Environment

447 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will quantify the potential for tax revenue arising from increasing the current €200 second home charge to €600 for the second home, €700 for third home, €800 for fourth home and so on. [22023/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 21 July 2011

447 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will quantify the potential for tax revenue arising from increasing the current €200 second home charge to €600 for the second home, €700 for third home, €800 for fourth home and so on. [22023/11]

Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2011

Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2011 - Establishes the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund to be available for expenditures to the Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas solely for: (1) coastal restoration projects and activities; (2) mitigation of damage to, and restoration of, fish, wildlife, or natural resources; (3) implementation of a federally approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan; (4) programs to promote tourism, the consumption of seafood produced from the Gulf Coast ecosystem, and education regarding the natural resources of such ecosystem; (5) planning assistance and administrative costs; (6) workforce development and job creation; (7) improvements to state parks in coastal areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; (8) mitigation of the ecological and economic impact of outer Continental Shelf activities and the impacts of such oil spill or promotion of the long-term ecological or economic recovery of the Gulf Coast ecosystem through the funding of infrastructure projects; and (9) coastal flood protection and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetland losses, beach erosion, and the impacts of such oil spill. Requires the Secretary to deposit in the Fund 80% of all administrative and civil penalties paid after this Act's enactment, pursuant to a court order, negotiated settlement, or other instrument in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), in connection with the explosion on, and sinking of, the mobile offshore drilling unit Deepwater Horizon. Amends the Clean Water Act to require 35% of amounts made available from the Fund in any fiscal year to be available to the Gulf Coast states in equal shares for ecological and economic restoration of the Gulf Coast ecosystem. Authorizes a governor of a Gulf Coast state, in awarding contracts for such a project or program, to give a preference to individuals and companies that reside in, are headquartered in, or are principally engaged in business in, a Gulf Coast state. Establishes the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to: (1) publish a Comprehensive Plan for and undertake projects and programs to restore and protect the natural resources, ecosystems, fisheries, marine and wildlife habitats, beaches, coastal wetlands, and economy of the Gulf Coast ecosystem; (2) update such Plan every five years; (3) coordinate the development of consistent policies, strategies, plans, and activities addressing the restoration and protection of the Gulf Coast ecosystem and associated research; and (4) prepare an integrated financial plan and recommendations for coordinated budget requests for the amounts proposed to be expended by the federal agencies represented on the Council for projects and programs in the Gulf Coast states. Requires 60% of the total amount made available from the Fund to be disbursed to the Council to carry out the Plan. Establishes within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Science, Observation, Monitoring, and Technology Program, under which the NOAA Administrator shall provide grants to establish and operate a center of excellence in each of the Gulf Coast states. Requires each center to focus its curriculum on science, technology, and monitoring in at least one of the following: (1) coastal and deltaic sustainability, restoration, and protection; (2) coastal fisheries and wildlife ecosystem research and monitoring; (3) offshore energy development; (4) sustainable and resilient growth and economic and commercial development; and (5) comprehensive observation, monitoring, and mapping of the Gulf. Allocates 5% of Fund amounts to such Program. Establishes the Gulf of Mexico Research Endowment to be administered by the Secretary of Commerce for use in providing long-term funding for such Program. Requires: (1) the Council to establish a fishery and ecosystem endowment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem, fish stocks, the fish habitat, and the recreational, commercial, and charter fishing industry in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) NOAA to administer such endowment.

Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2011

Enhancing Livability for All Americans Act of 2011 - Establishes within the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) an Office of Livability. Requires the Office Director to establish a program to award competitive grants to eligible entities to assist: (1) capital investments in surface transportation projects with a significant impact on enhancing the livability in a region, metropolitan area, community, or neighborhood; and (2) communities in developing strategic growth plans that provide a vision and goals for development over a minimum 20-year period and integrate long-term innovative transportation and land use planning. Requires priority be given to: (1) investment projects that increase the number of transportation options, improve access to housing, jobs, and services, and reduce greenhouse gas; and (2) innovative planning applicants who have proposed strategic growth plans for communities with transportation systems characterized by poor access to job centers and schools, limited transportation options for residents, and significant traffic congestion. Requires the Director to: (1) develop statistical and analytical capabilities to ascertain specified transportation data; and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies to carry out activities that promote the development of livable communities, increase transportation choices, and improve the environment, public health, and quality of life.

