Jim Daly
Question:283. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for the Inland Fisheries Ireland organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17672/16]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland
Questions (283)
Written answers
The statutory remit of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the conservation, protection, management, development and promotion of the inland fisheries resource, including sea angling.
Since its establishment in 2010, IFI has been innovative in its approach to delivering on this remit by introducing new operational methods and technology to its protection and conservation functions to enable more efficient deployment of resources. IFI has also overseen a major property rationalisation resulting in the acquisition of a new headquarters building and exiting from leased buildings to facilitate significant costs savings over a number of years.
IFI’s most recent corporate plan outlined the organisation's strategic direction from its establishment, which involved the amalgamation of some 17 separate bodies, to the end of 2015. A new draft corporate plan for the period 2016 – 2020 has recently been submitted and is being examined in detail in my Department. I expect that this new corporate plan, which will act as the roadmap for the future development of IFI and the inland fisheries sector, will be presented shortly for Ministerial approval in accordance with the Inland Fisheries Act, 2010.
Angling Season
Questions (284)
Robert Troy
Question:284. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position surrounding pike fishing on Lough Sheelin, County Westmeath; to allow pike fishing on this lake during the winter season (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17665/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have been informed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that the fishery management rule currently in place for Lough Sheelin prohibits fishing for any species by rod and line from 13 October to the end of February. This rule does not represent any change in practice. It has been in place for 20 years and has been promoted through angling guidance leaflets and signage erected at Lough Sheelin. IFI recently advertised a public consultation with a view to introducing a local bye-law on Lough Sheelin that would give this rule a legislative basis, thereby ensuring that it can be enforced more effectively. Fishing for all species has always been allowed during the open season from 1 March to 12 October on Lough Sheelin.
Public Sector Allowances
Questions (285)
David Cullinane
Question:285. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of reintroducing public sector allowances for public sector workers in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17683/16]
View answerWritten answers
There has been no re-introduction of any allowances in my Department to date. Should any allowances be re-introduced in the future, my Department will consider the calculation of any such costs as part of its overall staffing budget.
Broadband Service Provision
Questions (286)
Carol Nolan
Question:286. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to ensure the provision of broadband for the Kinnitty, Cadamstown and Ballyboy areas of County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17727/16]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered. The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for State intervention and includes Kinnitty in the townland of The Walk, the townland of Cadamstown and Ballyboy in the townland of Garrycastle, County Offaly.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Offaly. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to qualifying bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, Leader Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
Postal Services
Questions (287, 290)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:287. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the increase in postage charges by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17808/16]
View answer
Clare Daly
Question:290. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposed increased postal charges announced by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17849/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 290 together.
While I, as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, have overall responsibility for the postal sector, issues relating to the commercial activities of An Post, including postage costs, are an operational matter for the Board and Management of the company directly and one in which I have no function.
The EU regulatory framework for the postal sector requires that the regulatory function is discharged separately from the shareholder function and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the independent body responsible for the regulation of the postal sector.
The Price Cap Mechanism was introduced by ComReg in June 2014 and this specifically enables An Post to adjust pricing in accordance with this mechanism.
Radio Broadcasting
Questions (288)
Brendan Griffin
Question:288. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to consider amending the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland local community radio station licence regulations, to reduce the number of stations required for community stations, from three to one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17826/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) is responsible for the licensing of independent radio broadcasting services in Ireland, including the licensing of community broadcasters.
An objective of the Authority, provided for under the Broadcasting Act 2009, is to stimulate the provision of high quality, diverse and innovative programming by community broadcasters.
Under Section 64 of the 2009 Act, the Authority, on the recommendation of the Contract Awards Committee, may enter into a class of sound broadcasting contract with 2 or more members of a local community or of a community of interest if it is satisfied that it meets certain requirements.
The BAI is empowered under Section 68 of the Act to award temporary contracts for up to 100 days to community radio broadcasters, with a view to developing the community radio sector in Ireland.
Part 6 of the Act sets out the licensing process for commercial, community, temporary and institutional radio services. Further detail on this process is available from the Authority directly and prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the BAI to discuss any queries in relation to the application process.
I have no plans to amend these provisions of the Broadcasting Act.
Broadband Service Provision
Questions (289)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:289. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the provision of eFibre broadband to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/16]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming. The formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State intervention area, which is the subject of procurement. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State intervention. The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Kerry.
Based on information provided by commercial operators, 13% of the townland of Ballyseedy will be covered by commercial operators while the remaining 87% of premises will be part of the State intervention. Members of the public can view whether their premises in County Kerry are in the BLUE or AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
According to publicly available information on Eir's website (www.openeir.ie) eFibre is available in the area to enable the provision of high-speed broadband services.
While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to a particular premises, the NBP intervention aims to deliver a State-funded service to those premises which will not be provided with services from the commercial telecoms sector. My Department continues however to actively monitor the deployment plans in the BLUE area where commercial operators have committed to providing services to ensure that every home and business in the country has access to services, either through the commercial sector, or through the State intervention. I would encourage consumers and business owners to contact my Department at broadband@dcenr.gov.ie, quoting their address and Eircode, where specific problems arise in relation to provision by commercial operators of High Speed Broadband services in the BLUE area.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus of the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March 2016. The five responses are being assessed in line with the criteria set down by the Department with a view to shortlisting the qualified bidders to proceed to the next stage of procurement.
The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to shortlisted bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and / or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys will lead on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, Leader Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
Question No. 290 answered with Question No. 287.
