Written Answers Nos. 447 to 464
447. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views regarding the revoked eel fishing licences throughout the country, which are effectively putting fishermen and a factory (details supplied) in County Meath out of business; where the compensation from the European Union was placed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16548/15]
View answerIreland's Eel Management Plan (EMP) was accepted by the EU in 2009 under the EU Eel regulation 1100/2007. The plan outlined the following main management actions aimed at reducing eel mortality and increasing silver eel escapement to the sea:
- a cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market;
- mitigation of the impact of hydropower installations;
- ensure upstream migration of juvenile eel at barriers;
- an improvement of water quality.
The overall requirement and objective is to provide, with high probability, a long-term 40% escapement to the sea of the biomass of silver eel, relative to pristine conditions (i.e. if the stock had been completely free of man-made influences including commercial fishing).
The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in 2014 states that “The status of eel remains critical and ICES advises that all anthropogenic mortality (e.g. recreational and commercial fishing, hydropower, pumping stations, and pollution) affecting production and escapement of silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible. The annual recruitment to Europe has increased over the last 3 years from 5% to 12% of historic levels, however, recruitment is still well below the reference levels of 1960-1979 and there is no change in the status of the eel as being critically endangered”.
Ireland’s EMP was reviewed in 2012 including a comprehensive scientific assessment of eel stocks nationally. The 2012 review included a robust public consultation process during which many issues were raised and considered. Full details of the outputs of the public consultation are available on the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) web site. Similar reviews were carried out across EU Member States as the eel stock has radically declined throughout Europe. The status of the European Eel is defined by the United Nations as critically endangered.
While I recognize fully the difficulty facing eel fishermen, a further review of Ireland’s EMP will commence in the coming weeks and an opportunity for further consultation with, and submissions from, stakeholders will be advanced at that time.
No funding was provided by the European Union, in the context of EU regulation 1100/2007, for the provision of a hardship scheme and as there are no property right attaching to public eel licences there are no plans to introduce such a scheme at this time.
448. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will take on board the six-point action plan, as presented by the Irish Postmasters' Union; if he will provide an update on the Government's engagement with postmasters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16483/15]
View answerI note the recent publication of the 6-point plan by the Irish Postmasters’ Union. It aligns with this Government’s consistent message that a strong, modern and commercially viable post office network, that is responsive to changing consumer choices, is essential for urban and rural communities alike.
Taking account of changes in technology and general retail behaviour, there are significant challenges facing the post office network. In that regard, I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group earlier this year, of which the Irish Postmasters Union is a member. 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 work of the Group will be of strategic importance to the future of the post office network and I look forward to it concluding its deliberations later this year. I understand that the discussions that have taken place to date have been productive, which is encouraging as it is in everyone’s interest that we have a sustainable post office network and one that meets the needs of the consumer first and foremost. Our collective challenge will be to ensure that the future services offered by An Post and the postmasters place the company on a sound financial footing.
449. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to include solar energy in the next renewable energy feed in tariff, REFIT, programme; his further plans to introduce incentives to promote the commercial production of solar energy in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16320/15]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) 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, hydro, landfill gas, waste-to-energy and biomass technologies, including anaerobic digestion. Solar photo-voltaic 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 will be subject to State Aid clearance and the initial public consultation on a new scheme will commence in the coming weeks.
450. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16342/15]
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. Dingle is included in this category. Members of the public can consult the map to establish for themselves the precise location and status of their individual premises.
The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention. 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 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.
451. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made in relation to offering an opportunity to wireless Internet service providers to tender for works to expand the broadband infrastructure to areas of rural Ireland that are not being serviced by any provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16476/15]
View answer452. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made, to date, to allow wireless Internet service providers to tender for works to expand the roll-out of broadband services in rural Ireland. [16486/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 451 and 452 together.
Through the National Broadband Plan, the Government 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 on the map show the target areas for the State intervention.
Intensive design and planning work is underway in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy for the AMBER area. In accordance with EU State Aid guidelines, the procurement process will be technology neutral. My Department intends to launch a consultation on the Intervention Strategy under the National Broadband Plan this summer with a view to moving to formal procurement towards the end of 2015.
The opportunity to participate in this process will be open to the market including wireless internet service providers.
453. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he satisfied that his Department has no input or control over decisions taken by An Post in relation to closures of post offices. [16487/15]
View answerMatters relating to the post office network, including the closure of post offices, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.
454. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when funding will be made available to the local enterprise offices for applicants under the online trading vouchers scheme launched by his Department, to encourage e-commerce by small business. [16559/15]
View answerThe Trading Online Voucher Scheme, which was launched nationally on 1 July 2014, is a key initiative under the Government’s National Digital Strategy and the Action Plan for Jobs. Funding was made available in my Department's Vote in 2014 and again in 2015 to meet commitments arising under the Scheme. Drawdown of expenditure is made by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the 31 Local Enterprises Offices. The Local Enterprise Offices in turn pay beneficiaries of the Scheme for a portion of expenditure incurred in establishing a meaningful online presence.
