Written Answers Nos. 1639-1659
1639. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of angling clubs here; the number of members each have; their location; the initiatives in place to support anglers, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25132/16]
View answerThe membership of individual clubs is a matter for the clubs themselves and there is no obligation on clubs to register their membership details with Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Consequently, IFI do not have access to membership details and are not in a position to provide information relating to membership for each individual club. However, IFI is aware, from the database it does maintain, that there are some 501 angling clubs nationally. Details by county are shown in Table A.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) commissioned Tourism Development International (TDI) to undertake a Socio Economic Study of Recreational Angling in Ireland. This study is the most comprehensive study of the recreational angling sector in Ireland ever undertaken. It was published in 2013 and has since been reviewed and updated. The study suggested that 69% of Irish anglers are members of an angling club. Based on an estimated population of 273,600 anglers aged 15+ resident in Ireland the figure for angling club members would be in the region of 189,000.
IFI initiatives in place to support anglers are set out in Table B.
TABLE A
|
County |
No: of Angling Clubs/Associations |
County |
No: of Angling Clubs/Associations |
|
Co. Carlow |
6 |
Co. Louth |
22 |
|
Co. Cavan |
28 |
Co. Mayo |
38 |
|
Co. Clare |
13 |
Co. Meath |
33 |
|
Co. Cork |
42 |
Co. Monaghan |
12 |
|
Co. Donegal |
26 |
Co. Offaly |
11 |
|
Co. Dublin |
60 |
Co. Roscommon |
16 |
|
Co. Galway |
36 |
Co. Sligo |
7 |
|
Co. Kerry |
16 |
Co. Tipperary |
17 |
|
Co. Kildare |
12 |
Co. Waterford |
4 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
14 |
Co. Westmeath |
21 |
|
Co. Laois |
6 |
Co. Wexford |
22 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
11 |
Co. Wicklow |
13 |
|
Co. Limerick |
12 |
|
|
|
Co. Longford |
3 |
Total |
501 |
TABLE B
|
Something Fishy |
An education resource produced by Inland Fisheries Ireland in conjunction with Blackrock Education Centre and aimed at fifth and sixth classes in Primary School. |
|
Fisheries Awareness Week |
Aims are to encourage adults and children alike who may never have fished before to take up a new hobby. |
|
Initiative |
Description |
|
National Strategy for Angling Development |
A comprehensive national framework for the development of our angling resource. The strategy will deliver a wide-ranging set of investments, innovations and promotions over the coming five years. |
|
The Midland Fisheries Fund |
A sustainable development fund created through angler contributions set-a-side from the Permit Income received by IFI in the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area. |
|
The Salmon Conservation Fund |
Salmon Conservation Funds are generated from the sale of salmon fishing licences and are reinvested to promote the recovery of our salmon stocks and habitats. |
|
IFI Sponsorship Scheme |
IFI may provide support to groups, associations, clubs or other appropriate bodies to assist with Events which meet the aims of the IFI Sponsorship Programme. |
|
The Dublin Angling Initiative |
An initiative to take young people from National and Secondary schools, summer projects and youth services throughout Dublin and its suburbs on fishing courses. |
|
Angling For Youth Development Ireland |
An outreach unit and programme which will have positive benefits for angling in Ireland and for local communities |
1640. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount Inland Fisheries Ireland receives from the Government every year; and if it allocates the moneys on a river by river basis. [25267/16]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) was established on 1 July 2010, from an amalgamation of the Central Fisheries Board and the 7 Regional Fisheries Boards as well as a number of Co-operatives and other bodies. The following table shows the annual Exchequer funding provided to IFI for the years 2011 (its first full year of operation) to 2016.
|
Year |
Allocation €m |
|
2011 |
24.945 |
|
2012 |
25.448 |
|
2013 |
28.259* |
|
2014 |
24.417 |
|
2015 |
23.876 |
|
2016 |
24.241 |
*includes €3m once-off capital allocation for a new HQ for IFI.
IFI's statutory remit includes the protection, management, development and promotion of Ireland’s inland fisheries resources, encompassing over 77,000 Kilometres of freshwater rivers and streams and a quarter of a million hectares of lakes as well as sea-angling resources within the national 12 mile nautical limit.
The allocation of IFI's resources is a day to day operational matter for the Board and Executive of IFI, based on operational requirements including statutory obligations, incident response, research, prioritisation of planned development and other works etc. Funding is not, therefore, allocated on a river by river basis.
