Written Answers Nos. 1312 - 1334
1312. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when fibre broadband will be available at a location (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1714/18]
View answerThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure 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 today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020.
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April.
The premises referred to by the Deputy is in an AMBER area.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature.
My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
With regards to the available fibre connection close to the referred premises, decisions made by private telecommunication operators relating to the rollout and siting of infrastructure to provide high speed broadband services throughout Ireland are undertaken on a commercial basis by competing service providers operating in a liberalised market and one in which I have no statutory role.
I recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland and the frustration for communities and businesses that do not currently have access to this level of connectivity. Delivering connectivity to the 542,000 premises that fall within the State led intervention under the NBP remains a Government priority and my Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
1313. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a universal public service obligation on telecommunications providers in respect of the need to provide adequate and up-to-date broadband telecommunications coverage throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1779/18]
View answer1314. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to introduce a universal public service obligation on mobile telephony providers with regard to the need to provide adequate and up-to-date mobile telephone coverage throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1780/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1313 and 1314 together.
The current EU and national regulatory framework for telecommunications allows for the application of a Universal Service Obligation (USO) in respect of fixed voice services. This framework has, in my view served consumers well over several decades and ensured that householders can get an affordable fixed voice service, regardless of where they are located.
There is no universal service obligation (USO) for high speed broadband provision or mobile voice services in Ireland. The current EU and national regulatory framework for telecommunications relates solely to voice telephony and Functional Internet Access (28.8 kilobits per second) and is provided for under the current EU regulatory framework governing telecoms.
There is also no provision in European or national regulation for a USO in relation to mobile voice services. Mobile operators are however rolling out 3G and 4G networks across Ireland following ComReg’s 2012 Multiband Spectrum auction, with at least one operator now having over 90% population coverage of 4G services.
However, in September 2016, the European Commission published an ambitious new proposal for the regulation of the European telecoms sector (Proposal for a Directive Establishing a European Electronic Communications Code COM 2016/590), which aims to incentivise and encourage increased investment in high speed broadband networks. I have raised the issue of a USO for high speed broadband at EU level, seeking inclusion of a specific provision in the new framework that would allow Member States to apply a USO for high speed broadband, where such networks are available. Negotiations on the initiative remain live at EU level.
I am aware that the rate of demand for data services has increased over the last five years and this presents a continuing challenge for mobile operators, regulators and policy makers both in Ireland and internationally. Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July 2016, I established the Taskforce 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 Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report available on my Department’s website, which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Implementation Group, that I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery.
I published the third Taskforce Quarterly Progress Report in November 2017, which demonstrates that good progress has been made in delivering the actions. I plan to publish an Annual Report shortly. These reports show continuing progress and also the sustained level of engagement between actions owners and industry.
This engagement was clear in October at first National Stakeholder Forum in Athlone, which I hosted with Minister Kyne. It arose from the Taskforce’s recognition that, given the rapid technological change and the emergence of new equipment and solutions to deliver telecommunications services, stakeholders needed an opportunity to raise concerns on impediments to the rollout of services. Issues impacting on rollout were discussed at the Forum, and there were also some new recommended actions for the Taskforce to help improve services to consumers and in preparing for roll-out of the National Broadband Plan network, once contracts are in place.
The Taskforce’s achievements to date include:
- Funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer;
- Close cooperation with local authorities to develop local digital strategies, including Government working closely with local authorities to identify approximately 320 high speed Strategic Community Access Hubs to be connected at an early juncture after award of the NBP contract;
- ComReg’s development of a testing regime to check mobile handset performance which will inform consumers in choosing products and network services. ComReg will also develop a new network coverage map.
- Most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development.
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has constructed 80km of ducting on the M7/M8 corridor and 14km on the N25 in Cork, with more following in the coming months to help expedite infrastructure roll-out. TII is also reviewing the cost of duct access for telecoms.
All of these initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.
