Written Answers Nos. 466-485
466. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the breakdown of funds received by his Department or channelled through his Department from EU funds in 2017; and the programmes these funds supported. [9563/19]
View answerThe breakdown of funds received by my Department or channelled through my Department from EU Funds in 2017 is set out in the table.
|
EU funds |
€ million |
Programme supported |
|
European Agricultural Guarantee Fund |
1228.3 |
CAP Pillar 1 farm schemes as well as school fruit/milk schemes and market support measures |
|
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development |
172 |
€169m for DAFM funded schemes in the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme and €3m received and forwarded to Dept of Rural & Community Development in relation to LEADER expenditure funded through that department. |
|
European Maritime & Fisheries Fund |
17 |
Seafood Development Operational Programme |
|
EU Veterinary Fund |
11 |
Bovine TB eradication programme |
|
Total |
1428.3 |
467. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions he has taken to address the issues raised in the report Wood Supply and Demand on the Island of Ireland to 2025; the number of recommendations actioned arising from the report titled Forests, Products and People - Ireland's Forest Policy - A Renewed Vision; the number of recommendations that have not been actioned; the amount invested in the sector in each of the years 2014 to date; if the certification of private forests has resulted in a full take-up; if certification has been made more viable for the owners of small forests; the level of grant aid available for private forest owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9592/19]
View answerThe COFORD report, Wood Supply and Demand on the Island of Ireland to 2025, was published in December 2018 and is under active consideration by my Department. The conclusions of the report state that there will be a supply deficit in sawlogs in 2020 but that this will be rectified by 2025. The supply of material for the panel board manufacturing sector will be met from indigenous supply. However, there will be a significant deficit in the supply of wood products for the wood energy sector by 2025. Measures to address this issue are already in place, with the Forest Roads scheme to mobilise greater volumes of timber and the Forestry for Fibre scheme, to meet the needs of the energy sector. However, barriers to these schemes have to be addressed and our objective is to ensure a balanced approach to the development of the island’s wood resource to best meet the needs of both the wood processing and energy sectors.
“Forests, products and people, Ireland’s forest policy – a renewed vision” was published in July 2014 following a comprehensive review of forestry policy in Ireland. This document listed strategic actions and priorities for the future development of the forestry Sector in Ireland and the objectives contained in the review strongly influenced the design and content of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020. This is an ambitious action plan for forestry covering 11 different measures and has a budget allocation of €482m for the duration of the programme. All 11 measures have been implemented.
Following the completion of the mid-term review of the Forestry Programme in February 2018, premiums and grants for the planting of native broadleaves and in particular for the Forestry for Fibre scheme to supply timber for the energy sector were increased. My Department also introduced, among other things, additional funding for building forest roads to encourage greater mobilisation of timber and a National Forestry Knowledge Transfer Scheme for private forestry owners to develop forestry management skills.
Other measures to promote the mobilisation of timber are also in place as follows:
- the new All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2016-2035 and the associated GIS Portal,
- enhanced efficiencies in dealing with felling licence applications,
- roundwood price information being provided to the public domain,
- an excellent programme of advice on woodland management and wood sales from Teagasc aimed at all private growers.
The total expenditure for developing and promoting the forestry sector since 2014 is contained in the following table. The current programme was introduced in January 2015:
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
€109.6m |
€104m |
€103.8. |
€101.5m |
€94.55m |
My Department funded a pilot Forestry Certification project to address the barriers to forest certification for private forest owners, which include the cost and complexity of achieving this accreditation. This project funded the establishment of two certification groups and the development of a template to assist foresters in helping their clients achieve certification. The key contributors to the project were the two participating forestry groups, the North East Forestry Group and the Forest Owners Co-operative Society. The pilot project was completed successfully in 2018. The next challenge in forest certification is for the number of private owners to grow and this is matter for all stakeholders including representative groups, producers and the processing sector. Certification is primarily a market requirement and it is therefore a matter for those engaged with the market to design and implement the solutions which best meet their needs. It should be noted that the entire Coillte estate of 439,000 hectares is certified by the FSC and PEFC certification bodies.
