Written Answers Nos. 186-195
186. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason the new tillage TAMS scheme sets down criteria that persons must have a minimum of 15 hectares of eligible crops declared under the basic payment scheme or equivalent in the year of application or previous year; if this will prevent small tillage farmers from joining the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14745/17]
View answerThe new Tillage Scheme is targeted at farmers who have tillage as their main enterprise in order to ensure the best allocation of resources.
The investments available under the remaining TAMS II suite of measures cater for those farmers who do not meet the 15 hectare eligibility criteria but have other enterprises (e.g. dairy, beef, sheep enterprises) on their farms as well as tillage.
187. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the obligations refuse companies have regarding collection, segregation and disposal of glass waste from domestic customers; if such companies are required to provide a separate bin service for the collection of glass bottles; the regulation in place or planned to manage this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14685/17]
View answerThere is no obligation on collectors of household waste under waste management legislation to provide a separate bin service for the collection of glass bottles. In terms of the recycling of glass, recent data (links provided below) indicate that we are at or above an 80% recycling level. There are over 2,200 bring banks and 100 recycling centres across the country, which support these relatively high recycling levels for glass.
www.repak.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Repak_AR_final_for-web1.pdf.
www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/waste/stats/EPA_Progress%20towards%20EU%20targets_Jan17_web.pdf.
188. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which his Department monitors any broadcaster's statutory spend requirements; the way in which he assures himself the accounting cost is confined to the year of broadcast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14575/17]
View answerThe only such statutory expenditure requirement in relation to the public service broadcasters arises under Section 116 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which obliges RTÉ to spend a predetermined minimum amount every year on independently produced television and radio programmes. This amount is lodged to the Independent Programmes Account, upon which RTÉ must report annually. RTÉ’s adherence to the requirements of the Act is verified by independent accountants as part of this report, which must be submitted within three months of the end of each financial year.
RTÉ adheres to formal and clear procedures for sourcing and commissioning independently produced television and radio programmes. These procedures are available to independent producers on the RTÉ website and RTÉ’s compliance with them is also verified by the independent accountants as part of the report each year.
In regard to the accounting methodology applied to RTÉ’s expenditure on commissioned programming, RTÉ’s Annual Report and Group Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Under IFRS, RTÉ records the cost of transmitted commissioned programmes rather than the expenditure incurred on commissioning activities. The RTÉ Annual Report records the level of programme inventories held – that is programmes made and for which costs have been incurred during the period, but which have not been transmitted at the period end. A full reconciliation is provided within the Independent Productions Annual Report.
In line with the Act, both the Independent Productions Report and the RTÉ Annual Report and Group Financial Statements are published and laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas.
189. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of any payments made by his Department, its agencies or any bodies under his aegis to any broadcasters here in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016; the broadcaster to which the funds were provided; the reason for the payments; and if there is any reason for payments to broadcasters in 2017. [14719/17]
View answerThe information requested in relation to my Department is being complied and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The information regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
190. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the fact Ireland is only one of two EU member states that will miss the targets for emission reduction for 2020 with regard to the recently published national mitigation plan; the proposed alternatives that will replace the phasing out of coal and peat-fired electricity generation that are absent from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/17]
View answerI refer to the replies to Questions Nos. 34, 41 and 71 on 21 March.
According to the latest projections produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (March 2016), projected emissions for 2020 indicate that Ireland's emissions at that stage could be in the range of 6-11% below 2005 levels. The likely outcome is closer to 6%, representing a significant shortfall in terms of reaching the 20% reduction in 2020. This reflects both Ireland's reduced investment capacity over the period of the economic downturn, as well as the fact that the target itself was misinformed and not consistent with what was achievable on an EU wide cost-effective basis.
Notwithstanding this, a key objective of the first statutory National Mitigation Plan is to try and close the gap to Ireland's 2020 EU target. In this context, the Plan sets out the mitigating measures currently in place and also a range of mitigating measures under consideration. 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.