1315. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the outcome for the majority of licensing options which will be concluding between the end of February and the end of June 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1812/18]
View answer1324. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of the 28 granted licensing options that are progressing to frontier exploration licences, in tabular form. [1821/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1315 and 1324 together.
A total of 28 Licensing Options were awarded following on the outcome of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round. The term of these Licensing Options ends between 28 February 2018 and 30 June 2019. In addition the period of Licensing Option 16/15 in the North Celtic Basin ends on 30 April 2018.
The position in respect of these Licensing Options is as follows:
|
Licensing Option (LO) |
End Date(s) |
Current Status |
|
LOs 16/1-14 |
28 February 2018 |
LO 16/2 has converted to Frontier Exploration Licence 1/17. Applications to convert to Frontier Exploration Licences have been received in respect of 11 Licensing Options. An indication that the Operator intends to submit an application to convert the Licensing Option to a Frontier Exploration Licence has been received in respect of 1 Licensing Option. An indication that the Operator intends to surrender the Licensing Option has been received in respect of 1 Licensing Option. |
|
LOs 16/15-29 |
30 April 2018 to 30 June 2019 |
An indication that the Operator intends to surrender the Licensing Option has been received in respect of 1 Licensing Option. No applications for follow-on Frontier or Standard Exploration Licences have been received in respect of 14 Licensing Options. However the Operators are not required to submit a proposal for a follow-on Frontier or Standard Exploration Licences until 3 months prior to end of the Option Period (2 months in respect of a Standard Exploration Licence). |
1316. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of extracting oil from Irish marine waters that his Department is using as a basis for the national energy projections. [1813/18]
View answer1329. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of extracting oil from the Kish basin and the Porcupine basin. [1826/18]
View answer1330. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which oil deposits from the Kish basin will be processed, if onshore or offshore; and the details of his discussions with the industry, including a company (details supplied) on this matter. [1827/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1316, 1329 and 1330 together.
There have been no commercial discoveries of oil to date in the Irish offshore.
Any estimation of the cost of extracting oil from a particular location in the Irish offshore would depend on consideration of a wide range of variables including the size of the discovery, the nature of the oil found, water depth, distance from where it could be refined, development technology options and prevailing development & operating costs.
In 2009, the Irish Shelf Petroleum Studies Group of the Petroleum Infrastructure Programme undertook a Cost Effective Field Development Study for Atlantic Basins which modelled a number of oil and gas discovery development scenarios. The scenarios were evaluated at three oil price cases: $50, $75 and $100 per bbl together with three beach gas price cases: $5.50, $8 and $10.50 MMBTU. It should noted that this study was based on the 2007 Fiscal Terms and therefore did not utilise the revised 2014 fiscal terms introduced in the Finance Act 2015.
Only four wells have been drilled in the Kish Bank Basin, none of which discovered commercially recoverable hydrocarbons. All four wells were plugged and abandoned as dry holes.
Providence Resources plc holds Standard Exploration Licence 2/11 located in the Kish Bank Basin. No well has been drilled to date on this Licence and as such it too early to anticipate a discovery that might lead to a commercial development.
1317. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation including particular fields have been afforded the status of national strategic importance; and the reasons for designating or not designating the sector as such. [1814/18]
View answerThe Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 provides for the making directly to An Bord Pleanála rather than to local authorities of applications for planning permission in respect of certain proposed developments of strategic importance to the State. This encompasses certain elements of a petroleum development as set out hereunder.
Where a person intends to carry out a strategic gas infrastructure development they prepare an application for approval of the development under section 182D as inserted in the Planning and Development Act 2000, and an environmental impact statement in respect of the development, and apply to An Bord Pleanála for approval. Strategic gas infrastructure development is defined as any proposed development comprising or for the purposes of a strategic downstream gas pipeline or a strategic upstream gas pipeline, and associated terminals, buildings and installations, whether above or below ground, including any associated discharge pipe.
