Written Answers Nos. 948-961
948. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of the carbon footprint of a wind turbine, for example, Turbine No. 1 on the Mount Lucas Wind Farm in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11575/15]
View answerIt is not possible to provide a precise measurement of the carbon footprint of any individual wind turbine, taking into account the transport, materials and installation process involved as this is dependent on a number of factors, including the sourcing of the turbine, the nature of the development site and access to it.
I would refer the Deputy to the website of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for further information in relation to the low carbon benefits of renewables (including wind energy) by comparison to fossil fuels.
949. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of occasions since the start of 2014 in which the secretary general of his Department has been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release under Freedom of Information legislation. [11795/15]
View answerThe Secretary General of the Department has not been involved in the clearing or approval of material for release in any case under the Freedom of Information legislation since the start of 2014.
950. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will be provided with a broadband connection. [11819/15]
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 and includes Monaughrim, Co Carlow. All premises within the AMBER areas will be included in the State's intervention.
951. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he has taken with the Department of Social Protection in relation to letters being issued by that Department encouraging persons to change the payment method for their pension to a bank account instead of the post office, in view of the significant undermining of post offices that this measure represents. [11894/15]
View answerI am aware that the Department of Social Protection is engaging in a pilot exercise in relation to payment methods. However, such issues are a matter for the Minister for Social Protection. The post office network is facing significant challenges given changes in technology and evolving customer preferences. However, it is also well positioned to become the front office provider of choice for Government and the financial services sector for both electronic and over the counter transactions.
In February, I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group to explore potential commercial opportunities for post offices. The Terms of Reference for the Group are to:
- examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network;
- identify the new business opportunities for the post office network, taking account of international experience;
- engage as necessary with the public sector, commercial bodies and other interested parties in pursuit of the above objectives;
- prepare an interim and final report for the Minister in accordance with an agreed timetable.
The Group's work will be of strategic importance to the future of the post office network. The final report of the Group will be available later this year.
952. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if an application has been made to the Commission for Energy Regulation regarding the Codling Bank offshore wind park and the status of any such application; if this aspect of the project will now fall under a new administrative process for Projects of Common Interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11987/15]
View answer953. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if an application has been made to EirGrid with respect to the grid connection for the Codling Bank offshore wind park; if this aspect of the project will fall under a new administrative process for projects of common interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11988/15]
View answer954. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will outline the review process for Ireland's list of projects of common interest and the likely timing of the next review to include the appropriateness of listing wind energy projects which rely on the existence of an export agreement with the United Kingdom which as we know has been declined by the United Kingdom Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11989/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 952 to 954, inclusive, together.
All applications to EirGrid and ESB Networks seeking connection to the Irish Grid are listed on the EirGrid website at the following link: http://www.eirgrid.com/customers/gridconnections/completedgenerationapplications/
The processing of all applications for connection to the Irish Grid is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The CER was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
Separately, to help create an integrated EU energy market, the European Commission has drawn up a list of 248 projects of common interest (PCIs) across the EU. These projects may, subject to certain requirements, benefit from accelerated licensing procedures, improved regulatory conditions, and access to financial support from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) between 2014 and 2020.
EU Regulation No. 1391/2013 lists the projects of common interest adopted in October 2013 by the European Commission. None of the adopted projects of common interest are related to the connection for Codling Bank wind farm.
The list of projects is to be updated every two years and a process is currently underway to adopt the second list of PCI's. A public consultation on the proposed list of PCIs is being carried out by the European Commission and remains open for comment until the 31 March 2015.
PCI projects associated with renewable energy trading to the United Kingdom would be subject to an appropriate framework that would be set out in Inter Governmental Agreement. It should be noted that given the economic, policy and regulatory complexities involved, and some key decisions that the UK is not yet in a position to take, delivery before 2020 of renewable energy trading is not a realistic proposition. Further information on this process and the projects involved can be found at the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/consultations/consultation-list-proposed-projects-common-interest.
None of the proposed projects of common interest are related to the connection for a Codling wind farm.
955. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has discussed the ongoing pension deficit at Bord na Móna with company management; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pensioners are currently facing a cut of up to 7% in their pension payments, and have not received a cost of living increase since 2002; if consideration has been given to asking the company to transfer contingent assets, including land, to the pension fund to address the deficit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12054/15]
View answerThe General Employees Superannuation Scheme (GESS) and associated Spouses' and Children's Contribution Pension Scheme are defined benefit schemes. The Schemes cover certain employees of Bord na Móna, mainly clerical, administrative and middle managerial staff. The schemes currently have a significant deficit.
I understand that it has been agreed in principle between the company and the Trustees of the schemes, subject to a member consultation process required under the Pensions Act 1990, that a statutory funding proposal would be submitted by the Trustees to the Pensions Authority in relation to the schemes. The purpose of this statutory funding proposal is to address the deficit that exists within the schemes on the statutory minimum funding standard basis set out in the Pensions Act. The objective is that the proposal would be based on the agreement of both sides following consideration of a large range of options.
Bord na Móna has advised my Department that the draft funding proposal is designed to address the deficit in the schemes in a balanced way through a combination of substantial additional financial contributions by the company and benefits changes for members. The latter include a freeze on pensionable remuneration and reductions in pensions payable to pensioners as permitted by the Pensions Act. The Trustees and the company are currently in consultation with the members of the schemes about the proposed changes arising from the funding proposal.
Subject to the outcome of the member consultation process, an application under Section 50 of the Pensions Act may be made by the Trustees requesting a direction from the Pensions Authority requiring the Trustees to reduce certain accrued benefits under the schemes as part of the solution to address the deficit.