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2584) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 21 July 2011

Sets forth the rule for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2584) making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012.

Judgment of the Court (Fourth Chamber) of 21 July 2011.#Etimine SA v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.#Reference for a preliminary ruling from High Court of Justice (England & Wales), Queen's Bench Division (Administrative Court).#Environment and protection of human health – Directive 67/548/EEC –Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 – Borate substances – Classification as reprotoxic substances in category 2 – Directive 2008/58/EC and Regulation (EC) No 790/2009 – Adaptation of the classifications to technical and scientific progress – Validity – Methods of assessing the intrinsic properties of those substances – Manifest error of assessment – Legal basis – Obligation to state reasons – Principle of proportionality.#Case C-15/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 July 2011

Judgment of the Court (Third Chamber) of 21 July 2011.#Károly Nagy v Mezőgazdasági és Vidékfejlesztési Hivatal.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Fővárosi Bíróság - Hungary.#Common agricultural policy - EAGGF financing - Regulations (EC) No 1257/1999 and No 817/2004 - Community support for rural development - Support for agri-environmental production methods - Agri-environmental aid other than ‘livestock’ aid, the grant of which is conditional upon a certain density of livestock - Application of the integrated administration and control system - System for the identification and registration of bovine animals - Duty of national authorities to provide information on the conditions for eligibility.#Case C-21/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 July 2011

Judgment of the Court (Fourth Chamber) of 21 July 2011.#Nickel Institute v Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: High Court of Justice (England & Wales), Queen's Bench Division (Administrative Court) - United Kingdom.#Environment and protection of human health - Directive 67/548/EEC - Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 - Classification of nickel carbonates, nickel hydroxides and a number of grouped nickel substances as dangerous substances - Validity of Directives 2008/58/EC and 2009/2/EC and of Regulation (EC) No 790/2009 - Adaptation of the classifications to technical and scientific progress - Validity - Methods of assessing the intrinsic properties of those substances - Manifest error of assessment - Legal basis - Obligation to state reasons.#Case C-14/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 July 2011

Judgment of the Court (First Chamber) of 21 July 2011.#Azienda Agro-Zootecnica Franchini sarl and Eolica di Altamura Srl v Regione Puglia.#Reference for a preliminary ruling from Tribunale Amministrativo Regionale per la Puglia.#Environment – Directive 92/43/EEC – Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora – Directive 79/409/EEC – Conservation of wild birds – Special areas of conservation forming part of the Natura 2000 European Ecological Network – Directives 2009/28/EC and 2001/77/EC – Renewable energy sources – National rules – Prohibition on the location of wind turbines not intended for self‑consumption – No assessment of the environmental implications of the project.#Case C-2/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 July 2011

Opinion of Mr Advocate General Bot delivered on 21 July 2011.#Criminal proceedings against QB.#Reference for a preliminary ruling: Amtsgericht Bruchsal - Germany.#Protection of the environment – Regulations (EC) Nos 1013/2006 and 1418/2007 – Control of shipments of waste – Prohibition on the shipment of spent catalysts to Lebanon.#Case C-405/10.

European Union · Court of Justice of the European Union · 21 July 2011

243 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to permit local authorities to refuse to release the bonds that are collected from developers to ensure that sewage, lighting and roads are up to standard until building defects in private residential apartment blocks built by bankrupted developers are corrected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21843/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

243 Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to permit local authorities to refuse to release the bonds that are collected from developers to ensure that sewage, lighting and roads are up to standard until building defects in private residential apartment blocks built by bankrupted developers are corrected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21843/11]

242 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider giving directions to all local authorities on the need to ensure the sustainable future development of new burial grounds across the country; if he is concerned that burial grounds in the greater Dublin area are at near full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21756/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

242 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider giving directions to all local authorities on the need to ensure the sustainable future development of new burial grounds across the country; if he is concerned that burial grounds in the greater Dublin area are at near full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21756/11]

