Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government
Guide to the Functions of and Records held by the Department
Section 15 Reference Book
December 2007
1.
Introduction ...................................................................................... 4
1.1 Routinely Available Information ................................................................. 5
2.
Overview of the Department ............................................................ 7
2.1 Description and Functions: ........................................................................ 7
2.2 Mission and Mandate................................................................................. 7
3.
4.
Structure and Organisation .............................................................. 8
Environment Division ....................................................................... 9
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
5.
Heritage & Planning Division .......................................................... 22
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
6.
Structure of the Division ............................................................................. 9
Environment Policy Section ..................................................................... 10
Environment International and Sustainable Development ....................... 12
Air Quality & Climate Change .................................................................. 13
Waste Infrastructure & Regulation ........................................................... 15
Waste Prevention & Recovery Unit .......................................................... 16
Environmental Radiation Policy ............................................................... 18
Environment & Heritage Awareness ........................................................ 19
Environment Inspectorate ........................................................................ 21
Structure of the Division ........................................................................... 22
Building Standards & Environmental Assessment ................................... 22
Planning................................................................................................... 27
Spatial Policy ........................................................................................... 28
Urban & Village Development .................................................................. 32
Heritage Policy & Architectural Protection ............................................... 34
National Monuments Service ................................................................... 38
Housing Division ............................................................................ 41
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
Structure of the Division ........................................................................... 41
Housing Policy & Supply .......................................................................... 47
Social Inclusion Unit ................................................................................ 48
Affordable Housing Section ..................................................................... 49
Social Housing (Procurement and Construction) ..................................... 50
Voluntary & cooperative Housing, Housing Grants & Traveller
Accommodation ....................................................................................... 51
6.7 Social Housing Management ................................................................... 52
6.8 Private Housing Sector ............................................................................ 53
6.9 Inspectorate (Housing & Construction) .................................................... 55
7.
Local Government Division ............................................................ 56
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
Structure of the Division ........................................................................... 56
Fire Services and Emergency Planning Section ...................................... 56
Franchise ................................................................................................. 59
Local Government Personnel Section ..................................................... 61
Local Government Project Development Section .................................... 63
Local Government Policy Section ............................................................ 65
2
7.7 Vehicle Registration Unit (VRU) / Vehicle Licensing (Motor Tax) ............ 69
7.8 Local Government Finance Section ......................................................... 71
7.9 Roads and Local Services [including Roads Advisors] ............................ 73
8.
Water and Natural Heritage Division .............................................. 78
8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.9
9.
Structure of Division ................................................................................. 78
National Parks and Wildlife Service ......................................................... 80
Habitats and Biodiversity Section ............................................................ 80
National Parks and Research Section ..................................................... 83
Regional Management ............................................................................. 84
Water Services Policy .............................................................................. 91
Water Services Investment Programme Unit ........................................... 92
Water Quality ........................................................................................... 94
Water advisors ......................................................................................... 96
Corporate Services Division ........................................................... 97
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
Structure of the Division ........................................................................... 97
Departmental Finance & Accounts .......................................................... 97
Corporate Development ........................................................................... 99
Personnel .............................................................................................. 100
FOI/Organisation & ICT ......................................................................... 101
PPP, Construction Policy & NDP Co-ordination .................................... 102
10. How to make a request for information......................................... 103
11. List of Bodies under the aegis of the Department ......................... 104
12. Glossary of Terms........................................................................ 108
3
1. Introduction
The Freedom of Information Act 1997 commenced on 21 April 1998 for Government
Departments and Offices and certain other Government bodies and on 21 October
1998 for local authorities and health boards.
The Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2003 came into force on 11 April
2003. This Act introduced a number of important amendments to the 1997 Act
notably in relation to Section 19 (Government Records), Section 20 (Deliberations of
Public Bodies), Section 24 (Security, Defence and International Relations) and
Section 47 (Fees).
The act asserts the right of members of the public to obtain access to official
information to the greatest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the
right to privacy of individuals.
In particular, the Act established three new statutory rights:



A legal right for each person to access information held by public bodies;
A legal right for each person to have official information relating to him/herself
amended where it is incomplete, incorrect or misleading;
A legal right to obtain reasons for decisions affecting oneself;
This reference book has been prepared and published in accordance with the
requirements of section 15 of the Act. Its purpose is to facilitate access to official
information held by this Department. It does this by outlining the structure and
functions of the Department; the services provided and how they may be availed of;
the classes of records held; and how a request to the Department under the FOI, Act
1997 can be made.
4
1.1 Routinely Available Information
At present the Department of the Environment, Heritage and local Government
(DOEHLG) makes a range of information available to the public in relation to its
functions, activities and schemes. Such information will continue to be made
available without the need to use the FOI Act. This reference book highlights, in
relation to each of the Department's activities, where information of this nature is
available. In general, information is available on the Departments website and in
leaflets available free of charge from any of the Department’s offices, while reports,
guides, and documents on programmes generally may be purchased from the
Government Publications Sales Office, Molesworth Street Dublin 2 (Telephone 016613111) or can usually be accessed through the public library service.
Environmental information is available from ENFO - the environmental information
service of the Department. Information leaflets on a range of environmental subjects,
including leaflets for children, are available from ENFO and in public libraries and
local authority offices countrywide. There is also an extensive database of references
available in the ENFO library. ENFO’s Website at www.enfo.ie contains information
on ENFO’s services, and provides access to the full text of the leaflets and the
reference database.
ENFO is located at 17 St. Andrew St., Dublin 2 and is open to the public from 10.00
am to 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays: (telephone: 018882001; Fax: (01) 8883946; e-mail: info@enfo.ie) ENFO services are provided free
of charge. ENFO publications are listed in Appendix I.
The Department also makes information available under the European Communities
(Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 133 of 2007).
Under these regulations, requests for information can be made to a public authority
for access to information on the environment, other than information held in
connection with, or for the purposes of, any judicial or legislative function. The
regulations do not apply to information, which must be made available for inspection
under other statutes. Requests for information under the Access to Information on
the Environment Regulations must be made in writing to the relevant public authority,
stating in as specific terms as possible the information required. Further information
on these regulations is available from the Freedom of Information Unit, Department
of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Custom House, Dublin 1
(telephone 01-8882071 or email foi@environ.ie)
The Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow public access to information
held by public bodies, which is NOT routinely available through other sources.
Access to information under the Act is subject to certain exemptions and involves
specific procedures and time limits.
5
Information on making a request under this Act is set out in chapter 10.
6
2. Overview of the Department
2.1 Description and Functions:
The work of the Department is carried out through six Divisions – Environment;
Water & Natural Heritage; Built Heritage & Planning; Local Government; Housing and
Corporate Services. In addition, Met Éireann and the Local Government Audit
Service also form part of the Department.
Following the formation of the new Government in June 2007, responsibilities in
relation to non-national roads and the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF)
transferred to the Department of Transport. New functions in relation to marine
foreshores have transferred from the Department of Communications, Energy and
Natural Resources.
The Department has lead responsibility for ensuring the implementation of a number
of key national strategies, in particular, a renewed National Sustainable Development
Strategy and National Biodiversity Plan, the National Climate Change Strategy 20072012, the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 and the housing policy statement
Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities. Each of these strategies underpins our
mandate.
2.2 Mission and Mandate:
The Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mission is to
pursue sustainable development
In pursuing this mission our mandate is to:

achieve a high quality environment with effective environmental protection;

address climate change;

achieve effective conservation of our natural heritage and biodiversity;

achieve effective conservation of our built heritage;

protect and improve water resources and the quality of drinking water;

ensure that our regions and communities are planned and built to respect
sustainable and balanced regional development;

ensure good quality housing in sustainable communities;

monitor, analyse and predict Ireland’s weather and climate;

support and enable democratic and responsive local government.
7
3. Structure and Organisation
The DOEHLG employs almost 2,500 spread throughout six divisions dealing with a
wide variety of issues. Offices are located mainly at Dublin, Ballina and Wexford.
There are also regional offices in Killarney, Glenveagh, Galway and Cork. There are
conservation staff present in every county. The Department also has responsibility for
Local Government Audit Services and Met Éireann.
8
4. Environment Division
4.1 Structure of the Division
Environment Division is made up of 8 sections and also has responsibility for the
Departments’ permanent representative in Brussels.
9
4.2 Environment Policy Section
Environment Policy Section is concerned with the transposition and implementation
of the Environmental Liability Directive, and the ‘Aarhus’ suite of Directives on access
to environmental information and public participation. The Section also deals with
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) corpus of legislation, including the
Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) system. Other policy/legislative
aspects dealt with are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), Registration
Evaluation Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH), the Environmental Technology
Action Plan (ETAP), the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) and
the implementation of the Litter Action Plan.
4.2.1 Information available
A list of publications is included at 4.2.3
4.2.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
Environmental Protection Agency administrative matters.

Policy and Legislation
Environmental Protection Agency, legislative & administrative files;
Operational Programme for Environmental Services;
Promotion of environmental matters across departments;
Access to Information on the Environment;
Public Participation Directive (currently being transposed);
Integrated pollution control matters;
European Union and international environmental matters;
European Environment Agency matters;
Genetically Modified Organisms directives;
Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 and associated regulations;
Litter Pollution Acts 1997-2003;
Litter Action Plan - policy and implementation papers.

Administration
EPA accounts/ estimates; Environment Fund accounts/estimates (anti-litter
initiatives); Procedural files, financial records, statistics, miscellaneous
correspondence; Internal administration files; Records of financial payments
under international agreements/conditions/protocols.
10
4.2.3 List of publications
Publication Name
Access to Information on the
Environment Regulations 2007 –
Guidance notes and regulations.
“Taking Pride in Our Environment” A
National Anti-Litter Strategy. The Report
of the Anti Litter Forum 2000.
The National Litter Action Plan 2001.
Litter Enforcement Statistics 1997 - 2006
Results of the National Litter pollution
Monitoring System 1999 – 2006.
Ireland’s National Roadmap for the
Implementation of the Environmental
Technologies Action Plan (ETAP)
Available from
DEHLG Website
Cost (if any)
Free
DEHLG
DEHLG
Oireachtas
Library
DEHLG
DEHLG
www.Litter.ie
DEHLG Website
Free
11
4.3 Environment International and Sustainable Development
Environment International and Sustainable Development Section has responsibility
for coordinating preparation for the participation of the Minister in the EU
Environment Council, the Department’s responsibilities under the European Union
(Scrutiny) Act including submission to the Oireachtas of proposals for environmental
legislation, correspondence and reports relating to complaints about infringements of
EU environmental legislation, matters relating to North/South and British-Irish
cooperation in the environmental area following on the Good Friday (1998) and the
St. Andrews (2006) Agreements. The section is coordinating the publication of a
renewed National Sustainable Development Strategy (2007) and coordinates the
national input to the EU Sustainable Development Strategy and to the UN
Commission on Sustainable Development. The Section also has overview
responsibilities in relation to Comhar, the National Sustainable Development Council.
4.3.1 Information available
A list of publications is included at 4.3.3.
4.3.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Correspondence from the public

Policy & legislation
N/A

Administration
The Section holds procedural files, financial records (including Environment
Fund accounts/ estimates), miscellaneous correspondence; internal
administration files; records of financial payments under international
agreements/conditions/protocols.
4.3.3 List of publications
Publication Name
Sustainable
Development – A
Strategy for Ireland
(1997)
Making Ireland’s
Development
Sustainable – Review,
Assessment and
Future Action (2002)
Available from
DEHLG Website
Cost (if any)
Free to download
DEHLG Website
Free to download
12
4.4 Air Quality & Climate Change
The key areas of activity for Air Quality and Climate Change Section are national
policy and legislation and the coordination and leading of Irish representation at
related EU and wider international meetings and events, in relation to:




Climate change (National Climate Change Strategy, Kyoto Protocol, International
and EU Climate Change Policy, EU Emissions Trading Scheme and Fluorinated
Greenhouse Gases)
Air quality (air quality standards/monitoring, Long-Range Transboundary Air
Pollution, fuel standards, bituminous coal bans and control of persistent organic
compounds and volatile organic compounds)
Control of ozone depleting substances (limitation and reduction of the production
and consumption of certain ozone-depleting substances)
Noise (control of environmental noise, noise nuisance)
4.4.1 Information available
A list of leaflets and publications is included below.
4.4.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Correspondence from the public

Policy & legislation
Policy and legislation relating to the four areas outlined at 1.1
Primary legislation
Secondary legislation
Consultation and strategy documents
Public information
Local authority circulars

Administration
The section holds files on a range of administrative issues including files on
financial matters, statistics, briefing material, miscellaneous
correspondence and internal administration files.
4.4.3 List of publications
Publication Name
Available from
Agreement between the Solid Fuel Trade DEHLG Website
Group and the Minister for the
Environment,
Heritage
and
Local
Government (April 2006)
Agreement between the Solid Fuel Trade DEHLG Website
Group and the Minister for the
Environment (June 2002)
Cost (if any)
Free
Free
13
Publication Name
Consultation Document on the Proposal
on the Use of Bitminous Coal; and
Petcoke
National Programme on Transboundary
Air Pollutants
Discussion paper on Strategy to Reduce
Emissions on Transboundary Air
Pollution by 2010
Ireland: National Climate Change
Strategy 2007-2012
Ireland: National Climate Change
Strategy 2007-2012 Main Points
Ireland’s Pathway to Kyoto ComplianceReview of the National Climate Change
Strategy
Determining the Share of National
Greenhouse Emissions for Emissions
Trading in Ireland 2008-2012 - Final
Report
Available from
DEHLG Website
Cost (if any)
Free
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
Hard copy on
request
DEHLG Website
Hard copy on
request
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
Free
Free
Free
14
4.5 Waste Infrastructure & Regulation

Recycling Infrastructure Capital Grants Scheme
Grants to Local Authorities of up to 75% of eligible capital expenditure are
provided under this scheme for the development of recycling infrastructure by
local authorities.
This grant scheme is not available to the private sector or individuals.

Landfill Remediation Capital Grants Scheme
Grants to Local Authorities of up to 75% of eligible capital expenditure are
provided under this scheme for the remediation of closed licenced landfills.
This grant scheme is not available to the private sector or individuals.

Subvention of Recycling Costs
Grants to Local Authorities to assist in offsetting the operational costs
associated with “Bring Banks” and civic amenity sites.

Enforcement Grants
Grants to Local Authorities to support a five-year programme of law
enforcement relating to waste activities. Funding for the first three years of the
programme at a 100% rate, with a sliding scale of 75% and 50% funding
applying to years 4 and 5 of the programme.
4.5.1 Information available
4.5.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Correspondence from the Public

Policy & legislation
Waste Management Act (1996) and associated regulations
Waste Management – Changing our Ways (1998)
Waste Management - Taking Stock and Moving Forward (2004)
National Overview of Waste Management Plans (2004)
The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste (2006)
Annual Finance Act

Administration
The Section holds a number of administrative files e.g., miscellaneous
correspondence and internal administration files e.g. financial and statistical
records, instructions and guidance to staff.
4.5.3 List of publications
Copies of the Waste Management Act, associated regulations and Policy documents
outlined above can be purchased directly from Government Publications Sale Office,
Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 or by mail order from Government
Publications, Postal Trade Section, 4-5 Harcourt Road Dublin 2.
15
4.6 Waste Prevention & Recovery Unit
Waste Prevention and Recovery Section is primarily responsible for the
implementation and co-ordination of environmental policies, while responsibility for
the implementation of these policies rests mainly with the local authorities and the
Environmental Protection Agency. The following services are provided directly by the
Section:
 Management of the Environment Fund, financed by receipts from the Plastic Bag Levy and
the Landfill Levy.
 Launch and roll out National Biodegradable Waste Strategy
 Establishing the Recycling Consultative Forum.
 Development in partnership of other partners a National Market Development
Programme
 Promote Producer Responsibility Initiatives for areas not currently legislated for
such as newsprint, tyres, farm plastics, construction and demolition waste and
batteries.
 Work through the North / South institutions on common waste policies and
initiatives.
4.6.1 Information available






Best Practice Guidelines on the Preparation of Waste Management plans for
Construction and Demolition Projects, 2006, DOEHLG.
National Strategy on biodegradable Waste, 2006, DOEHLG.
National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste – a Short Guide, 2006, DOEHLG.
WEEE, the Environment and the Consumer brochure, reprinted 2006,
DOEHLG.
Environment Fund Annual Accounts and Controller and Auditor General Report.
Delivering Change, Preventing and Recycling Waste, a policy Statement, 2002,
the Stationery Office.
Further information on any of the services of this Section may be requested from: 01 8882027
16
4.6.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Correspondence from the public

Policy & legislation
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations.
Waste Management (restriction of certain hazardous substances in
electrical and electronic equipment) Regulations.
End of Life Vehicle Regulations.
Packaging Regulations.
Plastic Bag Regulations.

