Tuesday, 2 Dec 2014

Written Answers Nos. 575-590

Electricity Transmission Network

Questions (575)

Billy Timmins

Question:

575. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the independent expert panel considering EirGrid’s Grid West and Grid Link projects current brief; their work to date; the appointment of external advisors; the proposed completion date; if the panel's remit will be expanded to cover the need for Grid25; if he will examine the relationship between Grid25 and interconnection with Europe and ensure joined-up thinking is applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46288/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Independent Expert Panel, established in January to examine the Grid West and Grid Link projects, has met on several occasions since then to consider and approve the terms of reference for comprehensive, route-specific studies and reports of fully undergrounded and overhead options for each of the Grid West and Grid Link projects. The studies and reports are required to include assessments of potential environmental impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors. The terms of reference for the work to be carried out were published in May 2014 and are available on my Department's website. EirGrid will either undertake or commission the necessary work in accordance with those terms of reference set by the Panel. In due course, the Panel will provide an opinion to me on the completeness, objectivity and comparability of the studies and reports and will oversee the publication by EirGrid of the two reports prior to EirGrid proceeding to public consultation on the two projects. The Panel expects to be in a position to provide an opinion to me on the Grid West project in Quarter 1 2015. An opinion on the Grid Link project is expected in Quarter 3 2015.

As a matter of course, EirGrid regularly reviews its strategies and projects. Grid25 was originally developed in 2008 when the macro-economic climate was very different. In line with EirGrid’s review policy, Grid25 was updated in 2011, when the scale and scope was reduced to reflect the change in circumstances. As a result the estimated cost was revised downwards from €4 billion to €3.2 billion.

In May this year, EirGrid initiated a further update of Grid25 to take into account the most up-to-date information available, including technical feasibility, future economic and demand projections, and environmental impacts. Following discussions with my Department, this update also includes an independent review to verify the original strategies of Grid25 on the basis of changing circumstances since 2008. EirGrid expects this review to be completed and published early in 2015.

EirGrid's Grid25 Plan includes provision for facilitating increased interconnection to other EU Member States, providing for both imports and exports of electricity as appropriate. This is in line with the European Union’s goal of a fully integrated Internal Energy Market. The 500MW East-West Interconnector with the UK has already been completed, and other possible options are being considered.

Electricity Transmission Network

Questions (576)

Billy Timmins

Question:

576. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the ESRI Green Paper submission and uncompensated losses; if he will clarify EirGrid's failure to respond to submissions made as part of the third round of public consultation which took place in 2013 and quality of responses issued to date; the understanding on ESB's Green Paper submission; if there will be a review of EirGrid's proposed proximity allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46291/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

EirGrid’s public consultation process in relation to Grid Link is a matter for the company and not one in which I, as Minister, have a role or function. However, I have been advised by EirGrid that submissions for the third round of public consultation for the Grid Link project closed on January 7, 2014. Over 38,000 submissions were received, and each one has been considered individually. I understand there are a small number of submissions still under consideration due to the very technical information required to respond adequately to them. The nature of the submissions encompassed a wide range of topics including agriculture, human and animal health, visual impact, community gain, proximity to dwellings, schools and community facilities, and environmental factors. More information is available on EirGrid’s website at the following address:http://www.eirgridprojects.com/media/EirGrid%20response%20to%20key%20themes%20on%20the%20Grid%20Link%20Project.pdf.

The ESRI and ESB submissions were two of over 1,240 responses received to the public consultation on the Energy Policy Green Paper. Insofar as the ESB submission is concerned, it is worth noting that ESB has welcomed the continuing review of EirGrid’s Grid25 Strategy and its ongoing reflection on future grid investment priorities. Both EirGrid and ESB agree that a medium to long-term perspective is necessary in relation to building grid infrastructure, and that Grid25 is required to both facilitate future electricity demand and support balanced regional development. Both companies also acknowledge the need for the rollout of electricity networks to address citizen and community concerns, and to accommodate evolving European energy policy, including in relation to renewable energy. ESB fully supports the EU 2020 target of 16% renewable energy, which entails having 40% of electricity generated from renewable sources. It is important to note that my Department, ESB and EirGrid are all in agreement on the appropriateness and prudence of the 40% target, which is based on solid scientific and engineering evidence.

The question of Proximity Payments is also a matter for EirGrid. However, the July 2012 "Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure" underlined the appropriateness of incorporating community gain considerations into major infrastructure projects. In recognition of the potential impact of transmission infrastructure, EirGrid responded in January 2014 with proposals regarding a community gain mechanism which are set on EirGrid's website at http://www.eirgrid.com/media/Grid25Initiatives.pdf.

