Written Answers Nos. 977-989
977. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of carbon that will be emitted on all transport and related actions undertaken by him and all members of his staff during their St Patrick’s Day trips in 2026. [20603/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra978. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of carbon that will be emitted on all transport and related actions undertaken by all Junior Ministers in his Department and their members of staff during their St Patrick’s Day trips in 2026. [20621/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra979. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he has paid to offset any of the carbon emitted due to St Patrick’s Day trips in 2026; and the amount paid. [20640/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 977, 978 and 979 together.
All flights in relation to St Patrick's Day travel were booked in accordance with Government Guidelines. My Department makes an annual payment to the Climate Action Fund scheme, administered by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment to offset emissions for travel on commercial flights, in accordance with Circular 01/2020 (D/PER).
The amounts required to offset any of the carbon emitted due to Saint Patrick's Day trips in 2026 will be paid no later than the end of February, 2027, in accordance with the provisions of the Circular.
980. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the amount of carbon that has been emitted by transport used by him, the Junior Ministers in his Department, and their staff for each of the past five years; if he has paid to offset any of the carbon emitted because of transport; and the amount paid in each year. [20658/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the provisions of Circular 01/2020 Procedures for Offsetting the Emissions Associated with Official Air Travel, the value of the emissions associated with all Departmental travel in each of the years 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 is set out in the table below.
The payments have been made to the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment under the Climate Action Fund as required under the Circular.
|
Year |
Amount € |
No. of tonnes |
Rate per tonne € |
|
2021 |
3,55.02 |
10.5976 |
33.50 |
|
2022 |
1,947.02 |
47.4881 |
41.00 |
|
2023 |
2,801.37 |
57.7601 |
48.50 |
|
2024 |
3,903.98 |
69.714 |
56.00 |
|
2025 |
7,276.02 |
114.583 |
63.50 |
981. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the number of consultant orthodontists and specialist orthodontists currently working in the public dental service in each RHA; the number of whole-time equivalent posts in each RHA; the number of vacancies and posts filled on a temporary or agency basis; the current waiting list for orthodontic assessment and treatment in each RHA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra982. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the position regarding a project (details supplied); the progress made to date; the expected timelines for completion; and the estimated cost range for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20696/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was established under the National Sports Policy to provide Exchequer support for larger sport facility projects, typically those requiring investments greater than the maximum available under the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF). The cumulative investment under LSSIF since its inception is €297 million across 68 projects.
The project referred to in the question received an LSSIF grant allocation of €2.52 million of which €1,670,291 has been drawn down. The project will deliver a full size 4G all-weather GAA pitch, three grass pitches, floodlighting and associated infrastructure upgrades at a total cost of €4 million. It is anticipated that the project will be completed later this year.
983. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOnline safety for children will be a key priority for me as part of the delivery of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of this year. To this end, and as part of the work on this priority, my Department is planning a targeted one-day youth forum in the lead up to Ireland's Presidency of the EU to engage with and obtain the perspectives of children and young people on their experience online including their views on how to make the internet safer.
The outputs from the youth forum will also feed into a wider programme for a high level Presidency conference on online safety in September. The plans for the youth forum, including all aspects of logistics and participation remain under development and will be available in due course.
984. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department is supporting a project (details supplied); the timelines and projections for its completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20766/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Community Sport Facilities Fund (CSFF) and the Large-Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). Sporting organisations can apply directly for CSFF funding while applications for LSSIF funding must be made through either a National Governing Body (NGB) of Sport or a Local Authority. No application has been made to this Department under either scheme for funding at the site at the site referred to in the question. Funding has been awarded under LSSIF for a similar development, the Spawell Cluster Facility, in South Dublin.
Over a quarter of a billion euro was allocated to 3,048 community sports clubs and facilities in 2024 from the 2023 round of the CSFF, representing the largest-ever investment in sports facilities in communities across Ireland.
Under the 2023 round of the CSFF, applicants could apply for up to €200,000 for local projects and up to €500,000 for regional projects.
In line with previous rounds of the Fund, a review of the current funding round has been undertaken and will be finalised shortly. I have asked my department to prepare for a further round of the CSFF in 2026 which I expect to open in the coming months. It is anticipated that the next CSFF round will particularly target areas and sports that have been under-invested in over the years.
To date there have been two rounds of LSSIF with a cumulative investment of €297 million across 68 projects. My current focus is on ensuring project delivery under the first two rounds of the LSSIF, 2018 and 2024, and this process will inform any decisions regarding the timing of a future round. No decisions have yet been made regarding the next round of LSSIF.
985. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he will provide the up to date position with regard to An Post pensions; to provide a clear timeline on when the 7% increase to An Post pensions will be implemented. [20775/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post. The operation of the schemes is a matter between the management of An Post, staff representatives and the trustees of the schemes.
In accordance with the Act and the relevant Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, An Post must seek Ministerial approval from both Ministers to increase pensions and deferred pensions for members of the An Post superannuation scheme. Section 2.13 of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies Superannuation and Remuneration annex sets out that NewERA advice should be sought in respect of pension amendment proposals, as is appropriate in their role as commercial and financial advisors to the Ministers.
On 23 October 2025, An Post wrote to my Department requesting consent for an increase to pensions in payment and deferred pensions, namely, to increase pensions in payment for members and deferred members of the An Post Superannuation Scheme by 6% per annum with effect from 1st January 2025 and 1% from 1st of June 2025, arising from its agreements with employee representative groups. In line with both the Code of Practice for State Bodies and the relevant legislation, Ministerial consent has been granted, and this was conveyed to An Post on 25 February 2026.
986. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of shark fin products and derivatives under Irish Law; the person or body responsible for enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20058/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which is implemented through the European Wildlife Trade Regulations and enforced through Section 53A of the Wildlife Act.
