Written Answers Nos. 1660-1674
1661. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason a flat roof that would traditionally need improved insulation is not covered under the better energy warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24709/16]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes (BEWH) Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty, who meet the eligibility criteria. The measures available include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. To date the scheme has upgraded 125,000 energy poor homes, with an overall spend of more than €160m in Exchequer funds.
Given the limited resources allocated to the scheme and the number of homeowners eligible for support, the measures available under the scheme must reflect a balance between the cost of delivery and the number of homes that can be supported under the scheme. More costly delivery to individual homes means that less householders can benefit from the scheme each year.
As noted, attic insulation is one of the measures typically delivered under the scheme. The provision of attic insulation is by way of quilted fibre insulation which is rolled out in the attic space to a height of 300mm. This work requires sufficient space in the attic for the insulation to be rolled out and space for the work to be completed. It is not always possible to deliver this to homes where technical or health and safety issues arise, or where appropriate ventilation cannot be installed.
Flat roofs typically do not permit rolled quilted insulation material to be installed. Such roofs are sealed and installing insulation can involve opening up the roof, installing dry-lining and making substantial alterations to ventilation systems. These alterations would add significantly to the cost of the delivery and as such are beyond the scope of the Warmer Homes scheme.
1662. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the levels of vehicle emissions originating here over the past decade; the way in which vehicle emissions are monitored here; if he has considered expanding the approach utilised to take emissions other than carbon dioxide into account; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24716/16]
View answerAir quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency to meet the requirements of EU Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe, known as the CAFÉ Directive. The Directive requires that certain minimum levels of monitoring are carried out for the purposes of assessment and management of air quality.
The EPA monitors a range of atmospheric pollutants, based on data obtained from the 31 monitoring stations that form the national ambient air quality network. The EPA publishes an annual report on air quality, primarily based on the monitoring requirements of the CAFÉ Directive. The most recent report, Air Quality in Ireland 2014 – Key Indicators of Ambient Air Quality, was published in September 2015 and provides an assessment of air quality in Ireland for 2014, compared to the CAFÉ Directive standards, as well as assessments in relation to more stringent World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality guidelines for the protection of human health and the European Environment Agency (EEA) estimated reference levels.
The report indicates that NOx values, arising primarily from the transport sector, are showing a slight increase over 2013 figures at some locations, and indicates a risk that growth in economic activity will lead to an increase in NOx levels. Similarly, the report indicates that levels of particulates (PM2.5) and compounds (PAH) have increased at some stations.
A significant contributor to the rise in NOx emissions in recent years throughout the EU has been the higher than expected emissions from the new fleet of road vehicles, particularly diesel vehicles. Over time, discrepancies have come to light between the emissions recorded from vehicles during emissions testing and ‘real’ driving. The European Commission approach has been to revise the test cycle to be more representative of emissions from real-world driving experience (RDE). Ireland fully supported the proposals and early implementation. The Road Safety Authority, which is under the aegis of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is the agency centrally involved in this issue on behalf of Ireland.
Ireland supports the Commission proposals for the introduction of real driving emissions (RDEs) during the type approval testing process and will support the Commission’s drive for implementation as early as possible. We are also of the view that this measure should be supplemented with an enhanced regime of monitoring emission levels from vehicles. Given the nature of both auto manufacture and the EU’s single market, a coordinated European response across all Member States is necessary and appropriate.
To help address concern at the above developments and other air quality issues, my Department has commenced work on the first ever national Clean Air Strategy which will provide an overarching strategic policy framework within which clean air policies can be formulated and given effect in a manner consistent with national, EU and international policy considerations and priorities. The Strategy will set a progressive vision for managing and improving Ireland’s air quality across the broad range of Government Departments and Agencies, and will seek to integrate such considerations into future sectoral policy and expenditure decisions. The development of the strategy is especially timely, in the context of the EU’s Clean Air Package, as it will act as a policy framework for the implementation of the provisions of the package in Ireland. It will also complement and add value to it, by having a particular focus on national priority areas not addressed by EU legislation.
The Clean Air Strategy will target priority air pollutants in Ireland in an integrated manner, addressing the relevant sectors including transport, with the aim of identifying cost-effective short, medium and long term goals and action for reducing air pollutant levels. The strategy will seek to ensure continued and on-going compliance with current and future EU legislation, but also improved health outcomes and wider environmental benefits. Importantly, the strategy will also aim to align relevant sectoral strategies, in particular, climate change and clean air policies, to ensure complementary actions to avoid policy conflict, maximising co-benefits and thus cost effectiveness.