1641. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will review correspondence regarding concerns on a waste company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25583/16]
View answerThe charges applied by waste management companies are a matter between those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation. However, as the waste industry began releasing its proposed prices under pay-by-weight in June, 2016, the Government relayed its concern to the industry regarding the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies.
On foot of this, my Department engaged with representatives of the waste industry to agree a way forward that results in customers paying no more than they are currently paying for waste collection over the next 12 months. It is also the intention that the Government will review the operation of pay-by-weight and make decisions regarding its further roll-out, regulation and oversight by July 2017.
In line with the objectives of national waste policy, in terms of maximising the resource potential and minimising the disposal of waste, the European Union (Household Good Waste and Bio-Waste) Regulations 2015 are designed to promote the segregation and recovery of household food waste. The correct use of the “brown bin” in accordance with the provisions of the regulations enables food waste to be diverted from landfill and provides the opportunity for such waste to be presented for composting or anaerobic digestion or treatment in a way which fulfils a high level of environmental protection. The regulations require that food waste is collected at least as often as residual (“black bin”) waste.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is the statutory independent body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Section 9 (5) of the Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2014 provides that the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions, including carrying out investigations of alleged anti-competitive practices. Concerns in relation to consumer or competition issues should be reported to the CCPC.
1642. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will meet with his counterpart in the UK as a matter of urgency to discuss serious safety issues arising from a television programme (details supplied) on Sellafield on 5 September 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25793/16]
View answerA comprehensive report (in the form of a Probabilistic Risk Assessment, or “PRA”) on the risks to Ireland from Sellafield, was completed in 2012. The PRA was a very comprehensive and detailed scientific exercise which established that there was no threat to the health of the public in Ireland arising from activity at the Sellafield site. I am satisfied with the level of progress made in the intervening years in dealing with the legacy issues at the site and with the level of cooperation being provided by the UK Authorities in this ongoing matter. Having discussed this matter with the relevant officials in my Department, it is not considered that the investigation by the Panorama programme has uncovered any new significant matters which would cause concern for Ireland. What Ireland wants to see in relation to Sellafield is that the current levels of progress being made on the site on the various projects dealing with the legacy issues is maintained and that there is a continued commitment, financial and otherwise, by the British Government to this work. To ensure Ireland's input into this process, on-going engagement at a technical and regulatory level through the UK Ireland Contact Group on Radiological Matters allows Ireland unprecedented access to documentation, personnel and reports about the Sellafield facility. This access, including site visits, has informed our understanding of works and developments at the Sellafield Nuclear Plant and how each individual facility on the site interacts at a technical level, and has led to a better awareness of the challenges facing the UK authorities in managing the safe decommissioning of operations at the site. The last site visit, by officials and experts, took place in April 2015. Technical experts from the Office of Radiological Protection are scheduled to meet with the UK's Office for Nuclear Regulation shortly to discuss the issues raised in the Panorama programme and any remedial actions proposed to strengthen the safety culture at Sellafield.
Senior officials from my Department will also meet their counterparts in the UK through the UK Ireland Contact Group on Radiological Matters, as part of their regular series of meetings. The general issue of safety at the Sellafield site, which includes those issues specifically highlighted by the Panorama programme, will be discussed as part of the agenda of that forum.
1643. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress he and his Department are making with waste collection companies with regard to the new proposed pay-by-weight charging scheme; if he will provide an assurance that householders will not face the prospect of dramatic increases in domestic refuse collection charges as had previously been proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25948/16]
View answerMy Department has engaged actively and intensively with representatives of the waste industry and a way forward has been agreed that results in customers paying no more than their current rate for presenting the same amount of waste and receiving the same level of service by means of a price freeze to end-June 2017. Notwithstanding the above, it is intended to roll out a comprehensive education and awareness programme on the operation and benefits of pay by weight so that more householders can make an informed decision around their preferred pricing plan. It is also the intention that the Government will review the operation of pay-by-weight and make decisions regarding its potential further roll-out, regulation and oversight by July 2017.
1644. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the value and volume of Ireland's oil reserves; if this oil is present here at all times; the owners of the storage facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26002/16]
View answerUnder EU and International Energy Agency (IEA) obligations, Ireland is required to hold 90 days of oil stocks that can be used in the event of an oil supply disruption. The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) is responsible for acquiring and managing Ireland’s emergency oil stocks.
At the end of August 2016, the volume of the national oil reserve was just over 1.6 million tonnes. The value of the stocks is about €852 million.
The oil is held in a number of storage facilities on the Island of Ireland and in other EU Member States.
