Results 3,601-3,620 of 4,700 for speaker:Noel Ahern

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

Noel Ahern: The Commissioners of Public Works have been requested by Kildare County Council to assist them in identifying the cause and possible solutions to the problem of flooding in Johnstown. The Commissioners are examining the request to determine what, if any assistance they are in a position to provide, and will be pursuing the matter with the Council.

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

Noel Ahern: The Office of Public Works is responsible for the built heritage in direct state ownership. Donadea Castle and its environs do not fall into this category. This Office is not aware of any plans to acquire this site.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (31 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 to 90, inclusive, together. The Government has assigned responsibility as lead Agency for the implementation of its policy in respect of flood risk management to the Office of Public Works as recommended by the review group. The policy being pursued is fully in line with the recommendations of the review group. The provision for flood risk management in...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (31 Jan 2008)

Noel Ahern: All work pertaining to this Lease Agreement has been completed by the Commissioners of Public Works. All final fit-out works have been completed by the Landlord this week. The Chief State Solicitor awaits a final closing document from the Landlord's Solicitor. The Landlord was contacted directly by the Commissioners and has agreed to furnish this document. Following receipt of this...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The first phase of works at Dunmanway Garda Station, Co. Cork was completed in November 2007. A contract for the second phase consisting of part demolition and security works to the boundary wall was placed on 13th November 2007, with works commencing on site on 3rd December. These are scheduled for completion at the end of February subject to weather conditions. Tender documents for phase...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Commissioners of Public Works agreed to carry out a survey to identify options for reducing significantly flood risk on the River Deel at Crossmolina after Mayo County Council completed certain minor alleviation works. These works were completed recently and the Commissioners will undertake the survey once water levels in the channel are suitable.

Written Answers — State Property: State Property (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together. The Steward's House at Farmleigh was recently refurbished to provide additional guest accommodation as part of the overall Farmleigh complex but separate from the main house. The Steward's House is an integral part of the Farmleigh Estate and it was included as part of the purchase of Farmleigh by the State in 1999. Much of the...

Written Answers — Recreational Facilities: Recreational Facilities (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Playground at Ashtown in the Phoenix Park is substantially complete. It is currently undergoing final inspections and it is hoped to open the facility shortly.

Written Answers — Public Transport: Public Transport (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: In line with the recommendation outlined in the Phoenix Park Transportation Study published in September 2006, OPW agreed to facilitate a limited public transport service through the Park and is at present in discussions with the relevant agencies in this regard.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: An ecological report commissioned by the Commissioners of Public Works is currently being completed. The Commissioners will then finalise their flood mitigation proposals taking account of this report and will consult with landowners and environmental stakeholders. If agreement is reached, it is envisaged that the works will commence during the Summer.

Written Answers — Energy Conservation: Energy Conservation (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The National Climate Change Strategy required the public sector to use energy efficient lightening solely, in all public buildings. This was already very much in practice in buildings for which the OPW has responsibility, where fluorescent lighting has been the lighting of choice in almost all circumstances except in a very small number of instances for technical or aesthetic reasons. Also...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (5 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Office of Public Works (OPW) commenced operations in the OPW advance office in Claremorris in September 2007. There are 29 staff currently in place out of the 142 posts to be transferred to this location. OPW has acquired the site for their permanent offices in Claremorris at a cost of €2.5m and it is expected that this building will be ready for occupation in 2009.

Tax Code. (6 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: From what I know of this project, any delay is largely a question of timing. Some of Deputy Clune's comments are wide of the mark and premature. The Cork docklands area is set in a strategic location to the east of Cork city centre and covers 166 hectares of land. The potential of the area was initially recognised in the 1990s, culminating in the publication of the Cork docklands...

Road Traffic Accidents (6 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: I thank Deputy Ferris for raising the matter. There has been a 20% drop in deaths on Irish roads since the launch of the Government's first road safety strategy in 1998. This has been achieved despite a 52% increase in the number of vehicles on our roads. Over the past year we have seen a distinct improvement in our road safety performance with 2007 resulting in the lowest number of road...

Written Answers — Departmental Offices: Departmental Offices (6 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: I am informed that a number of sites in Charlestown, Co. Mayo have been assessed as potential locations for the new Headquarters of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Negotiations are now at an advanced stage. When these negotiations are completed the preferred site will be acquired.

Written Answers — Drainage Schemes: Drainage Schemes (7 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: I take it the Deputy is referring to the report entitled Ennis Main Drainage — Lower Fergus Main Flood Plain Storage, which was commissioned by Clare County Council. The Council has requested a meeting with OPW to discuss the recommendations in the report. I am advised that a meeting will be arranged within the next few weeks. The Office of Public Works is examining tenders for Phase 1 of...

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (7 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The proposed decentralised offices in Drogheda will be procured by means of a Public Private Partnership. Design and other work necessary to inform the PPP process, from which process design, build, finance and maintenance proposals will be secured from Tenderers, is well under way. It would be the intention to advertise the commencement of the formal PPP process during the current year. The...

Written Answers — Garda Stations: Garda Stations (12 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Office of Public Works is currently assessing proposals received in response to an advertisement.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (12 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: I propose to take Questions Nos. 152 and 153 together. The replacement of the unsightly concrete block structure, which served as a shop inside the main gate to Leinster House from Kildare Street, by a more appropriate and functional transparent glass building, as approved by the Oireachtas, was undertaken by way of a series of interlinked construction contracts. The new building incorporates...

Written Answers — Site Acquisitions: Site Acquisitions (12 Feb 2008)

Noel Ahern: The Office of Public Works have appointed a design team, in order to seek full planning Permission for the redevelopment of the Mountjoy Prison site. The Cash and Carry site, which was purchased by the OPW for €23.5m, excluding VAT, will be incorporated into redevelopment plans for the Mountjoy site. The OPW will take possession of the Cash and Carry site in July 2009.