Written Answers Nos. 1136 - 1159
1136. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of money collected by IFI relative to fishing licences; the number of fisherman paying the extra €25.00 to support conservation measures; the amount collected to date; the amount spent to date and the details of that spend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13833/17]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) manages the Salmon Conservation Fund (SCF) and the individual contribution to the Salmon Conservation Fund is 50% of the total cost of the salmon fishing licence fee payable.
Details of funds collected by IFI in each year from 2007 to 2016 for the Salmon Conservation Fund are shown in the following table. Expenditure from the fund to 2015 and the number of fishermen paying the conservation component are also included.
|
Year |
No. of Anglers |
No. of Commercial fishermen |
Total Funds collected |
Amount of Spend to date |
Status |
|
2007 |
19,869 |
161 |
€636,858 |
€450,363 |
Closed off |
|
2008 |
19,914 |
160 |
€697,186 |
€400,217 |
Closed off |
|
2009 |
18,314 |
187 |
€654,157 |
€365,276 |
Closed off |
|
2010 |
17,982 |
178 |
€579,552 |
€467,049 |
Ongoing |
|
2011 |
19,899 |
268 |
€607,704 |
€446,682 |
Ongoing |
|
2012 |
19,588 |
250 |
€555,799 |
€305,868 |
Ongoing |
|
2013 |
19,109 |
238 |
€541,070 |
€312,637 |
Ongoing |
|
2014 |
18,085 |
159 |
€512,248 |
€164,192 |
Ongoing |
|
2015 |
18,460 |
110 |
€508,221 |
€68,438 |
Ongoing |
|
2016 |
18,303 |
110 |
€504,452 |
N/A |
Funds to be allocated in 2017 |
In 2016, €504,452 was collected from the sale of salmon angling and commercial fishing licences and funds will be allocated in 2017 to suitable projects. Some suitable projects may proceed in part only or may not proceed. Any underspends in projects or funds decommitted are carried forward to the next year for reallocation to additional projects.
From 2007 to 2016, there were in excess of 230 projects allocated funding under the salmon conservation fund and details can be found within the ‘Salmon Conservation Fund Reports’ for each of the years 2007 to 2015 on the IFI website: www.fisheriesireland.ie/Salmon-Management/salmon-conservation-fund.html.
If the Deputy requires copies of reports or has a specific case or cases in mind, I would be happy to ask IFI to provide briefing.
1137. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the provision of a compensation package to buy out snap net fishermen on the river Nore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/17]
View answerThe Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery. Under the scheme, fishermen active in the commercial salmon fishery could opt to voluntarily cease fishing and undertake not to seek a licence in the future. Payments to individuals were based on verifiable track record and recorded catches in the five years prior to its introduction.
In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen, with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. The average payment to former fishermen under the scheme was some €23,000. The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008. I understand that all funds were expended and there are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme.
1138. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a fish counter will be provided as promised by IFI and the OPW on the River Nore, Kilkenny city. [13874/17]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is the state agency responsible for the protection, management, development and conservation of Ireland's inland fisheries. IFI manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis as each of Ireland’s 147 salmon rivers (including river sections and estuaries) has its own genetically unique stock of salmon.
IFI is supported in its management role by an independent Standing Scientific Committee on Salmon (SSC). Scientific and management assessments of each stock including the Nore are carried out every year.
The SSC estimates the number of salmon likely to return to each river in the next fishing season based on salmon runs over the most recent five years to determine if each river is meeting its individual conservation limit to maintain a healthy population. If the estimate of returning salmon is above this limit, then salmon from that individually genetic river population may be harvested commercially or by rod and line.
Fish counters are a component element of the national assessment array in use by the SSC. In carrying out salmon stock assessments, the Committee draws on a number of data sets, including rod and commercial catch data, fish counters and catchment wide electro-fishing. The primary index for evaluation of likely returning numbers is the recorded rod (harvest or catch and release) and commercial catch (if any), averaged over the previous 5 years. Fish counters are particularly useful in cases where rod or commercial data is not available. In addition, information on juvenile abundance indices, derived from electro-fishing surveys carried out annually by IFI, is also evaluated as an indicator of stock status.
The salmon assessment methodologies used in Ireland are considered internationally as best practice with many other countries moving towards the development of similar scientific assessment models for salmon stock conservation.
