Written Answers Nos 1-30
8. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a projected cost to the Exchequer for the roll-out of fibre broadband under the national broadband plan and a projection of the number of jobs that could potentially be created. [10503/15]
View answerThe proposed State intervention under the National Broadband Plan represents a very significant capital investment project for the State. The Minister has undertaken to complete a detailed intervention strategy that will be submitted to Government in mid-2015. This process is complex and will include close examination of issues such as:
- The appropriate ownership model for the infrastructure;
- Whether there will there be a single contractor or multiple contractors to build the infrastructure;
- The potential cost of the intervention;
- Funding options;
- The appropriate duration of the contract; and
- How the service quality is to be measured and assured.
Because a very competitive procurement process is anticipated, it would be neither advisable nor appropriate to speculate about potential costs at this stage and it is preferable to allow the market players bid what they deem an appropriate price, taking account of the Government's decisions on the key issues, such as those I have already outlined.
There are a number of different perspectives in relation to the Deputy's reference to job creation. There will obviously be jobs created during the construction and deployment of a new high-speed network. The precise numbers will be very much a matter for the successful bidder or bidders to determine, particularly as it is very likely that the contract with the State will contain clear deadlines for the completion of this work.
More importantly, the delivery of high quality reliable broadband to every premises in Ireland will open up new job opportunities right across the economy. The digital economy currently represents 5% of GDP and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the economy. Irish consumers spend around €700,000 per hour, 24 hours a day online and the digital industry supports almost 100,000 direct and indirect jobs
The importance of focusing on digital and its potential to contribute to economic growth and job creation cannot be under-estimated. In a fully functioning digitally enabled economy, research from McKinsey suggests that for every job displaced by digital, 1.6 additional jobs will be created. Research also shows that companies which have a meaningful online trading presence grow twice as fast, export twice as much and employ twice as many people. Ensuring that all businesses have access to reliable broadband is therefore important. It will also allow the opportunity for new digital enterprises to emerge.
In delivering a reliable high speed network the Government aims to catalyse employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, which heretofore may have struggled to create and sustain employment.
9. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the consultation process with interested parties on the new energy policy document that is due to be published this summer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10514/15]
View answerAn extensive consultation process was undertaken on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland following the publication of the Paper on 12 May 2014. This process included:
- a public written consultation process where members of the public had ten weeks in which to lodge their submissions;
- six seminars, one on each of the policy priority areas identified for consideration in the Green Paper;
- a separate seminar on the broad topic of energy costs for businesses; and
- four regional seminars.
Over 1,200 submissions were received as part of the written consultation process.
The six "priority" seminars and the "costs" seminar were organised by the Department and held in Dublin. The four regional seminars were organised by Irish Rural Link on behalf of the Department to ensure, insofar as was possible, that local, rural and regional interests were represented and provided with an opportunity to express their views on all aspects of Irish energy policy.
The purpose of the public consultation and stakeholder engagement events was to invite observations and suggestions from interested parties, to tease out the most important points highlighted, to express any other views, whether in writing or orally, and to identify policy points for consideration.
The next stage, now underway, involves a thorough analysis of the issues raised to distil the main themes into the policy paper. In this regard, the Minister will be advised by the expert members of the Energy Policy Advisory Group, which he established in September 2014. The members of the group are Professor John FitzGerald, formerly of the Economic and Social Research Institute, Ms. Helen Donoghue, a member of the Institute of International and European Affairs, and formerly of the European Commission, and Dr. Brian Motherway, CEO of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The forthcoming policy paper will, when published in September 2015, set a clear policy framework out to 2030.
10. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to expand the use of renewable energy. [10511/15]
View answerThe overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020, to be achieved through 40% renewables in electricity, 12% in heat and 10% in transport. In 2013, 7.8% of Ireland’s overall energy requirement was met by renewable energy.
