Results 3,761-3,780 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Seanad: EU Council Decision: Motion (26 Nov 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I thank Senators for their support of this motion. It is interesting to note that the points raised in this House differ from those raised in the Dáil when I brought this motion before it this morning. This agreement will not come into effect until May 2011, following enactment of the relevant legislation. The purpose of the motion is to allow Ireland to agree and sign the new agreement,...

Written Answers — EU Directives: EU Directives (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Directive 2007/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk is primarily concerned with the assessment and management of flood risks, with the aim of reducing adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage and economic activity associated with floods in the European Community. There is a strong degree of...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Available information indicates that the widespread flooding that occurred in recent weeks was caused mainly by unusually prolonged heavy rainfall, which exceeded the conveyance capacity of rivers and drainage infrastructure. The OPW implements a maintenance programme in respect of the channels for which the Office has a statutory maintenance responsibility. It is the opinion of the OPW...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The flood relief scheme designed for Ennis comprises of three phases. The Ennis Upper Scheme and the Ennis Lower Scheme are being funded and built by the Office of Public Works, while works at Aughanteeroe, in Ennis, are being funded by OPW and carried out by Ennis Town Council. It is understood that these latter works are about to proceed. In relation to the Ennis Upper Scheme, works are...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The primary purpose of the flooding.ie website, established by the OPW, is to provide general information to the public on awareness and preparedness in advance of flood events occurring. It is designed to enhance citizens' ability to be prepared, at an individual level, for dealing with flooding events in their locality, homes or businesses. It is not designed, nor does it operate, as a...

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: I would refer the Deputy to my reply on 26 November to his PQ No. 94. OPW is making provision within its budget for the construction of the North and East phases of the Clonmel Flood Relief Scheme (which will be carried out simultaneously). The scheme will be submitted to the Minister for Finance for confirmation when the tenders have been received back and actual tender prices are...

Written Answers — Electric Vehicles: Electric Vehicles (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The Office of Public Works has recently ordered a 7.5 tonne electric van for use by the Furniture Division of the Office in Dublin and surrounding counties in a Research and Demonstration Programme. Apart from this, the Office has not entered into any arrangements for the purchase of electric vehicles. The National Public Procurement Operations Unit has not awarded any contracts, or...

Written Answers — Departmental Equipment: Departmental Equipment (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: OPW maintains a log of audio-visual equipment, which is located in different OPW locations across the country. The useful life of audio-visual equipment is five years. Where possible, OPW would seek to extend the useful life of such equipment beyond this period. After this period, while equipment is disposed of in a manner determined by local management, this usually involves recycling.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Following an assessment by Office of Public Works Engineers, it was decided to construct a wall on the south bank of the River Arra, from the Bridge of Tears to Courtney Bridge, and for a short stretch on the north bank downstream of Courtney Bridge in order to enhance the level of protection from flooding in the Rahina area. These works have been underway since April 2009.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The previous Parliamentary Question referred to by the Deputy required a significant collation of information by the Office of Public Works. Detailed information on elements of the question have already issued to the Deputy. The remaining details require surveying occupying departments to obtain certain information and this is being finalised.

Written Answers — Departmental Reports: Departmental Reports (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The ecological report commissioned by the Office of Public Works in relation to proposed mitigation works to address the flooding problem at Roundfort-Hollymount was completed in October. The report has been submitted by the OPW to the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for consent to the proposed works. If approval is...

Written Answers — Court Accommodation: Court Accommodation (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: The provision of Court accommodation is, in the first instance, a matter for the Courts Service. The Commissioners of Public Works, acting on behalf of the Courts Service, have appointed an Architect to this project. Consultations have already taken place with local Court users, and it is expected that plans will be prepared by the end of this year. This will enable further consultations to...

Written Answers — Security Systems: Security Systems (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: There are a range of technologies in use in buildings to improve security. The device referred to by the Deputy is just one of those. It is up to individual building managers, in consultation with the Garda Authorities, to consider the circumstance of their building. It is not possible, without surveying all occupiers, to given an indication as to whether such technology has been used.

Written Answers — Departmental Properties: Departmental Properties (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Works to Drimoleague Garda Station have not been prioritised by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or Garda Management. The Office of Public Works has no plans to relocate the existing Garda Station.

Written Answers — Flood Relief: Flood Relief (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: During the Summer, the OPW invited Local Authorities to apply for funding in respect of minor flood mitigation works that would be carried out by the Authorities in 2009, subject to specific criteria. No application was received from Louth County Council. The OPW will shortly seek applications in relation to works to be undertaken in 2010. It will be open to Louth County Council to apply...

Written Answers — Building Projects: Building Projects (1 Dec 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 as soon as possible.

Seanad: Pre-Budget Outlook: Statements (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Last month, the Department of Finance published the pre-budget outlook, which set out the economic and fiscal forecasts in advance of the budget. It is the intention that this document will provide the platform for a debate on economic and budgetary decisions on a more fully informed basis. Accordingly, I welcome this opportunity to set out the current and prospective economic and budgetary...

Seanad: Pre-Budget Outlook: Statements (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: Yes.

Seanad: Pre-Budget Outlook: Statements (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: It was 1924.

Seanad: Pre-Budget Outlook: Statements (1 Dec 2009)

Martin Mansergh: On Senator O'Toole's last point, one of the last points I made in my opening contribution was that we would bring forward policies in the forthcoming budget to ensure the burden of adjustment was spread as fairly as possible. That is something common to us all. I thank all Senators for their contributions to the debate which has been constructive. I do not propose to attempt to answer all...