The Act also provides that an application for permission to be considered by An Bord Pleanála and not a local authority can be made in respect of the following projects:
- an installation for the onshore extraction of petroleum or natural gas;
- an oil pipeline and any associated terminals, buildings and installations, where the length of the pipeline, whether as originally provided or as extended, would exceed 20 kilometres.
In 2010, An Bord Pleanála gave approval under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act for the construction of the onshore Corrib Gas Pipeline.
1318. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated yield from oil and gas deposits by barrel and price; and the likelihood of finding deposits in each field in terms of a ratio, for example, a 30 to 1 chance and so on. [1815/18]
View answerTo date one hundred and sixty exploration and appraisal wells have been drilled in the Irish Offshore and have resulted in four commercial gas discoveries (Kinsale Head, Ballycotton, Seven Heads, in the Kinsale area, and Corrib gas fields) but no commercial oil discoveries. Proven reserves for these gas fields total approximately three trillion cubic feet, comprising approximately two trillion cubic feet in the Kinsale Area gas fields and approximately one trillion cubic feet at the Corrib gas field.
While petroleum authorisation holders may generate their own resource estimates for their prospects, these are unproven volumes and are only an estimate of what might be present, based on the available geological and geophysical data. The only way to accurately estimate the yield for each prospect is by drilling wells to determine firstly, if hydrocarbons are present and secondly, to calculate the volumes of hydrocarbons contained in each prospect. Most of the prospects contained in currently licensed acreage are undrilled.
1319. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which Ireland’s EU and UN commitments to mitigate climate change are considered as part of his Department’s efforts to promote exploitation of offshore hydrocarbon resources, including the commitment under the Paris Agreement to engage in global efforts to keep a global temperature rise this century below 2° Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1816/18]
View answerThe Paris Agreement aims to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an ambition of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Agreement is designed to meet this objective through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by all parties to the agreement. In this regard, the European Union submitted an NDC committing to a reduction of at least 40% in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared with 1990 levels, which will be met through reductions of 43% in the Emission Trading System (ETS) and 30% in the non-ETS sector compared with 2005 levels.
Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement via the NDC tabled by the EU on behalf of its Member States. The specific details of Ireland's contribution are currently being finalised between the EU and its Member States.
The Energy White Paper “Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030” sets out a vision and framework to guide Irish energy policy and the actions that Government intends to take in the energy sector from now up to 2030, aimed at transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050. This ambitious vision for Ireland’s energy system envisages a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from that sector by 80-95% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. The White Paper identifies the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050.
Ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy future will involve progressively moving to lower emissions fuels, e.g., moving initially from peat and coal to natural gas, and ultimately towards an even greater reliance on renewable energy. In that regard, the Government has introduced a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy and deliver energy efficiency. In 2015, over 25% of Ireland’s electricity was generated from renewable energy sources.
The White Paper also recognises that oil and natural gas will remain significant elements of Ireland’s energy supply in that transition period.
Ireland sources all its oil needs from abroad. In addition, Ireland currently sources its gas supply from the Kinsale gasfields, the Corrib gasfield and the gas pipeline from Moffat in Scotland. Corrib and Kinsale are not in a position to meet all of Ireland’s annual gas demand and so Ireland will continue to rely on gas via Great Britain for the foreseeable future. The Kinsale fields are expected to cease production by 2021 while Corrib production is projected to decrease to 50 per cent of its initial levels by 2025.
Taking this into account, exploration in Ireland’s offshore has the potential to deliver benefits to Irish society and the economy, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply and reduced fossil fuel imports, as we transition to a low carbon future. In that regard, I recently made a suggestion to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment that Ireland's policy on energy security deserves a full debate by the committee in the context of our policy framework for energy transition, energy efficiency, renewable energy and offshore exploration.
