OCEAN Hero Awards

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY PLEASE

Speech by

MINISTER DAMIEN ENGLISH T.D.

Minister for Housing and urban Development

at the OCEAN Hero Awards

on

21st November 2017 at the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 @ 13:00.

Michael John, Clean Coast volunteers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

It is my very great pleasure to be invited here today to present the 2017 An Taisce’s Ocean Hero Awards and I hope that you enjoyed the range of excellent and interesting contributions which were presented here this morning. Events like this provide a great opportunity to build networks and share experiences and most importantly, honour the invaluable contribution that Ireland’s coastal communities have made towards conserving our spectacular coastline.

For an island nation with one of the largest maritime areas in the European Union, the importance of the sea to Ireland cannot be overstated. We deeply value our marine and coastal environments in all their beauty and diversity, but increasingly we are aware of the growing threats from human activities that face complex marine ecosystems some of which remain unknown to science.

In this context, litter accumulating in the marine environment is a significant environmental issue facing the World today. The exact quantity of litter, including plastic in the ocean and volumes entering the ocean from waste generated on land or lost or discarded at sea is unknown and is the subject on ongoing extensive national and international research. Estimates vary widely, but there is no doubt that it exists in vast quantities with undetermined impacts and that levels of marine litter are growing at an unacceptable rate.

My Department is committed to working, both nationally and internationally, with our EU and OSPAR partners and national stakeholders, to determine the key sources of marine litter, the pathways by which it can enter the marine environment and the harm it causes. This will inform the development of our national and international measures to address the problem.

Ireland is already implementing a suite of measures identified in our Marine Strategy Framework Directive Programme of Measures to address this issue. This will be reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis as new marine litter sources and pathways are identified. Ireland will also continue to identify ways of treating plastic waste as a resource.

Ireland also supports the aims of the Plastics Strategy in the Circular Economy which aims to address the challenges posed by plastics across the value chain and take into account the entire life cycle. The implementation of programmes such as the Circular Economy package will, I believe, be a key measure in reducing marine litter inputs in the future.

Because of the transboundary nature of the problem, Ireland continues to cooperate collaboratively with international partners to try and identify the extent and impact of the problem and to develop solutions to address the issue in tandem with our EU partners under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic.

It is important to note that the problem of marine litter is only one aspect of our marine environmental policy. We are also are working to ensure that :

• Biodiversity is maintained
• Non-indigenous species do not adversely alter the ecosystem
• The population of commercial fish species is healthy
• Elements of food webs ensure long-term abundance and reproduction
• Eutrophication (the impacts of sewage and nutrients such as fertiliser leading to loss of oxygen in the water is minimised
• Sea floor and seawaters are not altered in such a way as to harm ecosystems
• Contaminants in seafood are below safe levels
• Introduction of energy and underwater noise does not adversely affect the ecosystem

However, the problem of marine litter remains a particular focus for us at this time.

Raising public awareness and effecting societal change in environmental behaviour is very important when it comes to issues such as reducing marine litter. That is why my Department has a long-standing relationship with An Taisce and we are pleased to support initiatives administered by An Taisce, such as Clean Coasts and the Two Minute Beach Clean programmes. The recent Love Your Coast photography awards and similar projects represent just some of the many high profile and high value initiatives that An Taisce operates. These are tremendous vehicles for encouraging public participation and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility. They are considered exemplars in their field and worthy of support at home and replication abroad

It is also worth noting that exciting developments are ongoing in relation to the Green Schools module on marine environmental issues, especially litter. This is also administered by An Taisce and supported by my Department. It was piloted in a number of schools in 2016 and is currently being rolled out, on a nationwide basis, involving over 250 schools. I am convinced that this internationally ground breaking module will augment and dovetail with the current suite of green school offerings and will further educate the children of today and improve the environmental behaviours of tomorrow.

We regard these programmes as international best practice models and are keen to present them as such to our international partners in the EU and further afield. In recognition of this fact, the Government has committed to continue to support the Coast Care and Green Schools Global Citizenship Marine Environment programmes into the future. At the “Our Oceans” Conference in Malta in October, Irelandundertake to incorporate these initiatives among our formal measures to address the marine litter and environmental protection targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

But today is about you, the Coast Care groups, Businesses, Schools and individuals, who give of your time and energy to make the marine environment a better place. The contribution of local communities and community based enterprises cannot be overstated. Your efforts are crucial in achieving and maintaining the aesthetical appeal and the amenity and economic value of the coastal resource. The work of coast care groups is actually making a tangible difference to the quality of our coastal environment, removing nearly 200 tonnes of litter from our coast annually. As well as environmental benefits, this has tremendous social and economic benefits, not least for our tourist industry.

