Written Answers Nos. 490-511
490. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is considering to aid farmers with respect to slurry spreading and meeting EU nitrates responsibilities; and if persons that use splash plates for spreading will continue to be able to use this equipment following the national clean air strategy consultation by Government. [31554/17]
View answerAt the outset, it is important to note that the lead on the National Clean Air Strategy is the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment. The public consultation has now concluded and that Department will conduct a thorough examination of all submissions received as part of its consultation phase.
Within this context, the document which was drafted to inform the public consultation identified a number of issues in relation to air quality and emission sources. It recognised that the spreading of slurry can, depending on the timing of the application and the weather conditions, result in nitrogen loss from slurry to the atmosphere through ammonia volatilisation.
No decision has been taken on a total ban on splash plates. My Department will continue to liaise closely with colleagues in the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment on this matter.
On foot of farmer demand to improve the utilisation of slurry as a fertiliser, my Department is assisting farmers under TAMS in the purchase of Low Emission Slurry Spreading equipment where to date 539 applications have been received for trailing shoe, 394 applications for the dribble bar and 14 applications for shallow injection. Overall across all low emissions technologies over 1,058 applications have been received which is above expectations. There are no splash plate systems being grant-aided. In addition more than 4,750 farmers have applied under the GLAS scheme to apply slurry using low emission equipment.
This is being driven by farmers themselves wanting to maximise the value of the slurry on their own farms, rather than as a regulatory requirement. Recently, the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors of Ireland also identified their support for this technology.
However, I fully understand that this technology is not suitable for all farms.
491. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there is grant aid for renewable micro generation on farms under TAMS 2. [31555/17]
View answerGrant aid for renewable micro generation is available to the Pig and Poultry Sectors under the Pigs and Poultry Investment measure under TAMS II. The electricity produced must be used on the farm. It is not permitted to export electricity to the national grid.
492. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on whether there is sufficient competition in the meat processing and beef sector here in view of reports of the proposed merger of two companies (details supplied) and a recent announcement; and the impact this will this have on the price the primary producer receives for livestock. [31556/17]
View answerI am acutely aware of the importance of competition in the beef sector. It is critically important to have a robust and transparent legal basis for the evaluation of proposals for mergers and acquisitions.
There is a well established infrastructure, at EU level, and at National level through the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, for the oversight of competition issues and for dealing with allegations of anti-competitive practices or the abuse of a dominant market position. I understand that the merger referred to by the Deputy will be evaluated by the appropriate authorities.
As for the price of Irish beef, this is determined by a wide variety of factors, including global demand and supply, currency rates, the extent of competition from other countries, weather conditions. At present the price of Irish cattle for slaughter exceeds the EU 15 average.
493. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of civil servants in his Department who have requested a transfer to a location outside County Dublin; the number of civil servants in his Department who have requested a transfer from a location outside of County Dublin into County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31772/17]
View answerDue to the diverse range of staff employed by my Department, a number of different transfer arrangements/agreements are in place for these various grade streams. Given the variety of these arrangements there is no single list of staff requesting transfer to any location.
As you will be aware, Action 15 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan has a commitment to develop a mobility scheme within the Civil Service. Work on this scheme is ongoing with the Civil Service Management Board, Departments and staff interests. The scheme will be centralised and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will have the facility to report on numbers on lists per department and location following its successful launch.
494. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the research and consultation on minimum energy standards in the private rented sector will be published as outlined in the strategy to combat energy poverty 2016 to 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31139/17]
View answer507. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has studied a charity's (details supplied) proposal in its pre-budget submission to extend the warmer homes scheme to landlords who make their property available for at least three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31137/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 494 and 507 together.
I am committed to increasing energy efficiency activity in the rented sector. People living in rented accommodation are twice as likely to live in a home that is E, F or G rated on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale. Households living in relatively energy inefficient properties spend €160-€419 per annum more on energy than households in a home rated with a BER of B. This leaves those living in rented accommodation more vulnerable to energy poverty.