Renewable Energy Generation
Questions (291)
Catherine Murphy
Question:291. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to invest in the solar energy sector; if consideration was given to this sector in the context of our 2020 obligations; if a cost-benefit analysis was carried out; if energy substitution for this sector formed part of the consideration; why it is the only renewable energy that does not qualify for a State subsidy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17899/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects. This commitment builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar photo voltaic (PV) also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future.
It is widely recognised that solar photo voltaic (PV) technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation. With these significant changes in the cost of the technology, the deployment of solar PV in Ireland has only recently become a potential cost-effective option to increase energy security, to contribute to our renewable energy targets and to support economic growth and jobs. It is also recognised however, that while the cost competitiveness of solar PV has improved, it would still require a subsidy in order to be developed on a commercial basis.
Work is now on-going to examine the design and cost of introducing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant and indigenous renewable energy resources. This scheme will examine the economic viability of supporting a range of new renewable energy technologies in Ireland - including solar - and will help to further reduce energy-related emissions. While the scheme is not purposely designed to meet our 2020 obligations it is likely to make some contribution to those targets.
The primary support mechanisms for renewable electricity are the REFIT (Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff) schemes. While the REFIT schemes are now closed to new applications, the schemes cover a range of technologies, including wind energy, biomass technologies and landfill gas. The REFIT schemes have proven very successful at incentivising the increase in the use of renewable energy in Ireland. A report published by the Council for European Energy Regulators found Ireland to have one of the lowest levels of monetary support per unit of gross electricity produced and maintaining this value for money for end consumers will be an important element of any new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme.
While the inherent benefits of an increased use of renewable energy in Ireland are apparent in terms of displacement of fossil fuels, consequent emissions reductions, increased security of supply and reducing the potential impact of fossil fuel price volatility, it is equally important to understand the potential cost of this transition.
Quantifying this cost is a complex task due to the number of influencing components. For example, while renewable electricity generation introduces savings by reducing the need to burn fossil fuels, this is offset to a certain extent by increased costs of system operation, the need for additional network investment and the capital and operational costs of the renewable generators. In the past a number of studies have been completed by various parties in the energy sector focusing on particular aspects of this issue. However, a broad based analysis is being finalised by my Department, the SEAI, Eirgrid and the CER, which looks at the range of components contributing to the projected costs and the financial impact on the electricity customer. The report will be published this year once the work has been completed.
Transport Infrastructure Provision
Questions (292)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:292. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if, in view of the reluctance of the Government to commit to the overall construction of the M20 Cork-Limerick motorway immediately, if he will grant capital programme status to the section of this route which will incorporate the Mallow relief road, with a view to it being fast-tracked. [17661/16]
View answerWritten answers
Provision has been made for the Mallow bypass in the Capital Plan. This scheme is one of a number of schemes, targeted at removing bottlenecks and upgrading port access, that have been included in the Plan, subject to necessary approvals.
Public Sector Allowances
Questions (293)
David Cullinane
Question:293. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of reintroducing public sector allowances for public sector workers in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17690/16]
View answerWritten answers
The policy and decision making in relation to terms and conditions including the determination of allowances for public servants is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the first instance. There are no allowances being re-introduced at present for public servants in my Department. Should any allowances be reintroduced in the future, the calculation of the costs arising will be considered in the context of the overall staffing budget.
Public Sector Staff Remuneration
Questions (294)
David Cullinane
Question:294. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of ensuring that public sector workers recruited in his Department post-2011 are paid on the pre-2011 rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17700/16]
View answerWritten answers
Policy making in relation to terms and conditions including determination of salary rates for public servants including staff in the State agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
Marine Tourism Promotion
Questions (295)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:295. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount generated by marine tourism in each of the years 2013 to 2016, to date. [17839/16]
View answerWritten answers
My 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 the provision of support to specific tourism sectors. These are matters for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for consideration and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
Transport Infrastructure Provision
Questions (296)
Joe Carey
Question:296. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to review the decision not to proceed with the development of the M20 motorway between Limerick and Cork given the importance of the project to balanced regional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17847/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Capital Plan published in September 2015 outlined proposed transport investment priorities to 2022. The transport element of the plan was framed by the conclusions reached in my Department’s Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport. This report highlighted the importance of maintenance and renewal of transport infrastructure together with targeted investments to address particular bottlenecks and critical safety issues. The Capital Plan provides €6 billion for investment in the roads network in the period to 2022, with €4.4 billion earmarked for the maintenance and strengthening of the existing extensive network throughout the country and €1.6 billion for new projects. Allowing for the commitments relating to the PPP projects, the balance available for new projects within the available capital envelope was limited. Given the funding constraints a project of the scale of the M20 would have absorbed a substantial proportion of the budget for new projects. In those circumstances, as I understand it, the decision made by my predecessor was to provide for a mix of smaller scale projects across the country to address particular constraints, including bottlenecks and port connectivity. As part of the Programme for Partnership Government there is an increased emphasis on the need for spending on public services but the Government still has to operate within the EU fiscal rules and this does constrain options. There will be a Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan and this will provide an opportunity to assess progress and consider what scope there is for increased levels of investment depending on economic growth. As regards the N20, I do expect that the position regarding the project will be considered as part of the Mid -Term Review.
Coast Guard Services
Questions (297)
Paul Kehoe
Question:297. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of building works for a coast guard station (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17862/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Kilmore Quay Volunteer Coast Guard Unit, which is designated as a search unit, is currently operating out of an original Coast Guard station, generally classified as a rocket house. The Irish Coast Guard, which is a division of my Department, has been in on-going consultations with the Office of Public Works with regard to the acquisition of a suitable site for a new Unit building. The Office of Public Works has surveyed a site offered by Wexford County Council and are preparing a feasibility study on this site.