Thursday, 12 Mar 2015

Written Answers Nos 277-285

Internet Safety

Questions (277)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

277. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Government policy on the principle of net neutrality and the regulation of Internet infrastructure pertaining to the bandwidth provided by Internet providers to consumers; if he has examined potential benefits of net neutrality to business start-ups; his views on the recent decision by European Union member states on net neutrality provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10768/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

As Minister for Communications, I fully support an open Internet that ensures equal access to all content and applications, free from discriminatory practices based on price. At present there is currently no legal impediment to operators blocking access to internet content. However, this, however, is being addressed at EU level, where net neutrality provisions form part of the proposed Regulation on "laying down measures concerning the European single market for electronic communications and to achieve a Connected Continent". Ireland supports the current approach taken by the Latvian Presidency at Council to address net neutrality by way of a principles based approach. I am hopeful that the Latvian Presidency will be able to progress this matter sufficiently to allow agreement be reached with the European Parliament in the coming months.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Questions (278)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

278. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Government policy on investment in 4G mobile telecommunications technology and the potential, as a lever, to connect Irish households and businesses who currently do have high-speed broadband provision; if he has examined the potential of investing in the latest 5G infrastructure via public private partnerships with the technology industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10769/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Investment in telecommunications technology is primarily a matter for industry, which operates in a liberalised market. The provision of mobile telephony services, is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations.

As Minister for Communications, one of my key objectives is to ensure that Ireland is best placed to avail of the emerging opportunities provided by the commercial telecommunications sector through the promotion of investment in state of the art infrastructure and the provision of a supportive legislative and regulatory environment.

The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband services, and are facilitating the roll-out of 3G and 4G mobile services. All of the mobile operators are continuing to invest in the deployment of 4G services and the enhancement of 3G services. These enhanced mobile data services are now expected to extend significantly beyond the footprint of 70--85% population coverage which was envisaged by industry when the National Broadband Plan (NBP) was agreed in 2012. One operator states that it already has 90% population coverage of 4G. Investment in 5G technologies is not envisaged in the short term as this technology is still at the conceptual stage; commercial roll-out is not, therefore, anticipated.

Investment by the State can only occur where there are proven instances of market failure. As you will be aware, my Department is currently developing a detailed intervention strategy as part of the National Broadband Plan to ensure that every home, school and business, regardless of location has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This State-led intervention will focus on areas where commercial services will not be provided.

It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30 Mbps will also be delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and businesses. In terms of technologies to deliver these speeds, we must observe a policy of technology neutrality so as to comply with the European Commission's State Aid guidelines.

Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff Scheme Implementation

Questions (279)

Arthur Spring

Question:

279. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the feed-in tariffs available for renewable energy producers; if a new policy is being formed regarding the photovoltaic sector, with particular regard to less than 6 kW-hour producers and, second, less than 11 kW-hour producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10877/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for renewable energy exported to the grid. These schemes support electricity generated from a range of renewable sources, including small scale hydro, biomass and wind. Based around Power Purchase Agreements between generators and electricity suppliers, REFIT schemes assure a minimum price for each unit of electricity exported to the grid over a 15 year period. Small scale renewable generation is eligible to apply for support under the REFIT schemes.

Furthermore, the SEAI provides a range of supports to businesses and homeowners in relation to the deployment of renewable energy technologies including training and advice. Businesses and homeowners wishing to develop renewable energy projects can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations under the Better Energy Communities and Better Energy Homes schemes respectively.

Microgeneration is the general term used by ESB Networks to refer to generation that is less than 11kW. My Department is considering the optimal fuel mix, including the role of microgeneration, for Ireland. Analysis of the potential of microgeneration technologies such as small scale wind, solar (including photovoltaic) and small scale hydro, has been carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI's findings, along with responses to the recent consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for microgeneration. The views will be taken into consideration in preparation of the White Paper on Energy which will be finalised in September this year.

