Written Answers Nos. 368-384
368. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the parameters of the discussions held with EU ministerial colleagues at the Informal Energy Council in Vilnius, Lithuania on 19 and 20 September 2013; the agreements reached; if he will provide an update on matters discussed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39292/13]
View answerEnergy Ministers from EU Member States met in Vilnius on 19 and 20 September. The informal meeting of the Council of Energy Ministers discussed topics relevant to European energy policy. Views were exchanged on (i) the actions and measures necessary for the timely completion of the EU Internal Energy Market (IEM) (ii) the strengthening of European unity in engagements with non-EU countries and organisations on important energy matters; and (iii) the evolving 2030 EU Framework for climate and energy policies. These matters are crucial to increasing energy security, energy sustainability and competitiveness in the EU.
In terms of the actions and measures necessary for the timely completion of the EU Internal Energy Market (IEM), the discussion revolved around various challenges including: the completion of the Third EU Energy Package implementation in all Member States; the development of energy infrastructure integrating energy islands; and empowering consumers in the retail markets. Implementation of the Third Package has already begun in Member States and Ministers reiterated their commitment to completing same.
As regards external dimension of the EU energy policy, the European Commission presented a review of progress since 2011 when Member States agreed certain measures to strengthen the external dimension of energy policy. Member States reiterated their desire to continue to coordinate EU external energy policy actions in order to tackle high energy costs collectively.
The participants also had the opportunity to hear a presentation on the outcome of the Commission's public consultation on the 2030 EU Framework for climate and energy policies. A key focus of the discussion was future targets – the type (Carbon, Renewable, Energy Efficiency), nature and level of targets and how potential targets might interact.
378. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if he will consider the introduction of a minimum distance for landowners who plant trees on the boundaries of existing houses. [39167/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 404 together.
There is no legislation in Ireland regulating the height of trees and hedges. My Department understands that there is no right in Irish law to receive light in a garden and that, while there is a civil remedy of nuisance available in respect of the branches or roots of a neighbour’s trees encroaching on one’s property, there is no civil law remedy in respect of the loss of light in a garden due to a neighbour’s high trees or hedges.
I currently have no plans to introduce legislation on this matter.
385. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government if water metering charges for households joined in group water schemes on public water lines, which are in the process of being taken over by local authority, will householders be metered separately and qualify for the concessionary allowance of water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39291/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 380, 385, 386 and 410 together.
The Programme for Government sets out a commitment for the introduction of water charges based on usage above a free allowance. The Government considers that charging based on usage is the fairest way to charge for water and it has, therefore, decided that water meters should be installed in households connected to public water supplies. The Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme. It is a matter for Irish Water to comply with all national and European legislation in the discharge of its functions.
The installation programme commenced in August 2013 and will be implemented nationally as quickly as possible. The approach to procurement has been structured by Irish Water to ensure that there are sufficient boundary boxes, meters and installation contracts available for deployment to allow for the ramping up of the programme above the initial level once work is underway. It is important that all of these works are carried out safely and to a high quality standard with the minimum disruption and I expect that Irish Water will monitor and supervise all works accordingly.
Responsibility for the administration of my Department’s Rural Water Programme, under which funding is provided towards the capital costs of group water schemes, and of the subsidy scheme under which funding is provided towards the operational costs of group water schemes, has been devolved to local authorities since 1997. My Department will remain responsible for the overall policy and funding of the non-public water sector, including the group water sector. Over the past decade, substantial improvements have been made in the group water sector, reflected in improved infrastructure and management and leading to greater compliance with drinking water standards. This has been accomplished through a partnership approach between my Department, the local authorities and the group water sector itself, with the important involvement of the National Federation of Group Water Schemes. This co-operative approach will be maintained as the reform of water services provision is progressed.
Some group water schemes currently purchase water from water services authorities. In such cases the distribution network remains under the control of the group scheme. It is not intended that there will be any change to this arrangement when Irish Water assumes the water services responsibilities of the existing 34 water service authorities.
