THE Department of the Environment has acknowledged that no one was fired or sanctioned after a "monumental cock-up" of a simple sewage scheme in Limerick left taxpayers with an €83 million bill.
Department secretary general Geraldine Tallon yesterday confirmed to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that "no heads had rolled" after Uniform Construction Ltd was wrongfully fired from the €9.5m sewerage scheme.
The final bill to the taxpayer is expected to be in excess of €83m after years of legal wrangling and the employment of another company to finish the job.
Ms Tallon also admitted the department ignored the advice of the Attorney General when it advised Limerick City Council to fight the case in the High Court, despite having been told during an arbitration hearing that the contract was wrongfully terminated.
The original €9.5m contract for the 2.6km of sewer work was awarded to Uniform Construction in 1999 but the company told the city council soon after that it had come across "unforeseen ground conditions" while tunnelling.
But the council decided the company was to blame for significant problems with the work, such as roads collapsing. Its contract was terminated in 2001.
The company and council fought the case out at conciliation and arbitration hearings, where it was ruled the contract was wrongfully terminated.
However, Limerick City Council refused to pay the company the costs and damages it demanded.
Furthermore, the decision to stand its ground was backed by the department which supported an appeal to the High Court despite advice against doing so by the Attorney General.
Arbitrators ultimately decided to award the company €32m. With legal costs as well as a further €27m for a different company to do the sewer work, the final bill is set to cost the taxpayer €83m.
Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell told the PAC yesterday that cases of terminating similar contracts were "very rare".
His report also noted that former Environment Minister Noel Dempsey had been first informed of the debacle as early as September 2001.
But stunned committee members queried how the simple sewerage job had cost so much. TD Niall Collins asked: "Has anyone been held responsible for this monumental cock-up? The figures are exorbitant."
Ms Tallon replied: "There's no escaping the disappointment the high cost the exchequer has had to pay for this."
When pressed, she also admitted: "No, heads haven't rolled."
Solicitors McCann FitzGerald advised Limerick City Council on the company's termination and an independent review of the decisions taken is under way, said the department chief.
Fine Gael TD Jim O'Keefe asked why alarm bells had not sounded when the case first came before the department's attention.
The PAC's chairman, Bernard Allen, said members intended investigating all reports on the decisions that had been taken by the council and department.
Juno McEnroe
Irish Examiner
www.buckplanning.ie
Showing posts with label Dept of the Environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dept of the Environment. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Flooding prompts fast-track of relief measures
FLOOD relief plans are set to be fast-tracked in some of Ireland's most vulnerable river valleys, but heavy rain is expected to swamp more areas in the coming days.
The Department of Environment, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Finance are to examine ways of accelerating flood projects as Ireland's clean-up bill for the nationwide series of floods last week continues to spiral.
In Cork alone, the clean-up and damages bills for the floods are put at an estimated €10m, and that is unlikely to be the final bill as a storm may yet sweep across the country later this week.
"The weather will stay in a very unsettled mode, there's no sign of a let-up really," a Met Eireann forecaster said yesterday. "The southern half of England I expect to be flooded out tomorrow morning but the very worst of that will probably pass the south of Ireland.
"Unfortunately, some will hit hard tonight in south Munster and south Leinster, and these are the areas worst affected from recent rains and things could get worse there.
Blustery showers are predicted for today and tomorrow, but during Thursday and Friday the weather is set to get even worse.
"It could turn stormy in places across the country," the forecaster said. "Rain is likely to be very widespread and it could exacerbate the existing flooding."
Progress
Junior Finance Minister Noel Ahern, who is responsible for the OPW, has admitted that accelerated progress now needs to be achieved with flood plans.
Mr Ahern dismissed opposition party claims that under-funding has been responsible for the painfully slow progress to date.
In north Cork, a flood relief plan for the Blackwater valley was unveiled in 2005 but only partial works have been undertaken in Mallow to date.
None of these works were able to prevent the flooding which last week left parts of the town under 10ft of water.
The full flood relief programme is not expected to be completed for two years.
In Fermoy, no work has been undertaken to date.
Environment Minister John Gormley acknowledged that flood relief plans need to be accelerated. Mr Gormley stressed that while Mr Ahern will co-ordinate the OPW flood relief plans, his department will focus on ways of expediting various flood reports and studies.
Jason O'Brien and Ralph Reigel
www.buckplanning.ie
The Department of Environment, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Finance are to examine ways of accelerating flood projects as Ireland's clean-up bill for the nationwide series of floods last week continues to spiral.
In Cork alone, the clean-up and damages bills for the floods are put at an estimated €10m, and that is unlikely to be the final bill as a storm may yet sweep across the country later this week.
"The weather will stay in a very unsettled mode, there's no sign of a let-up really," a Met Eireann forecaster said yesterday. "The southern half of England I expect to be flooded out tomorrow morning but the very worst of that will probably pass the south of Ireland.
"Unfortunately, some will hit hard tonight in south Munster and south Leinster, and these are the areas worst affected from recent rains and things could get worse there.
Blustery showers are predicted for today and tomorrow, but during Thursday and Friday the weather is set to get even worse.
"It could turn stormy in places across the country," the forecaster said. "Rain is likely to be very widespread and it could exacerbate the existing flooding."
Progress
Junior Finance Minister Noel Ahern, who is responsible for the OPW, has admitted that accelerated progress now needs to be achieved with flood plans.
Mr Ahern dismissed opposition party claims that under-funding has been responsible for the painfully slow progress to date.
In north Cork, a flood relief plan for the Blackwater valley was unveiled in 2005 but only partial works have been undertaken in Mallow to date.
None of these works were able to prevent the flooding which last week left parts of the town under 10ft of water.
The full flood relief programme is not expected to be completed for two years.
In Fermoy, no work has been undertaken to date.
Environment Minister John Gormley acknowledged that flood relief plans need to be accelerated. Mr Gormley stressed that while Mr Ahern will co-ordinate the OPW flood relief plans, his department will focus on ways of expediting various flood reports and studies.
Jason O'Brien and Ralph Reigel
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Gormley to limit new homes in villages and towns
Strict new planning rules to be introduced next year by the Department of the Environment and Local Government will cut sharply the number of new houses that can be built in Irish towns and villages.
Under the guidelines from the Minister, John Gormley, who is concerned at the explosive growth of many towns and villages in recent years, developers will only be able to build between 10 to 12 extra houses in villages that have fewer than 400 people.Planning permission for greater numbers would "usually be difficult or inappropriate due to an absence of a sufficiently developed urban structure to cater for the development and should therefore be discouraged".
Meanwhile, planning authorities will be told not to increase the number of houses in towns of up to 5,000 people by more than 10-15 per cent over the lifetime of a seven-year development plan, for the same reason.
Currently, local authorities and An Bord Pleanála must abide by the department's guidelines when dealing with county development plans, but councillors have had greater freedom for action when drawing up local area plans.
However, the Minister, who will publish the new guidelines for consultation next month, now intends to change the legislation so that councillors will no longer be able to ignore national planning standards, it is understood.
Councils should first use derelict or vacant sites, while houses built on greenfield sites in or near the existing centres should be developed so that residents are encouraged to walk and cycle, rather than drive, the guidelines say.
In particular, developers should be blocked from building estates "at some remove" from existing urban areas because this "militates against proper planning" and causes problems with the lack of street lighting, footpaths and other services.
Higher densities are "appropriate" in certain areas, particularly in towns and villages close to larger towns that have already been chosen as "gateways" under the National Spatial Strategy, according to the guidelines, which are to be effective from the middle of the year.
In an attempt to curb applications from people already living in towns to build one-off houses in the country, Mr Gormley now intends to see some land ring-fenced for this type of development on the edge of towns and villages.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Under the guidelines from the Minister, John Gormley, who is concerned at the explosive growth of many towns and villages in recent years, developers will only be able to build between 10 to 12 extra houses in villages that have fewer than 400 people.Planning permission for greater numbers would "usually be difficult or inappropriate due to an absence of a sufficiently developed urban structure to cater for the development and should therefore be discouraged".
Meanwhile, planning authorities will be told not to increase the number of houses in towns of up to 5,000 people by more than 10-15 per cent over the lifetime of a seven-year development plan, for the same reason.
Currently, local authorities and An Bord Pleanála must abide by the department's guidelines when dealing with county development plans, but councillors have had greater freedom for action when drawing up local area plans.
However, the Minister, who will publish the new guidelines for consultation next month, now intends to change the legislation so that councillors will no longer be able to ignore national planning standards, it is understood.
Councils should first use derelict or vacant sites, while houses built on greenfield sites in or near the existing centres should be developed so that residents are encouraged to walk and cycle, rather than drive, the guidelines say.
In particular, developers should be blocked from building estates "at some remove" from existing urban areas because this "militates against proper planning" and causes problems with the lack of street lighting, footpaths and other services.
Higher densities are "appropriate" in certain areas, particularly in towns and villages close to larger towns that have already been chosen as "gateways" under the National Spatial Strategy, according to the guidelines, which are to be effective from the middle of the year.
In an attempt to curb applications from people already living in towns to build one-off houses in the country, Mr Gormley now intends to see some land ring-fenced for this type of development on the edge of towns and villages.
The Irish Times
www.buckplanning.ie
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Row over new plan to protect endangered hen harriers
FEATHERS flew yesterday over plans to protect the endangered hen harrier bird.
Environment Minister John Gormley announced six areas in the country where the hen harrier will be protected.
The so-called special areas of conservation mean that the birds cannot be interfered with during breeding, feeding, or roosting.
Farmers affected by the move are being offered special compensation.
However, a leading environmental organisation claimed the new protection zones would be inadequate to save the bird from extinction.
The proposed six protection zones are:
l Slieve Bloom Mountains in Laois and Offaly;
l Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle in Cork, Kerry and Limerick;
l Beagh Co. Monaghan;
l Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains Co. Cork; l Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains Limerick and Tipperary;
l Slieve Aughty Mountains, Clare and Galway.
The hen harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a small breeding population of only 130-150 pairs in Ireland.
Mr Gormley said one of our obligations as an EU member State was to protect places important to birds.
The EU Birds Directive requires the designation of sites in each member state to protect birds at their breeding, feeding, roosting and wintering areas.
A total of 5,500 landowners in these sites will be individually notified.
Landowners who wish to object to the proposed designations will have until February 8, 2008, to do so.
However, the Friends of the Environment (FIE) group insisted yesterday that the proposed designations would not save the hen harrier.
