Results 3,721-3,740 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (17 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I refer to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 33857/09 of 6 October 2009. In order to confirm that this land is vested in the Minister for Finance a formal application should be forwarded to the office of Public Works, in the first instance. The application will be referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office who in order to assess the legal issues of the application will request all...

Written Answers — Ministerial Transport: Ministerial Transport (17 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 180 together. The National Public Procurement Operations Unit has not awarded any contracts, or instigated any procurement process, for the purchase of electric or zero-emission cars for State use. The Unit has not been made aware of any requirement for such vehicles by any Government service.

Written Answers — Decentralisation Programme: Decentralisation Programme (18 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works has advanced the procurement process for the new Defence Forces Headquarters in the Curragh. The Part 9 planning process has already been completed. However, a decision to proceed to tender stage will be taken in the context of the estimates and budgetary process.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (18 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: In the time available to answer the question, it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy. However, the information will be compiled shortly and forwarded to the Deputy directly.

Written Answers — Arts Funding: Arts Funding (18 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: As Minister for the Arts, I am committed to supporting the arts and the Government will continue to fund the arts sector within available financial resources. Decisions regarding funding, whether within my Department's Vote or on the part of other relevant Departments will be taken in the context of the ongoing Estimates and budget preparation process. My policy on the arts reflects...

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: With the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I will make copies of my speech available to Deputies.

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: That is correct. I express my own deep sympathy to all those who have been affected by the devastating flooding of recent days. Having visited a number of the worst-hit locations in Galway, Clare and Tipperary, I have seen at first hand some of the damage and hardship wreaked. The emotional impact on individuals and their health can be devastating. The flooding has impacted on homes,...

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: We will be commissioning flood risk assessments and management studies, CFRAMs, for all of the river catchments. The effects of climate change will be considered at every stage. A Lee catchment area study is currently under way and there have also been pilot studies for the Rivers Dodder and Suir and the Fingal-East Meath area.

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The planning and development process is critical in avoiding the creation of further flood risk. As the Minister mentioned, we have issued a draft guidance document on planning which is almost ready. Development on flood plains should be avoided where possible. Undoubtedly, in some previous developments flood plains were not always recognised as such and increased urbanisation and the...

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: -----when the demountable defences were completely erected by the local authority for the first time-----

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: It is a first phase. It prevented a substantial flood from entering the north of the town where, on previous occasions, havoc was caused to homes and businesses. Work has just commenced in Fermoy and work in Carlow is expected to commence in early 2010. Further details of schemes are in my full speech. I wish to make the point that all OPW localised flood relief projects are intended to...

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I believe that the consultants will be appointed in the next couple of months. It is a vital priority. The events of the last five days mean that we will have to reassess everything we do in two ways - first, to see what matters we can accelerate and, second, to see what gaps are appearing in the system and which we have not fully taken account of. What has happened is by far the worst...

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Flood defence work falls to the OPW. We are expecting applications to be made before the end of the year. With regard to other infrastructure, it is difficult to provide answers in the abstract. We will be working with the local authorities and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on a case-by-case basis in order to establish who should assume responsibility.

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I am familiar with the matter to which the Deputy refers. We will be obliged to take a more rigorous attitude in respect of issues such as this. People appear to be of the view that if they own land, then they must be allowed to pursue any development opportunities relating to it. The flood guidelines will allow us to take a more rigorous approach. I hope these guidelines will be applied...

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: There is money available for minor works. Cork County Council will need to apply to the OPW in order to obtain funding to facilitate the carrying out of such works.

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: On the first point, I attended a Council meeting last week at which the European Court of Auditors presented a report which shows that there has been an improvement in the level of transparency and accountability relating to the spending of agricultural funding. This should, perhaps, contribute to lessening the need that exists in the context of the matter to which the Deputy refers.

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: We are always ready to meet and listen to local groups. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has not been part of the OPW for some time.

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: We must be realistic with regard to this matter. As various contributors to the debate indicated, there are different interests involved, such as boat clubs, fishermen and environmentalists. We must consider what is the correct balance in respect of these. In light of the disaster by which we have been affected, an element of rebalancing may be required.

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I visited the West County Hotel in Ennis last Saturday and I met a number of evacuees. I received word informally about a problem relating to Ardnacrusha and I informed the Taoiseach before he went into the interdepartmental meeting. I suggested questions needed to be raised and I am sure they have been asked. The Deputy stated too many agencies have responsibility. We live in a democracy...

Flood Relief: Statements. (24 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Warning systems are in operation on the Rivers Suir and Blackwater. They give several hours notice of flooding.