I understand that there are over 600 active Coast Care groups, involving 18,000 volunteers, and representing a quarter of a million hours are dotted around the Irish coast. Your tireless activities, augmented by environmentally focussed enterprises and schools are both civically admirable and environmentally beneficial, and are rightly being recognised here today.

Attaining Ocean Hero awards does not come easily. It requires a lot of commitment, a lot of effort and a lot of civic spirit, which makes the achievement all the more satisfactory and recipients here today should be justifiably proud of their achievements. These awards are a tremendous example of community school and business collaborations and local and individual pride harnessed for the improvement of the marine environment. I think that the recipients here today, in the various categories, should feel enormously fulfilled in achieving these hard-won and much-sought-after accolades.

We, as current custodians of the marine environment have a duty and a responsibility to pass on a resource to be sustainably developed and enjoyed by future generations. But there is no room for complacency and as a society, we need to redouble our efforts in identifying and implementing environmentally sustainable solutions to current and future environmental challenges.

So, in conclusion, I hope you had a thought-provoking and enlightening seminar and I hope that you had an opportunity to share information and experiences over lunch. I am confident that, with the help of marine conscious stakeholders, like yourselves, that we are well positioned to deal with the significant environmental issues ahead.

It only remains for me to congratulate all those who have been nominated and will receive awards here today. You deserve recognition for the trojan efforts that you have made to help improve the quality of the marine environment.

Go raibh maith agaibh agus comhghairdeas.

English: Ramparts Navan and Girley Bog Loop to benefit from Rural Recreation Projects funding

Monday, 31st July 2017

“i am delighted to learn from Minister Michael Ring this morning that
Navan Ramparts (€10k) and Girley Bog Loop (€6k) in the Meath West Dáil
Constituency are to benefit under the 2017 Outdoor Recreation
Infrastructure Scheme” Minister for Housing and Urban Development and
Meath West Fine Gael T.D. Damien English has stated.

The Scheme is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural
Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor
recreational infrastructure and the maintenance, enhancement and
promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland.

“Recreational tourism is a growing sector in Ireland’s tourism
offering, and we have seen an increase in the number of Irish and
overseas visitors enjoying our local tourism and heritage offering in
Meath. This investment in the Ramparts in Navan and the Girley Bog
Loop will further enhance our outdoor recreational offering for both
locals and visitors alike” Minister English concluded.

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Navan Ramparts and Girley Bog Loop fall under Measure 1: Small
maintenance/promotion of existing infrastructure (maximum grant
€10,000)

The scheme will primarily be run by Local Authorities and State
Agencies, and funding will be provided to a maximum of 80% of total
project costs, with the balance to be provided from Local Authority or
other sources.

Meath to receive over €130k for heritage projects– Minister English

Friday, 12th May 2017

New funding for Meath under the Structures at Risk Fund & the Built
Heritage Investment Scheme

Damien English T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal and Meath
West Fine Gael T.D. has announced that heritage projects in Meath are
to benefit from over €130k in funding.

“New funding totalling €131,140 has been granted to Meath for heritage
projects here.

“Providing funding under these schemes is a commitment in Fine Gael’s
Action Plan for Rural Development, ‘Realising Our Rural Potential’.
This funding for Meath is part of an announcement by my colleague,
Minister Heather Humphreys of €4.8 million for 569 heritage projects
across the country.

“Through the Structures at Risk Fund and the Built Heritage Investment
Scheme a large number of public and private heritage buildings will
benefit from support, including €9,150 for St. Patrick’s Cathedral in
Trim, €2,970 for Loreto Navan Convent Chapel, €3,300 for Donaghpatrick
Parochial Hall, €2,500 for the Old School House at Agher, €2,500 for
Athboy Parochial House, and €2,500 for St Mary’s COI Navan, amongst
many other local examples.

“This funding will allow for the conservation and repair of protected
structures across Meath. These buildings and structures are so
important to our heritage and identity as a county, and maintaining
and repairing them is a crucial part of the regeneration of our
communities.

“The funding is also very important in terms of developing our tourism
offering and helping to attract visitors to Meath with all the
benefits that can bring.

“Nationally, it is expected the schemes will leverage more than €11
million in private funds. It is also important to note that the works
on these protected structures will generate significant employment in
the conservation and construction industries, which is good news for
local job creation.”

ENDS

Reduction of levy fee great news for radio stations covering Meath West – Minister English

Friday, 12th May 2017

Damien English T.D., Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, and Fine
Gael T.D. for Meath West has said local radio in Meath West will
greatly benefit from the reduction in the broadcasting levy approved
by cabinet this week.

