Written Answers Nos. 396-418
396. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a decision has been made on an application for a draft salmon fishing licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23035/13]
View answerThe yearly allocation of public licences for commercial draft nets is governed by the provisions of the relevant Control of Fishing for Salmon Order. The process identifies a number of categories of applicant depending on, inter alia, the applicant’s previous fishing history. The issuing of licences is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and decisions will be made in advance of the season which commences on 12 May each year. Any person over the age of 18 is entitled to apply for a public draft net licence unless they have previously availed of the Salmon Hardship Scheme.
The Salmon Hardship Fund was established in line with the decision to end, on conservation grounds, the mixed stock fishery for salmon at sea. The scheme provided a payment, based on catch history, to former commercial licence holders who could no longer fish or who chose to withdraw from the fishery. The beneficiaries undertook to abide by all of the conditions of the scheme including not to apply for a commercial fishing licence in the future. I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is a former holder of a commercial drift net licence and received payment under the Salmon Hardship Scheme. Under these circumstances, the person is not entitled to apply for a draft net licence.
397. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the European Commission approved the application by his Department in respect of the State aid application for the renewable energy support scheme known as the renewal energy feed in tariff; if the programme is based on a fixed feed in tariff mechanism rather than competitive tendering; the number of applications made under this scheme since that approval; the numbers that have been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22156/13]
View answerI understand that the Deputy’s question relates only to the REFIT 2 scheme. REFIT 2 follows on from REFIT 1. It is designed to accommodate new renewable generation built from the start of 2010 to the end of 2017 and its aim is to ensure sufficient new renewable electricity plant is built to make a significant contribution to our legally binding 2020 target under the Renewable Electricity Directive 2009/28/EC.
The European Commission approved the State Aid Application for the REFIT 2 renewable energy support scheme on 12th January 2012. The maximum capacity for which approval was obtained was 4000MW. The programme is based on a fixed feed in tariff mechanism and not competitive tendering.
The number of applications made to the REFIT 2 scheme since its approval by the European Commission is 45. The number of applications that have been approved by my Department is 43.
REFIT operates by providing certainty to project developers of a minimum price for electricity exported to the grid over a 15 year period. The initial capital outlay for new renewable projects is significant and the certainty provided by REFIT ensures developers can finance debt that is repayable over the period.
398. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the public service obligation of RTÉ extends to the dissemination of public information on its Aertel services; if public information provided by local authorities should be provided by RTÉ as part of its public service obligation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22177/13]
View answerRTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009. In particular, section 114(1)(b) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that, as one of its objects, RTÉ shall establish and maintain a website and teletext services in connection with the other services of RTÉ.
The obligation in regard to teletext services is met through RTÉ's Aertel service and this service provides a wide range of public information. The decision as to the extent and breadth of the public information to be provided on the service is, however, a matter for RTÉ in the context of its editorial independence.
399. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the national energy efficiency action plan can contribute to reducing energy bills for consumers, businesses and the public sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22261/13]
View answer409. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the progress achieved to date for energy efficiency improvements across the public sector as committed to in the national energy efficiency action plan. [22910/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 399 and 409 together.
The Deputy will be aware I published the second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) on 28 February last, which reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to a 20% energy savings target in 2020 in pursuit of our EU obligations. This is equivalent to 31,925 Gigawatt hours (GWh) or a reduction in annual CO2 emissions of around 7.7 Mega tonnes (Mt). Recognising that Government must lead by example, we are committed to achieving a 33% reduction in public sector energy use by 2020.
The second Action Plan follows a similar approach to its predecessor, identifying realisable but ambitious actions across six areas: Public Sector, Residential, Business, Transport, Energy Supply, and Cross-Sectoral. The Plan contains 97 actions, each of which will play a part in securing a more sustainable energy future for Ireland. Of the 97 actions, the following five will play an integral role in the delivery of the national target:
1. In the Public sector, we will introduce a series of obligations on public sector bodies to address consumption, procurement and reporting of energy use.
