Written Answers Nos. 130-141
130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which Ireland remains on course to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction target for the period 2013 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19888/14]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 276 of 3 December 2013 in which I stated that, for the period 2013 to 2020, Ireland has an ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction target under the 2009 EU Effort-Sharing Decision (406/2009/EC).
I remain satisfied that Ireland is on course to comply with the annual mitigation trajectory in the first half of this compliance period. An immediate focus of the national road-mapping process set out in the National Policy Position on climate action and low-carbon development which I announced on 23 April 2014 will be the compliance challenge in the years 2017 to 2020. The low-carbon road-mapping process is ongoing and I intend to release the first draft of the 2050 National Low-Carbon R oadmap, together with a draft Strategic Environment al Assessment, for open consultation later this year.
131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the housing adaptation grant requirements in respect of older persons or persons with specific health needs continue to be met by the various local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19889/14]
View answerOn 16 January 2014 I announced details of the capital allocations under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability . Funding was increased in 2014 to €38.4 million and every local authority received increased funding for grants compared to 2013. So far, some €3 million of the 2014 provision has been drawn down by local authorities.
Over 7,000 households benefitted under the grant schemes in 201 3 and it is estimated that with the increased funding this year, around 7,800 households will be assisted.
132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department's review of the wind energy guidelines 2006, issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in respect of noise, proximity and shadow flicker, is now complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19890/14]
View answerI commenced a public consultation in December 2013 on proposed “draft” revisions to the 2006 Wind Energy Guidelines focussing specifically on the issues of noise, setbacks and shadow flicker. These draft revisions propose:
- The setting of a more stringent day and night noise limit of 40 decibels for future wind energy developments; - A mandatory minimum setback of 500 metres between a wind turbine and the nearest dwelling, for amenity considerations; and
- The complete elimination of shadow flicker.
My Department received some 7,500 submissions from organisations and members of the public during the public consultation period and the submissions – which are currently being considered - will be an important input into the final version of the guidelines, which will be issued to planning authorities. It is intended that the revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines will be finalised during Quarter 3 2014.
134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is expected that the original costs in respect of provision of water services per household as identified by his predecessors are likely to be reduced in any final decision in respect of the charge to be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19892/14]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
The Government is currently considering proposals in relation to the funding model for Irish Water, including the level of Government subvention. These proposals include measures to support the affordability of water charges, including the provision of a free allowance in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government. Full details on these matters will be announced following their completion of their consideration by Government.
The free allowance and the level of funding to be provided by the Government to Irish Water will have a strong bearing on the net charges to be met by households. Consequently, decisions on these matters will provide greater visibility on the expected level of charges in advance of the final determination of all aspects of the water charges plan by the CER. The CER will announce its decision on the approved water charges plan in August 2014. In making its decision on the approval or otherwise of the first water charges plan, the CER will take into account the decisions made by Government on the funding model for Irish Water.
135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department continues to examine the economic impact of climate change legislation or other proposals which might negatively impact on this economy; the extent to which the issue has been examined with a view to ensuring compliance with climate change regulations and maintaining economic progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19893/14]
View answer136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the extent to which any steps will be taken to ensure adequate economic growth while at the same time meeting carbon emission requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19894/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 together.
The National Policy Position on climate action and low-carbon development, which I announced on 23 April 2014, clearly identifies competitiveness as a pillar of the fundamental national objective on transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. The National Policy Position also sets out a number of key issues for consideration in the ongoing evolution of national climate policy, including the need to take advantage of environmentally sustainable economic opportunities both within and outside the State.
The General Scheme of the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill, which I also announced on 23 April 2014, was accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Analysis (available at http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Atmosphere/ClimateChange/NationalClimatePolicy/) which considered, inter alia, impacts on national competitiveness and on economic markets, including consumer and competition impacts.
The General Scheme proposes to provide for incorporation of economic considerations into mitigation and adaptation plans adopted by the Government for the purpose of progressing the national transition agenda. These considerations include the need to ensure that objectives are achieved at least cost to the national economy, and that any measures adopted to achieve those objectives are cost effective and do not impose an unreasonable burden on the Exchequer.
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which plans are in hand to tap into new water supply sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19895/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of Bórd Gáis Éireann, to be formed and registered under the Companies Act. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 transferred statutory responsibility for water services to Irish Water. From 1 January 2014 Irish Water assumed responsibility for the delivery of water services and I have no role in the matter.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via an email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which air pollution continues to be monitored on an on-going basis throughout the country; the number of such points currently operational; the degree to which a rise and fall in any particular air pollutants has been recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19897/14]
View answerThe ambient air quality monitoring programme in Ireland is carried out to meet the requirements of EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and the Cleaner Air For Europe Directive (also known as the CAFÉ Directive). The Directive requires that certain minimum levels of monitoring are conducted for the purpose of assessment and management of air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has responsibility for the monitoring of air quality in Ireland, and monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants based on data obtained from the 30 monitoring stations that form the national ambient air quality network.