That is why the Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty commits to piloting an initiative to allow landlords participating in the Local Authority led Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) schemes to receive free energy efficiency upgrades.
My officials are currently working with Local Authorities to agree the terms and conditions for this pilot. This would be trialled initially with a small number of Local Authorities and the findings from this would inform consideration of a wider roll-out.
Regarding minimum energy efficiency standards for rented properties, the Government is considering such regulations as the typical residential tenancy in Ireland is short and hence tenants do not tend to invest significant sums in the property they are living in. At the same time, landlords under-invest in energy efficiency works as the tenants are the ones who benefit from the consequent energy bill savings and in a constrained rental market there appears to be little value placed on the energy efficiency of a rented property. These diverging incentives mean that energy efficiency investment is much lower in the private rented sector than among homeowners, even though Government grant schemes such as the Better Energy Homes scheme are open to landlords.
My Department has worked with external consultants to examine the impact of introducing minimum energy efficiency standards to counteract this market failure but this must be balanced against the impact such regulations would have on the price and availability of rented properties.
With the publication of the 2017 Census, my Department is working to update the research findings and incorporate this new data. By the autumn I intend to present the findings of this updated research to a seminar of tenant and landlord interest groups, with a view to publishing the research shortly thereafter and engaging in a full public consultation.
495. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost based on 2016 figures of increasing each grant value under the better energy homeowner grants to twice their value; and the estimated cost of increasing the solar heating grant to five times its value. [30830/17]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme supports private 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 system upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER).
The measures currently offered were selected as the best balance that could be achieved between the resources available to the scheme, the number of homes that can receive support and the energy savings that can 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.
The following table shows the cash impact if the level of each grant under the Better Energy Homes scheme (excluding the BER) were doubled and demand for grants was identical to that experienced in 2016. However, it must be noted that it is not simply a case of multiplying the 2016 allocation. Doubling the grants available would likely result in a significant increase in demand for grants, which would mean that it would be likely that the Exchequer resources devoted to the programme would also have to increase quite significantly to cope with this increased demand.
Broadly speaking the grants available are set at around 30-35% of the projected cost of each measure. Doubling grant levels would certainly increase demand for grants but would result in a lower return of energy savings for each euro of Government investment and would thus represent poorer value for money for taxpayers.
Quintupling the grant level for solar heating would result in a grant that covers more than 150% of the cost of installing a solar heating system. In other words, anyone who installed a solar heating system would receive a net benefit of approximately €2,000. This would be effective at promoting deployment of solar heating but again would not represent good value for money for the taxpayer and would place a considerable stress on the construction industry as they would have to adapt to what would likely be a very high spike in demand.
|
Measure |
Number of Grants Paid (Excluding BER) |
Value of Grants Paid 2016 (€) |
Value of Grants Paid If Average Grant Doubled (€) |
|
Roof Insulation |
5,279 |
1,595,393 |
3,190,785 |
|
Cavity |
4,573 |
1,406,562 |
2,813,124 |
|
Dry-Lining Insulation |
733 |
1,396,364 |
2,792,728 |
|
External Insulation |
1,274 |
4,736,443 |
9,472,886 |
|
H.E Gas Boiler with Heating Control Upgrade |
4,516 |
3,306,150 |
6,612,300 |
|
H.E Oil Boiler with Heating Control Upgrade |
1,390 |
1,069,850 |
2,139,700 |
|
Heating Controls Upgrade Only |
1,286 |
835,180 |
1,670,361 |
|
Solar Heating |
1,588 |
1,980,500 |
3,961,000 |
|
Total |
20,639 |
16,326,442 |
32,652,884 |
496. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of introducing a domestic grant to cover a minimum one third of the cost of purchase of micro-scale wind generation, CHP, biomass boiler and air source heat pump in tabular form. [30831/17]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes Scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme supports private 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 system upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER).
The measures currently offered were selected as the best balance that could be achieved between the resources available to the scheme, the number of homes that can receive support and the energy savings that can 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.