Administration
The Section holds a number of administrative files e.g., miscellaneous
correspondence and internal administration files e.g. financial and statistical
records, instructions and guidance to staff
4.6.3 List of publications
Publication name
Best Practice Guidelines
on the Preparation of
Waste Management
plans for Construction
and Demolition Projects
National Strategy on
biodegradable Waste
Environment Fund
Annual Accounts and
Comptroller and Auditor
General Report
Delivering Change,
Preventing and
Recycling Waste, a
policy Statement
Available from
Government
Publications
Cost (if any)
None
Government
Publications
Government
Publications
None
Government
Publications
None
None
17
4.7 Environmental Radiation Policy
Environmental Radiation Policy is responsible for the implementation of all aspects of
Government policy and the serving of the democratic process in relation to nuclear
safety and radiological protection. This incorporates, in consultation with the
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), the regulation and control of all man
made nuclear sources and the measurement and assessment of both natural and man
made radioactivity in the environment with the primary objective of securing the health
and safety of Irish citizens from radioactive sources. Emergency Planning for the
occurrence of a major nuclear incident represents a significant part of this brief.
Environmental Radiation Policy is also responsible for the representation of Irish
Government nuclear policy at EU and other international fora and consistent with
Government policy objectives set out in the Programme for Government. It is also
responsible for the implementation of policy in relation to the Sellafield nuclear
facility.
4.7.1 Information available
The publications available from this section are detailed in Section 1.3 below.
4.7.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) Administrative Matters.
Information relating to the members of the Radiological Protection
Institute of Ireland.

Policy & legislation
EU and national nuclear safety and radiological protection policy;
Radiological Protection Act, 1991 and associated regulations
Containment of Nuclear Weapons Act, 2003 and associated regulations
Nuclear Emergency Planning
Radon Awareness
Non-ionising radiation and electromagnetic fields.

Administration
Records of financial payments under international agreements /conditions /
protocols.
Procedural files, financial records, statistics, miscellaneous correspondence;
accounts/ estimates and internal administration files.
18
4.7.3 List of publications
Publication name
National Emergency
Plan for Nuclear
Accidents.
Report of the INEX-3
exercise
Safeguarding Ireland
from Nuclear Accidents
- Information Leaflet.
Radon in Existing
Buildings - Corrective
Options.
Health Effects of
Electromagnetic Fields
Available from
DEHLG website
Cost (if any)
Free to download
DEHLG website
Free to download
DEHLG website
Free to download
DEHLG website
Free to download
DEHLG website
Free to download
Material relating to Radon and environmental monitoring is available from the
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. www.rpii.ie.
4.8 Environment & Heritage Awareness
Environment and Heritage Awareness Section is responsible for monitoring of Public
Awareness of Environmental and Heritage issues; Environmental/Heritage Awareness
Campaigns; Environment Awareness Funding; Funding for Environmental NGOs;
Environment Partnership Fund.
EENGO Core Funding: Environment and Heritage Awareness provides annual core
funding to environmental NGOs through the Environmental, Ecological NGOs Core
Funding Ltd., 10a Lower Camden Street, Dublin 2. Regular meetings with EENGO
Core Funding Ltd also provide a formal avenue of communication between the
Department and NGOs with environmental interests.
Environment awareness funding: The Department also provides funding to nongovernmental organisations (NGO’s) for assistance with conferences, surveys,
educational material, publications etc. to heighten environmental awareness.
Environmental Partnership Fund: This fund assists environmental awareness
projects at local level involving partnership arrangements between local authorities
and NGO’s or local community groups. Each year the Department publishes a notice
calling for proposals, at which stage application forms may be requested.
The Department’s major public environmental awareness campaign, the Race
Against Waste, is now in the post-campaign phase and preparations are now being
made by Environment and Heritage Awareness Section for the next major public
19
awareness campaign. Related to awareness campaigns the section also carries out
occasional surveys of public attitudes and actions in relation to environmental issues.
4.8.1 Information available
As below
4.8.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Representations from the public

Policy & legislation
N/A

Administration
The Section holds administrative files: correspondence and financial records
relating to the work of the section i.e. awareness campaigns, attitudes and
action surveys, LA21 Partnership Fund.
4.8.3 List of publications
Race Against Waste public awareness materials. All RAW publications can be
downloaded from http://www.raceagainstwaste.ie
Publication name
Ireland’s Progress
Towards Environmental
Sustainability (2007)
National Climate
Change Strategy
Summary leaflet
Available from
DEHLG website
Cost (if any)
Free to download
DEHLG website
Free to download
20
4.9 Environment Inspectorate
The Environment Inspectorate provides technical and scientific advice in support of the
goals set out in the Department’s Statement of Strategy 2005-2007. The Inspectorate
work priorities are designed to support the achievement of the objectives of the
administrative Business Units of the Environment Division – Air & Climate Change,
Environment Policy, Environment International & Awareness, Waste Infrastructure &
Regulation and Waste Prevention & Recovery Sections.
The Inspectorate provides technical support to the EPA and local authorities in
facilitating the implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation and also
provides technical support for liaison with Government Departments, Agencies and
relevant stakeholders in support of the strategic objectives of the Department as they
pertain to the environment.
21
5. Heritage & Planning Division
5.1 Structure of the Division
The primary objective for the Built Heritage and Planning Division is to protect and
promote appreciation of the built heritage and to provide a policy and legislative
framework which facilitates and encourages development patterns consistent with the
principals of proper planning and sustainable development, balanced regional
development, conservation of the natural and built environment, quality in construction
and urban and village regeneration.
5.2 Building Standards & Environmental Assessment
Building Regulations 1997 - 2006
The Building Control Act 1990 provides for the making of national Building
Regulations. The Regulations detail the minimum legal requirements to be complied
with in the design and construction of buildings, extensions to and material
alterations of existing buildings, and to certain changes of use of buildings. While the
primary purpose of the Building Regulations is to provide for the health, safety and
welfare of people in and around buildings, they also provide for conservations of Fuel
and Energy, Fire Safety and Access for People with Disabilities.
The Regulations first came into force on 1 July 1992 and were superseded by the
1997 Regulations with effect from 1 July, 1998. The second schedule to the
Regulations lists the various parts (A to M) of the Regulations. Technical Guidance
Documents are published to provide guidance relevant to each part.
Building Standards/Environmental Assessment section is also responsible for:










The implementation of Building Regulations
Transposition/Implementation of the Energy Performance of Building Directive
(2002/91/EC)
Transposition/Implementation of the Construction Products Directive
(89/106/EEC)
Transposition/Implementation of the EU Directive on the Mutual Recognition of
diplomas, certificates and other evidence of formal qualifications in architecture,
including measures to facilitate the effective exercise of the right of
establishment and freedom to provide services .985/384/EEC)
Transposition/Implementation of the Environmental Impact Assessment
Directive (85/337/EEC)
Transposition/Implementation of the Strategic Environmental Assessment
Directive (2001/42/EC)
Part Transposition/Implementation of the Seveso11 directive (96/82/EC)
Part Transposition/Implementation of the Seveso11 directive (96/82/EC)
Part Transposition/Implementation of the Public Participation Directive
(2003/35/EC)
Part Transposition/Implementation of the EU Directive on Recognition of
Professional Qualifications (2005/36/EC)
22
Delivery of Service
Responsibility for monitoring and enforcement of the Building Regulations is the
function of the 37 local Building Control Authorities, who are empowered to inspect
buildings, serve enforcement notices and initiate proceedings for non-compliance
with Regulations In relation to Environmental Assessment most service provision is
undertaken by Local Authorities, An Bord Pleanala and the Environmental Protection
Agency in relation to Environmental Assessments in the context of the Irish planning
system
Classes of Records
General
Files in connection with assessment process for a proposed amendment to the
EU Architects Directive (84/384/EEC)
Correspondence with members of the public and elected representatives.
Legislation
Building Control Act 1990 (No. 3 of 1990)
Building Control Act 2007 (No. 41 of 2007)
With regard to Environmental Assessment there is a large volume of legislative and
policy reports held in the Section. These files would primarily comprise issues
concerning sections of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and
the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended), dealings with Local
Authorities, An Bord Pleanala, and the EPA.
Building Standards holds a large volume of files on legislative proposals/briefing for
the Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007. There are also files on amendments to the
Building Regulations. There are reports of meetings of the Building Regulations
Advisory Body, together with building control statistical returns from 37 Building
Control authorities.
The section is also in procession of policy and legislative files primarily concerned
with the transposition and implementation of the various EU Directives and
associated International Agreements.
Administration
The Section also holds a number of administrative files relating to its work and
internal administration i.e. estimates and other financial records, correspondence,
briefing and general co-ordination
23
List of Publications
Publication name
Available from
Cost (if any)
Building Regulations:SI 666 of 2006 European
Communities (Energy
Performance of Buildings)
Regulations
Government
Publications Office
€3.81
€0.76
SI 115 of 2006 (Part B)
€0.76
SI 872 of 2005 European
Communities (Energy
Performance of Buildings)
Regulations
€0.76
SI 873 of 2005 (Part L)
€1.27
SI 284 of 2002 (Part L)
€0.76
SI 581 of 2002 (Part F)
€0.60
SI 441 of 2000 ( Class 9
exemption extension)
SI 249 of 2000 (Part D)
€0.60
SI 179 of 2000 (Part M)
€1.60
SI 497 of 1997
€6.09
Building Control
Regulations:S.I. No. 496 of 1997,
S.I. No. 10 of 2000
S.I. No. 85 of 2004
Technical Guidance
Documents (A to M) of
Building Regulations :TGD A – Structure
Government
Publications Office.
€7.62
€1.27
€1.27
Government
Publications Office.
€6.35
TGD D – Fire Safety
€13.00
TGD C – Site Preparation
and Resistance to Moisture
€7.00
24
TGD D – Materials
Workmanship
€2.54
and
TGD E – Sound
€6.35
TGD F – Ventilation
€7.00
TGD G – Hygiene
€2.54
TGD H – Drainage & Waste
Water Disposal
€6.35
€6.35
TGD J – Heat Producing
Appliances
€3.81
TGD K – Stairs, Ladders,
Ramps and Guards
TGD L – Conservation of
Fuel and Energy
TGD M – Access
Disabled People
€3.81
for
A boxed set of the Technical
Guidance Documents, (price
€74.14 including postage) is
available from Government
Publications Office.
Site Development Works
Manual
Government
Publications Office
€10.00
Attic Insulation Leaflet
Free
Radon Remediation Works in
Existing Buildings- Corrective
Options
€5.00
Protection of New Buildings
and Occupants from Landfill
Gas
Environmental
Assessment:European Communities
€3.81
Government
Publications Office
€1.27
25
(Environmental Impact
Assessment) Amendment
Regulations (SI 659 of 2006)
European Communities
(Environmental Assessment
of Certain Plans and
Programmes) Regulations
2004 (SI 435 of2004)
€3.05
Planning and Development
(Strategic Environmental
Assessment) Regulations (SI
436 of 2004)
€4.27
Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA)
Guidelines, 2004
€3.50
Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) Guidance
for Consent Authorities
regarding Sub-threshold
Development, 2003
€1.27
Note:
Other relevant publications are detailed under Planning Section
The Building Regulations/Environmental Assessment may be accessed and
downloaded from the Department’s Website at www.environ.ie
26
5.3 Planning
The primary role is to provide the essential legislative framework and policy guidance
to local planning authorities and An Bord Pleanala while also seeking to minimise the
regulatory burden and cost of the system. The Section seeks to add value, by:

Maintaining an up-to-date legislative and policy framework that facilitates an
efficient, effective, balanced and quality planning system that is transparent,
accessible and customer orientated in its operation and which promotes the
principles of proper planning and sustainable development.

Supporting the Minister through the provision of quality advice and briefing.

Ensuring an effective development consent system to facilitate the timely
provision of infrastructure.

Providing and supporting mechanisms for better policy coordination and cohesion
across the planning system, and other Government Departments.

Developing the capacity to identify emerging trends and issues in the planning
policy area and proposing new initiatives and responses.
5.3.1 Information available
5.3.2 Classes of Records
 Personal information
 Policy & legislation
 Administration
5.3.3 List of publications
27
5.4 Spatial Policy
The main area of responsibility for the Section is implementation of the National
Spatial Strategy (NSS) 2002-2020, a national strategic planning framework. The aim
is to achieve a better balance of social, economic and physical development, across
Ireland, supported by more effective planning. The NSS promotes a better spread of
job opportunities, a better quality of life and better places in which to live. The
approach being taken is to consolidate the development of the Greater Dublin Area,
while promoting places in the regions with sufficient scale and critical mass to attract
significant investment and job opportunities.
It is the policy driver for more balanced regional development and many aspects of
sustainable development to support good spatial planning. Good spatial planning
involves creating and maintaining appropriate policy frameworks to guide the
planning system as a whole. This Section identifies and responds to the need for
guidance in many areas e.g. improved quality in development plans and retail
planning.
The Section promotes and supports a policy framework for the planning system
which seeks to achieve good spatial planning, through:






strategic regional planning;
clearly focused development planning at city, county and town level;
better local area planning;
retail planning;
sustainable rural housing; and
residential development policies that support sustainable communities.
The Section gives guidance to planning authorities on these matters. Also, all draft
city and county development plans and key local area plans are examined by the
Section and the Planning Inspectorate and, where relevant, comments are given to
the planning authorities on the consistency of the draft plans with proper planning,
sustainable development, balanced regional development and other relevant national
policies. This policy framework complements the implementation of the NSS.
5.4.1 Information available
Further information is available on both the Department’s website and the dedicated
spatial policy website:
www.environ.ie
www.irishspatialstrategy.ie
28
Written correspondence, email or telephone contact can also be made directly with
the Section as follows:
Spatial Policy Section, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government, Custom House, Dublin 1.
Telephone: 01 888 2715
Email: spatialpolicyunit@environ.ie
See section 5.4.3 below for list of publications.
5.4.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Correspondence with members of the public and elected representatives.
Information provided by the public in the course of public consultations
Information provided to the department by tendering parties in the course of
research procurement etc.

Policy & legislation
Extensive range of policy files held in the section, primarily concerning
development and implementation of the National Spatial Strategy and related
guidelines viz. on Development Plans, Retail Planning, Implementing
Regional Planning Guidelines, Sustainable Rural Housing, Regional
Planning, Retail Planning, Residential Density as well as the relevant
Planning legislation.
Correspondence with local authorities on County, City and Local Area
Development Plans regarding consistency with the objectives of the National
Spatial Strategy.
Official circulars

Administration
Internal administrative files e.g. estimates, business planning.
29
5.4.3 List of publications
The publications listed below are also available to download for the websites.
Publication name
Development Plans Guidelines for Planning
Authorities (June 2007).
Available from
Spatial Policy Section
Sustainable Urban
Housing: Design
Standards for Apartments
– Consultation Draft
Guidelines for Planning
authorities (January
2007).
Spatial Policy Section
Atlantic Gateways
Initiative - achieving
critical mass (September
2006)
Spatial Policy Section
Implementing the NSS:
Gateways Investment
Priorities (August 2006)
Spatial Policy Section
Development Plans –
Public Consultation Draft
Guidelines for Planning
Authorities (April 2006)
Spatial Policy Section
Sustainable Rural
Housing - Guidelines for
Planning Authorities (April
2005)
Government
Publications Sales
Office
Implementing Regional
Planning Guidelines Best Practice Guidance
(February 2005)
Spatial Policy Section
Cost (if any)
Cost: €4
Cost €20
Cost: €2.54
Retail Planning Government
Guidelines for Planning
Publications Sales
Authorities (January 2005) Office
30
Implementing the National Spatial Policy Section
Spatial Strategy:
Preparing Regional
Planning Guidelines –
Guidance Notes (February
2003)
The National Spatial
Strategy 2002-2020
People, Places and
Potential (November
2002)
Government
Publications Sales
Office
Landscape and
Landscape Assessment –
consultation Draft of
Guidelines for Planning
authorities (June 2000)
Spatial Policy Section
Residential Density
Guidelines – Guidelines
for Planning Authorities
(1999)
Government
Publications Sales
Office
31
5.5
Urban & Village Development
The Urban and Village Development Unit is responsible for policy concerning urban
development, the initiation and ongoing monitoring of tax incentive based renewal
schemes; the management and disbursement of EU and national funding under the
Urban Regeneration and the Peace III Programmes, compulsory land acquisition
legislation, the administration of the Tidy Towns and related competitions, servicing
the Planning Tribunal, especially regarding payments, input to EU work programmes
on urban development/urban environment and to UN work programmes on human
settlements
5.5.1 Information available
Publications and leaflets relevant to this Section are included beneath. Further
information is available on the Department's web-site and at www.tidytowns.ie
5.5.2 Classes of Records
The classes of records held by the section are as follows:

Personal information
Correspondence from the public.
Council & Board appointments to Dublin Docklands Development Authority
(DDDA)

Policy & legislation
Tribunal of Inquiry into certain planning matters and payments.
Urban Renewal Scheme, 1998 Act and guidelines
Town Renewal Scheme, 2000 Act and guidelines
Living Over the Shop Scheme and guidelines
Urban Regeneration Programme
EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace III) 2007-2013
Derelict Sites Act, 1990
Development of Dublin Docklands, DDDA Act, 1997, Master Plan and various
Planning Schemes
CPO legislation (various)
EU and other international aspects of urban policy;
Tidy Towns and related initiatives

