Results 4,221-4,240 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together. On the basis of different methods of projecting expenditure, the consultants identify that by 2010, local authority expenditure will increase by €1 billion to €2 billion in nominal terms over 2004 levels. Funding for this expenditure will be met by a combination of the buoyancy in the existing funding system, some additional funding...

Written Answers — Local Authority Funding: Local Authority Funding (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The current national development plan has seen a wide range of infrastructural investment throughout the country in roads, public transport, housing and environmental services, as well as health, child care and other services. The national spatial strategy published in 2002 aims to achieve more balanced regional development across the country in both urban and rural areas. The national...

Written Answers — Planning Issues: Planning Issues (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I refer to the reply to today's Question No. 10.

Written Answers — Legislative Programme: Legislative Programme (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The Local Government Act 2001 modernises the legislative framework, supports community involvement with local authorities in a more participative local democracy and underpins the programme of local government renewal. The Act is being brought into operation on a phased basis and in excess of 80% of its sections have been commenced. I am currently considering the steps necessary to commence...

Written Answers — Wildlife Protection: Wildlife Protection (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The information sought is not available in my Department.

Written Answers — Wildlife Protection: Wildlife Protection (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: Sale or possession of glue traps, other than in accordance with a licence issued by my Department, is prohibited under the Wildlife Act 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. No licences are currently in force to permit the sale or possession of such traps. My Department has, over the past 18 months, been involved in two court cases involving the unlawful possession of...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The lower Liffey Valley sewerage scheme has been approved for construction in my Department's water services investment programme for 2005 to 2007 at an estimated cost of €31 million. The scheme, under which the waste water collection systems in Leixlip, Kilcock, Straffan, Celbridge and Maynooth will be upgraded and improved, also includes measures to eliminate odours from the existing...

Written Answers — Drainage Schemes: Drainage Schemes (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I understand that drainage works were carried out in Allenwood, County Kildare, in 2003 by the Office of Public Works as agents for Kildare County Council. My Department had no function in these works nor is it in any discussions with the council about them.

Written Answers — Alternative Energy Projects: Alternative Energy Projects (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: Thermal treatment with energy recovery forms an important part of a modern, integrated and sustainable approach to waste management consistent with the internationally accepted waste hierarchy. Its role is fully recognised within the EU environmental framework which moreover regulates waste incineration in accordance with strict environmental standards. This type of incineration forms a key...

Written Answers — Water Supply: Water Supply (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: Some €3.7 billion will be spent under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 on the provision of water services infrastructure. Substantial increases in water treatment and storage capacity, both for domestic and industrial use, are being achieved as a result of this investment. Schemes completed since 1997 have produced additional drinking water treatment capacity equivalent to the needs...

Written Answers — Water and Sewerage Schemes: Water and Sewerage Schemes (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together. I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 656 of 14 February 2006.

Written Answers — Local Authority Information: Local Authority Information (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The Local Government Act, 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003 provide, inter alia, for the supply of specified documentation to Oireachtas Members by a local authority such as a local authority budget or draft development plan. Equivalent systems, procedures and timeframes to those used for correspondence from local authority members apply also to Oireachtas Members. Managers are required to...

Written Answers — Heritage Sites: Heritage Sites (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: My Department is finalising the tender documentation for the preparation of a conservation plan for archaeological sites at Rathcroghan, which will include matters such as public access. It is hoped to go to tender by the end of this month.

Written Answers — Waste Management: Waste Management (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: As I have previously stated, my Department's role in the approval process for this proposed waste to energy plant is limited to validating compliance with public policy on procurement by way of public-private partnership, as laid down in guidelines issued by the Department of Finance. Having reviewed the detailed proposals of Dublin City Council, and consulted with the National Development...

Written Answers — Airport Safety: Airport Safety (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: My Department is currently preparing draft guidelines for planning authorities on public safety zones at State airports. The draft guidelines will be published shortly for public consultation.

Written Answers — Construction Industry: Construction Industry (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: My Department is not responsible for regulating contractual relationships or for the sponsorship of new legislation in this area. I understand, however, that the European Communities (Late Payments in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002 already provide contractors, including sub-contractors, with legal protection against late payments and unfair contract terms. In addition,...

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: Development contributions are levied as a condition of planning permission in accordance with development contribution schemes adopted by the elected members of planning authorities after a public consultation process. This approach was endorsed by the Oireachtas in the context of the Planning and Development Act 2000. It enables local authorities to estimate the cost of infrastructure and...

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I agree with Deputy McCormack that the process for dealing with development levies is not as transparent as it should be. Before the recent local authority estimates were produced, I wrote to all the county managers informing them than I expected them to be open and transparent as to the amount of money they were collecting in levies. It is a matter for local authorities and local councillors...

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: I am very pleased that Deputy McCormack raised the issue of contribution levies in County Wicklow because, as he is aware, his colleagues on the county council reduced the levies before the local elections and increased them after the elections. This was an extraordinary example of levying a stealth tax. It was extraordinary behaviour on the part of councillors, who made the decisions to both...

Local Authority Funding. (8 Mar 2006)

Dick Roche: The cost, including publication, of the recently published study in the financing of local government was €291,100. On the basis of different methods of projecting expenditure, the consultants identify that by 2010, local authority expenditure will increase by €1 billion to €2 billion in nominal terms over 2004 levels. Funding this expenditure will be met by a combination of the...