FIE claimed the terms of reference were changed to exclude areas adjacent to the special areas of conservation, in spite of the EU Directive's requirements.
"Ireland already has the smallest amount of its area protected for birds of any European country," said FIE spokesman Tony Lowes. "This agreement will not save the hen harrier," he added.
Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Environment Minister John Gormley announced six areas in the country where the hen harrier will be protected.
The so-called special areas of conservation mean that the birds cannot be interfered with during breeding, feeding, or roosting.
Farmers affected by the move are being offered special compensation.
However, a leading environmental organisation claimed the new protection zones would be inadequate to save the bird from extinction.
The proposed six protection zones are:
l Slieve Bloom Mountains in Laois and Offaly;
l Stack's to Mullaghareirk Mountains, West Limerick Hills and Mount Eagle in Cork, Kerry and Limerick;
l Beagh Co. Monaghan;
l Mullaghanish to Musheramore Mountains Co. Cork; l Slievefelim to Silvermines Mountains Limerick and Tipperary;
l Slieve Aughty Mountains, Clare and Galway.
The hen harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a small breeding population of only 130-150 pairs in Ireland.
Mr Gormley said one of our obligations as an EU member State was to protect places important to birds.
The EU Birds Directive requires the designation of sites in each member state to protect birds at their breeding, feeding, roosting and wintering areas.
A total of 5,500 landowners in these sites will be individually notified.
Landowners who wish to object to the proposed designations will have until February 8, 2008, to do so.
However, the Friends of the Environment (FIE) group insisted yesterday that the proposed designations would not save the hen harrier.
FIE claimed the terms of reference were changed to exclude areas adjacent to the special areas of conservation, in spite of the EU Directive's requirements.
"Ireland already has the smallest amount of its area protected for birds of any European country," said FIE spokesman Tony Lowes. "This agreement will not save the hen harrier," he added.
Treacy Hogan Environment Correspondent
Irish Independent
www.buckplanning.ie
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Tough new laws for farm pollution
FARMERS who pollute rivers with slurry will be jailed for a year and face a €500,000 fine under tough new laws.
Currently the maximum fine in €3,000 in the district court and a one-month jail term.
But now Environment Minister John Gormley has cleared the way for farmers to be brought before the Circuit Criminal Court and put behind bars if they breach EU rules.
The new regulations were introduced last week and took immediate effect but were not publicly announced.
Farmyard slurries and fertilisers have been implicated in recent bouts of serious tap water contamination.
Mr Gormley said the maximum fines permitted by the original nitrates regulations were disproportionately low and did not reflect the potential gravity of offences.
There would now be a more realistic range of fines which can be applied by the courts.
The courts will decide the appropriate level of penalty in any particular case having regard to all the circumstances.
Ireland had finally been brought into compliance with the EU Nitrates Directive dating back to 1991, the minister added.
Irish Independent
Currently the maximum fine in €3,000 in the district court and a one-month jail term.
But now Environment Minister John Gormley has cleared the way for farmers to be brought before the Circuit Criminal Court and put behind bars if they breach EU rules.
The new regulations were introduced last week and took immediate effect but were not publicly announced.
Farmyard slurries and fertilisers have been implicated in recent bouts of serious tap water contamination.
Mr Gormley said the maximum fines permitted by the original nitrates regulations were disproportionately low and did not reflect the potential gravity of offences.
There would now be a more realistic range of fines which can be applied by the courts.
The courts will decide the appropriate level of penalty in any particular case having regard to all the circumstances.
Ireland had finally been brought into compliance with the EU Nitrates Directive dating back to 1991, the minister added.
Irish Independent
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Vessel's rescue in final stages - Gormley
The archaeological "rescue" of the medieval sailing vessel found last year ithe river Boyne is in its final stages, Minister for Environment and Heritage John Gormley has said.
The vessel is being recovered "timber by timber", while some of the larger intact parts may be taken out in sections, Mr Gormley said last night. The wreck is to be conserved for further analysis and will ultimately be put on public display.
The Department of Environment's National Monuments Service has been working with the National Museum of Ireland and the Drogheda Port Company on excavating and recording the vessel, which was discovered in late November 2006 during dredging of the river.
The 12-metre clinker-built vessel, believed to be a sailing ship, is thought to have been carrying a cargo when it sank up to 800 years ago. At the time, Drogheda was on a trading route with links to England, Iceland and the Baltic.
Much of it is intact, but the order to excavate and remove it was approved when it was found to be lying midstream on the fast flowing river. "This is considered to be a discovery of national and international significance," Mr Gormley said. "No similar wreck has been discovered so intact in Irish waters and seldom even in Europe, and I am delighted that my department is funding and co-ordinating the challenging recovery operation."
Mr Gormley said he believed the work of examining, conserving and analysing it would "take some years of patient research to come to full fruition".
Lorna Siggins
© Irish Times
The vessel is being recovered "timber by timber", while some of the larger intact parts may be taken out in sections, Mr Gormley said last night. The wreck is to be conserved for further analysis and will ultimately be put on public display.
The Department of Environment's National Monuments Service has been working with the National Museum of Ireland and the Drogheda Port Company on excavating and recording the vessel, which was discovered in late November 2006 during dredging of the river.
The 12-metre clinker-built vessel, believed to be a sailing ship, is thought to have been carrying a cargo when it sank up to 800 years ago. At the time, Drogheda was on a trading route with links to England, Iceland and the Baltic.
Much of it is intact, but the order to excavate and remove it was approved when it was found to be lying midstream on the fast flowing river. "This is considered to be a discovery of national and international significance," Mr Gormley said. "No similar wreck has been discovered so intact in Irish waters and seldom even in Europe, and I am delighted that my department is funding and co-ordinating the challenging recovery operation."
Mr Gormley said he believed the work of examining, conserving and analysing it would "take some years of patient research to come to full fruition".
Lorna Siggins
© Irish Times
Gormley asks EU how State could avoid infringement proceedings
Minister for the Environment John Gormley has asked the European Commission how the State should deal with infringements which could cost millions of euro in fines.
Ireland is the subject of 33 investigations by the commission into infringements of EU directives ranging from water pollution to the habitats directive and birds directive.
The country faces swingeing fines as early as October for violations of directives which include the overuse of nitrate fertilisers, the removal of native hedgerows and the draining of wetlands.
According to one report, more than 29 different bird species and 120 species of flowering plants are in serious decline. There has already been two rulings against Ireland in the European Court for breaches of the directives. Recently the Department of the Environment has included a shortening of the appeals process included in the legislation transposing the habitats directive. This should increase the number of sites designated as special areas of conservation. The department is also moving towards the designation of a number of new sites for the protection of the hen harrier and other bird species. Mr Gormley said he had assured the European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas of his intention to solve the difficulties relating to Ireland's non-compliance with EU directives.
Mr Gormley said he had a "very useful and productive" meeting with Commissioner Dimas yesterday, a meeting which Mr Gormley requested to deal with numerous issues.
"I explained to him my concern and my willingness to resolve our problems particularly under the habitats and birds directives," he said. "I have asked for a road map on how we can best avoid and deal with infringement proceedings going forward."
The pair also discussed the controversial decision to go ahead with the M3 motorway through Lismullin in Co Meath. The EU Commission has taken infringement proceedings against the Government in relation to the decision to preserve by record the ancient site at Lismullin. It wants the Government to amend the 2004 National Monuments Act to include environmental impact assessments (EIAs) whenever a site of potential archaeological worth is discovered along the route. At present EIAs are only carried out before projects are begun.
Mr Gormley said: "The issues associated with Ireland's implementation of the EIA directive are complex and have been ongoing for a number of years and Lismullin has recently been cited in the additional opinion. This matter requires full and detailed consideration and we will be responding to the commission as quickly as possible."
Separately, the EU Commission announced that Ireland must cap its carbon emissions at 22.3 million tonnes a year between 2008 and 2012. The allowance is 300,000 tonnes a year less than the State had sought. Mr Gormley said: "The Government's priority now is to ensure that the necessary reductions are also made across the entire economy in all sectors, especially transport."
Ronan McGreevy
© 2007 The Irish Times
Ireland is the subject of 33 investigations by the commission into infringements of EU directives ranging from water pollution to the habitats directive and birds directive.
The country faces swingeing fines as early as October for violations of directives which include the overuse of nitrate fertilisers, the removal of native hedgerows and the draining of wetlands.
According to one report, more than 29 different bird species and 120 species of flowering plants are in serious decline. There has already been two rulings against Ireland in the European Court for breaches of the directives. Recently the Department of the Environment has included a shortening of the appeals process included in the legislation transposing the habitats directive. This should increase the number of sites designated as special areas of conservation. The department is also moving towards the designation of a number of new sites for the protection of the hen harrier and other bird species. Mr Gormley said he had assured the European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas of his intention to solve the difficulties relating to Ireland's non-compliance with EU directives.
Mr Gormley said he had a "very useful and productive" meeting with Commissioner Dimas yesterday, a meeting which Mr Gormley requested to deal with numerous issues.
"I explained to him my concern and my willingness to resolve our problems particularly under the habitats and birds directives," he said. "I have asked for a road map on how we can best avoid and deal with infringement proceedings going forward."
The pair also discussed the controversial decision to go ahead with the M3 motorway through Lismullin in Co Meath. The EU Commission has taken infringement proceedings against the Government in relation to the decision to preserve by record the ancient site at Lismullin. It wants the Government to amend the 2004 National Monuments Act to include environmental impact assessments (EIAs) whenever a site of potential archaeological worth is discovered along the route. At present EIAs are only carried out before projects are begun.
Mr Gormley said: "The issues associated with Ireland's implementation of the EIA directive are complex and have been ongoing for a number of years and Lismullin has recently been cited in the additional opinion. This matter requires full and detailed consideration and we will be responding to the commission as quickly as possible."
Separately, the EU Commission announced that Ireland must cap its carbon emissions at 22.3 million tonnes a year between 2008 and 2012. The allowance is 300,000 tonnes a year less than the State had sought. Mr Gormley said: "The Government's priority now is to ensure that the necessary reductions are also made across the entire economy in all sectors, especially transport."
Ronan McGreevy
© 2007 The Irish Times
Gormley urged to return CO2 emissions allowances
Environmental group Grian has called on Minister for the Environment John Gormley to "hand back" an extra CO2 emissions allowance Ireland has been allocated by the EU.
The European Commission in November capped the carbon emissions allowance for Ireland's industries at 21.15 million tonnes a year.
The Government had at the time sought an allowance of 22.6 million tonnes a year. However, it was told by the commission that this would impact on Ireland's Kyoto Protocol commitments for the period 2008-2012.