Administration
Internal administrative files e.g. estimates, planning, etc.
32
5.5.3 List of publications
Publication name
Tidy Towns Brochure,
Handbook and Results
Books
Urban and Town
Renewal Scheme
Guidelines
Available from
Free
Cost (if any)
DEHLG
Free
DEHLG
33
5.6 Heritage Policy & Architectural Protection
The key areas of responsibility of the Business Unit are to develop, coordinate,
promote, implement and oversee implementation of policies for the protection
of architectural heritage particularly and coordination of heritage policy
generally, and the promotion of best practice in modern architecture. This is
undertaken through the development of the National Inventory of Architectural
Heritage, the provision of an architectural heritage advisory unit, advancing the
centrality of built heritage in local authorities and other agencies,
administration of capital payments and grants directly and through agents such
as the Heritage Council, the Irish Heritage Trust and the OPW, administration
of conservation grants through the planning authorities, direct participation in
the planning process to promote conservation of architectural heritage,
undertaking the Minister’s functions in relation to architectural heritage under
the planning acts and national monuments legislation, support of a
conservation officer network at local authority level, publication of advice and
guidance on best practice in architectural conservation, review of the
government policy on architecture – ‘Action on Architecture 2002-2005’,
formulation of a new government policy on architecture and oversight of World
Heritage Sites. The Heritage Council is funded from this division. It is also
responsible for the Irish Heritage Trust which was established in 2006 with a
mandate to acquire for public access major important heritage properties
where the State does not wish to acquire them directly and where there is
imminent risk to their heritage value through neglect or where an appropriate
use cannot be brought forward through sale to a private sector investor. All
Development Applications, which are referred to the Minister for consideration,
are examined by the professional staff (Architects and Archaeologists) in this
Division.
5.6.1 Delivery of Service
Built Heritage Capital Programme
The funding allocation for this programme supports conserving the built heritage and
in particular is intended to achieve the following: 



Fund a programme of conservation works and visitor facility upgrades for heritage
sites in State care. The site must be in State ownership and of heritage
significance.
Support the conservation of properties of major heritage value not in State care.
Fund a scheme of grants for the conservation of protected buildings, which is
administered by the local authorities. It is a matter for each individual local
authority to assess and prioritise applications and approve funding. The scheme
is aimed at assisting owners and occupiers to carry out conservation works on
structures of architectural significance in the Record of Protected Structures,
which the Local Authority has listed under the Planning and Development Act
2000. Enquiries about this scheme should be made direct to the relevant local
authority.
Fund a Civic Structures Conservation grants scheme for the restoration and
conservation of buildings of significant architectural heritage merit and which are
34
in public ownership or open to the public generally. Details are on the
Department’s website www.environ.ie. An independent advisory panel considers
all applications.
Determinations
Section 482 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief to the
owner/occupier in respect of expenditure on the repair, maintenance or restoration of
buildings / gardens which are determined by the Minister for the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government to be of intrinsically of significant architectural,
historical, horticultural, scientific, or aesthetic interest and where The Revenue
Commissioners are satisfied reasonable access is afforded to the public. Failte
Ireland publicises the opening hours of the approved properties in an annual
illustrated booklet. The public may apply to Heritage Policy and Architectural
Protection Section for details and application forms.
National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)
The NIAH identifies, evaluates and records the architectural heritage of Ireland in a
systematic and consistent manner so that:
 A source of guidance can be provided for the selection of structures for
protection
 Data can be supplied to Local Authorities which can allow them to make
informed judgements on the significance of building stock in their functional
area.
 Greater knowledge and appreciation of architectural heritage can be fostered
 Public awareness of the Ireland’s built heritage can be heightened
Research and survey work of structures is carried out throughout the country
involving paper research and field studies. Results and assessments are entered in
the NIAH which is a computerised record. The service is delivered through head
office using contractors who survey the area.
The Architectural Heritage Advisory Unit (AHAU)
The advisory service is principally available to planning authorities. It also provides
advice on architectural conservation matters to other government departments and
agencies, to developers and other building owners and their advisers. The AHAU
discharges the functions of the Minister as a prescribed body under the Planning
Acts in relation to development plans and developments impacting upon the
architectural heritage. The Unit also responds to notices received under the National
Monuments Acts regarding proposed works to recorded and national monuments
where such monuments form part of the architectural heritage.
The AHAU is in the process of publishing a series of guidance booklets for owners on
good practice in building repair and maintenance. The Unit is also responsible for the
formulation of the government policy on architecture.
The service is delivered through Head Office.
35
5.6.2





Information available
Application for Civic Structures Conservation Grants scheme 2007.
Guide to Civic Structures Conservation Grants scheme 2007
Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004),
statutory guidance issued under S. 28 and S. 52 of the Planning and
Development Act 2000. Available as a book or to download from the website.
Website – booklets on Conservation Guidelines
Circ PD5/99 regarding Conservation Grants scheme administered by the
Local Authorities
NIAH


To date 20 town surveys have been published. Data available on computer at
Head Office and in Copyright Libraries.
18 County & City Surveys have been published – 16 available on the website
www.buildingsofireland.ie. The remaining 2 to be added to this website.
5.6.3 Classes of Records

Personal information
Routine correspondence and representations from individuals
regarding heritage and conservation matters.
The grant schemes in place refer to structures in civic ownership,
therefore applications are made on behalf of groups and civic
bodies rather than individuals.

Policy & legislation
General policy files on grants schemes.
Policy files on World Heritage sites.
Inputs into related legislation.

Administrative
NIAH




Internal administration (files setting out work programme, dealing
with recruitment of contractors, other general issues).
NIAH Manual offers guidelines for preparation of field records
(this will be made available to each contractor. Also available in
the internet at www.buildingsofireland.ie ).
The NIAH records – on a computer database. Published on the
website www.buildingsofireland.ie
Paper survey forms, photographic slides and digital images used
for preparation of each record.
36
AHAU



Records relating to advice given on individual structures and sites
outside of the planning process
Records on general matters relating to architectural conservation on
which the advice of the AHAU was sought.
Internal administration files relating to guidance publications and other
general issues
5.6.4 List of publications
Publication name
Civic Structures
Conservation Grant
scheme
Brú na Boínne World
Management Plan
Skellig Micheal draft
Management Plan
Architectural Heritage
Protection Guidelines for
Planning Authorities (2004)
Forthcoming in 2007:
Maintenance, a guide to
the care of older buildings
Windows, a guide to the
repair of historic windows
Thatch, a guide to the
repair of thatched roofs
Available from
Department
website,
Cost (if any)
Nil
Website only
nil
In preparation
Book form
Website
€10
nil
Book form
Website
Book form
Website
Book form
Website
Price to be finalised
Nil
Price to be finalised
Nil
Price to be finalised
Nil
37
5.7 National Monuments Service
The National Monuments Service (NMS) is responsible for:




The identification and designation of sites through the Archaeological Survey
of Ireland, which is an integral part of the NMS.
Assisting OPW in the archaeological care of over 750 properties in state care;
Implementation of protective and regulatory controls (incl Licensing of
excavations) under the National Monuments Acts;
The provision of input and advice to planning and other authorities in respect
of individual planning and other development applications, projects and plans.
Protecting our Archaeological Heritage
There are a number of categories of monuments under the National Monuments
Acts:



National monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister or a local
authority or national monuments which are subject to a preservation order;
Monuments or places included in the Record of Monuments and Places;
Historic monuments or areas included in the Register of Historic Monuments.
Archaeology and the Planning Process
The Planning and Development Act 2000 recognises that proper planning and
sustainable development includes the protection of the archaeological heritage.
Development plans may include such objectives and conditions relating to
archaeology may be attached to individual planning permissions.
A planning authority must refer all planning applications, which might affect or be
unduly close to any archaeological site, monument or feature, to the Minister for the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Development Applications Unit of the NMS co-ordinates the Department's evaluation
of all relevant proposals for development referred by Local Authorities. The planning
application is examined with reference to known archaeological sources and an
appraisal is made as to whether the development is likely to affect archaeology and
to what degree. On the basis of this appraisal the Department may respond to the
planning authority by requesting an archaeological assessment or by making a
recommendation for the inclusion of planning conditions. In cases where serious
damage may not be mitigated the Department may recommend that planning
permission not be granted.
Development Applications Unit may also recommend that an archaeological
excavation be carried out in appropriate cases.
Licensing of Excavations
The licensing system is the means by which the Department controls archaeological
excavations in the State consistent with the safeguarding of the archaeological
heritage.
38
Excavations for archaeological purposes may be carried out by suitably qualified
archaeologists acting under a licence issued by the Minister for the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government.
National Monuments section compiles a list of archaeologists eligible to apply for
excavation licences.
5.7.1 Information available
A list of leaflets and publications is included at 5.7.4.
5.7.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Files on individual applications to hold licences under section

Policy & legislation
Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) including the shipwreck inventory,
Ministerial Consents and Directions
Monuments files
Planning referrals files
Files related to developing awareness of archaeological sites
Enforcement of monuments protection

Administration
Office management files
5.7.3 List of publications
Publication Name
Available From
Code of Practice - Railway
Procurement Agency English /
Gaeilge
Code of Practice – Coillte English /
Gaeilge
Code of Practice - Bord Gais
Éireann English:| Gaeilge
Code of Practice - National Roads
Authority English / Gaeilge
Code of Practice - Irish Concrete
Foundation English / Gaeilge
Code of Practice - ESB
Guidelines for Authors of Reports on
Archaeological Excavations
The Care and Conservation of
Graveyards
Cost (If Any)
39
Publication Name
Irish Field Monuments: |
Séadchomharthaí na Tuaithe:
Earthen Banks and Broken WallsOur Legacy of Ancient Monuments
A Guide to Protected Buildings
Policy and Guidelines on
Archaeological Excavation
Framework and Principles for the
Protection of the Archaeological
Heritage:
National Monuments Acts 1930 2004:
National Monuments Act 1930:
National Monuments (Amendment)
Act 1954:
National Monuments Amendment
Act 1987:
National Monuments Amendment
Act 1994:
National Monuments (Amendment)
Act 2004: (No 22 of 2004)
S.I. 229 of 2005 National
Monument's Act 1930 (Section 14B)
Regulations, 2005:
Available From
Cost (If Any)
40
6. Housing Division
The overall aim of housing policy is to “enable every household to have available an
affordable dwelling of good quality, suited to its needs, in a good environment and as
far as possible at the tenure of its choice”. The Division pursues this aim through five
broad strategies:
 overseeing and maintaining a national housing programme appropriate to requirements,
 facilitating home ownership for the greatest number of households who desire and can
afford it,
 developing and supporting a responsive social housing sector for those who cannot
afford suitable accommodation from their own resources,
 developing and maintaining a framework for an efficient private rented sector, and
 developing and maintaining appropriate measures to secure conservation and
improvement of the housing stock, with particular emphasis on the needs of low-income
households.
The Division’s functions include formulation of policy, preparation of legislation, planning of
national social housing programmes, provision and disbursement of the necessary capital
funding for these programmes and overseeing the implementation of policies by the local
authorities.
6.1 Structure of the Division
The Division is led by an Assistant Secretary and the work is divided among six
sections each headed by a Principal Officer (see across). The Housing Supply Unit,
also headed by a Principal Officer, is a crosscutting unit, reporting directly to the
Secretary General. The Inspectorate is headed by a Principal Adviser.
6.1.1 Delivery of service
Most housing services for which the Department of the Environment, Heritage and
Local Government is responsible are delivered to the public through local authorities.
These services, for which the Department provides the legislative basis and, as
appropriate, financial support, include:
 provision, maintenance, management and disposal of local authority housing and
traveller accommodation,
 delivery of accommodation services for homeless people,
 support for the provision of social housing projects by voluntary housing bodies
under the Capital Assistance and Rental Subsidy schemes,
 improvement works to privately owned houses in lieu of local authority housing,
 shared ownership scheme,
 affordable housing scheme,
 loans for house purchase and improvement,
 low cost housing sites,
 sale of local authority dwellings to tenants
41
 mortgage allowance scheme for tenants surrendering local authority or rental
subsidy accommodation and purchasing or building a house for their own
occupation,
 enforcement of rent books, standards and registration of rented houses
regulations,
 disabled persons grants, and
 essential repairs grants
The Division provides a limited range of services directly to the public, mainly in
relation to private housing as follows:
 grants towards the renovation and repair of thatched roofs,
 certification of floor area for the purpose of stamp duty exemption and
 certification for the purposes of the urban renewal scheme (residential).
Applications and, where appropriate, payments under the foregoing schemes are
processed by Housing Grants Section at the Department’s offices in Ballina. The
Division also provides grant assistance to non-profit /voluntary organisations for their
general expenses.
6.1.2 Information available
A list of publications and leaflets relevant to this Division are included in Appendix I.
Further information on any of the services of this Division can be requested from:
Press and Information Office, Custom House: Telephone (01) 8882393
Housing Grants Section, Government Offices, Ballina: Telephone (096) 24200
Housing Rents and Tenure Section, Custom House: Telephone (01) 8882123
Housing Construction Section, Custom House: Telephone (01) 8882561
Housing Policy and Finance Section, Custom House: Telephone (01) 8882099
Affordable Housing Section, Custom House: Telephone (01) 8882567
Traveller Accommodation Unit, Custom House: Telephone (01) 8882121
Voluntary Housing Unit, Ballina: Telephone (096) 24200
Rent Assistance Unit, Custom House: Telephone (01) 8882051
The Department’s FOI Section 16 Reference Book contains information on the rules
and practices governing new house grants, thatching grants, certification for the
purpose of stamp duty exemption and certification for the purpose of the urban
renewal scheme, grants to non-profit/voluntary organisations for their general
administrative expenses, all of which are dealt with by this Division.
42
6.1.3 Classes of records
The classes of records held by Housing Division are as follows:



Personal Information
Individual files on housing grants schemes previously and currently
administered by the Department;
Recoupement claims submitted by local authorities under various
schemes including Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grants,
rent subsidy (Shared Ownership Scheme) and subsidy under the Rental
Subsidy Scheme;
Recoupment claims submitted by lending agencies under the Mortgage
Allowance scheme;
Applications for certification for the purposes of the Urban Renewal
schemes;
Correspondence from the public.
Policy and Legislation
Housing policy, legislation and finance,
Primary legislation including the Housing Acts, 1966 to 1998; Housing
(Private Rented Dwellings) Acts, 1982 and 1983; Housing Finance
Agency Acts, 1981 to 1992; National Building Agency Acts 1963 to
1974;
Secondary housing legislation;
Standards and procedures which apply to the provision, management
and disposal of rented housing by local authorities;
Conditions under which local authorities assist and promote social
housing by voluntary housing bodies;
Assistance towards the provision and improvement of owner occupied
housing;
Matters relating to homelessness;
Traveller accommodation matters;
Certain aspects of the private rented sector;
European and international housing matters;
Housing statistics;
Legislative framework for building societies (Building Society Acts, 1989
and 1992);
Legislation relating to the National Building Agency and the Housing
Finance Agency;
Review and development of policy across all housing sectors.
Administration
The Division holds files on a range of administrative issues including files
on financial matters, statistics, queries relating to schemes, briefing
material, miscellaneous correspondence and internal Administration files
including instructions and guidance to staff.
HOUSING DIVISION DOELG CH, Telephone (01) 8882099
43
6.1.4 List of publications
Publication Name
Available From
Housing Statistics Bulletin £2.20 (€2.79)
(Quarterly)
Housing Statistics (Annual) £3.10 (€3.94)
Action on House Prices
Free
(1998)
Action on the Housing
Free
Market (1999)
Action on Housing (2000)
Free
A Plan for Social Housing
(1991)
Memorandum on the
Preparation of a Statement
of Policy on Housing
Management (1993)
Housing Management
Group – First Report
(1996)
Housing Management
Group – Second Report
(1998)
Recommendations for Site
Development Work for
Housing Areas (1994)(Out
of Print – Photocopies
available)
UNECE Study Tour of
Ireland and the UK
(Northern Ireland) 1994.
Human Settlements
Trends in Ireland (1994)
Private Housebuilding in
Ireland 1976 – 1993 (1995)
Private Housebuilding in
Ireland 1994 (1995)
Social Housing - The Way
Ahead (1995)
Social Housing - The Way
Ahead, Summary (1995)
Social Housing Guidelines
– Site Selection (1997)
Social Housing Guidelines
– Improvement Works in
Lieu Scheme (1998)
Social Housing Design
Guidelines (1999)
Free
Cost (If Any)
GPSO
GPSO
DOELG
DOELG
DOELG
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
£5 (€6.35)
DOELG
Free
DOELG
£10 (€12.70)
GPSO
£5 (€6.35)
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
£10 (€12.70)
GPSO
44
Administration of Rent and
Mortgage Interest
Assistance (1999)
Homelessness – An
Integrated Strategy (2000)
Good Practice in Housing
Management – Repair and
Maintenance of Dwellings
(2000)
Good Practice in Housing
Management – Rent
Assessment, Collection,
Accounting and Arrears
Control (2000)
Report of the Commission
on the Private Rented
Residential Sector (2000)
Extract from the Report of
the Commission on the
Private Rented Residential
Sector (2000)
Guidelines for Planning
Authorities – Part V of the
Planning and Development
Act, 2000
A Model Housing Strategy
and Step-by-step Guide to
Part V of the Planning and
Development Act, 2000
£10 (€12.70)
GPSO
£3 (€3.80)
GPSO
£10 (€12.70)
DOELG
£10 (€12.70)
DOELG
£12 (€15.24)
GPSO
£2 (€2.54)
GPSO
£4 (€5.08)
GPSO
£4 (€5.08)
GPSO
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Leaflets
Accommodation Options
for Homeless Persons
(2001)
Accommodation Options
for Travellers (2000)
Affordable Housing
Scheme (2001)
Charter for Rented
Housing (2001)
Disabled Persons Grant
Scheme (2001)
Improvement Works in Lieu
of Local Authority Housing
(2001)
Local Authority Housing
(2001)
45
Local Authority Loans for
House Purchase and
Improvement (2001)
Low Cost Housing Sites
(2001)
Mortgage Allowance
Scheme (2001)
Shared Ownership
Scheme(2001)
Tenant Purchase Scheme
(2001)
Voluntary Housing
Schemes (2001)
Your Housing Options
(2001)
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
Free
DOELG
46
6.2 Housing Policy & Supply
Housing Policy and Finance Section has a lead role in ensuring coherent housing
policy across all Business Units in the Division and works with other sections on
formulating and developing policy relating to housing in Ireland across all tenures,
particularly from a co-ordination perspective. An ongoing challenge in light of strong
demand for housing in recent years is to ensure that policy is effective in meeting the
broad spectrum of housing needs and is delivered in a manner which ensures
optimum value for money and builds sustainable communities.
6.2.1 Information available
6.2.2 Classes of Records
 Personal information
 Policy & legislation
 Administration
6.2.3 List of publications
47
6.3 Social Inclusion Unit
The Social Inclusion Unit oversees the ongoing development and implementation of
policies and programmes to address the special housing needs of vulnerable
groups such as older people, people with disabilities and homeless people. This
entails working on the development of effective inter-agency responses, where there
is a care dimension to the supports required, under the overall framework of
Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities. In this context, the main work of the
section for the current year will be the publication and ongoing implementation of a
revised Government Strategy on Homelessness, including the establishment of a
new National Homeless Consultative Committee; the introduction of revised
DPG/ERG schemes, and the development of inter-agency protocols to deal with
cooperation particularly between the HSE and housing authorities in meeting the
special housing needs of older people, people with disabilities and homeless people.
6.3.1 Information available
6.3.2 Classes of Records
 Personal information
 Policy & legislation
 Administration
6.3.3 List of publications
48
6.4 Affordable Housing Section
The Affordable Housing Section has responsibility for a range of functions related to
assisting home ownership through a number of targeted schemes i.e. Shared
Ownership and 1999 Affordable Housing Schemes. The section is also responsible
for the implementation of Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 - 2006
and for implementation of the Affordable Housing Initiative contained in Sustaining
Progress. It also liaises with the Affordable Homes Partnership in relation to the
delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA).
The schemes administered by the section along with a brief description of the
conditions and qualifications etc follow:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Shared Ownership scheme,
Affordable Housing scheme,
Part V Affordable Housing.
Affordable Housing Initiative
Eligibility for 1 and 2 above is based on the following –
An applicant must be in need of housing and satisfy an income test or, be registered
on a housing waiting list with a local authority, or, is a local authority tenant or a tenant
purchaser who wishes to buy a private house and return their present house to the
local authority. For 3 and 4 above, along with being in need of housing, the cost of
servicing a mortgage on a house in the area that they are applying for would exceed
35% of their net disposable income on a market value house in that area appropriate
to their need.
6.4.1 Information available
Further information is available on the Department’s website www.environ.ie or from
the Affordable Housing Section at 8882567/2040.
6.4.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Correspondence with members of the public and elected representatives.
 Policy & legislation
Files and reports relating to affordable housing, housing policy and other legislation
held in the section.
 Administration
Procedural files, financial records, statistics, miscellaneous correspondence; Internal
administration files; Files recording financial payments made under the Site Subsidy
Scheme.
6.4.3 List of publications
None
49
6.5 Social Housing (Procurement and Construction)
Set against the background of the Housing Statement: Delivering Houses, Sustaining
Communities, the main objective for Social Housing [Construction and Procurement]
Section is to manage in an efficient manner an integrated and multi-annual
investment programme for social housing that is able to provide good quality
accommodation and associated services for those in housing need. A key
responsibility is to link the output targets set out by individual local authorities in their
Housing Action Plans with those in the NDP and T16 and to ensure consistency with
other national policies. This is broken down under four main headings:




Social Housing Demands, Needs and Allocations
Social Housing Supply
Social Housing Improvements & Regeneration Programmes
Arrangements for Monitoring and Control of Expenditure
6.5.1 Information available
6.5.2



Classes of Records
Personal information
Policy & legislation
Administration
6.5.3 List of publications
50
6.6 Voluntary & cooperative
Accommodation
Housing,
Housing
Grants
&
Traveller
The section is responsible for the administration of the Capital Assistance Scheme,
Capital Loan & Subsidy Scheme, Rental Subsidy Scheme, Traveller Accommodation,
Thatching Grants, and Floor Area Certification. Recoupment to local authorities in
respect of shared ownership rent subsidies, Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs
Grants. Mortgage Allowance Special Housing Aid for the Elderly. Certification for
Urban and Rural Renewal Schemes. Homebond (applications received pre 1/1/04)
6.6.1 Information available
Voluntary Housing Unit, Ballina: Telephone (096) 24200
6.6.2 Classes of Records
 Personal information
Individual files on housing grants schemes previously and currently
administered by the Department;
Recoupment claims submitted by local authorities under various schemes
including Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grants, rent subsidy
(Shared Ownership Scheme) and subsidy under the Rental Subsidy
Scheme;
Recoupment claims submitted by lending agencies under the Mortgage
Allowance scheme;
Applications for certification for the purposes of the Urban Renewal
schemes;
Correspondence from the public.

Policy & legislation
Housing policy, legislation and finance,
Primary legislation including the Housing Acts, 1966 to 1998; Housing
(Private Rented Dwellings) Acts, 1982 and 1983;
Secondary housing legislation;
Conditions under which local authorities assist and promote social housing
by voluntary housing bodies;
Assistance towards the provision and improvement of owner occupied
housing;
Traveller accommodation matters;
Certain aspects of the private rented sector;
Housing statistics
 Administration
The Division holds files on a range of administrative issues including files
on financial matters, statistics, queries relating to schemes, briefing
material, miscellaneous correspondence and internal Administration files
including instructions and guidance to staff.
6.6.3 List of publications
51
6.7 Social Housing Management
Social Housing Management Section is responsible for policy development in relation
to the management of social housing. In this context the section seeks to develop
and articulate national policy, structure the statutory and regulatory framework and
provide direction, guidance and support, as appropriate, to housing authorities on the
implementation of policy. This includes the tenant purchase of local authority
dwellings and letting scheme matters. The Section is also responsible for guiding the
Housing Action Plan Process which is a key mechanism for managing the planning
and delivery of local authority social and affordable housing programmes. The
Section also reviews and monitors the implementation of these plans.
6.7.1 Information available
6.7.2



Classes of Records
Personal information
Policy & legislation
Administration
6.7.3 List of publications
52
6.8 Private Housing Sector
The main function of the Private Housing Sector Section is to promote the efficient
and balanced operation and development of the private housing market, both owneroccupied and private rental sectors, through overview and assessment of
developments and issues and relevant input to development of policy and legislation
and support for and liaison with associated State agencies (PRTB and Rent
Tribunal), local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
This includes promoting the effectiveness of the private rented sector, particularly
through implementation of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004; input to the new
Statement of Housing Policy and action to address specific issues relating to private
housing, including input to or promotion of action by other relevant Departments or
agencies and local authorities and engagement with market stakeholders.
The work of the Section contributes to fulfilling its function by helping to maximise the
role and effectiveness of the private housing sector in meeting housing needs
particularly by contributing to the framework of policy and legislation. This primarily
involves:




Maintaining effective overview and assessment of developments and issues in
the private housing sector;
Provision of relevant input to development of policy and legislation in relation to
the sector, (including development of the private rental sector) and ongoing
review of the impact of measures;
Promoting and supporting effectiveness in the services provided by relevant
agencies (PRTB and Rent Tribunal) and in local authority performance.
Promoting action to address issues, through engagement with construction
industry and input to other relevant agencies.
In addition to undertaking the work of the Section, staff members also provide input
to other bodies such as the Private Residential Tenancies Board and the Rent
Tribunal.
6.8.1 Information available
The Private Housing Sector does not publish any leaflets or publications.
Further information on any services provided by the Section can be requested from:
Private Housing Sector, Room 123, Custom House, Dublin 1.
Telephone: (01) 888 2309
53
6.8.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
Correspondence with members of the public and elected representatives.

Policy and Legislation
There are files and reports relating to housing policy and legislation held in
the section.

Administration
The Private Housing Sector holds a number of administrative files relating
to its work e.g. Estimates, other correspondence and general coordination.
54
6.9 Inspectorate (Housing & Construction)
The role of the Inspectorate is to advance the quality in design, construction and
building standards of housing that is sustainable, affordable, energy efficient,
architecturally appropriate, technically durable and adaptable to changing lifetime
needs, within the context of the Housing Policy framework of Building Sustainable
Communities.
6.9.1 Information available
6.9.2



Classes of Records
Personal information
Policy & legislation
Administration
6.9.3 List of publications
55
7. Local Government Division
7.1 Structure of the Division
Local Government Division is made up of 8 separate sections
7.2 Fire Services and Emergency Planning Section


supporting fire authorities in the development and maintenance of a quality
fire-fighting and rescue service
supporting fire authorities in their emergency management role and in their fire
safety programmes
7.2.1 Delivery of Service
Fire Services and Emergency Planning Section:
The Department’s role in this area is to assist and support local authorities, in their
role of ensuring that people, property and local infrastructure are protected in fire and
other emergency situations.
The section provides capital funding to local authorities for the construction of fire
stations, the provision of fire appliances and fire fighting equipment for the fire
service. It maintains the legislative framework for fire and emergency services. It
develops fire safety and fire services strategies and major emergency management
policies. It provides staffing and funding support for a central training programme for
fire service personnel, which is administered by the Fire Services Council and which
supplements the fire authorities own training programmes. The section is
responsible for fire safety promotion on a national level.
The section also has a lead role at national level to work with the European Union to
develop international support mechanisms in emergency planning, including the
development of a European Community Civil Protection Mechanism to facilitate
reinforced co-operation in civil protection assistance interventions.
In addition to undertaking the work of the Section, staff members are also committed
to providing input to other bodies such as the Fire Services Council, The Building
Regulations Advisory Body, Building Standards Section and the National Standards
Authority of Ireland.
56
7.2.2 Information available
A list of leaflets and publications is included at 7.2.4.
7.2.3 Classes of Records
 Personal information
Fire Services Council – Administrative Matters
Correspondence from the public

Policy & legislation
Fire Services Legislation;
Licensing of Indoor Events Legislation;
Guidance/Codes of practice on Fire Safety;
Major Emergency Management;
European and International fire and emergency planning

Administrative
The Division holds a number of internal administrative files e.g.
instructions and guidance to staff; financial and statistical records;
and miscellaneous records and correspondence
7.2.4 List of publications
Publication name
A Guide to Preparing a Major Emergency
Plan (Working Draft)
A Guide to Risk Assessment in Major
Emergency Management (Working Draft)
A Guide to Managing Evacuation (Working
Draft)
A Guide to Planning and Staging Exercises
(Working Draft)
A Guide to Undertaking an Appraisal
(Working Draft)
A Guide to Working with VES (Working
Draft)
Annual Fire Statistics,
Code of Practice for the Management of
Fire Safety in Places of Assembly
Code of Practice for Fire Safety of
Furnishings and Fittings in Places of
Assembly
Fire Safety in Hostels
A Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Nursing
Homes and Similar Type premises
Fire Safety in Pre-Schools
Available from
Cost (if any)
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
Free
DEHLG Website
DEHLG Website
GPSO
DEHLG Website
Free
Free
€2.79
Free
GPSO
DEHLG Website
GPSO
DEHLG Website
GPSO
DEHLG Website
GPSO
DEHLG Website
€2.79
Free
€5.00
Free
€5.00
Free
€5.00
Free
57
Framework for Major Emergency
Management
DEHLG
Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing
GPSO
Hotels, Guesthouses and Similar Premises DEHLG Website
Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and GPSO
Apartments (1994),
DEHLG Website
Guide to Fire Safety in Guest
GPSO
Accommodation
DEHLG Website
Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in GPSO
Ireland
DEHLG Website
The Use of Breathing Apparatus in the Fire GPSO
Service (1995)
The Use of Breathing Apparatus in the Fire
Service (2007)
DEHLG Website
National Incident Command System
DEHLG Website
Fire Service Ancillary Safety Statement
DEHLG Website
Template
Fire Safety in the Home - English, Irish,
Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian and Chinese
DEHLG Website
Smoke/Heat Alarms - English and Irish
DEHLG Website
Fire Safety for the Elderly – English and
DEHLG Website
Irish
Fire Safety in Flats and Apartments –
DEHLG Website
English and Irish
Fire Safety in Caravans - English and Irish DEHLG Website
Fire Safety for your Home - English and
DEHLG Website
Irish
Free
€4.44
Free
€5.00
Free
€7.62
Free
€20.00
Free
€7.62
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
58
7.3 Franchise
Franchise Section is not responsible for direct delivery of service. It is responsible for
developing and overseeing a modern, efficient, accessible and fair electoral system.
The key components of that system are registration and voting arrangements, voter
information, vote counting and control of expenditure and donations for political
purposes at national and local levels. Comprehensive legislative codes provide the
framework within which the section exercises responsibility in these areas in
conjunction with key partners (including registration authorities, returning officers and
their staff, the Standards in Public Office Commission, Referendum Commissions,
the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Finance, the Oireachtas and
the electorate).
Ongoing review of the legislative framework and administrative practices,
dissemination of information and advice, and use of information technology assist in
the modernisation and improvement of the electoral system.
7.3.1 Information Available
The following leaflets are available free of charge to the public and can be
downloaded from the Department’s website at www.environ.ie








How the President is elected
How the Dáil is elected
How the Seanad is elected
How Ireland’s Representatives in the European Parliament are Elected
How Members of Local Authorities are Elected
The Referendum in Ireland
Information for Voters with Disabilities
The Register of Electors
7.3.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
Returning Officers/County Registrars, Elected Members of county/city
councils, borough and town councils, correspondence from members of
the public and elected representatives.

Policy & Legislation
There is a large volume of legislative and policy files and reports held in
the section as well as limited number of constituency maps. The files
would primarily comprise issues such as the Registration of Electors, Dáil
Elections, Presidential Elections, European Parliament Elections,
Referenda, Local Elections, Election Expenditure and Donation Regime,
Electronic Voting and Vote Counting

Administrative
Arrangements for Polls, Statistics, Financial Records, Misc. records and
correspondence.
59
7.3.3 List of Publications
Publication Name
Leaflets
How the President is elected
How the Dáil is elected
How the Seanad is elected
How Ireland’s Representatives in
the European Parliament are
Elected
How Members of Local Authorities
are Elected
The Referendum in Ireland
Information for Voters with
Disabilities
The Register of Electors
Electoral Area Boundary
Committee Report 1998
Dublin Electoral Area Boundary
Committee Report 1998
Preparing and Maintaining the
Register of Electors – Guidance
for Registration Authorities - 2006
Preparing and Maintaining the
Register of Electors – Guidance
for Registration Authorities –
Appendices - 2006
Results Publications
Local Elections 2004 – Volume 1
Local Elections 2004 – Volume 2
Presidential Results Book 19381997
Referendum Results 1937-2004
European Parliament Election
Results 2004
Available from
Cost (if any)
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
Free
Free
Free
Free
D/EHLG & Website
Free
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
Free
Free
D/EHLG & Website
Not available (out of print)
Free
Not available (out of print)
D/EHLG
Free
D/EHLG
Free
Website
Government
Sales Office
Website
Government
Sales Office
Website
Government
Sales Office
Website
Government
Sales Office
Website
Free
Publications €20
Free
Publications €20
Free
Publications €6.35
Free
Publications €6.35
Free
Department’s website www.environ.ie (Elections)
60
7.4 Local Government Personnel Section
The section has a general responsibility to oversee and provide guidance in relation
to personnel practices and procedures in respect of over 33,000 local government
employees. This includes all aspects of human resource and industrial relations
matters, equality issues and participating in the preparation of national pay policy,
including its implementation in the local authority sector and in the various semi-state
and other bodies for which the Department has responsibility. The section is also
responsible for implementation of Government policy in relation to the pensions of
90,000 staff in local authorities, Health Service Executive and other bodies.
7.4.1 Information available
A list of publications and leaflets, relevant to this section is included in Appendix 1.
Further information on any of the services of the section can be requested from:
Local Government Personnel Section, Custom House, Dublin 1.
Telephone (01) 8882353, 8882355 & 8882377.
Superannuation Section, Government Buildings, Ballina, Co. Mayo.
Telephone (096) 24200 (LoCall 1890 202021).
7.4.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Local Authority voluntary redundancy and early retirement;
Appointment of city/county managers in a temporary capacity;
Awards under the performance related awards scheme for local authority
managers, assistant managers and directors of service;
Superannuation for local authority staff, including appeals and internal
disputes resolution, applications for added years, abatement of pension
and superannuation awards for local authority managers;
Superannuation for Departmental staff and the bodies under its aegis.

