Tuesday, 4 Nov 2014

Written Answers Nos. 1070-1086

Irish Water Administration

Questions (1070)

Clare Daly

Question:

1070. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to explain the reason the Irish Water website has no landline listed under contact details, but solely mentions a 1890 number, while the application pack includes a landline but listed as a number for international callers to use, given that most telephone users and mobile networks offer callers free calls to all landlines as part of their package, and that the failure to have clear landline displayed is costing citizens excessive and unwarranted telephone charges; and his plans to address this issue. [42240/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at [e-mail] or by telephone on 1890 578 578.

In this instance, I have raised the issue concerned directly with Irish Water. I have been informed that Irish Water adopted “1890” phone numbers as it considered that they strike a reasonable balance on contact cost between that incurred by the customer and that incurred by the utility. Irish Water’s remit is to discharge its service obligations within the operating cost framework approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation; the utility’s 1890 channels are consistent with this objective.

The Irish Water website lists two contact numbers (an “1890” and a “01” number) which can be found by following the “Contact Us” link at https://www.water.ie/help-centre/contact-us/.

However, Irish Water has undertaken to amend the website to make it clearer to the public that the “01” landline number is also available for use.

Question No. 1071 answered with Question No. 1010.

Leader Programmes Applications

Questions (1072)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

1072. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the status of an application to Mayo North East Leader by a club (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42264/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

As I understand it the project referred to in the question is fully approved by the Local Action Group and is currently underway. In line with the procedures currently in place, my Department now awaits the submission of a claim for payment.

State Bodies Establishment

Questions (1073)

Michael McCarthy

Question:

1073. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of quangos set up since 2011 in his Department; the number of members of same; the cost and expense incurred to date, including details of the briefs they cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42514/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The information sought is contained in the following table:

Name	Mission/Legislative Basis	Number of Board members	Budget 2013, 2014
Local Government Management Agency	Established in 2012 under the Local Government Management Agency (Establishment) Orders 2012 and 2013 following the merger of the Local Government Computer Services Board and the Local Government Management Services Board. Its role is to be a centre of excellence in the provision of management services, human resource and industrial relations support and advice to local authorities in Ireland.	11	The LGMA is primarily funded through local authorities . It does not receive a standing Exchequer subvention towards its administrative costs. A detailed breakdown of the annual income and expenditure for the LGMA in 2013 is contained in its Annual Report and Accounts, which will be available in the Oireachtas Library shortly.
Irish Water	The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE) under the Companies Acts. The Water Services (No.2) Act 2013 provided for the transfer, in part, of water services functions from 34 water services authorities to Irish Water with effect from 1 January 2014.	9	Some €440m is being provided to Irish Water from the Local Government Fund in 2014. Irish Water has received funding from central funds in 2014 (outside of DECLG vote) in the form of €185m by way of a capital contribution which was made in August 2014 and a further €54m which will be advanced shortly by way of a convertible loan. Otherwise, Irish Water is funded through borrowings.
Pyrite Resolution Board	The Pyrite Resolution Board was established on an administrative basis in February 2013 and placed on a statutory footing in January 2014 following the enactment of the Pyrite Resolution Act 2013. The role of the Board is to oversee and direct the delivery of a cost effective pyrite remediation scheme for homeowners whose homes are affected by significant damage due to pyritic heave and where there are no other practicable options for redress. The Board will work with the Housing Agency to deliver the scheme.	4	The Government approved initial funding of €10 million for the roll-out of a pyrite remediation scheme in 2014 with an additional sum of €10 million to be made available to fund the operation of the scheme in 2015. The post-2015 funding requirement will be dealt with at that stage having regard to developments over the interim period.
NOAC	The National Oversight and Audit Commission for Local Government was established on 1 July 2014 to provide an independent scrutiny of local government performance in fulfilling national, regional and local mandates, including financial performance. The establishment of the NOAC is part of the reform process legislated for by the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and is a very significant development in public accountability. The need for enhanced scrutiny of local government performance was recognised in the Action Programme for Local Government, published by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in October 2012.	12	2013 – Nil 2014 – €78,000
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency	The principal activity of the Agency is to assist local authorities and the Department on policy implementation and to undertake such regulatory or other services as are requested by the Department. This includes the provision of services to support the delivery and management of social housing. The Agency also carries out specific projects and evaluations, studies information on housing matters and provides policy advice. The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (Housing Agency) was formally established on 1 August 2012 under the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency, (Establishment ) Order 2012 (SI 264 of 2012), but operated on an administrative basis from mid-2010, following a Government decision to rationalise the Affordable Homes Partnership, the Centre for Housing Research and the National Building Agency Ltd	8	Budget for 2013 €1.7m   Budget for 2014 €1.6m   In accordance with the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (Establishment) Order 2012, the Agency’s first accounting year will be from date of establishment to 31 December, 2013. The accounts are currently being audited and will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as they have been finalised.