“Irish people love listening to their local radio stations. They play
an essential role in bringing our communities together, keeping us
informed and entertained.  I am very pleased at the reduction in the
broadcasting levy approved by Cabinet this week.

“This reduction will reduce the broadcasting levy by up to 50% and we
would expect that smaller community radio stations will be exempted
altogether. This is a major boost for our local and regional
independent radio stations, such as LMFM in Meath, Midlands Radio in
Westmeath, and neighbouring Shannonside/Northern Sound Radio which
also enjoys a listenership in this region.

“Local Radio stations like our local LMFM, as well as Midlands Radio
and Shannonside/Northern Sound provide a great local service and are
an intrinsic part of our local community. Local radio keeps us
connected with what’s going on in the locality here in Meath West.

“Regulated broadcasters currently pay between €30,000 and €200,000 a
year under the levy, and it has been a key commitment of Fine Gael to
reduce it.”

Reacting to the announcement, John Purcell, Chairman of the
Independent Broadcasters of Ireland also welcomed the reduction.

“The proposals accepted by Cabinet today show that Fine Gael and
Independent Government Ministers have not only an understanding but
also an appreciation of the valuable public service contribution of
independent radio stations throughout the country.

“The commitment to scrapping the burden of the broadcasting levy on
independent radio stations was included in the Fine Gael election
manifesto and confirmed by Minister for Communications, Denis
Naughten.”

Minister Naughten said “The sector needs to be nurtured and supported.
I want to provide more flexibility for the Broadcasting Authority of
Ireland in how it applies the levy to all broadcasters including
community and hospital radio stations.”

ENDS

Speech to Library Association of Ireland (LAI) & Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Ireland (CILIP) Joint Conference

Library Association of Ireland (LAI) & Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in Ireland (CILIP) Joint Conference

 
Tullamore Court Hotel: 30th March 2017

‘Dynamic Innovative Libraries: Connecting with the User.’
 
Damien English T.D. Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal.

10.30am

Check Against Delivery

Introduction
Good morning everyone and welcome
 
Thank you for inviting me to address your conference this morning.

As the Minister responsible for the Public Library Service I am delighted to be here with you in Tullamore today.

Today’s theme, ‘Dynamic Innovative Libraries: Connecting with the User’ is especially relevant as we continue in our journey to develop the new Strategy for Libraries 2018-2022.
 
You will hear more about the progress to date around the new strategy later on and I am delighted to hear that it is going to be ambitious for everyone involved in the Public Library sector.

The strategy will build on the achievements of ‘Opportunities for All’.
 
It will position the Library Service at the centre of communities. It will keep abreast of technological advancements. And it will enable our library users to engage in many and varied ways.

To quote: Andrew Carnegie:

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.”

Another quote from Albert Einstein:

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
 
Opening

Over the course of this conference, you will be exploring your connection with service users.  You will examine what innovations can be utilised to improve customer service and to increase library membership.

The connection we have with library members and reaching potential new members is the central objective for the library service.
Through your efforts, libraries are more popular than ever before.  The position of the library as a trusted and supportive community resource continues to grow.

Library visits, for example, continue to increase year-on-year and we expect this to continue.  
In your role you have reached the milestone and connected with over one million library members.

And we need to ensure that when people visit our libraries, we are providing the best service we can.
 
This is a time; of rapid change.

This is a time; our public libraries are challenged to face and adapt to these changes.

This is a time; for the New Strategy for Libraries to be implemented.
 
These are exciting times; we can look forward with confidence and enthusiasm as we embrace innovation and changes which develop a library service that is highly valued by all our communities.
 
In recent years we have expanded the library’s influence in the community.  In what was always a safe place for communities, libraries now offer a range of community focused services which serve to enrich the lives of citizens.  
 
The delivery of innovative quality services provided by dynamic staff, that’s you, is central to the continued development of our services.

Yes ! This is an exciting time for public libraries in Ireland.

The 3 Main Areas I would like to focus on today are:

1         ‘Opportunities for All’ – Achievements

2         The Next 5 Year Strategy
 
3         Working Together

Firstly, to look back on ‘Opportunities for All’
 
We are in the final year of this national public library strategy and we are now looking towards the next phase of national development.
 
Our aspiration is to continue to build on the accomplishments achieved through the implementation of the strategy.  
 
I would like to recognise and compliment some of the important achievements that have been made under‘Opportunities for All’ to date.
 
Firstly:
The Capital Programme 2016 – 2021 of €23M is a very central ambition of the public library strategy.   It will support the development of 16 library capital projects.  It is acknowledged that constant funding is required to update and renew library buildings;
So, I will continue to push to secure additional funding where possible to further this important work.
 
