Written Answers Nos. 546-565
546. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans since taking office to increase ambition in tackling climate change and ensuring Ireland becomes a leader on climate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48321/18]
View answerl have secured Government approval to prepare an all of government plan which will set out the actions which must be taken in every government department and body to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I will work with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport, heat, agriculture and other relevant sectors. The new plan will have a strong focus on implementation, including actions with clear timelines and steps needed to achieve each action, assigning clear lines of responsibility for delivery. The new plan will also be informed by successful approaches in other countries, where such approaches could be adapted for implementation in Ireland. This Plan will build on the previous actions taken by government, including in the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan.
Ireland's National Mitigation Plan, published in 2017, sets out the sectoral policy measures required in order to manage Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions at a level appropriate for making progress towards our long-term national transition objective, as well as taking into account our EU and international obligations. Although this first Plan does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve our national transition objective to 2050, it begins the process of development of medium- to long-term options to ensure that we are well positioned to take the necessary actions in the next and future decades.
Building on the National Mitigation Plan, the publication in February of the National Development Plan reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society. Reflecting the strong commitment of Government on this issue, almost €22 billion will be directed, between Exchequer and non-Exchequer resources, to addressing the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient society. This means that about €1 in €5 spent under the National Development Plan will be on climate action and this capital investment will enable us to deliver a significant reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.
547. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that Ireland is ambitious enough on climate action and the use of renewable energy to continue to attract investment in the technology sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48322/18]
View answerThe 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. Latest data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicate that 30.1% of our electricity came from renewable sources in 2017. Overall, SEAI analysis shows that 10.6% of Ireland’s energy requirements in 2017 were met from renewable sources, with an expectation that Ireland will achieve over 80% of its 16% renewable energy target by 2020. The SEAI has also estimated that the contribution of renewables avoided €276 million of fossil fuel imports in 2017.
The Government has adopted a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy including the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. In addition, my Department is developing the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030; and the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH), the purpose of which is to reduce the use of fossil fuels within the heating sector.
In April 2018, a policy statement on Biofuel Obligation Scheme was published. This policy statement set out an increase in the obligation to 10% from 1 January 2019; this will increase further to 11% from 1 January 2020.
In June of this year the EU agreed an EU-wide binding renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030 and Ireland’s contribution will be informed by the development of Ireland’s first integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), a draft of which will be submitted to the Commission in December. The NECP will include trajectories for renewable energy (including renewable electricity ambitions), energy efficiency, and national emissions, as well as the measures required to achieve these trajectories.
Data centres are becoming a key dimension of electricity demand growth in Ireland and earlier this year Government set out a statement of on the role data centres play in Ireland’s ambition to be a digital economy hot-spot in Europe. Ireland currently hosts several global players in the ICT sector and boasts a strong cadre of technology-rich Irish owned enterprises. Acknowledging that data centres, as large consumers of electricity, also pose particular challenges to the future planning and operation of a sustainable power system, the Government Statement recognised these challenges and a plan-led approach will develop a range of measures to promote regional options for data centre investment, minimising the need for additional grid infrastructure. The detailed statement is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Government-Statement-Data-Centres-Enterprise-Strategy.pdf .
548. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2018; the timeline for the introduction of provisions to reduce the burden of the broadcasting levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48369/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Government approval was obtained to proceed with the drafting of a number of legislative amendments to the Broadcasting Act, 2009 including amendment of the provisions of the Act relating to the broadcasting levy to alleviate the burden on broadcasters. The proposals provide that a portion of the licence fee receipts will be paid to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to help defray their administrative costs. The proposed amendments were considered under Pre-Legislative Scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action & Environment who published their report on 8 March. The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel and is included as a priority on the Government's Legislative Programme.
550. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the progress toward 2020 renewable energy targets; his plans to meet those targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48395/18]
View answerThe 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.
Latest data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicate that 30.1% of our electricity came from renewable sources in 2017. Overall, SEAI analysis shows that 10.6% of Ireland’s energy requirements in 2017 were met from renewable sources, with an expectation that Ireland will achieve over 80% of its 16% renewable energy target by 2020. The SEAI has also estimated that the contribution of renewables avoided €276 million of fossil fuel imports in 2017.
The Government has also adopted a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy including the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. In addition, my Department is progressing the proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which has been designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030.
A Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) was launched this year, which is open to all non-domestic heat users not operating in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The purpose of the scheme is to reduce the use of fossil fuels within the heating sector.
Moreover, the Government has committed significant funding to support electric vehicles through the National Development Plan, which includes an allocation of €200 million for the period 2018-2027. This year, there have been 1,686 new electric vehicles sold, which represents a 135% increase on the same point in 2017.