Information on the projected expenditure for Exchequer funded agencies under the aegis of my Department is published in the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2014.  The Revised Estimates publication 2014 includes a summary table of Exchequer expenditure of non-commercial state Agencies showing the provisional outturn for 2013 and the estimated expenditure for 2014.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Staff

Questions (1074, 1075, 1076)

Martin Ferris

Question:

1074. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the chief executive officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland attended the world recreational fishing conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 1 to 4 September 2014; and if he was accompanied by other staff or board members of IFI. [41402/14]

Martin Ferris

Question:

1075. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a breakdown of the cost of the attendance of Inland Fisheries Ireland personnel at the world recreational fishing conference, Sao Paulo, Brazil from 1 to 4 September 2014. [41403/14]

Martin Ferris

Question:

1076. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out the reason and planned outcome of the attendance of Inland Fisheries Ireland personnel at the world recreational fishing conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil, from 1 to 4 September 2014. [41404/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1074 to 1076, inclusive, together.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is the statutory body responsible for the protection, conservation, development and promotion of inland fisheries and sea angling resources and while its protection and conservation actions are often visible in the public domain and its scientific research is respected internationally, it also has a key role in actively promoting this sector. In 2013, international consultants Tourism Development International (TDI) completed the most comprehensive study ever undertaken on angling in Ireland, identifying its economic value at €755 million, including €282 million from angling tourism, and supporting 10,000 jobs in rural and peripheral communities.

IFI was instrumental in bringing the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) annual meeting to Ireland in 2013 and working on investment and promotion with Angling Representative Bodies, other State Agencies and local communities continues to bring international angling events to these shores with significant economic dividends for the hosting communities. This year investment supported by IFI in the Greenway facilities at Coachford, County Cork saw the now world class venue host the World Feeder Fishing Championships attracting almost 200 competitors and officials from 25 nations. The event attracted large numbers of spectators and an almost €2m economic dividend for the surrounding area.

IFI also works collaboratively with the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland and the cross border Loughs Agency on promoting the island of Ireland as a world class angling venue for overseas visitors.

Ireland faces stiff competition for international angling visitors and participation at conferences, trade shows and exhibitions is an important element in IFI’s promotion and development strategy. I am advised that the Chief Executive Officer and the Business Development Director of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), therefore, attended the World Recreational Fishing Conference in Sao Paulo, from 1 to 4 September 2014. With workshops and other activities taking place simultaneously throughout the 4 day conference more than one attendee is required to realise full value from attendance. The conference is attended by fisheries managers, economists, ecologists, scientists and other service providers from all around the world and takes place every 3 years. It provides a highly valuable forum for professionals and institutions representing all components of the recreational fishing sector to exchange ideas and new knowledge relating to the science, management and promotion of recreational fisheries.

Attendance at events and conferences relevant to the remit of any State Agency is a day to day operational matter for the Agency itself, but I am advised IFI considers that the conference is highly relevant to fisheries managers in Ireland and attendance is an investment in the future of recreational angling management. The cost of attendance at the conference is a day to day operational matter for the Agency and I have requested that they contact the Deputy directly with the breakdown requested.