Policy & legislation
Oversight of local authority human resource and industrial relations;
Qualifications for certain local authority posts;
Code of conduct for local authority employees;
Local authority employees and membership of local authorities;
Guidance on employment equality in local authorities;
Local authority staffing, numbers and structures;
Salary scales and pay rates for local authority employees;
Career breaks, work-sharing and other atypical work arrangements;
Secretary General reports to the Local Government Performance
Verification Group;
Annual grants to the Local Authority National Partnership Advisory Group
(LANPAG);
Oversight of local authority voluntary redundancy/early retirement scheme;
Official circulars;
Local authority Freedom of Information statistical returns;
61
Local authority employees superannuation schemes and regulations;
Liaison with other government departments and bodies under the aegis of
the Department relating to pensions policy and other pensions issues;
Correspondence with the Office of the Pensions Ombudsman, the
Pensions Board and with pension scheme institutions abroad.

Administrative
The section holds a number of administrative files e.g., miscellaneous
correspondence and internal administration files
7.4.3 List of publications
Publication name
Code of Conduct for Local
Authority Employees
Available from
DEHLG
Cost (if any)
Free of Charge
62
7.5 Local Government Project Development Section
The Section’s role is to undertake and develop specific projects relating to local and
central government issues; provide necessary input to the political and administrative
system in this connection; be flexible to adapt to new project priorities; and maintain
timely, high quality and efficient services to internal and external clients. The
Section’s programme of work includes;






Implementation of the Department’s Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005.
Management of the National Disability Strategy fund for local authorities and
bodies under the aegis of the Department.
Delivering the work programme of the Informal All-Party Parliamentary Group
on Seanad Reform.
The development of proposals concerning the regulation of lobbyists in line with
the regulatory framework for standards in public life.
Development of effective policy response options on issues such as Boundary
Alteration applications, and, following policy decisions, the commencement of
provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 at the appropriate time.
Facilitate the transfer of regional harbours to local authorities.
7.5.1 Information available
A list of publications is included in 7.5.3
7.5.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
Correspondence with members of the public and elected representatives.
Information provided by the public in the course of consultations
concerning the Department’s Sectoral Plan.
Details concerning regional harbour employees.
Information provided to the Department by tendering parties in the course
of research procurement.
Miscellaneous information on files

Policy & legislation
Policy and legislative files primarily concern the National Disability
Strategy, Seanad Reform, lobbyist regulation, local authority boundary
alterations, regional harbours, and sections of the Local Government Act
2001. Reports relevant to these topics are also held by the Section.

Administrative
The Section holds a number of administrative files relating to it’s work i.e.
estimates and other financial records, correspondence and general
coordination.
63
7.5.3 List of publications
Publication name
Regulation of Lobbyists
in Developed Countries
(2004)
Sect oral Plan under the
Disability Act 2005 of
the Department of the
Environment, Heritage
and Local Government
Available from
D/EHLG and website.
Cost (if any)
Free.
Government
Publications and
website
€3 (printed copy)
Free online version
64
7.6 Local Government Policy Section
The main responsibilities of the Section working in partnership with local government
are to –


Maintain appropriate policy and legislation for local government, its structures and
its operation
Support and promote –
o
o
o
Local government-led local governance structures and the role of the
elected member
The role of local authorities in policy development, in the provision of
quality customer service, in focussing on performance, and in social
inclusion and community development.
The maintenance of high ethical standards in local government.
The Section’s work programme includes:









The continued support and strengthening of County/City Development Boards
(CDBs) to improve service delivery at local/community level.
Co-ordination and support of the implementation of the RAPID programme.
Overseeing and supporting the extension of the Social Inclusion Unit programme
in local government.
Managing and monitoring the Social & Community Facilities Capital Scheme.
Overseeing and supporting the operation of the Community and Voluntary (C & V)
Fora and provide support to the National C&V Forum.
Development of customer service policy and initiatives in partnership with local
authorities within the broader context of the public service-wide SMI customer
services initiative and the local government modernisation programme.
Maintaining an appropriate expenses system for Local Authority and Regional
Authority members
Supporting, monitoring and promoting –
o
SPC’s (including information and councillor support)
o
Training and Education for councillors
o
Joint Policing Committees
o
Regional Assemblies/Regional Authorities
o
EU committee of the Regions, Council of Europe and /EU local
government matters
Maintaining appropriate contacts and other arrangements with the Local Authority
members associations.
7.6.1 Information available
A list of publications is included below. Further information on any of the
services provided by the section can be requested from:
Local Government Policy Section, Custom House, Dublin 1.
Telephone (01) 8882101, 8882102, 8882388, 8882700 or 8882700.
65
7.6.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
Correspondence with members of the public and elected representatives.

Policy & legislation
There is a large volume of legislative and policy files and reports held in
the section. These files would primarily comprise issues concerning
sections of the Local Government Act 2001, dealings with Committee of
the Regions, Local Government Associations, Regional
Authorities/Assemblies, Council of Europe
Correspondence with local authorities in relation to service indicators, onestop shops and initiatives funds.
Correspondence with local authorities in relation to application for loan
approval.
Correspondence with local authorities in relation to the operation of the
pilot Community Warden Scheme.
Details of meetings of the Customer Service Group.
Policy and legislative files primarily concerning the development of
Customer Service Initiatives within the local government sector.
Policy and legislative files primarily concerned with County/City
Development Boards, Community & Voluntary Forum, Social Inclusion
Units, Social & Community Capital Facilities Scheme and the RAPID
Programme. Reports relevant to these topics (where applicable) are also
held by the Section.

Administrative
This part of Local Government Policy Section also holds a number of
administrative files relating to it’s work i.e. estimates and other financial
records, correspondence and general coordination.
7.6.3 List of publications
Publication name
Guidelines for Local
Authorities in the
Preparation of
Corporate Plans 2006 –
2009
Customer Complaints –
Guidelines for Local
Authorities
Available from
D/EHLG and website.
Cost (if any)
Free.
D/EHLG and website.
Free.
Customer Consultation
– Guidelines for Local
Authorities
D/EHLG and website
Free.
66
Guidelines for Local
Authorities in the
preparation of Corporate
plans 2004-2009
Local Government Act
2001
Local Government Bill
2003
Task Force Report
(August 1998)
Preparing the Ground
for CDBs (April 1999)
Leaflet: A Vision for our
Counties & Cities
Task Force Report on
Social Inclusion
Measures (April 2000)
Appendix to Social
Inclusion Measures
(April 2000)
A Shared Vision for
County and City
Development Boards
(2001)
Supplementary
Guidelines on the
Implementation of CDB
Strategies
Review of CDB
Strategies (2003)
Better Local
Government – A
programme for change
Code of Conduct for
Local Government
Employees
Code of Conduct for
Councillors
Local Government and
the Elected Member
Strategic Policy
Committee Guidelines
Guidelines for Local
Authorities in the
preparation of Corporate
plans 2004-09
Local Government Act
2001
Local Government Bill
2003
D/EHLG and website
Free
GPSO
€20.82
GPSO
€1.27
CDB website
Free
CDB website
Free
CDB website
Free
CDB website
Free
CDB website
Free
CDB website
Free
CDB website
Free
D/EHLG
and
CDB Free
website
D/EHLG and website.
€6.35
D/EHLG and website.
Free.
D/EHLG and website
Free
D/EHLG and website
Free
GPSO
€2.54
D/EHLG and website
Free
GPSO
€20.82
GPSO
€1.27
67
Modernising Local
Government
D/EHLG and website
Free
68
7.7 Vehicle Registration Unit (VRU) / Vehicle Licensing (Motor Tax)
The primary responsibility of the vehicle registration unit (VRU) located in
Shannon, Co. Clare is the management and technical support of the National
Vehicle and Driver file (NVDF) the computer data base for all vehicles and
licensed drivers in the State and its associated infrastructure, the recording of
changes of vehicle ownership and administration of online services including
the motor tax online facility.
Motor Tax Policy Section, which is located in the Custom House, Dublin is
responsible for the management, supervision and financial control of the motor
tax system both at national and local levels.
7.7.1 Delivery of Service
7.7.2

The role of the VRU is primarily to facilitate the processing of all motor tax
and driver licence business in motor tax offices around the country,
including one-stop shops (57 locations with 900 users in total) as well as
the recording of details in respect of vehicle ownership changes which
takes place centrally at the VRU. Central to this work is the support and
maintenance of the computerized national Vehicle & Driver File (NVDF)
which is the focus for a range of customer oriented activities which feature
in the Departments Customer Service Action Plan e.g. the issue of motor
tax renewal/reminder notices, Vehicle Registration Certs etc. In addition
to the above, the VRU manages and administers the internet based online
motor tax payment and the issue of the tax discs which result from this.

The Motor Tax Policy Section’s core responsibilities relate to keeping
existing motor tax policy under review and formulating new policy;
monitoring and ensuring implementation of policy; ensuring best practice
in regard to motor tax customers; organizing and supplying motor tax discs
and forms and certifying stock issues and returns and monitoring and
examining motor tax office accounts.
Information Available to the Public
Trade Licence/Plate System Guide for Motor Traders
Vehicle and Driver Statistics
7.7.3 Classes of Records
 Personal Information
o
Vehicle Ownership details
o
Driver Licence details
o
Correspondence from the public
69
 Policy and Legislation
o
Files and reports on policy and legislation in relation to motor tax.
 Administration
The Sections hold a number of records relating to the management and
support of the NVDF systems as well as miscellaneous correspondence from
motor tax offices and the general public as well as internal operating
instructions for staff.
7.7.4 List of Publications
The Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver Statistics available from VRU,
Shannon, free of charge.
70
7.8 Local Government Finance Section








Maintain modern, flexible and relevant policy, legislative and regulatory
framework for local authority finance function.
Seek to ensure adequate central funding to local authorities via the Local
Government Fund;
Promote and facilitate efficiency/value for money in local authorities;
Develop and foster best practice in financial planning and management in
local authorities;
Equitable distribution of general purpose grants to effect equalisation;
Management of the Local Government Fund including investment of
balances;
Monitoring financial position of local authorities;
Ensuring due account is taken of impact of government policies on local
authority finances.
7.8.1 Information available
The following publications are issued-Local Government Financial Outturns, Local
Authority Budgets (format under review), Local Government Fund Accounts. The
review of funding of local government by Indecon Economic Consultants and details
of Local Government Fund general purpose grants to local authorities, local authority
annual rates on valuation, net effective valuations, local authority commercial rates
etc. are available on the Department’s website.
7.8.2 Classes of Records

Personal information
Nil

Policy & legislation
Files and reports on policy and legislation in relation to local authority
finance.

Administrative
The Section holds administrative files including, miscellaneous
correspondence from local authorities and other public bodies and the
public on local authority finance and internal administration files e.g.
financial and statistical records, instructions and guidance to staff.
7.8.3 List of publications
Publication name
Annual Local Authority Outturns
Annual Local Authority Budgets
Available from
Govt Publication Sales Office
Govt Publication Sales Office
Cost (if any)
€16
€12
71
Publication name
Annual Local Government Fund
Accounts
Available from
Govt Publication Sales Office
Cost (if any)
€3.60
72
7.9 Roads and Local Services [including Roads Advisors]
Roads and Local Services [including Roads Advisors] Section of the Local
Government Division is responsible for the management of the Non-National
Roads Investment Programme, the Public Library Capital Programme and the
management and support of a number of local services to the community (e.g.
playgrounds and skateboard parks).
7.9.1 Delivery of Service
Local authorities are the road authorities for their areas and responsibility for
the initial selection and prioritisation of individual non-national road projects is
a matter for local authorities. Through the Roads and Local Services [including
Roads Advisors] Section, the Department provides funding and technical
advice to local authorities to supplement their own resources expenditure and
expertise on the maintenance and improvement of non-national roads.
The Section implements, in co-operation with An Chomhairle Leabharlanna
and library authorities, the investment programme for the development of the
public library service and the recommendations of Branching Out- A New
Public Library Service. It also oversees the introduction of a Public Lending
Rights Scheme. The Section also promotes the Per Cent for Art Scheme,
supports the development of local authority archives and processes
applications from local authorities for the closure of burial grounds. This
section is part of the advance decentralisation corps going to Wexford
from June 2007.
The Section also administers the schemes of grants for playgrounds and
skateboard facilities, monitors the performance of local authorities on dog
control, is involved in the implementation of the recommendations of the
Working Group on the management of dog breeding establishments, and
oversees the functioning and performance of Irish Water Safety. This
section is part of the advance decentralisation corps going to Wexford
from June 2007.
7.9.2 Information available
A list of publications & leaflets relevant to these Sections is included in
Appendix I.
Further information on any of the services of these Sections may be
requested from:
Press and Information Office, Custom House, Dublin 1.
Telephone (01) 888 2393
Roads & Local Services Section, Floor 2, Block 6, Irish Life Building,
Dublin 1.
73
Telephone (01) 888 2000. The officers dealing with paragraphs 2 & 3 in
the previous section [7.9.1] are part of the advance decentralisation
corps going to Wexford from June 2007.
7.9.3 Classes of Records

Personal information
Correspondence from the public

Policy & legislation
Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992.
Aspects of Local Government Acts [relating to Local Improvement
Schemes; Libraries; Burial Grounds]

Administration:
The Sections hold a range of administrative files relating to matters
such as:
Control of dogs
Playground Grants Schemes
Skateboard Facilities Grants Scheme
Irish Water Safety
Review of the Management of Dog Breeding Establishments
Funfairs
Non-national road grants scheme files in connection with Local authorities’ Restoration Programmes;
Local authorities’ Low Cost Safety improvement grant applications;
Local authorities’ Regional Traffic Management grant applications;
Local authorities’ Specific Improvement Grant applications;
Local authorities’ outputs under various grant categories;
Local authorities’ own resources expenditure on non-national roads;
Grant claims and payments.
7.9.4 List of Publications for this Division
Publication name
A Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Nursing
Homes and Similar Type premises (1996)
A Guide to Preparing a Major Emergency
Plan
A Guide to Risk Assessment in Major
Emergency Management
Annual Fire Statistics,
Available from
GPSO
Cost (if any)
€6.60
DEHLG
DEHLG
DEHLG
74
Publication name
Code of Practice for Fire Safety of
Furnishings and Fittings in Places of
Assembly (1989)
Code of Practice for Safety at Indoor
Concerts (1998)
Code of Practice for the Management of Fire
Safety in Places of Assembly (1989)
Fire Prevention Statistics
Fire Safety in Hostels (1998)
Fire Safety in Nursing Homes
Fire Safety in Pre-Schools (1999)
Fire Safety in the Home
Framework for Major Emergency
Management
Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Hotels,
Guesthouses and Similar Premises (1989),
Guide to Fire Safety in Existing Nursing
Homes and Similar Type Premises (1996)
Guide to Fire Safety in Flats, Bedsitters and
Apartments (1994),
Guide to Fire Safety in Guest
Accommodation
Review of Fire Safety and Fire Services in
Ireland
The Use of Breathing Apparatus in the Fire
Service (1995)
Dublin Electoral Area Boundary Committee
Report 1998
Electoral Area Boundary Committee
Report 1998
European Parliament Election Results
2004
How Ireland’s Representatives in the
European Parliament are Elected
How Members of Local Authorities are
Elected
How the Dáil is elected
How the President is elected
How the Seanad is elected
Information for Voters with Disabilities
Local Elections 2004 – Volume 1
Local Elections 2004 – Volume 2
Available from
Cost (if any)
GPSO
€2.79
GPSO
€12.70
GPSO
DEHLG
DEHLG
DEHLG
DEHLG
DEHLG
€5.00
€5.00
€5.00
DEHLG
GPSO
€4.44
GPSO
GPSO
€5.00
GPSO
€7.62
GPSO
GPSO
€20.00
€7.62
Not available (out of
print)
Not available (out of
print)
Website
Free
D/EHLG & Website
Free
D/EHLG & Website
Free
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
GPSO
Free
Free
Free
Free
€20
Website
Free
GPSO
€20
Website
Free
75
Publication name
Presidential Results Book 1938-1997
Referendum Results 1937-2004
Report on Dáil Constituencies 2004
Report on European Parliament
Constituencies 2003
The Referendum in Ireland
The Register of Electors
Code of Conduct for Local Authority
Employees
Regulation of Lobbyists in Developed
Countries (2004)
Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005
of the Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government (launched
July 2006, publication is imminent).
Guidelines for Local Authorities in the
Preparation of Corporate Plans 2006 –
2009
Customer Complaints – Guidelines for
Local Authorities
Customer Consultation – Guidelines for
Local Authorities
Delivering Value for People – Service
Indicators in Local Authorities
Guidelines for Local Authorities in the
preparation of Corporate plans 2004-2009
Local Government Act 2001
Local Government Bill 2003
Task Force Report (August 1998)
Preparing the Ground for CDBs (April
1999)
Leaflet: A Vision for our Counties & Cities
Task Force Report on Social Inclusion
Measures (April 2000)
Available from
GPSO
Cost (if any)
€6.35
Website
Free
GPSO
€6.35
Website
Free
GPSO
€20
www.constituencycommission.ie
GPSO
Free
www.constituencycommission.ie
D/EHLG & Website
D/EHLG & Website
DEHLG
Free
€5
D/EHLG and website.
Free
Free
Free of
Charge
Free.
D/EHLG and website.
Free.
D/EHLG and website.
Free.
D/EHLG and website.
Free.
D/EHLG and website
Free.
D/EHLG and website
Free.
D/EHLG and website
Free
GPSO
GPSO
CDB website
CDB website
€20.82
€1.27
Free
Free
CDB website
CDB website
Free
Free
76
Publication name
Appendix to Social Inclusion Measures
(April 2000)
A Shared Vision for County and City
Development Boards (2001)
Supplementary Guidelines on the
Implementation of CDB Strategies
Review of CDB Strategies (2003)
Better
Local Government – A programme for
change
Code of Conduct for Local Government
Employees
Code of Conduct for Councillors
Local Government and the Elected
Member
Strategic Policy Committee Guidelines
Guidelines for Local Authorities in the
preparation of Corporate plans 2004-09
Local Government Act 2001
Local Government Bill 2003
Modernising Local Government
The Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver
Statistics
Available from
CDB website
Cost (if any)
Free
CDB website
Free
CDB website
D/EHLG and CDB
website
D/EHLG and website.
Free
Free
D/EHLG and website.
D/EHLG and website
D/EHLG and website
Free.
Free
Free
GPSO
D/EHLG and website
€2.54
Free
GPSO
GPSO
D/EHLG and website
VRU, Shannon
€20.82
€1.27
Free
Free.
€6.35
77
8. Water and Natural Heritage Division
8.1 Structure of Division
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is a sub–division of the Water and
Natural Heritage Division. An Assistant Secretary leads the Division. NPWS is
divided into two Sections – Habitats and Biodiversity and National Parks and
Research. Each Section is headed by a Director each responsible for a number of
functional Units. In addition, the Director of National Parks and Research heads up
the Research Unit, and is in charge of Regional Management.
The role of NPWS is:








To secure the conservation of a representative range of ecosystems and
maintain and enhance populations of flora and fauna in Ireland,
To implement the provisions of the Wildlife Acts, 1976 to 2000, the EU
Habitats Directive, the EU Birds Directive, the EU Zoos Directive and the
Natural Habitats Regulations 1997-2005,
To designate and protect Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs), Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs),
To implement the National Biodiversity Plan and to promote the making of
Local Biodiversity Plans,
To promote nature conservation through education and awareness
programmes,
To make the necessary arrangements for the implementation of EU legislation
and policies and for the ratification and implementation of the range of
international conventions and agreements relating to the natural heritage,
To consider potential impacts on nature conservation due to development and
or proposed development and to advise accordingly, and
To manage, maintain and develop National Parks and Nature Reserves.
8.1.1 Information Available
A range of publications and information leaflets relevant to the NPWS is included in
below.
Further information on any of the services of this Division can be requested from:
Press and Information Office,
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
Custom House,
Dublin 1.
Telephone: 01-8882000/01-8882393.
E-mail: press-office@environ.ie
Web-site: www.environ.ie
or
78
National Parks and Wildlife Service,
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
Ely Court,
7 Ely Place,
Dublin 2.
Telephone: 1890-321-421.
E-mail: natureconservation@environ.ie
Web-site: www.npws.ie
In addition the www.npws.ie gives access to a range of information, including reports
and other published material.
Information on Natural Heritage Areas and Natura 2000 sites {Special Areas of
Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs)} is available on
www.npws.ie. The website contains information on many aspects of nature
conservation and biodiversity and the content is regularly reviewed and expanded. If
one can't find the information required, NPWS can be contacted at National Parks
and Wildlife Service, Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
Ely Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 or natureconservation@environ.ie.
79
8.2 National Parks and Wildlife Service
Both the Habitats and Biodiversity Section and the Parks and Research Section are
divided into further sub-Units as outlined below.
8.3 Habitats and Biodiversity Section
8.3.1 Site Designation and Plans Unit
Responsible for:




Dissemination of information on NHA, SAC and SPA designations,
Processing of objections to these designations,
Procurement, including scientific research and surveys,
Co-ordination of compliance with EU Nature Conservation Directives.
8.3.2 Site Protection Unit
Responsible for:








Compensation under the Cessation of Turf Cutting Scheme,
Purchase of bogs for conservation purposes,
Protection of designated Sites, including High Court injunctions and
prosecutions,
Examination of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) licence
applications relating to designated areas (SACs, etc.) to ensure
compliance with the EU Habitats Directive,
Examination of forestry proposals relating to designated areas (Sacs, etc.)
to ensure compliance with the EU Habitats Directive,
Compensation for losses incurred due to restrictions imposed as a result of
designation of areas for nature conservation under the Department’s
Compensation Scheme,
Implementation of commitments arising from the Farm Plan Scheme,
Implementation of arbitration scheme arising from notifiable actions.
8.3.3 Species and Regulations Unit
Responsible for:




The issuing of licences under the Wildlife Act, 1976 and the Wildlife
(Amendment) Act, 2000,
The issuing of derogation licences under Regulation 25 of the European
Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997-2005,
Regulatory compliance with EU Birds and Habitats Directives,
Inspection and licensing of zoos under the European Communities
(Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations 2003,
80


Open Seasons Orders,
Management of Ireland’s obligations under the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES),
Policy on non-native invasive species and co-ordination with the
Environment and Heritage Service, Northern Ireland, on invasive species
policy and measures.

8.3.4 Biodiversity Policy Unit
Responsible for:

Ongoing implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan (NBP) which sets
out Ireland’s national strategy on the conservation and sustainable use of
biodiversity,
Integration of biodiversity into all sectors through co-ordination of the InterDepartmental Steering Group which oversees the ongoing implementation
of the NBP,
Working with the Biodiversity Forum which provides independent
evaluation of progress in the ongoing implementation of the NBP and
inputs into the development of Government Policy on biodiversity,
Promoting public awareness on biodiversity,
Contributing to the development of EU Biodiversity Policy,
Implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) policy and
input into future policy including attendance where appropriate at
international meetings,
Developing North-South Co-operation on the protection of biodiversity on
the island of Ireland including participating on the Northern Ireland
Biodiversity Group,
General administration on international conventions e.g. CBD, Bonn,
AEWA, RAMSAR, Berne Convention, Eurobats, International Whaling
Commission, OSPAR, ASCOBANS, IUCN and preparation of annual/biannual reports as required.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global agreement
concerned with the conservation and sustainable use of biological
resources, including species, habitats and genetic resources. A total of
188 countries, as well as the European Union are parties to the CBD and it
was ratified by Ireland in 1996. www.biodiv.org








8.3.5 Classes of Records held - Habitats and Biodiversity Section

Site Designation and Plans Unit
o
General files (court cases, EU Commission, NGO’s, etc),
o
Natural Heritage Area – Designations,
o
EU Complaints,
o
Procurement.
81

For NHA, SAC and SPA:
o Site descriptions/qualifying interests;
o Notifiable operations;
o Aerial photography;
o Survey data;
o Geographical Information System (GIS); and
o Objections.

Site Protection Unit
o Files on bog purchase schemes,
o Compensation schemes,
o Implementation of the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the
European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I.
No. 94 of 1997),
o databases on forestry applications, EPA licence applications, etc.

Species and Regulations Unit
o Database of applications by non-residents for shotgun licences under
Section 29 (1), Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended),
o Database of applications for deer hunting licences under Section 29
(2), Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended),
o Database of applications for permits to shoot on the state owned
foreshore under Section 30, Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended),
o Database of applications for falconry under Section 41, Wildlife Act,
1976 (as amended),
o Spreadsheet of applications to control animals doing damage under
Section 42, Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended),
o Paper records and files in relation to applications under Sections
29(1), 29(2), 30,41 and 42, Wildlife Act, 1976 (as amended),
o Files on CITES,
o Files on invasive species issues,
o Files on derogation licence applications,
o Files on zoos inspections and licences,
o All other licences,
o General files on casework, legal proceedings, etc.

Biodiversity Policy Unit
o Correspondence with other Government Departments,
o General administration on international conventions e.g. Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD), Bonn, AEWA, RAMSAR, etc.,
o Details of meetings of the CBD,
o Correspondence in relation to EU policy and attendance at Working
Parties on International Environmental Issues (WPIEI),
o Contributions to International Conventions,
o Consultancy contracts, i.e., public awareness.
82
8.4 National Parks and Research Section
8.4.1 Finance and Organisation Unit
Responsible for:
 Financial management co-ordination across NPWS,
 Corporate governance across NPWS,
 Oversight of NPWS Regional Management structure.
8.4.2 Parks and Reserves Unit
Responsible for:
 Central administration of 6 National Parks and 78 Nature Reserves,
 Acquisition of land to consolidate and expand the National Parks and Nature
Reserves,
 Management of the capital programme at NPWS properties, for example new
visitor facilities, path works, interpretation and signage, invasive species
clearance and conservation management,
 Provision of visitor facilities, including facilities for those with disabilities, at
National Parks and Nature Reserves,
 Provision of education programme at NPWS sites,
 NPWS property management issues, e.g. grazing licences, land title,
 Management of concessions at NPWS properties including boating,
restaurants, pony trekking, etc., in NPWS properties,
 Permits/Licences – Determining and processing applications for permits and
licences, e.g. film licences.
 Handling of personal injury and other claims made by the public.
8.4.3 Research Unit
Responsible for:
 The scientific basis to the interpretation and implementation of legislation and
policies,
 Specialist scientific information and advice,
 Ongoing programme of inventories, surveys, research and monitoring on
habitats, species, ecological processes and designated sites, and supporting
other State bodies and NGOs in carrying out such work,
 Collating, managing, interpreting and publishing scientific data,
 Providing scientific basis for the selection and delimitation of sites, and the
identification of conservation objectives and management requirements,
 Producing site management and species action plans,
 Providing scientific advice to the pre-planning, planning, appeals and
casework processes, and an extensive licensing function,
 Maintaining relevant expertise through attendance at workshops, seminars
and conferences at home and abroad.
83
8.5 Regional Management
Responsible for:
 The enforcement of the provisions of the Wildlife Acts, 1976 and 2000, and the
EU Habitats Directive and EU Birds Directive in respect of protected sites and
species,
 The enforcement of the Convention in International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES),
 The participation in survey and census of habitats and species,
 The monitoring of all sites designated as Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs),
Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs),
 Liaison with stakeholders and to provide information and advice regarding
designations and their implications,
 Processing objections to designations,
 The implementation of Biodiversity Plans and promotion and advising on
Biodiversity Plans,
 The assessment of potential impacts on nature conservation due to
development and or proposed development and to recommend accordingly,
 The assessment of various licence applications including site inspections
where required,
 The acquisition of property,
 Promotion of nature conservation through education and awareness
programmes,
 Provision of information and advice on nature conservation issues,
 Day to day management of National Parks and Nature Reserves and any
associated visitor facilities,
 On site monitoring of projects and contracts on NPWS properties.
8.5.1 Classes of records held National Parks and Research Section

Finance and Organisation Unit
o
Files in relation to financial management,
o
Files in relation to the purchase of equipment,
o
Files on corporate enforcement issues,
o
Files on Regional Management /Organisation issues.

Parks and Reserves Unit
o
Files relating to specific sites under the care of the Department of
Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Most sites would have
several files covering various matters relating to that site,
o
Property management files,
o
Work/projects files including public tender processes,
o
Accident files: papers relating to personal injury claims against the
Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
o
Payments files.

Research Unit
o
Paper archive on sites, habitats and species in the terrestrial, freshwater
and marine, including intertidal, environments and maps,
o
Red Data books and Atlases on plants and animals,
84
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Site Management Plans,
Databases on:
NATURA 2000 sites;
Scientific Reports and publications;
Monitoring and Surveillance programmes;
Species, including biological records;
Habitats;
Notifiable Actions;
Designated Sites Synopses and;
Sites (GIS).
Regional Management
o
Wildlife offences investigation files including copies of sworn information,
warrants to search, summonses, court orders and court reports,
o
Survey and census field notes,
o
Designated site inspection reports,
o
Applications for Notifiable Actions,
o
Copies of Minister’s consents/refusals,
o
National Park management plans,
o
National Park permits,
o
Copies of licence applications,
o
Tender/procurement documents,
o
Health, Safety and Welfare at Work documents.
8.5.2 List of Publications
A wide range of information leaflets and publications are available from ENFO – The
Department’s public information centre on environmental matters or for purchase
from the Government Publications Sale Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth
Street, Dublin 2. Telephone No. (01) 6793515.
Other information leaflets and publications are available on request from the Division.
These can be requested by writing to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Ely
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2, by telephoning 01-8882000 and by e-mailing
natureconservation@environ.ie. A number of these publications can also be
downloaded from the Department’s website www.environ.ie or the Division’s website
www.npws.ie. Information leaflets are normally made available in the lobbies of the
Department's or the Division’s main offices.
Publication Name
Available From
Cost (If Any)
National Biodiversity Plan 2002- GPSO, Sun Alliance House, €10.00
2006
Molesworth Street, Dublin 2
85
Publication Name
Available From
Interim
Review
of
the National Parks and Wildlife
Implementation of the National Service, Department of the
Biodiversity Plan 2002-2006
Environment, Heritage and
Local
Government,
Ely
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2
Management Plan for Killarney
National Park 2005-2009
Management Plan for Wicklow
Mountains National Park 20052009
Living with Nature – The
Designation
of
Nature
Conservation Sites in Ireland.
All Ireland Species Action Plans
– Irish Lady’s-tresses, Pollan,
Hare, Corncrake
National Parks and Wildlife
Service Conservation Plan for
2006-2011 – Owenduff/Nephin
Complex cSAC and SPA – Site
Codes 000534 and 004098 Co.
Mayo
Turloughs
over
10ha
–
Vegetation
Survey
and
Evaluation – Goodwillie, R.
(1992)
Cost (If Any)
Printed version
on request
Electronic version
available on
www.npws.ie
Government
Publications €5.00
Sale Office, Sun Alliance
House, Molesworth Street, Free on
Dublin 2
www.environ.ie
Government
Publications €5.00
Sale Office, Sun Alliance
House, Molesworth Street, Free on
Dublin 2
www.environ.ie
National Parks and Wildlife Printed version
Service, Department of the on request
Environment, Heritage and
Local
Government,
Ely Free on
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 www.environ.ie
National Parks and Wildlife
Printed version
Service, Department of the
on request
Environment, Heritage and
Local Government, Ely
Electronic version
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 available on
www.npws.ie
National Parks and Wildlife
Printed version
Service, Department of the
on request
Environment, Heritage and
Local Government, Ely
Electronic version
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 available on
www.npws.ie
National Parks and Wildlife
Printed version
Service, Department of the
on request
Environment, Heritage and
Local Government, Ely
Electronic version
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2 available on
www.npws.ie
As above
As above
National Survey of
Native
Woodland in Ireland – 2004
Interim Report – Higgins, G.T.,
Martin, J.R. and Perrin, P.M.
(2004)
National Survey of
Native As above
Woodland in Ireland – Second
Phase Report – Perrin, P.M.,
Barron, S.J. and Martin J.R.
(2004)
As above
86
Publication Name
Proceedings of the Irish Red
Squirrel Conservation
Symposium – 22nd April, 2005
National University of Ireland,
Galway
Report of International Bat
Fieldcraft Workshop, Killarney
National Park – September 2005
Invasive Species in Ireland
Manual for Monitoring Irish Lake
Stocks
of
White
–Clawed
Crayfish,
Austropotamobius
pallipes (Lereboullet)
Irish Wildlife Manual Series
No. 1, Reynolds, J.D. (1998)
Conservation Management of the
White-Clawed
Crayfish,
Austropotamobius pallipes. Part
1
Available From
As above
Cost (If Any)
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
National Parks and Wildlife
Service, Department of the
Environment, Heritage and
Local
Government,
Ely
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2
Printed versions
on request
No. 2, Good, J.A. (1998), The
Potential Role of Ecological
Corridors
for
Habitat
Conservation in Ireland: A
Review
No. 3, Crawford, I., Bleasdale, A.
and Conaghan J. (1998) Biomar
Survey of Irish Machair Sites,
1996. Volume 1: Site Information
No. 4, Crawford, I., Bleasdale, A.
and Conaghan J. (1998) Biomar
Survey of Irish Machair Sites,
1996.
Volume
2:
Plant
Communities
No. 5, Kurz, I. and Costello, M. J.
(1999) An Outline of the Biology,
Distribution and Conservation of
Lampreys in Ireland
No. 6, Costello, C. (1999)
Changes
Away
from
the
Traditional Use of the Curragh of
Kildare Since 1922
No. 7, Heffernan, M. L. (1999) A
Review
of
the
Ecological
Implications of Mariculture and
Intertidal Harvesting in Ireland
As above
Electronic
versions
available on
www.npws.ie
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
87
Publication Name
No. 8, Moorkens, E. A. (1999)
Conservation Management of the
Freshwater
Pearl
Mussel
Margaritifera margaritifera. Part
1: Biology of the species and its
present situation in Ireland
No. 9, Moorkens, E. A. (2000)
Conservation Management of the
Freshwater
Pearl
Mussel
Margaritifera margaritifera. Part
2: Water Quality Requirements
No. 10, Beebee, T. J. C. (2002)
The Natterjack Toad Bufo
calamita in Ireland: Current
status
and
conservation
requirements
No. 11, Cronin, M., Duck, C.,
O’Cadhla, O., Nairn, R., Strong,
D. & O'Keeffe, C. (2003) Harbour
Seal Population Assessment in
the Republic of Ireland
No. 12, Anonymous (2004)
Margaritifera margaritifera: Stage
1 and Stage 2 Survey Guidelines
No.13, Lyons, D. O. (2004)
Summary of National Parks and
Wildlife Service Surveys for
Common (Harbour) Seals (Phoca
vitulina)
and
Grey
Seals
(Halichoerus grypus), 1978 to
2003
No.14, King, J. J. & Linnane, S.
M. (2004) The Status and
Distribution of Lamprey and Shad
in the Slaney and Munster
Blackwater SACs
No. 15, O'Connor, W. (2004) A
Survey of Juvenile Lamprey
Populations
in
the
Moy
Catchment
No. 16, Roche, C., Clarke, S. &
O'Connor, B. (2005) Inventory of
Irish Marine Wildlife Publications
No. 17, Kelly, E. (Ed.) (2005) The
Role of Kelp in the Marine
Environment
Available From
As above
Cost (If Any)
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
88
Publication Name
No. 18, Moorkens, E. & Killeen, I.
(2005) A Survey of the Molluscan
Fauna of a Mixed Farm in South
County Cork, 2004
No. 19, Roche, N., Catto, C.,
Langton, S., Aughney, T. & Russ,
J. (2005) Development of a Car Based Bat Monitoring Protocol
for the Republic of Ireland
No. 20, McAney, K., (2006) A
Conservation Plan for Irish
Vesper Bats
No. 21, King, J. J., (2006) The
Status
and
Distribution
of
Lamprey in the River Barrow
SAC
No. 22, O'Connor, W., (2006) A
Baseline Survey of Juvenile
Lamprey Populations in the River
Feale Catchment
No. 23, Bailey, M. & Rochford, J.
(2006) Otter Survey of Ireland
2004/2005
No. 24, O’Connor, W. (2006) A
Survey of Juvenile Lamprey
Populations
in
the
Boyne
Catchment
No. 25, Kelleher, C. & Marnell, F.
(2006) Bat Mitigation Guidelines
for Ireland
General Information Leaflets
Farm
Plan
Scheme
for
Designated
Areas
and
Commonages – 2005
Available From
As above
Cost (If Any)
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
As above
National Parks and Wildlife Free
Service, Department of the
Environment, Heritage and
Local
Government,
Ely
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2
Trail, As above
€1.50
Derrylahan
Nature
Glenveagh National Park
Glenveagh National Park
Killarney National Park
Glengarriff Woods Walking Trails
Mammals of the Park, Wicklow
Mountains National Park
Reptiles
Ross
Island
Mining
Trail,
Killarney National Park
Wildflowers in the Park, Wicklow
Mountains National Park
As above
As above
As above
As above
Free
Free
50c
50c
As above
As above
50c
€1.50
As above
50c
89
Publication Name
Available From
Margaritifera margaritifera: Stage As above
1 and Stage 2 Survey Guidelines
The Freshwater Pearl Mussel
As above
Ireland’s Cold-water Coral Reefs As above
Leaflets on Special Areas of Conservation
Ben Bullben - Special Area of National Parks and Wildlife
Conservation
Service, Department of the
Environment, Heritage and
Local
Government,
Ely
Court, 7 Ely Place, Dublin 2
Tory Island Coast - Special Area As above
of Conservation
Gweedore Bay - Special Area of As above
Conservation
Kilkieran Bay - Special Area of As above
Conservation
Clew Bay - Special Area of As above
Conservation
Roaringwater Bay and Islands - As above
Special Area of Conservation
Mulroy Bay - Special Area of As above
Conservation
The Aran Islands - Special Areas As above
of Conservation
The
Mullet
Peninsula, As above
Broadhaven and Blacksod Bays Special Areas of Conservation
Galway Bay - Special Area of As above
Conservation
Valentia Island and Port Magee As above
Channel - Special Areas of
Conservation
Kilkee Reefs - Special Area of As above
Conservation
Lough Hyne - Special Area of As above
Conservation
N. Inishowen - Special Area of As above
Conservation
Cost (If Any)
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
90
8.6 Water Services Policy
Water Services Policy Section was established to review and develop water services
delivery generally, primarily through preparation of comprehensive modern water
services legislation, and through refining and overseeing implementation of the
Government’s water services pricing policy framework. The concept of managing
“water/waste water in the pipe”, which is used to define the parameters of application
of the Water Services Bill 2003, best captures the central focus of the Section. It has
a close working relationship with the Water Services Investment Programme Section,
the Water Inspectorate and Water Quality Section.
8.6.1 Information available
8.6.2



