Results 43,121-43,140 of 46,456 for speaker:Simon Harris

Seanad: Finance Bill 2014: Second Stage (4 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: It is working.

Seanad: Finance Bill 2014: Second Stage (4 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: I am very pleased to be in the Seanad today for this Second Stage debate on the Finance Bill 2014. We find ourselves today in a different economic place than we were in when we debated previous Finance Bills. We can now have a debate in the context of a growing economy where thankfully many more people are at work. The strong Exchequer figures which we published on Tuesday are yet one more...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Ground Rents Payments (4 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 84 together. The annual ground rent for properties under the remit of the Commissioners of Public Works is €4,147.44. The top ten recipients of ground rent for properties in State ownership under the remit of the Commissioners of Public Works are set out as follows: The table shows the Landlord and the annual ground rent paid. Landlord...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (4 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: Without a more detailed address the Office of Public Works (OPW) is not in a position to be absolutely definitive about the specific lands mentioned by the Deputy but in recently carrying out some maintenance on the Marine Catchment Drainage Scheme at Castleisland erosion was identified on lands in the ownership of a named person. This erosion is considered as posing a risk of flood damage,...

Topical Issue Debate: Flood Relief Schemes Status (3 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: I am delighted to be able to provide Deputy Carey with this information and good news for Ennis. It is an issue he has been pursuing for some time with me and my predecessors. It might be useful to inform the Deputy and the House that Clare County Council has estimated that the all-in cost of the scheme, inclusive of all professional fees and other costs, will be in the region of...

Topical Issue Debate: Flood Relief Schemes Status (3 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Carey for raising this important matter and for giving me the opportunity to address the House and update the Deputy and the people of Ennis about it. During November 2009, following an exceptionally prolonged and intense wet spell, Saint Flannan's College in Ennis, County Clare, and built-up areas in its environs, experienced severe flooding from Flannan's stream. This...

Order of Business (3 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: Everybody else supported it.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (3 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: The lands in question form part of the River Maine Arterial Drainage scheme for which the Office of Public Works has a maintenance responsibility. It is subject to an average cycle of maintenance taking place just over once every 5 years. This work is carried out to ensure that the State's investment in the Arterial Drainage schemes continues to provide the intended benefits. I am...

Topical Issue Debate: Flood Relief Schemes Status (2 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: I will look favourably on both of the Deputy's requests. He can take as a given that I will do everything I can to ensure the report is delivered with haste. I share his frustration and that of people in Skibbereen. The Government wants this flood relief scheme to be delivered and has provided funding to that end. People in Skibbereen now expect it to be delivered, having invested...

Topical Issue Debate: Flood Relief Schemes Status (2 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: I thank Deputy Michael McCarthy for giving me the opportunity to provide an update to the House by raising this important matter for the people of Skibbereen this evening. I assure him that his request that I give the matter my personal attention is one to which I am happy to accede. I had an opportunity last Thursday to address the Seanad about flooding and to outline the following. In...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (2 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: Responsibility for progressing with a project to install additional flood defences in Passage East rests with Waterford County Council in the first instance. The Office of Public Works (OPW) approved funding of €15,000 to the Council under the Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme in 2012 for a study of the flooding problem at Passage East. The Council fully drew...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Heritage Sites (2 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: The Commissioners of Public Works have no plans to refurbish the Casino at Marino. Remedial and repair works will continue to be undertaken as and when required.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Prevention Measures (2 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: While Castleisland is within the River Maine catchment which is maintained as part of the Office of Public Works (OPW) arterial drainage responsibilities in this area the public road bridge at Barrack Street, Castleisland is the responsibility of the Local Authority and the sewer pipe mentioned is the responsibility of Irish Water.

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: National Monuments (2 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: Officials of the Office of Public Works will be happy to meet with this individual at a mutually convenient time. In order to assist with preparation for a meeting, and anticipating that it may call for input from parties from other Agencies, it would be helpful if this person could indicate in advance the subject areas he wishes to discuss. This can be addressed to frank.shalvey@opw.ie....

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Office of Public Works Staff (2 Dec 2014)

Simon Harris: Recruitment of established civil servants is carried out by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). This is done through the website www.publicjobs.ie where potential applicants can register and be notified of competitions. PAS would also advertise through the national press. For state industrial (including seasonal) posts, these are advertised on the OPW website www.opw.ie, in the...

Seanad: Flood Management: Statements (27 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: Regarding the islands, Kerry County Council needs to assess the problem and see if there is a viable solution. If it does, it is welcome to submit a minor works application which would then be assessed by the Office of Public Works, OPW, to see if there were cost-benefit elements to it. I have seen the devastation experienced by businesses caused by flooding. In the case of Nutgrove Avenue,...

Seanad: Flood Management: Statements (27 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: No, I would imagine there was not. If the local authority can devise solutions, it can then apply for funding for them under the minor flood works mitigation scheme. The OPW can provide a funding mechanism of up to €500,000 under the scheme.

Seanad: Flood Management: Statements (27 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: Yes, they are very efficient. I will look into the points Senator Byrne raised about the arterial river in Drumconrath, County Meath, which is known as the River Neagh, as confirmed by the Acting Chairman. The Claregalway relief works are a major scheme and priority for my office. We have had many representations on it and are eager to progress it. Its EIS, environmental impact statement,...

Seanad: Flood Management: Statements (27 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: Yes, as well as other measures such as natural flood plains, afforestation, deforestation and so forth. I am pleased to hear of the success of the scheme in Waterford city. Lessons must be learned from the past and the taxpayer cannot continue to pick up the tab for failures to adhere to best planning practice. We are making as much information available as possible which is the purpose of...

Seanad: Flood Management: Statements (27 Nov 2014)

Simon Harris: I have a lot to get through and I want to deal with it all. I thank Senators for their constructive contributions on this important topic. I have listened carefully to the contributions and it is clear that flooding is a problem that is at the forefront of the concerns affecting many communities throughout this country. Many issues and some specific local problems were mentioned during the...