241 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the final position has now been agreed in regard to a grant for refurbishment works of an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21697/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

241 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the final position has now been agreed in regard to a grant for refurbishment works of an area (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21697/11]

239 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has agreed with local authorities the ghost estates that will avail of the €5 million fund; the location of those estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21647/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

239 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has agreed with local authorities the ghost estates that will avail of the €5 million fund; the location of those estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21647/11]

238 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of houses in housing estates, on a county basis, that are under construction and not yet taken in charge by local authorities; if they have been deemed to be ghost estates for the purpose of availing of the €5 million fund; the new measures that he will take to get completion of those estates, particularly where all houses are completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21646/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

238 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of houses in housing estates, on a county basis, that are under construction and not yet taken in charge by local authorities; if they have been deemed to be ghost estates for the purpose of availing of the €5 million fund; the new measures that he will take to get completion of those estates, particularly where all houses are completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21646/11]

237 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent of live unauthorised development cases on a county by county basis; the number of same that are warning, enforcement, and court stage; if he is satisfied with the timeframe for dealing with such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21645/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

237 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent of live unauthorised development cases on a county by county basis; the number of same that are warning, enforcement, and court stage; if he is satisfied with the timeframe for dealing with such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21645/11]

236 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocations that were made to housing associations, by association, in 2010; the capital projects are being considered; if new projects are being considered; if an expanded role is envisaged into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21644/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

236 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocations that were made to housing associations, by association, in 2010; the capital projects are being considered; if new projects are being considered; if an expanded role is envisaged into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21644/11]

235 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will seek a common approach by local authorities to persons who have or are due to lose their homes due to mortgages that are unsustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21652/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

235 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will seek a common approach by local authorities to persons who have or are due to lose their homes due to mortgages that are unsustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21652/11]

234 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost in 2010 of administering the County and City Managers’ Association; if those funds were raised from local authorities; if there was a grant paid to the association by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21642/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

234 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost in 2010 of administering the County and City Managers’ Association; if those funds were raised from local authorities; if there was a grant paid to the association by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21642/11]

233 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amounts that were collected in motor tax on a county basis in 2009 and 2010, both online and directly through motor tax offices; if projections have been made for 2011 take; if so, the outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21641/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

233 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amounts that were collected in motor tax on a county basis in 2009 and 2010, both online and directly through motor tax offices; if projections have been made for 2011 take; if so, the outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21641/11]

232 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the home adaptation and essential repairs grant allocations that were made by local authorities, in 2010 and 2011; if the absence of matching funds is impeding drawdown of these grants; if so, the location of same; if any local authorities have indicated a need for additional resources to administer the grant system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21640/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

232 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the home adaptation and essential repairs grant allocations that were made by local authorities, in 2010 and 2011; if the absence of matching funds is impeding drawdown of these grants; if so, the location of same; if any local authorities have indicated a need for additional resources to administer the grant system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21640/11]

231 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocations that were made by local authority from the Local Government Fund in 2010 and 2011; if account will be taken for 2012 of the 2011 census of population changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21639/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

231 Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the allocations that were made by local authority from the Local Government Fund in 2010 and 2011; if account will be taken for 2012 of the 2011 census of population changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21639/11]

240 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding water meters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21684/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

240 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding water meters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21684/11]

230 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has performed a cost benefit analysis on the feasibility of a national water metering scheme; the findings of that cost benefit analysis; if he will provide information on any feasibility studies performed on his or the Government’s behalf of the financial costs of a national water metering scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21638/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

230 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has performed a cost benefit analysis on the feasibility of a national water metering scheme; the findings of that cost benefit analysis; if he will provide information on any feasibility studies performed on his or the Government’s behalf of the financial costs of a national water metering scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21638/11]

229 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 31 May 2011 and No. 283 of 7 June 2011, his views on an amendment to the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 to enable the publication of those convicted of litter offences; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the case of tax defaulters, specific provision was made in the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to allow the publication of the names of such defaulters instead of a more general amendment of the Data Protection Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21637/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