If the proposal is acceptable to the Pensions Authority, the Company would then require shareholder consent to implement any new funding proposal and section 50 benefit changes. NewEra would be required to examine the final proposal and submit a report on the financial elements for consideration by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and by me prior to making a final determination.
956. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has received a request to meet a deputation of the management and members of Kerry County Council to discuss the funding for local improvement scheme roads; if so, the date he received the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11372/15]
View answerI have not received a request in 2015 to meet a deputation of the management and members of Kerry County Council to discuss the funding for the local improvement scheme roads.
On 3 March 2015, Kerry County Council forwarded correspondence on behalf of the members of the Municipal District of South and West Kerry concerning funding for local roads in that district. I have not received any further correspondence on the matter to date.
The purpose of the Local Improvement Scheme is to provide funding for roads and laneways that Councils have not taken in charge; that is, private roads and laneways. However, the maintenance and improvement of these is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant landowner.
At present, local authorities may use up to 15% of their initial Discretionary Grant towards the Local Improvement Scheme should they wish to do so. The local contribution for these schemes is 20% of the total cost of the project. Furthermore, it is open to local authorities to supplement the percentage of their Discretionary Grant that they can use for the LIS with their own resources.
Some local authorities want a ring-fenced LIS allocation for private roads while others prefer to put the funding into public roads. I remain of the view that this decision is best made at a local level.
Local authorities were notified of their allocations in Circular RW 2/2015. Details of the 2015 regional and local road grant allocations to each council are available in the Dáil library.
957. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority, he will provide a CVRT test centre in the south Kerry region in view of the fact that Tralee and Macroom are a substantial distance to carry out required tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11847/15]
View answerUnder the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006), the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for the operation, oversight, development, quality assurance and delivery of commercial vehicle roadworthiness testing arrangements.
I have therefore forwarded this Question to the RSA for direct reply to the Deputy. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
958. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of financial and other support financial being provided by his Department to the 2015 Irish Open Golf event in Royal County Down Golf Club; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11068/15]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies primarily in the area of national policy. It is not involved in the administration of tourism-related funding programmes or in providing support to specific tourism events, which are the responsibility of Fáilte Ireland.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
959. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposals he has received from the Road Safety Authority regarding extending the requirement to test all veteran and vintage vehicles over thirty years; if he is aware that the overwhelming majority of these vehicles have no commercial or day to day purpose, other than the hobby interest of their owners; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these vehicles cannot meet the current National Car Test requirements placed on other vehicles; the evidence available to the Authority or his Department regarding accidents and incidents involving these vehicles and impacting on road safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11075/15]
View answerThe review by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) of the arrangements in relation to the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles will be examined by my officials for submission of recommendations to me which I will consider in due course.
As the Deputy may be aware, the current position is that pre-1980 cars and motor caravans that are used solely for social and domestic purposes are exempt from compulsory roadworthiness testing.
I understand from the RSA that while reliable statistics are not available, vintage vehicles are generally maintained in good order by their owners and that there is no evidence to suggest that such vehicles are over-represented in terms of collisions on Irish roads. I also understand that evidence from the UK would suggest that vintage vehicles have a much lower accident rate than newer vehicles.
I am advised however that none of the recommendations contained in the RSA's review would involve those who currently enjoy an exemption from compulsory testing, that is, those owners of vehicles first registered prior to 1st January 1980 and used for social and domestic purposes, being brought within the compulsory roadworthiness testing regime. I fully appreciate the value of the vintage and veteran vehicle movement to the heritage and cultural life of our country and I would hope that, pending the outcome of my consideration of the issues involved, this clarification will assuage any concerns of vintage vehicle owners.
960. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when works on the Sallins bypass-Osberstown interchange will commence; and the programme of works. [11157/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding regarding the national roads programme. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, such as the Naas Bypass widening, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The assessment and prioritisation of individual national road projects is a matter for the NRA within its capital budget and in accordance with section 19 of the Roads Act.
With regard to the Osberstown interchange and the Sallins bypass the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources, supplemented by State road grants.
Owing to the national financial position, there have been very large reductions in roads expenditure in recent years. The current financial realities are such that the budgets proposed for my Department for 2016 and 2017 indicate that capital funding will continue to be very tight, and my ability to progress new projects and PPPs is limited.
I acknowledge it is important to restore over time capital funding for the transport sector to ensure that infrastructure is maintained and improved but, as of now, I am not in a position to give a commitment in regard to funding of the projects in question, although I acknowledge their national and local importance.
961. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a pension scheme, and the sale of Aer Lingus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11160/15]
View answer993. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he will not sell the State’s share in Aer Lingus until the deferred Irish Airlines (General Employees) Superannuation Scheme matter is resolved in relation to the pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11967/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 961 and 993 together.
Firstly, I must make it clear once again that the IASS and its funding are primarily matters for the scheme's Trustee, the companies participating in the scheme, the scheme members and the Pensions Authority.
The Deputy will be aware that the Trustee proposal, as approved by the Pensions Authority, was implemented on 31 December 2014 with a freezing of the scheme and a reduction in pensions. The IASS Trustee has confirmed that the measures being implemented are in the overall best interest of the members of the IASS as a whole and are fully compliant with national and EU law.
I understand that members of the Expert Panel sought confirmation from the employers that the principles discussed and agreed with the Panel in relation to funding to be made available to deferred members had been followed and that confirmation of this was provided to the Panel.
In relation to the possible use of the proceeds from any sale of the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus, any such proceeds would be payable directly to the Central Fund.
