Written Answers Nos. 839-852
839. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the public health precautions that have been considered by his Department, with regards to hydraulic fracking exploration here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14316/15]
View answerAt the outset, I can confirm that no exploration involving hydraulic fracking has been authorised in this jurisdiction. I can also confirm, as I have done on numerous occasions, that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme until there has been time to consider the outcome of the research programme directed at examining the potential environmental and human health impacts of hydraulic fracturing commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency. The agency is co-ordinating a multi-agency transboundary programme of research on the potential impacts on the environment and human health from unconventional gas exploration and extraction projects and operations. Prior to commencing this project, the agency undertook a public consultation on the proposed Terms of Reference for the project and its response to issues raised, including in relation to health issues, and changes made to the Terms of Reference on foot of the consultation are set out at www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/research/ugeepublicconsultation/FINAL_Response_Document_to_PublicConsultation.pdf.
This research programme is being co-funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, my Department and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The research programme is managed by a steering committee comprising, among others, the Health Service Executive.
The research is being undertaken by a consortium of independent organisations comprising CDM Smith, British Geological Survey, University College Dublin, Ulster University, Queens University Belfast, AMEC Foster Wheeler and Philip Lee Solicitors. The project began in August 2014 and is scheduled to be complete in July 2016.
The programme has been designed to produce the scientific basis to assess the environmental and human health impacts associated with high volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Ireland. The programme of research will assist regulators, both North and South, in making informed decisions about hydraulic fracking.
840. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the broadband infrastructure plans for the Mullaharlin-Heynestown Road area in Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14626/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure 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 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 in blue represent those areas that will have access to commercial high-speed broadband services by the end of 2016 and include Mullaharlin, County Louth.
The amber areas show the target areas for the State intervention.
Based on information provided by commercial operators, 100% of Mullaharlin and 81% of Heystown will be covered by the commercial sector while the remaining 19% of Heystown will be part of the State intervention. Members of the public should consult the map to establish the precise location and status of their individual premises.
Intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the amber area. Following a public consultation process on the draft intervention strategy this summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and that connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a five-year period. This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for the Government and aims to conclusively address current broadband connectivity issues in mainly rural parts of the country.
841. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding broadband provision at a location (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14670/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure 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 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 map shows Ireland with two colours, blue and amber.
The areas marked blue represent those areas where commercial providers plan to deliver high speed broadband services by the end of 2016.
The amber area on the map shows the target areas for the State intervention and includes Knockfernia, Co Limerick. All premises within the amber areas will be included in the State's intervention.
Intensive design and planning work is underway in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the amber area. Following a public consultation process on the draft intervention strategy this summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and that connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a five-year period. This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for the Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
842. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the solar tariff (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14759/15]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for renewable energy exported to the grid. The schemes operate by guaranteeing a minimum price for renewable energy generation over a 15-year period. The technologies supported include onshore wind energy, hydroelectricity, landfill gas, waste-to-energy and biomass technologies, including anaerobic digestion. Solar PV is not one of the qualifying technologies for this scheme. Further information is available on my Department's website, www.dcenr.ie. The Green Paper on Energy Policy, inter alia , sought feedback on the role that alternative technologies, such as solar, could play in delivering our renewable energy ambitions. Views received will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the White Paper on Energy which will be published in September.
Given the emerging policy context and the requirements of the EU internal market for electricity, my Department will be considering the appropriateness of a new support scheme for renewable electricity 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 would be subject to State Aid clearance and the initial public consultation on a new scheme will commence in the coming weeks.
843. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (detail supplied) regarding fibre optic broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14803/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure 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 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 map shows Ireland with two colours, blue and amber.
The areas marked blue represent those areas where commercial providers plan to deliver high speed broadband services by the end of 2016 and includes part of Kenmare, County Kerry. The amber area on the map shows the target areas for the State intervention. The townland of Gortnamullen appears to be partially covered by commercial operators with the remaining area being covered by the State's proposed investment. I would suggest that the businesses within Gortnamullen Business Park check our coverage map to establish precisely what their actual status is.
Intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the amber area.
Following a public consultation process on the draft intervention strategy this summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and that connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a five-year period. This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for the Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
844. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the areas in County Wicklow for the provision of broadband not covered by the commercial operators; if he will confirm that this amounts to approximately 30% of County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14835/15]
View answer74% of premises in Co. Wicklow will have access to commercial high-speed broadband services by the end of 2016. The remaining 26%, consisting of some 16,574 premises will fall within the proposed State-led intervention under the National Broadband Plan. The National Broadband Plan aims to ensure 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 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 map shows Ireland with two colours, blue and amber.
The areas marked blue represent those areas where commercial providers plan to deliver high-speed broadband services by the end of 2016.
The amber area on the map shows the target areas for the State intervention. All premises within the amber areas will be included in the State's intervention.
The website also provides information on a county-by-county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county in Ireland, including County Wicklow.
Intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the amber area. Following a public consultation process on the draft intervention strategy this summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and that connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a five-year period. This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for the Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
845. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be provided to an area (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14956/15]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure 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 lead intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The commercial telecommunications sector is 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 map shows Ireland with two colours, blue and amber.
The areas marked blue represent those areas where commercial providers plan to deliver high speed broadband services by the end of 2016.
The amber area on the map shows the target areas for the State intervention and includes Boloughra, County Clare. All premises within the amber areas will be included in the State's intervention.
Intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the amber area. Following a public consultation process on the draft Intervention Strategy this summer, I hope to move to formal procurement phase towards the end of this year in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders.
I anticipate that the first homes and businesses will be connected in 2016 and that connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a five-year period. This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for the Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
846. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a list of the semi-State commercial companies under his control; the policy of a dividend payment to the Exchequer from each company; the dividend paid by each company to the Exchequer for each year from 2000 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14961/15]
View answerThere are seven commercial semi-State companies under the aegis of my Department: An Post, Ervia, Bord na Móna, EirGrid, the Electricity Supply Board, Raidió Teilifís Éireann and TG4. Dividend payments are matters for agreement between the relevant commercial State-sponsored bodies, the shareholding Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Information regarding dividend payments to the Exchequer by commercial State-sponsored bodies under the aegis of my Department is contained in the Annual Reports of the companies. RTE, TG4 and An Post do not pay dividend payments to the Exchequer.
847. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of a case (details supplied) where penalty points have not been removed by the date they should have been; the number of times this has occurred in the years 2011 to 2014; and the steps he will take to remedy this. [14057/15]
View answerUnder the provisions of section 4 of the Road Traffic Act 2002, penalty points are endorsed on a person's driving licence record on my Department's National Vehicle and Driver File system and remain for a period of three years. In the case mentioned, the expiry date of the penalty points was 19 December 2014. However in this particular instance due to a computer error associated with the expiration and subsequent renewal of the driving licence of the person on 26 November 2014 during the currency of the penalty points, the expiry date was incorrectly extended. The record was corrected and the penalty points applied on 19 December 2011 have been deleted from the driver's record. The driver has a total of three penalty points which will expire on 24 February 2018 unless removed after a period of disqualification in the interim.
848. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legal standing on persons who are now driving with an expired national car test certificate due to the current backlog of accessing timely tests; if persons are legally covered by having evidence to show that they are attempting to book their test, but are driving with an expired certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14881/15]
View answer885. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the action being taken to address the substantial waiting list for national car tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 885 together.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has overall responsibility for the operation of the National Car Test. I am informed by the RSA that the National Car Testing Service (NCTS) is in a good position to deal with current demand. Vehicle Inspectors now number 580, the highest ever in the history of the NCT. Testing facilities have been extended at Mullingar, Blarney, Portlaoise and Naas. In addition, longer opening hours, in the form of a third shift, are in place at Galway, Killarney, Enniscorthy and Ballina, providing testing from 7 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. The majority of test centres have late openings on three days per week until 10 p.m. and 12 centres have extended opening on four days per week. Since last month, 24-hour testing is available at one test centre in Dublin and Cork.
