Written Answers Nos. 112-130
112. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline what role Inland Fisheries Ireland plays regarding the by-catch in relation to bass, sea trout, salmon, kelts and salmon smolts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18012/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the statutory authority tasked under section 7(1) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 with responsibility for the protection, management, and conservation of the inland fisheries and sea angling resources. No by-catch is permitted for salmonids (sea trout, salmon, kelts and salmon smolts) inside IFI's jurisdiction within 12 nautical miles of the shore. If IFI encounter a commercial boat or other craft with salmonids on board (with the exception of an angling boat where angling regulations apply - a licensed snap net or draft net), action is taken and legal proceedings are initiated. IFI carry out routine inspections of boats as required.
In relation to bass, there is a complete prohibition on commercial fishing by Irish fishing vessels in place since 1990, along with restrictions on recreational fisheries. There is a ban on commercial fishing applicable to all European Union vessels operating in International Council for the Exploration for the Sea (ICES) areas 7a, b, c, g, j and k. These areas encompass the Irish sea and the waters off Ireland's west, south and south-west coasts. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) are the primary enforcement authority for seabass. IFI is the secondary authority for enforcement and a number of IFI staff are authorised to function as Sea Fisheries Protection Officers under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, in order to enforce the statutory provisions for the control of fisheries for bass. If bass are detected on board any boat (with the exception of an angling boat where bass angling regulations apply), enforcement action is taken.
113. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a scheme has been established whereby persons with medical conditions that result in the generation of high volumes of waste can get relief on their waste charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17332/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has been examining this issue in detail for some time and has engaged with a number of relevant public bodies and representative organisations in an effort to see how best to support persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear.
Our national waste policy for period 2020-2025 “A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy” contains a range of measures to empower households through enhanced consumer protection requirements. It also envisages an enhanced monitoring of the market to ensure continued relative price stability.
My Department is currently working with the National Waste Collection Permit Office to carry out a study on incentivised charging structures in the waste collection market. This study will examine what, if any, improvements are needed to ensure that waste collection systems are fully incentivising waste prevention and improved source segregation practices. The study will also consider methods to support households disposing of medical incontinence products.
114. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to investigate the reason NBI sought approval for the erection of a pole directly in front of a person's house (details supplied); the reason NBI did not seek an alternative location; if the cable could have been brought underground like the cables from this person's house onwards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17342/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
• all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028
• all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
• digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023
NBI reports that all 955 Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) sites have been installed before the end of 2023, of which 283 are publicly accessible Broadband Connection Point sites now connected with high-speed broadband service through a service provider contract with Vodafone. The remaining 672 installed SCPs are part of the SCP Schools Programme.
The remaining targets will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention. When taken together, all premises in the State will have access to high-speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote.
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
NBI have advised that following discussions with their Design team, it has been determined that, upon careful investigation of the circumstances by NBI which takes place on a case-by-case basis, the decision has been made to relocate the pole in question.
115. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide details of the number of SEAI warmer homes applications received in the past three years for County Longford; and the number of these applications that were approved, in tabular form. [17420/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of energy upgrades undertaken in each of the past five years under the free (warmer homes) scheme; the distribution by the intensity of upgrade; and if he will indicate the extent of the waiting list for this scheme. [17478/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra122. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current number of people, by county, approved for the warmer homes scheme and awaiting initial assessment; and the number awaiting works, in tabular form. [17566/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications received under the warmer homes scheme in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, with the number of those approved, refused and completed, in tabular form. [17567/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra124. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current waiting times for people applying for the warmer homes scheme, for the initial assessment and the works. [17568/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115, 117 and 122 to 124, inclusive, together.
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. Reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
Last year saw a record spend of €158 million under the Scheme and there is an increased allocation of almost €210 million in place for 2024, including funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
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. Approximately 29,990 applications from homeowners across the country were received from 2021 to the end of February this year. For Longford from 2020 to the end of February this year 248 applications have been received for the scheme of these 68 applications are awaiting a pre-BER and 35 applications are awaiting a survey of their home.
