Written Answers Nos. 716-737
716. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the Fisheries Board activities in the past year to stock waterways in the Midlands with trench and bream, to support local fishermen and the tourism angling industry in the Midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16738/13]
View answerI am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that as part of the management of Lough Sheelin and surrounding rivers, IFI relocates fish from there, that are surplus to requirements, to other locations on an annual basis. In 2012 a total of 461 Tench, Bream and Roach/Bream hybrids were caught and relocated to the lakes in the Mohill area of County Leitrim. A similar scheme of work is currently taking place for 2013 although it is a little behind schedule due to the persistent cold temperatures that have continued well into April. However, it is anticipated that as this scheme continues in 2013 a further 450 fish consisting of Tench, Bream and Roach/Bream hybrids will be transferred to lakes in the Mohill area of County Leitrim.
Additionally over 6,000 small roach were caught and transferred from the lower section of the Ballyhealan River in the Lough Sheelin catchment to the Royal Canal in Dublin. All these transfers are subject to strict husbandry and biosecurity controls to ensure that no pathogens or alien species are spread or promoted as part of these activities.
It is important in managing the fishery that only those waterways which have a recognised surplus of coarse fish can contribute to stocking elsewhere and it is equally important that the area selected to receive surplus stock will benefit from the transfer.
717. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to extend a gas pipeline spur to Longford and Mullingar towns, as this would be a huge boost to businesses in Longford/Westmeath, which is part of the BMW Region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16740/13]
View answerThe development and expansion of the natural gas network is in the first instance a commercial matter for Gaslink, which is mandated under Section 8 of the Gas Act 1976, as amended, to develop and maintain a national system for the supply of natural gas that is both economical and efficient.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), is statutorily responsible for all aspects of the assessment and licensing of prospective operators who wish to develop and/or operate a gas distribution system within the State under the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002. I have no statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.
The CER, in 2006, approved a new network connections policy, which created the opportunity to reassess the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be met as a prerequisite. The policy framework provides that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting the town to the network are recouped through the actual consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. This is designed to obviate against uneconomic projects which would increase costs for all gas consumers. The policy framework allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
It should be noted that Mullingar has been connected to the gas network for a number of years.
As regards the position for Longford, the most recent assessment was undertaken a number of years ago. Having full regard to CER’s network connections policy, Bord Gáis Networks, and more recently Gaslink, carried out a comprehensive assessment of 39 towns not already connected to the national gas network, with detailed economic analysis based on criteria outlined in the policy. The study was published in April 2010 following approval by the CER. The study included an appraisal of Longford as one of a group of towns. The Gaslink report found that 35 towns, including Longford, when appraised on an individual basis or as a group, did not qualify for connection on economic grounds.
Gaslink continues to keep under review the towns which did not qualify for connection under that study, and other towns, on an ongoing basis. The key factor which would qualify a town, or group of towns, in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, usually resulting from the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility.
718. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown on a county basis of the number of electricity / natural gas disconnections; the number of prepaid electricity meters intallations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16084/13]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including disconnections, is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory regulator and one in which I have no statutory function.
The CER provides quarterly and annual updates on the electricity and gas retail markets, including on disconnections, and further information may be found at:
http://www.cer.ie/en/electricity-retail-market-reports-and-publications.aspx
Nevertheless, the number of disconnections is a matter of great concern to me, as it is for the Government, the CER, voluntary organisations and suppliers. The rise in disconections in recent years has coincided with the economic recession which has caused customer arrears and debt levels to rise.
In line with the CER’s Code of Practice on disconnection, electricity and gas suppliers must facilitate payment options/plans for domestic customers experiencing genuine hardship and, where appropriate, engage with a money advisor acting on behalf of the customer or a recognised charity. This must include offering the customer a prepayment meter. According to CER’s published report on its website on Electricity and Gas Retail Markets, concerning the period to the end of September 2012, over 11,000 Pay as You Go electricity meters have been installed. That report also states that there are approximately 19,500 token meters in operation. In relation to gas the report states that for the period to end of September 2012, 63,933 Pay as You Go and token meters are installed, with 36,109 installed since December 2008. In addition, disconnections may not be initiated where a customer has entered into a payment plan with the supplier and is honouring that arrangement.