The names of the owners of the storage locations cannot be provided as this information is commercially sensitive.
In 2006, 51% of NORA stocks were held in Ireland, 10% were held as physical stocks abroad, while 40% were held as stock tickets. Since 2007, in line with IEA and Government policy, NORA has been pursuing a policy of reducing dependency on stock tickets (paper contracts to deliver oil in an emergency) as well as repatriating stocks held abroad to the island of Ireland, subject to value for money considerations. Today 67% of NORA emergency stocks are held on the island of Ireland in 11 separate locations. 33% of stocks are held in 6 locations in other EU Member States under Bilateral Agreements or Memoranda of Understanding. There is now no requirement for stock tickets.
By successfully rebalancing its stocks in favour of stocks on the island of Ireland, NORA helps ensure that emergency stocks are easily accessible and available in an emergency situation. This significantly enhances the security of Irish oil supply and is in line with EU requirements under the Oil Stocks Directive (2009/119/EC).
1645. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide the list of statutory undertakers under the Electricity (Supply) Act 1927 and any statutory instruments subsequent to the stated enactment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24668/16]
View answerSection 1 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1927 provides that “the expression “statutory undertaker” means any person authorised by any local or personal Act of the United Kingdom Parliament or any private Act of the Oireachtas or any Provisional or other Order made under statutory authority (whether before or after the establishment of Saorstát Eireann) to generate electricity for any purpose”. All amendments made to the 1927 Act via Statutory Instrument are available on the Irish Statute Book website at the following link - http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1927/act/27/enacted/en/html. A list of statutory undertakers as defined by the 1927 Act has not been compiled. The names of the persons or bodies coming within the definition of “statutory undertaker” are not specified in the Act.
The principal legislation governing the regulation of the Irish electricity markets is the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999. Section 14 of the 1999 Act sets out the rules relating to licences. In order to be built and/or to operate, a generation project must hold an Authorisation to Construct or Reconstruct a Generating Station and/or a Licence to Generate Electricity. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is responsible for assessing and for granting or refusing to grant these licences. A link to the list of all holders of Authorisations and Generation Licences is available on the CER website at the link below. This list is updated on a regular basis.
http://www.cer.ie/document-detail/List-of-Authorisations-and-Generations-Listed/974
1646. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the powers the Loughs Agency has to protect moorings on Lough Foyle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24670/16]
View answerThe Loughs Agency has no function in relation to the maintenance of moorings on Lough Foyle. I am advised that responsibility for this matter is under the remit of the Port and Harbour Commissioners in Derry.
1647. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if licensing of aquaculture on Lough Foyle can take place without an appropriate assessment or having had conservation objectives established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24671/16]
View answerI am advised that under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive it is a requirement for aquaculture licensing in both jurisdictions, North and South, to undertake appropriate assessment of the implications for the site in view of the site's conservation objectives.
I understand that there is a requirement to set conservation objectives prior to completing an appropriate assessment for aquaculture licensing in order to ensure a robust assessment. Such assessments fall within the remit of the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine.
1648. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will investigate the broadband blackspot that is being experienced by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24672/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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:
- 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 the State Intervention and includes the townland of Clonalea, County Tipperary, and the premises that the Deputy refers to in the Question is also included in that townland. Premises within this area will get services of at least 30mbps when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Tipperary. 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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently market BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. Further analysis is being conducted on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department has now moved to the third stage in the procurement process, the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, and is now engaged in the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders have been furnished with a draft contract containing certain specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD Phase, and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed proposals, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s) in 2017.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout 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 rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. The Taskforce, which I co-chair with Minister Humphreys, was established in July 2016. The Taskforce is now underway and will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
1649. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if upgrade works on the national broadband scheme will take place in Kilmessan, County Meath. [24678/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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.i e shows the extent of the State Intervention area:
- 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 the State Intervention and includes Kilmessan in the townland of Kilmessan in County Meath, which are the subject of the current procurement process. Premises in the Intervention area will get services of at least 30mbps once the procurement process is complete and the network rolled out.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Meath. 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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently market BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. Further analysis is being conducted on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department has now moved to the third stage in the procurement process, the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, and is now engaged in the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders have been furnished with a draft contract containing certain specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD Phase, and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed proposals, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s) in 2017.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout 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 rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. The Taskforce, which I co-chair with Minister Humphreys, was established in July 2016. The Taskforce is now underway and will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
1650. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is scope to include further exchanges as part of the national broadband scheme. [24679/16]
View answer1658. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the previous broadband plan became re-mapped for an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24704/16]
View answer1660. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the attributes that determine the eligibility of a telephone exchange (details supplied) to be upgraded. [24707/16]
View answer1687. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason an exchange (details supplied) does not qualify for an upgrade which would improve the broadband speed in that area. [25319/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1650, 1658, 1660 and 1687 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. Investment decisions by the telecommunications networks providers in these areas, including the upgrading of individual exchanges are taken on commercial grounds by each network operator. As Eir is a private company, I have no statutory authority to intervene in these matters. My Department does, however, continue to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered and will, if necessary, include additional premises in the formal procurement process where it is evident that services will not be provided by the commercial sector.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention which are the subject of the current procurement process.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Co Westmeath. 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, or whose premises is in a BLUE area and cannot get services should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie. I understand that officials in my Department have also been in touch directly with the Deputy's office and clarified the position in relation to Passage East and will note the issues arising in the context of the mapping process.