Nevertheless as we move towards deeper renovation of homes, as will be necessary to meet our 2020 and 2030 climate and energy goals, other measures could become cost effective. 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. That is why support for a much broader range of technologies is made available through the Better Energy Communities scheme, the recently announced Deep Retrofit pilot scheme and the Warmth & Well-being scheme.
In specific response to the Deputy's question, the cost of introducing a grant for a set percentage of the price of renewable technologies is impossible to estimate without conducting a comprehensive market survey of technology prices and considering likely demand scenarios for the introduction of such grants. No such assessment has been undertaken by my Department.
I can inform the Deputy that I have requested SEAI to undertake a review of technologies for consideration in home energy grant schemes. The results of this review will inform any future measures that may be offered. However, Government support for energy efficiency will continue to prioritise those measures which are cost effective to deliver and will always seek as the highest priority to reduce energy demand in the first instance.
In the electricity sector the primary support mechanisms for renewable electricity are the Renewable Electricity Feed-in-Tariff schemes, paid for electricity exported into the national grid. Micro-generation is not currently supported under any of these schemes.
My Department is currently developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The design of the new scheme includes an extensive independent economic appraisal. This economic appraisal involves comparing the cost of supporting a range of technologies – including micro-generation of various technologies, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. A public consultation on key design elements of the new support scheme will be published shortly.
497. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost for 2018, based on 2016 figures, of increasing the electric vehicle grant scheme by €2,000 and €5,000 respectively, in tabular form. [30832/17]
View answerThe Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme provides grant aid of up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery EV (BEV) or Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). The scheme, which will be kept under review, is continuing this year and an allocation of €5 million has been provided in my Department’s Vote for this purpose. These grants are in addition to the VRT reliefs of up to €5,000 that also apply to EVs. Budget 2017 extended VRT reliefs on PHEVs to end 2018 and on BEVs to end 2021.
In 2016, the purchase of 638 EVs was supported under the EV Grant Scheme at a cost of over €3 million. The average amount of grant paid was €4,763 per vehicle.
It is estimated that increasing each grant by €2,000 per vehicle would cost an extra €1.276 million. While increasing each grant by €5,000 would add an estimated €3.19 million euro to the total spend under the scheme.
The actual cost in 2016 along with the projected cost of the two outlined scenarios is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
No. of EVs supported |
Amount in Grant Aid paid (Actual) |
Additional grant of €2000 per EV (Est.) |
Additional grant of €5000 per EV (Est.) |
|
2016 |
638 |
€3,038,800 |
€4,314,800 |
€6,228,800 |
So far in 2017, almost €2.2 million has been spent to support the purchase of 456 new electric vehicles. My Department expects a broadly similar number of Electric Vehicles to be grant aided for the remainder of the year.
The trend over the past three years has been for increasing numbers of new EVs on our roads compared to the previous years and, with a greater choice of models on the market allied to the extension of the VRT reliefs, I would expect that trend to continue.
498. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to direct the SEAI to expand its deep retrofit pilot programme in order that persons can apply directly to the SEAI without going through their local authority or community group; his further plans to extend the budget of the scheme in view of the benefits it creates regarding energy efficiency; if he will consider increasing the thresholds relating to the amount the SEAI can pay for each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30837/17]
View answerThe deep retrofit pilot scheme, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland on behalf of my Department, aims to help us understand how best we can persuade people to invest in the deep retrofit of their homes and what solutions we need to put in place to make it easy for them to do so.
To be eligible for support a home must be upgraded to at least an A3 standard on the Building Energy Rating scale and upgrade their heating system to a renewable energy alternative. Meeting this specification will be challenging but the lessons learned will play a crucial role in determining how the State can effectively support homeowners who want to upgrade their homes to this standard on a wider basis.
