Seán Sherlock
Question:56. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes and businesses connected to fibre as of May 2024 nationwide. [20954/24]
View answerBroadband Infrastructure
Regulatory Bodies
Questions (57)
Niamh Smyth
Question:57. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will review the need for a licence to be required to erect a battery storage facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21386/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities is responsible inter alia, for the licensing of electricity storage, the regulation of electricity storage in the electricity market, electricity storage grid connections, including Hybrid co-location of electricity storage assets with renewable generation assets.
The licensing of battery electricity storage systems (BESS) is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under Section 14.1(n) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999.
In this instance the Commission for Regulation of Utilities are the appropriate organisation to provide information regarding any need to review the licensing of battery electricity storage systems (BESS).
Electricity storage systems, including BESS, are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. These systems not only help to increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, aiding Ireland's energy transition journey and playing an Important role in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Question No. 58 answered orally.
Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 55
Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 55
Questions Nos. 61 to 64, inclusive, answered orally.
Recycling Policy
Questions (65)
Paul Donnelly
Question:65. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide a stream of funding to local community groups or local authorities to repair and upcycle musical instruments that are left in recycling centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20938/24]
View answerWritten answers
Reuse and repair are key activities to support resource efficiency within a circular economy.
The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme, funded by my Department, directly supports the growth of the circular economy in Ireland via a competitive funding process. The scheme aims to support innovation and demonstration circular economy projects by small to medium enterprises and social enterprises. In 2021, 10 projects were selected to benefit from a total funding pot of €490,000. A second funding call was launched in 2022, with total available funding set at €650,000. It is intended to announce the third call under the scheme in the coming weeks with a further allocation of €650,000 and proposals for musical instrument repair and upcycling projects will be welcome.
The Environmental Protection Agency has also established a National Reuse and Repair Network to bring together relevant public bodies and national organisations to facilitate knowledge sharing and engagement to support and scale reuse and repair in Ireland.
Network activities will align to include the following strategic outcomes:
• Reuse and repair skills are building within the population, and opportunities exist to develop skills and employment.
• Barriers to reuse and repair are removed, and opportunities are readily available.
• Repair and reuse are standard practice in priority areas.
• Effective communications on reuse and repair.
These are important elements in delivering an effective transition to a circular economy in Ireland which will transform the way materials and resources are consumed, prevent waste generation, reduce consumption, and extend the productive life of goods.
Energy Policy
Questions (66)
Niamh Smyth
Question:66. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has had discussions with the HSA on the enforcement of the Seveso III Directive in relation to battery energy storage systems. [21387/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Seveso III Directive was implemented by the Chemicals Act and the Control of Major Accident Hazards involving Dangerous Substances or COMAH Regulations 2015. The COMAH Regulations have a strong and explicit link to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations (CLP). I am advised that, under the CLP, a battery, as part of a battery energy storage system (BESS), is not considered a substance or mixture and is therefore not a dangerous substance under the Seveso of the COMAH regulations. Consequently, the Seveso III Directive does not apply to BESS. The Seveso III Directive is under the remit of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), who lie under the remit of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Electricity storage systems, including BESS, are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. These systems not only help to increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, aiding Ireland's energy transition journey and playing an Important role in meeting greenhouse gas emissions targets.
The electricity storage policy framework is currently under development in my Department. The Electricity storage policy framework will include an overview of the present safety and regulatory systems in place for electricity storage systems. Different aspects of the safety of these battery electricity storage systems are handled by different sets of regulations and agencies and the Department has, and will continue, to engage with the relevant agencies in relation to these regulations.
Energy Conservation
Questions (67)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:67. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on heat pump installations in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 as part of the national retrofitting plan; how this compares to the targets set for the same period; what percentage of the 2030 target have been installed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21495/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set targets to install 45,000 heat pumps in existing homes by end-2025 and a total of 400,000 by 2030.
Data from SEAI shows that in the period 2019 to end-April 2024, 148,640 property upgrades have been supported. Of these, 11,730 have installed a heat pump, mostly under the SEAI part-funded, demand-led schemes. In addition, data from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage shows that an additional 4,723 heat pumps were installed under its Local Authority Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme in the period 2021-2023. The almost 16,600 heat pump installations represent 37% of the 2025 target and 4% of the 2030 target.