Given the availability of catch records on the majority of rivers including the River Nore which is open for Catch and Release and other indices, the number of fish counters in use is considered sufficient as a component within the array of methodologies available to the SSC. However, the requirement for additional counters is continually reviewed.
1139. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a low-cost option for persons telephoning Departments and offices from mobile phone networks could be instituted by his Department, in view of the fact that mobile phone ownership is far more extensive than landlines, including among the poorest sections of society. [13291/17]
View answerThe matter raised in the Question is a customer service issue for each individual public body including Government Departments. The use and display of telephone numbers is an area in which I have no statutory function.
While I cannot compel public bodies including Government Departments and offices to use or display any particular telephone access codes in preference to alternative codes available, I would draw the Deputy's attention 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 their bundled minutes package. Other Government Departments offering a lo-call number also offer a standard phone number which can be accessed both from within and outside Ireland and which may be less expensive for mobile users to use.
Question No. 1141 answered with Question No. 66.
1142. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the counties in which his Department or its agencies have conducted groundwater mapping investigations; and if the data and information gathered is assisting other public agencies in protecting groundwater and drinking water supplies. [13691/17]
View answerThe Geological Survey's Groundwater Programme has carried out a National Groundwater Protection Programme and Vulnerability Mapping on a county basis in conjunction with Local Authorities and other relevant agencies, which was completed in 2014. These maps are incorporated into County Development Plans. As part of this programme, specific Public Water Supply Protection Plans were produced with the respective Local Authorities.
The Geological Survey has also been working on specific drinking water supplies, focussed on Group Water Schemes since 2010, which are located throughout the country.
Since 2015, the Geological Survey has been supporting Irish Water in their Source Protection Work for Groundwater Public Supplies.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an agency under the auspices of the Department, is the competent authority for the delivery of the Water Framework Directive and has supervisory powers for Irish water supplies. All of the national maps produced by the Geological Survey are fundamental layers for the national characterisation process used by the EPA in support of the Water Framework Directives.
The nature of the programme as a national endeavour has resulted in work in all counties. Last year, work focussed on Donegal, Mayo, Cork, Tipperary and Roscommon.
1143. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there will be any changes to the current criteria of the SEAI's better energy homeowner scheme which may cause an increase in the costs of the associated works for homeowners who avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14019/17]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes (BEH) Scheme, which along with the Communities and Warmer Homes schemes makes up the Better Energy Programme, provides grant aid to homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their home. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER). In 2016 the Better Energy Programme spent €54m. Of that, €17m was spent in grant funding the Better Energy Homes Scheme which resulted in over 15,000 homeowners being supported to carry out energy efficiency works to their homes.
I have not made any changes to the criteria for the Better Energy Homes scheme in 2017. I have, however, increased the overall allocation to the Better Energy Programme for 2017 to €74m so that as many people as possible can make their home more energy efficient.
This year I have requested SEAI to review the measures that are currently supported through the scheme and the results of this review will inform any future measures that may be offered. Any expansion of measures would be to support deeper energy efficiency upgrades for those homeowners who wish to take this step.
1144. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total amount spent externally by his Department on legal advice for each year since 2015; the solicitors' firms involved; the barristers, junior and senior, who provided services to his Department for each such year; the amounts paid to each firm or person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14128/17]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1146. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the strategic environmental assessment of the draft national bioenergy plan, which was drafted in 2014 and has remained in draft form ever since, will be published and put to public consultation; the reason this information was not available before the recent consultation on a renewable heat incentive, which is one of the proposals in the draft plan; and the analysis which has been carried out of the sustainability of large-scale importation of biofuels and solid biomass, which seems to be envisaged by the draft plan. [14172/17]
View answerThe Draft Bioenergy Plan sets out the policy areas that must be coordinated to support the development of biomass sector in Ireland. It identifies 19 measures to support the sustainable development of the sector. There are a wide range of Government departments, agencies and state bodies that are critical enablers for bioenergy development by virtue of their responsibility for areas such as forestry, agriculture, waste, research funding and business development. My Department is still in the process of finalising the draft Environmental report and associated Natura Impact Statement in respect of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment for the Bioenergy Plan. I expect that these documents and a revised draft bioenergy plan to go for public consultation in quarter two this year. This consultation will be advertised on my Department's website at www.dccae.gov.ie.
One key measure in the Draft Bioenergy Plan is the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). As the final design of the RHI was subject to public consultation, it was important to ascertain the views of the public before the SEA consultation on the draft Bioenergy Plan issued.