In April 2018, in order to provide certainty to obligated parties, a policy statement on the Biofuel Obligation Scheme was published. This policy statement set out an increase in the obligation to 10% from 1 January 2019, which has already been given effect to by way of a Statutory Instrument and to 11% from 1 January 2020.
In July 2018 a new pilot scheme to support micro generation, initially targeting domestic self-consumption through a grant scheme for solar PV installation and battery storage was announced. The data gathered during the pilot scheme will inform potential future phases of support for micro-generation in Ireland that may be appropriate, as we align with the ambition and requirements of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED) that recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers.
551. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide the most recent data on energy consumption; the percentage that the residential sector contributes to energy consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48396/18]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) publish an energy balance each year which provides the most recent data on all energy consumption in Ireland. This information is publicly available and can be found at the following link https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Energy-Balance-2017.pdf. Based on the figures in the latest energy balance for 2017, 22.1% of final energy consumption is used in the residential sector.
The latest published report containing data on the residential sector is the SEAI's "Energy in the Residential Sector – 2018 Report" which is publicly available and can be accessed at the following link https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Energy-in-the-Residential-Sector-2018-Final.pdf.
553. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the procedures and rules for erecting village welcome signs in a village. [47716/18]
View answerI note that the question does not refer to either National or Regional/Local roads. The Traffic Signs Manual published by my Department, provides details of the traffic signs which may be used on roads in Ireland, including their layout and symbols, the circumstances in which each sign may be used and rules for positioning them. The procedures and rules however vary from National roads to Regional and Local roads.
For National roads, construction, improvement and maintenance is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authority concerned. More specifically, TII has responsibility for the provision of signage under Section 19 of the Act. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to TII for direct reply in that regard. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.
For Regional and Local roads, construction, improvement and maintenance (including signage) is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on those roads are funded from a local authority's own resources, supplemented by State road grants. The selection and prioritisation of such works in is also a matter for each local authority. The question regarding signage on regional/local roads should, therefore, be taken up directly by the Deputy with the relevant local authority.
554. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the introduction of a crash barrier at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47796/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the construction, improvement and maintenance of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
555. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when successful candidates in relation to sports capital grants will be notified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47840/18]
View answer566. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the allocation of the new round of 2018 sports capital programme grants will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48150/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 555 and 566 together.
The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme opened for applications on Friday 7 September and the application period closed on Friday 19th October. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
187 submissions relate to applications deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme who have now submitted corrected documentation. These applications are being assessed first and I hope to make allocations to this category of application later this year or early in 2019.
For the first time, new applicants who have submitted incorrect documentation under this round will be given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, the record number of applications received and the detailed information contained in each application, it is likely to take a number of months to have all applications assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it will be towards the end of Q2 2019, at the earliest, before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.
556. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the air accident report into Rescue 116 is due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47855/18]
View answerThe tragic accident involving Rescue 116 occurred in the early hours of 14 March 2017, at Blackrock, Co. Mayo. I would again avail of the opportunity to offer my condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of the four crew members who lost their lives: Capt. Dara Fitzpatrick, Capt. Mark Duffy, Winch Operator Paul Ormsby and Winchman Ciarán Smith. I am also acutely aware that Paul and Ciarán remain lost at sea.
The Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) commenced an Investigation immediately upon notification of the accident, and that Investigation is ongoing. The AAIU is the national Safety Investigation Authority for aviation accidents and incidents and while it is located within my Department, it functions independently of me and my Department. Regulations provide for investigations to be held in private and are confidential. The sole purpose of such Investigations is the prevention of future accidents and incidents and not to apportion blame or liability.
The Investigation has published two reports to date; a Preliminary Report AAIU Report No. 2017-006 published on 13 April 2017, and an Interim Report AAIU Report No. 2018-004 published on 16 April 2018. Both reports are publicly available on the AAIU website, www.AAIU.ie.
The AAIU’s investigation into the causes of the accident to R116 is ongoing. It is charged under domestic Law, EU Regulation and International Convention with examining all relevant issues it determines are pertinent to the occurrence it is investigating. As I have already stated publicly, whilst I understand the on-going public interest in this matter, it is vital that the AAIU is given the time and space to complete its work and report on its findings. As the AAIU is independent in the conduct of its investigations, I do not propose to become involved in individual investigations. As such, I am not in a position to directly comment further on the issues surrounding it.
