Results 1-20 of 302 for likes to work speaker:Kieran O'Donnell

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Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Flood Relief Schemes (9 Sep 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: The Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme was introduced by the Government in 2017 to address the very serious flooding of those homes that flooded in the Winter of 2015/16, including those homes flooded by turloughs. To be eligible for assistance under this once-off Scheme, a homeowner had to meet a number of conditions, including that floodwater entered and damaged the building during or...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: State Assets (9 Sep 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that they, like other State bodies, are obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties. The arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) Circulars:Circular 11/2015: Protocols for the Transfer and Sharing of State Property...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: State Properties (9 Sep 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial and complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties. This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property estate for An Garda Síochána and numerous properties for many State Agencies. The...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Heritage Sites (9 Sep 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Renewing the visitor experience at Oldbridge - Battle of the Boyne will be a major capital project encompassing three elements - the full refurbishment and presentation of the Farmyard Complex as a new visitor experience, further renovations of Oldbridge House (to make additional floors accessible to the public), and the provision of ancillary visitor facilities such as increased and enhanced...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Heritage Sites (9 Jul 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: ...in this role for a relatively short period. I will not go over the script I have been provided. I will give my thoughts, which are that I have been in this role for a short period and have come to this as an honest broker. I have had three meetings of the working group. I want people to work collaboratively. I have come in with no preconceived views on it. I am on record with the...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Heritage Sites (9 Jul 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank Deputy Stanton again. I was in Barryscourt Castle on a fine summer's day. I commend the OPW staff on the fantastic work and their utter commitment to it. Many of them are from the area. I was really impressed by the work. As Deputy Stanton is aware, the initial phase of the projects, which have been ongoing for some time, involves progressively drying the entire castle structure,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Relief Schemes (9 Jul 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Has it taken longer than one would have liked? Yes. I have been in this role for a short period. Storm Babet was certainly a factor. Anything being put forward had to be proofed against such a storm. Once again, I will note that the main scheme will take a number of years to complete. We therefore must look at what must be done now to protect people's homes in Midleton, Castlemartyr,...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Relief Schemes (9 Jul 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I will take the matters in reverse order. The council recently submitted a request for additional funding to the OPW for an increase in consultancy fees to facilitate the revised scope, and these have been approved by the OPW. As I said, the consultants are in the process of updating the scheme's programme, which will be considered by the project steering group tomorrow, 10 July. I do not...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Relief Schemes (9 Jul 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I take on board the points made by Deputy Smith and in my consideration of the review of the scheme, I will take those factors into account. I note the points he makes and I also note the points made by Deputy Durkan. In terms of the review of the scheme, I will take everything in the round. My officials are the professionals in the area but I am a practising politician like the Deputies...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Exactly. I am taking this Commencement matter on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin. I thank Senator O'Loughlin. I can see how important Kildare is to her. The Tánaiste asked me to offer his apologies on his behalf to the House. He welcomes the opportunity to respond to this matter and thanks the Senator for her question. The swimming...

Seanad: Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters: Defence Forces (12 Jun 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I again thank the Senator for raising this very important matter of an update on the upgrade works on the swimming pool at DFTC in the Curragh. She will be well aware that there is a long-standing policy in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces to allow third-party access to Defence Forces properties to support local communities and to raise the profile of the Defence Forces among...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: School Transport (12 Jun 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank Deputy Feighan for raising this matter today. I am taking this Topical Issues debate on behalf of the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. I can see the passion Deputy Feighan shows in this area. It is an area that comes up on the ground for all of us, including my good self. I know how important education is for parents. Before I address the specific issue raised, I would...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: State Properties (21 May 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works that the Office of Public Works (OPW) like other State bodies, is obliged to follow central Government policies on the disposal of surplus properties including former Garda station properties. The arrangements involved are set out in the following Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) Circulars: Circular 11/2015:...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Staff (14 May 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Doneraile Court continues to operate as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cork. The grounds of the Estate are open throughout the year. The House, like many historical properties, opens from March until October each year. The house currently open for guided tours five days per week. In order to welcome visitors to Doneraile Court, we require a minimum number of staff to...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Departmental Schemes (8 May 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: The Voluntary Homeowners Relocation Scheme was introduced by the Government in 2017 to address the very serious flooding of those homes that flooded in the Winter of 2015/16, including those homes flooded by turloughs. To be eligible for assistance under this once-off Scheme, a homeowner had to meet a number of conditions, including that floodwater entered and damaged the building during...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Flood Relief Schemes (2 May 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I note the great interest in this topic from TDs both locally and nationally. We are talking really about east Cork, Glanmire and other areas. I have been to Midleton. What we want to do here is protect people's homes and businesses. Wherever flooding takes place it is devastating. We are putting in place a comprehensive scheme in Midleton. It has taken a bit longer than we would have...

Written Answers — Department of Public Expenditure and Reform: Heritage Sites (2 May 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: Kilmainham Gaol, National Monument 675, opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin and closed in 1924. Today the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Leaders of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were detained and in some cases executed here. The Kilmainham complex...

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad: State Properties (1 May 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank Senator Murphy for raising this important matter today. By way of background, the Office of Public Works has responsibility on behalf of the State for managing and maintaining a substantial complex estate of approximately 2,500 properties nationally. This extensive and diverse portfolio of State properties includes office accommodation for all Government Departments, the property...

Seanad: Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad: State Properties (1 May 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I thank the Senator for his comments. As stated, there has been engagement . We would like the community groups to come forward with more details on how they propose to use the building, and how they would fund any development and continued maintenance of the property. I ask that they contact our offices immediately in order that we can consider the matter again. The OPW wants assets to...

Seanad: Flooding on Lough Funshinagh: Statements (30 Apr 2024)

Kieran O'Donnell: I join my colleague, the Cathaoirleach, in welcoming the Malaysian delegation, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. bin Abdul, and the Malaysian ambassador to Ireland. I also welcome the former members of the Catalonian Parliament. They are all welcome to Ireland. As I told the Malaysian delegation, I hope the former members of the Catalonian Parliament get the...