There has been significant year-on-year growth in the number of heat pumps installed in recent years. Last year’s total of almost 6,000 heat pumps represents a 44% increase on 2022 and a 430% increase on the number installed in 2019. This growth has resulted from a range of measures set out in the National Retrofit Plan including:
• New and redesigned SEAI schemes with enhanced grant rates of up to €10,500 available for heat pumps when a B2 energy rating is achieved;
• Changes to SEAI scheme rules to make the process of accessing heat pump grants easier for homeowners;
• Measures to expand the supply chain;
• An €8 billion budget allocation to support retrofit and heat pump installations to 2030; and
• A focus on installing heat pumps within the Local Authority Retrofit Programme.
It is clear from the 2025 heat pumps target and the annual financial allocations set out in the National Retrofit Plan that it has always been envisaged that the first half of the decade will be focused on growing both demand for heat pumps and the necessary supply chain with a further significant acceleration from 2026. Increasing the uptake of heat pumps among homeowners is a top priority of my Department and as such, further policies and measures will be introduced on an annual basis in order to support the achievement of these targets.
Energy Policy
Questions (68)
Catherine Connolly
Question:68. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 146 of 25 January 2024, the status of the review by the CRU of gas and electricity connection policies for new large energy users; the timeline for the completion of the review and publication of the new decisions on the rules for future gas connections of large energy users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21574/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Climate Action Plan 2023 tasked the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, (CRU), with the delivery of a National Energy Demand Strategy, with the aim of 20% to 30% of electricity to be flexible by 2030. Large Energy Users will be expected to make up a higher proportional contribution to the flexibility target, as they are making up a high proportion of the increase in electricity demand. As part of this strategy, the CRU is also undertaking a review of the connection policy for Large Energy Users to the gas and electricity systems. The aim of this review is to provide a new pathway for Large Energy Users to connect to the electricity and gas systems, that minimises the impact on national carbon emissions while also taking account of the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure.
The public consultation period for the Review of Large Energy Users Connection Policy opened on January 15th and closed on March 19th, a three-week extension to the original closing date of February 26th at the request of stakeholders. During this period, the CRU held a stakeholder workshop to allow stakeholders, including market participants and other public sector bodies, with an additional opportunity to provide feedback. Responses to this consultation have since been published by the CRU on their website.
The CRU is currently reviewing all responses received and this work is expected to be completed in 2024.
Just Transition
Questions (69)
Richard Bruton
Question:69. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he has completed a review of the Just Transition process to date; what new elements are being considered in creating a legislative base for a Just Transition Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to a just transition to ensure that nobody is left behind as we take action to achieve a climate neutral society by no later than 2050. Through the annual Climate Action Plan, the Government is mainstreaming the Just Transition Framework across sectoral policy to enable a transition that is fair and equitable.
This Framework as established in the 2021 Climate Action Plan consists of the following four principles:
• An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just climate transition requirements.
• People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.
• The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.
• Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.
All relevant Ministers are expected to formulate and implement their climate action policies through the lens of these principles, so that policies are informed by the need to ensure a just transition.
To reaffirm our commitment to a just transition, the Government approved the establishment of a Just Transition Commission at its meeting on 30 April.
The Commission will support the Government in its responsibility to ensure, that Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy is just, and that it endeavours, in so far as practicable, to maximise employment opportunities, and to support people and communities that may be negatively affected by the transition.
I will commence shortly a process to recruit a chairperson and members of the Commission. I will make appointments to the Commission on the approval of the Government. I intend that the Commission will be operational by Q3 of this year.
In line with the report of the Just Transition Taskforce, the Commission will be established initially on an administrative basis. Following an appropriate opportunity to evaluate the operation of the Commission during its first term, a decision on any future statutory basis for the Commission will then be made.
North-South Interconnector
Questions (70)
Matt Carthy
Question:70. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his engagements with EirGrid at which he has received an update on the North-South Interconnector. [21466/24]
View answerWritten answers
The North-South Interconnector is an essential infrastructure project that will link the electricity transmission networks of Ireland and Northern Ireland — leading to a more secure, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity across the island. It will facilitate the connection of 900 MW of renewable generation, enough to power 600,000 homes through green energy.
As a transmission system project, the North-South Interconnector is being undertaken by EirGrid, which is independent of me as Minister, with EirGrid determining the means of delivery of the project, and in doing so, they seek to work in close collaboration with affected landowners and local communities. As Minister, I do not have a role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground and this is in line with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, which states that ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’.
While, as Minister, I engage with EirGrid on an ongoing basis on matters related to the electricity system, including grid development, I have not had an engagement specifically related to the North-South Interconnector. However, my officials have been and continue to engage with EirGrid on matters related to the development of the electricity grid including the North-South Interconnector.