I understand from the RSA that any car owner should receive an NCT appointment within 28 days and that in order to meet this standard, in some cases, the NCTS holds requests on a waiting list until a suitable slot is found. In the majority of cases, customers are given a slot within the required timescale.
Furthermore, to ensure owners have ample time to have their vehicle tested before their certificate expires, an NCT may be undertaken up to 90 days in advance of test due date without affecting the expiry date.
Enforcement of the relevant legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána. If a person's NCT date is imminent, it will be a matter for gardaí to use their discretion. However, responsibility rests with owners and users of vehicles to ensure their vehicles are in compliance with the law.
849. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislative position regarding the licensing of motorcycles or motortrikes for the carrying of paying passengers; his plans to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13909/15]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle sector, including the licensing of vehicles, is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. He should advise my private office if he does not receive a response within 10 working days.
850. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he will take to increase the road space available to cyclists to ensure greater safety and distance from vehicles. [13913/15]
View answerThe National Transport Authority published the National Cycle Manual in 2011 as a guiding document for the planning and design of cycle networks, routes and supportive traffic management arrangements.
The Manual embraces the principles of sustainable safety as this will offer a safe environment for all road users including cyclists. It offers guidance on integrating the bike in the design of urban areas. Local authorities in receipt of Government funding for the delivery of cycle networks which involve on road routes are requested to refer to the NTA manual and in particular to the principles underlining this guidance. The manual can be viewed online at www.cyclemanual.ie.
Given the NTA is the author of the manual and will therefore be best placed to comment on future plans in relation to on road cycling infrastructure, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more comprehensive reply. If he has not received a response within 10 working days, he should contact my office.
851. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will conduct a public information campaign aimed at motorists, related to the safety of cyclists on roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13914/15]
View answerConducting public information campaigns in relation to road safety matters is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA). I am referring the Deputy's question to the RSA. If he does not receive a response within 10 working days, he should contact my office.
852. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the actions he has taken to increase the number of cyclists; and his future plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13915/15]
View answerThe Government set out its commitment to invest in the National Cycle Policy in the Programme for Government. The National Cycle Policy calls for a wide programme of actions including investment in cycling infrastructure and soft measures to promote cycling.
Since the introduction of the National Cycle Policy my Department has been administering ongoing funding to local authorities, under a number of initiatives, for the development of urban cycle lanes, greenway cycling trails and progressing the development of a national cycle network.
Under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 three projects shared in €6.3 million for the delivery of greenways in Kerry, Galway and Waterford. A further 11 greenway or cycleway projects were awarded funding under the €200 million Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development, €10 million of which was earmarked for the development of greenways. Details of the projects funded can be viewed on the Department's website, www.smartertravel.ie.
The National Transport Authority is responsible for the delivery of cycling infrastructure for the Greater Dublin Region and are investing €13.3 million in projects in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow during 2015.
I am forwarding a copy of the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response with regard to details of the projects being funding during 2015. If he has not received a response within 10 working days, he should contact my office.
In addition to funding new on and off-road cycle routes, my Department and the NTA have worked with the local authorities in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick on the introduction and roll-out of the Coke Zero Public Bikes Scheme. Stations and bikes currently in place are as follows: Dublin - 100 stations (1,500) bikes; Cork - 31 stations (330 bikes); Galway - 19 stations (195 bikes); and Limerick - 23 stations (215 bikes).
Along with this substantial capital investment, my Department supports a number of initiatives to promote and develop cycling such as Bike Week, the smarter travel workplaces project and the Green Schools Travel programme. Under the Active Travel Towns programme 2014 to 2016, nine towns will benefit from the investment of €6.5 million in infrastructure and other interventions that support sustainable transport including cycling. In addition, in 2012 Limerick , Dungarvan and Westport were awarded a total of €23 million under the Smarter Travel Areas, a five-year programme to support a modal shift from the car to walking and cycling through the development of walking and cycling infrastructure and other intervention measures. The Government is committed to achieving the ambitious target of having 10% of journeys carried out by bicycle by 2020.