Undertaking a retrofit on this scale is a complex, demanding task and householders without any background or experience in energy issues would find it extremely difficult to undertake such an upgrade without support. SEAI is not resourced to provide this degree of engagement to individual homeowners. Therefore, requiring a counter-agent to co-ordinate and act on behalf of a householder ensures that a source of expert support and advice on deep retrofit is available to them throughout the upgrade process. As the Deep Retrofit scheme develops and as undertaking these deep retrofits becomes more commonplace it may be that the need for this advice and support requirement is lessened and it may be appropriate to widen the eligibility to include individual homeowners. This matter will be kept under review by my Department and SEAI.
With regard to the rate of subvention, I believe that the current rates, 50% for homeowners and 95% for those in energy poverty, are appropriate. This rate of subvention is considerably higher than the average grant paid under the Better Energy Homes scheme and reflects the reality that the scheme is trying to build and develop a market for deep retrofit in Ireland. However, increasing the average support level above these levels would push it into a rate that is not sustainable in the long run, which in turn introduces regulatory uncertainty for scheme co-ordinators and contractors and would not represent good value for money for the taxpayers who are funding the scheme.
€5 million has been allocated to the scheme for 2017. It is my intention that the deep retrofit scheme will run for several years and will test a variety of new and innovative ways of promoting deeper retrofits. These learnings will then be incorporated into the design of future nationwide support schemes. The budget for the programme will be reviewed by my Department on an annual basis and will reflect the anticipated level of demand for the scheme and the resources available to support energy efficiency support schemes generally. As I noted in my speech to the recent SEAI conference on deep retrofit, the future of this scheme is in the hands of counter-party's, be they Local Authorities, community groups or private ventures. I have made funds available for the scheme, the SEAI has published the scheme’s principles and now we need to persuade homeowners to make the commitment to undertake deep retrofits.
499. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for fibre optic broadband at Tullycross, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30856/17]
View answer502. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is a plan in place for broadband in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30982/17]
View answer503. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will expedite the roll-out of fibre broadband to an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31041/17]
View answer509. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the roll-out of at least 30 Mb broadband speeds to a location (details supplied) in County Donegal as part of the national broadband plan; if such areas with poor or no broadband coverage will be prioritised during the roll-out phase as part of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31235/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 499, 502, 503 and 509 together.
The Government's National Broadband Plan will provide high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that to date approximately 1.4 million or 61% of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second and this footprint is expanding.
In April, eir signed a agreement with me committing them to follow through on their commercial plans to provide new high speed broadband infrastructure to 300,000 premises in rural areas. eir has committed to doing this work over a 90 week period with an average of 500 premises passed per day. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie. The decision by eir to invest in infrastructure to deploy high speed broadband services to an additional 300,000 premises in rural Ireland was taken by eir on commercial grounds. Neither I nor the Department have a statutory authority to direct eir in this regard.
Quarterly updates on progress of the eir 300,000 roll-out will be published on the Departments website. The Q1 figures have been verified by my Department and the eir roll-out is in line with the Commitment Agreement.
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map finalises the State Intervention Area for the procurement process and is an important milestone in the procurement process. The Map shows the extent of the State Intervention area and also the areas targeted for commercial services.
- The BLUE areas represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services,
- The AMBER areas on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the areas that will require State Intervention and are the subject of the current procurement process.
The map shows that 21% of Tullycross in the townland of Gorteenannaglogh, Co Galway and the Eircode in Co Donegal referred to by the Deputy falls within an AMBER area and will be part of the State led Intervention under the NBP. The remaining 79% of the townland of Gorteenannaglogh, Co Galway including the company referred to by the Deputy in Co Cavan falls within eir's plans to deliver rural high speed broadband between now and end 2018 (Light BLUE on map). Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. Individuals can themselves check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode at www.broadband.gov.ie.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. The State Intervention network will be a wholesale network and retail service providers will be able to use the network to provide enhanced broadband services to their customers.
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. The three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. 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.
With the finalisation of the map and following extensive dialogue with bidders, the procurement is progressing to the next stage. On 20 June 2017 my Department wrote to the three bidders in the NBP procurement process inviting them to submit their "Detailed Solutions" by 26 September 2017. The "Detailed Solutions" stage is the last stage of the procurement process before Final Tenders.