Classes of Records
Personal information
Policy & legislation
Administration
8.6.3 List of publications
91
8.7 Water Services Investment Programme Unit
8.7.1 Delivery of Service
The main objective of the Water Services Investment Section is to manage the
capital provision for water services to support social and economic
development and to preserve and protect environmental standards. The
provision of water and sewerage services is the responsibility of the City and
County Councils. Most development and service provision is undertaken by
these authorities and, in the case of the rural water supplies, through the
voluntary sector as well.
Water Services Investment Programme
The Programme lists the major public water and sewerage services projects
approved for capital funding. The Programme is published as a three-year
programme, showing approved schemes, their estimated cost and the current
position in relation to their progression through various stages of planning and
on to construction. The Programme is rolled forward annually and the
schemes included generally reflect projects identified as priorities by the City
and County Councils on foot of needs assessments that they undertake
periodically in relation to the need for water services infrastructure in their
areas. The Department recoups to City and County Councils their expenditure
on the domestic element of approved projects included in the Programme.
Rural Water Programme
Responsibility for group and small water and sewerage schemes was
devolved to County Councils in 1997. This allows County Councils to
determine and carry out their own programme of works within the funding
levels provided each year. The Department provides annual block grants to
the County Councils to fund the Rural Water Programme.
8.7.2 Information available
A range of publications relevant to the work of the section is included in
Appendix…Further information on any of the services of the section can be
requested from:
Press and Information Office, Custom House: Telephone: (01) 888 2393
Water Services Section, Irish Life Building, Dublin 1. Telephone (01) 888 2160
Water Services Section, Government Buildings, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Telephone
1890 202021
8.7.3 Classes of Records

Personal Information
Correspondence from the public
92

Policy and Legislation
Water and sewerage services investment funding
Water and sewerage services procedures and circulars
Rules and regulations regarding EU funding
Construction and procurement matters
Water conservation matters
Processing public water and sewerage schemes
Rural water programme

Administration
The Division holds a number of administrative files e.g., miscellaneous
correspondence and internal administration files e.g. financial and statistical
records, instructions and guidance to staff
8.7.4 List of publications
Publication Name
Water Services
Investment Programme
2007 – 2009
Action Plans for Rural
Drinking Quality 2003
and 2006
Towards Quality Water A review of the work of
the National Water
Monitoring Committee
and Implementation of
the Action Plan.
Economic Evaluation of
Water Supply and
Wastewater projects –
Cost Benefit Analysis
Methodology Paper Final
Report
System for the
assessment and review
of the PPP’s within the
water and wastewater
sectors – Guidance Note
Available from
DEHLG
Cost (if any)
Free
DEHLG
Free
DEHLG
Free
DEHLG
Free
DEHLG
Free
93
8.8 Water Quality
Delivery of Service
Water Quality Section is responsible for:

policy and legislation in relation to water quality issues including
 Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and associated regulations;
 EU Directives covering:
 Water Framework Directive
 Bathing Waters;
 Dangerous Substances;
 Freshwater Fish;
 Shellfish Waters;
 Groundwaters;
 Framework Directive on Water Policy;
 Nitrates Directive;
 Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive

timely transposition of EU and international environmental obligations and
maintaining effective monitoring and enforcement systems through action by
the Department, the Environmental Protections Agency, local authorities and
other public bodies;

promoting co-operation on North-South and East-West (British-Irish)
environmental issues in the areas of water quality management.
8.8.1 Information available
8.8.2 Classes of Records
This section holds files in relation to the following areas
Personal information
 Correspondence in relation to water quality generally and water
pollution incidents;
Policy & legislation
 Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 and 1990 and related
regulations;
 General Water Pollution Matters;
 Bathing Water Quality;
 Coastal Zone Management;
 OSPAR Convention matters including Celtic Seas Quality Status
Reports;
 UNECE Convention on Transboundary Watercourses and
Internaional Lakes matters;
94
 Ministerial Committee on Nuclear Safety;
 INTERREG – water quality projects;
 EU Directives relating to Water.
Administrative
 Estimates, financial payments, procedural Files, statistics, miscellaneous
correspondence, accounts / estimates and internal administration files.
8.8.3 List of publications
Publication Name
Managing our Shared
Waters
Available from
DEHLG
Cost (if any)
Free
95
8.9 Water advisors
The Water Inspectorate Unit has a number of key areas of responsibility:

The provision of professional advice and technical support to Water
Services Investment Programme Section in the management of the
delivery of the Water Services Investment Programme (WSIP) and SubProgrammes including Rural Water Programme, Water Conservation,
Serviced Land Initiative and Rural Towns and Villages Initiative to ensure
value for money is achieved.

The provision of professional advice and technical support to Water
Quality Section on water quality issues such as EU Directive compliance
and associated regulatory matters in relation to Drinking Water, Water
Framework, Groundwater, Dangerous Substances, Nitrates, Bathing
Waters, Shellfish Waters etc.

The provision of professional advice and technical support to Water Policy
Section on the Water Services Bill, Water Pricing Policy, Urban Waste
Water and Sludge Management.

The provision of professional advice and technical support to the
IPPP/Construction Section in terms of delivering infrastructure by way of
Design Build and Operate procurement and on construction issues,
procurement, H & S, DOF’s Capital Works Management Framework etc.

Effective and good communication with local authority management and
engineering personnel on implementation and on technical issues and on
meeting their training needs in the water policy/quality/services areas
including procurement and contract conditions.
8.9.1 Information available
8.9.2 Classes of Records



Personal information
Policy & legislation
Administration
8.9.3 List of publications
96
9. Corporate Services Division
This Division is responsible for the effective provision and development of the
Department’s human resources, organisation, accommodation and central support
services; the proper management and control of its financial resources, and an
effective information/communications service. The division is also responsible for
encouraging and supporting the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) by local
authorities. The Division is also implementing the transfer of the Department’s
operations to four locations (Wexford, Waterford, New Ross & Kilkenny) under the
Government’s decentralisation programme.
9.1 Structure of the Division
An Assistant Secretary leads the Division and the work is divided among five
sections, each with a Principal Officer.
Divisional chart will be inserted here
9.2 Departmental Finance & Accounts
Finance (Departmental) Unit is involved in implementing a range of strategies related
to the objective for Resourcing and Managing the Department. In particular the Unit
undertakes the various tasks necessary to engage in the annual estimates process
and related work necessary to secure and monitor the expenditure of the financial
resources required to implement the Department’s strategies. This involves close
contact with the Department’s budget holders, Vote Control Section in the
Department of Finance, Senior Management in the Department and the Minister.
9.2.1 Information available
A list of publications and leaflets relevant to this Division are included below. Further
information on any of the services of this Division can be requested from:
Departmental Finance Section, Custom House: Telephone: (01) 8884460
9.2.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
o Salary and travel & subsistence payment history records of retired and
serving staff;
o Lists of suppliers;
o Payment/receipt records (includes withholding tax, VAT details) made
to/received from suppliers/customers;
o Correspondence from the public
o Policy & Legislation
o Departmental estimates/expenditure;
o EU funding;
97

Administration
o Financial records,
o Procurement of equipment/services
98
9.3 Corporate Development
The Corporate Development Section has responsibility for:










Supporting the implementation of the Public Service Modernisation
programme in the Department (not including MIF, FOI or eGovernment)
Staff Training and Development
Promotion and monitoring of PMDS
Supporting internal communications in the Department
The Customer Service function;
Delivering and managing the accommodation and related needs of the
Department.
Promoting energy efficiency in the Department’s offices
Enhancing disabled access into and within Department’s offices
Promoting a safe health and safety culture within the Department
Implementing the Government’s decentralisation programme.
9.3.1 Information available
A list of publications and leaflets relevant to this Section are included in Appendix I.
Further information on any of the services of this Section can be requested from:
Corporate Development Unit, Custom House, Telephone: (01) 888 2597
9.3.2 Classes of Records
♦ Personal Information
o
Staff Training and Development Plans
♦ Policy & Legislation
o
Public Service Modernisation
o
Training and Development Strategy
o
Customer Service Action Plan and Customer Charter
♦ Administration
o
Procedural files, miscellaneous correspondence, and briefing material
o
Invoicing and payment details relating to suppliers
o
Departmental estimates/expenditure
o
Procurement of equipment and services
99
9.4 Personnel
Personnel Section aims to support and inspire managers and staff to make the
Department a great place in which to work by




Providing staffing resources for line sections to meet the Department’s
objectives
Providing active advice and support to managers and staff in dealing with
staffing issues
Following best practice in dealing with staffing matters
Leading the implementation of the Department’s Human Resource
strategy
9.4.1 Information available
A list of publications and leaflets relevant to this Division are included in Appendix I.
Further information on any of the services of this Division can be requested from:
Personnel Section, Custom House: Telephone: (01) 8882029
9.4.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
o
Personnel files of departmental staff
o
Payment/receipt records (includes withholding tax, VAT details) made
to/received from suppliers/customers;
o
Correspondence from the public.

Policy & Legislation
o
Personnel Administration;
o
State bodies/staff grading - numbers;

Administration
o
Lists of suppliers;
100
9.5 FOI/Organisation & ICT
The core function of the ICT Unit is to provide and maintain the information and
communications systems necessary for the Department to meet its objectives. The
Unit’s key role is in the delivery of a customer service. The Unit deals primarily with
internal customers – the staff and Sections of the Department. However, through the
eGovernment agenda and the maintenance of the Department’s website, the Unit
also has a significant role in relation to the delivery of quality service to the
Department’s external customers.
In addition to the standard information and communications services available
throughout the Departments, the Unit has a growing role in networking and
supporting outlying offices and in developing and supporting major enterprise
applications such as the Management Information Framework (MIF), the
Development Applications Tracking System (DATS), the National Vehicle and Driver
File (NVDF) and the user element of eCabinet.
The functions of the FOI/Organisation Unit fall into three broad areas, which largely
relate to support of staff and customer service. The first is the management of
Freedom of Information in the Department, which involves both a customer service
and a staff support role. The second is the provision of office support to staff,
covering all aspects from general procurement advice, purchase of appropriate
desktop equipment and stationary right through to the design and printing of
divisional publications. Finally, the Unit has an important co-ordinating role in a
number of areas, including AIE queries, ombudsman’s office queries, administration
of consultancy database and maintaining consultancy data and the introduction of
corporate procurement planning for the entire department.
9.5.1 Information available
Information readily available includes statistics on FOI requests, which are published
on the website.
9.5.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
o
IT training.
o
IT staffing and accommodation.

Policy & Legislation
o
Freedom of Information and AIE
o
Involvement with the civil service CMOD (Centre for Management,
Organisation and Development) and the interdepartmental IT groups under
its administration.
o
IT security.
o
IT Strategy development.

