Written Answers Nos. 287 - 297
287. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made to date in respect of the delivery of product from the Corrib gas field; when he expects same to become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20367/14]
View answerCompletion of the Corrib gas field development works, by the developer, is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas. Pending such completion, it is not possible to state a date for when gas from the Corrib gas field will become available. It is estimated that construction of the onshore section of the pipeline, including the construction of a 5km tunnel, will be completed later this year, and first gas cannot be expected before the first half of 2015.
288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which energy costs here are likely to be affected by events in Ukraine; the extent to which preparations are in hand to address any such situation arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20368/14]
View answer289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the degree to which he and his EU colleagues have examined the situation in relation to energy supply with particular reference to the ongoing situation in Ukraine; the likely impact of the situation there on the supply and cost of oil and gas throughout Europe; the extent to which any provisions have been made or are likely to be made to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20369/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.
Ireland is critically dependent on imported fossil fuels, particularly oil and natural gas to meet its energy needs. This dependency underlines the immediate and long term imperatives of enhancing energy security, reducing price volatility and ensuring energy sustainability. National energy policy objectives are in line with overall EU policy objectives and are informed by the critical work of the International Energy Agency (IEA) on all aspects of energy security. Electricity and gas costs in Ireland are influenced by various drivers, including wholesale gas prices, the cost of capital, exchange rate fluctuations, the small size of the Irish market, geographical location and low population density. Wholesale gas prices are by far the most significant factor with prices rising since 2009 driven by events in the Middle East, North Africa and Japan and the significant growth in demand from China and India.
Currently, almost all of Ireland’s gas comes from the UK. Figures published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in February 2014, show that around 49% of our electricity was generated using gas in 2012. While the UK is not heavily reliant on Russian gas, a shortfall in the supply of Russian gas could potentially result in an increase in the wholesale price of gas on the continent, including in Ireland. However, in Europe generally there are supplies of storage gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) available and there is lower gas demand over the summer period. Gas flows consequential on any such supply disruptions and wholesale price rises are difficult to predict. My Department is continuing to monitor the Ukraine situation in close co-operation with other EU Member States.
Detailed operational plans are in place to deal with any unexpected short term disruption to gas supplies. In the unlikely event of a major gas disruption, EirGrid and Gaslink would implement their respective emergency plans to deal with the situation. In terms of oil imports from Russia, in 2013 Ireland imported only a very small quantity of gasoil and no other petroleum products or crude oil. As such, the crisis in Ukraine would not have a direct impact on Irish oil supply. There are a number of EU Member States that directly import oil from Russia by pipeline and these Member States would stand to be directly impacted in the event of a reduction in oil supplies.
Ireland is a founding member of the IEA which was established to improve international oil security. The IEA continues to keep the situation in the Ukraine under review, as does the EU. In terms of prices, Ireland is a price taker in the global fossil fuel market. In the event of reduced international oil supply, it is likely that international oil prices would rise which could ultimately impact on consumer prices.
In terms of long term plans for energy security, Ireland’s approach is to diversify fuels and supply sources. The use of indigenous gas and access to Liquefied Natural Gas storage would enhance diversity. Continuing to develop indigenous renewable electricity is also a key strategy in ensuring supply diversity. Currently over 20% of electricity is generated from renewable sources and supports are in place to ensure we attain our target of increasing this to 40% by 2020. In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, funded and assisted by my Department has, over the past decade, been proactive in maximising energy efficiency. Several successful initiatives have been undertaken while new initiatives are also being considered which will further improve the efficiency of energy consumption, thus reducing our consumption (including consumption of imported energy) and contributing to security of supply.
290. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will draft a rural economic development policy statement; the way he will implement the other recommendations set out in the recently published CEDRA report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19311/14]
View answerThe Taoiseach launched the CEDRA report on 14 April 2014. The report contains 34 recommendations including the policy statement referred to in the Question. Overall the recommendations are far reaching and interdepartmental in nature and in this context will require significant consideration and consultation. The complex nature of the department and agency interactions recommended in the report will require further examination and in this context I am committed to working together with my Government colleagues to determine the best way forward with regard to the implementation of the CEDRA recommendations. In the interim, the CEDRA report will inform the design of the LEADER elements of the 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Programme.
291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when funding under the Leader programme will be made available to a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20133/14]
View answerIn the context of the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP), projects that request funding of €150,000 or more require final approval from my Department after Local Development Company (LDC) Board approval. The assessment of these higher value projects usually involves detailed consultations between my Department and the relevant LDC which is the case with this application. I understand that the assessment of this project application will be completed shortly.
292. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of an application from Kilkenny County Council for funding from the special resolution fund to complete Togher estate, Urlingford, County Kilkenny; and if he will confirm the timeframe involved for a final decision to be made. [19974/14]
View answerBudget 2014 contains a special provision, in the form of a targeted €10m Special Resolution Fund (SRF), to assist further in addressing the legacy of unfinished housing developments. The SRF is designed to encourage the resolution of the remaining tranche of unfinished developments identified in the National Housing Development Survey 2013 and, particularly, those developments not likely to be resolved in the normal way through solely developer/owner/funder action because of the presence of specific financial barriers. It is envisaged that the SRF should be particularly targeted to address the remaining unfinished developments with residents living in them and, in particular, any developments that local authorities identified, for the purposes of the Local Property Tax waiver, as in a seriously problematic condition.