1320. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of consents to drill his Department will issue in 2018, by month, day, name of licence, name of company and contractor, name of field and the stated likelihood of finding oil or gas deposits, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1817/18]
View answer1321. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of consents to drill his Department issued in 2015, 2016 and 2017, by month, year, name of licence, name of company and contractor, name of field; if oil or gas was found in each well; if appropriate assessments or environmental impact assessments were conducted for that particular licence; and the consents which resulted in findings of a commercially viable deposit, in tabular form. [1818/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1320 and 1321 together.
The following table details the drilling consents granted since 2015. No applications for consent to drill a well in 2018 have been received by my Department.
|
Month and year well consent granted |
Well |
Petroleum Authorisation |
Operator |
Prospect |
Oil/gas found in well |
AA/EIA conducted in advance of grant of well consent |
Commercial discovery |
|
07/2015 |
49/11-3 |
SEL04/07 |
PSE Seven Heads Ltd |
Midleton Prospect |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
07/2017 |
53/6-1 |
FEL2/14 |
Providence Resources Plc. |
Druid/ Drombeg Prospects |
No |
Yes |
No |
1322. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of seismic acquisitions conducted by the State and others from 2010, by month, year, survey area name, project code, name of relevant licence, survey identification, company and contractor conducting the survey, in tabular form. [1819/18]
View answerThe following table details the seismic acquisition surveys undertaken under a petroleum authorisation from 2010 to date.
|
Month and year that survey commenced |
Survey area name |
IPAS Project Code |
Name of Relevant Petroleum Authorisation |
IPAS Survey Identification |
Company |
Contractor |
|
08/2010 |
Slyne Basin |
SL103D |
EL4/06 |
2010/01 |
San Leon Energy |
PGS |
|
05/2011 |
Porcupine Basin |
SL113D |
EL1/04 |
2011/01 |
San Leon Energy |
PGS |
|
06/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
PB113D |
LO08/1, PP1/10 |
2011/02 |
Providence Resources |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
LA113D |
EL5/08 |
2011/03 |
Lansdowne Celtic Sea |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
LR113D |
EL5/07 |
2011/04 |
Lansdowne Celtic Sea |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
LM113D |
EL4/07 |
2011/05 |
Lansdowne Celtic Sea |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Porcupine Basin |
PS113D |
EL4/08 |
2011/06 |
Providence Resources |
Polarcus |
|
07/2012 |
Slyne Basin |
12SH3D |
Corrib Lease, PPL1/12 |
2012/01 |
Shell E&P Ireland |
Reservoir Exploration Technology |
|
03/2013 |
Slyne Basin |
13SH3D |
Corrib Lease, PPL1/12 |
2013/01 |
Shell E & P Ireland Limited |
Reservoir Exploration Technology |
|
04/2013 |
North Celtic Sea Basin Deep Kinsale |
13DK3D |
PPL5/13 |
2013/02 |
Fastnet Oil and Gas (Ireland) Limited |
CGG Veritas |
|
05/2013 |
Mizzen Basin North Celtic Sea Basin |
13MZ3D |
PPL5/13 |
2013/03 |
Fastnet Oil and Gas (Ireland) Limited |
CGG Veritas |
|
05/2013 |
Atlantic Margin Basin Offshore West of Ireland |
2DLO13 |
PPL1/13 |
2013/04 |
ENI Ireland BV |
BGP |
|
07/2013 |
North Celtic Sea and Fastnet Basin |
PGSC13 |
PPL2/13 |
2013/07 |
PGS Exploration (UK) Ltd |
PGS |
|
07/2013 |
Porcupine Basin |
13KE3D |
PPL8/13 |
2013/05 |
Kosmos Energy Ireland |
Polarcus |
|
10/2013 |
Porcupine Basin |
13KW3D |
PPL8/13 |
2013/06 |
Kosmos Energy Ireland |
Polarcus |
|
04/2014 |
West of Ireland |
2DLO14 |
PPL1/13 |
2014/01 |
ENI Ireland |
BGP |
|
07/2014 |
Porcupine Basin |
14PL3D |
PPL2/14 |
2014/02 |
Polarcus |
Polarcus |
|
08/2014 |
Porcupine Basin |
14CA3D |
EL1/14, PPL3/14 |
2014/03 |
Capricorn Ireland |
Dolphin Geophysical |
|
08/2014 |
Porcupine Basin |
2DSE14 |
PPL4/14 |
2014/04 |
Seabird Exploration |
Harrier Navigation |
|
03/2015 |
Porcupine Basin |
2DSR15 |
PPL5/14 |
2015/01 |
Searcher Seismic |
JSC MAGE |
|
07/2015 |
North Celtic Sea Basin |
2DSB15 |
PPL4/14 |
2015/02 |
Seabird Exploration |
JSC MAGE |
|
05/2016 |
East Porcupine Basin |
3DWG15 |
PPL2/16 |
2016/01 |
Woodside Energy Pty Ltd |
PGS |
|
05/2016 |
North Porcupine Basin |
3DWB15 |