Wind Energy Generation

Questions (577)

Regina Doherty

Question:

577. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the total outputs in megawatts of each wind farm here by month and year and by turbine; if he holds such data for as long as he holds records along with the rated maximum output of each wind farm; the number of hours at maximum output or full output hours per year for each wind farm each of which provides details of its location; if he holds data on array losses for individual wind farms; if individual turbines are individually metered; if he holds data on the extent of any curtailment of individual wind farms; if generators are compensated for periods of curtailment and if so, the amount of same; if there is data that would allow the weibull number to be estimated for each wind farm; the extent of the data and analysis he holds on wind energy outputs here. [46358/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

As Minister for Energy, I am responsible for the formulation and implementation of energy policy. The data to which the Deputy refers in this question is operational in nature. Therefore, I have no function with regard to its collection or application. However, I can advise the Deputy that, where such data is required by either the Transmission System Operator, EirGrid, or the Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks, for the purposes of system operation, it is supplied to the system operators by wind farm operators under the requirements of the Grid Code. I can also advise that those wind farms over 10 MW participate in the All Island Single Electricity Market (SEM), and, consequently, their metered export data is available on the website of the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO). The issue of compensation of generators for periods of curtailment is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation. I refer the Deputy to the All Island Annual Wind Constraint and Curtailment Report 2013, which is available on the EirGrid website, for further detailed information. I understand that the most recent figures indicate a curtailment level of 3.5%, with an estimated cost of €7.5 million.

Wind generation continues to be the strongest driver of growth in renewable electricity, with over 16% of our electricity demand being met by this indigenous resource in 2013. Wind generation will continue to play a critical role in meeting our commitment to achieve 40% of our electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020, as part of our overall EU obligation to meet 16% of our total energy demand from renewables.

Hydraulic Fracturing

Questions (578)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

578. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will ensure that strict guidelines are in place for companies when granted exploration licences to ensure that Environmental Protection Agency studies are comprehensive enough and that guidelines will prioritise public health as the main focus of the study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45833/14]

Written answers

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

I assume that the Deputy is asking this question in the context of the major research programme directed at examining the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing which was commissioned earlier this year by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). I am happy to again confirm that no decisions will be taken on any application that proposes the use of hydraulic fracking in exploration drilling until the EPA Research Programme is complete and until there has been time for the Government and other interested parties to consider its findings.

Broadcasting Sector Regulation

Questions (579)

Michael Colreavy

Question:

579. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the obligation for broadcasters to use the Irish language in their services. [46148/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is the independent Regulator responsible for the oversight of the broadcasting sector. Section 25 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that the BAI and its statutory committees, in performing their functions, shall endeavour to ensure that the number and categories of broadcasting services made available in the State best serve the needs of the Irish people bearing in mind their languages and traditions and their cultural diversity. The Contract Awards Committee of the BAI makes arrangements to invite, consider and recommend to the Authority proposals for the provision of broadcasting services additional to the existing broadcasting services provided in the State.

In relation to Broadcasting Services provided in accordance with Sections 70, 71 or 72 of the Broadcasting Act, each contract holder makes specific programme commitments as part of its contract negotiations and these commitments are included as part of the contract agreed with the BAI. These commitments may include undertakings in relation to the Irish Language. TV3, operating under Section 70, must also "have special regard for the elements which distinguish that culture and in particular for the Irish language" in accordance with its statutory objects.

Section 24 of the Act states that the Authority and its statutory committees shall be independent in the performance of their functions.

A dedicated independent public service Irish language channel, TG4, is provided for in the State and has been established since 1996. Section 118(1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 outlines the objects of TG4 and Section 118(3) provides that TG4 shall ensure that its programme schedules are primarily in the Irish language. In this regard, Section 120 of the 2009 Act also provides that RTÉ shall provide to TG4 programme material in the Irish language that will be the equivalent of one hour of daily programming throughout the calendar year.

Both TG4 and RTÉ are reviewed on an annual basis by the Authority on the extent to which they are meeting and fulfilling their commitments in respect of their public service objects including their commitments in respect of the Irish language.

In addition, both RTÉ and TG4 report to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on their commitments under the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Questions (580)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

580. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeline for access to high-speed broadband for areas identified as needing State intervention under the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46179/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State-led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.

On 24 November last, I launched a public consultation on the National High Speed Coverage Map 2016. This allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether or not their premises/home is included in the Government’s proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on a county by county basis as to which villages and townlands are to be included.