229 Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 31 May 2011 and No. 283 of 7 June 2011, his views on an amendment to the Litter Pollution Acts 1997 to 2009 to enable the publication of those convicted of litter offences; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the case of tax defaulters, specific provision was made in the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 to allow the publication of the names of such defaulters instead of a more general amendment of the Data Protection Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21637/11]

228 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the proposed new fire station in Glencolmcille in County Donegal will start construction stage; if he has satisfied himself that the existing fire station complies with current standards in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21620/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

228 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the proposed new fire station in Glencolmcille in County Donegal will start construction stage; if he has satisfied himself that the existing fire station complies with current standards in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21620/11]

227 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he received a request from a county council (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21571/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

227 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he received a request from a county council (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21571/11]

226 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the proposals to extract water from the River Shannon for the midlands and greater Dublin area; if the new water authority has to be set up first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21553/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

226 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the proposals to extract water from the River Shannon for the midlands and greater Dublin area; if the new water authority has to be set up first; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21553/11]

225 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications received under the 2011 tenant purchase scheme in each local authority area; the number of successful applicants in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21541/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

225 Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications received under the 2011 tenant purchase scheme in each local authority area; the number of successful applicants in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21541/11]

224 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 9 June 2011, if he will list all current residential construction commitments of Cork County Council; and if he will list all properties coming on stream through the Part V process. [21540/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

224 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 9 June 2011, if he will list all current residential construction commitments of Cork County Council; and if he will list all properties coming on stream through the Part V process. [21540/11]

223 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons on the social housing waiting list in County Cork; if he will provide a breakdown of same on a county council electoral area basis and by length of time on the list. [21539/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

223 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons on the social housing waiting list in County Cork; if he will provide a breakdown of same on a county council electoral area basis and by length of time on the list. [21539/11]

222 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of widely available civil engineering publications from 1987 (details supplied) all of which warned about the necessity to determine the heave potential of rock containing pyrites, he will explain the method by which the building regulations for structures were and are produced; and the reason testing of engineering fill was not required to screen for heave-inducing pyrite, which could have prevented the devastating structural damage now being experienced by at least 50,000 householders. [21533/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

222 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of widely available civil engineering publications from 1987 (details supplied) all of which warned about the necessity to determine the heave potential of rock containing pyrites, he will explain the method by which the building regulations for structures were and are produced; and the reason testing of engineering fill was not required to screen for heave-inducing pyrite, which could have prevented the devastating structural damage now being experienced by at least 50,000 householders. [21533/11]

221 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Fingal County Council’s plan to spend €90 million on the construction of a super dump is a valid use of public funds (details supplied); and his views whether the Nevitt super dump is now needed, in view of the economic downturn and the fact that Bord na Móna possesses a landfill at Drehid suitable for use by Dublin Councils. [21532/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

221 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Fingal County Council’s plan to spend €90 million on the construction of a super dump is a valid use of public funds (details supplied); and his views whether the Nevitt super dump is now needed, in view of the economic downturn and the fact that Bord na Móna possesses a landfill at Drehid suitable for use by Dublin Councils. [21532/11]

220 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a sum of €445,000 of regeneration funding is to used for the refurbishment of local authority houses in the Cranmore estate, County Sligo; if any proposal has been made by Sligo Borough Council to use a portion of the remaining regeneration funding for remedial works on private houses in the estate; if private households in the estate will be offered the opportunity to availing of a 50:50 scheme where certain approved remedial or refurbishment works are 50% funded from regeneration funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21522/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

220 Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a sum of €445,000 of regeneration funding is to used for the refurbishment of local authority houses in the Cranmore estate, County Sligo; if any proposal has been made by Sligo Borough Council to use a portion of the remaining regeneration funding for remedial works on private houses in the estate; if private households in the estate will be offered the opportunity to availing of a 50:50 scheme where certain approved remedial or refurbishment works are 50% funded from regeneration funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21522/11]

219 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of participation and responsibility of each Minister of State in his Department in attendance at ministerial councils for which his Department has responsibility since the formation of the Government; and if he will list all such meetings which have taken place and the Minister in attendance at each meeting. [21507/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

219 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the level of participation and responsibility of each Minister of State in his Department in attendance at ministerial councils for which his Department has responsibility since the formation of the Government; and if he will list all such meetings which have taken place and the Minister in attendance at each meeting. [21507/11]