Transitioning to greater use of renewable energy is important for sustainability. Using our indigenous resources is also important given that we currently import 89% of our total energy use including all of our oil, and over 95% of our gas. In 2013 we spent approximately €6.7 billion on imported energy. Keeping some of that €6.7 billion in our own economy would facilitate investment, growth and jobs, and enhance our balance of payments.
There are a range of policies in place to incentivise the increased 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 most cost effective renewable technology in the Irish electricity market, contributing most towards the achievement of the 2020 target.
Part L of the Building Regulations supports the uptake of renewable heat and 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 Biofuels Obligation Scheme and grant support for the purchase of electric vehicles underpin the deployment of renewable energy in the transport sector.
Looking beyond 2020, the October 2014 European Council endorsed a binding EU target of at least 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by 2030 compared to 1990. In addition, an EU target of at least 27% is set for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030, and an indicative target at EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy efficiency in 2030 compared to projections of future energy consumption.
Ireland intends to make a cost-effective, achievable and fair contribution to these high level EU goals. The Department is overseeing detailed and rigorous energy system and economic modelling to identify the contribution which is appropriate for Ireland, taking account of our specific economic circumstances. This analysis will address issues such as the quantum of additional renewable electricity we should seek to achieve by 2030, the technologies that should be supported in this regard, and the level at which any future supports should be set.
14. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to prioritise those areas which have had little or no broadband service to date in seeking tenders to implement the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10232/15]
View answerThe 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 the comprehensive Intervention Strategy which the Minister intends 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.
15. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha cé na hathruithe a thiocfaidh ar an Mol Digiteach agus é á bhogadh faoi réim Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath. [10419/15]
View answerD’fhógair an tAire ar 16 Eanáir 2015, d’fhonn plean an Rialtais i gcomhair cuíchóiriú Gníomhaireachtaí Stáit a thabhairt chun cinn, go mbunófar an Ghníomhaireacht Forbartha don Mhol Digiteach mar chomhlacht neamhspleách faoi Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath.
Is í an fhís do chomhlacht nua an Mhoil Dhigitigh faoi Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath go dtiocfaidh fás leanúnach ar ionad beoga gníomhaíochta fiontraíochta digití i gceantar Bhaile Átha Cliath 8, ag a mbeidh tacaíocht ó mheascán d’fhorbairtí de chuid na hearnála poiblí agus príobháidí araon a rachaidh i ngleic leis an anchaoi leanúnach shuntasach ar a champas, a thacóidh le cruthú post agus ar thoradh dó athghiniúint shuntasach cheantar na Saoirsí.
Mar chomhlacht neamhspleách, coinneoidh an Mol Digiteach a fhócas digiteach tráchtála agus an fhéiniúlacht agus brandáil ar ghné thábhachtach í den fhorbairt rathúil atá déanta aige ar fhiontraíocht dhigiteach in Éirinn. Cinnteofar leis seo go leanfaidh an Mol Digiteach de chlú Bhaile Átha Cliath agus na hÉireann a mhéadú agus a dhaingniú mar ionad barr feabhais digiteach.
Tugann an cónascadh deis do Chomhairle Cathrach Bhaile Átha Cliath agus don Mhol Digiteach araon leas a bhaint as sinéirgí a chuimsíonn fás na fiontraíochta, bainistiú agus forbairt réadmhaoine, athghiniúint uirbeach agus tionscnaimh phobail.
Ag ullmhú dóibh i gcomhair an athraithe, tá samhail nua straitéise agus maoinithe comhaontaithe ag Bord an Mhoil Dhigitigh a chuirfidh ar chumas an chomhlachta feidhmiú trí fhócas níos mó ar an bhfiontraíocht dhigiteach agus cur lena mhealltacht mar shuíomh braisle le haghaidh eolais, nuála agus cruthaitheachta agus an comhlacht a chur go láidir i dtreo na neamhthuilleamaíochta ag an am céanna.
Éascófar leis an straitéis nua don Mhol Digiteach freisin méadú na hacmhainne oifige trí fhorbairt agus athchóiriú na bhfoirgneamh a bhfuil cuid mhór díobh in anchaoi nó ar struchtúir chosanta iad, ar a champas i mBaile Átha Cliath 8.