I am committed to ensuring that environmental sustainability is at the heart of the policies implemented by my Department, particularly given Ireland's objective of achieving a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. This will be reflected in the sustainability criteria applied in the final design of the RHI support scheme.
The recent consultation on the RHI recognised the importance of adopting a robust set of sustainability criteria, and raised the prospect of adopting the U.K. or E.U. standards for imported and domestic biomass used in the new scheme.
Though sustainability criteria exist for biofuels used in the transport sector as set out the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), currently there are no equivalent sustainability criteria for solid biomass such as wood chips and wood pellets. The European Commission has published recommended sustainability criteria for solid biomass in its Communication (COM (2010) 0011). However, to date, it has been left up to each Member State to include these requirements when introducing subsidies for bioenergy. Additionally, the European Commission has proposed to reinforce the current sustainability criteria to include solid biomass through the proposed LULUCF (Land use, land-use change and forestry) Regulation and the proposed recasting of the Renewable Energy Directive. Both of these proposals were published in the second half of 2016, and will be considered as part of the final design on the RHI.
1147. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the roles he envisages in national climate policy for a number of provisions (details supplied); and his plans to redirect the resources currently being used to support peat-fired electricity to achieve a just transition for sustainable employment in the midlands. [14173/17]
View answerThe 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, which is underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, provides the high-level policy direction for the State to move to a low-carbon economy by 2050. The development of sectoral mitigation measures for the electricity generation, the built environment, transport and agriculture sectors to be set out in a National Mitigation Plan (NMP) is well advanced. The primary objective of the first NMP will be to monitor measures already underway and identify potential additional measures that, in the medium to longer term, will reduce GHG emissions. This will assist Ireland to achieve our national transition objective to become a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the end of 2050. Following a public consultation launched last week, the NMP will be submitted to Government for approval in June.
The overarching objective of the Energy White Paper, published in December 2015, is to transition to a low carbon energy system which provides secure supplies of competitive and affordable energy to citizens and businesses. This will involve moving away from higher emissions fuel types to lower emissions fuels such as gas, or zero carbon renewable energy technologies. PSO support for Bord na Móna’s Edenderry peat-fired station expired in December 2015. The Edenderry power station is now in receipt of support for biomass co-firing via REFIT3 for up to 30% the size of the plant. In addition, Bord na Móna has stated that it intends to cease harvesting peat for electricity generation by 2030. The company has committed to replace large-scale peat production with alternative indigenous energy sources such as biomass. In keeping with the Energy White Paper, this will contribute to the decarbonisation of electricity while also maintaining sustainable levels of quality employment in the Midlands.
Under the Better Energy Communities (BEC) scheme which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, renewable energy heating systems are supported. Heat pumps and biomass boilers are being grant funded this year at up to 50% (or up to 95% for fuel poor households) when carried out with a combined fabric upgrade.
1148. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on current plans to progress a low-carbon economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14177/17]
View answerI refer to the replies to Question Nos. 34 and 41 on today's Order Paper.
In line with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015, I am required to prepare and submit a National Mitigation Plan to Government for approval no later than 10 June this year. This will be the first in a series of successive National Mitigation Plans which will set out, on an ongoing basis, Ireland's strategy to transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the end of 2050. The first National Mitigation Plan is being prepared on the basis that it will be a whole-of-Government plan, reflecting in particular the central roles of key Ministers responsible for the sectors covered by the Plan - Electricity Generation, the Built Environment, Transport and Agriculture, Forest and Land Use.
An important milestone in this work, and one required under the legislation, was reached last week when I published a draft National Mitigation Plan for public consultation. This consultation will help inform further work in my own Department and across Government to finalise the Plan later this year.
The consultation is an essential part of the process of public and stakeholder engagement on the challenges we face to meet our existing commitments and to begin the longer-term low carbon transition process to 2050. In addition to this consultation process, I recognise the need to engage wider society more generally with the climate challenge, motivate changes in behaviour, and create structures at local, regional and national levels to support the generation of ideas and their translation into appropriate cost-effective actions. To progress this, I recently announced details of a National Dialogue on Climate Action.
It is important to note that the first National Mitigation Plan represents an initial step to set us on a pathway to achieve the level of decarbonisation required by 2050. It does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve the 2050 objective, but rather is a work in progress reflecting the reality of where we are in our decarbonisation transition. When finalised, the Plan will become a living document, accessible on my Department's website, which is continually updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more cost-effective sectoral mitigation options. In addition, there will be the formal preparation of successive National Mitigation Plans at least once every five years as provided for in the 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.