The level of aid available to private forest owners under the current Forestry Programme, both establishment grants and 15 year premiums, is shown by Grant and Premium Category (GPC) in the following table:
|
GPC |
Total Grant Available€/ha |
Annual Premium Rate<10ha |
Annual Premium Rate>10ha |
|
GPC 1 – Unenclosed |
€2,740 |
€185 |
€190 |
|
GPC 2 - Sitka spruce/Lodgepole pine |
€3,705 |
€440 |
€450 |
|
GPC 3 – 10% Diverse Conifer e.g. Sitka spruce and 10% broadleaves |
€3,815 |
€510 |
€520 |
|
GPC 4 – Diverse Conifer e.g., Scots pine, Douglas Fir |
€4,310 |
€590 |
€600 |
|
GPC 5 – Broadleaf e.g. sycamore |
€5,880 |
€605 |
€620 |
|
GPC 6 – Oak |
€6,220 |
€645 |
€660 |
|
GPC 7 – Beech |
€6,220 |
€645 |
€660 |
|
GPC 8 – Alder and Birch |
€4,195 |
€605 |
€620 |
|
GPC 9- Native Woodland Establishment (oak-birch-holly-hazel) |
€6,220 |
€665 |
€680 |
|
GPC 10- Native Woodland Establishment (alder-oak woodland) |
€5,880 |
€665 |
€680 |
|
GPC 11 - Agro-forestry |
€6,220 |
€645 |
€660 |
|
GPC 12 – Forestry-for-Fibre |
€3,815 |
€510 |
€520 |
Considerable progress has already been made in tackling the challenge of timber mobilisation since the introduction of the current programme and my Department will continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure a greater supply of timber to meet industry demands.
468. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the marketing and promotional expenditure of Bord Bia; if he is satisfied that this spend represents value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9617/19]
View answerA total Grant sum is allocated annually to Bord Bia by my Department and voted on by the Oireachtas during the estimates process.
In the context of Budget 2019, I was pleased to announce the allocation of a further €5.3 million to Bord Bia , bringing its total grant to €46.6 million. I am satisfied that this expenditure represents value for money.
Bord Bia’s work has played a vital role in the successful growth of our food and drinks exports, by promoting the safety, quality and sustainability of our food exports. Bord Bia works closely with my Department to prioritise and develop new markets, building on its significant investment in consumer and retail insights, as well as defending and growing our existing markets. Bord Bia has also played a critical role in supporting the food industry in responding to the challenges and uncertainty posed by Brexit.
469. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dogs entering here each year under the EU pet travel scheme (details supplied); the countries of origin; the number of dogs entering here each year under Council Directive 92/65/EEC; the countries of origin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9621/19]
View answerThe movement of companion animals (cats, dogs, ferrets) within the EU, and from non-EU countries into the EU, is governed by EU Regulation 576/2013. Companion animals, including pet dogs, are free to move between EU Member States and from certain other European countries and territories into the EU (Andorra, Gibraltar, Greenland and the Faroe islands, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State), once they are accompanied by their owners (within five days of entry into Ireland) and have the correct identification documentation - an EU pet passport or an EU Annex IV health certificate, are microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and, in respect of dogs, treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) as necessary.
It is not a requirement under the Pet Travel Regulation to keep a record of the numbers of companion animals entering Ireland from other EU member states and for this reason, my Department does not hold such records. Companion animals, including dogs entering Ireland from other EU Member States and certain European listed countries/territories are subject to spot checks on entry – not every dog must be checked for compliance with the Pet Travel Regulation.
There is, however, a requirement under the Pet Travel Regulation to keep a record of compliance checks carried out on companion animals entering Ireland directly from non-EU countries (apart from those listed above).
Pet dogs entering Ireland from non-EU countries (apart from those listed above) must be presented at the port of entry for checking.
The following table shows recorded checks of pet cats and dogs carried out on entry into Ireland from non-EU countries.
|
Country of origin |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Australia |
162 |
218 |
218 |
236 |
|
Brazil |
0 |
0 |
0 |
24 |
|
Canada |
100 |
96 |
122 |
149 |
|
New Zealand |
20 |
25 |
25 |
28 |
|
UAE |
23 |
47 |
61 |
56 |
|
USA |
424 |
494 |
590 |
352 |
|
Other (non-EU countries with consignments20 animals p.a.) |
82 |
84 |
80 |
67 |
Source: DAFM ports of entry
Commercial movements of dogs, and unaccompanied movements of pet dogs
Unaccompanied movements of pet dogs and commercial movement of dogs, within the EU, and from a non-EU country into the EU, are governed by Council Directive 92/65/EEC (the "Balai Directive"). Unaccompanied movements are those that occur more than five days before or after the movement of the owner. Commercial movements include movements for the purpose of rehoming, or a change of ownership. Dogs moved into Ireland from another EU Member State or from certain, listed countries into Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin, be microchipped, have a valid rabies vaccination and be treated for tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis ) as necessary.
Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.
If the premises of origin is in another EU MS, it must be registered with the authorities in advance of the export.
These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.
Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport. The transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
There are no direct movements of unaccompanied pet dogs or commercial movements into Ireland from non-EU countries, as Ireland does not currently allow such movements. Imports from such countries however can be processed through other Member States.
The following table shows the number of movements into Ireland of unaccompanied pet dogs and commercial movements, from EU Member States and listed European countries/territories.
Unaccompanied pet dogs/commercial movements from EU Member States and European countries/territories listed above
|
Country of origin |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Croatia |
11 |
33 |
2 |
3 |
|
Czech Republic |
1 |
0 |
15 |
7 |
|
Germany |
13 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
Hungary |
68 |
224 |
43 |
157 |
|
Poland |
0 |
7 |
15 |
29 |
|
Romania |
10 |
21 |
8 |
98 |
|
United Kingdom |
10 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
|
Other (EU countries with consignments of 10 animals p.a.) |
18 |
13 |
14 |
8 |
Source: TRACES
The following table shows the number of movements of unaccompanied pet dogs and commercial movements, from non-EU countries.
Unaccompanied pet dog/commercial movements from non-EU countries through other EU Member States
|
Country of origin |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
Australia |
39 |
14 |
16 |
16 |
|
Brazil |
12 |
51 |
93 |
56 |
|
Canada |
25 |
19 |
11 |
10 |
|
South Africa |
47 |
45 |
77 |
67 |
|
United States |
68 |
112 |
171 |
186 |
|
Others (non-EU countries with consignments of 20 animals p.a.) |
106 |
74 |
65 |
62 |
Source: TRACES
470. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when gas pipeline works will take place in an estate (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9670/19]
View answerThe routing of gas pipelines or the connection of towns to the gas pipeline network are matters for Gas Networks Ireland (GNI). Gas connections to any new area is evaluated in accordance with the criteria in GNI’s Connections Policy, as approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), the statutorily independent energy regulator, which conducts consultations on its regulatory decisions. The cost-benefit for the connection needs to be positive i.e. the expected revenues over a period of time must exceed the projected costs for the project to be viable. The Connections Policy appraises both domestic and industrial/commercial demand, and so proximity to a major pipeline and a large industrial/commercial gas load tend to be the most significant factors in town appraisals.
I am informed that GNI received only one previous connection enquiry from a resident of this estate in 2015 and that the connection did not subsequently proceed further. GNI further stated that while there are no current plans to extend the existing gas network into this estate, it will get in contact with any interested parties to discuss the process and identify again if there is an opportunity for network extension.
471. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to include a pilot scheme for community owned renewable projects in the 2019 renewable electricity support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9063/19]
View answerGovernment is firmly committed to the facilitation of community participation in the energy sector, particularly in the realm of electricity generation. It is an important lever in ensuring that citizens and communities across the state can participate and benefit from the energy transition to decarbonise our economy and society.
Following detailed economic analysis and an extensive public consultation, the high level design of the renewable electricity support scheme (RESS) was agreed by Government in July 2018, with community participation embedded in its core. The high level design outlined an indicative auction roadmap which included opportunities for community led projects participating in RESS auctions.
As part of the ongoing RESS detailed design work, which has included further engagement with community energy groups my officials are exploring a variety of options, including a pilot scheme, to facilitate community-led projects within the first auction. Such an endeavour would have obvious positives, including learnings that could then be applied to the emerging community electricity generation sector.
My officials will continue to explore these options as the detailed design of RESS is progressed.
The final design of the scheme will be subject to state aid clearance from the EU Commission.
472. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland is in breach of the EU emissions ceilings directive on emissions of NOx and the related World Health Organization, WHO, limits for clean air; and if so, his plans and timescale to address same. [9118/19]
View answerNitrogen oxides (NOx) refers to two pollutants: nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). As outlined in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) report "Ireland’s Transboundary Gas Emissions 1990 - 2016", published in March of last year, Ireland exceeded the NOx limits set out in Directive 2001/81/EC for all years from 2010 to 2016. The Directive allows, however, an adjustment to emissions to reflect ongoing improvements to estimation methodologies updated in accordance with scientific knowledge. Ireland, with the approval of the European Commission, has applied this adjustment and so is considered to be in legal compliance for all years since 2011.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) standards relate to ambient air quality, rather than to overall emissions. The EPA's annual Air Quality in Ireland Report for 2017 (the latest year for which figures are available) indicates that NO2 was monitored at 14 sites in 2017. The NO2 concentrations at all monitoring sites were below the European Union (EU) annual limit value and WHO annual air quality guideline value. There were also no exceedances of the EU NO2 hourly limit value. There was one hourly average above the hourly WHO air quality guideline in 2017 (at the monitoring station in Blanchardstown, Dublin).
Notwithstanding compliance with EU standards, I am concerned at recent scientific evidence which indicates that air pollution is more damaging at lower concentrations than was previously understood. With that in mind, I am committed to bringing forward Ireland's first national Clean Air Strategy. The Strategy, which I intend to publish this year, will include a range of specific actions to reduce the health impacts of air pollution, as well as providing the policy framework necessary to identify and promote further integrated measures across Government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air and better health, while delivering on wider national objectives including supporting the transition to a low carbon society.
473. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to roll out fast charging infrastructure for electric vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9119/19]
View answerProviding adequate charging infrastructure is critical to ensure the continued growth in the uptake of electric vehicles.
There are currently 668 standard public charge points as a part of the ESB eCars network and a limited number provided by local authorities and retail outlets. There are also 77 fast chargers, mainly on national routes, on the eCars network. A map showing the charge points, including their status and availability, is available on the ESB's website at www.esb.ie/ecars.
Under the first call for applications from the Climate Action Fund, I approved funding of up to €10 million to support ESB eCars to develop a nationwide, state-of-the-art electric vehicle fast charging network.
The project successfully completed the assessment stage and is now going through the validation stage. On completion of this stage further detail on the project, including information in relation to the location of chargers and a timeline, will be set out.
The key elements of the project include:
- Six high speed charging hubs on motorways capable of charging eight vehicles simultaneously
- 16 high speed charging hubs capable of charging four vehicles simultaneously
- Additional high power chargers at 34 current fast charger locations
- Upgrading 50 standard chargers to fast chargers
- Replacing up to 264 standard chargers (totalling 528 charge points) to next generation high reliability models
At the end of 2017, there were 3,799 electric vehicles (including battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) on the road in Ireland. This increased to 7,647 at the end of 2018 – a doubling of the number of electric vehicles on the road. It is estimated that the implementation of the ESB eCars project will provide the necessary fast charging infrastructure to support at least 40,000 electric vehicles.
474. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the scholarship schemes operated by his Department; the criteria for the award; the amount of the award; the number of awardees for the dates for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9120/19]
View answerThe scholarship schemes operated by my Department are set out in the following table:
|
Scholarship Scheme |
Criteria for award |
Amount of award € |
Number of awardees for dates which figures are available |
|
|
Petroleum Scholarship Scheme. The scheme’s objective is to ensure a potential pool of qualified graduates with specialist qualifications of direct applicability to the offshore oil and gas sector in Ireland. |
Applications under the Petroleum Scholarship Scheme are accepted from persons who have been accepted on a one year taught MSc degree course, in geoscience, petroleum engineering or environmental science topics of direct relevance to the development of Ireland’s petroleum resources In selecting the successful applicants, consideration is given to: - the direct relevance of the course to the development of Ireland’s petroleum resources; and - the applicant’s academic achievements and relevant experience. |
The level of support offered per scholarship is up to a maximum of €12,000 of necessary course related costs e.g. university tuition fees, fieldwork, travel and consumables. Funding for the scheme comes from the Petroleum Infrastructure Programme - Expanded Offshore Support Group which is supported by mandatory contributions from companies holding a Frontier Exploration Licence in the Irish Offshore. No exchequer funding is involved. |
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 |
1 2 2 4 6 4 3 3 2 |
475. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of staff in his Department who work in communications, climate action, oil and gas exploration, regulation issues, environment and other issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9121/19]
View answerThere are currently 413 employees working in my Department. Of that number 207 work in the areas identified by the Deputy. The following table outlines the breakdown of staff numbers by area and by full time equivalent (FTE). This staff complement has significant experience in dealing with regulation issues and developing and implementing policy at international, EU, national, regional and local levels. In addition to its own staff, the Department also has access to scientific and technical advice in agencies under its aegis to assist it in delivering the Government’s policy objectives under the Department’s remit.