I welcome the fact that CER is working with energy suppliers to ensure that they take all reasonable steps to assist customers through this difficult period and that disconnections resulting from genuine inability to pay are minimised, and only occur as a very last resort.
Implementation of the measures set out in the Government’s Affordable Energy Strategy, published last November, is pivotal to protecting the interests of vulnerable customers and improving energy affordability.
In addition, the Government will continue to support the delivery of energy efficiency measures to vulnerable households in 2013. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme has been allocated Exchequer funding of €18 million for 2013, which is expected to result in upgrades in over 10,000 homes.
719. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm the home energy retrofit support intended to be provided for the elderly and those on low incomes once the proposed PAYS system comes into operation; if there will remain a grant-based programme for such citizens separate to the PAYS scheme or if it is intended that all applicants regardless of income or age must apply in the same manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16098/13]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a number of schemes under the Better Energy programme on behalf of my Department.
The Better Energy Homes scheme provides a financial incentive to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying BER.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of Community Based Organisations, augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage. Measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are provided free of charge to the customer.
Despite the current economic challenges, the Government is committed to continuing to deliver energy efficiency measures to vulnerable households. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme has been allocated Exchequer funding of €17 million for 2013. It is anticipated that the scheme will deliver upgrades to approximately 10,000 homes this year.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to roll out a Better Energy Financing (i.e. pay-as-you-save) energy retrofit scheme for domestic buildings after 2013. The Better Energy Financing (BEF) model proposes that the current suite of Exchequer funded grants for energy efficiency measures, excluding the low-income housing retrofit programme, will be replaced by a new financing scheme open to the residential and non-residential sectors.
The key benefit to the homeowner of such a financing mechanism is that the scheme will allow them to secure upfront financing for energy efficiency upgrades to their homes, and in the process remove one of the key energy efficiency barriers. The consumer will also benefit through the creation of a robust quality assurance process that will protect consumers and ensure high-quality workmanship.
My Department has put in place a project team to design a replacement retrofit financing scheme under the direction of a Project Board representing key state and industry stakeholders. Project resources have been drawn from industry experts and elsewhere in the public sector. It is planned that the design of the scheme will be developed over the coming months and that a public consultation process will be undertaken later this year. I would stress, however, that it is my intention, in the context of the introduction of a Pay As You Save scheme, that the grant scheme aimed at those on low incomes, will remain in existence.
720. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will supply the terms of contract for the new Chairman (details supplied) of An Post, their annual salary, length of tenure and agreed pension arrangements. [16148/13]
View answerOn 26 March 2013, I appointed Mr. Christoph Mueller as Director and Chairperson of An Post for a period of five years. The remuneration in respect of this appointment will be at a rate of €31,500 per annum. There are no pension arrangements associated with this appointment.
721. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to provide funding to schools who wish to use renewable energy on their premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16195/13]
View answerMy Department does not provide direct funding to schools who wish to use renewable energy on their premises. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, which is under the aegis of my Department, provides guidance on energy management in schools and An Taisce runs a Green Schools programme and award scheme in Ireland in co-operation with Local Authorities.
Green Schools is an international environmental education programme, designed to promote and acknowledge whole school action for the environment. Green Schools offers a well-defined, controllable way to take environmental issues from the curriculum and apply them to the day-to-day running of a school. In Ireland there are currently almost 2,015 primary, secondary and special schools participating in the programme. 651 schools have implemented the programme successfully and have been awarded the green flag.
722. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the authorisation, consent or permit the cable laying and associated seismic survey by SEPIL in the Corrib Gas Field is being conducted under; if he will provide the details of this authorisation and when such authorisation was granted; if he will provide a copy of the permits and association application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16218/13]
View answer723. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will identify, in relation to permit granted to SEPIL to conduct a seismic survey in the Corrib Gas Field, the specific part of the applications and associated decisions where this particular cable laying and associated seismic survey was specified and addressed; if a derogation licence under Article 16 of the Habitats Directive has been secured for these activities in respect of Annex IV species; if he will supply a copy of the application and licence for this derogation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16219/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 723 together.
In 2012, Shell E&P Ireland applied for a permit under its Petroleum Prospecting Licence 1/12 to acquire 3D OBC seismic data over the Corrib Gas Field. It was the developer’s intention to complete this survey in 2012 but this was not possible for technical and poor weather reasons. The developer is now planning to acquire the remainder of the 3D OBC survey over the Corrib Gas Field in 2013.
I would like to explain the background to the assessment of this application as follows. Council Directive 85/337/EEC of 27th June 1985, as amended, on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (‘EIA Directive’) put in place a system whereby certain projects by reason of their type, size, location, etc., must be assessed as to their likely effects on the environment through the process of Environmental Impact Assessment. On the 21st of May 1992, the European Community adopted Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild flora and fauna. An Appropriate Assessment is required under the Habitats Directive for any plan or project likely to have significant effect on an internationally important site for nature conservation.
While geophysical surveys are not specifically listed as requiring assessment under the EIA Directive, as a precautionary measure, my Department undertook a screening of the Corrib 3D OBC Seismic Survey application with respect to the requirements of both the EIA and the Habitats Directives which concluded that, “No EIA is considered necessary due to the limited extent and duration of the operation and in light of the existing requirements under the scope and quality requirements set out or implied by specific European and Irish legislation and guidelines”, and with regard to the Habitats Directive, “This screening has established that the survey poses no risk of a significant effect on the West Connaught Coast SAC and as such requires no further Appropriate Assessment”.
Cetaceans are addressed in the developer’s Environmental Statement as being listed under Annex IV of the Habitats Directive and thus strictly protected. It is concluded within the reports that the localised and temporary nature of the operation means that no ‘Wildlife Disturbance Licence’ is required. The ‘Wildlife Disturbance Licence’ is in reference to the ‘derogation licence’ under Regulation 54 of S.I. 477/2011 ( European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011) and complying with the requirements of the provisions of Regulations 51, 52 and 53 and in particular the protection of fauna, Regulation 51 (2) which states: “Notwithstanding any consent, statutory or otherwise, given to a person by a public authority or held by a person, except in accordance with a licence granted by the Minister under Regulation 54, a person who in respect of the species referred to in Part 1 of the First Schedule —
... (b) deliberately disturbs these species particularly during the period of breeding, rearing, hibernation and migration” ... Shall be guilty of an offence.”
No derogation licence is required where no significant disturbance is caused and where the proposed activity can be timed, organised and carried out in a manner that will not constitute an offence under Irish wildlife legislation, as is the case with the Corrib 3D Seismic Survey.
Permission was therefore granted to the developer on 4 March, 2013 to undertake the 3D OBC Seismic Survey in the Slyne Basin. This survey is currently being carried out.
724. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Radio Telefís Éireann journalists and presenters are subject to contracts which prevent them doing their job in a way which will undermine the objectives, including the commercial objectives, of RTÉ; and if there is a conflict between such terms and a journalist and presenter’s duty to report on matters in an unfettered manner, particularly on matters relating to RTÉ. [16292/13]
View answerRTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act and as such, I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ’s day to day affairs including in relation to the contractual position of RTÉ employees.
725. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will lay before the Oireachtas the latest report and financial statements of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. [16293/13]
View answerThe Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's Annual Report and Accounts for 2011 were laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 11th April.
726. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the 30Mbps minimum national broadband plan will serve an area (details supplied) in County Waterfiord; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16309/13]
View answerIreland’s telecommunications market has been fully liberalised since 1999 in accordance with the requirements of binding EU Directives. The market has since developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County, including County Waterford, can be found on ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie .
The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme and the Rural Broadband Scheme.
With basic broadband services widely available across Ireland, the focus is now on accelerating the roll out of high speed services. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August last, 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, and that significantly higher speeds are available to as many homes and businesses as possible.
During the preparation of Ireland’s National Broadband Plan, the commercial market operators indicated that they expect to provide 70Mbps to 100Mbps services to 50% of the population by 2015. Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are underway in both fixed line and mobile high speed broadband services, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
The Government is also committed in the Plan to investing in areas where high speed services are not commercially viable and will not be provided by the market. In an important milestone towards delivery of this commitment in the Plan, my Department has identified, following the evaluation of tender responses to a request for experts, the preferred bidder to assist in the design, planning and procurement of the State-led investment. Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations including stakeholder engagement will be ongoing throughout 2013 with a view to the launch of a procurement process in 2014.
Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, we are committed to increasing the availability of next generation speeds significantly, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in a digitally enabled society.
I would reiterate that the Government remains committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland, including all of County Waterford, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity, through public or private sector investment, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan.
727. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of onshore windfarms and the number of offshore windfarms currently being constructed here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16372/13]
View answerInformation on numbers of wind farms currently being constructed are not held by my Department, EirGrid (the Transmission System Operator) or ESB Networks (the Distribution System Operator). However, data published by EirGrid indicates that 25 larger wind farms are contracted to connect to the high voltage transmission grid and data published by ESB Networks shows that 74 wind farms are contracted to connect to the low voltage distribution grid. In addition, the Gate 3 programme allows for the issuance of connection offers to over 150 renewable generators (mostly wind farms), with a combined capacity of approximately 4,000 MW. There are 3 offshore wind projects in the Gate 3 process awaiting connection offers to the transmission grid. No offshore wind distribution projects are currently under construction in the Republic of Ireland.
728. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he recognises the benefits of developing offshore windfarms as opposed to onshore windfarms, which risk causing noise pollution and blighting the countryside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16376/13]
View answerKeeping the cost of energy in Ireland as low as possible is important for all consumers and plays a critical role in maintaining our overall economic competiveness. Late last year the Government agreed with my decision on cost grounds not to proceed with an application to the European Commission for State Aid clearance for a higher priced feed in tariff to support offshore wind development in the Irish electricity market.
While offshore wind is already being deployed in several Member States as part of delivering on their national renewable energy targets, it is still a very expensive technology to deploy, typically costing double the price of deploying onshore wind. Offshore wind currently costs in the region of €3 million per megawatt to deploy compared to the cost of onshore wind which is around €1.5 million per megawatt.
Ireland’s deployment of renewable energy sources in electricity has been increasing steadily in recent years as we work North and South, to deliver a 40% level of renewable electricity consumption by 2020. There has been good progress from 5% renewable electricity in 2005 to around 17% renewable electricity at present. The challenge is to steadily increase renewable electricity generation in the all island market from onshore wind and biomass year on year towards 2020.
However, in order to ensure that Ireland continues to meet its renewable energy targets and at the same time ensure that wind energy does not have negative impacts on local communities, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government – in conjunction with my Department and other stakeholders – is undertaking a targeted review of certain aspects of the Wind Energy Guidelines 2006. This review will examine the manner in which the Guidelines address key issues of community concern such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker.
729. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if regulations are in place regarding the construction of onshore windfarms here that are financed by foreign companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16378/13]
View answerThe construction of onshore wind farms in Ireland is subject to the Planning and Development Acts, including the requirements for public consultation irrespective of the source of funding for their construction. Best practice Wind Energy Guidelines were also published in 2006. Currently, the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government – in conjunction with my Department and other stakeholders – is undertaking a targeted review of certain aspects of the 2006 guidelines. This review will examine the manner in which the guidelines address key issues of community concern such as noise (including separation distance) and shadow flicker, in order to ensure that Ireland continues to meet its renewable energy targets and at the same time ensure that wind energy does not have negative impacts on local communities.