The commission has since softened its stance, and has agreed to allow the Government to cap carbon emissions from the industrial sector at 22.3 million tonnes a year.
Pat Finnegan of Grian said the previous minister for the environment Dick Roche should not have made the request for an increase in our carbon allowances, and Mr Gormley should stick to the original limits imposed by the commission in November.
"Given both the Greens' election platform and their oft-stated belief that the new programme for government represents a genuine opportunity for real and concerted action against climate change, Grian can only see it as entirely unconscionable for the new Minister for the Environment John Gormley to stand over the Government request for a slacker cap on Irish emissions."
Mr Finnegan said the Government and the commission combined were undermining the fight against climate change by seeking and allowing higher carbon emissions.
"If the Greens' programme for Government is to be held to stand as anything remotely approaching a credible approach to climate change, Minister Gormley should immediately hand back the 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 granted by the commission as an indication of the new Government's good faith and determination to act against climate change."
Olivia Kelly
© 2007 The Irish Times
The European Commission in November capped the carbon emissions allowance for Ireland's industries at 21.15 million tonnes a year.
The Government had at the time sought an allowance of 22.6 million tonnes a year. However, it was told by the commission that this would impact on Ireland's Kyoto Protocol commitments for the period 2008-2012.
The commission has since softened its stance, and has agreed to allow the Government to cap carbon emissions from the industrial sector at 22.3 million tonnes a year.
Pat Finnegan of Grian said the previous minister for the environment Dick Roche should not have made the request for an increase in our carbon allowances, and Mr Gormley should stick to the original limits imposed by the commission in November.
"Given both the Greens' election platform and their oft-stated belief that the new programme for government represents a genuine opportunity for real and concerted action against climate change, Grian can only see it as entirely unconscionable for the new Minister for the Environment John Gormley to stand over the Government request for a slacker cap on Irish emissions."
Mr Finnegan said the Government and the commission combined were undermining the fight against climate change by seeking and allowing higher carbon emissions.
"If the Greens' programme for Government is to be held to stand as anything remotely approaching a credible approach to climate change, Minister Gormley should immediately hand back the 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 granted by the commission as an indication of the new Government's good faith and determination to act against climate change."
Olivia Kelly
© 2007 The Irish Times
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Department fails to respond to Lough Lein pollution plan
THE Department of the Environment has, for almost three years, failed to respond to a proposal to extend the public sewer in Killarney to the heavily populated environs of the town.
A sewer extension is seen as essential to tackle serious pollution problems in Lough Lein. At present, thousands of one-off houses, as well as several bed and breakfasts and some hotels, in the immediate surrounds of Killarney, are dependent on septic tanks.
Poorly maintained septic tanks are among the chief causes of polluting matter ending up in picture-postcard Lough Lein, according to engineering surveys.
The issue was highlighted, yesterday, at a Kerry County Council meeting for the Killarney area.
Three councillors — Michael Gleeson, Brendan Cronin and Danny Healy-Rae — had separate motions down calling for a sewer extension to the Tralee Road, Aghadoe and Lissivigeen areas.
Kathleen O’Regan Sheppard, who led a deputation of Tralee Road residents to the meeting, asked Mr Healy-Rae to refer the matter to his father, Independent TD Jackie-Healy-Rae, with a view to getting government support.
Tralee Road people had been looking for an extension for 20 years, she said.
Sanitary services engineer Paul Cremin said a brief for a major extension of the sewer — to be known as the Killarney main Drainage Project — had been submitted to the Department of the Environment for approval, in October 2004.
The green light had not yet been granted, but he is being told by the department that approval may be given by the end of this month.
“Once we get approval we will not be found wanting and we will have resources in place,” Mr Cremin added.
The scheme would cater for the expanded urban area of Killarney and surrounding areas including Kilcummin, Beaufort, Lissivigeen, Scartlea, Tralee Road, Tiernaboul, Ballymaunagh and Aghadoe.
Ms O’Regan Sheppard hit out at what she described as a lack of a “can do” attitude in local government.
“It’s incredible that there’s been no follow-through on this urgently needed extension since 2004. Private enterprise would go to the wall if it behaved in that way.”
Ms O’Regan Sheppard urged councillors to continue pressing the Department.
Mr Gleeson, who chaired the meeting, said he could not over-emphasise the importance of the sewer extension which was vital for the “salvation of our lakes”.
Irish Examiner
A sewer extension is seen as essential to tackle serious pollution problems in Lough Lein. At present, thousands of one-off houses, as well as several bed and breakfasts and some hotels, in the immediate surrounds of Killarney, are dependent on septic tanks.
Poorly maintained septic tanks are among the chief causes of polluting matter ending up in picture-postcard Lough Lein, according to engineering surveys.
The issue was highlighted, yesterday, at a Kerry County Council meeting for the Killarney area.
Three councillors — Michael Gleeson, Brendan Cronin and Danny Healy-Rae — had separate motions down calling for a sewer extension to the Tralee Road, Aghadoe and Lissivigeen areas.
Kathleen O’Regan Sheppard, who led a deputation of Tralee Road residents to the meeting, asked Mr Healy-Rae to refer the matter to his father, Independent TD Jackie-Healy-Rae, with a view to getting government support.
Tralee Road people had been looking for an extension for 20 years, she said.
Sanitary services engineer Paul Cremin said a brief for a major extension of the sewer — to be known as the Killarney main Drainage Project — had been submitted to the Department of the Environment for approval, in October 2004.
The green light had not yet been granted, but he is being told by the department that approval may be given by the end of this month.
“Once we get approval we will not be found wanting and we will have resources in place,” Mr Cremin added.
The scheme would cater for the expanded urban area of Killarney and surrounding areas including Kilcummin, Beaufort, Lissivigeen, Scartlea, Tralee Road, Tiernaboul, Ballymaunagh and Aghadoe.
Ms O’Regan Sheppard hit out at what she described as a lack of a “can do” attitude in local government.
“It’s incredible that there’s been no follow-through on this urgently needed extension since 2004. Private enterprise would go to the wall if it behaved in that way.”
Ms O’Regan Sheppard urged councillors to continue pressing the Department.
Mr Gleeson, who chaired the meeting, said he could not over-emphasise the importance of the sewer extension which was vital for the “salvation of our lakes”.
Irish Examiner
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Roche notes EEA publication on greenhouse gas emissions
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has noted the publication by the European Environmental Agency (EEA) of greenhouse gas emissions data for 2005.
The EEA repor is based on data supplied by Member States. In Ireland, greenhouse gas emissions data is compiled by the EPA.
The EEA report records a decrease in emissions for the EU as a whole between 2004 and 2005 - largely due to the use of less carbon-intensive fuel in power generation and reduced fuel consumption for heating purposes in households and businesses.
Within this overall trend, emissions from a number of Member States - including Ireland - increased slightly between 2004 and 2005. The data for Ireland - which has already been published by the Environmental Protection Agency in February of this year (Click Here) - shows that our 2005 emissions were 25% above the base-year level - or, 12 percentage points above the 13% target which must be reached over the 2008-2012 period.
The Minister commented - "The data for Ireland has already been published by the Environmental Protection Agency in February of this year. While the growth of 1.9% in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2005 is disappointing, it was well below the 5.5% growth in the economy recorded for 2005 - so, it is clear that we are still decoupling emissions from economic growth."
Detailed analysis of the data shows that, in a number of sectors - notably the waste, residential and agriculture sectors, emissions are either stable or are on a decreasing trend. Lower emissions in the agriculture sector can be attributed to lower livestock levels and decreased fertiliser use. Much of the increase in Ireland's emissions can be attributed to two factors - the fact that new peat-powered electricity plants had their first full year of operation in 2005 and the increase in private car ownership.
The Minister emphasised that the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, published in April, sets out the basis on which Ireland will meet its Kyoto Protocol targets. It recognises that emissions had been projected to increase - but the measures that have been put in place already, coupled with additional measures set out in the new Strategy, will reverse this trend.
The Strategy addresses measures to all sectors of the economy - including energy, transport, agriculture, the residential sector and businesses. It includes existing measures put in place on foot of the 2000 National Climate Change Strategy and, subsequently, through the National Development Plan 2007-2013, Transport 21, the Energy White Paper and the Bioenergy Action Plan. It also includes a series of additional measures to deliver the overall objective of putting Ireland on a pathway towards a low-carbon economy.
Ireland's Kyoto Protocol target:
Ireland must reduce its emissions to within 13% of 1990 levels during the 2008-2012 period. This level is equivalent to 63 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
The National Climate Change Strategy, published in April 2007, shows that the total contribution of measures adopted by the Government, will account for 80% of the effort that Ireland will need to meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments. The remaining 20% will be made up by Ireland's use of the Flexible Mechanisms.
The flexible mechanisms allow Kyoto Protocol Parties to support the development of clean technology in the developing world in return for emissions credits. Projects must meet stringent criteria laid down by the UN to ensure that they achieve actual emissions reductions. Only verified emissions reductions will result in credits being issued by the UN.
€270 million has been allocated under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for investment in such projects over the lifetime of the Strategy.
The use of the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms to purchase credits is separate from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme - in which only companies can buy and sell credits.
The EEA repor is based on data supplied by Member States. In Ireland, greenhouse gas emissions data is compiled by the EPA.
The EEA report records a decrease in emissions for the EU as a whole between 2004 and 2005 - largely due to the use of less carbon-intensive fuel in power generation and reduced fuel consumption for heating purposes in households and businesses.
Within this overall trend, emissions from a number of Member States - including Ireland - increased slightly between 2004 and 2005. The data for Ireland - which has already been published by the Environmental Protection Agency in February of this year (Click Here) - shows that our 2005 emissions were 25% above the base-year level - or, 12 percentage points above the 13% target which must be reached over the 2008-2012 period.
The Minister commented - "The data for Ireland has already been published by the Environmental Protection Agency in February of this year. While the growth of 1.9% in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2005 is disappointing, it was well below the 5.5% growth in the economy recorded for 2005 - so, it is clear that we are still decoupling emissions from economic growth."
Detailed analysis of the data shows that, in a number of sectors - notably the waste, residential and agriculture sectors, emissions are either stable or are on a decreasing trend. Lower emissions in the agriculture sector can be attributed to lower livestock levels and decreased fertiliser use. Much of the increase in Ireland's emissions can be attributed to two factors - the fact that new peat-powered electricity plants had their first full year of operation in 2005 and the increase in private car ownership.
