Written Answers Nos. 1113 - 1135
1113. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of plans to extend broadband cover to a location (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12811/17]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
There has been significant progress in relation to broadband roll-out so that today, approximately 1.4m or 61% of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector, which is continuing to expand this footprint.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the current 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 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. It is intended that premises within this area will have access to services of at least 30 megabits per second when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
The map currently indicates that 68% of the townland of Fountainstown will be covered by commercial operators while the remaining 32% of the townland of Fountainstown will be part of the State Intervention.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. My Department will shortly update the High Speed Broadband map 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 procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive 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.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out 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 roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded.
In this regard, I and Minister Humphreys established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in July 2016. The findings of this Taskforce recommends practical actions that can be taken to remove barriers to and improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland. The Taskforce report is available at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
Minister Humphreys has established two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. Since July, there has been significant progress made in discussions with the key stakeholders including local authority management representatives, Government Departments and State agencies, as well as interaction with ComReg and telecoms operators.
I have signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band, in early 2017. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country, including Co Cork.
1115. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the Beaulieu area in County Louth has been overlooked with regard to having a fibre broadband cabinet when there are cabinets installed in Drogheda and as far out as Aston village, Termonfeckin and Clogherhead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12993/17]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
Currently, approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband from commercial service providers and investment by the telecoms sector is continuing to expand this footprint.
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 on the High Speed Broadband Map represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
Individuals can check whether their premises are in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
The Beaulieu area referred to by the Deputy falls within an AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State Intervention procurement process under the NBP.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. My Department will shortly update the High Speed Broadband map 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 procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive 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.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out 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 roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded.
In this regard, I and Minister Humphreys established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in July 2016. The findings of this Taskforce recommends practical actions that can be taken to remove barriers to and improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland. The Taskforce report is available at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
Minister Humphreys has established two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. Since July, there has been significant progress made in discussions with the key stakeholders including local authority management representation, Government Departments and State agencies, as well as interaction with ComReg and telecoms operators.
I have signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band, in early 2017. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
1116. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has contacted ComReg regarding the decision by some mobile phone companies not to make available to their customers all the benefits with regard to data that should accrue with the new EU roaming charges due to come into effect in June 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13138/17]
View answerEU "Roam Like at Home" (RLAH) will give Irish and EU consumers the ability to use their mobile devices, within other EU countries, at domestic rates, subject to Fair Use Policy, from 15 June 2017.
Throughout negotiations at EU level on this initiative, including at the EU Council of Ministers, Ireland has been fully supportive of the Roam Like at Home principle, and, in particular, the importance of obtaining a sustainable agreement for business and consumers alike.
The new EU rules clearly cover data services, along with voice and SMS. There is no exemption for the data services, only exceptional limits in case of unlimited or very competitive offers. I would expect all mobile operators to be fully compliant with Irish and EU legislation, including RLAH from 15 June 2017.
The European Commission is currently collaborating with National Regulatory Authorities to provide detailed guidance on how Roam Like at Home (RLAH) can be introduced at retail level and is also working closely with consumer organisations across the EU (BEUC).
The Irish Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, is the competent statutorily independent regulatory authority for Telecoms and as such will be the authority which will regulate the Roam Like At Home regime in Ireland from 15 June 2017. ComReg will have a role in scrutinising all existing and new mobile market offerings to ensure full legal and regulatory compliance.
As ComReg are statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions, I have no authority to intervene in those functions.
1119. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason window replacement is not covered in the better energy warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13241/17]
View answer1120. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration will be given to a grant for the replacement of windows that provide energy savings for homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13242/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1119 and 1120 together.
The measures currently offered under both the Better Energy Homes and Better Energy Warmer Homes schemes were selected as the best balance that could be achieved between the resources available to the schemes, the number of homes that can receive support and the energy savings that can be delivered. In short, the measures supported are those that can deliver the most energy savings at the lowest cost to the highest number of people. While upgrading windows does improve the energy efficiency of a home, the cost of this measure is high in relation to the energy efficiency gains made.
