Results 1-20 of 1,389 for at speaker:Malcolm Noonan

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Parks and Wildlife Service (16 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Strategic Action Plan for the Renewal of the National Parks and Wildlife Service 2022-2024, approved by Government in May 2022, stemming from the Review, Reflect, Renew process culminating in the Kearney Report, does not contain an action as referenced in the Question, and in that regard, and I have no plans at this time to establish such a committee.

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Conservation (16 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: My Department is committed to consultation with relevant interested parties in relation to ongoing policy decisions on hunting and conservation. In addition to ongoing communication on a wide range of issues pertaining to the work of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), including conservation schemes, there are a number of structures in place to ensure communication in relation to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Water Services (15 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: ...an Leas-Cheann Comhairle agus leis an Teachta O'Connor as an gceist seo a ardú. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and I acknowledge Deputy Stanton's concerns as well about the east Cork boil water notice. The issue of safe drinking water has both national and local importance and I appreciate the Deputy's concerns for the communities affected. He will appreciate that the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Protection (15 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I understand that the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department are investigating the alleged use of squirrel traps at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin. The grey squirrel is an invasive alien species which was first brought into Ireland in 1911. It quickly established itself in the midlands and went on to expand across the entire eastern half of the country. This in turn led to...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wildlife Conservation (15 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: There are large numbers of feral goats (Capra hircus) across Ireland with newly escaped/released animals joining existing herds on a regular basis. There does not appear to be justification for the extension of protected status to feral goats under the Wildlife Act at this time. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is undertaking a project to review and update...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Sport and Recreational Development (14 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I can confirm that an application for a licence to excavate at the site referenced was received in my Department on 26 April. On the same date, and in line with standard procedures, this application was sent to the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) for any necessary observations. The NMI has up to two weeks to provide observations on receipt of which my Department will proceed to process...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: National Monuments (14 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The definition of “monument” for the purposes of the National Monuments Act 1930 is not in fact date limited. The definition of “national monument” as set out in section 2 of the Act of 1930, contains an automatic carry forward of anything which was an “ancient monument” for the purposes of the Ancient Monuments Protection Acts 1882 to 1910 (which...

Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation (9 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank Deputy Griffin for his continued support for this initiative. He is correct that the purchase of Inch Strand by the NPWS on behalf of the State now forms part of the new Páirc Náísiúnta na Mara, along with Derrynane, Conor Pass, Owenmore and Sceilg Mhichíl. The marine national park is a really important and wonderful initiative by the State. At the...

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad: Road Network (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Go raibh maith agat, Seanadóir Ó Gallchóir, as an gceist ábhartha seo. I understand that the Senator’s question is on the provision of additional emergency State funding to local authorities to undertake repair and upgrade works on the local and regional road network in light of excessive rainfall in recent months and other climate change factors. Some of the...

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad: Road Network (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will, absolutely. As I stated at the outset, however, it is the function of the individual local authority to prioritise the funding and where the allocation goes, and to work with the Department in respect of particularly unforeseen circumstances such as the weather events we have spoken about and in terms of road repair or maintenance that could be impacted by the severe weather or...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I had a wonderful visit to Howth portal tomb recently. Also known as Aideen’s Grave, it dates from the Neolithic period and is a recorded monument situated in the Howth demesne townland. Within a peninsula of great historical, archaeological and amenity importance, it is an important landmark. As a recorded monument, Aideen’s Grave...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: .... Certainly the last thing Government wishes in terms of overall policy is to deter people from using public transport or put barriers in their way. It should be affordable, reliable and safe. That is critically important. Further engagement is required. I cannot speak specifically about the public consultation in respect of people in Cork county or officials from Cork County...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Bus Services (1 May 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I am taking this issue on behalf of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Ryan. I wish to clarify that the Minister has responsibility for policy and overall funding in respect of public transport, and neither the Minister or his officials are involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Turf Cutting (30 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme (CTCCS) was established in 2011 for domestic turf cutters affected by the cessation of turf cutting on designated raised bogs. It comprises a payment of €1,500 per annum, index-linked, for 15 years, or relocation, where feasible, to a non-designated bog. The index-linked rate of compensation for 2024 is €1,839. One of the...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government: Wastewater Treatment (23 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The European Commission issued a letter of formal notice to the Irish Government on the 7 February 2024. The Commission considers that Ireland has failed to fully comply with the obligations set out in the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (Directive 91/271/EEC) in 11 urban areas. Having consulted with the Attorney General’s Office, my Department responded to the Commission on...

Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Motion (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I will try to touch on some of the points raised. I really appreciate the contributions of all the Deputies this afternoon. I agree with Deputy Connolly. Unfortunately, we did not have enough time to debate the issue. For National Biodiversity Day perhaps the Business Committee could look at having a broader debate on these issues. In this term of the Dáil, it is encouraging that we...

Citizens' Assembly Report on Biodiversity Loss: Motion (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: I am very grateful for the opportunity to speak today. I take this opportunity to formally welcome the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Change report on the examination of the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. I express my thanks to members of the committee, who worked collaboratively and very diligently to produce the report in a...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Medical Cards (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: ...of the reality of living on the islands in this day and age. It is a broader issue for Government and future governments to consider in respect of the economic, financial and other supports that can be put in place to ensure - it is something we all want to achieve - that we keep families living on the islands but also increase the number of people living on the islands, and particularly...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Coastal Erosion (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: The Deputy raises a matter that is of extreme concern to us all, and should be. She is correct that it is not only down to climate change or sea level rise that this is happening now, but this certainly is being exacerbated by it. In many parts of the world, retreat and abandonment are becoming part of climate adaptation strategy. It is something that is with us and something we have to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Special Educational Needs (18 Apr 2024)

Malcolm Noonan: Regarding De La Salle College in Dundalk, my understanding is that, last October, five students were accepted into its ASD unit for the semester starting in September 2023. However, on 26 March of this year, the school called to state it could no longer offer a place to any of the students. The reason given to parents was that the Department of Education was not providing the promised...