Inland Fisheries Ireland Remit

Questions (1077)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1077. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to explain the position regarding the cleaning of a stream (details supplied) in County Kerry; if his Department will allow the work to go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41597/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I am advised that matters relating to cleaning of a river or stream is an issue for the relevant Local Authority. In that context, consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is normally undertaken by the Local Authority. IFI is the statutory body charged with ensuring the protection and conservation of our fisheries resource and habitats. I am advised that IFI met with a representative of land owners, and Kerry County Council to agree works on the Gowlane Stream which enters Lough Gill at Castlegregory. The works were to be completed by 1st October. IFI also agreed to revisit the site and review works from the fisheries perspective to assist the landowner and Local Authority before they started.

The local authority reverted to IFI on the 15th October to say they intended starting the works on 20th October. However 1st October is the final date for completion of works agreed with all landowners, Local Authorities and the Office of Public Works throughout Kerry to ensure their compliance with Fisheries Legislation. I am advised that the proposed works will now take place in Spring 2015.

I understand that stream clearance in this area is an on-going issue and IFI have provided guidance to responsible bodies on proposed programmes.

Energy Policy Review

Questions (1078)

Robert Troy

Question:

1078. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out his views on a comprehensive energy policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42037/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland was published in May and sets out six energy policy priorities as follows:

- Empowering Energy Citizens;

- Markets and Regulation;

- Planning and Implementing Essential Energy Infrastructure;

- Ensuring a Balanced and Secure Energy Mix;

- Putting the Energy System on a Sustainable Pathway; and

- Driving Economic Opportunity.

The publication commenced a period of public consultation under which written contributions were sought by the end of July. Over 1,240 submissions were received. The process of developing a definitive Energy Policy is continuing with further engagement at stakeholder events at various regional locations to the end of the year. My Department is focussed on ensuring that the assumptions on which the final policy paper will be written are tested and accurate, so as to produce a dynamic and responsive evidence based framework which will facilitate us in steering an appropriate course as we seek to address sustainability, security and competitiveness challenges and opportunities.

The text of the policy paper will be progressed during the first half of 2015 with a view to publication of the final policy paper by September 2015. The new energy policy framework will be timely in that it will be guided by Ireland’s input to the EU’s 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy policies and the preparations for the UN’s COP21 (the 21st Conference of the Parties within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Paris in December next year.

Electric Vehicle Grants

Questions (1079)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

1079. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out his plans to incentivise the purchase and use of electric vehicles. [42134/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme was introduced in April 2011 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 of up to €5,000 which apply to electric vehicles. To date, support has been provided for the purchase of 527 new vehicles of which 245 were grant aided in 2014. The grant scheme will remain open for this year and, subject to finalisation of the budgetary arrangements, continue next year.

Additionally, the ESB, through its ecars programme, is continuing to roll out both publicly accessible charging infrastructure and domestic charge points. My Department understands that 899 public charge-points have now been installed nationally. These include 69 DC fast chargers, most of which have been installed on major roads. Additionally there are 933 domestic/commercial installations in place.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (1080)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

1080. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to explain the position and timeframe for the plans to upgrade the broadband service in Newtown, County Kildare, as Newtown has been identified as one of the areas in Kildare requiring State intervention under the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41313/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland, through a combination of commercial investment and a State-led intervention. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5bn in network upgrades and at least 1.6m of the 2.3m addresses in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next number of years. In the last week alone, two companies have announced projects to deliver direct fibre connectivity to approximately 500,000 homes and businesses in every county in Ireland including 7 towns in Kildare. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.

The purpose of the National Broadband Plan is to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of where they are located, benefits from a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments, such as those I have already mentioned, and a State-led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.

Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. My Department is currently finalising a national map which will identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial examination has already identified a significant number of areas that will require State intervention. It includes 18 areas in County Kildare including Newtown.