Secondly:
A huge achievement of note from ‘Opportunities for All’ is that as of January 2016, public library membership in Ireland is free for all users.  This is a huge step as now libraries are fully inclusive and accessible to all.
 
Thirdly:
The Library Management System; (LMS) is a key development which has been rolled out to enhance the library services for the user

The LMS provides one single access to over 15 million items for library users no matter where they live across the country.  It is a significantly enhanced service for users.  

It is a platform for the provision of a single library membership card, universal membership for all children and a national digital library.
 
The development of the LMS required the work, co-operation and support of library staff from all local authorities and the co-ordination of a dedicated project team in Dublin City Council, with contract management by the LGMA.
 
Fourthly:
E-Resources
From January 2016, the quantities of e-resources available for public library users was greatly increased across the country with the implementation of a national framework for a suite of online resources including:

e-books,                                         e-audio books,        
e-magazines/journals,                         e-learning courses
online languages,                         online newspapers.
 
All of these services are available to library members within the library and also via remote access from anywhere in the world.
 
As part of the recommendation under Opportunities for All to deliver enhanced opening hours, three pilot My Open Library sites were established and opened in 2014 / 2015.
 
Funding was made available by my Department to support the development of a further 20 sites across 18 local authorities.
 
The ‘My Open Library’ service has been operating very successfully for almost two years here in Offaly; both in Banagher and Tullamore, and in Tubbercurry Community Library in Sligo.
 
There has been a significant uptake in the use of this service.     To date, there is a 91% increase in ‘My Open Library’ use in Banagher and Tullamore.  

As a result, we now have a very important community service available when people need it most.
 
Fifthly:
The progression of the ‘Right to Read’ initiative nationally is also in train.  Guidelines on implementing literacy support action plans and local ‘Right to Read’ Networks will be circulated shortly by my Department to all Chief Executives of the local authorities.
 
In 2016, 23 local authorities participated in a pilot study to establish best practice models for the ‘Right to Read’ initiative.  Through their work, models for literacy support services with the potential for national roll-out have now been developed.
 
This ground-breaking initiative was developed collaboratively.  A framework is being developed under a National Steering Group, chaired by my Department. It includes representation from the City and County Librarians, Libraries Development, LGMA and key stakeholder Departments and national agencies.
 
‘Right to Read’ will be led by the library services locally. I believe it is a most important milestone in literacy development because its reach has the potential to improve literacy nationally.
 
Another excellent initiative from ‘Opportunities for All’ is services to business and enterprise.  This is being advanced to assist business and support job creation and is led by a cross government National Steering Group.
 
The Group is chaired by my Department and Local Government and has representation from the LGMA and key stakeholder Departments and national agencies.  It is overseeing the development of library services to support business, enterprise and employment in the local community.
 
Again it has been developed and supported through pilots in libraries.  In 2016, a six-month initiative entitled ‘Work Matters’ was piloted in 10 local authorities. It established a role for public libraries in the support of these sectors
 
A roll out to 15 more local authorities is underway testing the set of services identified and working with local partners to establish protocols for co-operation, with a view to establishing a national Work Matters offer.
 
The second main area I want to focus on today is the Next five year strategy.

We need to ensure that the library service is dynamic and in step with, or better still, ahead of a rapidly changing society and that it can meet the requirements of the public.
 
It is vital that we formulate a blueprint so that libraries can continue to deliver the relevant and valued services to the public that you provide at the moment.
 
Developing a blueprint for planned progress is a really important and useful device to deliver planned innovations to a uniform and  co-ordinated level.

It is essential to include elements that are progressive, challenging and innovative.
 
With your input, my Department’s role is to devise the strategy, source the funding and oversee and support its implementation.
 
The local authorities and specifically the library management and staff deliver the strategy at local level.
 
The LGMA, as national library advisors, initiate, co-ordinate and monitor its implementation.

Strong co-operation, effective communication and a unified approach to both planning and implementation between the partners are required to deliver successful outcomes.
 
This is why events such as the City and County Librarians workshops held in February and the library staff workshops held in early March around the country are so important to provide a forum for all library staff to input and bring their insights to the new strategy.
 
I want to remind you of the dedicated  email address;

 libstrategyreview@housing.gov.ie

for such feedback.  I would encourage everyone to feed into this process by making your views known if you have not done so already.
 
The views of the public are being sought through a series of focus groups and full public consultation and consultation with other stakeholders and partners is also being arranged.
 
Public comments of note in a recent focus survey deserve mention.  They portray the importance of the library as a community resource and civic space… comments such as

1.        ‘libraries provide a safe and non-judgmental space in society for all ages’,

2.         ‘Knowledgeable staff, public service, public good and safe space’.

