Results 3,761-3,780 of 9,994 for speaker:John Gormley

Written Answers — Recycling Policy: Recycling Policy (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end-of-life. Under the original Directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25%...

Written Answers — Road Network: Road Network (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I assume that the Question relates to suggested changes to the design of the M3 Motorway in a "Meath Masterplan" produced by a number of private individuals. I have no function in relation to this proposal which is the responsibility of the National Roads Authority.

Written Answers — Climate Change Strategy: Climate Change Strategy (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The recent climate change package adopted by the European Union includes legally binding limits on the greenhouse gas emissions of each Member State for the period to 2020. I also support the concept of enshrining climate change targets in domestic legislation. However, as I have stated previously, I believe that the challenge we face, in terms of the necessary scale of emission reductions,...

Written Answers — Climate Change Strategy: Climate Change Strategy (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I attended the recent meeting of the Environment Council in Brussels on 2 March 2009. In my interventions, I supported the comprehensive conclusions prepared by the Presidency in response to the European Commission communication 'Towards Copenhagen'. The agreed conclusions, inter alia, reiterate both the need to limit the increase in global temperature to less than 2°C compared with...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The Athenry Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. Galway County Council's Design Review Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 860 and 875 together. Water services investments have been undertaken for a number of years on the basis of 3 year rolling capital programmes of schemes. The schemes included respond to environmental and social-economic developmental needs and priorities identified by local authorities having regard to overall criteria set at national level, and overall...

Written Answers — Local Authority Staff: Local Authority Staff (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Based on data supplied by Local Authorities, there are 665 staff employed in Motor Tax Offices, dealing with motor taxation, driver licensing, certificates of roadworthiness, and other related functions. There are 4.6 full-time equivalent staff employed in the Motor Tax Section of my Department.

Written Answers — Register of Electors: Register of Electors (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. Authorities were required to publish the final Register for 2009/10 by 1 February 2009 and this is now available for checking. Individuals not on the...

Written Answers — Architectural Heritage: Architectural Heritage (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Draft nomination documentation for the Monastic City of Clonmacnoise and its cultural landscape was submitted by my Department to UNESCO in September 2008 to obtain feedback on the approach and the specific criteria being proposed for qualifying the site for inscription on the World Heritage List. At that time a presentation on the draft nomination was made to a meeting of Offaly County...

Written Answers — Departmental Allowances: Departmental Allowances (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Day to day operational matters, including details as to the payment of fixed car allowances to individuals within the agencies under the aegis of my Department, are a matter for the agency or body concerned and the Department does not routinely collect information in this regard. The agencies have been reminded of the ongoing requirement to adhere to Department of Finance guidelines...

Written Answers — Environmental Policy: Environmental Policy (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Japanese Knotweed was first introduced to Ireland over 100 years ago. It forms dense thickets along roadsides, waste-grounds and waterways, reproduces by vegetative means and is difficult to kill off once it becomes established. Best Practice Management Guidelines for Japanese Knotweed have been published by the all-Island "Invasive Species Ireland Project" and can be accessed on the...

Written Answers — Motor Taxation: Motor Taxation (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I am aware of the significant impact on the motor industry in Ireland and internationally due to the contraction in economic activity and I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 12 and 15 of 5 February 2009. The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has put a number of proposals to Government in relation to the car market and my Department met a delegation on the 4 February 2009. The core...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 877 and 891 together. The European Commission has submitted an application to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) seeking a declaration that Ireland has failed to fulfil its obligations under Council Directive 85/337/EEC (the EIA Directive) because, inter alia, of an alleged failure to ensure that, where Irish planning authorities and the Environmental...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Mountmellick Sewerage Scheme (Phases 1 and 2) is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. Phase 1 works, which are at construction stage, involve improvement works to the existing wastewater infrastructure in the town. The Council has appointed consultants to prepare the Preliminary Report in relation to the Phase 2 works, which will...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The Athy Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 at a cost of €2.35 million. My Department will fund 40% of the approved scheme costs. The award of the contract for the scheme is a matter for the local authority.

Written Answers — Rate Waiver Schemes: Rate Waiver Schemes (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Within the last five years, one application for consent to a rate waiver scheme was received by my Department in each of the years 2007 and 2008. There are two rate waiver schemes that have received Ministerial approval under the provisions of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970 currently in place. These consents were given in 1988 and 1990 for voluntary and community sporting facilities...

Written Answers — National Parks: National Parks (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: Work on the fitting out of the Visitor Centre for Ballycroy National Park is being finalised at present. My Department is currently considering staffing options in relation to the new Centre having regard, inter alia, to potential opening arrangements and the need to achieve economies in staff payroll costs. Recruitment of any new staff from outside the Department that may be required for...

Written Answers — Waste Disposal: Waste Disposal (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: The statutory National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008 — 2012 (NHWMP), which has been prepared and published by the EPA, contains recommendations at Chapter 6.5 which state, inter alia, that the provision of landfill capacity for asbestos waste should be actively promoted. In support of the recommendations contained in the report the EPA will shortly commission a study to explore the...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I propose to take Questions Nos. 887, 888 and 890 together. The Clifden Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009. My Department is awaiting submission of Galway County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme. The Clifden Regional Water Supply Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment...

Written Answers — Turbary Rights: Turbary Rights (24 Mar 2009)

John Gormley: I understand that this application to sell bogland to my Department under the Designated Bog Compensation Scheme is currently with the Chief State Solicitor's Office. It is not possible, at this stage, to indicate exactly when the transaction is likely to be completed.