The Minister emphasised that the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, published in April, sets out the basis on which Ireland will meet its Kyoto Protocol targets. It recognises that emissions had been projected to increase - but the measures that have been put in place already, coupled with additional measures set out in the new Strategy, will reverse this trend.
The Strategy addresses measures to all sectors of the economy - including energy, transport, agriculture, the residential sector and businesses. It includes existing measures put in place on foot of the 2000 National Climate Change Strategy and, subsequently, through the National Development Plan 2007-2013, Transport 21, the Energy White Paper and the Bioenergy Action Plan. It also includes a series of additional measures to deliver the overall objective of putting Ireland on a pathway towards a low-carbon economy.
Ireland's Kyoto Protocol target:
Ireland must reduce its emissions to within 13% of 1990 levels during the 2008-2012 period. This level is equivalent to 63 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
The National Climate Change Strategy, published in April 2007, shows that the total contribution of measures adopted by the Government, will account for 80% of the effort that Ireland will need to meet its Kyoto Protocol commitments. The remaining 20% will be made up by Ireland's use of the Flexible Mechanisms.
The flexible mechanisms allow Kyoto Protocol Parties to support the development of clean technology in the developing world in return for emissions credits. Projects must meet stringent criteria laid down by the UN to ensure that they achieve actual emissions reductions. Only verified emissions reductions will result in credits being issued by the UN.
€270 million has been allocated under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 for investment in such projects over the lifetime of the Strategy.
The use of the Kyoto Protocol mechanisms to purchase credits is separate from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme - in which only companies can buy and sell credits.
€5m to local authorities to improve Local Social and Community Facilities
The Minister for The Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. Dick Roche T.D., has announced capital grants totalling €5m towards consolidating and continuing the development of local social and community facilities under the Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme in 2007.
Under the 2007 Scheme, each county/city council will receive a grant of €150,000, which will underpin and support social capital work in their areas. These grants will be used to fund targeted capital developments carried out through local authorities, that are designed to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level.
The types of projects approved for funding in the announcement include -
* The upgrade of community and resource centres;
* Youth facilities;
* Arts and culture centre improvements;
* Community sports facilities;
* Park & amenity area enhancements;
* Town & village improvements.
"These grants will assist communities across the country in bringing about real improvements and enhancements to community facilities in their areas. It continues my Department's commitment to providing the necessary support to enable local areas and community amenities to be further developed and utilised" - said the Minister.
Under the 2007 Scheme, each county/city council will receive a grant of €150,000, which will underpin and support social capital work in their areas. These grants will be used to fund targeted capital developments carried out through local authorities, that are designed to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level.
The types of projects approved for funding in the announcement include -
* The upgrade of community and resource centres;
* Youth facilities;
* Arts and culture centre improvements;
* Community sports facilities;
* Park & amenity area enhancements;
* Town & village improvements.
"These grants will assist communities across the country in bringing about real improvements and enhancements to community facilities in their areas. It continues my Department's commitment to providing the necessary support to enable local areas and community amenities to be further developed and utilised" - said the Minister.
Monday, 11 June 2007
Roche Welcomes Irish Planning Institute Census of the Planning Profession in Ireland
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche T.D., has welcomed the publication by the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) of its 2007 Census of the Planning Profession in Ireland.
The report is the latest in the Institute's series of survey reports on the planning system. The last survey was carried out in 1996.
The Minister said that - "Planning provides the arena through which Ireland's economic, social and environmental objectives can be met in an integrated and sustainable way. It is of fundamental importance to the quality of people's lives. Over the past decade, overwhelming demographic and economic changes have brought unprecedented challenges for the planning system. I believe that the planning system is meeting these challenges.
"However, in order to continue to meet these challenges, we need to deliver a more responsive, open and transparent planning system that is well administered and is customer orientated. In this context, I welcome the IPI Census. The findings will provide a very useful input into our assessment of the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system and its capacity to deliver."
The Minister also welcomed the Institute's acknowledgment that significant progress had been made in improving the planning system in recent years - in terms both of the allocation of resources to planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála, as well as in relation to overall efficiency and transparency in the planning system.
In terms of staffing levels, the Census found that the total numbers of staff employed in Local Authority planning departments had more than doubled since 1997, while there has been a 300% increase in the number of professional planners across all planning authorities.
The report is the latest in the Institute's series of survey reports on the planning system. The last survey was carried out in 1996.
The Minister said that - "Planning provides the arena through which Ireland's economic, social and environmental objectives can be met in an integrated and sustainable way. It is of fundamental importance to the quality of people's lives. Over the past decade, overwhelming demographic and economic changes have brought unprecedented challenges for the planning system. I believe that the planning system is meeting these challenges.
"However, in order to continue to meet these challenges, we need to deliver a more responsive, open and transparent planning system that is well administered and is customer orientated. In this context, I welcome the IPI Census. The findings will provide a very useful input into our assessment of the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the planning system and its capacity to deliver."
The Minister also welcomed the Institute's acknowledgment that significant progress had been made in improving the planning system in recent years - in terms both of the allocation of resources to planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála, as well as in relation to overall efficiency and transparency in the planning system.
In terms of staffing levels, the Census found that the total numbers of staff employed in Local Authority planning departments had more than doubled since 1997, while there has been a 300% increase in the number of professional planners across all planning authorities.
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
Roche commences the operation of BIDS in Ireland
Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has commenced the legislative provisions to enable Business Improvement District Schemes (BIDS) to operate in Ireland.
Minister Roche stated - "BIDS represent a new and unique partnership arrangement between business and the local government sector, with the clear objective of delivering significant positive impacts on the economic vitality and viability of cities and towns. Both business and local government have benefited greatly from increasing levels of engagement and interaction in recent years. I firmly believe that BIDS have the potential to enhance current partnership arrangements."
A BID scheme is an organisational and financing mechanism, through which businesses can develop and implement initiatives in defined areas to improve those areas for the betterment of the trading environment.
A group of businesses come together and decide, firstly, that they want enhanced services or a wider range of services - or new facilities or activities in an area. Secondly, these businesses decide that they are willing to pay for such services, facilities or activities.
Originating in Toronto, Canada in 1971, business improvement district schemes are now in operation in many cities and towns throughout Canada, the US and the EU.
Minister Roche said - "When I first heard of BIDS, I recognised the opportunity to harness business innovation for the economic betterment of cities and towns. BIDS provide a vehicle for businesses to work collaboratively with local authorities and local residents towards the proactive management of an area, which will yield significant benefits for everyone."
The Minister indicated that the legislation fully embraces the voluntary aspects that are vital to the BIDS concept internationally. It will be a matter for the business community to develop a BID proposal, which will set out the type of works, services or projects proposed and the level of investment required to finance the scheme.
The local authority has the ultimate say in whether a BID scheme goes ahead - in particular, it must ensure that the interests of the local community are protected. Before a council takes a decision on a BID proposal, a plebiscite must be held among the business community in the BID area.
Commencement of the BIDS provisions coincides with the making of Regulations, which will govern the holding of a plebiscite. Once approved by the council - following a successful plebiscite - a specially established BID company will have responsibility for implementing the provisions of a BID scheme, with the local authority playing a key role in any such company.
Minister Roche emphasised that a key feature of BIDS is that all investment made through BIDS will be both additional and complementary to the current level of services provided by the local authority.
The Minister continued - "I am convinced that the investment delivered through BIDS will, in fact, leverage further investment in BID and surrounding areas, as a direct result of the goodwill and impetus that will be generated through BIDS.
"I know that commencement of the legislative provisions for BIDS is keenly anticipated. I want to thank local authorities and the business community - in particular, the Dublin City Business Association - for their assistance during the development of the BIDS legislation and I look forward to the establishment of BID schemes in cities and towns throughout the country."
Minister Roche stated - "BIDS represent a new and unique partnership arrangement between business and the local government sector, with the clear objective of delivering significant positive impacts on the economic vitality and viability of cities and towns. Both business and local government have benefited greatly from increasing levels of engagement and interaction in recent years. I firmly believe that BIDS have the potential to enhance current partnership arrangements."
A BID scheme is an organisational and financing mechanism, through which businesses can develop and implement initiatives in defined areas to improve those areas for the betterment of the trading environment.
A group of businesses come together and decide, firstly, that they want enhanced services or a wider range of services - or new facilities or activities in an area. Secondly, these businesses decide that they are willing to pay for such services, facilities or activities.
Originating in Toronto, Canada in 1971, business improvement district schemes are now in operation in many cities and towns throughout Canada, the US and the EU.
Minister Roche said - "When I first heard of BIDS, I recognised the opportunity to harness business innovation for the economic betterment of cities and towns. BIDS provide a vehicle for businesses to work collaboratively with local authorities and local residents towards the proactive management of an area, which will yield significant benefits for everyone."
The Minister indicated that the legislation fully embraces the voluntary aspects that are vital to the BIDS concept internationally. It will be a matter for the business community to develop a BID proposal, which will set out the type of works, services or projects proposed and the level of investment required to finance the scheme.
The local authority has the ultimate say in whether a BID scheme goes ahead - in particular, it must ensure that the interests of the local community are protected. Before a council takes a decision on a BID proposal, a plebiscite must be held among the business community in the BID area.
Commencement of the BIDS provisions coincides with the making of Regulations, which will govern the holding of a plebiscite. Once approved by the council - following a successful plebiscite - a specially established BID company will have responsibility for implementing the provisions of a BID scheme, with the local authority playing a key role in any such company.
Minister Roche emphasised that a key feature of BIDS is that all investment made through BIDS will be both additional and complementary to the current level of services provided by the local authority.
The Minister continued - "I am convinced that the investment delivered through BIDS will, in fact, leverage further investment in BID and surrounding areas, as a direct result of the goodwill and impetus that will be generated through BIDS.
"I know that commencement of the legislative provisions for BIDS is keenly anticipated. I want to thank local authorities and the business community - in particular, the Dublin City Business Association - for their assistance during the development of the BIDS legislation and I look forward to the establishment of BID schemes in cities and towns throughout the country."
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
€1.2 billion record housing allocations for 2007
Mr. Noel Ahern, T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal has notified housing authorities of their financial allocations for their local authority housing programmes in 2007.
The 2007 exchequer allocations total almost €1.2 billion and will fund the following programmes -
* Provision of local authority housing - €1,013.000
* Improvement Works Programme - including Ballymun - €127.000
* Central Heating - €33.000
* Total - €1,173,000.