Given the emerging policy context and the requirements of the EU target market for electricity, my Department is beginning the process of developing a new support scheme for electricity, to be available from 2016 onwards. A key component of this will be consideration of the available technologies, their cost effectiveness and the level of support required. The scheme will be subject to State Aid clearance and the initial public consultation on the new scheme will commence shortly.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (280)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

280. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding broadband availability and roll-out plans in a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10924/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The 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.

The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services with approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.

Last November I published a national high speed coverage map for 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016.

The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention and includes Brosna, Co. Kerry. The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises/home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention.

A public consultation on the map, which commenced in November, closed on 12 February last. 29 submissions have been received to date and will be assessed over the coming weeks. This will help inform the key decisions that require to be taken in order to finalise our comprehensive Intervention Strategy which I intend publishing for consultation in July next.

The strategy will address a range of important issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership and governance options, funding issues and levels of service for end-users. Part of the analysis being undertaken involves consideration of identifying and prioritising strategic connection points such as enterprise parks, schools and other points of economic or social activity within rural communities.

The proposed Intervention will also be subject to State Aid clearance from the European Commission.

Following the public consultation this summer, a detailed procurement process, in line with EU and Irish procurement rules, will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design the tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a 5 year period.

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 (281)

Martin Heydon

Question:

281. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the progress being made on plans for a State investment in rural broadband in County Kildare; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10951/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The 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.

The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services with approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.

Last November I published a national high speed coverage map for 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016. The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention. The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises / home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. The intervention area includes over 20,500 premises in Kildare.

A public consultation on the map, which commenced in November, closed on 12 February last. 29 submissions have been received to date and will be assessed over the coming weeks. This will help inform the key decisions that require to be taken in order to finalise our comprehensive Intervention Strategy which I intend publishing for consultation in July next.

The strategy will address a range of important issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership and governance options, funding issues and levels of service for end-users. Part of the analysis being undertaken involves consideration of identifying and prioritising strategic connection points such as enterprise parks, schools and other points of economic or social activity within rural communities.

The proposed Intervention will also be subject to State Aid clearance from the European Commission.

Following the public consultation this summer, a detailed procurement process, in line with EU and Irish procurement rules, will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design the tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a 5 year period.

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

Energy Policy

Questions (282)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which alternative non-fossil fuel resources continue to be developed in line with the need to meet European Union and international targets; if it is expected to achieve the levels required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11042/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The overarching objective of Ireland's energy policy is to ensure secure, sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. As a State we have ambitious targets for 16% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020 through meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, with 10% renewables in transport and 12% in heat. In 2013, 7.8% of Ireland’s overall energy requirement was met by renewable energy.

Policies and schemes are in place to incentivise the use of renewable energy. The REFIT schemes underpin the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies, including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind. To date wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity. The total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid is 2,500 MW of which approximately 2,200 MW is wind. It is estimated that between 3,500 and 4,500 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target.

Additionally, Part L of the Building Regulations support the uptake of renewable heat. The Draft Bioenergy Plan, which was published last year, recommends the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive for larger heat users to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources. In terms of renewable transport, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme and grant support for the purchase of electric vehicles underpin the deployment of renewable energy in the transport sector.

Broadband Service Provision

Questions (283)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when high-speed, high-quality broadband will become available in all regions of the country without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11043/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The 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.

The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services with approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.

Last November I published a national high speed coverage map for 2016. This map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016.

The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention. The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises/home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention.

A public consultation on the map, which commenced in November, closed on 12 February last. 29 submissions have been received to date and will be assessed over the coming weeks. This will help inform the key decisions that require to be taken in order to finalise our comprehensive Intervention Strategy which I intend publishing for consultation in July next.

The strategy will address a range of important issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership and governance options, funding issues and levels of service for end-users. Part of the analysis being undertaken involves consideration of identifying and prioritising strategic connection points such as enterprise parks, schools and other points of economic or social activity within rural communities.

The proposed Intervention will also be subject to State Aid clearance from the European Commission.