Tá mo Roinn ag obair ar na gnéithe riaracháin agus dlí den chónascadh agus i gcomhairle leis na croípháirtithe leasmhara, Ranna eile Rialtais san áireamh, maidir leis seo.
16. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to introduce a renewable heat initiative to companies and-or homeowners that generate and use renewable energy to heat their buildings, as is done in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10461/15]
View answerThe Minister published a Draft Bioenergy Plan in October 2014 which will undergo Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments to inform the content of the finalised Plan. These assessment processes will commence shortly. The draft Plan sets out the broader context for the development of Ireland’s biomass sector, and the current status with regard to the range of policy areas that must be co-ordinated in order to create the conditions necessary to support the development of this sector.
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 including reducing the emerging gap, in terms of meeting our 2020 Renewable Heat target, anticipated in the heat sector. Accordingly, the draft Plan recommends the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive to incentivise larger heat users in the industrial and commercial sector to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources in order to deliver the additional heat required in the context of meeting 12% of heat demand from renewable sources by 2020. There are no plans at this time to introduce such a scheme for domestic heat users.
The design of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme will commence this year and will include public consultation, the first stage of which will be launched shortly. The consultation process will seek views on a range of issues including the technologies that should be included. Once designed, it will require State Aid clearance from the European Commission and further Government approval. Subject to these approvals, it is proposed to have the scheme in place in 2016.
17. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will increase funding to Teagasc's bioenergy research into renewable energy in order for Ireland to increase its chances of meeting renewable heat targets through essential research; his plans to increase funding to university bioenergy research projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10462/15]
View answerIn October 2014, the Minister published a Draft Bioenergy Plan which will undergo Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments, including public consultation, which will inform the content of a finalised Plan. These assessment processes will commence shortly.
The draft Plan sets out the broader context for the development of Ireland’s bioenergy sector, and the current status with regard to the range of policy areas, including research, that must be coordinated in order to create the conditions necessary to support the development of this sector. The draft Plan also identifies the next steps that must be taken to support the sustainable development of the sector.
The draft Plan acknowledges that research and development in the bioenergy sector remains a key priority of energy policy and recommends that appropriate bioenergy research continues to be carried out in Ireland along the entire innovation chain, from basic research to pre-commercial demonstration. The Bioenergy Steering Group, which has been established to oversee the implementation of the draft Plan, has set up a working group specifically to coordinate actions across bioenergy research and development. Reflecting the cross-sectoral nature of bioenergy research, the working group will draw membership from the relevant Departments and Agencies, including Teagasc as well as engaging with third level institutions and commercial bodies.
The Department does not directly provide bioenergy research funding to Universities nor does it do so for Teagasc. It does, however, provide the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with funding to support research, development and demonstration projects in the area of renewable energy, including bioenergy.
I am advised that Teagasc, along with other research bodies, applies for research funding through competitive research programmes such as the Research Stimulus Fund and from other sources such as EU funds and industry. It is also in receipt of an annual grant-in-aid allocation from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to fund the delivery of core research, advisory and education services to the agriculture and food sector.
18. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources with regard to inland fisheries and EU funding that was not fully used under the LIFE project for Leader development companies, if he is satisfied with this; his strategy or policy to maximise the tourist potential of inland fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10508/15]
View answerThe LIFE Programme is the EU's financial instrument supporting environmental and climate action projects throughout the EU. I understand that, nationally, the lead contact for the programme is the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.
I understand that funding is not allocated to Departments or Agencies for their discretionary reallocation to projects. Under the Environment Sub-programme the selection process for projects is entirely merit based with projects competing against applications from other EU member states.
Inland Fisheries Ireland has participated in a number of projects that have successfully secured LIFE funding. IFI were the lead partner in a LIFE project concerning invasive species. This project is now complete and all funding was utilised. Work is completed on a further LIFE project led by IFI on the Mulkear River in Limerick with all funds utilised and the final report on the project is now being prepared. IFI is an associate partner in a third LIFE project, led by a LEADER company which is not yet complete but it is expected that full expenditure and the work programme will be completed in order to draw down the funds awarded to the project by the project end date.