The allocation of over €1 billion for the provision of local authority housing provides for work in progress on over 8,300 housing units and for authorities to complete construction and acquire 5,500 houses this year - including new dwellings completed under regeneration projects.
Minister Ahern said - "The funding of €1 billion I am providing today to local authorities is the highest ever allocated for the main local authority housing construction and acquisition programme. Total funding is almost €1.2 billion when one includes the improvement works programme and central heating."
The Minister continued - "Local authorities are already aware of the substantial funding available for this and future years, for social housing and have been urged to press ahead with implementation of their programmes in order to commence as many projects as possible in the current year. I would anticipate that some 7,000 housing units should be started or acquired by local authorities in 2007 - including new units provided in regeneration projects such as Ballymun."
Record funding of €127 million is being provided to local authorities for improvement works relating to Regeneration projects and Remedial Works Schemes. The Minister said that the improvement works allocations include an amount of €65 million to fund the continued regeneration of Ballymun.
The Minister continued - "Substantial progress is now being achieved in the regeneration of Ballymun. It is anticipated that a further 400 houses will be completed this year and 300 new houses will be started. I am pleased that a total of over 1,000 new social housing units were completed up to the end of 2006 and that another 560 were under construction."
An amount of €37 million is being provided for refurbishment work under the Remedial Works Scheme. In addition, the Minister said - "I am making specific funding available of €25 million to seven urban authorities to undertake major regeneration work to a number of estates in their areas. I believe it is essential that local authorities tackle the problems in these estates and the funding I am making available is a testament of my commitment to improving the lives of the people in these estates."
These seven authorities are - Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford City Councils, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dundalk Town Council and Sligo Borough Council.
Finally, the Minister concluded by saying that, in addition to the €127 million provided for improvement works, local authorities now have delegated authority from this year to the use of proceeds from the sale of their dwellings under the Tenant Purchase Scheme, to fund planned programmes of improvement works to dwellings in their stock.
The Minister commented - "I anticipate that some €100 million will be expended nationally, this year, on improvement works programmes for local authority social housing from internal capital receipts. This represents additional expenditure over and above the allocations I have announced, which will go towards improving local authority housing stock."
The 2007 exchequer allocations total almost €1.2 billion and will fund the following programmes -
* Provision of local authority housing - €1,013.000
* Improvement Works Programme - including Ballymun - €127.000
* Central Heating - €33.000
* Total - €1,173,000.
The allocation of over €1 billion for the provision of local authority housing provides for work in progress on over 8,300 housing units and for authorities to complete construction and acquire 5,500 houses this year - including new dwellings completed under regeneration projects.
Minister Ahern said - "The funding of €1 billion I am providing today to local authorities is the highest ever allocated for the main local authority housing construction and acquisition programme. Total funding is almost €1.2 billion when one includes the improvement works programme and central heating."
The Minister continued - "Local authorities are already aware of the substantial funding available for this and future years, for social housing and have been urged to press ahead with implementation of their programmes in order to commence as many projects as possible in the current year. I would anticipate that some 7,000 housing units should be started or acquired by local authorities in 2007 - including new units provided in regeneration projects such as Ballymun."
Record funding of €127 million is being provided to local authorities for improvement works relating to Regeneration projects and Remedial Works Schemes. The Minister said that the improvement works allocations include an amount of €65 million to fund the continued regeneration of Ballymun.
The Minister continued - "Substantial progress is now being achieved in the regeneration of Ballymun. It is anticipated that a further 400 houses will be completed this year and 300 new houses will be started. I am pleased that a total of over 1,000 new social housing units were completed up to the end of 2006 and that another 560 were under construction."
An amount of €37 million is being provided for refurbishment work under the Remedial Works Scheme. In addition, the Minister said - "I am making specific funding available of €25 million to seven urban authorities to undertake major regeneration work to a number of estates in their areas. I believe it is essential that local authorities tackle the problems in these estates and the funding I am making available is a testament of my commitment to improving the lives of the people in these estates."
These seven authorities are - Cork, Dublin, Limerick and Waterford City Councils, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dundalk Town Council and Sligo Borough Council.
Finally, the Minister concluded by saying that, in addition to the €127 million provided for improvement works, local authorities now have delegated authority from this year to the use of proceeds from the sale of their dwellings under the Tenant Purchase Scheme, to fund planned programmes of improvement works to dwellings in their stock.
The Minister commented - "I anticipate that some €100 million will be expended nationally, this year, on improvement works programmes for local authority social housing from internal capital receipts. This represents additional expenditure over and above the allocations I have announced, which will go towards improving local authority housing stock."
Saturday, 24 March 2007
State may protect sites of battles
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche has suggested that major battlefields may be given protected status similar to that given to historic buildings.
He said such status is to be introduced in Britain for historic battlefields, and the development could be considered by a new expert group advising the Government on the issue.
Mr Roche was speaking at the first meeting of the group which is to produce a study identifying the number of potential battlefield sites across the country.The group includes archaeological and academic experts and will advise on what protections should be given to Irish battlefields.
At present more than 75 battlefields are listed on maps in Ireland, but there is a significant question as to the level of protection they attract from development. The sites include some of the key turning points in Irish history, such as the Battle of Aughrim in east Galway, and the Battle of Kinsale in Co Cork.
There has been limited research to date on the size and extent of many of the battlefields. There is also growing concern about the threat posed by current levels of development. It is felt that a new system for protecting key battlefields is needed.
Yesterday Mr Roche said the study and expert group would "give us a greater understanding of each battle site.
"It will also assist in the development of strategies in the areas of protection, education and recreation. There is an undoubted and sustained interest in this topic. It has historic resonance and relevance within the all-island dimension. Most importantly, the results of this study will help our citizens to understand and better appreciate the history that has shaped our nation."
He said certain Irish battlefields had "iconic status in the public's minds as crucial turning points in the nation's history". There was a growing awareness of and interest in battlefield sites in Ireland and worldwide, he said.
The group's work is expected to generate some controversy however, due to disagreements over the location and extent of some battlefields. The designation of some battlefields may also face resistance from landowners, over potential restrictions on development .
Liam Reid
© 2007 The Irish Times
He said such status is to be introduced in Britain for historic battlefields, and the development could be considered by a new expert group advising the Government on the issue.
Mr Roche was speaking at the first meeting of the group which is to produce a study identifying the number of potential battlefield sites across the country.The group includes archaeological and academic experts and will advise on what protections should be given to Irish battlefields.
At present more than 75 battlefields are listed on maps in Ireland, but there is a significant question as to the level of protection they attract from development. The sites include some of the key turning points in Irish history, such as the Battle of Aughrim in east Galway, and the Battle of Kinsale in Co Cork.
There has been limited research to date on the size and extent of many of the battlefields. There is also growing concern about the threat posed by current levels of development. It is felt that a new system for protecting key battlefields is needed.
Yesterday Mr Roche said the study and expert group would "give us a greater understanding of each battle site.
"It will also assist in the development of strategies in the areas of protection, education and recreation. There is an undoubted and sustained interest in this topic. It has historic resonance and relevance within the all-island dimension. Most importantly, the results of this study will help our citizens to understand and better appreciate the history that has shaped our nation."
He said certain Irish battlefields had "iconic status in the public's minds as crucial turning points in the nation's history". There was a growing awareness of and interest in battlefield sites in Ireland and worldwide, he said.
The group's work is expected to generate some controversy however, due to disagreements over the location and extent of some battlefields. The designation of some battlefields may also face resistance from landowners, over potential restrictions on development .
Liam Reid
© 2007 The Irish Times
Sunday, 4 March 2007
€3.8m visitor centre at Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo
Mr. Dick Roche T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, turned the sod at the site of the new visitor centre for Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo.
Ballycroy National Park was established in 1998 and consists of almost 12,000 hectares of some of the most important blanket bog in Europe. The Owenduff area in the Nephin Mountains, in particular, is a wild and remote area of blanket bog, cliffs and river habitats containing many rare species of plants.
The area is also important as a roosting, feeding and breeding site for certain migratory bird species - including the Greenland White-Fronted Goose. The Golden Eagle - which has been reintroduced to Ireland from Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal - has also been spotted in the National Park in Ballycroy.
The visitor centre is being built under the Government's National Development Plan at a cost of €3.8m. In order to maximise the benefit for the local community, the visitor centre is being built in the village of Ballycroy, rather than in the National Park itself. It will be constructed on a site of 42 hectares overlooking Blacksod Bay.
The new building - measuring some 650 square metres - will include reception and exhibition areas on the ground level, with a tearoom, education area and toilets on the first floor level. A lift will provide access to both floors and to a viewing platform.
Importantly, the visitor centre is being built on the principles of sustainability, for example -
* It will include solar panels for electricity generation;
* It is being built into the hill - thereby providing a high level of insulation and reducing energy needs;
* The building will be heated using ground source heat pumps - and
* The centre will include a rainwater collection system.
Landscaping and walking routes will be provided around the new centre and, in the longer-term, a series of looped walks will be laid out at the National Park itself.
Speaking at the sod turning, Minister Roche said - "The visitor centre for Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo will be a major new attraction for Ballycroy and all of the surrounding communities of North West Mayo. I believe that it will help to attract significant business and employment for the county - in terms of the spin-off from tourism - and will help to raise the profile of the area, both at home and internationally."
Ballycroy National Park was established in 1998 and consists of almost 12,000 hectares of some of the most important blanket bog in Europe. The Owenduff area in the Nephin Mountains, in particular, is a wild and remote area of blanket bog, cliffs and river habitats containing many rare species of plants.
The area is also important as a roosting, feeding and breeding site for certain migratory bird species - including the Greenland White-Fronted Goose. The Golden Eagle - which has been reintroduced to Ireland from Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal - has also been spotted in the National Park in Ballycroy.
The visitor centre is being built under the Government's National Development Plan at a cost of €3.8m. In order to maximise the benefit for the local community, the visitor centre is being built in the village of Ballycroy, rather than in the National Park itself. It will be constructed on a site of 42 hectares overlooking Blacksod Bay.
The new building - measuring some 650 square metres - will include reception and exhibition areas on the ground level, with a tearoom, education area and toilets on the first floor level. A lift will provide access to both floors and to a viewing platform.
Importantly, the visitor centre is being built on the principles of sustainability, for example -
* It will include solar panels for electricity generation;
* It is being built into the hill - thereby providing a high level of insulation and reducing energy needs;
* The building will be heated using ground source heat pumps - and
* The centre will include a rainwater collection system.
Landscaping and walking routes will be provided around the new centre and, in the longer-term, a series of looped walks will be laid out at the National Park itself.
