The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue today (19 November) announced the introduction of new measures under the Nitrates Regulations.
 
The new measures  introduce a requirement in relation to liming, the use of low emission slurry spreading (LESS) technology and reducing crude protein in concentrates on those farms at over 170kg organic N per Ha and who currently do not avail of the nitrates derogation.
 
Minister O’Brien outlined, “these regulations apply the same requirement to all farmers over 170Kg Organic N per Ha. This is an important step up in the contribution of these farmers to support water quality.”
 
Minister McConalogue added, “the measures provide farmers the opportunity to improve their environmental footprint while improving and protecting water quality.”
 
Both Ministers added, “Farms operating at these levels (over 170 kg organic N/Ha and nitrates derogation farms) implement many of the very best practices in nutrient management planning and this revision to the regulation will ensure a level playing field and it is important that all farmers (i.e. over 170kg/N/Ha), including those not in derogation, play their part in protecting water quality.’’
 
Following discussions between both Ministers, the suite of measures will to be introduced from 1st January 2021 however the introduction of the requirement to LESS for these farmers (over 170 kg organic N/Ha) will be introduced from 15th April 2021. The current requirement to use LESS technology on nitrates approved derogation farms remains in place where all slurry applied during 2021, must be applied by LESS methods.
 
Commenting on the amended timeframe for the introduction of LESS, Minister McConalogue said, “I am happy to announce that following constructive discussions between myself and Minister O’Brien, a balance has been struck allowing a revised timeframe to prepare these farmers for switching to LESS equipment. It is critical to stress that there will be no further amendments beyond 15th April 2021. Both myself and Minister O’Brien are committed to our environmental commitments under the Nitrates Action Programme and Derogation. We all must work collectively to ensure the measures contained within the Nitrates Action Programme and Derogation are adhered to while also ensuring that productive farmers are supported.”
 
Minister McConalogue also welcomed the fact that farmers are embracing LESS technology which has significant benefits in reducing ammonia emissions, improving the fertiliser value of slurry and increasing the window available for application of slurry.  He confirmed also that over 7,900 applications for support under the TAMS scheme have been received with over 2,700 farmers have been paid to-date. 
 
In addition, the Commission has requested Ireland to review some of the technical aspects of the Nitrates Action Programme, therefore the annual excretion rates for the dairy cow was reviewed based on most recent scientific research. This work indicated that based on increased emissions from dairy cows  “based on scientific data, the analysis concluded, the excretion rate of the dairy cow should be reflected closer to 89 kg organic nitrogen” with the current regulation having been revised to reflect this change for implementation from the 1st January 2021.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue today (19 November) announced the introduction of new measures under the Nitrates Regulations.
 
The new measures  introduce a requirement in relation to liming, the use of low emission slurry spreading (LESS) technology and reducing crude protein in concentrates on those farms at over 170kg organic N per Ha and who currently do not avail of the nitrates derogation.
 
Minister O’Brien outlined, “these regulations apply the same requirement to all farmers over 170Kg Organic N per Ha. This is an important step up in the contribution of these farmers to support water quality.”
 
Minister McConalogue added, “the measures provide farmers the opportunity to improve their environmental footprint while improving and protecting water quality.”
 
Both Ministers added, “Farms operating at these levels (over 170 kg organic N/Ha and nitrates derogation farms) implement many of the very best practices in nutrient management planning and this revision to the regulation will ensure a level playing field and it is important that all farmers (i.e. over 170kg/N/Ha), including those not in derogation, play their part in protecting water quality.’’
 
Following discussions between both Ministers, the suite of measures will to be introduced from 1st January 2021 however the introduction of the requirement to LESS for these farmers (over 170 kg organic N/Ha) will be introduced from 15th April 2021. The current requirement to use LESS technology on nitrates approved derogation farms remains in place where all slurry applied during 2021, must be applied by LESS methods.
 
