Written Answers Nos. 616-637
616. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the exact number of appeals received by his Department from land owners in the six designated special protection areas in County Donegal which were designated in 2011; the number of appeals that were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48594/12]
View answerFor the purposes of this Question, I am referring to the Special Protection Areas for corncrake, proposed for designation, in County Donegal in 2011.
Some 260 informal, or Stage 1, objections were received from landowners and others concerning these sites. Of these, 18 were found to be invalid. Some 13 of the remaining 242 valid objections were successful or partly successful. A total of 229 were unsuccessful and some 137 of these have opted to lodge formal, or Stage 2, objections to the Designated Area Appeals Advisory Board. The Board has not completed its consideration of any of these objections.
617. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the sectors of the public sector that are currently employed on a roster basis and if there are any plans to remove employees from the rostering system. [49068/12]
View answerA number of staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department comprising conservation rangers, guides and general operatives work on a rostered basis to facilitate public access to national parks and nature reserves at weekends.
In addition, a number of the National Cultural Institutions funded from my Department's Vote Group have agreed rostering systems in place so that facilities are available to the public both at weekends and on certain late evenings. Rostered staff include attendants, shop assistants, library assistants, learning and outreach officers, and cleaners.
Lock keepers from Waterways Ireland also work a rostered week, which varies according to the regions in which the lock keeper is based.
I am advised that the roster arrangements in place both in my Department and in the bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are working well and there are no plans to change them at present.
619. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that according to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland at least 20%, €100 million, savings in energy use could be made in the public sector through proven management and technology solutions; his views on whether such savings should be made urgently in major cost areas such as waste water treatment, public lighting, public buildings and transport efficiencies by requiring the public sector to participate in targeted energy efficiency programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47707/12]
View answer626. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to require all public sector bodies to implement targeted energy efficiency programmes immediately; and his views on whether an annual saving of €100 million in the public sector energy bill could be made within two years. [47566/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 626 together.
The current National Energy Efficiency Action Plan was published in May 2009, and outlined the framework for delivering Ireland’s energy efficiency targets, including a 33% reduction in public sector energy consumption by 2020. The second Action Plan, which I will be publishing shortly, provides a progress report on delivery of the national energy savings targets. The Action Plan will show that Ireland is on track to deliver the 20% energy saving target.
The public sector is estimated to spend around €600 million per annum on energy. Achieving our 33% savings target for the public sector would save in the region of €150 million each year. The top 135 public bodies, which account for over 95% of public sector energy consumption, are required to submit detailed energy and activity data to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). From this data, detailed progress scorecards will be produced and published for each organisation. From 2013 on, an online energy data system will facilitate all public bodies, including schools and healthcare facilities, to report detailed energy data and allow SEAI to prepare detailed performance scorecards for all public bodies.
In September I wrote to the head of each public body, reminding them of their obligation to report annually their energy usage to SEAI. Enclosed with each letter was the SEAI report: ‘Energy Use in the Public Sector’, which outlines savings achieved across the public sector to end-2010 amounted to 650 GWh.
The SEAI Public Sector Programme is a comprehensive support framework to assist public bodies in meeting the 33% energy saving target by integrating energy management practices across organisations. While the Programme comprises four main elements including Monitoring and Reporting, Best Practice and Procurement, the flagship element is the Partnership Agreement, which provides tailored support delivered to those organisations who demonstrate commitment to strategic energy management. So far fourteen leading public bodies, with a combined annual energy spend of more than €200 million, have committed to Partnership Agreements that are anticipated to deliver cumulative energy savings of €330 million by 2020. My objective is to encourage other public bodies to join this initiative and demonstrate their commitment and leadership in realising significant energy savings.
As the above indicates, considerable progress with accompanying savings is being made in energy efficiency in the public sector. This effort will be intensified in the coming years. Achievement of €100m savings in just 2 years would require considerable appropriate investment by public bodies at a level which may not be realistic in the current financial climate. Nevertheless, the Deputies can be assured of my strong commitment to realising the goals we have set for energy efficiency in the public sector.
More recently, Better Energy Workplaces evaluates new approaches for implementing sustainable energy upgrades to existing facilities in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. By accelerating the scale and depth of retrofit across these sectors the programme aims to create energy efficiency exemplar projects. The scheme disbursed €11 million in grants in 2011, co-financed 85 projects and supported 250 jobs. This year the Better Energy Workplaces Fund has offered support to 145 projects – 44 of which are in the public sector. This scheme has developed public sector and market competence and capacity for pay-as-you-save type models.