Nevertheless as we move towards deeper renovation of homes, as will be necessary to meet our 2020 and 2030 climate and energy goals, window replacement could become cost effective as part of a wider package of upgrades to the fabric of a building. My Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are now testing out the channels for carrying out deeper renovation in homes across the country to inform future policy.
For this reason window upgrades are eligible for funding under the Better Energy Communities scheme in 2017, when carried out as part of a combined fabric upgrade, which also includes upgrades to insulation, ventilation and doors. Grant funding is available for up to 50% of the cost of these works in homes.
Additionally, under the Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme, which is led by my Department in collaboration with the Department of Health, energy efficient windows and doors are installed wherever a surveyor deems them necessary. Earlier this month I announced that homes with particularly low thermal efficiency, that qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme, will now be eligible for a deeper retrofit package in addition to the currently funded measures.
I have also requested SEAI to review the measures that are supported through the SEAI home energy grant schemes and the results of this review will inform any future measures that may be offered.
The Deputy may also note that the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government funds the Housing Aid for Older People scheme. This scheme is administered by Local Authorities and provides grants to older people living in poor housing conditions to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out. Eligible works include structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to (or replacement of), windows and doors, provision of water supply, sanitary facilities and heating.
1121. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the Government has participated in an energy efficiency audit on buildings owned by the State in an effort to save money on energy bills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13243/17]
View answerIreland has a national energy efficiency target of 20% by 2020. The public sector has a critical leadership role to play on energy efficiency working towards a more ambitious 33% energy efficiency target in the same period. Very significant public sector gains have already been made with a 21% improvement in energy efficiency achieved by the end of 2015. This equates to €154 million in avoided energy spend and 548,000 tonnes of emissions mitigated in 2015 alone.
To drive the achievement of the 33% target I have recently published the first Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy. Central to the Strategy is the implementation of structured energy management.
Energy audits have long been recognised as a key tool in energy management. The Strategy reiterates the requirement on public sector bodies to undertake energy auditing in line with EU and Irish legislation. It sets a phased timetable for compliance based on the scale of energy spend. Many public sector bodies are already participating in the “Optimising Power at Work” programme run by the OPW and energy audits are taking place as part of that initiative. Good examples of the benefits of energy management are already being seen with a number of large public sector energy users already achieving the international ISO 50001 certification.
1122. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the availability of fast broadband to Lynn Cross, Mullingar, County Westmeath. [13267/17]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State Intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
There has been significant progress in relation to broadband roll-out so that today, approximately 1.4m or 61% of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector, which is continuing to expand this footprint.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the current 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 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. It is intended that premises within this area will have access to services of at least 30 megabits per second when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The maps shows that 78% of the townland of Lynn, Co Westmeath falls within the AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State intervention procurement process. The remaining 22% of Lynn is included in the BLUE area where commercial providers are either currently delivering or previously indicated that they have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode. Individuals can also check whether their area is in a BLUE or AMBER area by accessing the county and townland information at www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Broadband/Pages/County-and-Townland-Maps.aspx.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. My Department will shortly update the High Speed Broadband map 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 procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline from contract award to roll out a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out 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 roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded.
In this regard, I and Minister Humphreys established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in July 2016. The findings of this Taskforce recommends practical actions that can be taken to remove barriers to and improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland. The Taskforce report is available at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
Minister Humphreys has established two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. Since July, there has been significant progress made in discussions with the key stakeholders including local authority management representation, Government Departments and State agencies, as well as interaction with ComReg and telecoms operators.
I have signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band, in early 2017. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
1123. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason for the removal of an ambulance call centre (details supplied) from a new and revised contract agreement which had previously been stipulated as a designated centre for the purpose of service provision; if the terms of this revised document do not require the contracted party to retain the centre as part of the agreement; if he will consider amending the revised contract with a view to have the centre included as part of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13318/17]
View answerI assume the Question is referring to the Emergency Call Answering Service call centre in Ballyshannon and not the National Ambulance Service call centre.
The contract for a new Emergency Call Answering Service Operator is subject to a procurement process which commenced on 15 April 2016. This procurement process is currently ongoing and is being conducted in accordance with the relevant national public procurement policy and European Union Directive 2004/18/EC.
