Results 3,141-3,160 of 14,706 for speaker:Phil Hogan

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Motor Tax Yield (24 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: Total gross motor tax receipts from 2008 to the end of August 2013 are set out in the table. YEAR TOTAL GROSS MOTOR TAX RECEIPTS € 2008 1,058,605,132 2009 1,057,822,734 2010 1,023,823,935 2011 1,010,419,164 2012 1,054,701,750 2013 (to end August) 771,365,796 Estimated income to the end of 2013 is in the order of €1,0 98 m. In subsequent years, in the...

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: Deputy Wallace should know better than anyone that I signed building regulations recently that will come into effect early next year. This will ensure all developers, builders and other construction professionals will do what they should have done before now. Before now, a coach and four were driven through existing regulations, some of which were inadequate. I can send the Deputy a copy...

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: I am not taking responsibility for the activities of my predecessors. I am trying to ensure this does not happen again. All options to help the residents in this plight-----

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: I am not taking responsibility for Deputy Cowen's Government's activities.

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: All of the financial institutions involved have been contacted and there is a constructive attitude which I hope will continue. I want to see those builders held to account. While it may take a lot longer than solving the problems of Priory Hall, those involved will not be let off the hook. After 15 months of mediation there was no solution. That mediation was triggered by the court...

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: Mr. Justice Finnegan reports to Dublin City Council and the courts, not to me.

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: It is significant and positive that the relevant financial providers, Dublin City Council, NAMA and other interested parties are prepared to engage. I am giving them a short time to come up with options to provide solutions for Priory Hall owners, both the residents and the buy-to-lets. I have delivered for Priory Hall residents where others have failed. I will not take any lectures from...

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: That is part of the court process, not part of the political process.

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: I thank the Deputies who have expressed a continuous interest in this matter. I also acknowledge the resilience and strength shown by the former residents of Priory Hall in facing an extremely difficult situation since their homes were evacuated almost two years ago. No homeowner should have to experience what they have lived through in that time. I wish to set out the context. Following...

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: Perhaps the Deputy is advocating that the developers, builders and other professionals to whom Deputy Mick Wallace referred should get off the hook.

Topical Issue Debate: Priory Hall Development (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: By making the suggestion he made, the Deputy is putting me in that position. The proceedings in question relate to an appeal by Dublin City Council against an order of the High Court that the council pay the costs of providing alternative accommodation and ancillary expenses faced by the residents consequent on the evacuation of the development. These proceedings are next scheduled to take...

Topical Issue Debate: National Policy on Graffiti (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: I thank Deputy O'Donnell for raising this important issue. I am fully aware of the blight on communities which graffiti causes and I am totally committed to tackling graffiti vandalism. The programme for Government 2011 included a commitment to establish a website to assist residents with the reporting of problems with street lighting, drainage, graffiti, waste collection and road and path...

Topical Issue Debate: National Policy on Graffiti (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: As the Deputy knows, I am very much aware of the issues arising for communities where graffiti presents a significant challenge. Every community, not just Limerick, is affected by the issue. I note the Deputy’s concern and his suggestion that a levy would be imposed on aerosol paints. I appreciate the helpful nature of his comments. I am prepared to re-examine the legislation to...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Property Taxation Collection (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: Queries concerning Local Property Tax yields in 2013 and anticipated yields in 2014 should be directed to my colleague, the Minister for Finance, who has responsibility for the Local Property Tax. The local government funding model will change considerably in 2014. Under the Finance (Local Property Tax) Act 2012, commencing in 2014 the Minister for Finance will pay into the Local Government...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Leader Programmes Funding (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will close for funding applications at the end of December 2013. However, under EU rules expenditure in relation to funding approved up to the end of 2013 can be made up to the end of 2015. In order to facilitate the efficient closure of the current programme my Department ha s informed all Local Development Companies contracted to deliver the...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Rural Development Programme Projects (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: The broad objectives of the LEADER Axes of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and to encourage diversification of economic activity in rural areas. The measures include a range of initiatives that are designed to promote economic activity in rural areas and also to stimulate broader community initiatives aimed at improving the overall...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Rural Recreation Promotion (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: Due to budgetary constraints it has not been possible to develop new walks under my Departments’ existing Walks Scheme since December 2010. However there are 40 trails covered by the Scheme, with payments of €1,910,000 made to 1,805 landholders in 2012 for maintenance of trails that traversed their lands. It is intended that any efficiencies and savings that can be generated...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Development Company Staff (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: There are 50 Local Development Companies (LDCs) contracted, on my Department’s behalf to deliver the Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), with 35 of those also delivering the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) throughout the country. The LDCs are independent companies with their own board of management and memoranda and articles of...

Written Answers — Department of Environment, Community and Local Government: Local Government Reform (19 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: The Action Programme for Effective Local Government sets out Government decisions for a range of local government reform measures. It does not seek to remove powers in relation to planning or housing from local authorities. The Action Programme includes a new system of municipal governance at sub-county level. Elected members will perform certain reserved functions at district level without...

Seanad: Adjournment Matters: Wind Energy Guidelines (18 Sep 2013)

Phil Hogan: I thank Senators Whelan and Kelly for raising this important issue. I am taking this matter on behalf of the delegated Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. My Department's wind energy development guidelines were published in June 2006 and provide advice to planning authorities on catering for wind energy through the development plan and development management processes. The guidelines...