Written Answers Nos. 1020-1044
1020. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when high-speed broadband will be rolled out at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24806/18]
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. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. In April 2017 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 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017.
The premises referred to by the Deputy is in an AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map. It is therefore included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, 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.
The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx
1021. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress made on the 13 recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly final report on making Ireland a leader in tackling climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24854/18]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 476 of 24 April 2018. The position is unchanged.
I welcomed the submission to the Oireachtas, on 18 April, of the final report of the Citizens' Assembly on how the State can make Ireland a leader in tackling climate change.
The final report includes a total of 17 recommendations, which address a range of Government policies and activities across a number of sectors and Ministerial functions. The report reflects the deliberations of the Citizens Assembly over two weekends last Autumn informed, in turn, by a public consultation and by the contribution of a range of expert presentations to the Assembly.
As I have previously indicated, I was pleased to note that many of the recommendations adopted by the members of the Assembly, as reported on during the conclusion of this module of the Assembly’s work, are already being addressed in the National Mitigation Plan and in the implementation of the Energy White Paper, but I have also acknowledged that other recommendations will need further consideration by Government.
It will now be a matter for the Oireachtas, in the first instance, to consider how it will take forward consideration of the Assembly's report. The Government will study the Assembly’s report and recommendations and will provide its response in the context of the agreed mechanism in the Oireachtas for further consideration of the report.
1022. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the provision of broadband services with speeds of at least 20 Mbps in an area (details supplied); the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24879/18]
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. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
In April 2017 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. 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 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017.
There are approximately 51 premises in the townland of Castlebanny. 45 (88%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention. 5 (10%) premises are in a BLUE area and will be served by commercial providers, while 1 (2%) is LIGHT BLUE and falls to be served by eir's planned rural deployment. Information on specific categories of premises can be accessed on my Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie by entering the relevant eircode into the Map.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/ . A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.
Quarterly updates on eir's rural deployment are published on this website. Figures for Q1 2018 are now available.
Data for Q1 2018 recently submitted by eir to my Department indicates that the company passed some 145,000 premises nationwide as part of its ongoing deployment. Eir has signalled that there would be likely knock-on effects to the 2018 milestone targets due to the severe weather impacts of both storms Ophelia and Emma. I have met with the senior management in eir and expressed to them the importance of implementing measures to catch up with milestone targets as a priority.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, 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. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx
1025. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of premises that completed each of the high level design and detailed design milestones in the eir contract by the end of quarter 1, 2018 compared to the target number set out for this date in the contract; the details of those whose design is completed between FTTH, eVDSL and CVDSL; the number of these premises that were included in the original contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25046/18]
View answer1026. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the latest date provided by eir for the completion of the provision of high speed broadband to 300,575 premises under the contract with his Department, in view of the delays caused by storms in 2017 and 2018; the number of premises passed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25047/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1025 and 1026 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. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie .
Officials from my Department meet with eir on a monthly basis to review the company’s performance on the on-going rollout by a number of sub-milestones. One of these sub-milestones is the number of premises for which detailed and high level design has been completed.
The latest detailed figures available to officials from my Department show eir’s designs up to the end of April 2018. Under the Commitment Agreement eir committed to completing detailed and high level design for 271,000 and 295,000 premises respectively by this time. According to figures provided to my Department the company has, as of the end of April, completed detailed and high level design for 239,000 and 272,000 premises respectively. These issues have arisen as a result of the scale and complexity of this project. Officials from my Department will continue to intensively engage with eir on a monthly basis in relation to all project milestones.
Data for Q1 2018 recently verified by my Department indicates that the company has passed some 145,000 premises nationwide as part of its ongoing deployment. These premises have been passed predominantly with Fibre to the Home, with some eVDSL technology also utilised. All of these 145,000 premises are part of the original 300,000 eir agreed to pass under the Commitment Agreement.
eir has signalled that there has been some knock-on effects to the delivery of the 2018 milestone targets due to the severe weather impacts of both storms Ophelia and Emma. I have met with the senior management in eir and expressed to them the importance of implementing measures to catch up with milestone targets as a priority.