Data provided by the SEAI shows that a total of 1,102 applications were cancelled in 2022 and that 1,768 were cancelled in 2023. In both years, 18% of the total were cancelled by the homeowner and 82% by the SEAI. This is a significant reduction on 2017, when one in three homes was deemed unsuitable for the works available. The reduction followed changes to the scheme in 2018 that allowed additional wall insulation measures to be provided. Data for 2024 is not yet available from SEAI.
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 have been achieved through, inter alia, the following actions taken to reduce the timeline to completion and increase output under the scheme:
• 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.
Currently there are 8,569 applicants awaiting a pre-BER and a further 6,413 applicants awaiting a survey of their home. SEAI has indicated that there is a wait time of approximately 8 – 10 months for an initial assessment. A timeline for works to be completed under the scheme can be found on the SEAI website: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/
The scheme has delivered 14,955 upgrades from 2020 to the end of Q1 2024. To the end of February this year the SEAI reported that there are 19,387 homes on the Warmer Homes Programme.
The data requested on the current number of homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme and home upgrades for the past five years can be found in the following tables.
The intensity of upgrade data sought by the Deputy is not routinely supplied by the SEAI to my Department. I have directed SEAI to reply directly to the Deputy with the data requested, in so far as it is available, as soon as possible.
Table 1. sets out the number of homes currently on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme.
|
Warmer Homes Work Programme 2024 |
|
|
County |
No. of homes |
|
Co. Carlow |
242 |
|
Co. Cavan |
198 |
|
Co. Clare |
316 |
|
Co. Cork |
2076 |
|
Co. Donegal |
672 |
|
Co. Dublin |
6,520 |
|
Co. Galway |
783 |
|
Co. Kerry |
479 |
|
Co. Kildare |
824 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
258 |
|
Co. Laois |
248 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
131 |
|
Co. Limerick |
591 |
|
Co. Longford |
122 |
|
Co. Louth |
321 |
|
Co. Mayo |
794 |
|
Co. Meath |
749 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
213 |
|
Co. Offaly |
384 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
309 |
|
Co. Sligo |
309 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
641 |
|
Co. Waterford |
426 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
353 |
|
Co. Wexford |
640 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
788 |
|
Total |
19,387 |
Table 2. sets out the number of homes completed under the Warmer Homes Scheme for the years 2020 – to date
|
- |
Warmer Homes Work - Homes Upgraded |
|
||||
|
County |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
Co. Carlow |
11 |
21 |
41 |
82 |
5 |
160 |
|
Co. Cavan |
19 |
37 |
67 |
77 |
11 |
211 |
|
Co. Clare |
20 |
48 |
78 |
75 |
15 |
236 |
|
Co. Cork |
127 |
160 |
418 |
544 |
68 |
1,317 |
|
Co. Donegal |
81 |
114 |
167 |
227 |
23 |
612 |
|
Co. Dublin |
513 |
945 |
1,558 |
1,973 |
255 |
5,244 |
|
Co. Galway |
75 |
86 |
180 |
243 |
51 |
635 |
|
Co. Kerry |
48 |
57 |
148 |
147 |
19 |
419 |
|
Co. Kildare |
28 |
88 |
146 |
226 |
24 |
512 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
18 |
40 |
57 |
75 |
10 |
200 |
|
Co. Laois |
18 |
23 |
45 |
86 |
16 |
188 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
17 |
25 |
51 |
57 |
4 |
154 |
|
Co. Limerick |
15 |
43 |
143 |
160 |
23 |
384 |
|
Co. Longford |
11 |
16 |
48 |
47 |
4 |
126 |
|
Co. Louth |
23 |
58 |
57 |
117 |
25 |
280 |
|
Co. Mayo |
69 |
67 |
155 |
242 |
25 |
558 |
|
Co. Meath |
53 |
95 |
183 |
277 |
30 |
638 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
14 |
24 |
38 |
106 |
12 |
194 |
|
Co. Offaly |
37 |
37 |
75 |
114 |
14 |
277 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
38 |
45 |
93 |
111 |
5 |
292 |
|
Co. Sligo |
30 |
32 |
51 |
100 |
11 |
224 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
22 |
42 |
129 |
182 |
19 |
394 |
|
Co. Waterford |
49 |
73 |
128 |
161 |
8 |
419 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
32 |
46 |
125 |
109 |
8 |
320 |
|
Co. Wexford |
72 |
119 |
140 |
145 |
25 |
501 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
33 |
57 |
117 |
215 |
38 |
460 |
|
Total |
1,473 |
2,398 |
4,438 |
5,898 |
748 |
14,955 |
116. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the new retrofitting home loan scheme; the date it is expected to launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17443/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to assist with the achievement of our retrofit targets, the Programme for Government, Climate Action Plan and the National Retrofit Plan committed to the introduction of a new residential retrofit low-cost loan scheme.
The Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was developed by my Department in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. An agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group underpinning the new Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme was announced in October 2023.
The Home Energy Upgrade loans will help reduce the financial challenges for many homeowners and will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, making their homes warmer, cheaper to run and helping to lower emissions. It will also signal to the banking sector, new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy.
It is anticipated that loans under the scheme will be available in the coming days.
118. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps taken by his Department and agencies under the remit of his Department (ESV, ESB Networks, EirGrid, CRU, SEAI) to use surplus renewable energy to tackle fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17491/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra120. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he and his Department have taken in the past 12 months to use surplus renewable energy to help reduce energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17506/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra121. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what steps ESB, SEAI, EirGrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities have taken in the past 12 months to use surplus renewable energy to help reduce energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17507/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 118, 120 and 121 together.
The underlying issue raised by the Deputies is the "dispatch-down" of renewable energy, which refers to the amount of renewable energy that is available but cannot be used by the electricity system. This can be due to broad power system limitations, known as curtailments, local network limitations, known as constraints, or energy supply exceeding consumer demand. Dispatch-down is unfortunate and EirGrid are addressing the grid limitations that cause it through various measures under its “Shaping Our Electricity Future” roadmap. This is a plan-led approach to deliver an electricity system which meets Climate Action targets and Carbon Budgets while allowing for electricity demand growth.
Ireland’s Climate Action Plans have recognised the need for a range of cross-government/agency measures to enable the transformation of the electricity sector, such that it can become more adaptable and flexible, in response to the ever-increasing volume of distributed renewable energy sources on the grid. This will involve an increase in demand-side response measures and greater interconnection, as well as an ever-greater role for electricity storage systems, to complement our rapidly increasing wind and solar infrastructure. It is also recognised that Ireland’s citizens and communities can play a central role in this transition, by flexibly managing their energy assets; in response to the level of renewable energy on the grid and in doing so, they can also lower their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Consequently, Ireland’s Energy Security Package commits Government to improving the ways that homes and businesses can manage their energy use by providing an evidence-based programme of communications and supporting ‘active consumers’ through smart metering and smart energy services and technologies. These services will enable consumers, including those in energy poverty, to flexibly adjust their demand in response to market signals and the changing level of renewable energy available. A consultation to inform the development of a revised Energy Poverty Action Plan was published on gov.ie on 13th March 2024 and is currently open for submissions. The revised Plan will set out a wide range of clear, timebound actions aimed at tackling energy poverty with appropriate governance and evaluation, and will consider the use of smart technologies to benefit energy poor households. It is intended that the Plan will build on and continue the policies and actions that have been driven to date by the existing Plan, and where appropriate, informed by stakeholder input, will supplement these measures.
119. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the SRESS; when he expects details of the scheme to be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17492/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Small Scale Renewable Support Scheme (SRESS) will support non-domestic renewable electricity generators above 50kW, but smaller than those supported under the 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 shortly, in Q2 2024. SRESS will offer a simpler route to market for community 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 by economic consultants in order to inform the tariff setting process for the SRESS.
125. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff working in the warmer homes section of the SEAI; if additional staff and resources have been allocated; and, if so, when and how. [17569/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing allocation for the SEAI has increased in recent years from 93 in 2020 to a sanctioned headcount of 255 in 2024. This has included an increased staffing allocation for the Warmer Homes Scheme. The increased staffing resources have supported a significant increase in output under the Scheme. Last year alone, SEAI delivered approximately 5,900 fully funded energy upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme, up 33% on 2022.
The assignment of staff to particular work areas is an operational matter for the SEAI. I have asked the SEAI to respond directly to the Deputy to provide the specific data sought as soon as possible.
Additionally, SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
126. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the inland fisheries division within the Minister’s Department is introducing new secondary legislation such as by-laws, ministerial orders, regulations, etc., that affect special areas of conservation; to clarify if responsibility for implementing the appropriate assessment process under the EU Habitats Directive lies with the inland fisheries division or Inland Fisheries Ireland, which is the statutory body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17583/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI, as Minister, from time to time, after consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), make regulations and bye-laws in relation to fishery matters provided for in the Inland Fisheries Acts 1959 to 2017 including matters that may relate to SACs.
Regulation of the inland fisheries sector is essential to enhance and develop the resource and I am informed by the advice received from IFI, as the statutory authority for the protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resource.
IFI is charged with managing and carrying out relevant Appropriate Assessments as required under the EU Habitats Directive.
127. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the process in place to check the standard of work carried out by contractors where an SEAI grant is being paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17630/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. This allows homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs.
The Quality Assurance of individual Registered Contractors is an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function in relation to the quality assurance of individual registered contractors and/or the registration process.
Contractors operating under any scheme supported by an SEAI grant must carry out the works in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications as well as best practice and technical guidance documents including:
• NSAI S.R. 54:2014 Code of practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings
• Building Regulations Technical Guidance Documents
• The System Supplier/Product Manufacturer Guidelines
• Irish Agrément certificates
• Irish, British or European Standards Guides
In addition, contractors are required to demonstrate their tax compliance and insurance cover and cooperate with the scheme's Quality Assurance (QA) programme. The QA programme has been designed by SEAI to maintain high standards of contractor workmanship; build consumer confidence; monitor health and safety; and ensure proper governance of the spending of public money. Regular inspections, which can take place at pre-payment or post-payment stage, of works are undertaken on a risk-based approach in accordance with international best practice. When sub-standard works are found, contractors are required to rectify the works to the satisfaction of the inspector, at no cost to the homeowner. The full requirements are set out here: www.seai.ie/grants/supports-for-contractors/
A Declaration of Works must be signed by both the homeowner and the contractor certifying completion of works. Post-works Building Energy Ratings are also carried out by independent BER assessors.
Under the provisions of the SEAI Quality Assurance Programme, should a Contractor fail to reach the required standard when following direction on corrective action, then, in accordance with warnings issued, disciplinary action will follow, up to and including deregistration from the SEAI Contractor register.
128. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that the connection of high-speed broadband to Glendalough (details supplied) is facing an additional delay to July 2025; the reason for this additional delay; whether the connection of the Glendalough area can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17634/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
• all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028
• all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
• digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023
NBI reports that all 955 Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) sites have been installed before the end of 2023, of which 283 are publicly accessible Broadband Connection Point sites now connected with high-speed broadband service through a service provider contract with Vodafone. The remaining 672 installed SCPs are part of the SCP Schools Programme.
The remaining targets will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention. When taken together, all premises in the State will have access to high-speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote.
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie.
The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to this premises can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at nbi.ie/map/. This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI have advised that they are actively working to rollout high-speed fibre broadband in the Glendalough area as quickly as possible. The route of the network rollout is not based on cost or an economic model. Instead, it’s based on an engineering design that allows NBI to get to every premises as quickly as possible, working within the confines of how fibre networks are built and utilising existing infrastructure wherever possible.
