Written Answers Nos. 202-208
202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which the family car is likely to become reliant on electricity as opposed to fossil fuels in the future; the extent to which the need has been quantified in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40880/14]
View answerThe 2009 Renewable Energy Directive sets all Member States a binding target that at least 10% of the energy used in the transport sector must come from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland aims to meet this target mainly through the use of sustainable biofuels with electric vehicles also making a smaller contribution. In terms of supports for electric vehicles, the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme is in place to incentivise and support, through grants of up to €5,000, the early deployment of electric vehicles in Ireland. These grants are in addition to the VRT reliefs which apply to electric vehicles.
Additionally, the ESB is continuing to roll out both publicly accessible charging infrastructure and domestic charge points. My Department understands that 892 public charge-points have now been installed nationally. These include 67 DC fast chargers, most of which have been installed on major roads. Additionally, there are 918 domestic/commercial installations in place.
The extent to which electrics vehicles are adopted in the short-to-medium term will depend on a range of factors including, inter alia, the strength of the economy, the overall numbers of new cars being purchased, the cost of purchasing and running electric vehicles compared to fossil fuel comparators, and the number of different electric vehicle models available to purchase. There are signs that these factors are improving and in 2014 there has been an increase in electric vehicle purchases through the grant scheme compared to last year. Furthermore, it is expected that the biggest technological developments in the sector will take place in battery and vehicle design and this will continue to address concerns regarding the battery range of electric vehicles.
Moving beyond 2020, negotiations are now well under way on the Climate and Energy Framework 2030 published by the European Commission in January of this year. The proposals foresee significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and an increases in renewable energy across the EU. Achieving the 2030 goals will require a range of measures in the transport sector, including additional electrification.
204. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the public services and semi-State companies under the remit of his Department that deliver bonuses to staff that need improvement. [41116/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
205. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a bus service (details supplied) did not operate on 11 October 2014; the number of scheduled times this bus did not operate in September and to date in 2014; the arrangements in place to inform persons waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40793/14]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Will the Deputy please advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.
206. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the hazardous state of a road (details supplied) in County Kerry as urgent improvements are required to existing traffic calming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40801/14]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The planning, design and implementation of individual road projects, such as the N22 is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
Within its capital budget, the assessment and prioritisation of individual projects is a matter in the first instance for the NRA in accordance with Section 19 of the Roads Act.
Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy’s question regarding the N22 to the NRA for direct reply. Will the Deputy please advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
207. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views that the holding of Meitheal 2015, Ireland's largest tourism trade fair, in County Galway would positively impact on the tourism sector in the west and build on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way; and if he will request Fáilte Ireland, an agency under his Department's remit, to analyse whether Meitheal can be held outside of Dublin. [40814/14]
View answerMeitheal is an important event for Irish tourism businesses when top international buyers and tour operators come here to experience Ireland for themselves and to learn more about what we can offer their customers. I have no direct role in the logistics or organisation of this annual trade show, rather, the organisation of Meitheal is a matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. For this reason, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for additional information and direct reply. Will the Deputy please contact my private office if he does not hear within ten working days.
208. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of turf cutters who applied for the turf compensation scheme who have had their application refused at the initial stage; the number who are at the internal review stage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40749/14]
View answerThe qualifying criteria for the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme are that:
- The claimant must have a legal interest in one of the raised bog special areas of conservation or natural heritage areas – ownership or turbary right;
- The claimant must have been the owner or entitled to exercise turbary rights on the land in question on 25 May 2010;
- The turbary on the site must not be exhausted;
- The claimant must have been cutting turf on the land in question during the relevant five year period; and
- No turf cutting or associated activity is ongoing on the property.
I am advised that, at this stage, 99 applicants have been informed by my Department that they do not fulfil the qualifying criteria of the scheme. Of these, nine have applied for an internal review of their case. Five cases have been reviewed and the applicants have been advised of the outcome of the review. Four cases are awaiting review.