1124. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will confirm that in line with the one person, one salary principle, no public servant who is a member of a State board or agency under the control of his Department is currently in receipt of remuneration in the form of board fees and if any such remuneration is being paid that such payment will be discontinued and payments that were wrongfully paid will be reclaimed. [13339/17]
View answerThe One Person One Salary policy introduced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been brought to the attention of the bodies under the aegis of my Department and compliance in this regard is being observed. Worker Directors are excluded from this policy in relation to board fees.
1125. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for the long-wave mast at Clarkestown, County Meath; the nature of its functions; if it will be decommissioned; and if there will be measurement of its emissions. [13484/17]
View answerThe RTÉ mast referred to by the Deputy has been used to transmit RTÉ Radio 1 long-wave service on 252 kHz since 2004, enabling RTÉ Radio 1 to be broadcast to Irish communities in Britain. In September 2014, RTÉ announced plans to shut down the service. While the initial plan was to close the long-wave service on 27 October 2014, the proposed closure has been deferred to allow for further research to be undertaken and for engagement to take place with relevant representative groups, including those in the UK.
As part of this, the Government’s emigrant support programme, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, has provided support for research into the listenership figures in Britain. The purpose of this research was to obtain concrete data on the current listenership and also to explore the possibility of continuing the service using alternate technologies.
Overseeing the research was a consultative group of key stakeholders composed of representatives of RTÉ, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials and representatives of the Irish community in Britain. On 10th March, the consultative group issued a statement of agreed recommendations in respect of RTÉ’s long-wave radio service, which will now continue until the end of June 2019.
In terms of future plans for the mast, RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster and, as such, I have no role in operational matters such as decisions in relation to network infrastructure. As the appropriate licensing authority, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is responsible for ensuring that all communications operators comply with their licence conditions in the use of radio spectrum. This includes conditions relating to non-ionising radiation and emissions from each transmitter operated under licence must comply with the latest international guidelines.
1126. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he envisages the roll out of fibre broadband to the area of Hollymount, Ballinrobe, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13608/17]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State Intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
There has been significant progress in relation to broadband roll out so that today, approximately 1.4m or 61% of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector, which is continuing to expand this footprint.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the current 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 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. It is intended that premises within this area will have access to services of at least 30 megabits per second when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The maps shows that 100% of the townland of Hollymount Demesne, Co. Mayo, falls within the AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State intervention procurement process.
Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode. Individuals can also check whether their area is in a BLUE or AMBER area by accessing the county and townland information at www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Broadband/Pages/County-and-Townland-Maps.aspx.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. My Department will shortly update the High Speed Broadband map 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 procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline from contract award to roll out a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and/or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out 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 roll-out of the network once a contract is awarded.
In this regard, I and Minister Humphreys established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce in July 2016. The findings of this Taskforce recommends practical actions that can be taken to remove barriers to and improve mobile phone and broadband access in Ireland. The Taskforce report is available at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
Minister Humphreys has established two regional action groups, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices and other relevant agencies to unlock barriers to investment in mobile and broadband services. Since July, there has been significant progress made in discussions with the key stakeholders including local authority management representation, Government Departments and State agencies, as well as interaction with ComReg and telecoms operators.
I have signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band, in early 2017. This will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
1127. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the specific criteria used in designating specific geographic areas either blue or amber in the national broadband roll out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13619/17]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
Currently, approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband from commercial service providers and investment by the telecoms sector is continuing to expand this footprint.
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 on the High Speed Broadband Map represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process.
The Map is a requirement under EU State Aid Guidelines. In 2014, following a comprehensive analysis and mapping process of high speed broadband availability across the entire country, the Department published the High Speed Broadband Map.
The Department has kept the map under review ever since, keeping track of both developments in the BLUE area and proposed new plans by commercial operators within the AMBER areas.
In late 2015, following consultation, the Department updated the map and published a Document "Managing the High Speed Broadband Map" which sets out the criteria, to be used to assess new commercial high speed broadband investment plans pre, during and post procurement. The criteria include technical, deployment and financial assessment criteria. The Document is available on my the Departments website: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/SiteCollectionDocuments/Broadband/Updated%20Expert%20reports/Managing%20IA%20Map%20-%20Consultation%20Paper%20FINAL%2021-12-15.pdf.