As part of our Action Plan for Jobs commitments, we will issue in June this year a mandate to public sector organisations with an annual energy spend of €500,000 or more, to go to the market to identify solutions for the delivery of energy reduction services. In 2010-2011 the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and my Department developed and launched a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system to record each individual public body’s progress towards the 33% target. A database of over 30,000 meters has been established to enable the accurate gathering of public sector data. This database is being developed with linkages to the National Procurement service and will lead to better procurement of energy supplies for the public sector. A report on public sector consumption will be published later this year.
2. We will institute a national Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) process to deliver innovative models of retrofitting and financing of energy efficiency measures in the commercial and public sectors.
Work on the National Energy Performance Contracting Policy Framework, which will standardise energy performance contracting in Ireland and provide a robust process for establishing investment-ready projects, is well advanced and the first version of the Framework will be published shortly. The Framework will be underpinned by an Energy Efficiency Fund, to which Government has already committed €35 million in the 2013 Budget as seed capital.
3. We will introduce an appropriate Pay-As-You-Save (PAYS) model for Ireland to replace existing exchequer supports for domestic and non-domestic energy efficiency upgrade measures.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to roll out a Better Energy Financing (formerly known as 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. This scheme will allow consumers to secure upfront financing for energy efficiency upgrades, the repayment of which will be funded from savings on their energy bill generated from the retrofit.
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.
4. The Better Energy programme will deliver energy efficiency improvements across a number of sectors including energy saving targets for energy suppliers.
The NEEAP emphasises the role of market actors in facilitating the delivery of energy savings, with the introduction of energy saving targets for energy suppliers a key measure underpinning the delivery of the 2020 energy saving target. A move to a market-based programme is a logical step in mainstreaming energy efficiency within the energy supply sector in line with EU ambitions.
To date 18 energy supply companies have signed voluntary energy savings agreements, with a programmatic target of 875GWh for the period 2011-2013. I am currently considering proposals for the period beyond 2013.
5. A Cross-Departmental Implementation Group will soon be established to ensure that all the actions contained in this Plan are delivered.
The Implementation Group, chaired by my Department, has been established and is meeting quarterly to ensure delivery of the actions contained in the NEEAP. It comprises representatives from a number of key stakeholders who are responsible for leading or supporting the progression of key sectoral actions in pursuit of our NEEAP goals. The Implementation Group will report to Government regularly on progress.
Should all measures detailed in the plan reach their full potential by 2020 it is estimated that a potential reduction in energy spend across all sectors of approximately €2.36 billion (at 2011 prices) will be realised. A very significant element of this will be Exchequer savings in the public sector.
400. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the way he is supporting the Digital Hub Development Agency and the National Digital Research Centre; the potential for these services to create jobs in the digital enterprise sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22349/13]
View answerThe Digital Hub currently supports approximately 64 companies which between them employ over 805 people, making a significant contribution to job creation. The DHDA provides companies in the digital media sector with support to survive and grow. More than 160 companies have been located at the Digital Hub since 2003. The Digital Hub’s most recent Annual Report (2011) shows that client companies generated a total turnover of €34 million, of which €25 million was in exports and had a total payroll of approximately €30 million, generating payroll taxes of over €12 million. Many companies previously based there have gone on to notable success and expansion with resulting job creation, including Amazon, Havok, Houghton Miflin, Daft.ie and PopCap.
The Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) is currently funded by a combination of Exchequer subvention, commercial income and sponsorship. This year the DHDA will receive an Exchequer subvention of €2.49m.
As part of its overall plans to reduce the number of State agencies, the Government has decided to merge the Digital Hub with Dublin City Council. While obviously this will result in some annual savings to the Exchequer, it also provides a very good strategic fit for both organisations given their respective clear focus on supporting digital development.
The National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) has been funded since 2007 by my Department through a Concession Agreement, with the aim of translating research-based projects in the digital enterprise sector to market-ready stage.