1027. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of rural broadband roll-out in County Kildare and in particular Kileenmore, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25064/18]
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. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. In April 2017 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 NBP. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address and 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 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017 and available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie
There are approximately 74 premises in the townland of Killeenmore, Co Kildare. 25 (74%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention. The remaining 9 (26%) premises are in a LIGHT BLUE area and fall to be served by eir's planned 300k rural deployment.
My Department is in the final phase of a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area.
Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie . Quarterly updates on eir's rural deployment are published on my Department’s website. Figures for Q1 2018 are now available.
Data for Q1 2018 recently verified by my Department indicates that the company passed some 145,000 premises nationwide as part of its ongoing deployment. eir has signalled that there has been knock-on effects to the 2018 milestone targets due to the severe weather impacts of both storms Ophelia and Emma. I have met with the senior management at eir and expressed to them the importance of implementing measures to catch up with milestone targets as a priority.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, 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. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx
1028. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the contract for the roll-out of the national broadband plan will be amended; when it is expected that work on the roll-out will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25073/18]
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. Today, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. My Department is in a formal procurement process to engage a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That process is now in its final stages.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, 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. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx
1029. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when permission will be given to RTÉ to transmit RTÉ 2 +1 on a platform (details supplied); when applications for this were made; the process involved before he can give permission; the length of time this process has taken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25163/18]
View answerSection 103 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that a corporation requires my consent for new services and variations in channels. Any proposed variation will be subjected to detailed examination by my Department, consultation with relevant stakeholders and a sectorial impact assessment by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The process takes in the region of 6 months to complete.
Section 103(8) of the Act outlines the matters any proposed variation of services must take into consideration including the public service objects of the corporation, the costs associated with the proposal and the extent to which the proposed services will be accessible by the public.
However, to date, I have not received any formal proposal from RTÉ requesting permission to transmit a RTÉ2 +1 channel as referred to by the Deputy.
1030. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the sections and parts of all legislation brought forward by his Department in each of the past four years that have yet to be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25173/18]
View answerThere are three Acts for which all sections have yet to be formally commenced by my Department. The details are set out in the following table.
|
Title of Act |
Section(s) not yet commenced |
Purpose of section(s) |
Reason for delay in commencement |
|
Energy Act 2016 |
Provisions not yet commenced are Sections 8 and 19. |
Section 8 of the Energy Act provides for a revised legal definition of the existing Single Electricity Market (SEM) in the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended.
Section 19 places a statutory obligation on the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to produce a Strategy Statement every three years in respect of its energy and safety remit |
Section 7 of the Energy Act (which was commenced on enactment) provided for certain transitional measures for the Single Electricity Market (SEM) that operate during the interim period until go live date of the Integrated Single Electricity Market (I-SEM).
Section 8 of the Act, in relation to I-SEM, will be commenced when the new market goes live and operational in October of this year and the transitional arrangements will cease.
The commencement of section 19 was deferred on the basis that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities' current strategic plan covering 2014 to 2018 covers energy, energy safety and water up to, and inclusive of, 2018. Section 19 of the Act will be commenced with effect from 1st July 2018. Consequently, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities will complete their new Strategy Statement covering the period 2019-2021 and submit it to the Minister in order for it to be laid before the Oireachtas, within the six month period stated in the Energy Act. |
|
Telecommunications Services (Ducting and Cables) Act 2018 |
All
|
To provide for the vesting in the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment of ownership of certain ducting and cables; to provide for the vesting in the Minister of certain legal interests relating to ducting and cables for the purposes of the performance of any of his or her functions for telecommunications purposes; to provide for compensation; to provide for certain obligations; and to provide for related matters. |
Enactment of the legislation was required to provide the requisite access rights across land through which the Galway Mayo telecommunications duct runs so that a Managed Service Entity can be appointed to operate, maintain and access the network. The procurement process is under development. The sections of the Act are expected to be commenced on appointment of the Management Services Entity. |
|
Minerals Development Act 2017 |
With the exception of Section 212 in relation to deemed cancellation of registration of excepted minerals which took effect on the date of passage of the Act, all other sections have not yet commenced. (256 Sections).
