Vol. 840 No. 1
113. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the communication his Department has had with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment regarding the extension of the hydraulic fracturing licence in the Six Counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19950/14]
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment in the Six Counties recently extended the timescale for the hydraulic fracturing licensing test drill. Has the Minister had discussions with that Department on this issue? Does he have concerns about the extension of a licence to a company which appears not to be sufficiently well organised to keep within the timeline it negotiated with the Department?
Applications for licences to carry out exploration and production activities in jurisdictions outside the Republic of Ireland are matters solely for the authorities in those jurisdictions. Other than statutory trans-boundary consultation, the Irish authorities have no role in the consideration of such applications.
On the broader issue of unconventional gas exploration, officials in my Department have had regular contacts with their counterparts in Northern Ireland in regard to onshore exploration authorisations in the two jurisdictions. These contacts have facilitated an exchange of information on the nature of activities that have been licensed and their associated timelines. There has also been a sharing of information on the regulatory processes that apply in each jurisdiction. The focus of these engagements has been on information sharing, not on seeking to agree a joint North-South policy. In the case that a project in either jurisdiction were to advance to the exploration drilling stage, it would be subject to the regulatory processes that pertain in that jurisdiction. However, the environmental consideration of any proposed project in either jurisdiction will be subject to EU environmental legislation, including the provisions relating to consultation across borders where there could be a potential negative environmental impact in a neighbouring jurisdiction.
Both the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, NIEA, and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, GSNI, are members of the steering group overseeing the Environmental Protection Agency's comprehensive study of the environmental impacts of unconventional gas exploration and extraction in Ireland.
The Minister of State says this is a policy matter solely for the authorities in the Six Counties. Unfortunately, poisoned water and air do not stop at any border and, as such, decisions made in the Six Counties will impact on people living in the Twenty-six Counties. Is the Minister of State aware that the British Government is considering the introduction of legislation which will make it permissible to give approval to companies to drill under properties without obtaining the consent of their owners? Will we be following the example of the British Government in this regard or will we reserve for Irish people the right to withhold consent to drill under their lands or properties, which is what the authorities in Britain seem intent on doing, in order to facilitate a fracking industry in this country?
I am not aware of what the British Government intends to do in this regard, no more than the Deputy or his party is. Such decisions are a matter for that government. As I said, we are involved in a joint North-South study to identify all of the issues involved. It is important, too, that we be fully up to date with all of the international research. The objective of our research is to establish whether shale gas exploration involving the using of fracking can be carried out in a manner that does not cause significant environmental pollution, identify all possible risks associated with the fracking technique, ascertain whether these risks are manageable and identify best practice in environmental protection in the use of hydraulic fracturing for the exploration and extraction of gas.
In November last year the EPA, assisted by a steering committee comprising, among others, the Departments of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Environment, Community and Local Government and the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, launched a call for research tenders. Some six tenders were received from approximately 45 academic consultancies and other bodies. Assessment of these tenders is nearing completion and it is expected that a successful bidder will be appointed shortly. Following the engagement of the relevant experts, a study will be compiled. It is anticipated that this process will take up to two years and that the potential publication date will be some time in 2016. Nothing will happen on this part of the island until the study has been completed and fully debated.
On this part of the island.
Absolutely. That is our commitment. We will not progress any application or accept any further application until the study has been completed and debated.
Is there the same commitment respect of the Six Counties?
I cannot speak for what happens in the Six Counties. Perhaps the Deputy is in a position to do so.
115. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies that have been undertaken by his Department in respect of examining the serious environmental damage caused by fracking; and, in view of recent experiences in North America, if he will withdraw the exploration licences issued and ban the practice. [19954/14]
I am somewhat shocked that the Minister of State is not aware of what is happening in Britain in respect of fracking. The matter features prominently in today's edition of The Guardian which indicates that 45,000 British citizens have joined legal moves to stop their government from changing trespass laws. I presume the Minister of State is also not aware of what is happening in America, but he should note that what happens outside the State in the context of fracking is important. In that context, some serious and independent reports were commissioned in the United States which highlighted the danger of fracking, not just in terms of water quality but also with regard to air quality. Has the Minister of State analysed these reports?