I am informed by the NDRC that ventures set up from its projects have created 250 jobs to date in the digital enterprise sector. NDRC ventures have received follow-on investment of €16m to date and their market valuation has reached almost €40m. Support is provided by the NDRC for ventures by way of mentoring and development as well as share capital in some instances.
Following a strategic review of the NDRC last year, I have decided to extend the Concession Agreement, for another 5 years. Discussions on the details of this are currently on-going between my officials and NDRC Board and management in this regard.
I expect that both NDRC and the DHDA will continue to play an important role in assisting Government supporting digital entrepreneurship and increasing overall digital adoption rates in business and the community at large.
401. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reissue an out of date payable order by his Department to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22428/13]
View answerThis matter relates to a payment which was made when my Department had responsibility for Marine functions. These functions have since transferred to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I have passed these details to that Department and asked them to reply directly to the Deputy.
402. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the proposed comprehensive economic and trade agreement between the EU and Canada that would grant energy companies far reaching powers to challenge regulations governing shale gas exploration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22494/13]
View answerI understand that under the EU's Common Commercial Policy, the EU Commission is responsible for negotiations on the EU - Canada Free Trade Agreement, commonly referred to as the CETA. I am advised that negotiations are still underway on this agreement and that the EU and its Member States will continue to be free to legislate for legitimate public policy reasons in a non-discriminatory way.
403. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount his Department spent on seismic surveys in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22743/13]
View answerDuring the period 1 January 2010 to date my Department has not incurred expenditure on the conducting of seismic surveys.
Active promotion and research are important elements of Ireland’s offshore hydrocarbon strategy. In that regard my Department is currently in the process of commissioning an extensive regional seismic acquisition programme over a number of Ireland's major Atlantic basins during the course of 2013.
The data from this survey will be used by the Department to promote further investment in the Irish offshore in future hydrocarbon exploration licensing rounds and will also provide an important input to research projects aimed at deepening understanding of the petroleum potential of the Irish offshore.
404. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount his Department receives from the television licence fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22744/13]
View answerIn 2012 my Department received €215m in respect of television licence fee sales and ‘free’ licences issued by the Department of Social Protection.
As the Deputy will be aware, An Post receives a portion of licence fee revenue to cover the cost of its activities as the Minister's issuing and collecting agent for TV licences.
Under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 2009, 7% of net licence fee revenue is distributed to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) for onward distribution via the Broadcasting Funding Scheme to assist independent producers and broadcasters in the development of appropriate audiovisual and sound broadcasting programmes, as well as archiving projects. The remaining funds are distributed to the public service broadcasters, RTÉ and TG4.
My Department does not retain any of the TV licence fee funds, which are fully distributed upon receipt.
405. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of personnel in whole-time equivalent terms in his Department and in bodies under the aegis of his Department in each of the following earnings brackets: less than €20,000, €20,001 to €30,000, €30,001 to €40,000, €40,001 to €50,000, €50,001 to €60,000, €60,001 to €70,000, €70,001 to €80,000, €80,001 to €90,000, €90,001 to €100,000, €100,000 to €125,000, €125,001 to €150,000, €150,001 to €175,000, €175,001 to €200,000, €200,001 to €250,000, €250,001 to €300,000, €300,001 to €350,000, €350,001 to €400,000, €400,001 to €450,000, €450,001 to €500,000, and more than €500,000. [22785/13]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy, in respect of my Department, is outlined as follows:
|
Salary Band |
Number of Staff |
|
0 – 20K |
6 |
|
20K - 30K |
23 |
|
30K - 40K |
45 |
|
40K - 50K |
53 |
|
50K - 60K |
42 |
|
60K - 70K |
20 |
|
70K - 80K |
22 |
|
80K- 90K |
16 |
|
90K -100K |
12 |
|
100K- 125K |
5 |
|
125K – 150K |
4 |
|
150K – 175K |
N/A |
|
175K – 200K |
1 |
No member of staff in my Department is paid a salary greater than €200,000.