Speaking at the sod turning, Minister Roche said - "The visitor centre for Ballycroy National Park, County Mayo will be a major new attraction for Ballycroy and all of the surrounding communities of North West Mayo. I believe that it will help to attract significant business and employment for the county - in terms of the spin-off from tourism - and will help to raise the profile of the area, both at home and internationally."
Sunday, 18 February 2007
New regulations to support packaging waste recycling
"Recycling rates for packaging waste just keep increasing year-on-year" - stated Environment, Heritage and Local Government Minister, Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., when publishing consolidated Regulations covering the recovery and recycling of this important waste stream.
"But there is no room for complacency. We have achieved our success on the basis of a successful partnership model - with everyone playing their part. I expect all the stakeholders to continue to support recycling, as we aim to become a leading European nation in this regard."
New Regulations
The Minister made his remarks on the publication of the draft Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007. The draft regulations aim to consolidate the existing suite of regulations to bring greater clarity, transparency and accessibility to the packaging waste regulatory regime.
They also introduce a range of integrated measures aimed at optimising the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland.
The proposed amendments to the Packaging Regulations flow from unanimous recommendations made by the National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling. The Group - comprised of the key public and private sector stakeholders, including the Department, Repak, IBEC, the Irish Waste Management Association, industry representatives, local authorities and the EPA - was established in October 2004 to develop a packaging waste strategy.
Progress
"Progress in recovering and recycling packaging waste in Ireland over the past decade has been remarkable" - said the Minister. "From a low base of just 15% in 1998 - where we trailed the rest of Europe - we recovered 60% of our packaging for recycling in 2005, meeting our EU set target for 2011 six years early.
"With more bring banks, civic amenity sites and segregated collections available, the public have shown that, given the opportunity, they are enthusiastic recyclers."
Ambition
The Minister continued - "the public's appetite for recycling hasn't yet reached its limit. They are not worried about targets - but with showing their concern for the environment and saving money at the same time. But it is clear that we will exceed our EU targets in the years ahead. This is largely being driven by growth in the recovery of packaging from householders - which, in turn, is driving up the cost of recycling."
On foot of the projected increases in recycling costs being driven by the higher recovery rates, the Minister has accepted a recommendation from the National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling to amend the Packaging Regulations to require more producers to contribute to the cost of recovering and recycling waste.
"I think that this strikes the right balance. If greater recycling brings greater costs, then I believe that more suppliers of packaging - producers - should contribute to meeting this cost, rather than householders."
Conclusion
"Packaging waste recycling has been a phenomenal success in Ireland. We need to ensure that the regulatory regime we put in place for the next number of years will underpin further progress in this area.
"I am confident that, with the continued support of stakeholders - particularly householders - these draft Regulations will see Ireland achieve recovery and recycling rates that will be up there with the best in Europe" - the Minister concluded.
To view a copy of the draft Regulations - Click Here
DRAFT WASTE MANAGEMENT (PACKAGING) REGULATIONS 2007
The draft regulations aim to consolidate the existing suite of regulations - the existing regulations of 2003, as well as the amending regulations of 2004 and 2006, respectively - to bring improved clarity, transparency and accessibility to the packaging waste regulatory regime. They also introduce a range of integrated measures aimed at optimising the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland.
A reduction from 25 tonnes to 10 tonnes is proposed under the draft regulations to the de minimis (i.e. the thresholds to determine 'major producer' status). In light of the higher targets/volumes that have to be achieved, the proposed reduction aims to spread the burden of compliance more equitably across all obligated producers.
Further amendments are proposed to the self-compliance regime, vis-à-vis:
* the removal of provisions whereby 'major producers' could apply to cease take-back from the public under specified conditions - members of the public can now bring their packaging waste to self-compliant outlets at any time during normal business hours;
* where a 'major producers' opts to purchase packaging waste in order to fulfil their recovery/recycling targets, a minimum 20% will have to be sourced from the post-consumer waste stream.
Any packaging waste purchased must also be proportionate to the material types of packaging supplied by the 'major producers'
* the maximum self-compliance fee may be increased on an annual basis - having regard to increases in the Consumer Price Index.
A number of revisions are proposed to the 'approved body' provisions, to provide greater clarity in relation to the requirements to operate as a compliance scheme under the regulations.
"But there is no room for complacency. We have achieved our success on the basis of a successful partnership model - with everyone playing their part. I expect all the stakeholders to continue to support recycling, as we aim to become a leading European nation in this regard."
New Regulations
The Minister made his remarks on the publication of the draft Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations 2007. The draft regulations aim to consolidate the existing suite of regulations to bring greater clarity, transparency and accessibility to the packaging waste regulatory regime.
They also introduce a range of integrated measures aimed at optimising the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland.
The proposed amendments to the Packaging Regulations flow from unanimous recommendations made by the National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling. The Group - comprised of the key public and private sector stakeholders, including the Department, Repak, IBEC, the Irish Waste Management Association, industry representatives, local authorities and the EPA - was established in October 2004 to develop a packaging waste strategy.
Progress
"Progress in recovering and recycling packaging waste in Ireland over the past decade has been remarkable" - said the Minister. "From a low base of just 15% in 1998 - where we trailed the rest of Europe - we recovered 60% of our packaging for recycling in 2005, meeting our EU set target for 2011 six years early.
"With more bring banks, civic amenity sites and segregated collections available, the public have shown that, given the opportunity, they are enthusiastic recyclers."
Ambition
The Minister continued - "the public's appetite for recycling hasn't yet reached its limit. They are not worried about targets - but with showing their concern for the environment and saving money at the same time. But it is clear that we will exceed our EU targets in the years ahead. This is largely being driven by growth in the recovery of packaging from householders - which, in turn, is driving up the cost of recycling."
On foot of the projected increases in recycling costs being driven by the higher recovery rates, the Minister has accepted a recommendation from the National Strategy Group on Packaging Waste Recycling to amend the Packaging Regulations to require more producers to contribute to the cost of recovering and recycling waste.
"I think that this strikes the right balance. If greater recycling brings greater costs, then I believe that more suppliers of packaging - producers - should contribute to meeting this cost, rather than householders."
Conclusion
"Packaging waste recycling has been a phenomenal success in Ireland. We need to ensure that the regulatory regime we put in place for the next number of years will underpin further progress in this area.
"I am confident that, with the continued support of stakeholders - particularly householders - these draft Regulations will see Ireland achieve recovery and recycling rates that will be up there with the best in Europe" - the Minister concluded.
To view a copy of the draft Regulations - Click Here
DRAFT WASTE MANAGEMENT (PACKAGING) REGULATIONS 2007
The draft regulations aim to consolidate the existing suite of regulations - the existing regulations of 2003, as well as the amending regulations of 2004 and 2006, respectively - to bring improved clarity, transparency and accessibility to the packaging waste regulatory regime. They also introduce a range of integrated measures aimed at optimising the recovery and recycling of packaging waste in Ireland.
A reduction from 25 tonnes to 10 tonnes is proposed under the draft regulations to the de minimis (i.e. the thresholds to determine 'major producer' status). In light of the higher targets/volumes that have to be achieved, the proposed reduction aims to spread the burden of compliance more equitably across all obligated producers.
Further amendments are proposed to the self-compliance regime, vis-à-vis:
* the removal of provisions whereby 'major producers' could apply to cease take-back from the public under specified conditions - members of the public can now bring their packaging waste to self-compliant outlets at any time during normal business hours;
* where a 'major producers' opts to purchase packaging waste in order to fulfil their recovery/recycling targets, a minimum 20% will have to be sourced from the post-consumer waste stream.
Any packaging waste purchased must also be proportionate to the material types of packaging supplied by the 'major producers'
* the maximum self-compliance fee may be increased on an annual basis - having regard to increases in the Consumer Price Index.
A number of revisions are proposed to the 'approved body' provisions, to provide greater clarity in relation to the requirements to operate as a compliance scheme under the regulations.
Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities
The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has announced the publication of a new housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.
Launching the document in the Civic Offices in Ballymun, Minister Roche sought to define sustainable communities – the key concept at the core of the policy document:
"Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They are sensitive to their environment and contribute to a high quality of life. Such communities are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run. They offer equality of opportunity and good services for all".
While acknowledging the ambitious scope of the statement, the Minister insisted that such a vision was achievable.
"In Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities we are setting out the actions ensure the vision for sustainable communities is achieved. In part, it is a policy agenda. But we are also investing substantial additional resources in housing services over the period of NDP 2007-2013".
The last decade has seen phenomenal demand for housing and record levels of housing output to meet that demand. However, it has been estimated that a further 600,000 homes will be required over the next nine years. The scale of these requirements presents a challenge and an opportunity to deliver new development to the highest physical and environmental quality. Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities provides a strategic reference to help deliver on this challenge.
The Minister said: -
"Building energy efficient and environmentally friendly housing is particularly important in the context of the pressing challenges of climate change. Providing infrastructure to support the delivery of the required levels of housing will remain at the heart of Government housing policy. The planning framework to deliver on this agenda is in place. We must ensure that connections are made between different elements of physical and social infrastructure if we are to build sustainable communities.
The challenge is to provide an integrated strategy to meet the growing and diverse needs of our population in a high quality way. In 2004, NESC commented on the complementary goals of adequate quantity and quality of sustainable development. I am confident that with the comprehensive range of actions set out in Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities we can achieve this".
Elaborating on the detail of the statement, Minister Ahern focussed on the targets to be achieved: -
"NDP 2007-2013 provides €18 billion in resources for housing programmes. This will be used to meet the housing needs of some 140,000 new households including 60,000 social and 40,000 affordable homes. Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities sets the policy context to ensure best outcomes from this investment".
In terms of specific actions, Minister Ahern announced the introduction of new schemes: -
To support social housing tenants seeking home-ownership – the incremental purchase scheme and the sale of flats; and a reformed grant schemes to adapt housing to meet the needs of older people and people with a disability.
The Minister added: "We will issue guidance to local authorities to support the building of sustainable communities and we are providing resources through a Sustainable Communities Fund to support regeneration and tackle anti-social behaviour. New legislation will be introduced to support the social housing reform programme and we are also stressing the importance of maintaining the quality of social housing by:
- Spending almost €2 billion on housing renewal;
- Sustainable Community proofing new housing projects; and
- Conducting an quality audit of social housing in over the coming two years.
Minister Ahern concluded: -
"Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities outlines an ambitious but realisable vision to guide the development of the Irish housing sector over the coming decade. We will be delivering more and better quality housing responses. We will be doing this in a more strategic way focussed on the building of sustainable communities".