I thank the Deputy for tabling her question. I wish to make it clear that I have not read today's edition of The Guardian. Unlike her, I have not had the time to do so. Now that she has brought the relevant article to my attention, however, I will certainly read it. I reassure her that I read everything I can find about developments relating to fracking. I visited America recently and witnessed the process of fracking in an urban environment in the state of Texas. The fracking was taking place approximately 200 yards from a large housing estate. During my visit I made it my business to meet representatives of the US Environmental Protection Agency. I also met one of the authors of the report, in respect of which preliminary judgments have been made.
Like the Deputy, I am deeply concerned about the process of fracking. We want to ensure we get the science right and that we know exactly what is happening. I have the same concerns as everyone else about the technology and chemicals used - I am particularly worried about whether some of the chemical used may be carcinogenic - the protection of water tables, etc. All of the issues to which I refer lie at the heart of the Government's policy which is to ensure full academic research is carried out of the countries in which fracking has been banned and those in which it is legal. The Government's policy is also to take account of what the European Union has to state about fracking. I am deeply concerned about the beauty of the landscape in County Leitrim, County Fermanagh and elsewhere being affected by the impact of fracking. These issues are of as much concern to me and my Department as they are to the Deputy.
There is something of a contradiction in what the Minister of State has just said. While I do not in any way doubt his sincerity, there is a conflict between the words he used and the actions the Government has taken in allowing this process to continue. The Big Oil, Bad Air report which relates to the state of Texas and which was commissioned by a Pulitzer prize-winning team highlights some serious evidence not only in respect of water quality but also air quality. It indicates that the wells, compressor stations and various other items of infrastructure for fracking are emitting industrial-sized air pollutants into the atmosphere. I refer to volatile organic compounds such as benzine which can cause cancer, hydrogen sulfide and other very dangerous substances which are having a severe impact on the population of Texas. Examining the position of countries such as France which have outlawed this practice would be worthwhile. We should take our lead from such countries. There is no need to waste time in waiting for research when information outlining the huge environmental consequences which might arise should we go further down this road is already available.
On the other side of the argument is the fact that fracking or unconventional gas extraction has absolutely transformed the American economy and that the country has become an exporter, rather than an importer, of energy. The fundamental question concerns what process, if any, the Government is allowing. The answer is absolutely none. A decision was made in the February before we took office by the previous Administration which granted three companies onshore licensing options. Notwithstanding the fact that these options were granted by the Fianna Fáil Government, it did not allow the companies to commence fracking which is not allowed in this country.
The scientific survey is being conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency. Until it is finalised and to hand, there is absolutely no way we will consider any new application or fracking will commence. I reject any implication to the contrary, although perhaps the Deputy did not intend to imply that there was. We are not in favour of any activity that would breach significant environmental protections that we need or any European Union environmental law or legislation. There is an advice note from the European Union on fracking. I reassure everyone that until the report is to hand, there will be no step forward in any respect. When it is to hand, it will be fully and properly debated in the House.
In fairness, the Minister of State has been very strong in his response. I appreciate this and hope it will not come back to haunt him. Will he comment on the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, TTIP, under way in the European Union which gives special rights to companies? A report by Corporate Europe Observatory and other groups states the partnership is being used to stymie governments in preventing fracking, for example. Regardless of the Government's aspirations to protect Irish citizens from fracking, under the TTIP, fracking companies could overrule the Government, argue that their investments and future profits were being adversely affected and take action against the State. In that sense, how can we be reassured in this matter? Has the Minister of State examined the TTIP in this context?
I asked the question before but did not receive a clear answer. As well as conducting research on the scientific data, will the EPA or the company engaged by it to carry out the research meet representatives of communities in other jurisdictions who have said they were damaged by fracking?
I stand to be corrected, but on the latter point, as I understand it, submissions were sought by the EPA before anything happened. I understand the agency has received thousands of submissions, all of which are being gone through. There has been total transparency and total involvement. The views expressed to the EPA will obviously have to be considered.
Reference was made to community involvement. Even if a new Government were to take office tomorrow and state it would change all of this, it could not change the planning laws. There must be a full, transparent and accountable planning process, but we are not allowing it to commence at this stage. Until the report is to hand, there will be no developments whatsoever in this area.