PPL2/16, FEL 3/14 and 5/14 |
2016/02 |
Woodside Energy Pty Ltd |
PGS |
|
06/2016 |
Porcupine Basin |
3DCC15 |
PPL5/16 |
2016/03 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
07/2016 |
South Porcupine Basin |
3DCG15 |
PPL5/16 |
2016/04 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
04/2017 |
South Porcupine Basin |
3DCP15 |
PPL5/16 |
2017/01 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
05/2017 |
South Porcupine Basin |
2DCP15 |
PPL5/16 |
2017/02 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
05/2017 |
Porcupine Basin (North) |
3DCN15 |
PPL5/16 |
2017/03 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
07/2017 |
Porcupine Basin |
3DTG15 |
PPL8/16 |
2017/04 |
TGS - NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA |
Shearwater Geoservices |
1323. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the process by which his Department considers if an environmental impact assessment or appropriate assessment is required for offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation; if impacts on carbon emissions are considered (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1820/18]
View answer1325. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the processes in place to independently monitor the environmental and climate impacts of the offshore oil and gas industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1822/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1323 and 1325 together.
Successful exploration in Ireland’s offshore has the potential to deliver benefits to Irish society and the economy, particularly in terms of enhanced security of supply and reduced fossil fuel imports. However, any such exploration must be conducted in an environmentally sensitive manner.
In advance of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licencing Round, Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA) 5 Environmental Report was undertaken and included consideration of potential greenhouse gas emissions projected to arise specifically as a result of exploration activities.
Separately, any individual exploration activity proposed to be carried out under a petroleum authorisation (e.g. seismic survey or drilling) is subject to assessment of compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.
In respect of oil and gas production, activities arising from a commercial find are subject to assessment of compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.
By way of example, approval for a seismic survey in the Porcupine Seabight off the South West coast was granted to TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA on 5 July 2017. This survey overlapped the Hovland Mound Province and was within 19 Km of the Belgica Mound Province SAC. Prior to granting approval, the application to survey from TGS was considered against a range of technical and environmental considerations. In respect of environmental requirements, the company was required to submit an Environmental Risk Assessment and a Natura Impact Screening (Appropriate Assessment) Statement in support of its application to commence surveying activities, and these were considered in the context of the likely effects on the environment of the proposed survey.
A review was undertaken for my Department by Bec Consultants, an independent consultancy appointed for their expertise in ecological and conservation marine biology to inter alia
- examine the submitted Environmental Statement and assess whether or not it met the scope and quality of requirements set out or implied by the specific European and Irish Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and guidelines;
- appraise the Environmental Statement, highlighting any deficiencies in respect of the statutory requirements of the Statement and detailing the outcome and resolution of any such deficiencies; and
- ensure that the requirements of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations, 2011, for an assessment to be carried out on any plan or project likely to have a significant effect on a protected site or species were met by the Appropriate Assessment Screening Report.
In addition, the National Parks and Wildlife Service was requested to provide its observations in terms of Natura 2000 sites, where relevant, and Annex IV species (Cetaceans) in accordance with the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC).