The setting of motor tax rates is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
1663. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are grants available for the installation of biodigesters as the economic and organic waste management benefit are evidence-based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24731/16]
View answer1692. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if grant aid is available from his Department to assist in the purchase of specific equipment (details supplied). [25626/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1663 and 1692 together.
Both the Programme for Government and the White Paper on Energy Policy recognise that anaerobic digestion (AD) technology can utilise waste as a resource to produce renewable energy thereby contributing towards improved waste management.
Biogas, which is produced by AD, can be utilised to generate electricity and/or heat or used as a transport fuel. In addition, biomethane, produced by removing impurities from biogas, can be used as a substitute for natural gas and can be injected directly into the gas grid.
There are currently no grants available from my Department for the purchase or installation of AD equipment. However, there are current tax-based support incentives which may apply. These include the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme which allows individual investors to obtain income tax relief on investments in renewable energy in each tax year. Moreover, an Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) scheme allows companies to offset the cost of investment in qualifying renewable energy generation technologies, against their tax liabilities in year 1 rather than over a more prolonged period, thus aiding their cash flow. Information on the ACA scheme is available at http://www.seai.ie/Your_Business/Accelerated_Capital_Allowance/.
It should be noted that electricity and combined heat and power produced from AD are already supported under the REFIT3 scheme and biogas and biomethane, when used as a transport fuel, can be used to meet the obligations set under the Biofuel Obligation Scheme. Though the REFIT schemes are now closed, there is a commitment in the White Paper on Energy Policy to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources. In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the actual cost of these schemes and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of AD is being examined as part of the assessment process. It is expected to have these schemes in place in 2017, subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.
In parallel, an assessment of the specific costs and benefits of biogas and biomethane is currently being undertaken by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with a view to developing additional policy options for biogas and biomethane. It is expected that this work will be complete later this year and will inform the development of the RHI in particular.
1664. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of credit cards issued to Ministers and officials working in his Department; the amount spent on credit cards by his Department in 2014 and in 2015; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24738/16]
View answer1665. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of credit cards issued to staff working in each State agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the amount of bank interest paid on credit cards in 2014 and 2015; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on personally held credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expenses; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24753/16]
View answer1666. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of credit cards issued to staff working in any third party agency funded by his Department, in tabular form; the number of cards per funded agency; the amount spent by credit card in 2014 and 2015 by each agency; the controls in place to monitor the issuing of and the expenditure on these cards; the controls in place in each agency to monitor expenditure on credit card bills that are subsequently used to recoup work related expense; if these controls are being reviewed in view of recent events in agencies funded by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24768/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1664 to 1666, inclusive, together.
My Department’s policy is that corporate credit cards can only be issued to the Minister, the Minister of State and their respective Private Secretaries, where due to the nature and frequency of expenditure associated with official duties, particularly when abroad on official duties, the use of a credit card is warranted. Procedures in place in my Department ensure that every credit card bill is checked, certified and signed off for payment at Principal Officer Level. Expenditure on credit cards in 2014 and 2015 was €11,676.70 and €20,816.35 plus interest payments of €10.37 and €26.31 respectively.
At present there are two official credit card holders on my Department's account - myself and my Private Secretary.
While the information sought by the Deputy regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency, I will request the relevant bodies to forward the information to my Department and a composite response will issue once available.
1667. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of wind farms located in counties Cavan and Monaghan, in tabular form; the number of turbines these farms have; if there are any plans for more wind farms; the stage these projects are at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24786/16]
View answerThe development and operation of a wind farm requires planning permission from the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate. Planning permission is a matter between the developer of a wind farm and the relevant planning authority, subject to the Planning Acts, which include requirements for public consultation. Each planning authority must maintain a detailed register of all planning applications and decisions made under Section 7 of the Planning and Development Act. An Bord Pleanála also maintain a register of cases determined by the Board which is available at www.pleanala.ie.
A wind farm development also requires an Authorisation to Construct or Reconstruct a Generating Station and a Licence to Generate from the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Applications for Authorisations and Licences are assessed by the CER ahead of the granting or refusing of an application for planning permission. The conditions imposed by the Regulator must be met by the generator, and compliance is monitored by the CER on an on-going basis. I do not have a role with regard to the permitting or monitoring of individual wind farms.