In addition to planning permission, in order to connect to the electricity grid in Ireland, wind farm developers require a grid connection. The grid connection process is vested in the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). CER issued its Gate 3 direction in December 2008 (CER 08/260 available at www.cer.ie). This sets out the list of renewable generators entitled to a grid connection offer under the Gate 3 process. The Department monitors the number of windfarms connected to the grid and contracted to connect to the grid (i.e. that have accepted their grid connection offers). This data is publicly available on the EirGrid and ESB Networks websites (www.eirgrid.com and www.esb.ie).
730. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the recent development proposals for a nuclear power facility at Hinkley Point as approved by the UK's Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on 19 March 2013, if he will confirm if the UK Government notified Ireland regarding these proposals; if so, when and how; and if he will provide copies of this correspondence and his replies, if any; if he will provide information on any decision by Irish authorities regarding notification of the Irish public about the development; and if so, the nature of and reason for that decision. [16490/13]
View answerThe matter raised in the question is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 781 on today’s Order Paper.
731. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount paid by Bord Gáis for the wind turbines purchased from a society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16503/13]
View answerBord Gáis Éireann is a commercial State company and this is an operational matter for the Board and not one in which I have a function.
SWS Natural Resources Limited was part of a business originally founded by the South Western Cattle Breeding Society. In December 2009 Bord Gáis Éireann acquired SWS Natural Resources Limited, a renewable energy business which included operational wind turbines, land leases and a renewable energy development pipeline.
Separate price information in respect of the wind turbines is not available as the price paid by Bord Gáis Éireann was for the entire business and such detailed price information would, in any case, be commercially sensitive.
732. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify the location of the closest telephone exchange for the Faithlegg and Cheekpoint area of County Waterford; if he will further clarify the basic level of broadband speed available for that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16506/13]
View answerThe market for the provision of telecommunications network facilities and services is fully liberalised. These are therefore matters for commercial operators authorised by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), the independent regulator of the telecommunications market. I have no statutory function in relation to the provision of such facilities nor have I a shareholder role in any company offering retail broadband services.
ComReg, the market regulator, operates an online call costs service, http://www.callcosts.ie/broadband/Broadband_Calculator.175.LE.asp, which, among other things, identifies retail broadband services providers offering services in different speeds categories by county.
733. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the top ten remuneration packages paid at RTE in 2011 and 2012, including the packages paid to presenters and management; and, if such information cannot be provided because of data protection reasons, if he will provide an overall total of the top ten remuneration packages split between total salary, total employer contributions to pensions, total other pay and perks. [16535/13]
View answerRTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.
Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act and as such, I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ’s day to day affairs including in relation to providing information on the top 10 remuneration packages in RTÉ.
734. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost incurred by his Department, in respect of this year’s overseas travel programme for St Patrick’s Day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16604/13]
View answerI was abroad on official business in the United States over the period 13th March to 17th of March. While there, my intensive programme of events and engagements was aimed primarily at promoting Ireland as a location for investment. I was accompanied by my Private Secretary and my Special Adviser.
The cost incurred by my Department to date amounts to €4,068.76.
735. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the present payment system with Electric Ireland in respect of surplus electricity supplied to the National Grid will be renewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16727/13]
View answerPrices in the retail market have now been fully deregulated, effective since 4 April 2011, and there is no longer scope for specifying a regulated tariff/payment for microgeneration in the retail market as part of the Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER) tariff setting. Individual supply companies, however, remain free to make payment offerings in respect of surplus electricity supplied to the National Grid on a commercial basis.
The only supplier offering a microgeneration feed-in-tariff at present is Electric Ireland at 9c/kwh. Electric Ireland has been offering a 9c/kwh feed in tariff, on a commercial basis, to domestic microgenerators since February 2009. No other electricity supply company has to date chosen to enter the market and to offer a microgeneration feed-in-tariff on a commercial basis, although the CER invited them to do so.
736. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the broadband service will be upgraded in County Tipperary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16779/13]
View answer737. Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the broadband service will be upgraded in County Tipperary (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16785/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 736 and 737 together.
Ireland’s telecommunications market has been fully liberalised since 1999 in accordance with the requirements of binding EU Directives. The market has since developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County, including County Tipperary, can be found on ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie.
The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) and the Rural Broadband Scheme. NBS services are available within 50 of the 177 Electoral Divisions in County Tipperary and I have attached a list of these Electoral Divisions.
With basic broadband services widely available across Ireland, the focus is now on accelerating the roll out of high speed services. The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August last, 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, and that significantly higher speeds are available to as many homes and businesses as possible.
During the preparation of Ireland’s National Broadband Plan, the commercial market operators indicated that they expect to provide 70Mbps to 100Mbps services to 50% of the population by 2015. Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are underway in both fixed line and mobile high speed broadband services, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
The Government is also committed in the Plan to investing in areas where high speed services are not commercially viable and will not be provided by the market. In an important milestone towards delivery of this commitment in the Plan, my Department has identified, following the evaluation of tender responses to a request for experts, the preferred bidder to assist in the design, planning and procurement of the State-led investment. Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations including stakeholder engagement will be ongoing throughout 2013 with a view to the launch of a procurement process in 2014.
Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, we are committed to increasing the availability of next generation speeds significantly, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in a digitally enabled society.
I would reiterate that the Government remains committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland, including all of County Tipperary, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity, through public or private sector investment, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan.
Electoral Divisions (ED) Covered by the NBS in County Tipperary
ED Name ED Reference No.
|
ABINGTON |
ED 217001 |
|
AGHNAMEADLE |
ED 217002 |
|
ARDFINNAN |
ED 217006 |
|
BALLYCAHILL |
ED 217013 |
|
BALLYCARRON |
ED 217014 |
|
BALLYGRIFFIN |
ED 217017 |
|
BALLYLUSKY |
ED 217019 |
|
BORRISOKANE |
ED 217030 |
|
BRUIS |
ED 217034 |
|
BURNCOURT |
ED 217037 |
|
CARRIG |
ED 217043 |
|
CLOGHER |
ED 217049 |
|
CLOGHPRIOR |
ED 217051 |
|
CLONBEG |
ED 217053 |
|
CLONEEN |
ED 217054 |
|
COOLAGARRANROE |
ED 217060 |
|
CULLEN |
ED 217063 |
|
CURRAHEEN |
ED 217064 |
|
DERRYGRATH |
ED 217066 |
|
DOLLA |
ED 217067 |
|
EMLY |
ED 217072 |
|
FINNOE |
ED 217075 |
|
FOILNAMAN |
ED 217076 |
|
GARRANGIBBON |
ED 217078 |
|
GLENGAR |
ED 217079 |
|
GOLDEN |
ED 217081 |
|
GORTKELLY |
ED 217082 |
|
INCH |
ED 217088 |
|
KILBARRON |
ED 217090 |
|
KILCORAN |
ED 217095 |
|
KILLAVINOGE |
ED 217100 |
|
KILLEENASTEENA |
ED 217102 |
|
KILNANEAVE |
ED 217108 |
|
KILPATRICK |
ED 217110 |
|
LACKAGH |
ED 217117 |
|
LATTERAGH |
ED 217118 |
|
LATTIN |
ED 217119 |
|
MOYALIFF |
ED 217131 |
|
OUGHTERLEAGUE |
ED 217142 |
|
POYNTSTOWN |
ED 217144 |
|
RODUS |
ED 217151 |
|
SHRONELL |
ED 217153 |
|
TEMPLEDERRY |
ED 217155 |
|
TEMPLETOUHY |
ED 217158 |
|
TERRYGLASS |
ED 217159 |
|
THOMASTOWN |
ED 217160 |
|
TIMONEY |
ED 217163 |
|
TUBBRID |
ED 217167 |
|
TULLAGHMELAN |
ED 217168 |
|
TWO MILE BORRIS |
ED 217171 |
