Results 361-380 of 4,810 for speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Seanad Public Consultation Committee: The Future of Local Democracy: Discussion (Resumed) (27 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: This is a great opportunity for us to have input into this important process. I served for 16 years as a councillor on Kilkenny County Council. Being the only Green in the village was often challenging during that time. It was very difficult at times because I took a contrarian view on issues and I felt isolated. At the same time, it was a rewarding experience. I respectfully disagree...

Seanad Public Consultation Committee: The Future of Local Democracy: Discussion (Resumed) (27 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will get everyone out the gap by 11 a.m. with a quick summary. I thank everyone for these fascinating contributions, including the summary by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon. Deputy Catherine Murphy referred to a directly elected tier of regional representatives. That should be explored, perhaps by An Coimisiún Toghcháin as a research piece. It would...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Legislative Process (27 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Nature Restoration Regulation (also known as the Nature Restoration Law, NRL) was approved by a qualified majority vote (QMV) during the session of the Environment Council in Luxembourg on Monday 17th June 2024. The Regulation will enter into force 20 days after it is published in the EU Official Journal. An EU regulation is a binding legislative act that must be applied in its...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Protection (26 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I understand that the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department had conducted an investigation in relation to the sale of electronic rodent traps by a retailer. Upon notification of the legal status of the traps, the retailer promptly removed them from sale and quarantined them until their UK-based manufacturer could collect them. The decision to prosecute is taken carefully...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Protection (26 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has commenced a project to review and update wildlife legislation. This is an extensive review and is a multi-year project. It will examine closely the effectiveness of our legislation in protecting wildlife and regulating activities that adversely impact on wildlife and biodiversity. A first phase of public consultation will...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Parks and Wildlife Service (26 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The information requested is being complied and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with standing orders.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Planning Issues (26 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Nature Restoration Law (NRL) presents significant opportunities to support the achievement of nature, water and climate objectives, as well as substantial investments in rural economies and communities. The NRL sets out a framework for Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for a wide range of ecosystems including rivers, forests, oceans, urban areas and agricultural...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Housing Schemes (26 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Barrow Blueway Project is a significant initiative which will support communities and create exciting opportunities for recreation and increasing people’s well-being. The greater level of use of the waterway and its towpath by visitors to the area will improve the local economy and support local services. Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Barrow Blueway Project...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Turbary Rights (25 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I understand that the Question refers to an area in Mount Brandon in County Kerry. Mount Brandon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) comprises the central and north-western parts of the Dingle Peninsula. It is a mountainous area that encompasses several peaks including Mount Brandon, Brandon Peak, and the Stradbally range which includes Beenoskee. The site includes blanket bog habitat...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Marine Protected Areas (25 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I refer to my reply to Question No. 210 of 18 June 2024 which sets out the current position.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Insurance Coverage (20 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I very much appreciate the vital role played by owners of thatched buildings as the custodians of this distinctive and cherished aspect of our built heritage. I am very aware also of the problems facing owners in relation to insurance. This is particularly acute in larger structures, generally partially-thatched, where the costs of re-build will be higher. Policy relating to the insurance...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Heritage Sites (20 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The site in question is currently being archaeologically excavated in accordance with the requirements of conditions imposed by the planning authority when it granted the relevant planning permission under the Planning and Development Act 2000. The archaeological excavation itself is licensed under section 26 of the National Monuments Act 1930. That licensing process ensures that the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Heritage Sites (20 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Damage to monuments by third parties in the form of vandalism is subject to severe penalties arising from the general criminal law - the Criminal Damage Act 1991 - penalties under this act are severe and in some cases a court may impose a life sentence. In terms of theft, third parties can be prosecuted under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 with a potential term of...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Special Areas of Conservation (19 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The land referred to in the Question was surveyed and included within the boundary of the Dingle Peninsula Special Protection Area (SPA) proposed for designation in 2006. This SPA is designated for the protection of bird species Fulmar, Peregrine and Chough. The deadline for lodging an appeal against the inclusion of land within the Dingle Peninsula SPA has long passed. The de-designation...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Estimates for Public Services 2024
Vote 16 - Tailte Éireann (Revised)
Vote 23 - An Coimisiún Toghcháin (Revised)
Vote 34 - Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Revised) (13 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach agus leis an gcoiste. I welcome the opportunity to discuss with the committee the Estimate for 2024 in the areas of nature, heritage and electoral reform. The National Monuments Service, the built heritage programmes and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, are an integral part of what the Department delivers on behalf of the people....

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Estimates for Public Services 2024
Vote 16 - Tailte Éireann (Revised)
Vote 23 - An Coimisiún Toghcháin (Revised)
Vote 34 - Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Revised) (13 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Since we came into government, it has increased significantly. Total provisions for 2024, between capital and current, were €54.4 million. On the capital side, the investment has gone into the infrastructure in the parks, such as trails, access, interpretation and improvement of visitor facilities, but also in terms of management of invasive species - rodent management is a big one,...

Select Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Estimates for Public Services 2024
Vote 16 - Tailte Éireann (Revised)
Vote 23 - An Coimisiún Toghcháin (Revised)
Vote 34 - Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Revised) (13 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Absolutely. I think so and the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, may wish to comment as well. We have the local biodiversity action fund, which we have quadrupled over the past three years. That has been transformative as well as having ensured that with the Heritage Council we have a biodiversity officer in every county to support that work. When we embark on a national nature...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Housing for All: Discussion (13 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will deal with the questions in reverse order if that is okay. The issue of staged payments has been raised a good deal by Deputies and Senators over the past couple of months. There is no doubt that the measure has been very successful. It has been transformative from a heritage perspective and it brings many important buildings back into use, with families living in them. That is what...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government: Housing for All: Discussion (13 Jun 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: As stated, some banks are already providing bridging loans by way of support. That is probably the best way forward to address the issue. The local authority purchase and renovation loan is expected to be implemented in mid-July, which is positive. The other question was on whether there are vacant homes officers in every local authority. I think they are almost all covered. We are...