1149. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Environmental Protection Agency has plans to act upon calls from interested stakeholders regarding reducing supermarket packaging; and his views on whether this is an area in which Ireland could be a leader, similar to the plastic bag levy. [14179/17]
View answerAs Minister, I am responsible for the administration of the EU Packaging Directive, which is transposed in Ireland by the European Union (Packaging) Regulations 2014.
Under the Regulations, at least 60% of packaging waste must be recovered and 55% must be recycled. The most recent Waste Packaging Statistics for Ireland, published by the EPA in May 2016, show that Ireland has met and exceeded the overall packaging waste recovery rate and the recycling rate targets since they came into force.
Repak is the approved producer responsibility compliance scheme for packaging in Ireland and it is tasked with meeting recovery and recycling targets established under the EU Packaging Directive. Repak members pay fees based on the amount of packaging they place on the market and this incentivises them to reduce packaging.
A lot of work has been done by Repak members to prevent and minimise the amount of packaging they require. With the assistance of the EPA, Repak’s Prevent and Save initiative funded under the National Waste Prevention Programme, has worked with Irish business to reduce packaging and to promote packaging improvements across industry. Under the initiative, specialist packaging technologists look for ways to optimise the packaging used and to minimise any resulting packaging waste. Further information can be found on www.repak.ie/preventandsave. However, it should also be noted that packaging is used by producers and retailers to protect and preserve goods and can help in preventing food and other product waste.
1150. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the health risks of spreading dog faeces on fields (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14181/17]
View answerThe land-spreading of manures is controlled by the European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations, 2014, as amended. The objective of the Regulations is to protect ground and surface waters, including drinking water sources, primarily through the management of livestock manures and other fertilisers.
The Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government are the lead Department for these regulations and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has no function.
1151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures being taken to offset the effects of climate change, with particular reference to the encouragement of the use of non-fossil fuels in the domestic heating sector, road transport and agriculture; the extent to which the use of reliable alternatives is being encouraged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14266/17]
View answerI refer to the replies to Question Nos. 34 and 41 on today's Order Paper.
In line with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015, I am required to prepare and submit a National Mitigation Plan to Government for approval no later than 10 June this year. This will be the first in a series of successive National Mitigation Plans which will set out, on an ongoing basis, Ireland's strategy to transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by the end of 2050. The first National Mitigation Plan is being prepared on the basis that it will be a whole-of-Government plan, reflecting in particular, the central roles of key Ministers responsible for the sectors covered by the Plan - Electricity Generation, the Built Environment, Transport and Agriculture, Forest and Land Use. As required under the 2015 Act, each Minister with responsibility for these sectors has been requested by Government to develop the sectoral mitigation measures that he/she proposes to adopt.
An important milestone in this work, and one required under the legislation, was reached last week when I published a draft of National Mitigation Plan for public consultation. This consultation will help inform further work in my own Department and across Government to finalise the Plan later this year. The consultation is an essential part of the process of public and stakeholder engagement on the challenges we face to meet our existing commitments and to begin the longer-term process of low carbon transition by 2050.
The draft National Mitigation Plan sets out the opportunities and challenges for each of the key sectors in addition to specifying a range of mitigating options in place and under consideration. Measures already in place include the Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff Schemes, Biofuels Obligation Scheme, Low Emission Vehicle incentivisation and National Policy on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport. The range of mitigating measures currently under consideration includes the development of a new support scheme for renewable electricity, a renewable heat incentive, increased penetration of renewable energy in the transport energy mix and further incentivisation of low emission vehicles. An opportunity for the Agriculture, Forest and Land Use sector to contribute to renewable energy was also identified and this includes biofuels being potentially produced from agricultural waste and for forest-based biomass and residues to be used to produce heat and/or power through combustion or anaerobic digestion. The draft Plan also highlights the need to prepare options for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies as a key cross-cutting action.
It is important to note that the first National Mitigation Plan represents an initial step to set us on a pathway to achieve the level of decarbonisation required by 2050. It does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve the 2050 objective, but rather is a work in progress reflecting the reality of where we are in our decarbonisation transition. When finalised, the Plan will become a living document, accessible on my Department's website, which is continually updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more cost-effective sectoral mitigation options. In addition, there will be the formal preparation of successive National Mitigation Plans at least once every five years as provided for in the 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.