Commenting on the amended timeframe for the introduction of LESS, Minister McConalogue said, “I am happy to announce that following constructive discussions between myself and Minister O’Brien, a balance has been struck allowing a revised timeframe to prepare these farmers for switching to LESS equipment. It is critical to stress that there will be no further amendments beyond 15th April 2021. Both myself and Minister O’Brien are committed to our environmental commitments under the Nitrates Action Programme and Derogation. We all must work collectively to ensure the measures contained within the Nitrates Action Programme and Derogation are adhered to while also ensuring that productive farmers are supported.”
 
Minister McConalogue also welcomed the fact that farmers are embracing LESS technology which has significant benefits in reducing ammonia emissions, improving the fertiliser value of slurry and increasing the window available for application of slurry.  He confirmed also that over 7,900 applications for support under the TAMS scheme have been received with over 2,700 farmers have been paid to-date. 
 
In addition, the Commission has requested Ireland to review some of the technical aspects of the Nitrates Action Programme, therefore the annual excretion rates for the dairy cow was reviewed based on most recent scientific research. This work indicated that based on increased emissions from dairy cows  “based on scientific data, the analysis concluded, the excretion rate of the dairy cow should be reflected closer to 89 kg organic nitrogen” with the current regulation having been revised to reflect this change for implementation from the 1st January 2021.

                                                   -Review of scheme to take place-
 Local Minister Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the recommencement of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme and the confirmation from the Minister for Finance that he will conduct a review of the scheme.
The scheme determines applications to Revenue for a VRT and VAT reduction when purchasing or adapting a vehicle. The scheme also exempts the vehicle from motor tax and tolls while a fuel grant is available too.
The issuing of primary medical certificates for disabled drivers and passengers was suspended last month as a result of a court decision in June.
Minister O’Brien said the suspension of the scheme by the HSE had been the cause of concern and worry for many. He said it was a vital lifeline for many people, in particular for those who did not have the option of public transport.
He said, “The Minister for Finance is tabling an amendment to the Finance Bill to give legislative effect to the existing medical criteria for primary medical certs and, once enacted this will enable new primary medical certs to be issued and the recommencement of the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme. 
“He has also confirmed a review of the scheme, something which I have advocated for for a long time. I have had many constituents contact me over the restrictive nature of the scheme and I am glad that a working group will be established, which will include representatives of the disability advocacy bodies.
“In the interim, the scheme will continue to operate which will come as a relief to the many advocates for it,” he concluded.

​The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O Brien TD has today [Monday 16th November] announced an increase in the maximum funding available under the Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) from the current limit of €40,000 to a maximum of €60,000.
 
Minister O’Brien informed both the High Level Homelessness Taskforce and the Housing Delivery Group of the increase at this morning’s meetings and said it was an important change which would stimulate greater social housing stock. 
 
The Repair and Leasing Scheme was introduced to assist in bringing vacant properties back into use for social housing purposes. This significant increase in funding underlines the Government’s commitment to bringing vacant properties back into use across the country. 
 
It will also have additional benefits in terms of employment and investment in local areas as projects under the Repair and Leasing Scheme tend to be small scale, with refurbishment works being carried out by small local construction companies and tradespeople. 
 
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “This funding increase which has been called for by many of our local authorities and AHBs will mean that property owners who cannot afford or access funding to bring their vacant stock up to standard and back into use will be able to do so for use as social housing. 
 
“In 2020, funding of €10.7m has been made available for the scheme nationwide with €11m allocated into 2021. It has an added benefit of increasing investment and employment into the local construction and retail sectors while also providing for the regeneration of local communities,” he concluded.

Local Minister Darragh O’Brien has welcomed the announcement of €55million in minor works grant payments for schools.

The Department of Education’s capital budget was increased to facilitate the payment of these grants in December 2020. The earlier payment of these grants will also facilitate a strong roll-out of school building projects in 2021.

Minister O’Brien said it was particularly important that additional funding for COVID-19 related works was included in the grant this year.

He said, “I am very glad to see this announcement and that it will be paid out to primary and post-primary schools in early December. Without question this year has been very difficult for our schools and this funding will be most welcome. 

“The €55 million payments involves an additional €25m funding for COVID-19 related minor works at post-primary level and the bringing forward from 2021 the standard €30m minor works grant at primary level.