In the context of the development of renewable electricity generation, the White Paper on Energy Policy, "Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030" (December 2015), is a key policy driver in our low carbon transition and in the development of appropriate mitigating measures to achieve that transition.
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. Public Service Obligation (PSO) support for Bord na Móna’s Edenderry peat-fired generation station expired in December 2015. PSO support for the ESB owned West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations will expire in 2019. The Edenderry power station is now in receipt of support for biomass co-firing via REFIT3 for up to 30% of 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 energy sources. This will contribute to the decarbonisation of electricity generation and is in line with the Energy White Paper.
Moneypoint generation plant contributes to Ireland’s security of supply by diversifying the fuel mix, provides generation storage capacity and provides competitively priced electricity. However, while Moneypoint is an important element of our power generation mix, before it comes to the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025, the most suitable low-carbon generation technology will have to be identified as committed to in the Programme for a Partnership Government. Key decisions on the future of Moneypoint will be taken before 2020, and this is included as mitigating option under consideration (RE8) in the draft National Mitigation Plan.
191. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of increasing the rural transport programme funding by 5%. [14611/17]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my answer of 09 March 2017 to her Question (ref no 12495/17, Proof 200). The position remains the same.
192. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the National Transport Authority has identified areas, be they counties, towns or rural areas, that are not covered by the rural transport programme. [14612/17]
View answerMy Department provides funding for the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) to the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including management of the RTP.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
193. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation provided each year since 2011 for the identification and development of greenway projects. [14613/17]
View answer194. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the greenway projects that have been developed by his Department since 2011. [14614/17]
View answer195. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocation provided, each year since 2011, for the development and maintenance of cycle lanes and cycle tracks. [14615/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 193 to 195, inclusive, together.
While there was no dedicated funding stream in place in 2011 for the development of greenways €10 million was allocated by my Department under the Special Jobs Initiative Programme to County Councils for the improvement of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and other sustainable transport measures in towns and rural areas outside the Greater Dublin Area (GDA). A small number of projects delivered under this programme could be classed as greenways and are included in the following table.
Under the National Cycle Network (NCN) Funding Programme approximately €23.5 million was allocated over the period 2012 to 2016 to advance cycle routes that provided valuable transport and recreational infrastructure, with the added potential to enhance tourist activity for the areas concerned. This includes €10 million allocated under the Government Stimulus package 2014.
The first tranche for the years 2012/2013 funded fifteen cycling projects across the country with €7 million in funding provided. Under the second tranche for the years 2014-2016, a further three projects shared in funding of €6.3 million. Of these three projects only one (in Waterford) has been completed. In May 2014, a €10 million investment package for greenway development was announced by Government as part of the €200 million national stimulus package. Eleven cycling projects were selected to share in this funding and eight of these projects have now been completed.
In July 2016, €3.5 million was reallocated from the second tranche of NCN funding to projects in Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford as two of the original projects selected (Kerry and Galway) were not in a position to draw down their full allocation for 2016.
It is a condition of any funding award that local authorities are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure once the project has been completed.
Separately, under the Sustainable Transport Measures Grants (STMG) Programme, my Department provides funding to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for the seven local authorities in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) for the implementation of sustainable transport measures which includes cycling and walking infrastructure. The NTA also manages a similar sustainable transport grants programme - the Regional Cities Programme - in the four regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. I have forwarded your request to the NTA for consideration and response to you within 10 working days in relation to greenway projects funded. If you have not received a response within 10 working days please contact my office.