|
The Minerals Development Act 2017, which was enacted on the 26 July 2017, will make further and better provisions for the development of minerals in the State and repeal the Minerals Development Acts 1940 to 1999. Parts 1 and 2 of the Act provide for the principles, policies and procedures for the regulating of mineral exploration and development. In order to commence these Parts detailed regulations are currently being drafted and it is expected that they will be completed in Q2 2018. It will then be possible to commence these parts of the Act. |
The remaining Parts of the Act relating to Mining and Rehabilitation will be commenced once the detailed Regulations have been drafted to allow commencement. It is expected that this will happen in Q1 2019. |
1031. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when high-speed broadband will be rolled out in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25189/18]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed 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. By 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention under the NBP. All 9 premises within the townland of Parkmore (Templemartin) Co Cork are in the AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie . They are therefore included in the State led Intervention under the NBP.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area in order to provide access to high speed broadband to households such as the premises in question. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
I fully recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland including the townland referenced by the Deputy and sincerely appreciate the frustration for communities and businesses that do not currently have access to this level of connectivity. Delivering connectivity to these premises remains a priority for me and my Department will engage with the winning bidder to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, practical initiatives are being undertaken 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.
A list of Broadband Officers, is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx
1032. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the renewable heat incentive, RHI, scheme for renewable energy equipment will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25225/18]
View answerThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat was approved by Government in December 2017. The details of the scheme, including the tariffs that will apply, are published on my Department's website. As with all such schemes, engagement with the European Commission under EU State Aid approval processes is necessary, and my Department is engaging with the European Commission regarding approval for the scheme. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will administer the scheme and is currently developing the detailed Terms and Conditions. An allocation of €7 million has been provided for the scheme in Budget 2018. In addition, the National Development Plan sets out an indicative funding allocation of €300 million for the rollout of the scheme for the period 2018-2027.
The scheme is planned to commence operation later this year subject to State Aid approval.
1035. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when Inland Fisheries Ireland was notified of the escape of 20,000 farmed salmon at a salmon farm located at Glinsk, Mulroy Bay, County Donegal in 2017; the person or body that notified Inland Fisheries Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25385/18]
View answer1036. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the farmed salmon stock captured from the Bunowen, Erriff and Bundorragha catchments were handed over to Inland Fisheries Ireland for inspection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25386/18]
View answer1037. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether it is possible that the farmed salmon stock captured in the western river basin district in August and September 2017 may have originated from a salmon escape at Glinsk, Mulroy Bay, County Donegal in July 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25387/18]
View answer1038. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Inland Fisheries Ireland has been contacted by the Marine Institute regarding the findings of its report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25388/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1035 to 1038, inclusive, together.
A report regarding escapes from a fish farm in Donegal was sent via e-mail to Inland Fisheries Ireland’s generic e-mail address: info@fisheriesireland.ie by the Technical Manager of the licensee of the fish farm on 4 July 2017. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has reviewed its protocols to ensure that reports are submitted to specific nominated individuals rather than the generic email used by the licensee on this occasion.
The competent Authority for the licensing of Aquaculture is the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and IFI has sought a report from that Department concerning an escape of some 20,000 salmon from Marine Harvests Glinsk sea site in Mulroy Bay, Co. Donegal in July 2017. The report requested is expected to address action taken and recommendations made by DAFM and implemented by the licensee following the report of this large escape.