However, on information provided by the Chief Inspector of Air Accidents, I can tell the house that work is progressing towards the finalisation of a Draft Report. Once prepared, the Draft Report will be circulated in confidence to interested parties for comment, a process that will take at least 60 days. The Investigation will then proceed to finalise the Report, taking into account the comments received. Due to the complexity of the work involved, and as the number of comments, which may be received is unknown; it is not possible to be definitive regarding a timescale for these activities.
557. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to change the composition of the NCIB in order to ensure that members of the board have maritime experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47856/18]
View answerThe Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) was set up under the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000 (“the 2000 Act”) to investigate and determine the cause of marine casualties and to publish reports of such investigations.
Under Section 8 of the 2000 Act, the MCIB is independent of the Minister in the performance of its functions and, in general, is independent of any other person or body whose interests could conflict with the functions of the Board.
In relation to the composition of the MCIB, I wish to confirm that the Board, and the individual members of the Board, do not actually carry out marine casualty investigations. Such investigations are carried out by external, independent investigators drawn from a panel established by the MCIB for this purpose.
Section 9 of the 2000 Act specifically deals with the composition of the MCIB. The Board consists of five members, three of which are appointed by the Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport. In addition, the Chief Surveyor of the Marine Survey Office is an ex officio member of the board and the Secretary General of this Department, or his or her nominee, is also a member of the board. The current nominee of the Secretary General is the Lead Investigator of the Railway Accident Investigation Unit, which is based in this Department. Prior to this the previous nominee of the Secretary General was the Chief Aeronautical Officer of the Air Accident Investigation Unit, which is also based in this Department.
The remit of the Board, its statutory powers and its obligations are contained in the 2000 Act. In addition, the MCIB is also subject to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (revised in 2016), which is designed to ensure that State bodies meet the highest standards of corporate governance.
I wish to advise that the current Chairperson of the MCIB is due to complete her term in January 2019. In this regard, my Department has already begun the process to appoint the next Chairperson.
On 5 October 2018 the Public Appointment Service (PAS) advertised for the upcoming vacancy on its dedicated website for appointments to State Boards (www.stateboards.ie). In support of this campaign, a comprehensive booklet was produced and published by PAS (in conjunction with my Department) inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates and specifying the particular skills and experiences required of the Chairperson of the MCIB. In addition to the identified key competencies required of the Chairperson, the booklet expressed a desire for applications from candidates with experience or knowledge of marine accident investigation or accident investigation in another sector, or Health and Safety Management.
My Department hopes to conclude the appointment process shortly and to have the new Chairperson in place by early 2019 to continue to lead the MCIB in its important work.
Finally, it is anticipated that 2 additional vacancies on the MCIB (including the position of Deputy Chairperson) may arise in 2020. My Department will work closely with PAS at the relevant time to ensure that we attract suitably qualified and experienced candidates who will uphold the required high standards of corporate governance and continue to oversee the effective running of the MCIB.
558. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the various responsibility of both the Irish Coast Guard and the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to aircraft crashes in marine zones with particular reference to the responsibility of the service of warrants. [47857/18]
View answerUnder the National Maritime SAR Framework which is legally underpined by various international and national legal obligations in relation to safety at sea, the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is responsible for carrying out search and rescue (SAR) in the context of an aircraft accident in a marine zone within the Irish Search and Rescue Region.
The location of the accident is determined by the Irish Aviation Authority’s Air Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) who track aircraft in distress in compliance with their international and national legal obligations. The transfer of co-ordination of such an incident to IRCG’s Marine Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) occurs when the location is confirmed to be offshore or coastal. In carrying out its responsibilities, the MRCC coordinates various SAR assets available to it in consultation with a variety of state and voluntary entities. The transfer of responsibilities from the ARCC to MRCC is managed on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the National SAR Framework. The coordination of participants in the search and rescue operation is managed on the basis of standard operating procedures and various MoUs with the entities involved, as specified in the National SAR Framework.
Once the search and rescue has been completed, the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) will commence its investigation of the accident under International Convention, EU Regulation and national legislation. These obligations require it to conduct investigations into aviation accidents and serious incidents that occur in the state and its territorial waters, regardless of registration origin. Outside of territorial waters (12 miles) and in international waters, the AAIU is obligated to conduct investigations into aviation accidents and serious incidents that occur to Irish registered aircraft. With regard to occurrences to foreign registered aircraft, outside of Irish territorial waters but close to Ireland, the investigation will be completed by the state of registry and support will be provided by the AAIU if so sought by the state of registry.
559. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to introduce changes to the driver licence exchange scheme to facilitate returning immigrants; the timescale in this regard; his further plans to enter into a driver licence exchange programme with the United States of America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47889/18]
View answerFollowing discussions with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and with my colleague Minister Ciaran Cannon, Minister for the Diaspora, I decided that drivers with full licences from non-Exchange countries should be offered a reduced Essential Driver Training programme of only 6 lessons. I am happy to say I have now signed into law the necessary regulations. As there will need to be a lead-in time for the RSA and driving instructors, the new measures will come into effect from 21 January 2019.
In relation to your query regarding a driver exchange agreement with the United States of America, as you are probably aware Irish driver licensing law operates within a framework of EU law, which sets common standards for driving tests across Europe. As a result, all EU driving licences are interchangeable - if a person takes up residence here with a driving licence from another EU Member State, they may exchange it for the Irish equivalent.
In the case of non-EU licences, we may reach bilateral agreements on exchange. These are not a straightforward matter, and we cannot reach them with a particular jurisdiction merely because it is convenient. Before any such agreement can be reached, the relevant authorities on each side must compare the two licensing regimes in detail, so that each may be satisfied that they are compatible. On the Irish side this task is undertaken by the RSA.
The RSA has examined the possibility of an exchange relationship for US driving licences. However, as driver licensing within the US operates at state rather than federal level, there are 50 different systems, with sometimes widely varying standards. Not only would it be necessary to reach 50 separate agreements, but each such agreement would have to take into account the exchange arrangements existing between that state and the other 49. The RSA concluded that this would not be feasible.
560. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is seeking to classify Rosslare as a tier one port; the progress made on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47903/18]
View answerThe 2013 National Ports Policy designated Rosslare Europort as a Port of National Significance (Tier 2).
Ports of National Significance (Tier 2) ports are responsible for at least 2.5% of overall tonnage through Irish ports, have the potential to handle higher volumes of unitised traffic and have existing transport links to serve a wider, national marketplace beyond their immediate region.
Ports of National Significance (Tier 1) are ports that are responsible for 15% to 20% of overall tonnage through Irish ports and have clear potential to lead the development of future port capacity in the medium and long term, when and as required.
The tonnage of goods handled at all Irish ports are published annually by the Central Statistics Office. The following is a link to the latest published CSO figures showing tonnage over the last 12 years.
https://www.cso.ie/multiquicktables/quickTables.aspx?id=tba07
Rosslare Europort continues to fulfil the criteria of a Port of National Significance (Tier 2).
561. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to address the challenge of marine erosion along the Rosslare rail line; and if the line will be upgraded. [47905/18]
View answerI am advised that Iarnród Éireann monitors the coast line erosion rates at key points along the railway on an on-going basis and engage with relevant local authorities on the issue.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed, direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
562. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding future plans for Ireland’s Ancient East with particular reference to his plans for County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47216/18]
View answerThe tourism potential of the various counties and regions is developed and promoted in line with the relevant tourism experience brands, which provide the overarching context for related tourism product development, marketing and enterprise support. In the case of County Wexford, this is Ireland’s Ancient East, which, I believe, has very exciting potential to deliver sustainable growth for tourism in the region, resulting in higher revenue and additional jobs.
Specific plans for the further development and promotion of Ireland’s Ancient East generally and County Wexford specifically are operational matters for the boards and management of the two tourism agencies – Fáilte Ireland in regard to tourism development and domestic tourism promotion and Tourism Ireland in regard to overseas tourism marketing.
Accordingly, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the two agencies for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
563. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to concerns of a group (details supplied) regarding the slip road from junction 7 of the N7 to the roundabout in view of the fact that it presents a danger to road users; if will engage with TII with a view to remedying the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47956/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015, the maintenance, improvement and operation of individual roads is a matter for the relevant road authority in relation to local and regional roads, or for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the local authorities concerned, in relation to national roads.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a detailed and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
564. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Irish Rail has a timeline for when it will agree and sign off on a bridge (details supplied) with Kildare County Council. [47979/18]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. Issues relating to infrastructure, such as the bridge referred to by the Deputy, are an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
565. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available in 2019 for the restoration of Coughlanstown Road, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47980/18]
View answerThe position remains as previously outlined to the Deputy in response to Questions No. 532 of 23 January 2018, and Nos. 1090 and 1091 of 7 September 2018:
"The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants.
As the selection and prioritisation of works is the responsibility of the local authority, it is a matter for the Council to assess the options open to it in relation to this road, taking the position regarding utility services into account."
Notwithstanding the above, the 2019 regional and local road grant allocations will be announced in the New Year. It will then be open to Kildare County Council to fund works along the L6042 Coughlanstown Road from that grant allocation if it so wishes.