Eirgrid (the Transmission System Operator) and ESB Networks (the Distribution System Operator) provide online data on size and location of windfarms connected to the national grid. While EirGrid and ESB do not compile information on a county basis, information on the size and location of wind farms is publicly available on their websites at www.eirgridgroup.com and www.esbnetworks.ie respectively. Figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), based on EirGrid and ESB Networks' data, show that 5 windfarms are connected to the grid in Cavan and Monaghan.
|
Windfarm Name |
County |
No. of Turbines |
|
Corneen Wind Farm |
Cavan |
2 |
|
Gartnaneane Wind Farm |
Cavan |
10 |
|
Mountain Lodge |
Cavan |
23 |
|
Mullananalt Wind Farm |
Monaghan |
5 |
|
Ratrussan |
Cavan |
32 |
|
Total |
|
72 |
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020 and in order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, 12% renewables in the heating sector and 10% in transport. The Government has adopted a range of support measures designed to meet our binding target, and although good progress towards our target has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. It is expected that the majority of the 40% electricity target will be met by wind energy. Provisional data from the SEAI indicates that at the end of 2015, some 25.3% of electricity demand was met by renewable sources, of which wind accounted for 21.1% and we had reached 9.2% of the overall 16% target.
1669. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the 10% mandatory news coverage protection here is to be maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24953/16]
View answerThe Broadcasting Authority of Ireland was established by the Broadcasting Act 2009 to regulate content across all Irish broadcasting services and, in accordance with section 24 of that Act, the BAI is independent in the performance of its functions.
Section 39 of the Act states that sound broadcasters must devote not less than 20 per cent of broadcasting time to the broadcasting of news and current affairs programmes. Furthermore, section 39(3) of the Act allows the Authority to grant derogations to contractors from the obligation to provide 20 per cent news and current affairs programmes and all such derogations are granted in accordance with the BAI's Broadcasting Services Strategy which is available on the BAI's website at www.bai.ie.
This Strategy requires that any derogation must have regard to the innovative nature of the proposed alternative schedule, the impact of the derogation on the overall quality of news and current affairs output in the relevant area and the contribution the derogation would be likely to make to the diversity and quality of news and current affairs output for the relevant audience.
In the case of national and local broad-format radio services operating on the FM band, for example, the BAI permits a derogation from this obligation between the hours of 1am and 7am. Derogations are also considered in the case of music-driven, youth and niche services.
I have no plans to amend these provisions of the Broadcasting Act.
1670. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total amount of moneys given to RTÉ by the State for each year since 2008, in tabular form. [24955/16]
View answerThe licence fee is distributed in accordance with Section 123 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, to both RTÉ and TG4 in order to facilitate the pursuit of their public service objectives which are also set out in the 2009 Act.
An Post pays the Department all TV licence revenues collected from sales and the Department of Social Protection currently pays a sum of €52m annually in respect of free TV licences issued. From these gross receipts, the Department deducts commission payable to An Post for their agency role and TG4 currently receives €9.245m.
In addition, 7% of the revenue goes towards the Broadcasting Fund, which is operated by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The schemes established under this Fund provide funding in support of high quality programmes on Irish culture, heritage and experience, programmes to improve adult literacy, and archiving of programme material. Revenue from this fund can be applied for by independent producers and broadcasters for specific projects of a public service nature.
The remaining monies are paid to RTÉ and the amounts paid for the period 2008 to 2015 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
RTÉ €000 |
|
2008 |
199.1 |
|
2009 |
204.3 |
|
2010 |
195.0 |
|
2011 |
182.4 |
|
2012 |
179.2 |
|
2013 |
181.5 |
|
2014 |
178.8 |
|
2015 |
178.5 |
1671. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his strategy, if any, for Ireland’s creative industry in broadcasting; if none exists, if one will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24958/16]
View answerMy Department’s strategy for the Broadcasting sector is set out in its Statement of Strategy 2015 – 2017, which is available on the Department’s website. As outlined in this document, the strategy aims to ensure the continued provision of public service broadcasting that serves the needs of Irish audiences; to ensure the availability of high quality reception of Irish broadcasting services on a universal and free to air basis and to create a regulatory environment which supports a free, plural and diverse media sector in Ireland.
