Through the RPII's radon advice and awareness work, my Department supports efforts to raise public awareness of the risks posed by radon in the home. The principal objective was to assess the scale of the radon problem and, in particular, identify areas at higher risk of radon contamination above the national reference level of 200 becquerels per metre cubed (Bq/m3). Between 19, the RPII carried out a comprehensive National Radon Survey to measure radon concentrations in Irish homes. The extent of the radon problem in Ireland has been assessed by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) over a number of years. I look forward to engaging with parliamentary colleagues and the range of interests in the waste sector in this regard. I intend, at an early opportunity, to advise the Oireachtas of the guiding principles which will inform the development of waste policy. I am prioritising this commitment, as I am anxious to provide early certainty, in the form of both policy and legislation, to ensure that the necessary actions and investments are progressed to achieve those aims. The waste policy will address all of the tiers of the waste hierarchy, including incineration. The Programme for Government commits to the development of a coherent national waste policy, adhering to the waste hierarchy, which will aim to minimise waste disposal in landfill and maximise recovery. I am considering the Hennessy Report in consultation with the Attorney General, including issues relating to publication, and am working to conclude this consideration as soon as possible. John Hennessy, SC, as an authorised person under section 224 of the Local Government Act 2001, to examine various financial matters arising in relation to the Waste to Energy facility proposed for Poolbeg. My predecessor as Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. I intend bringing proposals to Government in due course on action to take forward the proposals in the Programme to strengthen the local government system and improve its capacity to meet current and future challenges and to make a substantial contribution to the national recovery effort. Key objectives under the Programme for Government include devolution of greater decision-making to local level, strengthening the powers and functions of local authorities enhancing the development and leadership role of local government and strengthening its structures and funding arrangements. In the meantime and as recommended in the report, I am establishing an implementation group with an independent chairperson to drive, oversee and report on progress being made in the implementation of relevant recommendations. I will also be considering wider proposals to renew and develop the local government system in line with the Government's programme and building on relevant research and analysis already undertaken in this area. Allied to this is the recommendation to remove the power to determine the annual rate on valuation (ARV), which forms the basis of the levying of commercial rates, and the application of town charges in the same manner as in respect of existing non-rating town council areas.Ī range of work relevant to local government reform is already under way or in planning arising from the report and I am reviewing the next immediate steps to augment this work. The Report of the Local Government Efficiency Review Group published in July 2010 includes a recommendation to transfer responsibility for planning, roads and housing functions from town councils to county councils on efficiency grounds and to eliminate administrative duplication. There are 54 rating town councils (including the five borough councils) and 26 non-rating town councils, previously known as town commissioners.
The current system of rating and non-rating authorities is long-established.
Appearing before an Oireachtas Committee.
0 kommentar(er)