In relation to the potential origin of farmed salmon stock captured in the Western River Basin District in 2017, I am advised by IFI that it is not possible to definitively assign the escapees to an individual farm. However the reported average weight of the escapees at the Glinsk Farm in July 2017 was significantly less than the fish recovered in the Western River basin District in August and September 2017 indicating they were at a different stage in the production cycle. The Department of Agriculture Food and Marine, as the competent authority for the regulation of aquaculture, may be best placed to offer a view on this issue.
Two suspected farmed salmon were captured on the Bunowen river on 8 September 2017. Data on length/weight and scale samples were provided to IFI. Two escaped salmon were captured on the Bundorragha River on 4 September 2017 and handed over to IFI on 5 September.
The first escaped farmed salmon was captured on Beat 9 on the Erriff river on 3 September 2017 and handed over to IFI on 9 September. Two escapees were recorded in the upstream trap on the Erriff on 7th September and a third fish was recorded on 24 September. All three fish were retained for analysis. All fish entering the Erriff system upstream of Beat 9 (tidal) must pass through the Erriff trap at Aasleagh Falls where they are monitored.
IFI completed the report referred to be the Deputy in January 2018. I am advised that IFI have not been contacted by the Marine Institute in relation to this report
http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/documents/1485-ifi-report-on-escape-of-farmed-salmon-in-western-rivers-in-2017/file.html
1039. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the usage element contained in the new waste collection charges; if steps will be taken to protect older and disadvantaged householders who may only put their black bin out every four to five weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25539/18]
View answerLast summer, I established the Price Monitoring Group to monitor pricing developments for residential household waste collection services during the phasing out of flat rate fees. The Group is chaired by Mr Frank Conway, an independent financial expert. The membership of the Group also includes a statistician from the Central Statistics Office and Shelfwatch, an independent price monitoring group. The Group monitors 26 service providers; this comprises 19 individual companies with several of those being monitored in more than one area. I have recently decided to extend the operation of the Price Monitoring Group to the end of the year to continue monitoring pricing developments. The Chair of the Price Monitoring Group, Mr Conway, has recently reported to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment that while fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend is relative price stability for householders. The Price Monitoring Group has reported that there are currently 9 different types of price models on the market. The main price examples include a service charge plus charge per bin lift, with an excess per kg charge, and a service charge plus per kg weight charge. The most popular service offering now is the ‘service charge including weight allowance, plus per kg charge for excess above allowance’.
The Price Monitoring Group is displaying the prices for each company that it monitors and it has published detailed data on the prices it is tracking on a monthly basis. The most recent analysis from April was published on 25 May 2018 and is available on my Department's website.
The charges applied by waste management companies are subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation.
In line with the commitments set out in A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, published in 2012, and in the interest of encouraging further waste prevention and greater recycling, flat-rate fees for kerbside household waste collection are being phased out over the period autumn 2017 to autumn 2018, as customers contracts come up for renewal.
The necessary regulatory steps have been put in place to give effect to this measure. As announced in mid-2017, mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging is not being introduced. Allowing for a range of charging options, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste, provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances.
It is worth noting that this measure is not new for about half of kerbside household waste customers, who are already on an incentivised usage pricing plan, i.e., a plan which contains a per lift or a weight related fee.
1040. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his Department's capital allocation in each of the years 2019 to 2023; and the areas to which funds will be allocated in each of those years. [25566/18]
View answerMy Department will oversee significant capital investment amounting to €1.27 billion over period 2019 to 2022. Annual capital ceilings in respect of this four year period were published in the National Development Plan, and are set out in the table following. The 2023 capital ceiling for my Department will be agreed and published later this year as part of the Estimates process for Budget 2019.
|
Year |
Capital Ceiling |
|
2019 |
€256m |
|
2020 |
€297m |
|
2021 |
€317m |
|
2022 |
€400m |
Detailed programme allocations for each of the years 2019 to 2023 will be agreed as part of the annual Estimates process and published in the Revised Estimates Volume subsequent to each Budget Day. During the period, my Department and its agencies will play a lead role in the delivery of a number of the strategic investment priorities identified in the National Development Plan.