Information in respect of bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department is a day to day matter for those organisations and my Department does not have the information sought by the Deputy.
406. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update in the future of Silvermines tailing ponds, County Tipperary; the way negotiations are proceeding with the landowner of the site; if there is a timeframe for when the State will gain responsibility for the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22802/13]
View answerAs the Deputy knows, I am very aware of the issues surrounding the Gortmore Tailings Management Facility in the Silvermines area. Following my visit to the area and meetings with interested parties, my Department retained the services of expert agricultural advisors to conduct negotiations with the landowner. I am sure that the Deputy will understand that this is a sensitive process requiring adherence to statutory procedures and that I am not therefore at liberty to divulge precise details at the present. The Deputy may be assured, however, that the matter is being actively pursued with a view to conclusion within a reasonable period of time. I would expect that the tailings management facility will be appropriately managed and monitored on behalf of the State in the future.
407. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of residents in County Louth that currently have access to broadband; the steps that are being taken to rectify this problem and provide for broadband availability across the entire county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22859/13]
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, who provide services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County, including County Louth, can be found on ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie.
The State can only intervene, as in the case of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) and the Rural Broadband Scheme, to ensure access to broadband services in areas where the competitive market has failed to deliver such services, NBS services are available within 1 of the 42 Electoral Divisions in County Louth, (Creggan Upper ED 147012).
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 appointed experts to assist it in the design, planning and procurement of the State-led investment. Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations including stakeholder engagement will be on-going 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 County Louth as well as all rural areas in Ireland, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity, through public or private sector investment, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan.
408. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the individual amount of overtime paid in the case of each political-ministerial appointee for the period 2007 to date in 2013 relative to his office and the office of the Minister of State; if such payments were made to the Secretary General and advisors, and if so, the amounts for the same period. [22871/13]
View answerThe amount of overtime paid in the case of political/Ministerial appointees from June 2007 to date in 2013 relative to my Department is as follows:
|
Minister |
Term of Office |
Staff Paid Overtime |
Cost € |
|
Mr. Pat Rabbitte TD, Minister |
March 2011 to date |
Personal Assistant Personal Secretary |
22,225 1,838 |
No overtime payments were made to the Secretary General or Special Advisers engaged during this period.
410. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm the level of funding which householders applied for under the better energy homes scheme and the better energy warmer homes scheme in 2012; the way these figures compare with 2011 and the amount available to the schemes in 2013. [22926/13]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes and the Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland under the Better Energy Programme.
The Better Energy Homes scheme provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include; draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer.
The following tables outline the number of homes completed and the value of the grants received for both schemes:
|
Better Energy Homes |
No. of homes completed |
Value of applications drawn down (€m) |
Budget Allocation (€m) |
|
2011 |
47, 716 |
57.6 |
- |
|
2012 |
26, 185 |
28.9 |
- |
|
2013 (to end April) |
5, 087 |
4.5 |
18 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
No. of homes completed |
Value of applications drawn down(€m) |
Budget Allocation (€m) |
|
2011 |
20, 388 |
20.2 |
- |
|
2012 |
12, 175 |
20.5 |
- |
|
2013 (to end April) |
2, 292 |
2 |
17 |
In relation to the Warmer Homes scheme the Deputy may wish to note that the bulk of expenditure under this scheme takes place in the second half of the year.
In respect of the Better Energy Homes Scheme, I am advised by the SEAI that the principle reason for the decline in applications relates to the downturn in consumption. Dependent on the particular application, homeowners are required in general to put up matching funds of the order of two to one. The Programme for Government requires the transition in 2014 from the existing Better Energy Scheme to a type of Pay As You Save model.
411. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the progress made in transposing the energy efficiency directive adopted by the European Council and Parliament in October 2012; the steps that will be required to complete the transposition and the timeframe, for the transposition's completion. [22927/13]
View answerThe Energy Efficiency Directive, which replaces the Cogeneration Directive (2004/8/EC) and the Energy Services Directive (2006/32/EC), was formally adopted by the Council of Ministers and European Parliament in October 2012. This Directive translates elements of the European Efficiency Plan into binding measures on Member States, in response to the Commission’s assessment that the EU is unlikely to achieve its energy efficiency target of 20% primary energy savings by 2020 based on the current policy mix. While there are no binding targets in the Directive there are a number of binding measures. A review of each Member State’s progress towards the European 20% objective will take place in 2014.
Member States have 18 months to transpose the Directive, with a transposition deadline of 5 June 2014. However, there are a number of policy decisions and reporting requirements to be notified to the Commission in advance of the transposition deadline. The first of these, a report on the indicative national target for energy efficiency, was due by 30 April 2013. This report, confirming Ireland’s 20% national target, and sectoral target of 33% for the public sector, was sent to the Commission in advance of the deadline.
A series of subgroups have been set up with relevant stakeholders in order to progress the transposition of the Directive, with a formal consultation on the transposition and implementation of the Directive expected over the summer months.
412. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he woll report on the progress made in designing and finalising proposals for a domestic financing mechanism to stimulate energy efficiency projects as outlined in the green economy section of the jobs action plan for 2013. [22928/13]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Homes Scheme under the Better Energy Programme. Better Energy Homes 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 National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the Programme for Government include a commitment to roll out a Better Energy Financing (formerly known as 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 households and commercial operators.
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 in quarter three of this year.
413. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the up to date position in relation to Electric Ireland's joint venture on fibre deployment here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23008/13]
View answerI understand that ESB is currently considering the prospect of utilising its network to rollout fibre services. To this end, it sought expressions of interest in 2012 for a joint venture with the telecommunications sector. This process has not yet been completed and I await a detailed proposal from the company in this regard.
The ESB proposition is just one of a number of encouraging developments in Ireland’s telecommunications market. I note with interest that a number of fixed line and wireless broadband operators are now rolling out improved broadband services across Ireland.
414. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the level of broadband telecommunications infrastructure available in Bailieboro, County Cavan and the area serviced by the telephone exchange in that town; the proposals, if any, there are to upgrade this broadband connectivity; when such upgrading will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23033/13]
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, who provide services over a diverse range of technology platforms. Details of broadband services available in each County, including County Cavan, can be found on ComReg’s website at www.callcosts.ie. Decisions by private operators relating to investment in infrastructure, including the upgrading of telephone exchanges, are taken purely on commercial grounds, having regard to the cost of service provision and the anticipated revenue returns from any such investment. You will appreciate, therefore, that I do not have a role in this regard.
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 45 of the 93 Electoral Divisions in County Cavan, the list of which is set out below.
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 appointed experts to assist it in the design, planning and procurement of the State-led investment. Intensive technical, financial and legal preparations including stakeholder engagement will be on-going 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 Bailieboro in County Cavan, will have at least 30Mbps connectivity, through public or private sector investment, as outlined in the National Broadband Plan.