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Greenway/Cycling projects funded |
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All projects completed unless otherwise stated |
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Projects 2011 |
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Year |
Local Authority |
Project |
Status |
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Limerick |
Great Southern Trail extension |
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Longford Town |
Royal canal cycle and walkway |
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Westmeath |
Mullingar cycle network extension - Ballinagh to Shandonagh |
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Waterford |
The Track walking and cycling route |
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Leitrim |
Shannon Erne cycle/walkway |
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Limerick |
Nenagh Loop cycle/walkway |
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National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2012-2013 - Projects funded |
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2012 |
Carlow/Kilkenny |
44.5km cycleway linking Carlow to Paulstown to Kilkenny. |
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Clare |
4km cycleway linking Ennistymon to Lahinch |
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Donegal |
195.5km cycle route between Donegal Town and Newtowncunningham |
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Fingal |
3km cycle link from Ashtown to Blanchardstown |
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Kerry |
1.2km extension to existing cycle/pedestrian route from Killarney to Fossa |
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Limerick |
3km extension to the Great Southern Trail (GST) from Abbeyfeale Town to Rathoran. |
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Louth |
6.3km greenway from Omeath and Carlingford |
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Mayo |
8.8km greenway from Castlebar to Turlough Park |
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Meath |
3km cycle/walkway from Drogheda Ramparts to the Oldbridge Estate entrance. |
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Monaghan |
4.5km cycle route through Monaghan Town |
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North Tipperary |
2.8km extension to the existing N52 walkway/cycleway |
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Offaly |
16.8km of dedicated cycle lanes along the R420 from Tullamore to Moate |
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Roscommon |
20km of dedicated cycle lanes along the former N6 between Athlone and Ballinasloe (funding withdrawn due to inability to deliver project) |
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Waterford City |
3.2km cycleway between Tramore and Waterford City |
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Waterford Co |
6.4km cycleway between the City Outer Ring Road to Tramore |
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Westmeath |
11.3km upgrading of canal tow path from Boardstown Bridge to county Boundary |
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*Outside of the NCN Programme Kerry Co Council received funding of €200,000 in 2012, approved in 2010, to complete the Tralee/Spa/Fenit 1.8km cycleway. |
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National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 - Projects funded |
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2014 |
Kerry |
Phases 2 & 3 of the Glenbeigh to Reenard Trail from Glenbeigh to Cahirciveen (26km) |
ongoing |
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Galway |
Galway to Moycullen Greenway (12.4km) |
ongoing |
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Waterford |
Clonea to Durrow Greenway (7.2km) (completed) |
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Reallocation of NCN Funding from current programme - July, 2016 |
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2014 |
Kildare |
Kildare section of Dublin to Galway Greenway |
ongoing |
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Meath |
Meath section of Dublin to Galway Greenway |
ongoing |
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Longford |
Abbeyshrule to Longford Bridge, Ballymahon (15.2km) (extension to Mullingar to Abbeyshrule Greenway) |
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Westmeath |
Garrycastle to White Gates (2.2km) (extension to the Mullingar to Athlone Greenway) |
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Stimulus Funding 2014 - Projects funded |
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2014 |
Clare |
Phase 1 of the West Clare greenway from Ennis to Ballymacquiggan (5km) |
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Kerry |
Phase 1 of the Glenbeigh to Reenard Trail from Cahirciveen to Reenard Point (Fertha Greenway) (5.7km) |
ongoing |
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Kerry |
Tralee Fenit Trail - Phase 1 Rock Street to Casement Station (.42km) |
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Kildare |
Arthur's Way Greenway - Leixlip to Oughterard via Celbridge/Castletown (25km) |
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Limerick |
Patrickswell to Limerick City cycleway (4.14km) # |
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Mayo |
Monasteries of the Moy (14km) - part funding of overall project |
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Roscommon |
Boyle to Lough Key Forest Park (24km) - part funding of overall project |
ongoing |
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Tipperary |
Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir Greenway (20km) |
ongoing |
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Waterford |
Kilmeaden to Bilberry Greenway (20km) |
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Westmeath |
Athlone to Mullingar Greenway (40km)# |
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Westmeath |
Coolnahay to the County Boundary (14.4)# |
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#additional funding awarded to Kildare (104k); Limerick (155k); and Westmeath (3.2m) |
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