New Affordable Housing Initiative
Both Ministers were also pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative to increase the supply of affordable housing. Under the first phase of this initiative, an additional 500 affordable homes are being provided in the Greater Dublin Area, where affordability pressures are greatest. An advertising campaign inviting applications from interested purchasers meeting the eligibility criteria is being launched later this week and the vast bulk of the 500 homes will be available this year, commencing in April.
Read document at: http://www.environ.ie/DOEI/doeipub.nsf/0/6d8583fb4883dd5480257283003d7bb3/$FILE/Executive%20Summary%20English.pdf
Launching the document in the Civic Offices in Ballymun, Minister Roche sought to define sustainable communities – the key concept at the core of the policy document:
"Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They are sensitive to their environment and contribute to a high quality of life. Such communities are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run. They offer equality of opportunity and good services for all".
While acknowledging the ambitious scope of the statement, the Minister insisted that such a vision was achievable.
"In Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities we are setting out the actions ensure the vision for sustainable communities is achieved. In part, it is a policy agenda. But we are also investing substantial additional resources in housing services over the period of NDP 2007-2013".
The last decade has seen phenomenal demand for housing and record levels of housing output to meet that demand. However, it has been estimated that a further 600,000 homes will be required over the next nine years. The scale of these requirements presents a challenge and an opportunity to deliver new development to the highest physical and environmental quality. Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities provides a strategic reference to help deliver on this challenge.
The Minister said: -
"Building energy efficient and environmentally friendly housing is particularly important in the context of the pressing challenges of climate change. Providing infrastructure to support the delivery of the required levels of housing will remain at the heart of Government housing policy. The planning framework to deliver on this agenda is in place. We must ensure that connections are made between different elements of physical and social infrastructure if we are to build sustainable communities.
The challenge is to provide an integrated strategy to meet the growing and diverse needs of our population in a high quality way. In 2004, NESC commented on the complementary goals of adequate quantity and quality of sustainable development. I am confident that with the comprehensive range of actions set out in Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities we can achieve this".
Elaborating on the detail of the statement, Minister Ahern focussed on the targets to be achieved: -
"NDP 2007-2013 provides €18 billion in resources for housing programmes. This will be used to meet the housing needs of some 140,000 new households including 60,000 social and 40,000 affordable homes. Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities sets the policy context to ensure best outcomes from this investment".
In terms of specific actions, Minister Ahern announced the introduction of new schemes: -
To support social housing tenants seeking home-ownership – the incremental purchase scheme and the sale of flats; and a reformed grant schemes to adapt housing to meet the needs of older people and people with a disability.
The Minister added: "We will issue guidance to local authorities to support the building of sustainable communities and we are providing resources through a Sustainable Communities Fund to support regeneration and tackle anti-social behaviour. New legislation will be introduced to support the social housing reform programme and we are also stressing the importance of maintaining the quality of social housing by:
- Spending almost €2 billion on housing renewal;
- Sustainable Community proofing new housing projects; and
- Conducting an quality audit of social housing in over the coming two years.
Minister Ahern concluded: -
"Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities outlines an ambitious but realisable vision to guide the development of the Irish housing sector over the coming decade. We will be delivering more and better quality housing responses. We will be doing this in a more strategic way focussed on the building of sustainable communities".
New Affordable Housing Initiative
Both Ministers were also pleased to announce the launch of a new initiative to increase the supply of affordable housing. Under the first phase of this initiative, an additional 500 affordable homes are being provided in the Greater Dublin Area, where affordability pressures are greatest. An advertising campaign inviting applications from interested purchasers meeting the eligibility criteria is being launched later this week and the vast bulk of the 500 homes will be available this year, commencing in April.
Read document at: http://www.environ.ie/DOEI/doeipub.nsf/0/6d8583fb4883dd5480257283003d7bb3/$FILE/Executive%20Summary%20English.pdf
Tuesday, 6 February 2007
Scientific evidence that climate change is due to human activity
I know this is now old news, but it is necessary news on Ireland's stance.
Speaking at the Paris Conference for Global Economic Governance, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche, T.D. said that - "today's UN report means the scientific debate, economic debate and political debate have now converged - the next step must be to translate all the debates into action."
"With the publication of this report, the scientific evidence is now overwhelming that climate change is occurring and is due to human activity - primarily the way we produce and use energy.
"If the countries of the world do not immediately take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the consequences will be irreversible - and possibly catastrophic - and it is the poorest countries of the world that are likely to be worst affected. The costs of inaction will be far greater than the cost of timely action now."
The Minister noted that speakers at the conference emphasised the role of the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms, which allow developed countries to be ambitious in their own targets while also helping developing countries to employ environmentally friendly technologies in their emerging economies.
"It is absolutely essential for developing countries to grow their economies using the cleanest technologies. Otherwise, the gap between developed and developing countries will widen further and the global potential of these new technologies will not be maximised" - Minister Roche said.
"It is particularly important that the nations of the developed world do not focus only on the challenges that the reality of climate change poses for them - but that they must frame their policies against the reality that climate change can spell disaster for many developing nations."
The Minister also said that - "Ireland is playing and will continue to play its part in the international response to global warming. We have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and we will meet our target, using all of the available mechanisms - including domestic action, participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and support for projects in developing countries through the Protocol's flexible mechanisms.
"We have successfully decoupled our greenhouse emissions from economic growth and we are on course to meeting our 2012 greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol through a combination of cost-effective measures.
"We strongly support the leadership provided by the EU on a new international agreement (to continue progress made under the Kyoto Protocol) to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in the medium to longer-term (to 2020 and beyond)."
In conclusion, the Minister said he hoped - "that the world community will take heed of the findings of this report and would support the EU in seeking to find an early agreement on an effective solution to global warming. The science, economics and politics on climate change are converging and must urgently be converted into concerted global action."
Speaking at the Paris Conference for Global Economic Governance, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche, T.D. said that - "today's UN report means the scientific debate, economic debate and political debate have now converged - the next step must be to translate all the debates into action."
"With the publication of this report, the scientific evidence is now overwhelming that climate change is occurring and is due to human activity - primarily the way we produce and use energy.
"If the countries of the world do not immediately take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the consequences will be irreversible - and possibly catastrophic - and it is the poorest countries of the world that are likely to be worst affected. The costs of inaction will be far greater than the cost of timely action now."
The Minister noted that speakers at the conference emphasised the role of the Kyoto Protocol flexible mechanisms, which allow developed countries to be ambitious in their own targets while also helping developing countries to employ environmentally friendly technologies in their emerging economies.
"It is absolutely essential for developing countries to grow their economies using the cleanest technologies. Otherwise, the gap between developed and developing countries will widen further and the global potential of these new technologies will not be maximised" - Minister Roche said.
"It is particularly important that the nations of the developed world do not focus only on the challenges that the reality of climate change poses for them - but that they must frame their policies against the reality that climate change can spell disaster for many developing nations."
The Minister also said that - "Ireland is playing and will continue to play its part in the international response to global warming. We have ratified the Kyoto Protocol and we will meet our target, using all of the available mechanisms - including domestic action, participation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and support for projects in developing countries through the Protocol's flexible mechanisms.
"We have successfully decoupled our greenhouse emissions from economic growth and we are on course to meeting our 2012 greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol through a combination of cost-effective measures.
"We strongly support the leadership provided by the EU on a new international agreement (to continue progress made under the Kyoto Protocol) to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in the medium to longer-term (to 2020 and beyond)."
In conclusion, the Minister said he hoped - "that the world community will take heed of the findings of this report and would support the EU in seeking to find an early agreement on an effective solution to global warming. The science, economics and politics on climate change are converging and must urgently be converted into concerted global action."
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND BALANCED REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORNERSTONES OF NDP 2007-2013
What do you think? Here's the Dept of Environment's press release:
"Environmental sustainability and balanced regional development are cornerstones of the National Development Plan" said Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following today's (23rd January 2007) publication of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 which includes investment of over €32 billion on measures for which his Department is responsible.
Environmental Sustainability
"The Government is convinced that economic growth and progressive environmental policies can, and must, go hand in hand. Sound environmental management is now an accepted prerequisite for all of Ireland's key industries and will create further economic opportunity. Environmental protection and economic progress are increasingly being viewed as mutually reinforcing.
Because of this the National Development Plan has been constructed around principles that are as environmentally robust as possible. The NDP does not simply list out some environmental projects on which money is to be spent: it analyses the principal environmental issues facing our country and it sets out the action to be taken to address them. Some of these actions require direct investment and some require other responses on our part. It adds up to a clear, rational and consistent approach which will generate results, just like the Plan as a whole" he said.
The Minister pointed out that some €25 billion will be invested in programmes generating an environmental dividend. The include, but are not limited to, public transport, water and waste water services, waste management, climate change, sustainable energy, natural and built heritage and research into environmental technologies. "All these programmes will give rise to real benefits for our environment. Better public transport systems will encourage people to switch from private to public transport and this is a win-win solution. It will enable people to travel for work or for pleasure more sustainably and quickly. It will see reductions in vehicle emissions and assist in meeting our Kyoto targets for greenhouse gases" said the Minister.
He also said that the Plan would continue to provide resources for drinking water quality, effluent disposal and waste management, all of which would build upon the rapid progress made in these services in recent years.
Achievements of NDP 2000-2006
"This National Development Plan is being launched from a very solid base" said the Minister "with huge investment made and real and lasting outputs achieved under the NDP 2000-2006 which positions us well for the next phase of the development of our economy and society". For example, under NDP 2000-2006:
· 337 water and wastewater projects were completed (up to the middle of 2006) with an investment of €3.2 billion over the period of the Plan. The increase in wastewater treatment capacity since 2000 is the equivalent to the needs of a population of 3.1 million. Irish wastewater discharges rose from 25% compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive in 2000 to over 90% today.
· 39,000 Local Authority and Voluntary Housing units and 12,400 Affordable Housing units were provided with an investment of over €10 billion;
· spending on non-national roads reached over €3.1 billion – 30% ahead of target. Over 51,000 kilometres of non-national roads were improved/restored between 2000 and the end of 2005;
· the 2013 national recycling target was achieved in 2005, 8 years ahead of schedule.