Following the public consultation this summer, a detailed procurement process, in line with EU and Irish procurement rules, will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design the tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a 5 year period.

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

Telecommunications Services Provision

Questions (284)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

284. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has a function in the development of mobile phone network quality and coverage, notwithstanding the role being played by the regulator; if Government has a role to play in ensuring the adequacy of high quality mobile telephony in line with best practice in other European countries; if, in view of the fact that the quality here is not keeping pace with our competitors throughout Europe, an initiative will be considered to improve matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11044/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended. Licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations.

As Minister for Communications, one of my key objectives is to promote timely investment in state of the art telecommunications infrastructure and the provision of a supportive legislative and regulatory environment.

The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 bn in upgrading and modernising networks. These investments are improving the coverage and quality of fixed and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.

While investment in communications infrastructure and services is primarily a matter for the private sector, the National Broadband Plan commits to a range of actions that will facilitate the more efficient commercial investment in the roll-out of communications infrastructure.

Since publication of the Plan in 2012, a working group has been established to address infrastructure issues which were identified by industry as creating barriers to deployment of services. The group is chaired by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and includes representatives from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency, the National Roads Authority (NRA) and Local Authorities.

The Group has reviewed issues relating to the location of telecommunications infrastructure on public roads, particularly motorways, with a view to reducing blackspots and enhancing services and will shortly be in a position to publish a report which will give guidance on the potential location of overground telecommunications infrastructure on public roads.

The Group is now addressing issues in relation to road openings and deploying infrastructure underground. Local Authorities have an important role in assisting the roll-out of telecommunications infrastructure, as does the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, whose planning process must be complied with in advance of infrastructure deployment.

My Department is also in the process of reviewing national spectrum policy and is currently considering the outcome of a recent public consultation on spectrum policy. An important element of this review is to ensure that our legal and regulatory environment supports continued investment in mobile telecommunication infrastructure, which is dependent on access to radio spectrum. It is expected that a draft policy statement will be published later this year.

Energy Production

Questions (285)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which natural energy resources continue to be developed and made available to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11045/15]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers.

The Government’s strategy for the exploitation of the State’s natural hydrocarbon resources aims to maximise the level of exploration activity and increase the level of production activity, while ensuring a fair return to the State from these activities. My Department continues to promote exploration and development opportunities to the international oil and gas industry. As at 28 February 2015 there were 3 Petroleum leases, 30 Exploration Licences and 16 Licensing Options active in the Irish Offshore.

Exploration activity levels in the Irish offshore has ebbed and flowed over the past four decades. However, Ireland currently has the highest number of exploration authorisations in place since offshore exploration began in the early 1960’s. To date, exploration has yielded four commercial gas fields but no commercial oil fields.

In terms of the energy system, in 2013 peat represented 5.4% of energy use with electricity generation from peat being supported at three plants. Furthermore, in 2013 approximately 4% of our gas needs was met from Irish sources.

Our natural resources, including wind, biomass, hydro, solar and geothermal play a role in increasing the renewable energy we use and, in 2013, 7.8% of Ireland's overall energy requirement was met from renewable sources. This is set to increase in the context of meeting our renewable energy target of 16% by 2020. In this regard policies are in place to incentivise the increased use of renewable energy including the REFIT schemes and the Biofuels Obligation Scheme, both of which can provide a route to market for indigenous resources.

Although wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity in Ireland, there is potential to diversify our renewable electricity generation portfolio. To that end, the 2014 Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan identifies the sustainable economic opportunity for Ireland of realising the potential of our indigenous offshore wind, wave and tidal energy resources.

Furthermore, the recently published Draft Bioenergy Plan recommends the introduction, from 2016, of a Renewable Heat Incentive for larger heat users to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources. The draft Bioenergy Plan recognises that meeting the demand for biomass from indigenous sources could deliver significant benefits. Consequently, the draft Plan contains measures to stimulate and support the supply of Irish biomass.