In addition, the Department published the Heads of a legal Commitment Agreement for operators who wish their plans to be represented on the High Speed Broadband Map.
Together, the assessment criteria and the Commitment Agreement ensure that the veracity and robustness of proposed commercial deployment plans can be fully scrutinised ahead of any changes to the map.
1128. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the full details of a new initiative launched on 13 March 2017 to crack down on illegal dumping that will include the greater use of smart technology and more community engagement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/17]
View answer1145. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if it is expected that the spending increase on prevention of illegal dumping will be continued into future fiscal years; the amount of the added expense that will be offset by the revenue from fines collected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14142/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1128 and 1145 together.
The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to work with local authorities to tackle the problem of illegal dumping and to develop effective deterrents to discourage people from engaging in this anti-social behaviour. In accordance with this commitment, my Department has developed an Anti-Dumping Initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations in identifying high risk or problem areas, developing appropriate enforcement responses and carrying out clean-up operations.
Applications for funding from local authorities have been invited for consideration by the relevant Waste Enforcement Regional Local Authority (WERLA) subject to the selection criteria developed for this purpose. This includes monitoring and surveillance of dumping black-spots and the development of an integrated and effective approach to dealing with this issue.
An allocation of €650,000 from the Environment Fund has been made to support this initiative. Funding will be prioritised for projects where community groups and other state agencies work in partnership to clean-up and prevent illegal dumping and where effective enforcement actions are being undertaken by local authorities.
While no decision has yet been taken with respect to funding beyond 2017, it is anticipated that the investment now being made in equipping local authorities with the latest technologies available to support enforcement of our waste laws will deliver improved enforcement outcomes year on year and result in an increase in revenue from fines collected. Financial penalties for serious dumping offences available under the Waste Management Acts are substantial and range from a maximum fine of €3,000 on summary conviction to a maximum fine of €15 million on conviction on indictment and represent an opportunity to significantly defray enforcement and clean up costs.
1130. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an exemption can be granted to a society (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13780/17]
View answerThe ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal, or the ‘smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known, has proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels within the areas it applies, with an associated significant improvement in public health. Research indicates, for example, that the ban has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin alone. Residential burning of coal is a key source of air pollution and, as such, there is a commitment to extend the smoky coal ban nationwide by 2018.
I launched a consultation paper on the first ever National Clean Air Strategy on 1 March. The Strategy will provide the framework for a set of cross-Government policies and actions, including the smoky coal ban, to reduce harmful emissions and their associated health impacts, by improving our air quality.
While at this point I do not envisage exemptions from the national ban on bituminous coal, I would welcome a submission from the Irish Steam Preservation Society as part of the Clean Air Strategy consultation currently underway, details of which can be found on my Department's website at http://dccae.gov.ie/energy/en-ie/Pages/Consultation/National-Clean-Air-Strategy.aspx.
1131. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his assessment of the value and range of services which post offices provide to local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13785/17]
View answerI am extremely cognisant of the value placed by communities in both rural and urban areas on services provided by post offices. Post offices, among other things, make Government and financial services locally available, provide a social centre for a community and encourage spending in local economies. They also play an important role in delivering social welfare payments to the public.
It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong, viable company and in a position to provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and that it maintains a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. However, the postal sector as a whole is undergoing systemic change as a result of the growth of the digital economy. The continuing decline in mail volumes, combined with the ongoing impact of e-substitution on retail businesses transacted through the post office network, is a significant challenge for the company and has an impact on its financial well-being.
In recognition of the changing commercial environment within which An Post operates, my predecessor established the Post Office Network Business Development Group, the remit of which was to examine the potential from existing and new Government and commercial business that could be transacted through the post office network. The final report of this Group was published in January 2016. On foot of the reconfiguration of Government Departments in July last, responsibility for the post office network transferred to my colleague the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with particular responsibility for implementation of the aforementioned report. In my role in respect of the corporate governance of An Post, I have impressed upon the company the importance of giving its support and assistance to Minister Humphreys and Minister Ring as work is progressed on bringing about new opportunities for the nationwide network of post offices.