218 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of the new proposal which will see planning permission required to reclaim land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

218 Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of the new proposal which will see planning permission required to reclaim land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/11]

217 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rules and guidelines his Department has issued on noise pollution created by home owners and tenants; the measures that exist to enforce them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21442/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 20 July 2011

217 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the rules and guidelines his Department has issued on noise pollution created by home owners and tenants; the measures that exist to enforce them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21442/11]

EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2011

EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 - Provides that the following rules shall have no force or effect and shall be treated as though they had never taken effect: (1) the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Major Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters; (2) the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Area Sources: Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers; (3) the Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Commercial and Industrial Solid Waste Incineration Units; and (4) Identification of Non-Hazardous Secondary Materials That are Solid Waste. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in place of such rules, to promulgate within 15 months regulations for industrial, commercial, and institutional boilers and process heaters and commercial and industrial solid waste incinerator units subject to such rules, that: (1) establish maximum achievable control technology standards, performance standards, and other requirements for hazardous air pollutants or solid waste combustion under the Clean Air Act; and (2) identify non-hazardous secondary materials that, when used as fuels or ingredients in combustion units of such boilers, heaters, or incinerator units, are solid waste under the Solid Waste Disposal Act for purposes of determining the extent to which such combustion units are required to meet emission standards for such pollutants under such Act. Requires the Administrator to establish compliance dates for such standards and requirements after considering compliance costs, non-air quality health and environmental impacts and energy requirements, the feasibility of implementation, the availability of equipment, suppliers, and labor, and potential net employment impacts. Sets forth guidelines for such rules and regulations, including requiring the Administrator to: (1) ensure that emissions standards for existing and new sources can be met under actual operating conditions consistently and concurrently with emission standards for all other air pollutants regulated by the rule for the source category; and (2) impose the least burdensome regulatory alternative for each regulation promulgated. Requires the Administrator to publish a list of nonhazardous secondary materials that are not solid waste when combusted in units designed for energy recovery. Specifies material to be included in such list.

A bill to exempt any road, highway, or bridge damaged by a natural disaster, including a flood, from duplicative environmental reviews if the road, highway, or bridge is reconstructed in the same location.

United States · United States Congress · 20 July 2011

Exempts from environmental review under named federal environmental laws the reconstruction process of any road, highway, or bridge that has been damaged by a natural disaster (including flood) and reconstructed in the same location.

426 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain the difficulties which have given rise to late payments in the agri-environment options scheme in 2011; and when he expects payments to be awarded to the AEOS1 applicants. [20863/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

426 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain the difficulties which have given rise to late payments in the agri-environment options scheme in 2011; and when he expects payments to be awarded to the AEOS1 applicants. [20863/11]

374 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the savings to the semi-State sector in his Department in a full year if he were to cap the maximum salary available in semi-State bodies at €100,000. [22629/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

374 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the savings to the semi-State sector in his Department in a full year if he were to cap the maximum salary available in semi-State bodies at €100,000. [22629/11]

373 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the submission made to him in July 2010 from Engineers Ireland on the regulation of the engineering profession here; if this submission has been considered by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21390/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

373 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the submission made to him in July 2010 from Engineers Ireland on the regulation of the engineering profession here; if this submission has been considered by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21390/11]

371 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is intended to initiate comprehensive legislation on the planning and development and administration of crematoria, in view of the lack of such legislation and the requirements of EU legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

371 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is intended to initiate comprehensive legislation on the planning and development and administration of crematoria, in view of the lack of such legislation and the requirements of EU legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21348/11]

370 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the EU directive on crematoria which includes measures on emissions from crematoria; if it has been transposed into law here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21347/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

370 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the EU directive on crematoria which includes measures on emissions from crematoria; if it has been transposed into law here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21347/11]

372 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all foreshore licences will be put on public display through the local authority, public libraries and online, and if there will also be a requirement for a public site notice in the vicinity of the proposed site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21349/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

372 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all foreshore licences will be put on public display through the local authority, public libraries and online, and if there will also be a requirement for a public site notice in the vicinity of the proposed site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21349/11]