NBI provides the public with indicative rollout dates, based on the best information available at any given time. However, with the aforementioned factors alongside specific circumstances that may arise that are out of NBI's control, dates are subject to change. Project and Network teams are diligently working to build the NBI Fibre Network in the area as quickly as possible.
129. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether payments have been made in Cork city under the community climate action plan. [17674/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Climate Action Programme aims to support community climate action projects and initiatives, as well as capacity building, over a number of years. The first phase of the Community Climate Action Programme will see more than €30 million from the Climate Action Fund invested in supporting communities across the country to run direct climate action projects and initiatives under Strand 1/1a, as well as capacity building under Strand 2.
Under Strand 2, €5 million of the Programme was allocated for education, capacity building and learning by doing projects. There are 19 projects currently in delivery under this programme, run by Pobal. Strand 2 also saw the Creative Climate Action Programme move to its second phase with funding of €2.545 million for 39 projects approved in July 2023. These are currently being implemented with a targeted completion date of 2025. 14 projects from Phase 1 of the Creative Climate Action Programme, which saw €1 million allocated from the Climate Action Fund, are now complete.
Applications for funding have closed under strand 1/1a and Local Authorities across the country are currently evaluating projects. Portfolio proposals are expected from Local Authorities to the Department over the next few weeks. No funding has yet been received by Local Authorities in relation to this strand.
To date, Cork City Council received funding of €110,790 for their project entitled ‘The Kinship Project’ under Creative Climate Action Phase 1.
130. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the preparations his Department is making to ensure there are adequate measures in place to mitigate the risk of toxic water run-off as part of the development of the energy storage policy framework due to be published in quarter 2 of this year; what work his Department has done to mitigate the risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17762/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectricity storage systems have an important role to play in achieving Ireland’s greenhouse gas emission targets, as set out in the Climate Action Plan and are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. These storage systems not only increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, ensuring the functionality of the electricity grid throughout Ireland's energy transition journey.
Today there is over 1 GW of electrical storage systems in operation or due for commissioning to the national grid. The pumped storage facility at Turlough Hill accounts for 292 MW of this capacity. The remaining capacity consists primarily of battery electricity storage systems (BESS). These battery electricity storage systems are a safe and proven technology incorporated throughout energy systems worldwide.
My Department is currently drafting an electricity storage policy framework, due for publication in Q2, 2024. This document will set out the Department's policy on electricity storage systems and the role of electricity storage in the wider electricity system.
The electricity storage policy framework will not detail the existing statutory processes in place with regard to specific environment, safety and planning maters etc, relevant to electricity storage. Questions with regard to specific matters should be addressed to the relevant permitting and enforcement regimes.
Different aspects of the safety of battery electricity storage systems are handled by different sets of regulations and agencies. For product standards Ireland conforms to the European (EN) standards as set out by the European committee for standardisation (CEN), the European committee for electrotechnical standardisation (CENELEC) and the European telecommunication standards institute (ETSI). The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) works to ensure the adoption of European standards and to ensure suitable standards across the entire value chain of all electricity storage system technologies in Ireland.
Battery electricity storage systems are subject to the same environmental and chemical controls as any other industrial or technical activity. The EU Chemicals Act and Regulations (COMAH) are the remit of the Health and Safety Authority.
The planning, construction and operation of these installations is subject to EU and Irish environmental rules enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the planning authorities, either the relevant local authority or An Bord Pleanála.
The planning authorities also ensure that battery storage installations are designed and built in compliance with planning legislation and building regulations and fire safety standards. Standards and guidance for buildings in general are issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) and County Fire Officers work with planning authorities to ensure that electricity storage installations are designed and built in a way the ensures fire safety.
CRU is responsible inter alia, for the licensing of electricity storage, the regulation of electricity storage in the electricity market, and electricity storage grid connections, including hybrid co-location of electricity storage assets with renewable generation assets.