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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. Further analysis is being conducted on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department has now moved to the third stage in the procurement process, the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, and is now engaged in the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders have been furnished with a draft contract containing certain specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD Phase, and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed proposals, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s).
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout 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 rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments are continuing to improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. The Taskforce, which I co-chair with my colleague, Minister Humphreys was established in July and will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
1651. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when work will be completed in relation to the national broadband scheme. [24680/16]
View answer1652. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when work will commence on the national broadband scheme. [24681/16]
View answer1659. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the level of an acceptable broadband speed in the 21st century. [24705/16]
View answer1682. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the work is due to be completed in relation to the national broadband scheme. [25313/16]
View answer1683. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when work is due to start on the national broadband scheme. [25314/16]
View answer1684. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the previous broadband plan became re-mapped. [25315/16]
View answer1685. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the broadband speed that qualifies as acceptable in the 21st Century. [25316/16]
View answer1686. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the areas of County Waterford that will be gaining investment from the national broadband scheme which is currently being undertaken. [25318/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1651, 1652, 1659 and 1682 to 1686, inclusive, together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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 was first published in November 2014, and updated on 22 December 2015, following ongoing engagement with Industry and public consultation in line with EU State Aid Guidelines. 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 the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county. 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.
The county breakdown for the National Broadband Plan Intervention in County Waterford is set out in the following table, with the percentage of premises to be covered by the Intervention and through commercial investment also listed.
|
County Name |
Total Number of County Townlands |
Number of Premises Covered by National Broadband Plan Intervention |
% Premises within the NBP Intervention Area |
% Premises within Commercial Operators' Area |
|
Waterford |
1572 |
17,897 |
29% |
71% |
The Intervention Strategy available at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Ireland's-Broadband-Intervention-Strategy-update.aspx sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload, available 99.95% of the time. Together with other detailed technical specifications, these will ensure that a reliable fast service is available to consumers. In addition to these requirements, bidder(s) will be asked to put forward:
- Minimum speeds for businesses;
- Proposals to future-proof the network to meet ongoing demand for bandwidth, which will be subject to reviews on a 3-5 year basis as part of the contract(s).
I am satisfied that the speeds are sufficiently high to meet consumer demand, and that any network build will have to be capable of scaling up to meet future demand. The 30mbps target will be minimum speed rather than a ceiling for consumers.
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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently market BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. Further analysis is being conducted on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department has now moved to the third stage in the procurement process, the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, and is now engaged in the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders have been furnished with a draft contract containing certain specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD Phase, and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed proposals, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s) in 2017.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout 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 rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. The Taskforce, which I co-chair with Minister Humphreys, was established in July 2016. The Taskforce is now underway and will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
1653. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the broadband plan for rural Westmeath and in particular Ballynagall Little, Coole, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24683/16]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications 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 the State Intervention and includes the townland of Ballynagall Little in Co Westmeath, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Co Westmeath. 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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. Further analysis is being conducted on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department has now moved to the third stage in the procurement process, the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, and is now engaged in the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders have been furnished with a draft contract containing certain specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD Phase, and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed proposals, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s).