The relevant Deputies are not present to deal with Questions Nos. 116 and 117.
118. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if An Post will be using the proposed new Capita postcode; if so, will the company adjust the sorting technology to use postcodes, what will this change cost and who will pay for it; whether An Post's costs are included in the Government's predicted cost of the postcode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19949/14]
On 11 March my party colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty, tabled a parliamentary question asking the Minister to send him a copy of correspondence received from the European Commission on the procurement process for the national postcode system. As yet, he has not received the information sought from the Minister's office. Will the Minister make the information available to him and me?
This question does not relate to Deputy Pearse Doherty.
Yes, it does.
We cannot deal with another Deputy in dealing with the issue.
If Deputy Pearse Doherty communicates with my Department, of course, he will receive a reply.
We cannot waste time on this. There is a two-minute limit and other Deputies are waiting to ask their questions.
I launched the Eircode brand for a national postcode system on 28 April. In spring 2015, every Irish address will get a unique code, which will bring many benefits to the daily lives of people, householders and businesses. Since a contract to deliver the project was signed with Capita, considerable progress has been made on design and engagement with public and private sector stakeholders who see significant benefits and opportunities arising from the introduction of Eircodes. An Post has been actively involved in the design process for the national postcode system and is committed to using the new Eircodes, which will be fully integrated with An Post's mails sortation systems. Any integration cost will be part of An Post's overall capital expenditure programme.
An Post's mails integration costs are not included in the predicted €26 million Exchequer cost of introducing a national postcode system. At least half of this €26 million investment will go towards the improvement of public service databases, bringing considerable long-term efficiencies and savings in the delivery of public services. Regarding An Post's costs, the CEO has stated that it will cost €1 million to install new software in the four mails sortation centres. The benefits of Eircodes to An Post will significantly outweigh any cost arising from their implementation. The national postcode system will facilitate improved efficiencies and quality improvements in the mails sector and provide a stimulus to mail volumes through improved marketing capabilities.
Parcel and mail deliveries from An Post and other delivery and logistics companies will be able to use the new postcode system to identify quickly the location of a single house set in the countryside or an apartment in a newly developed multi-storey. The Eircode will integrate with GPS devices and smartphones and can be easily mapped onto any defined national boundary set, such as counties, electoral districts and small areas.
I was hoping to accelerate this process. Much of the information would have been available had we received a copy of the correspondence from the European Commission in respect of the procurement process for the national postcode system. Could that correspondence be made available?
The process, which was a competitive dialogue, was entirely open. Capita was selected on the basis that it was the preferred bidder. Many forecast that An Post would be selected. It was not in the event. Capita has a track record in this general area. It employs approximately 1,000 people in Ireland. At a public presentation last week or the previous week - I cannot recall which - it set out its stall in front of stakeholders and the media and took questions about the unique identifier system that would be implemented for Ireland.
We are coming late to the party, so to speak. We are the only country in the OECD that does not have a postcode system. The new system brings the advantage of being able to avail of the latest technologies. As a result, we will have a world leading unique identifier system, established in a country where some 35% of addresses are not unique. The business community has been mounting growing pressure on the Department and me during the past year as regards what it views as the possibilities presenting in the era of digital technology and digital enterprise. The community believes that this will grow business and jobs. An Post believes that it will add to its own bottom line.
119. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the panel carrying out an independent review of EirGrid pylons will meet with residents affected by these structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19953/14]
129. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to previous questions in relation to EirGrid's plans to install overhead pylons in County Waterford and other areas of the countryside, where this process now stands; if his Department has taken steps to request an international assessment of EirGrid's proposal; if EirGrid has consulted with him following the initial consultation process; the outcome of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19944/14]
Deputy Colreavy should buy a lottery ticket this week.
He is on a roll.
His leader bought two.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the advice, which I will take.
To limit the lottery possibilities, I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 129 together.
During the course of engagement by EirGrid in its public consultation processes, and most recently in relation to the Grid Link project, on which 35,000 submissions were received, a number of key concerns emerged. This has necessitated considerable review and reflection in order to determine the optimum approach needed to address those concerns that are valid, while at the same time ensuring adequate and effective electricity transmission capacity in the State.