“This means that schools can undertake works such as enhancing ventilation, purchasing furniture or adapting toilet areas and that they will get a good lead-in period for planning and undertaking works in 2021.

“Teachers, principals and students have all had to adapt to a great extent in response to this pandemic. This grant goes a small way to making it easier for schools to continue to provide a very high standard of education in a safe environment for students.”

                                    -Further rebate to issue in December- 
    - Minister O’Brien writes to Fingal CoCo to re-state support for local government- 
 
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Darragh O’Brien TD has written to the Chief Executive of Fingal County Council to reiterate the Government’s support for local government.  
Minister O’Brien sent the letter as the second tranche of commercial rates rebates were issued to local authorities across the country. Fingal County Council has so far received over €50 million with further payments to issue.  
As part of the July Stimulus programme a €600 million commercial rates waiver was announced for businesses impacted by COVID-19. This covered 100% of commercial rates from the end of March to the end of September. As part of Budget 2021 a further €300 million commercial rates waiver was announced to cover rates to the end of the year.  
Commenting Minister O’Brien said, “The commercial rates waiver will mean that Fingal won’t be at a loss or having to make ‘either’ ‘or’ decisions when it comes to providing vital services for people. I have been engaging with my party colleagues on Fingal County Council, Cllr Brigid Manton, Cllr Brian Dennehy, Cllr Eoghan O’Brian, Cllr Darragh Butler and Cllr. Adrian Henchy – who have reiterated the need for support for services in these difficult times.  
“I am very aware that commercial rates are the backbone of local authority income which means that services such as playgrounds, sports facilities and library services can keep operating. I want to ensure that Fingal can continue their important work and Government have not been and will not be found wanting in respect to support for the sector.  
“As Fingal County Council begins to engage in their 2021 budgetary process they do so in the knowledge that Government has supported them with a commitment for commercial rates rebates in 2020. 
“I will continue to work with my colleague Michael McGrath TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to support local authorities meet costs and income losses that have arisen as a direct consequence of the pandemic. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all our local authorities for the exceptional leadership they has shown through their response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” concluded Minister O’Brien. 

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O Brien TD has today [Thursday 12th November] welcomed the release of some 1270 previously captured hares back into the wild by clubs affiliated to the Irish Coursing Club (ICC).
The Department had been in communication with the ICC over recent weeks seeking to secure the release of hares that they were holding for future coursing meetings. Currently, coursing activities have been suspended under COVID-19 level 5 restrictions.
In terms of the welfare and conservation of a protected species, the Department formally requested the ICC to release all captive hares given that, by December 1st, the current duration of level 5 restrictions, hares would have been held in captivity for at least six weeks, and in some cases for much longer. It is also not clear at what point after December 1st it may be permissible for coursing to recommence.
Minister O’Brien commented:
“There have been some claims that my intervention in seeking the release of hares would result in them being hunted illegally by others. It has been claimed that this measure will make it easier for illegal hunters, as they would now know the location of high numbers of hares. I would point out that after every coursing meeting hares are released in any case, and these hares were in the wild until recent weeks. Hares are a protected species, and are better off being in the wild rather than being held in captivity in large groups. I see no reason why they should have been held for the duration that coursing was suspended. As well as that, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and the Garda Síochana have taken a number of prosecutions in relation to illegal hunting of hares in recent years and along with my colleague Minister of State Malcolm Noonan, I recently announced the establishment next year of a Wildlife Crime Unit in the National Parks Service of my Department. This will put a greater focus on the issue of wildlife crime including the illegal hunting of hares. Finally, there have been a number of erroneous claims on social media that the National Park and Wildlife Service publish the release locations of hares by ICC clubs. That is absolutely not the case and such claims are misleading and designed solely to serve an agenda supporting the retention of the hares in continuing captivity,” he concluded.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, added:
“A dedicated Wildlife Crime Unit will ensure a strategic and standardised approach to dealing with illegal persecution of wildlife. We would continue to urge members of the public to report any suspected incidents where hares are being illegally hunted.”