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout 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 rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments are continuing to improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. The Taskforce, which I co-chair with my colleague, Minister Humphreys was established in July and will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
1654. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he will take to end the use of 1890 and 1850 numbers for contacting State agencies and other public bodies, which are resulting in additional costs to customers with free call phone packages to normal landline numbers by as much as 35 cent a minute; the further steps he will take to have these numbers phased out altogether here or, alternatively, enter discussions with phone service providers to force them to treat these calls the same way as landline calls in their pricing structures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24693/16]
View answerThe matter raised by the Deputy is a customer service issue for the organisations concerned. The use and display of telephone numbers is an area in which I have no statutory function. The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) manages and administers the National Numbering Scheme which lists all numbers and codes that are available for use on public telecommunications networks. ComReg, which is independent in the exercise of its functions, has established a variety of access code types, in accordance with international norms, including: - geographic numbering where charges are incurred by the caller at a local or national rate;
- 1850 numbers which share the costs between the caller and the service provider at a fixed rate when called from a fixed line number, and
- 1890 numbers which share the costs between the caller and the service provider having regard to the duration of the call when called from a fixed line number.
Neither my Department nor ComReg has any authority to compel public bodies, including State Agencies, to use or display any particular telephone access codes in preference to alternative codes available.
I would draw the Deputy's attention however to arrangements in my Department which operates an 1890 lo-call option for users contacting my Department from fixed line numbers and a standard 01-6782000 access code which allows mobile phone users to contact my Department at the standard rate charged by their service provider or within bundled minutes, depending on the package any customer has chosen.
1655. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date for the roll-out of high speed broadband for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24696/16]
View answer1668. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date for the roll-out of high speed broadband for Elm Grove, Sallybrook, Glanmire, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24792/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1655 and 1668 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. Investment decisions by the telecommunications networks providers in these areas, including the upgrading of individual exchanges are taken on commercial grounds by each network operator. As Eir is a private company, I have no statutory authority to intervene is these matters. My Department does however continue to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered and will, if necessary, include additional premises in the formal procurement process where it is evident that services will not be provided by the commercial sector.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention and includes 53% of the premises within Berrings in Co Cork, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
The following table details percentage of premises to be covered by the State Intervention and through commercial investment in the areas identified by the Deputy.
|
County Name |
Location |
Townland |
% Premises within the NBP Intervention Area |
% Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area |
|
CORK |
South Berrings |
Berrings |
53% |
47% |
|
|
Elmgrove, Sallybrook |
Riverstown |
|
100% |
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including Co Cork. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode.
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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. Further analysis is being conducted on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map, or whose premises is in a BLUE area and cannot get services should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie. The Department will examine issues brought to its attention in relation to individual premises as part of the ongoing mapping process. This mapping work will conclude in the coming months and will be reflected in a further update to the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department has now moved to the third stage in the procurement process, the Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, and is now engaged in the formal dialogue process with three qualifying bidders. The qualifying bidders have been furnished with a draft contract containing certain specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD Phase, and an invitation to bidders to submit detailed proposals, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s).
The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors including the number of bidders short-listed and the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. It must be noted that bidders will need several months to prepare detailed proposals and their final formal bids and get the relevant shareholder and funding approvals at these stages of the process.
As part of the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated that it could take 3-5 years to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. It is however open to bidder(s) to suggest more aggressive timescales as part of their bids. As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout 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 rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services. These investments are continuing to improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. The Taskforce, which I co-chair with my colleague, Minister Humphreys was established in July and will recommend practical actions that can be taken in the short-term to improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland, working with Government Departments, Local Authorities, ComReg, State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The work of the taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place. I expect that Minister Humphreys and I will bring proposals to Government by the end of 2016, on foot of the Taskforce's report.
1656. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there has been interaction between his Department and the Department of Health in respect of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 with respect to the regulation of advertising and sponsorship of alcohol products; if so, if he will provide documents relating to this, including memos or information made available with respect to codes and standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24701/16]
View answerThe Department of Health is the lead Department on the preparation of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 and I can confirm that there has been interaction, as appropriate, between my Department and the Department of Health in relation to this Bill. As the Bill has yet to complete its progress through the Oireachtas and, as such, may be subject to further discussions between the two Departments, I do not consider that it would be appropriate to release the documents mentioned by the Deputy at this time on the basis that this could be prejudicial to the deliberative process. However, once the legislative process is completed I would be happy to provide to the Deputy any documents that can be released at that stage.
1657. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the working relationship between his Department and the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland; if State funding is made available to this body; if so, the detail of funding for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24702/16]
View answerThe Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) is an independent self-regulatory body set up and financed by the advertising industry to promote high standards of advertising and sales promotions.
Officials from my Department meet with the ASAI on occasion to discuss a range of issues in relation to advertising. However, I do not have any role in the operation of this body and no funding is provided by my Department.