The changes in consumption patterns and citizen behaviour that come with the online revolution are affecting all Irish businesses. Irish consumers are now spending more than €6 billion online annually. Yet, less than a third of this spend goes to Irish retailers, and only 23% of small Irish companies have engaged in online sales.
Working in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office network, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme aims to get 2,000 small and micro businesses trading online by the end of this year. The Scheme offers financial assistance of up to €2,500, matched by the qualifying business, for investments in a digital component of their business.
This targeted initiative has the capacity to bring new sustainable jobs to all parts of Ireland: directly for the businesses that participate, and indirectly for those who supply them with expertise, training, hosting and logistics services.
To date, some 900 vouchers have been awarded to small and micro businesses and rollout of the vouchers continues nationwide.
455. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding proposed legislation in relation to data protection around the post codes project; when this will be finalised; the time frame for the implementation of post codes and this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16560/15]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Amendment Bill 2015 was approved by Government in February. The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. It is my intention to bring the Bill to Government for approval to publish when the drafting process has been completed. The dissemination phase of the project will commence in the next few months with the delivery by post of a unique eircode to every address in Ireland.
456. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when Cuanahowan in Tullow, County Carlow, will receive a reasonable quality broadband supply. [16592/15]
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.
Based on information provided by commercial operators, 99% of Cuanahowan in the townland of Tullowbeg will be covered by the commercial sector by the end of 2016 at the latest while the remaining 1% will be part of the State intervention. Members of the public should consult the map to establish for themselves the precise location and status of their individual premises.
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 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 Government and aims to conclusively address current broadband connectivity issues in mainly rural parts of the country.
457. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the savings to customers by the proposed removal of the public service obligation in respect of the peat supply contract between Bord Na Móna and Edenderry Power Station, County Offaly, at the end of 2015 and to West Offaly Power Station and Lough Ree Power in Lanesborough, County Longford, in 2019; the proposals and policy by his Department in relation to the way this will impact on Bord Na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16697/15]
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 Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy has been in place since 2001 and is the overall support mechanism for generation designed for security of supply purposes, including peat generation, and for the development of renewable electricity. It is designed to compensate electricity suppliers for the additional costs they incur by purchasing electricity generated by these producers.
On average, over the operation of the PSO levy, the peat plants have received €51.4 million per annum. However this should not be taken as indicative of future payments from the PSO levy, the sum of which is dependent on the wholesale price of electricity set in a competitive market. The amount of the PSO levy varies from year to year as the levy is determined, inter-alia, by the difference between market revenues earned by generators and the returns allowed in their PSO contracts.
It is the case that having been awarded 15 year contracts to ensure security of supply, the peat plants referred to will be transitioning out of subsidy over the coming years. In line with Government policy there has been a gradual increase in the proportion of co-firing with biomass at the Edenderry plant. Market dynamics, regulatory decisions on priority dispatch for hybrid renewables as well as policy decisions on the "REFIT 3" scheme will influence the future of peat in the Irish generation fuel mix once the current peat PSOs have expired.
More broadly Bord na Móna is facing significant business challenges in the context of the deregulation of the electricity market and increasingly competitive and challenging environments across all its business areas. I understand that in order to ensure its continued success, the company is implementing a programme to transform all areas of its operations and structure, the key objective of which is to improve business effectiveness and efficiency.
458. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will urgently address the threats to employment, of layoffs, short-term and part-time working and job losses at the Bord na Móna factory at Littleton, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16709/15]
View answerWhile the matter raised by the Deputy is an operational one for the management team at Bord na Móna, and not one in which I, as Minister, have any function, it is a matter of concern to me, my Department has raised the issue in relation peat production with the management team at Bord na Móna and I am advised that the temporary cessation of peat briquette production is confined to two factories at Littleton, Co. Tipperary and Derrinlough, Co. Offaly. I am also advised that the management team is considering all options to keep the number of layoffs to the absolute minimum. I would encourage management and staff to work together in managing the difficult period ahead while looking forward to the restart of production at the earliest possible date.
More broadly Bord na Móna is facing significant business challenges in the context of the deregulation of the electricity market and increasingly competitive and challenging environments across all its business areas. I understand that in order to ensure its continued success, the company is implementing a programme to transform all areas of its operations and structure, the key objective of which is to improve business effectiveness and efficiency. In that regard, I have been advised that management and union representatives are currently involved in discussions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission on a range of issues relating to business transformation in the company. These discussions include areas related to the terms and conditions of employees. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter while these discussions are in progress.
459. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which high speed modern broadband is likely to become readily available in all areas throughout the country, urban and rural, within the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16754/15]
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.
Members of the public can consult the map to establish for themselves the precise location and status of their individual premises.
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 connections will continue thereafter, with the intention of having all premises connected within a five year period.
This complex and ambitious project, coupled with susbtantial commercial investment aims to conclusively address broadband connectivity issues in every part of Ireland.
460. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which all aspects of the telecommunications sector here are comparable in standard, quality and accessibility to similar services available in adjoining or other European Union member states; the extent to which it is expected to augment the services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16755/15]
View answerIreland's telecommunications market has been fully liberalised since 1999. It has since developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms.
A report on the “State of Broadband” published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in September 2014 on broadband penetration, ranks Ireland 36th of 190 countries for fixed line broadband penetration per 100 inhabitants, 22nd of 138 countries for mobile broadband penetration per 100 inhabitants and 28th of 191 countries with over 78% of the population accessing the internet using a broadband connection.
Comparisons of available broadband speeds by the OECD and other statistical reporting bodies concentrate on the headline speeds or averages of broadband speeds marketed by the largest operators in each country. These reports do not measure public access to those higher broadband speeds within countries. Such comparisons must be interpreted with caution, as the OECD itself advises.
The most recent OECD report on marketed broadband speeds, up to September 2012, ranks Ireland 11th highest, equal with countries such as Australia, France, Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom for the highest marketed download speed available, which was 100Mbps at that time. These tables do not, however, quantify the proportion of households, located in less densely populated areas, who cannot access the higher speeds.
The Government’s National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided. The commercial sector will have delivered high speed broadband to 1.6 m of Ireland's 2.3 m premises by the end of 2016 with minimum speeds of 30mbps. The Government's intervention will be targetted at the remaining 30% of premises. It is is anticipated that speeds of at least 30Mbps will be delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business. This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
In the mobile telephony market, the 4G networks, which network operators are currently completing, provide a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities over previous 3G and 2G technologies. These 4G networks use the same technology as the most modern mobile networks providing public access internationally. At least one operator now states that it is now providing 4G services to 90% of the population in Ireland.
461. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the first gas supplies from the Corrib gas field are likely to become available to the national grid; the areas throughout the country most likely to benefit from supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/15]
View answerCompletion of the Corrib gas field development works, by the developer, is the principal factor that will determine the date for first gas.
Construction and testing of the infrastructure is on-going with first gas anticipated later this year. I understand that the bulk of the gas produced from the Corrib field will be supplied to the national grid via the 149 km pipeline constructed by Bord Gáis Networks (now Gas Networks Ireland) and which runs from the gas terminal in Bellanaboy Co Mayo to Ballymoneen outside of Galway.
462. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which electricity generation here is currently dependent on fossil fuels; the percentage of such dependency at present, and the estimated percentage in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16757/15]
View answer463. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which it is proposed to reduce dependency on fossil fuels for electricity generation over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16781/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 462 and 463 together.
The overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. A well balanced fuel mix that provides reliable energy, minimises costs and protects against supply disruptions and price volatility, is essential to Irish consumers. Provisional figures (provided by SEAI) for 2014 indicate that 69.6% of electricity was generated from fossil fuels which are likely to remain a key component of the electricity generation fuel mix in the medium term.
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. Good progress is being made towards increasing the share of renewable energy in our generation portfolio.
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. To date, wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity.
Currently, the total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid is just under 2,600 MW of which 2,200 MW is wind. A further 3,700 MW of renewable generation is contracted for connection to the grid, of which almost 3,600 MW is wind generation. Provisional figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicate that the total contribution from renewable generation to gross electricity consumption last year was 22.6%. In addition, wave and tidal energy have the potential to contribute to our renewable electricity target, provided the technologies become commercially viable in the medium to longer term. It is estimated that a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to achieve 40% renewable electricity.
Looking to the European Union's emerging climate and energy targets for 2030, it is likely that all Member States will be required to expand their renewable electricity generation portfolios beyond their 2020 capacities.
464. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which he has received communication from the Irish Postmasters Union in the context of promoting the use of An Post in the future, and identifying suitable opportunities for delivery of complementary and adaptable services, including the utilisation of the network of post offices and sub-post offices, including counter services; the extent to which consideration has been given to suitable and readily adaptable services in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16782/15]
View answer467. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if consideration will be given to recognising the post office network as a national asset, as was done in the United Kingdom, to avoid the need for constant tenders for business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16812/15]
View answer468. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to carry out a comprehensive review of the post office network, to highlight its benefits and any potential risks to its future sustainability as a national asset for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16831/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 464, 467 and 468 together.
It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide network of customer focused post offices in the community.
I note the recent publication of the 6-point plan by the Irish Postmasters’ Union. It aligns with this Government’s consistent message that a strong, modern and commercially viable post office network, that is responsive to changing consumer choices, is essential for urban and rural communities alike.
Taking account of changes in technology and general retail behaviour, there are significant challenges facing the post office network. In that regard, I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group earlier this year, of which the Irish Postmasters Union is a member. 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 work of the Group will be of strategic importance to the future of the post office network and I look forward to it concluding its deliberations later this year. It is in everyone’s interest that we have a sustainable post office network, one that meets the needs of the consumer first and foremost. Our collective challenge will be to ensure that the future services offered by An Post and the Postmasters place the company on a sound financial footing.