1152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his priorities under the headings of communications, climate action and the environment; the extent to which targets are being met; his plans for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14267/17]
View answerThe mission of my Department, as set out in our Statement of Strategy 2016 -2019, is to support economic and social progress and help the country reach its full potential by:
- facilitating the development of communications and energy infrastructure and markets;
- leading the national transition to a sustainable, low-carbon, resource-efficient economy;
- protecting and improving our high-quality natural environment;
- ensuring the sustainable and productive use of our natural resources; and
- promoting the development of the public and private broadcasting sectors.
The Statement of Strategy is published on my Department’s website at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/SiteCollectionDocuments/About-Us/Statement%20of%20Strategy%202016-2019.pdf.
The objectives set out in the Statement of Strategy across the various sectors for which the Department is responsible, together with the Programme for Government and EU obligations, guide and inform the departmental priorities for each year. Priorities for 2017 include delivery of the National Broadband Plan, publishing the first National Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plans, publication of a National Clean Air Strategy and the introduction a new Renewable Heat Incentive and Renewable Electricity Support Scheme.
My Department is required to prepare an annual report on progress on its priorities. The most recent annual report for 2015 is also available on my Departments website at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/news-and-media/Lists/Publications%20Documents/Annual%20Report%202015/DCENR%20Annual%20Report%202015.pdf.
1153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which improvements have taken place in the quality of mobile telephone service, with particular reference to areas in which complaints have been made continuously over the last number of years; if the relevant service providers have been approached by the regulator or his Department with a view to a dramatic improvement in the standard, quality and availability of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14268/17]
View answer1157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress in the provision of adequate mobile telephone service and broadband throughout the country with a view to ensuring that all areas have access to the highest quality service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14273/17]
View answer1158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which complaints continue to be made to the regulator in respect of poor quality mobile telephone service; the action taken as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14274/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1153, 1157 and 1158 together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including mobile phone services, is a matter for the service providers concerned who operate in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent Regulator of the telecommunications sector, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). In that regard, the management of radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg. I understand that licences issued by ComReg impose terms and conditions on mobile network operators which include minimum population coverage obligations, and that ComReg monitors compliance in this regard by means of biannual drive tests. However, given ComReg’s independence, I have no statutory function in the matter of mobile phone coverage.
I am, however, critically aware of the frustration currently being experienced across Ireland where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Any customer who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can and should refer a complaint to ComReg, which will investigate the service provider's compliance with its contractual obligations.
I do not have a statutory authority to require commercial companies to roll out services to particular locations. However, mobile operators have invested significantly in rolling out improved services, following ComReg's multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage. However, as mobile services are a radio based technology, services can be affected by topography, quality of handsets and the capacity of the network, as well as by and proximity to mobile telephone antennas. The rate of demand for data services has increased by 500% in the last four years and this presents a continuing challenge for mobile operators, regulators and policy makers both in Ireland and internationally
Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force. In July 2016, I established the Task Force together with Minister Humphreys to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention. The report of the Task Force was published in December and is available on both Departments' websites.
In producing this report, the Task Force worked with Departments, local authorities, ComReg, State agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The report contains 40 actions that will alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland and the implementation programme on mobile phone and broadband access identifies 19 of these actions as areas where immediate and direct action by Departments and State agencies can ensure accelerated benefits to consumers.
The work of the Task Force will also assist local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the new NBP network once contracts are in place.
In order to maintain momentum, I, together with my colleague Minister Humphreys, have established an Implementation Group, which met for the first time on 8 March. This group will drive and monitor the implementation of the actions in the Task Force report, bringing together all key stakeholders identified in the Task Force report with responsibility for delivery of actions. This group will formally report every 90 days on progress made on all actions to both myself and Minister Humphreys. I am expecting the first such quarterly report in April, following the end of this quarter.
In addition, I have signed regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 allocation of spectrum in the 3.6 GHz radio spectrum band. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services.
In my Department's Estimates for 2017, I have secured an €8 million provision for RTE to allow it to free up the 700 MHz spectrum band. ComReg in turn will make plans to allocate this spectrum to provide for significantly enhanced mobile coverage. The 700 MHz band is particularly suited to rural environments where the signal can travel long distances.
These initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services across Ireland and particularly in rural Ireland.