Climate Action Plan
Questions (71)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:71. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the progress being made in local authorities to establishing climate action plans; what additional funding will be provided to councils for the implementation of these plans over their lifespan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21526/24]
View answerWritten answers
Local Authorities had a statutory requirement to prepare Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAPs). I made a request to each Local Authority to begin preparation of their plans in February 2023 and issued statutory guidelines to support them in this work in March 2023. All 31 LA CAPs have been adopted by the elected members in each Local Authority area.
In 2022, €3.2 million was paid by my Department to Local Authorities to begin Phase 1 of the LA CAPs, with a further €4.7 million in 2023 for Phase 2. My Department is currently preparing the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for Phase 3 – Implementation, which will cover the five-year period 2024 to 2029.
In September 2023, I was pleased to announce €12 million in funding for 2023 to 2029 for the Climate Action Regional Offices to continue their work in supporting local government to coordinate climate actions.
My Department also supports upskilling and capacity building by funding the Local Authority Climate Action Training Programme. This will assist Local Authorities in delivering their LA CAPs and has an annual allocation of €500,000. The previous training programme ran from 2021 to 2023 and provided training to approximately 27,000 Local Authority staff. A new Training Programme and SLA is currently being developed by my Department in conjunction with Kildare County Council, to run from 2024 to 2027.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (72)
Catherine Connolly
Question:72. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 86 of 7 March 2024, the date on which the export tariff phase of the small-scale renewable energy support scheme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21572/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Small Scale Renewable Support Scheme (SRESS) will support non-domestic renewable electricity generators above 50kW, but smaller than those supported under the utility scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). This scheme will enable community projects, larger businesses, farms, and public buildings to maximise their participation in the energy transition.
The first phase of SRESS was launched in July 2023. This sees both SRESS and the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) providing grant support to larger businesses, farms, public buildings, and communities with grants that support solar installations. These non-domestic scheme grants are supporting renewables self-consumers to invest in systems of up to 1MW in size.
The export tariff phase of the SRESS, which will support small scale and community renewable projects, is expected to launch in the coming weeks. SRESS will offer a simpler route to market for community (and SME) owned renewable projects, aligning more closely to their experience and capacity.
In order to reflect up to date trends in input prices and financing costs for renewable energy technologies, an updated analysis of the levelized cost of energy estimates required for small scale and community-based generation has been undertaken in order to inform the tariff setting process for the SRESS. Recommended tariffs rates are due to be brought to Government for approval in the coming weeks.
Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan
Questions (73)
Richard Bruton
Question:73. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the schedule for completing DMAPS for the different areas with potential for offshore wind projects; if he will outline the next steps on the first mapping completed for the south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21568/24]
View answerWritten answers
On 3 May last, I published Ireland’s first draft offshore renewable energy (ORE) Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP). The draft DMAP is focused on the sea area off the South Coast and identifies four maritime areas for proposed future deployments of fixed offshore wind to deploy by 2030 and beyond. This includes identification of one maritime area, known as Tonn Nua, for a proposed development of approximately 900 MW to be developed by the winner of Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, ORESS 2.1, and that will aim to deploy by 2030 or as soon as feasible thereafter.
The draft South Coast DMAP was published alongside a Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and Natura Impact Statement. This draft DMAP is currently undergoing a six-week period of statutory public consultation, which includes in-person events along the South Coast. This follows on from almost 10 weeks of non-statutory engagement from August to October 2023.
Government has recently approved the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE), which sets a path to achieve the State’s long-term goals for ORE development including a suite of 29 actions. Action 1 calls for exploring the development of a roadmap for future ORE development. The Future Framework also sets forth actions to provide the structures and supports necessary to establish a future DMAP roadmap and to assess the potential for accelerating the development of a West Coast DMAP.
State Bodies
Questions (74)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:74. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what measures are being taken to reduce the SEAI wait times which are currently in excess of 24-months; if consideration has been given to prioritising applications where an SEAI home upgrade would benefit a person’s health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21562/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
Last year saw a record spend of €158 million under the Scheme and there is a further increased allocation of almost €210 million in place for 2024, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Applications to the Scheme are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
In recent years, the Warmer Homes Scheme has delivered a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have seen an almost tenfold increase from €2,600 in 2015 to just under €25,000 in 2023. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions. However, it is important to acknowledge that deeper retrofits take longer to complete.