It was a condition of the survey that daily Marine Mammal Observer reports be submitted to my Department for review.
The documentation associated with this environmental assessment is available on my Department’s website.
1326. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if companies engaging in offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation are required to guarantee supply to the State or sell resources at a reduced rate to the State or Irish companies. [1823/18]
View answerThere is no specific requirement on exploration companies to sell oil or gas discovered in the Irish offshore into the Irish market or to sell oil or gas at a reduced rate to the State or Irish companies. This is consistent with international practice. A combination of practical factors and market forces would dictate that where a local demand exists, a discovery will be landed and sold locally to ensure maximum recovery from the field and to reduce the cost of transportation. This has been the practice to date, with all commercial finds (Kinsale Head, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib) having been delivered into the Irish market. In all cases, the State’s fiscal regime applies to the production of gas in the Irish offshore.
1327. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of tax revenue the State has collected from the Corrib gas project by tax on labour, tax on profits and tax on resources; the amount of tax that has been written off against company costs related to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1824/18]
View answerProfits from the Corrib gas field are subject to Corporation Tax at a rate of 25%. The operation of the taxation system and the receipt of taxation are matters for the Revenue Commissioners. As a consequence, I am not in a position to provide the Deputy with an estimate of the revenues to be received by the Exchequer in respect of the operations of the Corrib gas field.
1328. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated price of oil on which his Department is basing its future energy projections in terms of energy security. [1825/18]
View answerThe oil prices used for the National Energy Projections by SEAI are based on the ESRI COSMO (Core Structural Model of the economy) oil price. The COSMO oil price in turn comes from the UK NiGEM (National Institute Global Econometric Model) model which is maintained by the UK National Institute of Economic and Social Research. The rationale is to have a price that reflects global macroeconomic projections.
The oil prices used in the 2017 are as follows:
|
- |
2017 Projections |
|
- |
$2013 barrel of oil equivalent |
|
2017 |
48.3 |
|
2020 |
56.8 |
|
2030 |
69.4 |
Note the prices are based in constant 2013 values as that is the base year used for all prices in COSMO.
Also note that the values quoted are the annual weighted average prices.
In terms of security of supply of oil, long standing policy has been to ensure that oil and oil products are available in the event of an emergency. In this regard Ireland holds 90 days of emergency oil stocks, in accordance with International Energy Agency (IEA) rules and EU legislation, to be used in the event of a supply disruption.
The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), which is under the aegis of my Department, is responsible for acquiring and managing Ireland’s 90 days of emergency oil stocks and does so within the oil market. NORA is funded by way of the NORA levy, which is currently 2c per litre of oil or oil product consumed. NORA monitors the price of oil on the markets and factors pricing concerns into purchasing decisions when sourcing oil to maintain its 90-day stockholding.
1331. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the proportion of employees in his Department or in organisations under its remit registered disabled. [1852/18]
View answerMy Department is committed to a policy of equality of opportunity for all staff and supports the “Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities in the Civil Service” published by the Department of Finance in 2007. My Department reports each year to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the number of staff who have disclosed a disability. The latest such report at the end of 2016 shows that 3.16% of staff in my Department have disclosed a disability. The report for 2017 is not yet available but current calculations indicate that the percentage remains at just over 3% of overall staffing.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
1332. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date by which his Department will have concluded its evaluation of the detailed solutions that have been submitted by bidders to the national broadband plan; the date by which the next stage of the procurement process will be opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1905/18]
View answerThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure 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 today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020.
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April.
The premises referred to by the Deputy are both in an AMBER area.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage in early 2018, which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s).
As part of this procurement process, the bidder(s) will be required to submit their strategies, including timescales, for the network build and rollout. My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
1333. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of broadband at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1947/18]
View answer1334. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of broadband at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1950/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1333 and 1334 together.
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure 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 today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband and this is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of 2018 and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020.
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April.
The premises referred to by the Deputy are both in an AMBER area.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage, which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature.
My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