3.        ‘Hard working, skilled & passionate staff who inspire a nation to read and reach levels of income and education that comes with literacy’

These demonstrate ownership and pride in the library service.

They also remind us of the core function of the library which is to promote the educational and restorative practice of reading in all of its forms.

The last area that I would like to touch on today is ‘Working together’

The roles of the essential partners, the local authorities, my Department and the LGMA in developing and delivering the new strategy are complementary, interlinked and supportive.
 
The feedback and ideas coming from the consultation sessions with library staff held so far has been excellent, with a very positive engagement from all involved.
 
There has been a robustness in the engagements that reflects well on you all and shows your passion for your profession.  Indeed, the motivation, dedication and professionalism of staff at all levels within the service is inspirational.
 
Your engagement in the process so far has been most impressive and I am asking you to keep up the momentum.  

In each of the sessions, your participation and contributions provide great ideas for the shape of the new strategy for Public Libraries in Ireland.
 
Your views show strong consideration for the individual customer and an ambition to position our library service at the centre of the community.

And ultimately, it is you and your staff who will be delivering the strategy so it is crucial that you are 100% behind it and feel a sense of ownership for the future direction of the library service.

To conclude, it is clear that you are very passionate about your role in creating:
 ‘Dynamic Innovative Libraries, Connecting with the User’.
 
I am fully confident the library’s role in the community will develop and you its custodians are safe hands to expand its reach and connections to support broader community goals.
 
These words from a recent focus survey on libraries convey this well:
 
‘I wouldn’t be the person I am without my local library.’

 To quote Katharine Hepburn:

 “What in the world would we do without our libraries?”

Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen and Members.  Thank you for your time.  I wish you all a very enjoyable and productive conference.

Together may we leave a lasting legacy of Libraries for all our communities and all our families.

Speech to RGDATA on Town Centres

Opening Address by

Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal

Damien English T.D

Town Centre Health Check (TCHC) Workshop

16 March 2017

Dublin Castle

Revitalising Ireland’s Towns: Pilot Training Workshop No. 2 (2 of 2)

 

Ladies and gentleman, as Minister with responsibility for Housing and Urban Renewal, I am delighted to be here with you this morning.

 

I would like to thank RGDATA and the Heritage Council for the invitation to be here for what promises to be a very interesting and informative workshop.

 

I would also like to commend both organisations, and their partners, for their continued work towards the development and creation of a robust Town Centre Health Check mechanism for Irish towns.

 

I understand that significant progress has been made to date under the programme and I wish to acknowledge the concerted efforts of all those involved in the participating pilot towns across the country.

 

In particular, I welcome the co-operative and inclusive approach being taken by you and all the stakeholders in developing this training programme.

 

 

Town Centre Health Checks

Our town centres are much more than simply bricks and mortar. They are the core, the essence, and the lifeblood of our urban areas throughout the country.

 

It is therefore imperative that they are preserved, maintained and revitalised so that they can be sustainable for generations to come.

 

Following our recent economic downturn and the negative impacts associated with it, we now face the increasing challenge of ensuring that our town centres can be viable places which will attract people to live in, work in and visit.

 

One of the most negative and visible impacts of the recent economic downturn has unquestionably been the large levels of vacancy in the retail, commercial and residential sectors in some of our town centres.

 

The trend of developing new retail centres on the edge of towns has also led to a loss of trade, footfall and vitality within the inner core areas of towns.

The vibrancy of many main streets and urban centres has been threatened by such past actions.

 

It is my firm belief though, that we now have a great opportunity to develop and plan for our Town Centres so that they not only survive, but they thrive.

 

I believe also that the Town Centre Health Check training programme will contribute strongly to seizing the opportunity for our urban centres across the country.

 

It focusses on utilising best practice, including international best practice, in developing shared and integrated approaches to town centre renewal, across all sectors – retail, commercial and residential – which will also support Government policies and strategies for our towns.

 

The reality is that if our urban areas are to survive and thrive, they need more residents supplemented by nearby retail units and services – the two are interdependent.

 

This is largely what the Town Centre Health check concept is aimed at addressing – revitalising our towns and enhancing their economic sustainability – and both Minister Coveney and I are fully supportive of this approach.

 

Government priority on Urban Regeneration

The Programme for a Partnership Government, published in May 2016, sets out the ambitious priority attached to the area of urban regeneration by the current Government. It includes a series of specific actions aimed at facilitating the regeneration of our urban centres.

 

The Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness – Rebuilding Ireland, published in July 2016, further reinforces the Government’s commitment to the area of urban regeneration.

 

This proposes a further range of measures in this area, as does the recent Action Plan for Rural Development – published in January 2017 by Minister Humphries – which has a more specific focus and objective of preserving and enhancing rural towns and villages, as well as their surrounding communities.