1154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress in relation to the provision of high-quality and high-speed broadband in all areas throughout the country, with particular reference to facilitating the increasing number of persons working from their homes and as a result eliminating road traffic congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14269/17]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband to all businesses and households in Ireland through policy and regulatory measures by acting as a catalyst to commercial investment and by State intervention in areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
Since the publication of the NBP, investment by the commercial telecommunications sector has been considerable with over €2.5bn spent in upgrading and modernising networks. As a result, today, approximately 1.4m (61%) of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second. Significant growth is anticipated over the next 2 years.
The latest ComReg quarterly report highlights that over 65% of all broadband customers now avail of high speed broadband services ( > 30 Megabits per second).
My Department is running a procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area.
My Department has also been actively monitoring commercial plans. As a result, the High Speed Broadband Map will be updated in the coming weeks to finalise the Intervention Area for the Procurement process, taking into account industry investments that have not materialised in Blue areas, together with new industry investments within the proposed State Intervention Area, along with concrete and credible commitments by industry for further new investments within the Intervention Area.
The finalisation of the Intervention Area is a key step in the procurement process and will help bidders prepare for the next phase. The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered during the procurement process. During stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to roll out a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP.
The Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand and a prioritisation programme will be put in place in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Two Regional Action Groups have been established to work with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to help accelerate broadband roll-out in rural Ireland.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has moved to the Implementation phase. The Implementation Programme on Mobile Phone and Broadband Access identifies 19 of the 40 Taskforce actions as areas where immediate and direct action by Government Departments and State Agencies can ensure accelerated benefits to consumers. Each of the actions and Implementation Programme has its own timeframe for delivery, see Report: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
These initiatives will assist in facilitating people working from home as well as helping to stimulate the economy, growth of jobs and new enterprise and to revitalise rural development.
1155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the guidelines or regulations appertaining to the dumping of various forms of waste at landfill facilities throughout the country; the way a threat to the environment is determined in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14270/17]
View answerThe Waste Management Act 1996 and the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 govern the process under which waste licences are applied for and maintained. Once granted, each waste licence defines the nature of environmentally acceptable activities that can take place at a waste facility, including the acceptable types of waste that can be received. This is done by the conditions of the licence which are set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
I have no function in relation either to the setting of operating conditions or their enforcement and under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the Environmental Protection Agency, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
1156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which procedures to restore disused or exhausted quarries are in force having particular regard to the need to ensure public safety, the reduction of pollution threat and the need to protect the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14271/17]
View answerUnder the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999, my Department is responsible for the regulation of mineral exploration and mining. My Department has no function in respect of regulating the quarrying of stone, sand, gravel or clay, with this falling to be dealt with by local authorities.
1159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress to date in the meeting of international targets and agreements on carbon reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14275/17]
View answerI refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 34, 41 and 71 on today’s Order Paper. Under the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision No. 406/2009/EC, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. The latest available greenhouse gas emissions projections for the period to 2020, published by the Environmental Protection Agency in March 2016, indicate that Ireland’s emissions in 2020 could be in the range of 6 -11% below 2005 levels, depending on whether additional policies or measures, beyond those already in place by the end of 2014, are implemented.
I published the draft National Mitigation Plan for public consultation on 15 March. I intend that this public consultation will help inform further work in my own Department and across Government to finalise the Plan in the middle of this year. When finalised, this Plan will provide the framework for continued work towards meeting our 2020 targets. It is important to note that the first National Mitigation Plan also represents an initial step to set us on a pathway to achieve the level of decarbonisation required by 2050. The Plan will become a living document, accessible on my Department's website, and will be continually updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more cost-effective sectoral mitigation options. In addition, there will be the formal preparation of successive National Mitigation Plans at least once every five years as provided for in the 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.
This process will also drive the implementation of measures required to meet Ireland's expected emissions reduction targets between 2021 to 2030 under the proposed EU Effort Sharing Regulation for the sectors of the economy not included in the EU Emissions Trading System. The proposed Effort Sharing Regulation, in turn, represents the European Union’s approach to meeting its commitment under the Paris Agreement to a reduction of at least 40% in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared with 1990 levels. This commitment is to be met through reductions of 43% in the Emissions Trading System and 30% in the rest of the economy compared with 2005 levels.
The Effort Sharing Regulation proposal continues to be negotiated at EU level between EU Member States and the European Parliament.