In December 2013, my Department wrote to local authorities seeking proposals for funding support under the SRF and the deadline for receipt of applications was 28 February 2014. All submissions have now been evaluated by my Department in accordance with the criteria that have been circulated to the local authorities. On 2 May, I announced the allocations from the Special Resolution Fund and I can confirm that an allocation of €250,000 was made available in respect of the housing development in question. It is hoped that the SRF will enable very substantial progress to be made in resolving as many of the remaining unfinished developments as possible.
293. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the policy of local authorities in respect of employing persons with a disability, for example, Down's syndrome; if the person with the disability would be required to have been signed off by their service provider before being employed by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19980/14]
View answerUnder the Disability Act 2005, civil and public sector bodies including local authorities are obliged to meet a target of 3% employment of staff with disabilities, unless there are good reasons for not doing so. The National Disability Authority (NDA) reports on achievement of this obligation across the public service on a yearly basis and in this context, the Local Government Sector has exceeded the 3% target on a consistent basis. Under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, it is a matter for the Manager to make such staffing and organisational arrangements as may be necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
294. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce regulations limiting the number of posters erected by candidates at election time; his views on having designated display areas for such posters; and if local authorities are entitled to draw up their own guidelines in this area. [20002/14]
View answerMy Department held a public consultation on the control of postering for elections and referenda in Autumn 2008. Following on from this, a number of measures, including restricting the number of posters per candidate and the display of posters in designated areas only, were pilot-tested during the 2009 Local and European Election. Local authorities were canvassed for their views on these measures.Several local authorities indicated that any restriction on the number of posters per candidate would be difficult to police effectively. There were also concerns that restricting the number of posters per candidate would favour larger parties with several candidates running, while restricting the number of posters per party would disadvantage candidates with running mates. Furthermore, there were concerns that any such measures would disadvantage first-time candidates and thus interfere with the democratic process. Other concerns included the diverse geographical nature of constituencies, e.g. small urban versus large rural electoral districts.
As a result, no measures were introduced to restrict the number of posters at that time. However, section 19(7) of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 was amended by the Electoral (Amendment) (No.2) Act 2009, to introduce a 30-day time limit prior to an election taking place, during which election posters can be displayed. Prior to this amendment, the relevant legislation had required that election posters be taken down within 7 days of an election but provided no time limit for the period prior to an election within which posters could be displayed. While not dealing directly with the number of election posters on display, this legislation ensures that posters are only displayed for a finite and reasonable period.
For the reasons outlined, I have no plans to restrict the number of election posters permitted at this time. However, I understand that, under section 95 (14) of the Road Traffic Act 1961 which falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, the erection of posters on directional signs and traffic light poles is an offence, if such posters obscure the visibility of the signs or obstruct the view of public road users so as to render the road dangerous to them.
295. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding tenants housed under the rental accommodation scheme; if it is the case that when a RAS lease is terminated it is the responsibility of the tenant to find alternative accommodation or if such responsibility rests with the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20006/14]
View answerAccommodation provided under the Rental Accomodation Scheme (RAS) is governed by the terms of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended. The Act provides the main regulatory framework for the private rented residential sector and provides for security of tenure. The grounds upon which a tenancy in the private rented residential sector may be legally terminated are clearly set out in the 2004 Act. It also specifies minimum obligations for both landlords and tenants under a tenancy.
In accordance with the terms of the Scheme local authorities retain the responsibility to source further accommodation for a RAS household should the dwelling that the household is living in become unavailable through no fault of their own. Local authorities, with the cooperation of the tenants, will make every effort to source alternative accommodation as quickly as possible. In seeking replacement accommodation a local authority will attempt to source a suitable alternative within or close to the area in which the tenant is residing. However that may not always be possible because of scarcity of suitable properties available to let in the areas affected. In all cases, not just where a tenancy is under threat, there is no bar on RAS households from sourcing alternative accommodation themselves, if they so desire, as long as the local authority is satisfied that the accommodation meets the needs of the household and conforms to standards for rental accommodation which are set out in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008.
296. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application for funding under the Leader programme for a community group (details supplied) in County Mayo; the timeframe for the processing of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20011/14]
View answerI have been advised that the Tithe Cois Trá - Lacken Housing Association project was reviewed by the Board of Mayo North East LEADER Partnership on 25 February 2014. The project was resubmitted to my Department for further review and my Department is referring a number of outstanding issues back to the Board of MNELP and will consider the matter further on receipt of a satisfactory response.
297. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the water meters installed by Irish Water use a pulse device; the way they are read by Irish Water and by residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20038/14]
View answerThe Programme for Government sets out a commitment to 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 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the metering programme.
The water meter installation programme began in August 2013, and will be implemented nationally as quickly as possible. Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that each water meter has a low power radio unit fixed to the top which enables it to be read periodically from a passing van. This is what is known as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR). The AMR is dormant until the meter is read when it is activated only for the purpose of taking the meter read. Irish Water has procured meters and radio units that comply with all relevant European and international standards designed to protect the health and safety of customers and the public.
Irish Water reads the meter using the AMR technology, as described above. The meter reading will then be provided to the householder as part of the billing process. As such, it is not anticipated that the householder will need to read the meter. However, it is possible for the householder to take their own meter reading if they wish to do so. All Irish Water meters are metric meters, measuring water volume in cubic meters (1 cubic meter = 1000 litres = approximately 220 gallons).