Finally, the recently adopted Energy Efficiency Directive will translate elements of the European Efficiency Plan into binding measures on Member States, including an annual rate of renovation for central Government buildings of 3%; an inventory of central Government buildings with a total useful floor area over certain thresholds; and an obligation on public bodies to procure products, services and buildings with high energy efficient performance. The 3% renovation target for central Government buildings represents a challenge for the Office of Public Works (OPW), however, the energy savings will greatly outweigh the costs of renovation. My Department will work closely with the OPW over the coming months to prepare a plan for the realisation of this target.
620. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will examine the feasibility of a salmon hatchery on the River Feale in County Kerry; the potential to rejuvenate salmon fish stocks and the potential economic benefits such a project would have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48164/12]
View answerI have been advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that, along with other major salmon rivers in Ireland, the River Feale contains a genetically unique population of salmon. Best scientific advice, both nationally and internationally, indicates that the introduction of a salmon hatchery operation into a wild salmon fishery can reduce the ability of the genetically distinct native strain to survive and results in the loss of their adaptability to their catchment.
The advice also indicates that the issue of decline of salmon stocks in a particular catchment, leaving aside the international issue of survival at sea, is best dealt with through improvements in water quality and salmon habitat.
Stocking, for conservation purposes, in cases where artificial intervention is required to maintain the genetically distinct salmon strain under threat, could be considered.
This is not the case, however, in the River Feale whose salmon stock is above the Conservation Limit particular to its own unique stock and which has an annual surplus of salmon available for exploitation. Nevertheless, I do recognise recent concerns over the longer term decline in salmon numbers on the River Feale, and understand from IFI that efforts are being made to monitor these stocks, quantify any stock variations and to establish and address potential reasons for a decline.
In this regard a survey of the juvenile salmon population, planned for the Feale in 2013, will allow the juvenile salmon stock status to be assessed against baseline surveys carried over the past 20 years. Once the Feale salmon stock assessment has been analysed any remedial action necessary can then be considered.
621. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review a decision on a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant application under the better energy communities pilot 2012 scheme in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry that was recently declined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48180/12]
View answerThe Better Energy Communities Pilot 2012 was launched in July 2012 with a goal of stimulating, supporting and testing innovative approaches to delivering energy performance improvements at a community level. It was specifically seeking to test innovative and pioneering partnerships for delivery by building on existing community groups/networks within the Community rather than targeting individual homeowners or businesses.
The Pilot stimulated a high level of interest from community groups and other organisations around the country. It was a very competitive call and received applications for funding well in excess of the €3 million that was made available.
The application from Glenbeigh Community Centre requested 100% funding, and although the maximum funding levels were not defined in the call, the maximum grant awarded under the pilot was 80%.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) reviewed the project against the published evaluation criteria using a standardised evaluation form. A minimum overall pass mark of 50% was required in order to be eligible for funding. Unfortunately, the application from Glenbeigh Community Centre did not achieve the minimum pass mark and so has been declined for funding under the Pilot. SEAI would be very happy to provide further feedback to the applicant on the areas in which the project scored poorly and to identify opportunities for it to be improved.
Should funding be allocated for a full scale Communities Programme in 2013, it is hoped that Glenbeigh Community Centre would give it their consideration.
622. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will update Dáil Éireann on the condition of fishery sites (details supplied) and the impact of a separate oyster fishery on the condition of these sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48650/12]
View answerI am advised that the oyster fishery and other fisheries and aquaculture activities in Lough Swilly, are currently the subject of an appropriate assessment (AA) under Article 6.3 of the EU Habitats Directive. This assessment, which, in common with a range of assessments nationally, is being undertaken by the Marine Institute (MI), and will identify the impacts of the fishery on the conservation objectives for habitats and species for which the site is designated in the Directive.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and MI assisted the Lough Swilly Oyster Society to develop a 5-year oyster fishery plan/proposal early in 2012, to facilitate the “appropriate assessment” of the oyster fishery. This included measures to control naturalised pacific oyster and separate measures to restore native oyster beds in areas in which they were previously common.
I am advised that the Marine Institute are to complete the AA before end of 2012 and they will then forward the assessment to the relevant authorities, including IFI. It is expected that the assessment will be published before year end.
623. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department together with its sectoral regulator Comreg, has commenced the bid/auction stage of the Multiband Spectrum award process and if he anticipates that any Revenue will accrue to the Exchequer in the current financial year. [47277/12]
View answer627. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the advantages and uses that the frequencies and spectrum vacated by the analogue TV services will now be used for; the benefits to the State in technical advances and in money terms that he expects to accrue over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47615/12]
View answer628. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has been briefed by ComReg on whether the 4G auction and bidding for spectrum has begun; when the process will be completed; his views on whether, in effect, two networks are competing for four spectrum blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47634/12]
View answer629. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when 4G services will be made available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47635/12]
View answer631. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there been any consideration of investing the proceeds of the auction of the 28 blocks of spectrum frequencies by ComReg into capital projects in his Department such as broadband infrastructure, green energy or retrofitting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47660/12]
View answer633. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the minimum expected yield from the auction of spectrum frequencies by ComReg if all 28 blocks are sold; the projected yield; if the moneys will be retained by ComReg, returned to his Department or returned to the Central Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47667/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 623, 627 to 629, inclusive, 631 and 633 together.
The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended.
I am advised by ComReg that the 800MHz spectrum which was allocated for use in broadcasting analogue television signals, until 24 October 2012, is included in ComReg’s Multi-Band Spectrum Award which is currently under way.
This award process, initiated by the publication by ComReg of the Information Memorandum on 25 May 2012, is a vital step in allowing for the next generation of advance mobile services to be made available for Irish consumers and businesses. Roll out of 4G is one of the key elements of the Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August. This Plan aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed services of at least 30Mbps are available to all of our citizens and businesses well in advance of the EU’s target date of 2020.
The level of spectrum fees that will be generated by the Multi-Band Spectrum Award process will be determined by the eventual level of demand expressed in the auction. I am, therefore, not in a position to speculate on the amounts that will be generated.
Regarding the date of rollout of 4G services, this will be a matter for the relevant telecommunications companies.
The Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended, provides that licence fee income received by ComReg is paid by it into the Exchequer after provision is made for the operating expenses of ComReg. There is no statutory basis to utilise the revenue directly to fund capital projects. The capital programmes of Government Departments, including my own Department, are generally funded from central Exchequer resources.
624. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the names of each staff member within his Department that has been rehired since March 2011 and the cost involved in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47290/12]
View answerOne member of staff who retired from my Department has been rehired since March 2011, on a short term assignment. The cost of this assignment, which is not significant, has yet to be fully determined but the normal abatement rules will apply. I will let the Deputy know the cost once it becomes available.
630. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding spectrum sharing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47636/12]
View answerThe management of Ireland’s radio spectrum is the responsibility of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). As the national regulatory authority for the management of our radio spectrum, ComReg has set out its position on spectrum sharing when it published its latest strategy statement for managing the radio spectrum in November 2011 and subsequently in Document 12/52 relating to the Multiband Spectrum Release Decision. In its Strategy ComReg notes the recent trend towards increased collaboration between operators in the provision of wireless/mobile services. There are various drivers for this, including operators’ desire to reduce costs and/or provide a higher quality of service to consumers by using their combined resources. There are many forms of collaboration and the benefits and drawbacks of each type will vary depending on the specifics of the collaboration.
ComReg is of the view that spectrum sharing and pooling can, in principle, bring benefits such as reduced costs and improved quality of service. At the same time, ComReg is aware of the potential policy concerns, particularly in relation to competition. Each case would have to be judged on its merits. ComReg has however indicated that it would look more favourably on agreements that do not overly restrict competition and deliver demonstrable benefits that are shared with final consumers.
632. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grants being provided to broadband suppliers to ensure that their services are connecting to schools in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47661/12]
View answerThe national roll-out of the 100Mp/s to post primary schools project, led by my Department in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills, will be completed over three stages with 202 schools, being connected in 2012, a further 200 being connected in 2013 and the remaining 250 schools being connected in 2014.
Expenditure on this project is not in the form of grants. All contracts are awarded following a competitive tendering process (in line with public procurement rules) and payments are only made on satisfactory completion of contractual obligations. In 2012 it is expected that service providers will be paid approximately €2m by my Department for the provision of services.
Under the separate Schools Broadband Access Programme the Department of Education and Skills provides for the supply of Internet connectivity for all recognised primary schools and those post primary schools not connected under the 100Mbit/s programme to date. The latter schools will be upgraded to 100Mbit/s as my Department’s scheme is progressively rolled out as set out above.
634. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he will take to curb the uncertified and unregulated gas boiler installers here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47696/12]
View answerThe Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 confers on the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) specific functions in the area of safety regulation of the natural gas industry. The legislation provides for natural gas installers to be registered as a Registered Gas Installer (RGI). It is a legal requirement that any gas works carried out on domestic gas installations may be carried out only by a Registered Gas Installer. The CER intends to consult next year on a proposal to extend this requirement to the carrying out of gas works on commercial installations.
The CER discharges its gas safety responsibility through the implementation of a Natural Gas Safety Regulatory Framework. The Framework has been in operation for five years. Since 2009, it has included a system for the regulation, certification, ongoing inspection of work and investigation of complaints regarding the competence of any particular natural gas installer. The legislation provides for prosecution through the court system of unregistered gas installers. The CER has attained three successful prosecutions to date in cases where unregistered installers have completed domestic gas works.
It is the responsibility of the public to ensure that they engage only registered installers. The CER is responsible for promoting the safety of natural gas and may direct a natural gas undertaking to engage in campaigns promoting natural gas safety. Campaigns encourage consumers to use only registered installers for the completion of gas works in a domestic setting and highlight that it is a legal requirement for anyone carrying out domestic gas works to be a registered gas installer. The 2012 campaign utilised TV, radio, online display, and search engines to reach its target audience. The details of the 2013 campaign have yet to be finalised.
Safety is a matter of highest priority for the CER and the regulator is currently undertaking a review of the Framework with a view to maximising its effectiveness. An initial consultation paper was published over the summer period and a further consultation is due to be carried out over the coming months.
Finally, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has significant responsibilities in regard to health and safety in the workplace including gas works carried out in a commercial setting.
635. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money the delay in the commercial operation of Eirgrid's East West Interconnector will cost electricity consumers and the reason for this delay. [47758/12]
View answerThe East/West Interconnector (EWIC) connects the national transmission grid systems of Ireland and Britain. It has been constructed on time and within budget.
As with any major, complex project using purpose-built technology, comprehensive testing is necessary in relation to the Interconnector. Recent tests have highlighted some issues with regard to localised incidents of noise interference with telephone lines. I understand from EirGrid that a programme of works involving EirGrid and its contractor is currently under way to address these issues. The start of commercial trading over the Interconnector has been deferred until such time as all of the localised issues are resolved.
I wish to emphasise that this issue relates to noise on some telephone lines in the vicinity of the interconnector and is not a health concern.
In relation to any costs arising from the delay in the commercial operation of the Interconnector, it should be noted that EirGrid has not yet taken over the Interconnector from the contractor which designed, manufactured and installed it, and intends to do so only when the interference issues have been satisfactorily addressed.
The figures previously supplied by EirGrid in an affidavit to the Commercial Court in unsuccessful legal proceedings taken by Rush Community Council related to the scenario in which EirGrid would have been prevented from operating the Interconnector due to a legal challenge, in which case all costs incurred and loss of revenue would have fallen to EirGrid and to Irish electricity customers. However, the current scenario is entirely different.
By way of conclusion, I wish to state that the Interconnector is a hugely significant step in delivering electricity connectivity between Ireland and the UK and towards lessening our isolation as an energy market. Any temporary issues will be resolved as soon as possible in order to allow the Interconnector operate at a level which allows it to benefit Irish electricity consumers.
636. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has considered the feasibility of providing for a compensation scheme for eel fishermen following the prohibition of eel fishing; the efforts being made to provide for diversification schemes for those affected by the ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47851/12]
View answerI would draw the Deputy’s attention to the questions I answered in this House on 2nd October and again on 11th October .
The International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES) advice is that the eel stock continued to decline in the period 2009 to 2011 and urgent action is needed. In 2011 ICES reiterated its previous advice that all anthropogenic mortality (e.g. recreational and commercial fishing, hydropower, pollution) affecting production and escapement of eels should be reduced to as close to zero as possible until there is clear evidence that both recruitment and the adult stock are increasing. In 2011, glass eel recruitment has fallen to 5% of their 1960-1979 level in the Atlantic region and less than 1% in the North Sea area, and showed no sign of recovery.