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, once contracts are in place.
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.
The rate of demand for data services has increased exponentially in the last four years and this presents a continuing challenge for telecommunication 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.
In order to maintain momentum created by the Task Force, I established an Implementation Group to drive and monitor the implementation of the actions, bringing together all key stakeholders identified in the Task Force report with responsibility for delivery. This group will be formally reporting every 90 days on progress made on all actions. I published the first such quarterly progress report on 13 June 2017, which is available on my Department's website at http://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Taskforce%20Q1%20Progress%20Report.pdf and which shows that considerable progress has been made, particularly in relation to the implementation of actions identified for Q1 2017.
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 addition, following regulations which I signed last year, ComReg recently announced the results of its auction for the 3.6 GHz radio spectrum band, which means an 86% increase in spectrum capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile and wireless broadband services across rural and urban areas. The Regulator has awarded 15 year licences for the rights of use in this band which will provide a degree of stability and create future investment certainty. Spectrum was also awarded in lots covering 9 urban and rural regions across the country.
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.
500. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his Department's objectives for the roll-out of solar farms in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30916/17]
View answer501. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his Department's targets regarding the provision of energy through solar power to the national grid; the number of applications to join the national grid from potential supplies of solar power in County Tipperary from solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30923/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 500 and 501 together.
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy. Good progress has been made to date, but the target remains challenging, particularly in light of economic growth and a growing demand for energy. Latest figures by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicate that over 27% of our electricity came from renewable sources in 2016. This progress, while welcome, will need to accelerate in pace in the coming years.
The 2016 Programme for Government and 2015 Energy White Paper recognise that solar has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future and it is increasingly recognised that Solar PV has the potential to contribute to meeting Ireland’s renewable energy and climate change objectives.
My Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030. The design of the new scheme is underway, and includes an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal involves comparing the cost of supporting Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - both rooftop and ground mounted, offshore wind, onshore wind and a range of other commercial renewable technologies, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment also includes analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
My Department will publish shortly a final public consultation on the design principles of the new RESS. Following the outcome of this public consultation, and before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected that the new scheme will become operational in 2018.
I am fully aware of the level of interest in the solar PV sector in Ireland. I am advised that nationally there have been over 600 applications, amounting to about 4,290 Megawatts of solar capacity, seeking a connection to the electricity grid in the last 24 months. Within Tipperary, there have been 41 solar grid connection applications to date, with a combined capacity of 284 MW.
Notwithstanding the level of solar applicants seeking connection to the grid, my stated position is that while solar has a role to play in Ireland's energy future, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to a disproportionate increase in people’s electricity bills through the Public Service Obligation levy. In designing the new RESS, the cost implications for people and businesses will, therefore be a high priority and I will ensure that the new scheme is designed in a cost efficient manner.
504. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the consultation process has concluded on the renewable heating incentive; the timeframe from conclusion to implementation for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31043/17]
View answerThe introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a commitment in the Programme for Government. The aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heating sector and to help reach Ireland’s 12% target by 2020. Provisional data indicates that 6.6% of heat demand was derived from renewable sources in 2016.
My Department has undertaken a detailed economic assessment on the design and cost of the RHI for the industrial/commercial sector in Ireland. This assessment included a range of renewable energy technologies and focused on large commercial and industrial heat users in the non-Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
The final public consultation process on the design and implementation of the new RHI closed in March 2017, and 119 submissions were reviewed by my Department. All submissions to the RHI public consultation are now published on the Department's website at: www.dccae.ie. The findings from this public consultation are being used to help inform final decisions in relation to the scheme. At this stage, the overall costs, technologies to be supported and design of a scheme are still under consideration and will require Government decision and State aid clearance from the European Commission.
505. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the impact of noise pollution and air pollution in view of the expansion of the M50 from four lanes to six or eight lanes; and the impact on persons living adjacent to the motorway in the areas of Edmondstown, Stocking Lane, Knocklyon, Ballycullen, Firhouse and Templeogue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31095/17]
View answer506. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the ameliorative measures in place to combat the significant noise and air pollution being experienced by persons in the Stocking Lane, Scholarstown, Knocklyon, Ballycullen, Edmondstown and Templeogue areas, in view of the fact that the M50 is almost at full capacity for the first time since it expanded to six and eight lanes a number of years ago; the way in which he plans to direct the relevant agencies to implement measures to reduce the impact of both air and noise pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31096/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 506 together.
Emissions from transport, including particulate emissions, can have a detrimental impact on both human health and environmental ecosystems. Inhalation of Particulate Matter (PM) can increase respiratory morbidity (including exacerbation of existing conditions such as asthma) as well as contributing to cardiovascular disease.
My Department has commenced work on the first ever National Clean Air Strategy which will provide an overarching strategic policy framework within which clean air policies can be formulated and given effect in a manner consistent with national, EU and international policy considerations and priorities. The Clean Air Strategy will address priority air pollutants in Ireland, including vehicle emissions, in an integrated manner. A public consultation on the strategy closed at the end of April and all submissions are currently being assessed. I hope to have the Strategy finalised by the end of this year.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has undertaken a review of the current state of air quality monitoring and information provision in Ireland. The outcome of this review was a decision to develop a new air quality monitoring programme which aims to enhance and build on the current arrangements. The new national Ambient Air Monitoring Programme (AAMP) is being developed under Section 65 of the EPA Act, 1992 as amended. Placing the programme on this statutory footing emphasises the importance that the EPA places on the monitoring of air quality in Ireland.
The AAMP covers the years 2017 to 2022, with the enhancement and expansion of the monitoring network to be prioritised in the first phases of the programme. Further details on the timeframes for the expansion of the network will be released as they become available.
Insofar as noise is concerned, motorways, including the M50, fall within the scope of EU Directive 2002/49/EC (the Environmental Noise Directive, or END) relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. This Directive aims to provide “a common framework to avoid, prevent or reduce, on a prioritised basis, the harmful effects of exposure to environmental noise”. A key source of noise covered under the END is road traffic noise.
The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 transpose the END into Irish law. The Regulations designate noise-mapping bodies and action planning authorities for the production of strategic noise maps and action plans. Primary responsibility for both noise mapping and action planning is assigned to local authorities. A number of other bodies also have noise mapping functions which are carried out on behalf of the local authorities concerned. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII - formerly the NRA – National Roads Authority) is a designated noise mapping body under the 2006 regulations.
The Regulations also designate the Environmental Protection Agency as the National Authority for the purposes of the Regulations. The Agency's role includes supervisory, advisory and coordination functions in relation to both noise mapping and action planning, as well as the reporting requirements for the purpose of the Directive.
The Regulations set out a two-stage process for addressing environmental noise. Firstly, noise must be assessed through the preparation of strategic noise maps every 5 years for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria, e.g. large urban areas (referred to as agglomerations), major roads, railways and airports. The current third round of Noise maps are due to be updated this month and officials from my department have been actively involved in this process with the EPA and other national bodies.
Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise. Action plans based on the 3rd round Noise Maps will be prepared by designated action planning authorities in 2018.
For national road schemes, potential noise emissions are addressed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process undertaken by, or on behalf of, the Transport Infrastructure Ireland. TII have published Good Practice Guidance for the Treatment of Noise during the Planning of National Road Schemes which can be accessed at the TII website - http://www.tii.ie/technical-services/environment/planning/Good_Practice_Guidance_for_the_Treatment_of_Noise_during_the_Planning_of_National_Road_Schemes.pdf.
508. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will be reviewing the warmer home scheme to include additional categories of low-income households in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31138/17]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. The scheme provides energy efficiency upgrades free of charge to people who meet the eligibility criteria. Typical measures available under the scheme include attic and cavity wall insulation, draught proofing, lagging jackets and low energy light bulbs. To date the scheme has provided energy efficiency upgrades to 120,000 homes.