National Broadband Scheme (NBS)
Electoral Divisions (ED) covered by NBS in Co. Cavan
|
ED Name |
ED Reference No. |
|
ARDUE |
ED 27001 |
|
BALLYMACHUGH |
ED 27009 |
|
BALLYMAGAURAN |
ED 27010 |
|
BAWNBOY |
ED 27011 |
|
BENBRACK |
ED 27014 |
|
BILBERRY |
ED 27015 |
|
CANNINGSTOWN |
ED 27018 |
|
CARN |
ED 27019 |
|
CARRAFIN |
ED 27021 |
|
CASTLERAHAN |
ED 27022 |
|
CASTLESAUNDERSON |
ED 27023 |
|
COOTEHILL RURAL |
ED 27027 |
|
CORR |
ED 27029 |
|
CORRANEARY |
ED 27030 |
|
CROSSBANE |
ED 27031 |
|
CROSSDONEY |
ED 27032 |
|
DERRYLAHAN |
ED 27037 |
|
DERRYNANANTA |
ED 27038 |
|
DIAMOND |
ED 27039 |
|
DOOGARY |
ED 27040 |
|
DRUMANESPICK |
ED 27042 |
|
DRUMCARN |
ED 27044 |
|
DRUMLUMMAN |
ED 27045 |
|
DUNMAKEEVER |
ED 27047 |
|
KILBRIDE |
ED 27052 |
|
KILCOGY |
ED 27053 |
|
KILGOLAGH |
ED 27055 |
National Broadband Scheme (NBS)
Electoral Divisions (ED) Covered by the NBS in Co. Cavan
|
ED Name |
ED Reference No. |
|
KILL |
ED 27056 |
|
KILLINKERE |
ED 27059 |
|
KINAWLEY |
ED 27062 |
|
KNAPPAGH |
ED 27064 |
|
LARAH SOUTH |
ED 27066 |
|
LISAGOAN |
ED 27067 |
|
LISSANOVER |
ED 27068 |
|
LOUGHDAWAN |
ED 27069 |
|
MILLTOWN |
ED 27071 |
|
MUNTERCONNAUGHT |
ED 27074 |
|
PEDARAVOHERS |
ED 27075 |
|
REDHILL |
ED 27077 |
|
SKEAGH |
ED 27080 |
|
SPRINGFIELD |
ED 27081 |
|
TEMPLEPORT |
ED 27086 |
|
TERMON |
ED 27087 |
|
TIRCAHAN |
ED 27088 |
|
WATERLOO |
ED 27093 |
415. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm the uptake of the energy efficiency retrofit fund which was announced as part of Budget 2013; and if he will indicate how successful the planned leveraging of funds from the private sector, in order to match the contribution from his Department, has been. [23063/13]
View answerThe Energy Efficiency Fund (the Fund) will be established to provide finance to energy efficiency initiatives in the public and private sectors. The aim is to attract matching funding from the private sector, such that the overall amount available for investment is greater than €70 million.
NewERA has been asked by Government to coordinate establishment of the Fund and ensure it is appropriately managed. It has recently concluded an extensive period of engagement with sector participants and parties with experience in making and managing investments in the energy efficiency sector.
My Department is currently evaluating a number of issues associated with the Fund’s establishment, including important legal considerations. I anticipate being in a position to make an announcement on the Fund in the near future.
416. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm the amount of grant funding, as well as the estimated number of vehicles purchased, under the two-year grant support scheme for the procurement of both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland which was scheduled to conclude in April 2013; and if there are any plans to extend the existing scheme or replace it with a new scheme. [23064/13]
View answerA €1 million capital allocation has been made in my Department’s 2013 budget for grants towards the purchase of new electric vehicles and the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme will continue this year as long as this funding remains available. To date in 2013, 14 grants totalling €67,600 have been allocated and there are 11 further grants awaiting payment.
Since the scheme was introduced in April 2011, grants have been provided for 240 vehicles at a cost of just over €1 million.
417. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the person liable to pay the €100 household tax for 2012 in respect of a deceased person; if the executor of the estate is responsible for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22266/13]
View answerThe Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the Household Charge. The Act contains provisions which address circumstances in which a person who is the sole owner of a residential property dies. Section 4 of the Act provides that the personal representative, such as the executor, of the deceased person is not, in respect of that residential property, liable to pay the Household Charge relating to a year in which the liability date falls after the date of death of the deceased person and before the date of issue of a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person.
Section 7 of the Act provides that t he personal representative of a deceased person is, as soon as a grant of representation to the estate of the deceased person issues to him or her, liable to pay to the relevant local authority the full amount due and owing by the deceased person, at the date of his or her death, in r espect of the Household Charge.
418. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the correct road tax category for agricultural tractor and trailer combinations used for the general carriage of goods by road for hire or reward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22286/13]
View answerThe annual rate of motor tax for tractors used for the general carriage of goods by road for hire or reward is €333. The motor tax is not based on the combination of tractor and trailer.