I understand that at least one operator has published a programme to roll out 39 fibre based broadband networks in 39 locations in County Kildare by July 2016.

As part of the mapping process, a stakeholder consultation was launched in June. 32 submissions have been received and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses were published by my Department last month.

I expect to publish the map shortly. Those accessing this map will be able to identify their own house or premises and see whether it is in the proposed intervention footprint. Where a house or premises is not in the proposed intervention area it means it either currently, or will in the near future, have access to commercial high speed broadband services. The map will be subject to change as new information becomes available or commercial investments are announced in the future.

A further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015. My Department is also working closely with the European Commission with a view to obtaining State Aid clearance for the programme.

A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) towards the end of 2015.

This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.

Departmental Meetings

Questions (1081)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

1081. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out the number of meetings he or officials from his Department have had with a person (details supplied); the purpose of each of those meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

While primary responsibility for the establishment for Irish Water is a matter for my colleague the Minster for Environment, Community and Local Government and his Department, my Department has progressed certain corporate governance tasks in Ervia in preparation for the establishment of Irish Water. I am advised that a meeting took place on 6 November 2013, attended by my predecessor, the then Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, the Chair and CEO of Bord Gáis Éireann (now Ervia) and the Managing Director of Irish Water and officials from both Departments. The purpose of the meeting was to receive a progress update with regard to the Bord Gáís Group and Irish Water.

Inland Fisheries

Questions (1082, 1083)

James Bannon

Question:

1082. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when dredging operations will commence in the hot water stretch of the River Shannon at Lanesborough, County Longford, to deal with the Asian clam infestation (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41379/14]

Denis Naughten

Question:

1083. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that a project plan and its implementation will be delivered without delay to dredge the River Shannon at Lanesborough, County Longford, to remove the infestation of Asian clam in advance of the winter flooding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41419/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1082 and 1083 together.

I am advised that following the initial identification, by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), of the Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) in the ‘hot water’ stretch and ‘cut’ areas of Lough Ree at Lanesborough, early action was taken to install disinfection stations, erect warning signs and close the fishery to reduce the threat of further spread. These were initial steps and IFI also conducted a comprehensive scientific survey of the scale of the infestation from Tarmonbarry to Lanesborough. This assessment was essential to provide critical information on the nature and extent of the infestation at Lanesborough to inform the consideration of further actions. However, it is important that all understand that Asian Clam, like many other aquatic invasive species, is extremely pervasive in the environment, and once in a water body it is likely that operations will be focused on managing the infestation rather than eradication. As Deputies may be aware IFI does not have a statutory remit as regards alien invasive species but, nevertheless, is coordinating a comprehensive cross agency response to the infestation. Responding to this infestation will require co-ordinated action from a number of State agencies and IFI has been facilitating and chairing meetings of relevant Agencies since the 19th of September. Informed by the results of the recent scientific survey, IFI coordinated the latest meeting on the 29th of October involving Waterways Ireland, IFI, the ESB, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bord Na Mona and Longford and Roscommon County Councils, at which a method statement for removal works was submitted by Waterways Ireland. This statement is being considered by the relevant agencies, including Statutory regulatory bodies. In the first instance it is anticipated that a trail dredge will take place in advance of a full scale dredging operation. In advance of this an EPA licence will be required for disposal of the dredged material and the classification of the materials will have a bearing on the method and cost of disposal. At this point I understand that the overall cost of a full scale dredging operation has yet to be established, however, this will become clear once the material classification is available and it will be possible to accurately estimate the cost. IFI and the other Agencies are committed to collaborative efforts to address the infestation at Lanesborough.

Postal Services Provision

Questions (1084)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1084. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the introduction of a new postcode system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41424/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

My Department commenced a procurement process for a National Postcode System in 2011. An open and competitive procurement process was conducted in accordance with Department of Finance and EU procurement frameworks. A pre-qualification questionnaire was issued on www.etenders.gov.ie on 17 January 2011. This invited interested parties to tender for the contract as a postcode management licence holder for a period of 10 years to design, provide, disseminate and maintain a National Postcode System. The choice of postcode operator was restricted to those companies who participated in the procurement process - this did not include the company Loc 8 Code as they did not enter the process.