IFI continues to examine closely further potential funding opportunities under the LIFE and other EU programmes within the parameters of these schemes and the competitive application process in which they operate.
19. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the merging of Coillte and Bord na Móna; and if he will provide a timescale for the establishment of a joint venture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10463/15]
View answerIn June 2014, the Government decided to streamline and refocus the commercial operations of Bord na Móna and Coillte, primarily in the bioenergy and wind energy sectors. The decision requires Bord na Móna and Coillte to proceed with a partial merger in four key areas: wind; biomass; tourism and recreation; and shared services.
An Interdepartmental Steering Group, comprising senior officials from relevant departments, has been charged with overseeing the project which involves interaction with both companies as they progress with the partial merger. Both companies are committed to moving ahead with this challenging agenda and detailed work is proceeding on all areas of the initiative. It is anticipated that, subject to appropriate regulatory and other approvals and clearances being confirmed, the initial corporate structures will be in place later this year.
Progress is being made across all areas including:
- Establishing a biomass business, to be called BioEnergy Ireland, which will procure biomass at market rates from both Coillte and private sources and use this to supply the entire market, including Coillte’s board companies and Bord na Móna’s power station, on a competitive, commercial basis;
- Establishing a wind business comprising initially of two Coillte wind farms, with further integration of the wind assets of both companies over time;
- Developing shared services to consolidate central support services and drive cost efficiencies; and
- Developing Recreation and Tourism to realise the green / agri-tourism potential inherent in the combined land banks of the two companies.
20. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the timeframe for the roll-out of high speed broadband to rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10240/15]
View answerThe 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 the Minister 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. 28 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 the Minister intends 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. It is anticipated 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.
21. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the 5% charge on energy efficiency obligation is to be transferred on to customers. [10502/15]
View answerThe 2012 EU Energy Efficiency Directive imposes an obligation on Member States to achieve energy savings each year from 2014 to 2020 of 1.5% of the amount of energy sold annually to final customers. The Directive also requires the involvement of energy distributors and retailers in meeting this obligation. Ireland has decided to meet this target by imposing a lower target of 0.75% on the energy industry, with additional Government measures to deliver the remaining 0.75% of the EU target. By splitting responsibility for the required savings between industry and Government, an appropriate balance has been struck that allows Ireland to meet its obligation at a lower cost to the consumer.
To implement this obligation, Energy Efficiency Notices have issued to energy suppliers under Statutory Instrument No. 131 of 2014. These notices impose legally binding energy saving obligations on all energy suppliers that sell more than 600 gigawatt hours of energy for the years 2014-2016. Suppliers have considerable flexibility in how they seek to achieve the required energy savings. However, 70% of the required savings must be delivered in the commercial sector, a further 25% in the domestic sector, with 5% focused on customers experiencing energy poverty.
The obligation encourages suppliers to offer more innovative energy service products to their customers. Developing the scope for energy consumers to manage their energy use is becoming increasingly important in the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
It is the Minister's intention to publish a report on the operation of the obligation scheme later this year. This report will detail the energy savings achieved in 2014 and the costs associated with achieving those savings. The Minister is confident that this EU obligation can be achieved at a minimal cost to consumers. It is up to energy suppliers how they reflect these costs on consumers' bills, subject to the regulatory requirements of the Commission for Energy Regulation.
22. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the development of renewable energy. [10515/15]
View answerThe overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020, to be achieved through 40% renewables in electricity, 12% in heat and 10% in transport.
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 most cost effective renewable technology in the Irish electricity market, contributing most towards the achievement of the 2020 target.
Part L of the Building Regulations supports the uptake of renewable heat and the recently published Draft Bioenergy Plan recommends the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive for larger heat users to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme and grant support for the purchase of electric vehicles underpin the deployment of renewable energy in the transport sector.