Administration
o
Procurement of IT hardware, software, consumables, services, office
101
o
o
o
o
equipment and stationery.
Reference Material (manuals, promotional material, computer publications,
Helpdesk queries log, systems procedures
Equipment records (including maintenance, upgrades and asset register).
IT system backup data.
9.6 PPP, Construction Policy & NDP Co-ordination
The Section is responsible for encouraging and supporting the use of Public Private
Partnerships (PPPs) by local authorities, monitoring, for the purposes of facilitating
policy formulation, developments in the construction industry, acting as a focal point
in the Department for the purposes of communication in matters relating to the
existing and new NDPs, the National Strategic Reference Framework and the
successor to Sustaining Progress, advising local authorities on procurement issues
generally and advancing eProcurement in the Local Government Sector.
9.6.1 Information available
A list of publications and leaflets relevant to this Division are included in Appendix I.
Further information on any of the services of this Division can be requested from:
PPP, Construction Policy & NDP Unit, Custom House: Telephone: (01) 8882169
9.6.2 Classes of Records

Personal Information
o
Correspondence from the public

Policy & Legislation
o
Public Private Partnership (PPP) Policy
o
PPP guidance
o
PPP Projects information
o
LA PPP Seed Fund Grant Scheme

Administration
o
Miscellaneous correspondence and internal administration files e.g.
financial and statistical records, instructions and guidance to staff.
102
10. How to make a request for information
A request for information under the Freedom of Information Act must be made in
writing and should indicate that the information is being sought under the Freedom of
Information Act. The request should also be sufficiently clear for us to identify the
records sought. If we are not clear as to the records being sought we will contact
you to seek clarification. If you wish to gain access to the records in a particular form
(e.g. inspect the records, photocopies, computer disk, etc.) you should specify this in
the application.
Requests may be made by post by writing to
FOI Unit
Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government,
Custom House,
Dublin 1.
Requests can also be made by email, by sending your request to FOI@environ.ie
Requests for information (other than personal information about the requester)
should be accompanied by the appropriate fee i.e. €15 or €10 in the case of a person
covered by a medical card. In the case of requesters covered by medical cards,
details of the medical card registration number and issuing health board, together
with consent to the verification of these details with the relevant health board should
be included. If you have made a request by e-mail and an application fee is payable
in your case (i.e. your request is for non-personal information) please enclose a copy
of your e-mail when forwarding your fee. Processing of an FOI request will not
commence until the appropriate fee has been received.
There may be further charges for search and retrieval (€20.95 per hour) and
photocopying (€0.04 per sheet) applicable to your request. Further charges would be
very unlikely to be applied to requests for personal information.
103
11. List of Bodies under the aegis of the Department
The bodies listed below fall under the aegis of the Department. Requests for
information from these bodies are dealt with directly by them and requests should be
made directly to the body in question.
Affordable Homes Partnership
An Bord Pleanála
Building Regulations Advisory
Body
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna
Comhar – National Sustainable
Established under the Affordable Homes
Partnership (Establishment) Order 2005 to coordinate and promote the delivery of affordable
homes in the Greater Dublin Area.
Established in 1977 under the Local Government
(Planning & Development) Act 1976. Main
responsibilities relate to planning appeals,
assessment of local infrastructural development
and compulsory acquisition of land and certain
other matters under the Planning and Building
Control Acts. The Board assumed significant
additional functions under the Planning and
Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006,
which provides for a streamlined planning process
for certain strategic infrastructural projects. The
new Strategic Infrastructure division has now been
established within the Board to process
applications received under the strategic consent
process. The Division is now the sole planning
consent authority for almost all major infrastructure
development on land.
Established in 1992 under Section 14 of the
Building Control Act 1990. Function is to advise
the Minister on the operation of the Building
Regulations and related matters. Membership of
the body includes representatives from the
construction industry and regulators at national
and local level.
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna (The Library
Council) was established by the Public Libraries
Act 1947. The functions of the Council, as set out
in the Local Government Act 2001 include: the
provision of advice, assistance and services to
library authorities in relation to the public library
service; the making of such recommendations to
and the provision of such services for the Minister
in relation to the public library service as the
Minister may request or as the Council sees fit;
action to promote and facilitate library cooperation; and the maintenance and operation of
the central library established under Section 2 of
the Act of 1947.
Established in 1999 by Government decision as a
104
Development Council
Dublin Docklands Development
Authority
Designated Area Appeals
Advisory Board
Environmental Protection
Agency
Fire Services Council
Heritage Council
forum for consultation and dialogue on issues
related to sustainable development. Its function is
to advance the national agenda for sustainable
development, to evaluate progress in this regard,
to assist in devising suitable mechanisms and
advising on their implementation, and to contribute
to the formation of a national consensus in these
regards.
Comhar’s 25 members are appointed by the
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government, for a period of three years, on the
basis of nomination made by a range of bodies
under five pillars: the State/public sector;
economic sectors; environmental NGOs;
social/community NGOs; professional/academic
sector.
The Dublin Docklands Development Authority was
established in 1997 with a wide remit covering the
physical regeneration and social and economic
revitalisation of the 1,300-acre Docklands area.
The development of the Docklands is based on a
Master Plan, updated in 2003. The DDDA is
heavily engaged in a wide range of activities,
including physical and economic development, in
partnership with the private sector, planning
control, provision of social and affordable housing,
and support for employment, education, social
development, arts/culture and tourism.
Body established to hear objections by landowners
against decisions to designate certain areas as
areas requiring protection under the Habitats
Directive, Birds Directive and/or Wildlife Acts
because of their unique flora and fauna or species.
The Board consists of a Chairman and a panel of
between 12 and 16 members with representatives
from IFA; ICMSA; IBEC; Environmental NGOs.
Established under the Environmental Protection
Agency Act 1992. Functions include the regulation
of large or complex activities that have significant
polluting potential; monitoring and reporting on
environmental quality; managing an extended
programme for environmental research and
enforcing compliance with environmental
protection legislation in Ireland.
Established in 1983 under the Fire Services Act
1981. Function is to provide courses of instruction
for fire services personnel and other persons and
to advise the Minister in relation to the educational
and training needs of fire services personnel.
Established under the Heritage Act 1995.
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Functions are to propose policies and priorities for
the identification, protection, preservation and
enhancement of the national heritage, and to
promote education, knowledge and facilitate
appreciation and enjoyment of that heritage.
Housing Finance Agency
The Housing Finance Agency plc is a company
limited by shares under the terms of the Housing
Finance Agency Act 1981 as amended. Functions
are to advance funds to local authorities to be
used by them for any purpose authorised under
the Housing Acts and to borrow or raise funds for
these purposes.
Irish Water Safety
Irish Water Safety was set up on foot of the Irish
Water Safety (Establishment) Order 2006 to take
effect on 26 July 2006, in succession to the Irish
Water Safety Association. It is the statutory
voluntary body established to promote water
safety in Ireland. It educates people in water safety
best practices; develops public awareness
campaigns to promote necessary attitudes, rescue
skills and behaviour to prevent drownings and
water related accidents.
Limerick Northside
The Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency was
Regeneration Agency
established in June 2007. Its functions are to drive
economic and infrastructural development in the
Moyross housing development and adjoining
areas and to co-ordinate intensive action to deal
with social and educational disadvantage.
Limerick Southside
The Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency was
Regeneration Agency
established in June 2007. Its functions are to drive
economic and infrastructural development in the
Southill housing development and adjoining areas
and to co-ordinate intensive action to deal with
social and educational disadvantage.
Local Government Computer
Established in 1975 by the Local Government
Services Board
Computer Services Board (Establishment) Order
under the Local Government Services (Corporate
Bodies) Act 1971. Its functions are to provide
computer facilities for local authorities, co-ordinate
the use of computers by local authorities generally,
arrange training and research and give advice to
the Minister and local authorities in matters related
to its functions.
Local Government Management Established on 1 January 1997 under the
Services Board
provisions of Section 3 of the Local Government
Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971. Role is to
be a centre of excellence in the provision of
management services, human resource and
industrial relations support and advice to local
authorities in Ireland.
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National Building Agency
Private Residential Tenancies
Board
Radiological Protection Institute
of Ireland
Rent Tribunal
Incorporated with the approval of the Government
as a private limited company under the Companies
Acts in December 1960 - National Building Agency
Limited Act 1963. Main objectives are to provide a
range of consultancy services to local authorities
in the provision of social housing, urban renewal,
regeneration and other construction related
activities. It responds to requests for its services
from local authorities, public bodies and other
clients.
Established as an independent statutory body
under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. The
principal activities of the Board include the
resolution of disputes between landlord and
tenant, which generally replaces the Courts, the
registration of private rental tenancies and the
provision of information, assistance and advice to
the Minister and to the private rental sector.
Established in 1992 under the Radiological
Protection Act 1991. National organisation with
regulatory, monitoring and advisory responsibilities
in matters pertaining to ionising radiation. In
particular the Institute concerns itself with hazards
to health associated with ionising radiation and
with radioactive contamination in the environment.
In 2007 the Government decided to extend the
remit of the RPII to include aspects of non-ionising
radiation (NIR) - process currently underway.
Established under the Housing (Private Rented
Dwellings) (Amendment) Act 1983. The Rent
Tribunal is the arbitrating body in the determination
of the terms of tenancy for formerly rent-controlled
dwellings. This role was previously carried out by
the District Court. The Tribunal determines new
cases, reviews cases previously determined by the
District Court or by the Tribunal itself and has no
statutory role in relation to the rest of the private
rented sector.
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12. Glossary of Terms
Civil servants often use terminology that may not be familiar to the general public to
describe their work and the information they hold. A glossary of the more commonly
used terms is set out below
Term
Accounting officer
Administration
AEWA
AIE
Appropriation
account
ASCOBANS
Attorney General
Berne convention
Explanation
A senior official (normally the Secretary General) in
each department or office specially and personally
charged with signing the appropriation account and
accountable for the propriety of the department’s
expenditure
Typically, information of this type can relate to staff
training courses, annual leave, provision of
accommodation for staff, circulation of information
documents etc.
Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian
Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). The AEWA covers 235
species of birds ecologically dependent on wetlands for
at least part of their annual cycle, including many species
of divers, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, herons, storks,
rails, ibises, spoonbills, flamingos, ducks, swans, geese,
cranes, waders, gulls, terns and even the south African
penguin.
Access to Information on the Environment - European
Communities Act 1972 (Access to Information on the
Environment) Regulations, 1998
The end of year account of a department’s spending of
the monies voted by the Dáíl, which compares the
estimate with the actual payments made and receipts
brought to account and explains any substantial
differences
The Agreement on the Conservation of Small
Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas (ASCOBANS)
was concluded in 1991 under the auspices of the
Convention on Migratory Species (UNEP/CMS or Bonn
Convention) and entered into force in 1994.
Advisor to the government regarding legal opinion and
matters of law
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife
and natural habitats (Bern Convention). The aim of this
convention is to ensure the conservation of European
wildlife and natural habitats by means of cooperation
between States.
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Biodiversity
CDB
CITES
Comhar
Comptroller and
auditor general
Council of Europe
Council of the
European union
Data protection act
1998
Divisional budgets
DOEHLG
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is defined as the
variability among living organisms from all sources
including terrestrial, marine and other aquatic
ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part. This includes diversity within species, between
species, and of ecosystems.
County/City Development Boards
Convention in International Trade in Endangered
Species. CITES is an international agreement between
governments. Its aim is to ensure that international
trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not
threaten their survival.
Comhar, the National Sustainable Development
Partnership was established by the government in 1999 to
provide a forum for national consultation and dialogue on all
issues surrounding Ireland’s pursuit of sustainable
development. Its twenty-five members are drawn from
bodies and organisations representative of the State sector,
economic sectors, environmental NGOs,
ssocial/community NGOs and the professional/academic
sector. Its secretariat is provided by the DOEHLG.”
The main functions of the C&AG are to control and audit
all state disbursement and accounts of money
administered by or under the authority of the
government and examine the efficiency and economy
within government departments
A distinct intergovernmental political organisation
consisting of some 40 European Parliamentary
democracies. The objective is cooperation in all
matters, except defence, with emphasis on human
rights and strengthening democratic institutions through
political, legal, social and cultural cooperation
Composed of ministerial representatives from the
Member states of the EU. It exercises legislative and
decision-making powers and is responsible for
intergovernmental cooperation in foreign policy and
Justice & home affairs
Provides the individual with the statutory right to seek
access to personal information held on computer and
the right to ensure incorrect or inaccurate information is
corrected or deleted. For more information contact the
office of the Data Protection Commissioner, Irish Life
Centre, Talbot Street, Dublin 1
Delegation of responsibility to line managers for the
direct management of financial budgets in respect of
specific categories of costs
Department of the Environment, Heritage and local
Government.
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EIA
An Environmental Impact Assessment is carried out by
the Minister on foot of an Environmental Impact
Statement. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
is the process whereby, prior to making a decision on a
development proposal, the consent authority (e.g. a
planning authority, An Bord Pleanála etc.) assesses the
likely environmental effects of the development, having
regard to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
submitted by the developer and comments from
interested bodies and the public. (An EIS is a detailed
statement of the likely environmental effects of a proposed
development.)
EIS
Environmental Impact Statement is prepared by a local
authority detailing the likely effects on the environment of
a proposed major development. It is submitted to the
Minister for assessment.
ENFO
Ireland’s public information service on environmental
matters including sustainable development
EU directives
Legally binding instruments available to the EU Council
and commission as a means of implementing EU law.
Directives are implemented in either of 2 ways – by
primary legislation by the passing of a bill, or by
secondary legislation, which involves ministerial
regulations
EU
Directives/ Much of the work of the public service is now influenced by
Guidelines
European Union legislation (or draft legislation) on
particular aspects of policy enacted at Union level.
Material held on these EU files generally contains
information on the legislation or guideline in question and
how it is operated in this State.
EU regulations
Legally binding instruments which has immediate effect,
requiring no implementation methods at national level
Eurobats
Agreement on the Conservation of Populations of
European Bats set up under the Convention on the
Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.
FOI
Freedom of Information Acts, 1997 & 2003
FOI Section 16
This reference book has been prepared in accordance with
Reference Book
the requirements of Section 16 of the Freedom of Information
Act. It provides details of the rules and practices used by the
Department for making decisions under schemes we directly
administer.
Franchise
Franchise Section is responsible for developing and
overseeing a modern, efficient, accessible and fair electoral
system.
GIS
Geographical information systems
GPSO
Government Publications Sales Office
Increment
An increase in pay for which provision is made in a pay
scale. AS a general rule, increments are granted
annually provided an officer’s services are satisfactory
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Information
commissioner
Provides an independent avenue for appeal of the
Freedom of information requests where the individual is
not satisfied with the decision made by the public
bodies
Instructions/
Records in this category would include instructions or
guidelines
guidelines issued to staff as respects the Administration of
schemes/programmes operated by the Department.
They could also include practical experiences gained in
operating schemes/programmes.
Internal
This relates to the day to day management of the
Department
International
The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was set
whaling commission up under the International Convention for the
Regulation of Whaling which was signed in Washington
DC on 2nd December 1946. The purpose of the
Convention is to provide for the proper conservation of
whale stocks and thus make possible the orderly
development of the whaling industry.
IUCN
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature
and Natural Resources, also known as the World
conservation union. The World Conservation Union was
founded in October 1948 as the International Union for
the Protection of Nature (or IUPN) following an
international conference in Fontainebleau, France. The
organization changed its name to the International Union
for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in
1956.
Legislation Files
Legislation refers to the procedure by which a proposal
becomes law through the introduction of an Act of the
Oireachtas or by secondary legislation made by the
minister under the primary act. Information kept on
legislation files is likely to reflect the various stages of
production of legislation and would normally include
material on the following



Analysis of initial proposals, leading to production
of a document (called an memorandum) to the
government setting out the reasons why the act is
required and summarising its main points.
Correspondence with the Attorney General's
Office who draft the text of a Bill. The process of
circulation to Departments and presentation to
Government is repeated with the draft Bill. Briefing
material for Minister as the Bill proceeds through
the Oireachtas.
Any further action, i.e. issuing of directions
provided for in the Act, further correspondence
etc.
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Ministerial
certificates
Ministerial orders
NDP/CSF
NHA
Ombudsman
OSPAR
Parliamentary
Questions, (PQ)
PMDS
Policy
PPP
Public bodies
Certificate provided for under section 25(1) of the FOI act
in which a minister declares a record is exempt under the
act
National Development Plan and Community support
framework. The NDP/CSF (2000-2006) is the largest
and most ambitious investment plan ever drawn up for
Ireland. It involves an investment of €57 billion of
Public, Private and EU funds in numerous projects and
initiatives throughout the country including education,
roads, public transport, health services, social housing,
rural development, industry, water and waste services,
childcare and local development.
Natural Heritage Area - site designated for conservation
of wildlife habitats and species or geology of national
importance - Wildlife Acts 1976-2000.
Investigate complaints from members of the public who
feel that they have been unfairly treated by Government
departments and certain other public bodies
The Convention for the Protection of the Marine
Environment of the North-East Atlantic (the “OSPAR
Convention”). The 1992 OSPAR Convention is the
current instrument guiding international cooperation on
the protection of the marine environment of the NorthEast Atlantic. It combined and up-dated the 1972 Oslo
Convention on dumping waste at sea and the 1974
Paris Convention on land-based sources of marine
pollution
May be posed to the Minister by other members of the
Dáil, for written or oral answer in the Dáil Chamber.
Answers to questions, which concern a particular
Branch, are prepared by that Branch. Details of all such
questions and Minister's answers are kept in the
Department.
Many influences can shape public policy, especially political
direction. Policy files are likely to contain analysis of
proposals, from the points of view of cost, impact and
practicality. Once a policy has been put into effect,
information held is likely to relate to measuring its impact,
e.g. are policy instruments achieving their intended outcome.
Public Private Partnerships (PPPs)
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RAMSAR
Representations
SAC:
SPA:
Statutory rights
Vote
VRU
Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)", The
Convention on Wetlands, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in
1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the
framework for national action and international
cooperation for the conservation and wise use of
wetlands and their resources. There are presently 154
Contracting Parties to the Convention, with 1634 wetland
sites, totalling 145.7 million hectares, designated for
inclusion in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International
Importance
Elected representatives may make representations on
behalf of their constituents, other persons or, of
organisations.
Special Area of Conservation - site designated for
conservation of wildlife habitats and species of European
importance - EU Habitats Directive 1992.
Special Protection Area - site designated for
conservation of Bird habitats and species of European
importance - EU Birds Directive 1979.
Annual amount authorised by the Oireachtas for
spending in each Department
Vehicle registration unit/motor tax unit responsible for
the management of the national motor tax, and driving
licence infrastructure and the development of policies,
which are consistent with optimization of the delivery of
these services to the motoring public.
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