This improvement in the upgrades provided under the scheme in tandem with increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit are driving significantly increased levels of demand. For the homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 26 months for homes completed in 2022. The significant reductions in the average waiting time were achieved through, inter alia, the following actions:
• Record funding has been allocated;
• SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
• SEAI has worked to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management;
• Actions were taken to address ongoing supply chain and inflationary pressures; and
• A new €700 million contractor panel has been put in place for the next 4 years, which has increased contractor capacity to 36.
My Department continues to work with the SEAI to reduce the timeline to completion and increase output under the scheme.
Climate Action Plan
Questions (75)
Catherine Connolly
Question:75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his Department’s role in the monitoring of the implementation of the Local Authority Climate Action Plans; the details of any engagement he or his Department has had to-date with Galway City or County Councils with regard to their LA CAPs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21573/24]
View answerWritten answers
Local Authorities have a statutory requirement to prepare Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAPs) under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
In March 2023, I published statutory guidelines to assist Local Authorities in preparing their plans. These guidelines include a requirement to ensure ongoing monitoring and progress reporting. Each Local Authority must provide for reporting arrangements which demonstrate accountability for the delivery of climate action at various levels, including:
• Reporting within the Local Authority to elected members, strategic policy committees, or other fora;
• Reporting at a sectoral level to aggregate towards the performance of the local government sector on climate action;
• Reporting at national level, as part of the delivery of the national climate objective, to the existing reporting structures for the national climate action plan, and additional reporting on progress in drafting the LA CAPs and on implementation.
My Department introduced action LG/24/3 to the draft 2024 Climate Action Plan to “Develop a monitoring and reporting system for the Local Authority Climate Action Plans” to fulfil our national reporting obligations in this regard. My Department is currently developing this, with the support of the Climate Action Regional Offices and the local government sector.
Further to my response to Parliamentary Question 99 of 7 March 2024, I understand that my Department has not had any engagement with Galway City or Galway County Councils in relation to their LA CAPs to date.
Energy Conservation
Questions (76)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:76. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current wait time for the one-stop-shop home energy grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21486/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme on behalf of my Department.
The Scheme supports homeowners wishing to undertake a whole home energy upgrade to achieve a BER of at least B2 through SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops (OSSs). OSSs provide an end-to-end service for homeowners, which includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.
The SEAI has advised that the average application cycle time (from letter of offer to grant paid) currently stands at approximately six months for the Scheme.
There are now 20 OSSs registered by SEAI, two of which were registered earlier this year. SEAI will continue to actively engage with the construction sector this year, with the aim of attracting more companies to register as an OSS. As more companies register, homeowners will have more choice and capacity will be expanded further.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (77)
Catherine Connolly
Question:77. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 176 of 16 April 2024, the status of the community-led projects that were successful in RESS-1 and that remain in the process; the number of these that have energised to-date; the expected timeline for the remaining projects to energise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21570/24]
View answerWritten answers
Through the first two Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) auctions, my Department has provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects category.
Seven community projects were successful in the RESS 1 auction and of these, three have now energised. These community energy projects have been enabled by the RESS scheme and have now entered into private arrangements for selling their renewable energy. Others RESS 1 community projects are also expected to energise and participate in the upcoming Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS).
The community provisions in RESS and my Department’s Community Enabling Framework have enabled these community projects. Nonetheless, there is evidence of significant challenges that Renewable Energy Community projects may face with the competitive, auction based nature of RESS, along with grid and other barriers to project delivery. As as result, future community projects will now transition to the non-competitive SRESS.
The export tariff phase of SRESS, to support small scale and community renewable projects, is due to be launched in the coming weeks and will be a major step forward in supporting the community energy sector. It will include similar community enabling technical and financial supports that are currently provided under RESS. Recommended tariffs rates for the scheme are due to be brought to Government for approval in the coming weeks.
Energy Policy
Questions (78)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:78. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the national biomethane strategy; when he expects this will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21496/24]
View answerWritten answers
Government has committed to deliver up to 5.7TWh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. In order to deliver on this commitment, a dedicated Biomethane Working Group, chaired by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, has been established to oversee an all-of-government approach to developing a National Biomethane Strategy to support the achievement of this target in a sustainable manner.
A public consultation on the draft National Biomethane Strategy opened in January 2024 for a 5 week period, receiving a total of 200 submissions from key stakeholders. Further analysis and drafting has since taken place, to ensure that stakeholder feedback is reflected in the actions and objectives therein.
The National Biomethane Strategy is now being finalised and the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and I will bring the Strategy to Government in early June.
Question No. 79 answered orally.