Written Answers Nos. 629 - 647
629. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will account for the low broadband penetration rates in the midlands; the actions being taken to address this matter; the timetable for connecting remaining households and businesses to high-speed Internet of at least 30 megabits per second, the minimum the European Commission has set for a viable service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24530/15]
View answer630. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way 45% of business premises in the midlands do not have access to high-speed broadband of at least 30 megabits per second; the actions being taken to address this matter; the timetable for connecting remaining premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24531/15]
View answer631. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources considering that high-speed broadband is vital for businesses to compete on a level playing field in the online marketplace, if he will provide a timetable regarding connecting remaining businesses in the midlands to high-speed broadband Internet access of at least 30 megabits per second; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24532/15]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos 629 to 631, inclusive, together.
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 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. 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. The AMBER areas on the map show the target areas for the State intervention.
It 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.
Under EU State Aid rules, public investment in a commercial market has to be targeted at areas where there is evidence of market failure. Therefore, the Government's proposed investment under the NBP will apply to those parts of the Midlands comprising Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath that are within the Amber areas of our map. Those premises in the Midlands that fall within the Blue areas will be provided with services through commercial investment.
Eircom recently announced an investment that may address a further 300,000 premises with fibre-to-the-premises technology. My Department will be rigorously examining the assurances from eircom in relation to these new plans, which is a requirement for all operators, and will review how this impacts the proposed intervention area.
More generally I can confirm that next generation broadband services have been rolled out to 52,758 premises to date in the Midlands covering counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath with a further 26,843 expected to be served through commercial investment. The remaining 62,836 premises in those counties will be covered by further commercial investment or the proposed State 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 expect the physical build of the network to begin in late 2016, and it will take 3-5 years to fully complete – depending on the details of the bid or bids selected.
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.
633. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action he has taken with regard to the six-point action plan put forward by the Irish Postmasters Union to sustain the post office network and support local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24998/15]
View answerThe six point action plan by the Irish Postmasters’ Union (IPU) 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. I established the Post Office Network Business Development Group earlier this year, on which the IPU is represented. 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 network, taking account of international experience; engage as necessary with the public sector, commercial bodies and other interested parties in pursuit of the aforementioned objectives; and 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. In the meantime, I published the initial report of the group for consultation on 16 June, the results of which will contribute to the final report in due course. The consultation runs until 28 July 2015 and details are available through the following link on my Department’s website: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Communications/Postal/Post+Office+Network+Business+Development+Group.htm.
It is in everyone's interest that we have a sustainable post office network, one which meets the needs of the consumer first and foremost. Our collective challenge will be to ensure the future services offered by An Post and the postmasters place the company on a sound financial footing.
634. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide the text of the current by-law restricting the killing of sea trout caught by rod and line in the Connemara region; the population statistics justifying these restrictions; if he will provide a full explanation as to the way this by-law was drafted, published, and subsequently signed into law, including the public consultation procedure involved; the scientific reasoning behind the decision to restrict the killing of sea trout; and the publication dates, enforcement periods and copies of the relevant by-laws restricting the killing of sea trout in the western region since 1990. [25001/15]
View answerByelaws prohibiting the killing of sea trout were introduced following the collapse of the sea trout stocks in the West from the early 1990s and the failure of these stocks to recover to pre-1990 levels. I have included a copy of the Conservation of Sea Trout Bye-law, No. 834 of 2008 which covers the Fishery Districts of Galway, Connemara, Ballinakill, and also part of the Bangor district.
I have also included a graphic illustration of the stock levels 1974-2012 which shows the collapse and the lack of recovery. I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that fisheries staff enforce this byelaw in the areas concerned in line with the conservation imperative for this stock.
I would be happy to arrange for IFI to provide a full briefing on the scientific and management rationale for the measure.
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES
FISHERIES ACTS 1959 TO 2006
CONSERVATION OF SEA TROUT BYE-LAW NO. 834, 2008.
I, Eamon Ryan, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 9 (as amended by section 3 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1962 (No. 31 of 1962)) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 (No. 14 of 1959), section 33 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1962, the Fisheries (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 1977 (S.I. No. 30 of 1977) (as adapted by the Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 706 of 2007)) and having complied with the requirements of Regulation 31 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997), hereby make the following bye-law:
1. This Bye-law may be cited as the Conservation of Sea Trout
Bye-law No. 834, 2008.
2. This Bye-law comes into operation on the day of its making.
3. In this Bye-law "sea trout" means the migratory form of salmo trutta L.
4. This Bye-law applies to the waters of the following fishery districts -
(a) the No. 91 or Galway District,
(b) the No. 92 or Connemara District,
(c) the No. 101 or Ballinakill District, and
(d) that part of the sea within the No. 102 or Bangor District south of a line drawn due east and west through the most westerly point of Achill Head situated in the townland of Keel West, Achill Island in the county of Mayo and all waters discharging into it.
5. Notwithstanding anything contained in any bye-law, it is prohibited for any person to take a sea trout by means of any fishing engine or rod and line in the
waters of the fishery district to which this Bye-law applies unless the sea trout is handled carefully and immediately returned alive to the waters from which it is taken.
6. It is prohibited for any person to have in his or her possession or control on or near the waters of the fishery districts to which this Bye-law applies any sea trout which is not alive taken from those waters.
