Results 3,121-3,140 of 6,623 for speaker:Seán Kyne

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Regional Development Initiatives (14 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: The objective of the Atlantic Economic Corridor proposal is to maximise the assets along Ireland’s western seaboard to attract investment, support job creation and contribute to an improved quality of life for those who live there. The Atlantic Economic Corridor Taskforce was established in March 2017 to progress the proposal. I chair the Taskforce which includes senior...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Inland Fisheries Ireland (13 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that statutory powers in relation to an installation, such as that referred to by the Deputy, under Section 123 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, relate to the requirements for gratings in watercourses diverted from rivers. Notwithstanding the fact that the gratings in question meet the legal requirements of Section 123 of...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Fisheries Protection (12 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: I have given notice of proposals to make a Designated Salmonid Waters Bye-Law and instigated a public consultation seeking observations on the draft proposals at any time during the period of 21 days which concluded on 25 May 2018. The principal intention behind the proposed (draft) Bye-Law is to give statutory status to the existing policy designation of...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Aquaculture Regulation (12 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1035 to 1038, inclusive, together. A report regarding escapes from a fish farm in Donegal was sent via e-mail to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s generic e-mail address: by the Technical Manager of the licensee of the fish farm on 4 July 2017.Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has reviewed its protocols to ensure that reports are submitted to specific nominated...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Seismic Surveys (12 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1041 to 1044, inclusive, together. In advance of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round, the Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment 5 process was undertaken by my Department and included consideration of potential environmental impacts which may arise specifically as a result of petroleum exploration activities. Any exploration activity proposed...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Seismic Surveys (12 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: No application to conduct a seismic survey in the Irish Offshore in 2018 has been received or consented to. The following applications to conduct site surveys in the Irish Offshore in 2018 are currently under consideration: - Application submitted by Providence Resources Plc to conduct a Seabed Debris Clearance, Environmental Baseline and Habitat Assessment Site Survey on Frontier...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Exploration Licences (12 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: In making an application for an Exploration Licence; to extend the duration of a phase of an existing Exploration Licence; or to enter a new phase of an existing Exploration Licence the applicant must propose work programme commitments which will progress knowledge of the petroleum prospectivity of the licensed area. Evaluation of such work programme commitments by my Department forms one...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Seismic Surveys (12 Jun 2018)

Seán Kyne: The Government’s integrated marine plan “Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth” recognises the importance of Ireland’s rich marine biodiversity and ecosystems. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, as regulator of petroleum authorisations, including seismic surveys, aims to ensure that such surveys are carried out in an environmentally sustainable...

Topical Issue Debate: European Court of Human Rights Judgments (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: I thank Deputy Ó Caoláin for putting down this important Topical Issue matter. I am taking this on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Coveney, who cannot be with us. In 1971, the deep concern of the Irish Government and the Irish people led to Ireland bringing a case against the UK before the European Commission and Court of Human Rights...

Topical Issue Debate: European Court of Human Rights Judgments (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: The Government has taken this very seriously. In 2014 it requested the European Court of Human Rights to revise its judgment and the Tánaiste took it upon himself to meet those men who have survived and was very taken with their stories and the impact of what was done to them. I know that the Deputy is eager and he has expressed his view that the Government should seek a referral to...

Other Questions: Offshore Exploration Licences (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: The Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill has been referred to select committee for consideration and, as such, it remains a legislative proposal. The challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is well understood by the Government and it is reflected in our national climate action and energy policy and the debate we have had with various...

Other Questions: Offshore Exploration Licences (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: I know a number of other countries have taken different approaches and France has been mentioned numerous times. France's approach for the future is underpinned by an energy mix of 50% renewables, which is excellent, and 50% nuclear, which is completely different from what we are facing here in the Irish scenario. Scotland has proposed climate change legislation but it is also a major...

Other Questions: Offshore Exploration Licences (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: We have plans for renewables and clear targets that we need to meet. We must also recognise that according to the energy White Paper of 2015, fossil fuels will continue to play a role in future. Energy security is very important. If the pipeline to this country was stopped in the morning, I am sure the Deputy would be one of the first to speak about constituents not being able to heat...

Other Questions: Offshore Exploration Licences (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: We face such scenarios. The Deputy mentioned the policies of countries in Europe and elsewhere. The EU's import dependency on petroleum and its product has increased from 74% in 1995 to 89% in 2015, and from 43% to 69% with respect to natural gas over the same period. There is a challenge across Europe and we are reliant on areas with unstable democracies in some cases for our energy...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: North-South Interconnector (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: The North South Interconnector, as proposed as an overhead line, now has full planning permission in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. I have listened carefully to the issues raised in relation to this project, particularly those living in close proximity to the proposed project. In February and March 2017, two motions calling for an updated independent study into the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Inland Fisheries Ireland (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: Aasleagh Lodge and the Erriff Fishery came into State ownership in 1982.  The lodge and fishery were initially managed and developed by the Central Fisheries Board and then by the Western Regional Fisheries Board (predecessors of Inland Fisheries Ireland – IFI).  The Lodge was used to accommodate visiting anglers (both domestic and overseas) availing of the fishery and other...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Renewable Energy Incentives (31 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: I am committed to exploring opportunities for micro generation further, as I believe micro generation not only offers customers protection from rising energy costs, but also because micro generation could enhance broader social engagement with renewable energy projects across Ireland and enable the transition to a low carbon economy. Furthermore, micro generation will be required given the...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Departmental Consultations (30 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: The correspondence referred to is a submission to the public consultation process which I invited regarding the proposed draft Designated Salmonid Waters Bye-law 2018. All submissions to the consultation process, received by the closing date of 25 May 2018, will be considered.

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Inland Fisheries Stocks (30 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the State Agency statutorily responsible for the management and conservation of Ireland's Inland fisheries resources including wild Atlantic salmon. The management of inland fisheries generally is a matter of national rather than EU competence having regard to certain EU legislation, most notably the Habitats Directive under which salmon habitats...

Written Answers — Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment: Inland Fisheries (29 May 2018)

Seán Kyne: The purpose of the proposed eel support scheme is to provide a measure of payment to fishermen who were licenced by the State.  Consultations with the Revenue Commissioners in relation to the scope of the proposed measure are on-going. The activity mentioned by the Deputy would appear to be based on private commercial arrangements to which the State is not a party.