Part 7 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides for public service broadcasting in Ireland and sets out the provisions relating to the public service broadcasting corporations, RTÉ and TG4, including their principal objects. These objects provide the companies’ statutory mandates and encapsulate national policy in terms of public service broadcasting. The Act places a range of requirements on the public service broadcasters, including the obligation that RTÉ make specific amounts available each year for the commissioning of television and radio programmes from the independent production sector. In addition to their respective Statements of Strategy, RTÉ and TG4 submit public service statements, which have been informed by public consultation, every five years setting out the principles to be observed and activities to be undertaken by each corporation to fulfil their public service objects.
The Programme for a Partnership Government prioritised the publication of Culture 2025, as a Framework Policy to cover the whole cultural sector. In this context, my colleague, Minister Humphreys, has recently submitted a draft document Éire Ildánach/Culture 2025 to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for consideration. My Department is currently examining the broadcasting elements of the draft document and will engage fully with the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs in the development of this document.
A comprehensive review of Ireland's creative sector is also to be undertaken shortly by independent consultants on behalf of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The study, which my Department is helping to co-fund, delivers on a commitment in the Action Plan for Jobs and will be the first major study of this sector since that done by Price Waterhouse Coopers in 2008. The study will provide a detailed analysis of the current state of the sector in Ireland and will involve widespread consultation with industry stakeholders. An important element of the report will be the identification of potential policy approaches to support, assist and develop the sector.
1672. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when an upgrade will take place in the broadband in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25024/16]
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 which are the subject of the current procurement process and includes Errill in the townland of Errill in County Laois. 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 Laois. 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) 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. 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.
1673. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25042/16]
View answerThe Energy White Paper published last December sets out a coherent high-level framework for Ireland’s energy transition to a low carbon system and society and identifies a range of measures to support this aim. In addition, the Programme for Government commits to updating the Wind Energy Development Guidelines by November this year to offer a better balance between the concerns of local communities and the need to invest in indigenous energy projects. The clear focus of my Department is on implementing the range of actions set out in the White Paper to meet our energy and climate change targets through cost efficient policies. Among the commitments to achieve the energy transition are to:
- support community participation in renewable energy,
- provide funding and supports for community-led projects in the initial stages of development, planning and construction,
- develop a framework for agreeing how communities share in the benefits of substantial new energy infrastructure located in their area, and
- support the emerging energy cooperative movement as one means of facilitating community participation.
I am well aware that some communities across the country are concerned about the impact of wind farm developments, and that is why I am committed to putting in place mechanisms to ensure that the views of communities and citizens are taken into account as Ireland continues to transition to a low carbon society. In addition, I am proposing to examine measures to ensure that communities and citizens can participate in and benefit from renewable energy projects in their locality.
Furthermore, my Department is currently developing a Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework which is intended to provide guidance to citizens, industry, An Bord Pleanála, and other public authorities, for use in conjunction with the Wind Energy Development Guidelines. This work will set a clear framework for the development of renewable energy infrastructure into the future.
The delivery of projects to achieve our energy objectives cuts across several sectors, including: government, finance, regulation, engineering and the planning system. While I understand the need for each of these independent strands to work coherently, it is difficult to see how these strands could be merged effectively under one agency.
Onshore wind continues to be the main contributor to Ireland’s renewable energy target and in 2015 met 21% of Ireland’s electricity needs. It is a proven technology and results in a lower cost of support for consumers. While wind generation remains the dominant renewable generation technology in Ireland, the current Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) schemes do support a range of other renewable electricity technologies including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, and landfill gas, which together met around 5% of Ireland's electricity needs in 2015.
While I see wind playing a role in Ireland’s future energy transition, I am also mindful of the need to diversify our renewable generation portfolio; to this end, my Department is working on a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme which is expected in 2017. The new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme will seek to further encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant and indigenous renewable energy resources. This scheme will examine the viability of supporting a range of new renewable energy technologies in Ireland - including solar, bioenergy and ocean energy – and will help to further reduce emissions in the electricity sector.
1674. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding a new application to mine coal (details supplied); when this matter will be dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25124/16]
View answerProspecting Licence 3891 is held by Dan Morrissey (Ireland) Ltd. A Prospecting Licence confers a right to prospect for specified minerals but not to mine minerals. My Department is in receipt of an application for a State Mining Lease in respect of the mining of coal and fireclay at Rossmore, Co. Laois. This application remains under consideration.