GIVEN under my Official Seal,
14 March 2008.
_Eamon Ryan
Eamon Ryan,
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
635. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide, in tabular form, the way moneys received from the national lottery fund in 2013 were spent on each project to which they were directed, including projects that were part-funded and wholly-funded from the fund; if he will indicate, for each such part-funded project, where the balance of funding was sourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25023/15]
View answer636. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of money that was received by his Department from the national lottery fund in each of the years 2009 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; if he will provide a detailed breakdown indicating the way this money was spent, or otherwise directed, for each of these years; if any moneys are held in reserve arising from funds received over this period or before; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25039/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 635 and 636 together.
My Department has not received funding from the National Lottery Beneficiary Fund.
637. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the Government's proposals to ensure sufficient funding is provided to deliver high-speed broadband, which is 30 megabits per second, across the midlands region, which is especially needed in the context of correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25098/15]
View answerThe Government recognises that access to high quality, high speed broadband is important for businesses and households throughout Ireland and is critically aware of the issues raised by IBEC in relation to the Midlands. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) 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 proposed State intervention under the NBP represents a potentially very significant capital investment project for the State and the Government is firmly committed to delivering this investment, as evidenced in the National Broadband Plan itself and in the Programme for Government, the Action Plan for Jobs and the Statement of Government Priorities.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services. 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. The AMBER areas on the map show the target areas for the State intervention.
It 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.
Under EU State Aid rules, public investment in a commercial market has to be targeted at areas where there is evidence of market failure. Therefore, the Government's proposed investment under the NBP will apply to those parts of the Midlands comprising Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath that are within the Amber areas of our map. Those premises in the Midlands that fall within the Blue areas will be provided with services through commercial investment.
eircom recently announced an investment that may address a further 300,000 premises with fibre-to-the-premises technology. My Department will be rigorously examining the assurances from eircom in relation to these new plans, which is a requirement for all operators, and will review how this impacts the proposed intervention area.
More generally I can confirm that next generation broadband services have been rolled out to 52,758 premises to date in the Midlands covering counties Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath with a further 26,843 expected to be served by commercial investment. The remaining 62,836 premises in those counties will be covered either by further commercial investment or the proposed State 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 expect the physical build of the network to begin in late 2016, and it will take 3-5 years to fully complete – depending on the details of the bid or bids selected.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and aims to conclusively address current broadband connectivity issues in Ireland, including the important enterprise issues identified by IBEC.
638. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has received an application for an insulation grant and a home improvement grant from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; when same is likely to be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25151/15]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme on behalf of my Department. I have no function in relation to individual grant applications. Queries in relation to individual applications are an operational matter for the SEAI and a dedicated hotline can be reached at 1800 250 204. In addition, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members, which can be sent to oireachtas@seai.ie and will be dealt with promptly.
640. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if rural transport routes will be tendered for the coming number of months; if so, when this process will begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24512/15]
View answerResponsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1st April 2012. This includes the tendering of rural transport services as part of the recent restructuring of the Programme.
I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
641. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to provide funding to Iarnród Éireann to ensure that all public roads across railway lines, where there are level crossings, have automatic gates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24543/15]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
I have previously explained that issues relating to level-crossings on the rail network are a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. Exchequer funds are made available each year for investment in railway safety, asset renewal and maintenance. Since 2014 these funds are governed by the Infrastructure Manager Multi Annual Contract (IMMAC) a requirement under EU rules. The works covered by this contract are prioritised by Iarnrod Eireann based on appropriate risk assessments. Therefore works relating to level crossings may be funded under this contract if so prioritised.
I have referred the Deputy's question to Iarnrod Eireann for a direct reply. If you do not receive a response within 10 working days, please contact my private office.
642. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current rate payable to operators servicing the rural transport network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24544/15]
View answerResponsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme was assigned to the National Transport Authority (NTA) with effect from 1st April 2012. I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
643. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to build a new Coast Guard station on the site of the current Malin Head Coast Guard Station in County Donegal; if plans have been developed for building a new station on the site; if so, when he expects to be in a position to give approval for the new building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24570/15]
View answerThe capital envelope through to 2016 available for the Coast Guard building programme made provision for work to commence on three new station houses for Coast Guard Units –the Doolin station has been completed and I was pleased to have the opportunity to formally open the station in March this year. Greystones and Westport are next in line. The Coast Guard building at Malin Head is a Marine Rescue Sub Centre and was renovated in 2011 in conjunction with the installation of a new integrated communications suite. It is recognised that the Operations Room and associated Office and technical rooms are quite restricted and so the OPW have been requested to carry out preliminary studies of the Marine Rescue Sub Centre.
644. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has considered increasing the speed limits for electric pedelecs from 15 mph and increasing the engine size to above 250 watts in view of the fact that the current limits were set in 1978. [24648/15]
View answerI have no proposals at this time for amending legislation in relation to pedelecs (electrically assisted bicycles). I will however keep the matter under review.
645. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount Bus Éireann spent on maintenance of its bus fleet in the years 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24716/15]
View answer646. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount Dublin Bus spent on maintenance of its bus fleet in the years 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24717/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 645 and 646 together.
The issues raised are matters for Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the companies for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
647. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a certificate of professional competence licence in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24725/15]
View answerThis is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within ten days.