In the context of Rebuilding Ireland, I am presently chairing an Urban Renewal Working Group comprising senior representatives from my Department, local authorities and other relevant bodies with a view to bringing forward proposals for new urban regeneration measures.

 

Measures that will support those already in place, including my Department’s Social Housing Regeneration Programme and the recently announced “Repair and Lease” and the “Buy and Renew” schemes.

 

Having regard to my Ministerial responsibilities, vacancy and dereliction in urban areas is an issue that I have a particular interest in.

 

Consequently a key focus of the Working Group has been on measures to address vacancy in urban areas, of both residential and commercial premises, with a view to bringing currently vacant units back into productive use.

 

We are now nearing the conclusion of the Working Group’s deliberations.

It is my intention to announce the new urban regeneration measures arising from that process in the near months ahead. Measures that will be designed to help our Town Centres to survive and thrive.

 

Sustainable urban development

The challenges facing Ireland today are undoubtedly complex ones. This is particularly the case in cities and urban areas having regard to:

• the ongoing increase in population,
• increasing migration,
• changing demographic trends, and
• the ongoing increasing urbanisation of society as more and more people gravitate towards living in larger urban areas.

 

Cities and towns are the main drivers of economic activity, competing to attract skills, investment and employment.

 

It is consequently important that a comprehensive, holistic and integrated approach is adapted to sustainable urban development.

 

Enhancing the desirability and “liveability” of our urban centres through good place-making, and promoting well-managed, liveable, safe, socially inclusive, resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable urban areas is key to this.

 

In this regard, key urban place-making incorporates a range of complex and inter-related issues:

• the design of public spaces;

 

• the provision of supporting infrastructure and public realm;

 

• the need for more compact and efficient urban design;

 

• increased housing density maximizing the use of available land to help combat urban sprawl;

 

• the provision of necessary facilities, including retail, as well as other supporting amenities and open spaces;

 

• the prioritisation of sustainable transport modes;

 

• increasing energy efficiency;

 

• as well as tackling deprivation and related social issues in communities.

 

The overlapping nature of these quite complex, distinct and diverse range of issues is such that there is a need to consider an overall strategy.

A national, comprehensive and forward-looking urban policy – that will allow the opportunities in urban areas to be fully realised.

 

One that will enshrine that the right development will take place in the right location, at the right time.

 

National Planning Framework – Ireland 2040

All of this requires a comprehensive and integrated overarching framework approach to planning, to design and to the provision of supporting infrastructure and services.

 

This applies whether we are improving the existing urban environment already in place, accommodating new development, or both.

 

In this connection, my Department is currently in the process of developing a new spatial plan for Ireland, a National Planning Framework entitled Ireland 2040.

 

Public consultation has already commenced and which it is intended will be finalised and published later this year.

The new plan will set out an overarching, long-term framework to guide future development in terms of the Government objectives – including in relation to urban development – to be taken account of in the subsequent development of regional strategies, local authority development plans and LAP’s.

 

In setting out a national vision for the future development and growth of Ireland to 2040, a key policy consideration will be how we best manage our urban centres, development in and around those urban centres, as well as how we control the urban sprawl associated with urban growth centres.

 

In the last twenty years, 45% of Ireland’s population growth (more than 500,000 people), occurred in just six local authority areas, each of which adjoin, but none of which include, Dublin, Cork and Galway.

 

Against this background, it is therefore important in the context of our new national spatial plan that the focus of investment and development will be spread more widely than in the past to act as a counter-balance to Dublin, thereby facilitating more balanced regional development of the country as a whole.

Concluding remarks

By way of conclusion, cities and towns are where most of our population now congregate and it is therefore imperative that in this context, every effort is made to make our urban centres more sustainable.

 

To make our urban centres better places in which to live, work and do business in for all of our citizens. Together we can put the plans in place to facilitate this and the Town Centre Health Check is important in this regard.

 

I renew my congratulations, support and thanks to Alison Harvey from the Heritage Council, to Tara Buckley and RGDATA.

 

I thank you all for engaging in your local Town Centre.

 

Together we can ensure that or town centres survive.

 

Together we will help our town centres thrive.

Thank you.

‘Interpreting Ireland through Writers, Historians and Local Collections.’

CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Speech by Mr. Damien English, T.D.,Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal

Writing Ireland:

‘Interpreting Ireland through Writers, Historians and Local Collections.’

Conference 2016

Main Conference Hall, Dublin Castle, 6th December 4pm

Good afternoon everyone.

I am delighted as Minister to represent the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government at today’s Conference:

Interpreting Ireland through Writers, Historians and Local Collections.

