed) and Subsequent Stages (20 Dec 2007)

Noel Ahern: Economists amuse me in that although they are very learned men and women, when I spoke about 100% mortgages I was told to go back to them when quantified research data was available. If a person wants to know what the weather is like, it is sometimes better to look out the window rather than look up what gurus are saying on computers. I thank Members for their comments this morning. Outside...

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

Noel Ahern: Terms were agreed with Cork County Council in 2006 to purchase a site comprising 1.21 Hectares/2.98 acres in Youghal to provide decentralised offices for the Valuation Office, (100 staff) and the Public Appointments Service (100) staff. A draft Contract for Sale was received by the Office of Public Works in October 2007. The Chief State Solicitor is in the process of examining the Contract...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Commissioners of Public Works have no statutory responsibility for maintenance of the River Shannon. However, in light of the severe flooding last year and following consultations with interested parties, the Office of Public Works agreed to undertake flood relief works at Shannon Harbour, the stretch of the river known as the New Cut near Banagher and at Clonlara. The works at Shannon...

Written Answers — Statutory Instruments: Statutory Instruments (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Office of Public Works Government Publications Sales Office is responsible for coordinating the SI process. This includes the maintenance of a database and issuing the S.I. number. The database contains details of all SIs issued, whether by Central Government Departments or other Bodies entitled to issue SIs. Eight Hundred and Sixty Statutory Instruments were issued in 2007. The...

Written Answers — Departmental Payments: Departmental Payments (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together. All the payments accruing from the erection of masts on the roof of Hawkins House, where my Department's Headquarters are located, are paid directly to the Office of Public Works, the owners of the building. The position regarding masts erected on Health Service Executive (HSE) buildings is an operational matter for the HSE. I have...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme is broken into three separate phases. The first phase, the Clonmel West Scheme, which is costed at €21.2m, has been confirmed by the Minister for Finance and works have already commenced on this scheme. OPW will be inviting tenders, later in 2008, for the appointment of a consultant for the detailed design of the Clonmel North Scheme and when this has been...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: It is hoped to publish a conservation plan for Athassal Abbey later this year. This will inform any programme of works to be undertaken.

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: As Thomastown Castle is not in State care, the Office of Public Works is not empowered under the National Monuments Acts to incur expenditure on its maintenance or conservation.

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: Preliminary work in preparation for a series of maintenance and conservation projects on the Rock of Cashel is being carried out at present. It is planned that these maintenance and conservation works will commence later this year.

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question 136 of 19th December, 2007 in relation to the Swiss Cottage.

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: It is intended to open Ormonde Castle to visitors in early May. Proposals are being advanced for the resurfacing, landscaping and drainage works required to enable universal access to the ground floor level of the Castle.

Written Answers — Tax Code: Tax Code (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that approximately 420 primary and post-primary schools have been granted charitable tax exemption. A list of bodies which have been granted charitable tax exemption under Section 207 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 is available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie. Since 2001, all primary and post primary schools providing education based on...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: It is expected that tenders for the construction of a new Garda Station at Castleisland, Co. Kerry will be invited by mid February, 2008.

Written Answers — Site Acquisitions: Site Acquisitions (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland act as agents for the Department of Education & Science in the acquisition of sites for schools. The Department requested that the Commissioners source a site for the Listellick N.S. The requirement was advertised and the sites offered in response have been technically assessed and the Report sent to the Department of Education & Science. The...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: Maintenance of the bridge referred to is a matter for Westmeath County Council. The Commissioners of Public Works have no responsibility in this regard.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 222 and 223 together. The environmental assessment was completed and formed part of a detailed submission made by the Office of Public Works to the National Parks and Wildlife Service in late December seeking consent for proposed flood alleviation works. OPW will commence the flood relief works as quickly as possible, once the necessary consents are...

Written Answers — Telecommunications Services: Telecommunications Services (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: Apart from wi — fi access in the reception area of the head office building of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, there are no such systems in place in Government buildings which can be accessed by members of the public. The Office of Public Works has no plans to install such public access systems in these buildings.

Written Answers — Crime Prevention: Crime Prevention (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Porchefield at Trim Castle is in fact managed by Meath County Council for public amenity purposes under the terms of a lease agreement. The Office of Public Works retains management of St. Mary's Abbey and continually monitors the position in relation to the National Monument.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 to 234, inclusive, together. The Office of Public Works is actively working with Mayo County Council to address areas at risk from flooding in the county. Alleviation works have been completed by OPW at Clyard and Thomastown, Kilmaine. It is expected that a submission for consent to proposed works at Hollymount will be made to the National Parks and...

Written Answers — Departmental Staff: Departmental Staff (30 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Office of Public Works constantly reviews its ongoing operational needs and recruits staff as needed within the parameters of budget and Government policy on numbers. The Office of Public Works recruits on an annual basis for guides/information officers for the relevant visitor season for built heritage sites including the Céide Fields in County Mayo. The closing date for applications...