Looking beyond 2020, the October 2014 European Council endorsed a binding EU target of at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In addition, an EU target of at least 27% is set for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030, and an indicative target at EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy efficiency in 2030 compared to projections of future energy consumption.
Ireland intends to make a cost-effective, achievable and fair (in terms of effort sharing among Member States), contribution to these high level EU goals. The Department is overseeing detailed and rigorous energy system and economic modelling to identify the contribution which is appropriate for Ireland taking account of our specific economic circumstances. This analysis will address issues such as the quantum of additional renewable electricity we should seek to achieve by 2030, the technologies that should be supported in this regard, and the level at which any future supports should be set.
23. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for legislation to remove surcharges on top-ups for pay-as-you-go meters for electricity and gas, considering those who avail of them are those who are most at risk of fuel poverty. [10501/15]
View answerI am aware of reports of some retailers continuing to apply surcharges to top-up payments for Pay As You Go meters for electricity and gas.
Pay As You Go meters are offered free of charge to energy consumers experiencing financial difficulty. Since their introduction in 2011, more than 120,000 meters have been distributed. These meters have proved to be effective in helping to reduce disconnections. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has recently reported a 38% fall in disconnections for quarter three of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. I understand the CER views Pay As You Go meters as contributing significantly to this improvement.
In light of the assistance that Pay As You Go metering is providing to households under financial pressure, it is critical that these households do not incur any charges for availing of them. In recent months the Minister has publicly called for an end to this practice by retailers. Senior officials from the Department have also met with the payment service providers to communicate to them the critical importance of them making every effort to address this issue. The payment services providers have advised that the level of customer complaints is low and that they are working with energy suppliers to investigate and address persistent problems. The willingness of the payment service providers to engage is acknowledged, and the Minister would wish to see such a response from representatives of the retail sector. In the coming weeks the Department will be meeting with some retailers principals. Should the problem of surcharging continue, the Minister is prepared to consider the legislative options that may be open to him.
In the meantime, it is recommended that consumers would report any instances of the application of surcharges to Pay As You Go transactions to both their energy supplier and the relevant payment service provider.
24. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update regarding his plans to introduce a broadcasting charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10233/15]
View answerThe programme for Government commits to examining the role and collection of the TV licence fee in light of existing and projected convergence of technologies and to transforming the TV licence into a household based Public Service Broadcasting Charge to be applied to all eligible households and applicable businesses, regardless of the device used to access content or services.
The Minister is currently considering the Charge in the context of funding of public service broadcasting, arising from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland's five year review of broadcasting, including a new system of determining the adequacy of funding for public service broadcasters and a revision of the current governance arrangements for advertising minutage.
In conjunction with this, the Minister is also considering possible amendments in relation to certain administrative and operational issues identified in the period since the Act came into effect.
Until the Minister has given full consideration to these matters, and brought proposals in that regard to Cabinet for decision, there will be no change to the current arrangements.
25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the degree to which policy is being finalised in respect of ongoing measures required to reduce dependency on fossil fuels by way of various replacements; if he is satisfied that the progress to date in this regard will sufficiently reduce Ireland’s dependency on fossil fuels; if the full extent of reliance on wind energy has been determined along with other renewable sources of energy and keeping in mind the need to maintain carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10499/15]
View answerThe 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 2500 MW of which 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.
Part L of the Building Regulations supports the uptake of renewable heat. The Draft Bioenergy Plan, which I 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. Additionally, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme and grant support for the purchase of electric vehicles underpin the deployment of renewable energy in the transport sector.
In 2014, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) published a report on Quantifying Ireland’s Fuel and CO2 Emissions Savings from Renewable Electricity in 2012, which found that wind generation displaced an estimated 586 kilo tonnes of oil equivalent of fossil fuels, valued at €177 million, with a consequent carbon dioxide saving of 1.51 million tonnes, valued at €11 million.
26. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha an gceapann sé gurb ionann córas leathanbhanda snáthoptaice agus córas leathanbhanda gan sreang; cad iad na buntáistí agus na míbhuntáistí a bhaineann le gach córas díobh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10239/15]
View answerI líonra snáthoptaice baintear úsáid as solas le sonraí a tharchur i bhfad níos gasta agus i bhfad níos faide ná líonraí traidisiúnta copair. Is féidir freastal ar leithead banda i bhfad níos mó freisin, rud a fhágann gur féidir le cuid mhaith úsáideoirí a bheith ar líne san aon am amháin gan mheathlú a theacht ar chaighdeán na brabhsála acu. Meastar gurb é snáithín an t-ardán teicneolaíochta is fearr le tacú le gníomhaíochtaí gnó agus eacnamaíochta an lae inniu, agus meastar freisin gurb é is fearr a sheasfaidh an aimsir agus a mbeidh teacht aniar ann.
Maidir leis an teicneolaíocht gan sreang (seasta agus soghluaiste araon), tarchuirtear comharthaí raidió ó stáisiúin bhunáite nó ó chrainn go trealamh glactha in áitreabh an tomhaltóra. Tá an líne amhairc fíorthábhachtach ina leithéid seo d’ardán, mar sin. Tá tábhacht freisin le bacainní fisiceacha (sléibhte, cnoic, crainn etc) agus le líon na n-úsáideoirí in aon chill ar leith atá ar líne ag an am céanna. Dá mhéad líon na n-úsáideoirí atá gníomhach in aon am ar leith is amhlaidh is ísle an caighdeán brabhsála dóibh siúd atá sa chill. Is féidir leis an drochaimsir cur isteach ar chaighdeán na seirbhíse freisin.
Is amhlaidh is féidir seirbhísí ardchaighdeáin agus ardluais a chur ar fáil trí líonraí gan sreang, ag brath ar na toisí. Ní sheasfaidh siad an aimsir chomh maith céanna le líonraí snáithín, áfach, agus is gá cuid mhaith obair leanúnach cothabhála a dhéanamh orthu.
Maidir le hidirghabháil an Rialtais, caithfimid déanamh de réir bheartas na neodrachta ó thaobh na teicneolaíochta de lena bheith ag teacht le treoirlínte an Choimisiúin faoi Státchabhair. Beidh ár n-idirghabháil ceaptha sa dóigh go gcuirfear 30 mbps ar a laghad ar fáil do gach áitreabh sa cheantar idirghabhála, agus caithfear a bheith in ann é seo a mhéadú ó scála de réir mar a mhéadóidh an t-éileamh ar leithead banda amach anseo.
27. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources noting the lack of progress during 2014 reported by Westwave to the Marine Renewable Energy Industry conference in which he participated, his views that the Westwave strategy of dependence on multinational and Irish private developers with claimed technical readiness level of 7 to 9 to deploy devices at the site off the County Clare coast has not worked; and if he will now review the potential of Irish wave energy developers who have received Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant funding, have demonstrated proof of concept, are at TRL level 2 to 3 and consider whether the Government should buy the useful IP of these devices and direct the ESB to develop the most promising TRL level suitable for deployment at Westwave site. [10230/15]
View answerWave and tidal energy is still at the research, development and demonstration stage globally, and while promising experimental devices have been developed, much research, development and demonstration is required to bring wave energy technology to commercial viability.
Policy action across a range of areas is required to support developers in bringing ocean energy devices from prototype to full scale commerciality. This action is being taken in the context of the implementation of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) 2014, which sets out Government policy in relation to the sustainable development of Ireland’s abundant offshore renewable energy resource.
Exchequer support for ocean research, development and demonstration has been provided to the sector in recent years and is being increased under the OREDP. In total, the Department has allocated €26.3 million for ocean energy for the period 2013 to 2016. This funding supports, inter alia, the Prototype Development Fund operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. This fund provides grant aid for the development of prototype ocean energy devices and in line with the approach taken internationally, the emphasis is on industry-led projects as the best way of supporting innovation.