369 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all foreshore licences will be put on public display through the local authority, public libraries and online, in view of the fact that at the moment they are only on public display in local Garda stations for 21 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21342/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

369 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if all foreshore licences will be put on public display through the local authority, public libraries and online, in view of the fact that at the moment they are only on public display in local Garda stations for 21 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21342/11]

368 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the expenditure of regeneration funding for the Cranmore and eastern quadrant project in Sligo on project staff salaries and wages, project office overheads, consultant fees, funding for the employment of a development worker and information officer by the Cranmore Community co-operative, the Cranmore Mounds project and the community warden scheme in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. [21341/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

368 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the expenditure of regeneration funding for the Cranmore and eastern quadrant project in Sligo on project staff salaries and wages, project office overheads, consultant fees, funding for the employment of a development worker and information officer by the Cranmore Community co-operative, the Cranmore Mounds project and the community warden scheme in each of the years 2008, 2009 and 2010. [21341/11]

367 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 10 May 2011, in which he confirmed that his Department is providing €2 million to Sligo Borough Council in respect of proposals for the regeneration of the eastern quadrant of Sligo, if he is in a position to indicate the boundaries of the eastern quadrant of Sligo; and if not, the criteria his Department will use when approving funding of €500,000 of the said funding for the improvement of O’Connell Street, Sligo. [21340/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

367 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 248 of 10 May 2011, in which he confirmed that his Department is providing €2 million to Sligo Borough Council in respect of proposals for the regeneration of the eastern quadrant of Sligo, if he is in a position to indicate the boundaries of the eastern quadrant of Sligo; and if not, the criteria his Department will use when approving funding of €500,000 of the said funding for the improvement of O’Connell Street, Sligo. [21340/11]

366 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council has had the highest overall deficit balance of all county and city councils, as outlined in their respective annual financial statements for the financial years ending 31 December 2008, 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2010; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council had a deficit of €2,815,649 for the year ending 31 December 2008, a deficit of €3,232,961 for the year ending 31 December 2009 and a deficit of €2,463,505 for the year ending 31 December 2010, and on 31 December 2010 Sligo County Council had a total closing overall deficit balance of €9,981,616; and if elected members of Sligo County Council at the council meeting of 15 May 2011 adopted the motion that the council, recognising the grave financial position it finds itself in, requests the new Minister for the Environment to meet with an all-party delegation of councillors to consider the critical financial position of the council and to seek the advice and assistance of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in terms of resolving the crisis; if he plans to meet with the all-party delegation in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

366 Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council has had the highest overall deficit balance of all county and city councils, as outlined in their respective annual financial statements for the financial years ending 31 December 2008, 31 December 2009 and 31 December 2010; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that Sligo County Council had a deficit of €2,815,649 for the year ending 31 December 2008, a deficit of €3,232,961 for the year ending 31 December 2009 and a deficit of €2,463,505 for the year ending 31 December 2010, and on 31 December 2010 Sligo County Council had a total closing overall deficit balance of €9,981,616; and if elected members of Sligo County Council at the council meeting of 15 May 2011 adopted the motion that the council, recognising the grave financial position it finds itself in, requests the new Minister for the Environment to meet with an all-party delegation of councillors to consider the critical financial position of the council and to seek the advice and assistance of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government in terms of resolving the crisis; if he plans to meet with the all-party delegation in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/11]

365 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amending the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 to allow an appeal mechanism for the non-principal private residence charge, in view of the fact that registered users do not received noticed of missed payments via the electronic system currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

365 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amending the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 to allow an appeal mechanism for the non-principal private residence charge, in view of the fact that registered users do not received noticed of missed payments via the electronic system currently in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21301/11]

364 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amending the electronic payment system for the non-principal private residence charge in order that a notice would be sent to registered users warning them either of an impending payment deadline or a non-payment of the charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/11]

Ireland · Dáil Éireann · 19 July 2011

364 Deputy Alex White asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider amending the electronic payment system for the non-principal private residence charge in order that a notice would be sent to registered users warning them either of an impending payment deadline or a non-payment of the charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21300/11]