On 8 October 2013, the Government approved the appointment of Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited as the company which will develop, roll-out and operate the National Postcode System.

During the tender process for the project, the consultants retained by the Department evaluated a range of options for the postcode structure, including the recommendations contained in the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee. After detailed consideration an approach using a unique identifier was recommended to Government and the postcode design and brand ‘Eircode’ was approved by Government in April this year.

There has been widespread support from both public sector bodies and private businesses with particular interest from the retail and financial industries for the introduction of postcodes nationally. In addition, the emergency services see the introduction of postcodes as facilitating the speedier deployment of their services. An Post, who were actively involved in the design process, and who are fully committed to using Eircodes, are currently updating their mail sortation systems to fully integrate with Eircodes. Eircodes will facilitate improved efficiencies and quality improvements in the mails sector and provide a stimulus to mail volumes through improved marketing capabilities. The consortium developing the system has also undertaken a significant programme of business engagement with both private and public stakeholders. The unique identifier will be particularly useful in identifying the 35% of addresses in Ireland which are non-unique.

Concerns have been expressed by a number of logistics bodies in connection with the Eircode, most specifically in relation to the non-sequential nature of Eircodes. Capita, the Postcode Management Licence Holder, has met with a number of these bodies to discuss these concerns and to, inter alia, explain that a sequential postcode structure is not feasible or necessary.

The Government is fully committed to introducing Eircodes and they are expected to be launched by the middle of next year.

Energy Conservation

Questions (1085)

Willie Penrose

Question:

1085. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the proposed national smart metering project will still be proceeding notwithstanding that it appears, in the context of a recent cost benefit analysis, that savings, if any, would be minimal for homes, residents and businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41605/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP) is a central component of the Government’s strategy to enhance management of energy demand, deliver smart networks and enable greater energy efficiency. It is also aligned with EU obligations on Member States under the Energy Efficiency Directive to progress smart metering. Under the European Union (Energy Efficiency Regulations) 2014 the roll-out of smart meters is a function of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

The CER, as the competent authority for the rollout of smart meters, evaluates the benefits and costs of the programme at all key stages. The first of these evaluations involved a major programme of technology and user trials and showed that a national rollout of smart meters would be likely to lead to overall reductions in electricity and gas consumption and a reduction in peak-time electricity consumption of over 8%. This first cost benefit analysis (CBA) carried out by the ESRI and Frontier Economics estimated a positive net present value (NPV) of €225 million. The most recent CBA, by PWC, showed a central negative NPV of €54 million. However, based on the scale of overall NSMP expenditures, as well as the significant uncertainty which still attaches to certain of the most significant assumptions of cost, PWC indicated that the result should be interpreted as broadly neutral. On this basis, CER consider that the CBA supports the continuation of the programme into the detailed design phase. A further programme evaluation has been scheduled by the CER for 2016 when clarity on procurement costs and a fuller analysis of qualitative benefits will be available.

I welcome the ongoing progress on this important project and look forward to the final ex-ante evaluation scheduled for 2016.

Bioenergy Strategy Implementation

Questions (1086)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1086. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a renewable heat incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41611/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I recently published a Draft Bioenergy Plan which is available on my Department’s website (www.dcenr.gov.ie). The draft Plan will undergo Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments, including public consultation, which will inform the content of the finalised Plan. These assessment processes will commence shortly.

The analysis underpinning the draft Plan is that an additional bioenergy focussed measure in the heat sector would represent the most cost effective means of meeting a number of different policy goals. Therefore, the draft Plan recommends the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for larger heat users to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources.

The terms and conditions of the RHI, including those relating to support tariffs and eligible technologies, will be established during the process of designing the scheme which is due to commence shortly. The RHI scheme, once designed, will require State Aid approval from the European Commission and further Government approval. It is proposed to have the scheme in place in 2016.