1133. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of protection staff assigned to the river Nore and Nore estuary, Kilkenny; if vacancies created by retirement have been filled; the number of cases of illegal fishing prosecuted relative to the Nore, Kilkenny; the action taken by his Department arising from local media reports on illegal fishing at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13829/17]
View answerI am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that there are currently nine full-time IFI officers involved, amongst other duties, in policing illegal fishing activity in an area that covers the River Barrow, Nore and Suir catchments.
IFI plans to employ three additional temporary staff for 6 months during 2017 to supplement the full-time staff during the busy fishing season.
The operational area for these officers also includes a number of other rivers which flow directly to the sea along the Wexford and Waterford coasts including the River Mahon, Colligan, Tay, Owenduff and Corock. The freshwater and tidal sections of all of these rivers as well as the Wexford and Waterford coastline are policed by these officers.
The total land area covered by these officers is 10,260 km2. The River Barrow, Nore and Suir range in length from 87 to 119 miles and these rivers or their tributaries flow through 10 counties.
Three individuals have been prosecuted on the River Nore since 2014.
The officers patrol these areas in a means which optimises resource deployment by using innovative technology such as covert surveillance and kayak and jet-ski patrols. Operations target known poaching hotspots and areas and times when illegal activity is likely to be greatest. This involves protection over a 24 hour, 7 days per week period and often involves night-time policing and unscheduled responses to reported incidents. All reports of illegal activity are investigated.
IFI has a telephone hotline 1890 34 74 24 to facilitate anglers and others in reporting any suspicious activity.
1134. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to fund the works required on the river Nore, Kilkenny to remove blockages along the river for the safe passage of fish; the work programme and locations along the Nore at which funding will be spent to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13830/17]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) manages the Salmon Conservation Fund (SCF) which is used to promote the recovery of our salmon stocks and habitats taking into account project feasibility, funding availability and value for money considerations.
The SCF is funded from the sale of salmon angling and commercial fishing licences which represents a major contribution by licence holders to wild salmon conservation.
Fishery Owners, Angling Clubs, Commercial Fishermen and Inland Fisheries Ireland can apply to this fund for projects which will enhance the conservation status of our fisheries resource.
I am advised by IFI that they successfully completed a very significant infrastructural project in 2014 which significantly improved fish passage at a large weir at Castletown on the River Nore. In addition, IFI are currently undertaking a project, funded by SCF, involving pruning and bank stabilisation works on the Kings River, an important tributary of the River Nore. This project will enhance fisheries habitat in the river.
IFI are also exploring potential works on a number of other barriers on the Nore system, which are considered to impede the free movement of fish. A significant amount of preliminary work goes into bringing projects to planning stage particularly in relation to land owner and fishery owner permissions, technical challenges and resource capacity.
IFI will continue to explore opportunities for habitat improvement works. Where such opportunities exist projects are assessed on feasibility, resource availability and value for money considerations.
1135. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a compensation package will be put in place for eel fishermen who can no longer fish for eel due to restrictions for conservation purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13831/17]
View answerIreland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) under EU Regulation 1100/2007, which included a closure of commercial fishing, was approved by the European Commission in 2009. Ireland's EMP and its conservation measures were reviewed in 2012 and again in 2015 in accordance with the EU Regulation. Both reviews involved an examination of the latest scientific data and the conservation measures, the results of which were the subject of public consultation processes.
Based on management advice from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and having considered all aspects of the 2015 review, the existing conservation measures remain in place up to mid-2018 at which time a further review is required. IFI have been provided funding for a new collaborative research initiative involving IFI scientists and a number of former eel fishermen to further develop national knowledge of the species and its medium to longer term potential for recovery. This scientific fishery was commenced in 2016 and is expected to continue for three years to increase data and knowledge ahead of further review of eel management measures in 2018.
The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) for 2016 (published October 2015) is that “the status of eel remains critical and that all anthropogenic mortality (e.g. recreational and commercial fishing, hydropower, pumping stations, and pollution) affecting production and escapement of silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible. There is no change in the status of the stock as being critically endangered".
While I recognise fully the difficulty facing eel fishermen, there is no property right attaching to public eel licences and the issue of compensation does not arise.
