Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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291. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress his Department has achieved in reducing its carbon footprint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51137/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department's staff are based in two locations in Dublin and Ballina Co Mayo, aside from a small number of regional inspectors based in a number of locations around the country.

In Ballina, my Department shares accommodation with the Department of Employment and Social Protection and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, which is the anchor tenant for the building.

In Dublin, OPW secured accommodation for this Department on two floors in the Trinity Point building in Dublin 2, which we have occupied since August 2018. This is a modern office building and is currently shared with a mix of other public bodies and private companies and is managed under a pre-existing contract with a managing agent.

The Department is fully committed to, and engaged with, the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy published by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment in January 2017 and has participated in a workshop that provided guidance on how to improve our energy efficiency. There are training sessions scheduled for January 2019 which will be attended by Departmental staff responsible for energy efficiency.

The Department is also actively participating in the OPW’s “Optimising Power @ Work” initiative which resulted in the Ballina office securing a Regional Award in 2018, which followed on from High Commendations in 2013 and 2014.

Trinity Point’s central Dublin location ensures accessibility by a range of public transport methods and there is provision of secure facilities for bicycles – these factors, in addition to limited availability of parking spaces, help encourage minimal use of cars by employees. When travelling on Departmental business, staff are directed to use public transport where possible.

My Department is also actively involved in promoting the Cycle to Work scheme, a Government initiative offering tax free bikes to staff for cycling to work. As well as this, my Department promotes the Travel Pass scheme, which encourages our employees to avail of public transport.

Additionally, the Department is proactive in encouraging environmental and energy awareness amongst staff, such as the provision of recycling bins in all common areas.