An ambitious programme of climate action measures, including energy-related investments by commercial State companies, will position Ireland on a sustainable trajectory to achieve a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society. A significant expansion of investment in energy efficiency upgrades, including deep retrofitting of housing, commercial and public building stock, will accelerate the contribution of the built environment to the collective effort to reduce CO2 emissions. Other key energy measures include the rollout of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat and an expansion of the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme which are aimed at promoting the electrification of heat and transport, along with increased investment in energy research.
Delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the National Broadband Plan, which is currently in the final stages of procurement, will ensure that the opportunities presented by the digital transformation are available to every citizen, company and community in Ireland.
Investments will also be focused on supporting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy and protecting our environment, while ensuring the sustainable management of our natural resources.
1041. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number and type of licences and seismic survey activities for which he has exercised his power under the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Petroleum Exploration) Regulations 2013 to request an environmental impact assessment, EIA, or a stage 2 appropriate assessment, AA, for exploration activities; the number of seismic surveys and licences that have been determined as requiring an EIA or stage 2 AA by month, year and area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25689/18]
View answer1042. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number and type of exploration activities for which he has exercised his power under the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Petroleum Exploration) Regulations 2013 to request an Environmental Impact Assessment, EIA, or stage 2 appropriate assessment, AA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25690/18]
View answer1043. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has conducted a cumulative analysis of seismic impacts on Irish sea life from 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [25691/18]
View answer1044. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of seismic surveys that have been conducted in Irish waters since 2011; the level of environmental assessment each received; if powers under European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Petroleum Exploration) Regulations 2013 to request an EIA or stage 2 AA for exploration activities were exercised; if these assessments included a cumulative assessment of seismic activity over a number of years by year, month, area and licence or permission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25692/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1041 to 1044, inclusive, together.
In advance of the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round, the Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment 5 process was undertaken by my Department and included consideration of potential environmental impacts which may arise specifically as a result of petroleum exploration activities.
Any exploration activity proposed to be carried out under a petroleum authorisation (e.g. a seismic survey or drilling of a well) is subject to assessment of compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.
Geophysical surveys (which include seismic surveys) do not fall under Annex I or II of the EIA Directive as amended. However, such surveys fall to be assessed under the European Union (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Petroleum Exploration) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 134/2013). An assessment is carried out based on the information included in the application to determine whether a survey would require preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment Report if it is considered that it would result in significant effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of the nature, size and location of the survey.
Applications for seismic surveys are considered against a range of technical and environmental considerations, and in respect of environmental considerations the procedures are as follows:
The applicant must submit an Environmental Risk Assessment and a Natura Impact Screening (Appropriate Assessment) Statement in support of the application to commence surveying activities including consideration of cumulative effects. These documents are made available on my Department's website.
The Environmental Risk Assessment is reviewed for my Department by an independent consultancy, with the required expertise in ecological and conservation marine biology, to assess whether or not it meets the scope and quality of requirements set out or implied by the specific European and Irish Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and guidelines. The independent consultancy also reviews the Natura Impact Screening Statement to 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 have been met. In addition, the National Parks and Wildlife Service is 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).
Following receipt of these reviews a determination is made as to whether an Environmental Impact Assessment Report or a stage 2 Appropriate Assessment is required. The determination is published on my Department's website.
Any observations received from prescribed bodies, interested parties or the general public regarding the potential environmental effects of the activity proposed in the application are considered as part of the consent decision making process.