This map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. There is a wealth of data and information available here to better inform citizens about the detail of the Government’s ambitious plan to ensure all parts of Ireland have access to high quality broadband services.

The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) towards the end of 2015. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.

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

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (581)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

581. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on using the ESB network to bring high-speed broadband to all homes and businesses as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46180/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The rollout of the fibre-based broadband services by the recently-established joint venture company formed by ESB and Vodafone is an operational matter for the companies concerned and I have no statutory function in decisions around the timing and location of investment decisions. I understand however that the European Commission has recently approved the creation of the joint venture company. Vodafone and ESB have indicated publicly that network roll-out will commence early next year, with phase one expected to be complete by the end of 2018, and scope for a second phase thereafter.

Fuel Prices

Questions (582)

Seamus Kirk

Question:

582. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if petrol and diesel prices are being monitored having regard to the significant decrease in crude oil prices; if retail prices are reflecting this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46184/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is free entry to the market. There is no price control in the oil sector and it is Government policy to encourage price competition and consumer choice. I have no statutory function in the setting of oil, petrol or diesel prices. Previous surveys have shown that prices charged by Irish retailers for oil products relate to the refinery price rather than to the price of crude. Investigations and surveys into oil prices have been undertaken by the National Consumer Agency, such as the Investigation into Petrol and Diesel Price Movements, and these are available on the Agency's website at www.nca.ie. The research indicates that the price paid at the pump by consumers is largely determined by taxation levels, the internationally traded price of crude oil and the consequent price at which refined product is traded in Europe, along with the level of competition in the retail market.

The European Commission maintains a Statistics and Market Observatory, which presents consumer prices and net prices (excluding duties and taxes) of petroleum products in EU Member States (known as the Oil Bulletin) on a weekly basis. The Oil Bulletin is designed to improve the transparency of oil prices and to strengthen the internal market. The relevant link is:

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/observatory/oil/bulletin_en.htm.

As of November 24 2014, the price of petrol in Ireland was €1.45 per litre including taxes and duties, while the price of diesel was €1.39 per litre including taxes and duties. The weighted EU average for the EU 28 for the same week was €1.46 per litre for petrol including taxes and duties and €1.30 per litres for diesel including taxes and duties. While Ireland's diesel price last week was slightly higher than the EU average, our petrol prices were lower. It is also worth noting that Ireland was around mid point on the list of EU Member States.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Questions (583)

Tony McLoughlin

Question:

583. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if, under the new connecting communities national broadband plan, commercial operators will be required to provide the same level of broadband service to rural areas in their new planned catchment as they already provide in towns and cities; and if they do not provide a better service than what is already available, if there is the possibility that these households could avail of the new Government scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46226/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Government's National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.

On the 24 November last, I launched a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map. This allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether or not their premises/home is included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on a county by county basis as to which villages and townlands are to be included.

The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State. It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.

The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. 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.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Questions (584)

Brendan Smith

Question:

584. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of residents and businesses in a number of areas (details supplied) in County Monaghan, where broadband infrastructure is totally inadequate; his plans to bring broadband telecommunications infrastructure up to a modern and appropriate level in those areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46280/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high-quality, high-speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State-led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and at least 1.6 million of the 2.3 million addresses in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high-speed broadband services by the end of 2016. In October, two companies announced projects to deliver direct fibre connectivity to approximately 500,000 homes and businesses in every county in Ireland. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available. Under EU State Aid guidelines Member States cannot intervene in areas where commercial investors have plans to roll out services.

On 24 November, I launched a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map. This allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether or not their premises/home is included in the Government’s proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on a county by county basis as to which villages and townlands are to be included.

This map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. There is a wealth of data and information available here to better inform citizens about the on-going commercial investment in improved broadband services as well as the detail of the Government’s ambitious plan to ensure all parts of Ireland have access to high quality broadband services.

The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015.

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.

Appointments to State Boards

Questions (585)

Seán Fleming

Question:

585. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of State board appointments that have been made under the aegis of his Department in 2014 without being advertised; the number that have been made of persons who had not formally applied for consideration for the particular appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46543/14]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

As I have outlined in a number of replies to Parliamentary Questions, this Government almost immediately on establishment, made important changes in relation to appointments to State Boards with new arrangements widening the opportunity to participate on such Boards by extending a wide invitation for people to submit expressions of interest to serve on the boards of public bodies. In accordance with the Government Decision of 12 April 2011, my predecessor commenced a process of seeking, on the Department’s website, expressions of Interest from persons wishing to be considered for appointment to vacancies on State Boards under the aegis of this Department. This information has been used to inform decisions for such appointments, but I would stress that such invitations are designed to extend the range of suitable persons from which a Minister might make appointments, not to constrain it. While appointments are made by the relevant Minister, I would add that appointments to Boards also include nominations, provided for by statute, by Committees of the Oireachtas, worker directors and ex-officio positions. While the precise structure varies from body to body, in total this can amount to a significant proportion of the Board in certain instances. All appointments are made in light of the applicable legislative requirements, objectives of the organisation and on the basis of appointees having the necessary competencies, expertise and experience to contribute effectively to the work of the particular boards.