Since the scheme is 100% Exchequer funded it is designed to be available only to those in most need of Government assistance. To determine this with complete accuracy SEAI would need to know the condition of a person's home, including its energy efficiency level and heating system, that person's family circumstances and their household income level. However, it would not be practical or efficient for SEAI to perform this assessment for each applicant to the Warmer Homes scheme. Therefore eligibility for the scheme is determined through the use of proxy indicators, principally the National Fuel Allowance. These proxy indicators provide an acceptable approximation that allows SEAI to find and identify people in energy poverty without having to resort to a cumbersome, expensive and intrusive administrative regime.
Eligibility for the National Fuel Allowance is determined by the Department of Social Protection through use of a means tested income assessment. Everyone in receipt of a non-contributory state payment is accepted as satisfying the means test. In addition, if a person is on an employment support scheme or getting a Back to Education Allowance they are entitled to the Fuel Allowance. Any household with a combined weekly income of up to €100 above the maximum State Pension (Contributory) is also eligible for the Fuel Allowance.
In addition to the Fuel Allowance, anyone in receipt of the Family Income Supplement, Job Seekers Allowance for over six months (and with children under 7 years of age) or anyone in receipt of the One Parent Family Payment is also eligible for the Warmer Homes scheme.
These additional eligibility criteria were selected as there are health and well-being consequences to living in a cold and damp home and children can often be particularly vulnerable to these conditions. In addition, lone parent families suffer from a particularly high deprivation rate in Ireland. In the Government's Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty, I have committed to ensuring that the eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes scheme remain consistent with the latest findings on deprivation in Ireland. This is consistent with the aim of ensuring that the limited resources available to the scheme are targeted at those in most need.
510. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is a senior official with designated responsibility for Brexit matters in his Department; if so, the grade of the designated official; the funding allocated to the said Brexit unit; the cost to date in 2017; the anticipated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31269/17]
View answerThe Government’s Brexit Contingency Framework set out that all Departments identify a senior official to oversee Brexit matters and to create a Top Management sub-committee to deal specifically with the implications of Brexit for their areas of work. This ensures a cross-cutting whole-of-Government approach, with a particular focus on possible economic implications of Brexit and policy aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth.
As Energy is identified as a key priority for my Department, the Assistant Secretary for Energy undertakes responsibility for Brexit matters. Under the chairmanship of this Assistant Secretary a sub-committee, consisting of Principal Officers representing policy areas with potential Brexit implications in my Department, meets regularly. This sub-committee carries out extensive work across a wide range of divisions, including ongoing analysis of potential impacts at sectoral level.
While no specific funding has been allocated, the work on Brexit to date has been funded from existing budgets, including the All Island Brexit Civic Dialogue on Energy held on 6 February at a total cost of €3,590.70.
Given the unpredictability of the on-going Brexit negotiations, it is not practicable to provide an estimate of the future cost at this time.
511. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the new charging system for domestic waste collection; the way in which the new system will protect persons and offer the best value service; the assurances he can make that the new system will work in the interest of consumers and not result in increased costs; the way in which the proposed measure will promote environmentally friendly domestic waste practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31363/17]
View answerThe new framework will give waste collectors the flexibility to continue to offer, or to introduce, a range of incentivised pricing options, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste, while choosing the service-price offering that best suits their circumstances and allows them to manage their costs
These options include elements or combinations of per-lift, per-kilogramme, weight-bands, weight allowances and standing charges. This offers the widest choice to consumers to help them manage their costs. About half of households are already on these types of offerings so the general public is familiar with them.
All-in flat rate charging for household waste will start to be phased-out by waste collectors as customers renew or enter new service contracts from September onwards. An annual support of €75 will be introduced for persons with lifelong or long-term medical incontinence. This will help people meet the average annual cost of disposal of incontinence products. The details and arrangements of this support will be finalised later this year, after further consultation with the stakeholder groups.