Many shark species were added to the CITES listings at CITES Convention of Parties (CoP) 19 and at the recent CITES CoP 20 further shark listing proposals were successful including deep water gulpher sharks.
Article I of The CITES Convention includes parts and derivatives as specimens for the purpose of the Convention. The Convention includes species threatened with extinction which are or may be affected by trade. Trade in specimens of these species must be subject to regulation.
While shark fins are seen in trade for consumption (primarily in east Asia) there is trade in shark fin powder (chondroitin sulphate) which is used by the pharmaceutical industry and shark liver extracts are used in shark-liver oil capsules and cosmetics.
Importers will need to apply to Ireland’s CITES Management Authority (which is in the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)) for an import permit.
Enforcement of CITES trade imports is the responsibility of Revenue Customs at the borders (point of entry) with NPWS also authorised persons for any offences under the Wildlife Act.
987. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the refurbishment works that were carried out at each National Park during 2025; if each of those refurbishment works projects are completed or still ongoing at present, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18229/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWithin our National Parks, there is an ongoing, annual need to engage in a range of capital works. These include routine/minor trail, fencing, signage and other works required from ordinary wear-and-tear as well as following on from events such as storms or periods of severe weather conditions.
The below list includes the specific major refurbishment projects that were allocated funding during 2025 in our National Parks.
|
Project Name/Description |
Relating to |
Location |
Status (complete or ongoing) |
|
Works on buildings and access rennovations |
Burren National Park |
Purcell’s Farm Complex (Ruins): Keelhilla, Slieve NR |
Ongoing |
|
Works on building and grounds |
Burren National Park |
Glencolmbkille National School (Ruin), Glencolmbkille, Co. Clare. |
Ongoing |
|
Works on Burren Field Study Centre |
Burren National Park |
Carron Research Station, Fahee, Carron. |
Complete |
|
Refurbishment of Workyards and old Farm buildings for use as works depot |
Burren National Park |
McGann’s Farmhouse, Tullycommon |
Complete |
|
Establish Heritage Orchard and related works (e.g. Fencing) |
Burren National Park |
Rockforest |
Ongoing |
|
Trail works Sruffaunboy Trail |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Complete |
|
Roof works Admin Building |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Complete |
|
Resuracing and groundworks at staff entrance |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Complete |
|
Ellis Wood Nature Trail works |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Ongoing |
|
Visitor Centre Courtyard Resurfacing |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Ongoing |
|
Works at Connemara Pony Heritage Centre |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Complete |
|
Works at playground |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Ongoing |
|
Visitor Centre works, including electrical upgrade |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Complete |
|
Windows Upgrade |
Connemara National Park |
Connemara National Park |
Ongoing |
|
Spinc Trail trail works |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
Glendalough |
Complete |
|
Monastery Wall Repair |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
Glendalough |
Completed |
|
Conservation and design Services, Gamekeepers Cottage and Boathouse Glendalough |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
WMNP, Glendalough + Coronation Plantation |
Ongoing |
|
Trailworks, Djouce |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
WMNP, Djouce mountain |
Complete |
|
Josephs Cottage, Lime render |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
Josephs Cottage, Sally Gap |
Ongoing |
|
Works to National Park Office |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
Kilafin, Laragh |
Complete |
|
Poulanass Trail works |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
Glendalough |
Complete |
|
White Road Environmental clean up |
Wicklow Mountains National Park |
Castlekelly, Dublin |
Complete |
|
Works at Altnabrocky Base |
Wild Nephin National Park |
Wild Nephin |
Ongoing |
|
Visitor Centre works, including roof repair, auditorium and facilities works |
Glenveagh National Park |
Glenveagh National Park |
Complete |
|
Works on cottages/buildings within Park |
Killarney National Park |
Killarney National Park |
Ongoing |
|
Thatching of Deenagh Lodge |
Killarney National Park |
Killarney National Park |
Complete |
|
Refit of deer larder |
Killarney National Park |
Killarney National Park |
Complete |
|
Valentia Tetrapod Site: Trail repair and associated water management works; carpark lining; fence repairs |
Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara |
Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara |
Ongoing |
988. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a bog (details supplied) is included in the Cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18242/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates two schemes that support households and individuals to cease cutting turf and facilitate measures to restore the peatland habitat.
The Cessation of Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme was established following engagement with stakeholders in 2011 for active domestic turf cutters arising from the restrictions on turf cutting on 53 raised bog special areas of conservation (SAC) and was extended in 2014 to include 36 raised bog natural heritage areas (NHA). This scheme has compensated those impacted by restrictions on turf-cutting on protected sites.
Additional bog plots not covered by the CTCCS may qualify for the Protected Raised Bog Restoration Incentive Scheme. This is a once off area based compensation scheme open to applications from property right holders who wish to have their lands included as part of the restoration scheme or where access is required for restoration works within a designated raised bog.
Whilst the exact location of the bog plot referred to is unknown, it is my understanding that there are no designated bogs in the townland name provided and hence these schemes may not apply.
The Deputy can contact my department directly, with regard to establishing if the lands mentioned are designated or not, if he so wishes.
989. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any recent tripartite engagements between his Department, Dublin City Council and the developers of the Poolbeg SDZ area to reach an agreement on the delivery of affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18280/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA condition of the planning scheme for the Poolbeg SDZ, as modified by An Bord Pleanála in April 2019, is the provision of 15% social and affordable homes on this site in addition to the 10% statutory social housing requirement under Part V arrangements.
As things stand, I understand that Dublin City Council and the developers have concluded the negotiations on the Part V agreement for this site. With regard to delivery of affordable housing in accordance with the terms of the SDZ condition, I am advised that the two parties are not in a position to comment further until an agreement is finalised.