Following its meeting of 30 September, the Government announced a revised model for ministerial appointments to State boards. From November 1 all appointments to State boards must be advertised openly on the State Boards portal, www.stateboards.ie, which is operated by the Public Appointments Service and at its meeting of 25 November 2014, the Government agreed the publication of guidelines entitled “Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards”. These guidelines are to assist Departments in implementing the new arrangements for appointments to State Boards, and have been prepared by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform following consultation with the Public Appointments Service, other Government Departments and interested parties and provide detailed guidance on the appointments process, including issues related to diversity.

There have been 32 appointments made to State Boards under the aegis of my Department in 2014 to date, of which six appointments were made of persons from whom expressions of interest applications had been received.

Road Traffic Offences

Questions (586)

John McGuinness

Question:

586. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the records that are kept by the Road Safety Authority on disqualified drivers who failed to surrender their licences; if he will consider making the failure to surrender a licence an offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46088/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There are two sets of circumstance in which a driver can be disqualified from driving on our roads - firstly, a driver who accumulates 12 penalty point, or seven penalty points in the case of learner permit holders or novice drivers, and secondly, when disqualified by the Courts. In each case, the driver is required to surrender his or her licence.

A person who appears in court for an alleged offence under the Road Traffic Acts is required to produce their driving licence or learner permit, and a copy of it, in court.  Failure to do so is an offence.  Where a case results in the individual being disqualified, the licence can therefore be retained by the court at the end of the process.  The implementation of the provisions is a matter for the Courts Service.

Where the licence was not produced in court, or where the disqualification was due to penalty points, the driver is required to surrender it subsequently. Where a person reaches the penalty point threshold, a notification issues to the person informing them that they must surrender their driving licence to the National Driver Licensing Service (NDLS). In addition to this notification, a notice is issued to the licensing authority and An Garda Síochána informing them of each individual penalty point disqualification to ensure that they are aware of the disqualification as well as the driver.

It is an offence to drive while disqualified, whether or not the licence has been surrendered.  Once the driver is disqualified, the licence is no longer valid.  In addition, Gardaí have the power to demand production of a driving licence and, may seize such licence where the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the individual has been disqualified.   I will, however, ensure that the matter of disqualified drivers surrendering licences is considered in the context of the Criminal Justice Working Group deliberations of the Fixed Charge Processing System, with a view to ensuring that the most effective arrangements are in place for the surrender of all licences.

In regard to the figures of cases where people disqualified did not surrender licences, this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA).  I have therefore forwarded these aspects of the questions to the Authority for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.

Public Transport

Questions (587, 588)

Timmy Dooley

Question:

587. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will guarantee that personal data from on-board Wi-Fi sessions on Irish Rail and Bus Éireann will be protected; his plans to address the tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45770/14]

Timmy Dooley

Question:

588. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the privatisation of Wi-Fi services on Bus Éireann and Irish Rail will remain free for customers as part of their journey costs. [45771/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 588 together.

The issues raised are matters for Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the companies for direct reply.  The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a response within ten working days.

Rail Network

Questions (589)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

589. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the proposed extension of the DART to Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45813/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

There are no currently no proposals to extend the DART network to Drogheda. Under the current capital plan the focus is on maintaining and extracting the maximum value from existing assets. The key priority over the coming years will be to protect investment made to date and to maintain safety standards. If additional funds are available, which is not certain, there will be many competing projects from all transport modes in all regions.  Any additional funds will be prioritised for projects for which there is a clear need, which are affordable, have a sound business case and add value to existing infrastructure.  

Subject to funding availability, some projects which are part of the overall DART Underground Programme, and which have capacity benefits in and of themselves, may proceed over the next number of years. One such project would be the extension of the DART network from Malahide to Balbriggan.

Community Games

Questions (590)

Finian McGrath

Question:

590. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason only 5% of children in Dublin participate in the community games; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45841/14]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The Irish Sports Council (ISC), which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the promotion, development and co-ordination of sport, including the allocation of funding for programmes aimed at increasing the levels of participation in sport.

I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Irish Sports Council for direct reply.  I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within ten days.