The EPA also publishes an annual report on air quality, based primarily on the monitoring requirements of the CAFÉ Directive. The most recent report, Air Quality in Ireland 2012 – Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality, was published in September 2013 and can be downloaded from the agency’s website: www.epa.ie . This provides an assessment of air quality in Ireland for 2012, set against the CAFÉ Directive standards and, for the first time, against the more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines.
Downward trends have been identified for many pollutants and Ireland currently meets all EU standards for air quality but exceeds WHO air quality guidelines in respect of particulate matter. Particulate matter levels in Ireland can be of concern, particularly during the winter heating season, when people’s choice of fuel can impact directly on the air quality in their locality and can thus impact on health. To maintain our good standard of air quality and ensure that our air will be healthy and clean, Ireland must continue to implement and enforce the ban on bituminous (smoky) coal. Households and businesses can help by using more efficient methods to burn fuel and shift from solid fuel to cleaner alternatives, while also striving to reduce the demand for energy consumption.
Levels of nitrogen oxides ( NOX) at traffic-impacted city centre areas may also be a challenge in the future. Ireland is seeking to reduce traffic emissions through implementing policies to reduce travel demand, increase the use of alternatives to the private car such as cycling, walking, and public transport and improve the efficiencies of motorised transport.
140. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the water crisis in County Roscommon particularly in Castlerea and Boyle; and when it is envisaged work will commence on upgrading the system. [19915/14]
View answerThe Arigna, Boyle/Ardcarne, Roscommon Central and South Roscommon Regional Water Supply Schemes were included as Water Treatment Plant Upgrade contracts to start and as a Network Contract at Construction in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013.
In March 2013 I approved the Council’s Contract Documents for the Water Treatment Plant Upgrades for the Arigna, Boyle/Ardcarne, Roscommon Central and South Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme. Early in November 2013, I approved the commitment of the necessary capital funding of just over €12 million for the scheme to enable Roscommon County Council complete the contract formalities with the successful tenderer and to commence, as soon as possible, the works involved in the Design Build Operate Contract on the scheme. In December 2013, I also approved the provision of funding of €3.976 million to allow Roscommon County Council complete the tender formalities to commence the Network Contract on the Boyle/Ardcarne and Arigna Regional Water Supply Scheme. This approval of funding provides for the construction of the five Treatment Plants and other ancillary works on the scheme and will also provide treatment works for areas affected by “Boil Water Notices” in Roscommon.
The West Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme was included as a Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Contract at Granlahan to commence under my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 . Under a review of the Programme, carried out in 2011, my Department approved the inclusion in the Programme for the West Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme of an advance networks upgrade contract – the Castlerea Urban and Regional Water Supply Improvement Works.
In April 2013 my Department approved the Supplementary Design Review Report for the West Roscommon Regional Water Supply Scheme, which included advance works to address water quality issues on the Castlerea Urban and Regional Water Supply Scheme, at a cost of €8.3 million.
In mid-November 2013 a request was received in my Department from Roscommon County Council seeking approval of funding of almost €1.6 million for a Watermain Network Contract to interconnect the pipework on the Castlerea Urban & Regional Water Supply Scheme. However, it was not possible for my Department to finalise its examination of the Council’s submission prior to the transfer of responsibility for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure to Irish Water on 1 January 2014.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. It is currently preparing a Capital Investment Plan for 2014 – 2016 that will provide for the transition of projects included in the Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013. The further progression of all water services capital projects, including these schemes, is now a matter for Irish Water.
Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via an email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
141. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has read the recently published Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality's report on the recognition of Traveller ethnicity; and his views on same. [19749/14]
View answerI welcome the publication of the Report on on the Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity by the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality.
The Deputy will be aware from my reply to questions on this subject, including my replies to Parliamentary Questions on 30th April 2014 (reference 19365/14) and 10th December 2013 (reference 52666/13), that I have previously undertaken to give serious consideration to the issue. My reply of 10th December also explained that my consideration of the issue will take account of the report of the Conference on the subject of Ethnicity and Travellers:An Exploration held in September 2012 and the outcome of an ongoing engagement with other Government Departments on the issue with a view to identifying any possible implications arising from the recognition of Travellers as an ethnic group. The Joint Committee's Report, which is being examined by my Department, will now also clearly form part of that consideration.
I hope that the examination of all relevant issues will be brought to a conclusion shortly, facilitating a full analysis of all aspects of granting ethnic status to Travellers to inform any proposals on the matter that I may wish to bring to Government.