Arising from examination of the concerns expressed, I have put in place a number of measures to deal with the immediate concerns on the Grid West and Grid Link projects, while also addressing the generality of commentary on the need to improve stakeholder and community engagement on all Grid25 projects for the future.
I have appointed an independent panel of experts, chaired by the Hon. Mrs. Justice Catherine McGuinness, to examine the Grid West and Grid Link projects. The panel of experts will decide the terms of reference for comprehensive, route specific studies of fully underground and overhead options for both projects. They have been asked to ensure that the studies are complete, impartial, objective and comparable and will submit a report to me on these matters in due course. Both the overhead and underground options will be published side by side, in objective and comparable terms, before consideration is given by Eirgrid to the appropriate next steps for each of the projects. The panel has also been asked to consider what, if anything, it can do with regard to the North-South transmission line project. The panel has commenced its deliberations and I understand that the panel has had several meetings, most recently last Friday. I further understand that the panel expects to be in a position to announce the terms of reference for the panel itself, as well as the terms of reference for the Grid Link and Grid West transmission line projects, very soon. In the interests of completing its work in a timely manner, the panel does not consider it would be possible to accede to requests for meetings with third parties, given the likely volume of such requests. However, should anyone wish to submit material to the panel, they may do so by email to expertpanel@dcenr.ie.
Additionally, I have asked the chairman of EirGrid to undertake a comprehensive assessment with a view to improvement of EirGrid’s community engagement processes and procedures, having regard to the significant public concerns raised on this issue. In that regard, EirGrid made an announcement on 28 March 2014 that it has initiated a thorough review of its consultation process to improve future public engagement; this review will include an external review of their processes. The overall review is expected to be completed by June and its findings will be published, including recommendations to improve future public engagement.
EirGrid published an interim report on the emerging themes from the Grid Link project consultation on 28 January. A copy of this report is available on the EirGrid website. All of the submissions which EirGrid received on the project are being examined by the EirGrid project team. I understand that once a thorough and detailed examination of all the submissions has been completed, a report will be published on the project website, and EirGrid will respond to all correspondence as quickly as possible.
I thank the Minister. The expert panel would not be having these discussions except for the fact that the local community protested and spoke about their serious, valid concerns about what appeared to them to be a policy decision driving practice that did not take their rights into account. It is important that those in the community know that it is not just the companies' technical advice that is informing this inquiry and that their concerns, which have been outlined in great detail, are seriously addressed because unless specific concerns are answered, communities will continue to voice the same concerns. They need to be identified and answered, and the answers must be explicit.
I thank Deputy Colreavy but that is the purpose of public consultation. That was provided in the arrangements. We are talking about a plan that was settled on in 2006 so nobody can seriously suggest that they have been overtaken by its suddenness. The public consultation phase allowed for this element of participation by the public, and we are responding to that. The Deputy is correct. Valid considerations ought to be responded to and taken into account but as he is well aware, there is a great deal of nonsense out there as well and if it was not for the scale of misrepresentation, exaggeration and so on, it would be possible to more efficiently respond to this matter.
The serious side of all this is that the country has to have an energy supply and there is no point in Deputy Colreavy complaining to me about bringing employment to Dromahair, under Ben Bulben's head and various other places in Sligo that I would dearly love to see employment go to if we do not have a reliable energy supply. There are only a few ways known to man so far in terms of how energy can be transmitted, and walking around waving placards at it will not cause the lights to go on or supply a local factory or plant that might locate in different parts of regional Ireland. In terms of the requirements of industry, energy, water and connectivity are the three big concerns today, and I cannot afford to lose sight of that.
I am happy that the consultation process is a rigorous one. The planning arrangements are very rigorous. Every care has been taken by the State to ensure that nobody has advanced a valid apprehension that will not be genuinely tested but at the end of the day, the lights cannot be allowed go out. What do we do with the tourists when they arrive at Dublin Airport? Do we give them lanterns? We must maintain an energy system in this country that is fit for purpose.
The Minister would overcharge them for the lanterns.