Due to other Government business I have missed the many contributions from today’s speakers including:

• national figures from print and broadcast media,
• national authorities on history,
• local history and literature from the academic sector
• and prominent figures in the local authority library sector.

The importance of collecting cultural memory, the impact of the national collections on the local, and the local on the national, has been examined; this is an area of great interest to the State and its people.

Local history provides insights on how life in Ireland in the past evolved in a variety of settings, both urban and rural.

Future generations will one day mine these treasures, to better understand their heritage and culture.

The preserved history and research within the collections, will allow them glimpses into the diverse, interacting worlds that are the basis of the Irish historical experience.

Even the unique regional diversity of Irish society in the past will be preserved within these collections.

I hope the experience of the Conference has been an exciting and thought provoking event for you.

The influence of politics, historians and writers has been explored.

The value and opportunities for the public provided by the national collections and the local studies collections in public libraries has all been debated, challenged and refreshed.

Indeed this Conference is a very fitting addition to the great number of really worthwhile events which have been held throughout this year as part of the Ireland 2016 celebrations.

I know that in many cases, the entire Ireland 2016 programme of events in the local authority was co-ordinated by the County or City Librarian and their library teams.

I have had many interactions in my current role with the librarians and library staff.

Their dedication and passion for the service they provide is an inspiration to me.

The fantastic showcase, including the Dublin City 1916 Exhibition bus, has been provided by many of the public library services from across the country and made available throughout the day for everyone to explore and enjoy.

Such a showcase demonstrates the work undertaken by the public libraries on collecting and making available information and resources on Irish history and writers as an on-going practice and also particularly on the commemoration of 1916.

2016 is now drawing to a close, but the Decade of Centenaries is of course on-going.

The local place is becoming more and more important as we move towards events such as the War of Independence, which directly impacted on and still resonate in the towns, villages and parishes across the country.

In light of this, the role of the local collections will come even more to the fore in the coming years.

Collecting and making available resources for the history and culture of communities and places is one of the key roles of the public library.

All thirty-one local authorities have local studies collections as part of the library service and provide a dedicated local studies service for the public.

Local studies collections are like an ‘Aladdin’s cave’, rich and abundant with treasures.

These hold the precious gems of our culture, and the list is astounding; such as:

• manuscripts of local interest,
• collections of local and national newspapers and journals;
• iconic photographs and other visual materials;
• ancient maps, church records; estate records;
• and administrative records such as ‘of the Poor Law Union’.

Public libraries not only collect original source materials, but also seek to acquire copies of materials held in national and other repositories, making it easier for users to access these materials.

Examples of these are:

• the Primary Valuation (Griffiths’);
• the Tithe Applotment Books,
• and the Census returns.

There is no doubt that the existence of excellent local studies collections, and the support and expert advice offered by local studies librarians, has contributed greatly to the interest growth and development in local history publications.

Public libraries also collect these local publications, ensuring that knowledge gained about a locality is widely shared, enabling successive researchers build upon previous work.

The socio-economic development of Ireland in recent decades has led to huge changes in the make-up of even the most rural communities.

There are now large numbers of people living in areas with which they have no personal or family connections.

In addition, housing and other developments have changed both the infrastructural and cultural landscapes of many communities, leading to changes in how local people interact with their own localities.

In such an environment, local studies are important as a means of fostering a sense of place and belonging – crucial to the well-being of individuals and communities alike – is more important than ever.

Public library collections are fundamental to the pursuit and enjoyment of local studies. Of course, as you have heard, there are variations in the nature and extent of collections across the country.

The question of providing and managing access, physical and digital, has both enormous benefits and some extra challenges.

The need is, of course, to balance providing the widest possible access to the public with the preservation of the materials for the future.

There is the need to ensure that copies, particularly digital ones, cannot be exploited inappropriately.

It is a delicate balance.

But the overriding requirement and the basis on which the public libraries operate is to make as many of the resources as accessible to as many people as possible.

I know, from my constituent’s exploration of the local studies collection in both the Meath and Westmeath library services, the importance of being able to research and find information on family and place through the centuries, through local sources in our local area.

The development of local studies, collections and enhancing access to these formed part of the public libraries strategy 2013 to 2017, Opportunities for All.

As my Department now starts to plan for a new strategy, it is important that we build on the developments achieved in the last five years and that we incorporate the learnings from today to help shape the future of local studies.

I look forward to hearing a full overview of Today’s proceedings.

I look forward also to your input next year into the framing of the successor to ‘Opportunities for All’ – A new strategy for Public Libraries in Ireland.

We are in a wonderful position to learn from the past and plan for the future so that we can do something positive for the Library Services in Ireland.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you again for inviting me today, congratulations on an excellent conference and I wish you all the very best for the festive season and the New Year in 2017.