The following table outlines seismic surveys carried out in the Irish offshore over the period 2011 to date.
|
Month and year that survey commenced
|
Survey area name |
Relevant Petroleum Authorisation |
Survey Identification |
Company |
Contractor |
|
05/2011 |
Porcupine Basin |
EL1/04 |
2011/01 |
San Leon Energy |
PGS |
|
06/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
LO08/1, PP1/10 |
2011/02 |
Providence Resources |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
EL5/08 |
2011/03 |
Lansdowne Celtic Sea |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
EL5/07 |
2011/04 |
Lansdowne Celtic Sea |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Celtic Sea |
EL4/07 |
2011/05 |
Lansdowne Celtic Sea |
Polarcus |
|
07/2011 |
Porcupine Basin |
EL4/08 |
2011/06 |
Providence Resources |
Polarcus |
|
07/2012 |
Slyne Basin |
Corrib Lease, PPL1/12 |
2012/01 |
Shell E&P Ireland |
Reservoir Exploration Technology |
|
03/2013 |
Slyne Basin |
Corrib Lease, PPL1/12 |
2013/01 |
Shell E & P Ireland Limited |
Reservoir Exploration Technology |
|
04/2013 |
North Celtic Sea Basin Deep Kinsale |
PPL5/13 |
2013/02 |
Fastnet Oil and Gas (Ireland) Limited |
CGG Veritas |
|
05/2013 |
Mizzen Basin North Celtic Sea Basin |
PPL5/13 |
2013/03 |
Fastnet Oil and Gas (Ireland) Limited |
CGG Veritas |
|
05/2013 |
Atlantic Margin Basin Offshore West of Ireland |
PPL1/13 |
2013/04 |
ENI Ireland BV |
BGP |
|
07/2013 |
North Celtic Sea and Fastnet Basin |
PPL2/13 |
2013/07 |
PGS Exploration (UK) Ltd |
PGS |
|
07/2013 |
Porcupine Basin |
PPL8/13 |
2013/05 |
Kosmos Energy Ireland |
Polarcus |
|
10/2013 |
Porcupine Basin |
PPL8/13 |
2013/06 |
Kosmos Energy Ireland |
Polarcus |
|
04/2014 |
West of Ireland |
PPL1/13 |
2014/01 |
ENI Ireland |
BGP |
|
07/2014 |
Porcupine Basin |
PPL2/14 |
2014/02 |
Polarcus |
Polarcus |
|
08/2014 |
Porcupine Basin |
EL1/14, PPL3/14 |
2014/03 |
Capricorn Ireland |
Dolphin Geophysical |
|
08/2014 |
Porcupine Basin |
PPL4/14 |
2014/04 |
Seabird Exploration |
Harrier Navigation |
|
03/2015 |
Porcupine Basin |
PPL5/14 |
2015/01 |
Searcher Seismic |
JSC MAGE |
|
07/2015 |
North Celtic Sea Basin |
PPL4/14 |
2015/02 |
Seabird Exploration |
JSC MAGE |
|
05/2016 |
East Porcupine Basin |
PPL2/16 |
2016/01 |
Woodside Energy Pty Ltd |
PGS |
|
05/2016 |
North Porcupine Basin |
PPL2/16, FEL 3/14 and 5/14 |
2016/02 |
Woodside Energy Pty Ltd |
PGS |
|
06/2016 |
Porcupine Basin |
PPL5/16 |
2016/03 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
07/2016 |
South Porcupine Basin |
PPL5/16 |
2016/04 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
04/2017 |
South Porcupine Basin |
PPL5/16 |
2017/01 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
05/2017 |
South Porcupine Basin |
PPL5/16 |
2017/02 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
05/2017 |
Porcupine Basin (North) |
PPL5/16 |
2017/03 |
CGG Services SA |
CGG |
|
07/2017 |
Porcupine Basin |
PPL8/16 |
2017/04 |
TGS - NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA |
Shearwater Geoservices |
In the period 2011 to date individual seismic survey and drilling applications have been determined as not requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment Report or a Stage 2 Appropriate Assessment.
In evaluating applications for consent to undertake a seismic survey consideration is given to the potential cumulative effects of the survey.
All consented surveys must comply with temporal restrictions and risk management measures as well as MMO visual-based detection, as contained in "Guidance to Manage the Risk to Marine Mammals from Man-made Sound Sources in Irish Waters", produced by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