National Spatial Strategy/Gateways Innovation Fund
"The National Spatial Strategy has already been a driving force behind infrastructure decisions taken by Government since it was launched in 2002" said the Minister. "For example, it was a key influence in determining the scale and priority of investment under Transport 21. It has led to a reorientation of investment under my Department's water and sewerage services investment programme and had led to the introduction of a scheme to support development of Strategic Non-National Roads for NSS gateway areas. This new NDP allows us systematically thread the NSS through our investment policy."
Continued and accelerated implementation of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) is the Government's main policy instrument for achieving more balanced regional development over the period of the NDP.
Under the NDP, investment in the regions, particularly infrastructure investment, will be based on the regional planning roadmap set out in the NSS and which has already been translated into regional planning guidelines which set the strategic policy agenda for local authority development plans at city and county level. These guidelines will be the template to secure good alignment between public investment plans at national level and physical planning at regional and local levels.
The Minister particularly welcomed the establishment of a dedicated Gateways Innovation Fund with an initial Exchequer allocation of €300 million to cover its operations over the period 2008-2010; this will be reviewed as part of the NDP Mid-term Review foreseen for 2010. In welcoming the Fund, Minister Roche said, "The Fund is evidence of the Government's commitment to the NSS. It will provide tangible support to the development of the nine Gateway cities and towns designated under the NSS allowing them to provide a competitive and vibrant environment for enterprise, and a high quality of life that attracts people to live in them. Strong Gateways will be drivers for the development of their wider regions, including surrounding towns, villages and rural areas ".
The Minister highlighted the interrelationship between environmental quality and the National Spatial Strategy. "This Plan is a good example of joined up thinking," he said. "Better spatial planning reduces our environmental footprint. It enables us to avoid long commuting distances, and to live close to the infrastructure and amenities on which a modern society depends. It will give rise to the critical mass of development that will repay investment in public transport. Everyone benefits. A better quality of life and a better environment can, and will, go hand in hand".
National Development Plan 2007-2013
"We have committed very significant resources under NDP 2007-2013 so that we can decisively tackle the remaining priority infrastructural challenges" said the Minister. He pointed to:
· a proposed investment of over €21 billion, of which about €15.5 billion, will come from the Exchequer, on housing measures that will address the accommodation needs of 140,000 households;
· an investment of €4.7 billion on Water Services, to facilitate economic, housing, and other development while ensuring that environmental sustainability objectives are achieved. Meeting the development needs of NSS gateways and hubs while be a key priority.
· a total of €4.3 billion being invested in non-national roads aimed at improvement of and maintenance of the non-national road network and on strategic non-national roads with a particular focus on roads in NSS gateway areas;
· waste management remaining a key priority with total investment of some €750 million by the public and private sectors. The main aim of this investment is to address the problems associated with legacy landfills, support, through private investment, the development of thermal treatment plants to reduce landfill usage and continue to promote recycling and recovery;
· the Government's commitment to achieving it's Kyoto protocol targets with a provision of up to €270 million for the purchase of carbon credits through the Carbon Fund which is to be established through legislation this year;
· investment of €895 million on community infrastructure, which includes €476 million for urban and village renewal, public libraries and fire services:
o The Urban and Village Renewal programme will support projects aimed at enhancing the public realm such as streetscapes, public buildings, squares, parks and riverfronts, cycling and pedestrian facilities.
o Investment under the libraries programme will be aimed at further improvement and expansion of the public library service through library infrastructure provision, ICT provision, improvements in the range and quality of the stock and improvements in service provision. This will build on the major programme of improvements introduced since 1998 with the publication of the Government's "Branching Out – a New Public Library Service". Since then, 51 new libraries have been opened including 9 in 2006.
o Investment in Fire Services will support the further development of this key service which has benefited from the completion of 37 new fire stations since 1999.
· significant investment being made across a range of other programmes including Built and Natural Heritage (€540 million) and Environmental Research (€93 million).
"The key challenge now is delivery and doing so in a way that secures cost certainty and value for money. A flexible construction industry, a well resourced local authority system, new fixed price contracts and new streamlined planning processes introduced under the Strategic Infrastructure Act are important parts of the armoury that will allow us achieve these objectives" concluded the Minister.
"Environmental sustainability and balanced regional development are cornerstones of the National Development Plan" said Mr. Dick Roche, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government following today's (23rd January 2007) publication of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 which includes investment of over €32 billion on measures for which his Department is responsible.
Environmental Sustainability
"The Government is convinced that economic growth and progressive environmental policies can, and must, go hand in hand. Sound environmental management is now an accepted prerequisite for all of Ireland's key industries and will create further economic opportunity. Environmental protection and economic progress are increasingly being viewed as mutually reinforcing.
Because of this the National Development Plan has been constructed around principles that are as environmentally robust as possible. The NDP does not simply list out some environmental projects on which money is to be spent: it analyses the principal environmental issues facing our country and it sets out the action to be taken to address them. Some of these actions require direct investment and some require other responses on our part. It adds up to a clear, rational and consistent approach which will generate results, just like the Plan as a whole" he said.
The Minister pointed out that some €25 billion will be invested in programmes generating an environmental dividend. The include, but are not limited to, public transport, water and waste water services, waste management, climate change, sustainable energy, natural and built heritage and research into environmental technologies. "All these programmes will give rise to real benefits for our environment. Better public transport systems will encourage people to switch from private to public transport and this is a win-win solution. It will enable people to travel for work or for pleasure more sustainably and quickly. It will see reductions in vehicle emissions and assist in meeting our Kyoto targets for greenhouse gases" said the Minister.
He also said that the Plan would continue to provide resources for drinking water quality, effluent disposal and waste management, all of which would build upon the rapid progress made in these services in recent years.
Achievements of NDP 2000-2006
"This National Development Plan is being launched from a very solid base" said the Minister "with huge investment made and real and lasting outputs achieved under the NDP 2000-2006 which positions us well for the next phase of the development of our economy and society". For example, under NDP 2000-2006:
· 337 water and wastewater projects were completed (up to the middle of 2006) with an investment of €3.2 billion over the period of the Plan. The increase in wastewater treatment capacity since 2000 is the equivalent to the needs of a population of 3.1 million. Irish wastewater discharges rose from 25% compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive in 2000 to over 90% today.
· 39,000 Local Authority and Voluntary Housing units and 12,400 Affordable Housing units were provided with an investment of over €10 billion;
· spending on non-national roads reached over €3.1 billion – 30% ahead of target. Over 51,000 kilometres of non-national roads were improved/restored between 2000 and the end of 2005;
· the 2013 national recycling target was achieved in 2005, 8 years ahead of schedule.
National Spatial Strategy/Gateways Innovation Fund
"The National Spatial Strategy has already been a driving force behind infrastructure decisions taken by Government since it was launched in 2002" said the Minister. "For example, it was a key influence in determining the scale and priority of investment under Transport 21. It has led to a reorientation of investment under my Department's water and sewerage services investment programme and had led to the introduction of a scheme to support development of Strategic Non-National Roads for NSS gateway areas. This new NDP allows us systematically thread the NSS through our investment policy."
Continued and accelerated implementation of the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) is the Government's main policy instrument for achieving more balanced regional development over the period of the NDP.
Under the NDP, investment in the regions, particularly infrastructure investment, will be based on the regional planning roadmap set out in the NSS and which has already been translated into regional planning guidelines which set the strategic policy agenda for local authority development plans at city and county level. These guidelines will be the template to secure good alignment between public investment plans at national level and physical planning at regional and local levels.
The Minister particularly welcomed the establishment of a dedicated Gateways Innovation Fund with an initial Exchequer allocation of €300 million to cover its operations over the period 2008-2010; this will be reviewed as part of the NDP Mid-term Review foreseen for 2010. In welcoming the Fund, Minister Roche said, "The Fund is evidence of the Government's commitment to the NSS. It will provide tangible support to the development of the nine Gateway cities and towns designated under the NSS allowing them to provide a competitive and vibrant environment for enterprise, and a high quality of life that attracts people to live in them. Strong Gateways will be drivers for the development of their wider regions, including surrounding towns, villages and rural areas ".
The Minister highlighted the interrelationship between environmental quality and the National Spatial Strategy. "This Plan is a good example of joined up thinking," he said. "Better spatial planning reduces our environmental footprint. It enables us to avoid long commuting distances, and to live close to the infrastructure and amenities on which a modern society depends. It will give rise to the critical mass of development that will repay investment in public transport. Everyone benefits. A better quality of life and a better environment can, and will, go hand in hand".
National Development Plan 2007-2013
"We have committed very significant resources under NDP 2007-2013 so that we can decisively tackle the remaining priority infrastructural challenges" said the Minister. He pointed to:
· a proposed investment of over €21 billion, of which about €15.5 billion, will come from the Exchequer, on housing measures that will address the accommodation needs of 140,000 households;
· an investment of €4.7 billion on Water Services, to facilitate economic, housing, and other development while ensuring that environmental sustainability objectives are achieved. Meeting the development needs of NSS gateways and hubs while be a key priority.
· a total of €4.3 billion being invested in non-national roads aimed at improvement of and maintenance of the non-national road network and on strategic non-national roads with a particular focus on roads in NSS gateway areas;
· waste management remaining a key priority with total investment of some €750 million by the public and private sectors. The main aim of this investment is to address the problems associated with legacy landfills, support, through private investment, the development of thermal treatment plants to reduce landfill usage and continue to promote recycling and recovery;
· the Government's commitment to achieving it's Kyoto protocol targets with a provision of up to €270 million for the purchase of carbon credits through the Carbon Fund which is to be established through legislation this year;
· investment of €895 million on community infrastructure, which includes €476 million for urban and village renewal, public libraries and fire services:
o The Urban and Village Renewal programme will support projects aimed at enhancing the public realm such as streetscapes, public buildings, squares, parks and riverfronts, cycling and pedestrian facilities.
o Investment under the libraries programme will be aimed at further improvement and expansion of the public library service through library infrastructure provision, ICT provision, improvements in the range and quality of the stock and improvements in service provision. This will build on the major programme of improvements introduced since 1998 with the publication of the Government's "Branching Out – a New Public Library Service". Since then, 51 new libraries have been opened including 9 in 2006.
o Investment in Fire Services will support the further development of this key service which has benefited from the completion of 37 new fire stations since 1999.
· significant investment being made across a range of other programmes including Built and Natural Heritage (€540 million) and Environmental Research (€93 million).
"The key challenge now is delivery and doing so in a way that secures cost certainty and value for money. A flexible construction industry, a well resourced local authority system, new fixed price contracts and new streamlined planning processes introduced under the Strategic Infrastructure Act are important parts of the armoury that will allow us achieve these objectives" concluded the Minister.
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