Results 3,321-3,340 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Health and Safety Regulations: Health and Safety Regulations (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: A number of distinct issues are raised in the correspondence. Section 30 of the Fire Services Act 1981 provides that every person who knowingly gives or causes to be given a false alarm (whether by means of a street fire alarm, a telephone communication, a direct statement, a message or otherwise) to a fire brigade maintained by a fire authority is guilty of an offence. With regard to the...

Written Answers — Rural Housing: Rural Housing (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: My Department's Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing (2005) are designed to achieve a balance between a good planning framework for rural housing and the local housing needs of those who are part of, or have links to, local rural communities. The Guidelines elaborate on the physical development policies for rural areas as set out in the Government's National...

Written Answers — Local Authority Staff: Local Authority Staff (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: My Department directed all local authorities, in line with Government policy on reducing Public Sector pay costs, that travel and subsistence rates and all allowances based on travel and subsistence rates were being reduced by 25% with effect from 12 March 2009. Local authorities were also reminded of their responsibilities to ensure that only essential travel is undertaken; that the number...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: Section 42 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that, on application, the duration of a planning permission (normally 5 years) must be extended, subject to certain conditions, where substantial works have been carried out before the expiration of the original permission. Section 23 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009, which was published on 3 June, amends this...

Written Answers — Departmental Advertising: Departmental Advertising (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: My Department does not compile or hold data in relation to companies or consultants engaged by agencies under its aegis.

Written Answers — Departmental Advertising: Departmental Advertising (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: The information requested in respect of my Department is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: Section 14 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 allows for the discretionary listing of rights of way in local authority development plan. It is an enabling provision, which allows planning authorities to preserve public rights of way as they consider appropriate, having regard to their core functions, resources available, local circumstances, etc. I am currently considering whether...

Written Answers — Litter Pollution: Litter Pollution (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: Litter is a scourge on our landscape and, apart from the substantial clean up costs incurred by local authorities, there can be negative consequences for society at large. I am pleased that recent results from Irish Business against Litter (IBAL) and the soon to be published results from my Department National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) point to a steady reduction in litter...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: I refer to the reply to Question No. 472 of 6 May, 2009, in which I indicated that consultations with landowners and the local authority on operational issues are a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW), as manager of the site, and are being pursued as appropriate by OPW.

Written Answers — Building Energy Regulation: Building Energy Regulation (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 424 together. There are currently some 2,700 persons registered with Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) as Building Energy Rating (BER) assessors for dwellings with some 270 registered as BER assessors for buildings other than dwellings. At present there are some 50,000 Building Energy Rating (BER) certificates in place in respect of dwellings and...

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (23 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together. In the period 2008-2012, Ireland is required to meet a challenging greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol; this target is binding in international law. In addition, by 2020, Ireland is committed under the EU climate and energy package agreed in December 2008 to achieve a 20% reduction on 2005 levels of...

Written Answers — Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Greenhouse Gas Emissions (18 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Question Nos. 161 and 163 together. All relevant Government Departments are working on the development of further measures to reduce Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions. This work is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, which is chaired by the Taoiseach. I have been reporting progress to the Oireachtas on an annual basis when I present...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (18 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: The Rochestown Water Supply Scheme, which includes the provision of a new water main at the location mentioned, has been approved for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 – 2009 at an estimated cost of €2.7 million. I understand that Cork County Council has already started work on this scheme. Accordingly, details...

Written Answers — EU Regulations: EU Regulations (18 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: Primary responsibility for the implementation of the Nitrates Regulations has rested with the local authorities since 2005. However, discussions are ongoing between my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to ensure that the necessary inspection and related functions under the Nitrates Regulations are carried out in the most efficient and effective manner. In the...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (18 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: My Department's 2005 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing state that, in rural areas under strong urban pressure, planning applications for a single rural dwelling from persons who demonstrate 'local need' in terms of strong links to the local community should be accommodated, subject to the normal planning criteria of siting, waste water disposal etc. The...

Written Answers — Building Energy Rating: Building Energy Rating (17 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together. I am advised by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) that arrangements are now in place to facilitate early registration for fully certified assessors who are still awaiting the receipt of their certificates from FETAC. There are currently over 2,700 persons registered with SEI as BER assessors for dwellings, a far higher number of assessors...

Written Answers — Departmental Programmes: Departmental Programmes (17 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: A list of the policies, strategies or initiatives published by my Department over each of the past five years is contained in the tables. In line with the principles of consultation and quality customer service, my Department is committed to providing opportunities for input into policy formulation and legislative development. This enables the widest possible range of views to be taken into...

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (17 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: The Environment Fund was established by the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 with effect from 17 July 2001. All plastic bag levy receipts are paid into the Environment Fund. In respect of landfill levy receipts, local authorities may deduct and retain up to 2%, subject to a maximum of €50,000 per annum, from levies payable in respect of privately operated landfill facilities to meet...

Written Answers — Noise Pollution: Noise Pollution (17 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: Under the provisions of Section 25 of the Control of Dogs Act, 1986, the District Court may act on a complaint by any person where a nuisance has been created by excessive barking by a dog. In general, it is advisable that the person affected by a barking dog raise the issue with the owner of the offending animal. Should this avenue fail, the person can proceed to court. A copy of the forms...

Written Answers — Turbary Rights: Turbary Rights (17 Jun 2009)

John Gormley: The case in question refers to a compensation claim made by an individual in relation to the restriction on commercial turf cutting on a designated raised bog. The matter has been settled. Agreed contracts were signed on my behalf on 30 April 2009 and the compensation consideration has been paid by the Department to the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO). My Department has also provided...