In Ireland, recruitment has been declining at many monitoring sites since the mid-1980s, for example in the 2000-2011 period, the glass eel catch in the Shannon was at 2% of the pre-1980 numbers. In summary, recruitment of glass eels and elvers remained low during the 2009 to 2011 period both in Ireland and across Europe.
In Ireland it is anticipated that there will be a considerable decline in silver eel production, as indicated by recruitment history, yellow eel stock indicators and modelled projections for index stocks. As part of Ireland’s eel management regime, every three years, a review of the status of eel stocks is conducted, this coupled with input from stakeholders, supports the decision making process on the future of the commercial and recreational eel fishery. Inland Fisheries Ireland has just completed a full public consultation on the future of the commercial and recreation eel fishery; the recommendations from this review are being finalised.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has made a number of reports on eel stocks available on its website including The National Eel Stock Recovery Plan, The Status of Eel Stocks in Ireland and The Implementation of the Eel Management Plan for Ireland.
In 2009 the then Central and Regional Fisheries Boards (now Inland Fisheries Ireland – IFI) engaged with the eel fishermen representatives to investigate possible diversification schemes. I understand that a number of former eel fishermen were contracted by the ESB to undertake Trap and Transport operations to mitigate the impact of hydropower schemes as part of the eel management plan. As I already indicated the recommendations from IFI’s review and the public consultation on the future of the commercial and recreation eel fishery are being finalised and the continuation of existing diversification activity will be considered in that process.
There is no property right attaching to public eel licences and consequently the issue of compensation does not arise, given that the closure of the fishery was applied for conservation reasons under the Fisheries Acts. Given that context and having regard to national economic circumstances, no provision has been made for compensation payments.
637. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will intervene and ensure that all households in County Kerry receive the quality television reception they deserve at the earliest possible date; has his attention been drawn to the fact that many households in County Kerry are now without a television reception due to the digital switchover to Saorview; if he will address this very difficult situation for hundreds of households in the county; his views on it being unfair to proceed with the switchover without in the first instance guaranteeing that all households would receive coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47978/12]
View answer643. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide statistics regarding the progress of Saorview since its introduction on 24 October 2012 and in relation to areas of County Kerry where the existing TV transmission masts were decommissioned on that date; the number of residents in those areas where Saorview is not functioning, and saorsat option is on viable due to weather factors; if he will, in conjunction with RTÉ, address the deficiencies in the infrastructure and upgrade a retrofit of existing masts in these problematic areas. [48116/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 637 and 643 together.
As I explained to the Deputy in my reply to his question of 20th September, RTÉ has built, owns and controls the SAORVIEW TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This includes information on transmitter sites being used. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ.
The SAORVIEW network is complete and is available to c. 98% of the population. It must be understood that it is impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means. Reasons for this include local topography for example. For technological reasons this is not going to change.
Furthermore, as also explained to the Deputy, I have been informed by RTÉNL that SAORVIEW has delivered a significant improvement in terrestrial coverage in both geographical and population coverage in County Kerry as set out in the following tables:
Geographical
|
Channel |
Analogue Coverage |
SAORVIEW Coverage |
Increase |
|
RTÉ One |
75 % area |
87% |
12% |
|
RTÉ Two |
75% area |
87% |
12% |
|
TV3 |
40% area |
87% |
47% |
|
TG4 |
64% area |
87% |
23% |
Population
|
Channel |
Analogue Coverage |
SAORVIEW Coverage |
Increase |
|
RTÉ One |
90% population |
95% |
5% |
|
RTÉ Two |
90% population |
95% |
5% |
|
TV3 |
44% population |
95% |
51% |
|
TG4 |
75% population |
95% |
20% |
In relation to SAORSAT in Co. Kerry, RTÉNL has organised training for installers. On October 1st ten installers attended a training course in Kerry. The course was open to any installer and the ones that attended were from areas such as Firies, Killorglin, Kenmare, Killarney, Cahersiveen, Beaufort, Waterville and Castleisland. It was demonstrated how SAORSAT works, the best dish type to use, how to fix the dish correctly and how to point it in the correct direction. On 22 October RTÉNL provided a demonstration of SAORSAT to about 60 attendees in Annascaul, County Kerry. Initial feedback from the meeting was positive. Should installers in Kerry have any difficulties installing SAORSAT, they should contact RTÉNL directly and RTÉNL will arrange the necessary training. Further information on SAORSAT is available on www.saorview.ie and www.rtenl.ie.