ENDS

New Library Strategy in 2017 will “build communities and expand knowledge”

Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, Damien English says new Library Strategy in 2017 will “build communities and expand knowledge”

Thursday, 10^th November 2016

“As the final year of ‘Opportunities for All’, the strategy document for our Public Libraries nationally approaches, I look forward to working with staff and stakeholders around the country on creating an ambitious and all-embracing successor strategy to further the economic, social and cultural mission of our Public Libraries, and of our country overall”.  This was the message from Minister with responsibility for libraries at the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Damien English, to the Library Association of Ireland (Public Libraries Section) Conference tonight Thursday 10^th Nov 2016 in the Faithlegg House Hotel, Co. Waterford.

 

Minister English stated “These early years of the 21st century have seen rapid change. Public libraries are now at a turning point. We need to re-establish what people and our communities need. We have to determine what additional services will be offered in our communities and what the best way to deliver these services will be.  Particularly, we have to focus our attention on the non-member, or those who will become our new library users in the years ahead, as well as bridging the digital divide for older people.”

He continued: “As Minister, I believe our new Public Library strategy should be firmly focused on maximising the number of people who can access our library services. In the development of the new strategy we must broaden the library’s role in the community.  We need to expand its reach and connections to support larger community goals. I value the input and ideas of all staff in this work.”

Staff contribution vital

Speaking at the event Minister English told delegates: “Your personal engagement and genuine interest has contributed greatly to the successful implementation of the current strategy.  Your contribution is vital to the next new chapter for public libraries in Ireland.  So far in the lifetime of the current strategy, you have reached out and connected with over 850,000 library members.  You have enhanced their confidence in using the library service. I look forward to working with staff and stakeholders to develop a world class strategy for our Public Libraries.  A strategy that will stand the test of time and allow libraries remain the ‘Foundation’ for our main streets of our towns.”

ENDS

Minister English encourages Meath public to avail of Heritage Week opportunities, including Agher Church

Monday, 15th August 2016

“I want to highlight the importance of Heritage Week to the ongoing
cultural, heritage, tourism and recreational life of Meath, and urge
people to support its many free events this August. I also want to
commend the many volunteers, local community and parish organisations
as well as private and public sector sponsors involved in making it
happen” local Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal and Fine Gael
T.D. for Meath West Damien English has said. You can download a full
guide to Meath Heritage Week 2016 events on www.heritageweek.ie

“In particular I want to highlight the Heritage Week open days at
Agher Church. The Irish Georgian Society fundraised for the
conservation of the Thomas Jervais window at Agher – and it is due to
be reinstalled in Agher Church presently. With these two open days
both locals and visitors to the area will have a rare opportunity to
visit the church to see this wonderful, rare example of enamelled 18th
century stained glass, as well as view Agher Church which is an
important part of the local community in the wider Agher/Summerhill
area” stated Minister English.

“In early 2015 I was delighted to hear from Minister for Arts,
Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys that Agher Church was
one of 28 heritage structures across the country that would benefit
from the Structures at Risk Fund 2015. Agher Church received €15,000.
At the time I highlighted that the preservation of heritage structures
like Agher Church was very important for our pride of place. The then
Chairman of Trim Municipal Council, local Cllr. Joe Fox, joined me in
welcoming this funding in 2015, and also urges support for the open
days this August” concluded Minister English.

Notes to Editor:

The open days will be:
21st August, 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Songs of Praise & Open Afternoon at Agher Church
24th August, 12.00pm to 5.00pm

English confirms €49,500 capital funding boost for Tourism in Meath

5,000 years of innovation and food production in Co. Meath will be
celebrated with a €49,500 capital investment in ‘Ireland’s Ancient’s
Eats’, Co. Meath’s new attraction on the Ireland’s Ancient East
tourism trail, which serves as an East coast counter balance to the
hugely success Wild Atlantic Way on the West coast.

The new project will provide a rich and immersive experience based on
the history and heritage of food in the Boyne Valley. Visitors will
learn about the timeline of Irish food from ancient times, the story
of farming in an Irish context and will gain insight into ‘old school’
traditional methods of food production. They will also take part in
the cooking and consumption of locally-sourced traditional food.
Project elements include the refurbishment of a building into a
visitor reception facility, reconstruction of a ‘fulacht fiadh’
(outdoor oven), landscaping and furnishings.

“This capital funding of €49,500 from Government enhances the tourism
offering of Co. Meath.  It plays to our strengths as a centre of high
quality food, and reminds us of our rich history of food innovation
and food production dating back 5,000 years, as we embark on our
modern Boyne Valley Food Hub innovation project under the leadership
of Gary O’Meara in Meath Enterprise” stated Minister English.