Options for an additional €30 million capital funding in the years 2016 to 2018 are being discussed cross-departmentally. This funding is expected to facilitate innovative projects, including an ESB led project called Westwave, that can meet certain compliance criteria.
The Westwave project, which is located off the County Clare coast and was discussed at the MRIA conference on 6 February, aims to make a significant contribution to the international development of wave energy technology. The Department understands from the ESB that, despite some delays in 2014, the project is progressing well, with a consenting application due for submission in mid-2015. While some technology companies have experienced difficulties in recent times, others are progressing and ESB is maintaining an active dialogue with the industry with a view to Westwave deployment.
28. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of plans to make biofuel more readily available through fuel pumps in retail garages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10234/15]
View answerBiofuels are readily available in Ireland and regulations on fuel standards, introduced by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in 2011, and which transpose the Fuel Quality Directive, permit the sale of petrol with up to 10% bioethanol and diesel with up to 7% biodiesel.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 as the primary means to meet the target of at least 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020, which was mandated by the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive.
The scheme works by obliging road transport fuel suppliers to bring a certain amount of sustainable biofuel, currently 6% by volume of total transport fuel sales, to the market. The gradual increase to the current 6% rate has facilitated increased amounts of biofuel used in Ireland since the scheme was introduced and, in 2013, approximately 150 million litres of biofuels were placed on the Irish transport fuel market blended with petroleum products. Further increases to the 6% rate will be required in the context of achieving our 2020 target and the Minister intends to consult on a proposed increase shortly.
29. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the Western Development Commission paper, Why Invest in Gas, which outlines the clear benefit of extending the natural gas distribution network to the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware from replies to previous Parliamentary Questions raised by him on this issue, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is the statutory, independent body, charged with the assessment and licensing of prospective operators seeking to develop and operate a gas distribution system within the State. The Minister has no direct statutory function in relation to the connection of towns to the gas network.
The CER, in 2006, approved a network connections policy which enabled reassessment of the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the gas network, certain economic criteria need to be satisfied as a prerequisite. The policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.
This policy framework provides that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting a town, or group of towns, to the network are recouped through the actual economic consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. Uneconomic projects are not permitted as they would increase costs for all energy consumers.
Under the CER’s policy framework, Bord Gáis Networks, and more recently Gaslink, carried out a comprehensive review of towns not connected to the national gas network. Gaslink published its New Towns Analysis Phase 3 report in 2010. It assessed the feasibility of connecting 11 towns in the West and North West region which are the focus of the Western Development Commission paper, “Why Invest in Gas”. However, the Gaslink review found that none of the towns qualified for connection on economic grounds.
As the successor to Gaslink, Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will continue to review the towns which did not qualify for connection in 2010 as well as other towns. The key factor which would qualify a town or group of towns in any future review would be a significant increase in demand for natural gas, usually as a result of the addition of a new large industrial or commercial facility.
The CER is currently consulting on a submission received by it from GNI on revisions to CER's existing connections policy, as mentioned above.
30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of his Department's analysis of a deep retrofit programme and its potential impact on reducing energy use and, thus, contributing towards helping achieve 2020 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10333/15]
View answerThe 2020 targets for emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency form a cornerstone of EU energy policy. The EU aims to deliver a 20% improvement in energy efficiency by 2020, an objective that has been incorporated into Irish energy policy through the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan.
In 2014, at the request of the Department, and as part of the ongoing development of Ireland's energy efficiency strategy, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) commissioned a detailed analysis of the potential for energy efficiency improvements across all major energy consuming sectors in Ireland to 2020. I understand that analysis is ongoing and will be finalised shortly. When published, the analysis will, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview of the entire commercial and industrial building stock in Ireland and identify additional cost effective renovation measures for every category of building in Ireland - domestic, public sector, commercial and industrial. Accordingly, the analysis will provide the basis for the identification of a range of measures with the potential to enhance progress towards our 2020 target in a cost effective manner. The implementation of any additional measures would require consideration in the context of wider Government policy on the range of actions to be taken across the energy and climate agenda to 2020.