|
Staff Area |
Numbers |
FTE |
|
Communications |
73 |
70 |
|
Climate Action & Environment |
54 |
53 |
|
Energy |
53 |
51 |
|
Petroleum Affairs |
16 |
15 |
|
Broadcasting |
11 |
11 |
As staff in all of these areas work on regulation issues it is not possible to determine the exact number.
476. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when new air quality monitoring will be rolled out in Dublin city; the type of gasses, pollutants and so on that will be measured (details supplied); the number of stations that will be provided; if real time information will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9122/19]
View answerAmbient air quality monitoring in Ireland is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the 2008 Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) Directive (Directive 2008/50/EC) and the Fourth Daughter Directive (Directive 2004/107/EC of 15 December 2004). These Directives include rules on how Member States should monitor, assess and manage ambient air quality. Under the Directives, EU Member States must designate "zones" for the purpose of managing air quality. For Ireland, four zones were defined in the Air Quality Standards Regulations, 2011. The zones in place in Ireland in 2017 are Zone A: the Dublin conurbation; Zone B: the Cork conurbation; Zone C: comprising 23 large towns in Ireland with a population of more than 15,000; and Zone D: the remaining area of Ireland. Ireland established a nationwide network of monitoring stations which measure levels of air pollutants in the four zones. This information is delivered to the public in near real-time at www.airquality.ie The criteria for the location of monitoring equipment for each pollutant are set out in the Directives.
Following a review by the Environmental Protection Agency of air quality monitoring and information provision in Ireland, a decision was taken to develop a new National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP) which aims to enhance and build on current arrangements. The AAMP will more than double the capacity of ambient air quality monitoring in Ireland by 2022, and enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public. My Department has committed funding of some €5 million over the lifetime of the programme.
Of the 39 additional stations planned as part of the AAMP, 12 were completed by the end of 2018, including 2 stations in Dublin in Saint Anne’s Park and Saint John’s Road. In addition to this, existing stations as outlined below were upgraded to provide real-time PM10 and PM2.5 information.
- Dublin – Ballyfermot
- Dublin – Davitt Road
- Dublin – Finglas
- Dublin – Marino
- Dublin – Phoenix Park
- Dublin – Ringsend
- Cork – Heatherton Park
- Castlebar
- Kilkenny
Further additional stations and station upgrades are planned for 2019 and 2020, a number of which will be in the greater Dublin area, including a new monitoring station on Pearse Street. One of the key objectives of the AAMP is to enhance the provision of real time air quality data to the public and the precise locations of these additional stations will therefore be determined operationally.
Further details on the monitoring programme can be found at the following website:
http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/quality/epanationalambientprogramme.html.
477. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the national clean air strategy report will be published; his plans to implement action to tackle air pollution in towns such as Enniscorthy and New Ross, County Wexford, in view of the fact that air pollution is more damaging at lower concentrations than was previously understood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9127/19]
View answerAs the Deputy observes, recent scientific evidence indicates that air pollution is more damaging at lower concentrations than was previously understood. With this in mind, I am committed to bringing forward Ireland's first ever National Clean Air Strategy to address this problem and mitigate against the health and environmental risks posed by air pollution. The Strategy, which I intend to publish this year, will provide the policy framework necessary to identify and promote integrated measures across Government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while delivering on wider national objectives.
478. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of conferences staff of his Department have attended in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the number of staff who attended each conference; the cost of same in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9164/19]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
479. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent in advertising or sponsorship in respect of conferences external and internal, respectively, in each of the years 2017, 2018 and to date in 2019, by conference; the aggregate amount for each year; the amount available in the remainder of 2019 to fund same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9181/19]
View answerMy Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public service broadcasting, as well as regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the economic significance and community interest in these areas my Department incurs some expenditure on advertising and sponsorship to promote its policies / programmes from time to time. The information requested is outlined in tabular format:
|
Conference Details |
External or Internal Conference |
Spend in 2017 |
Spend in 2018 |
Spend to date in 2019 |
Amount available in the remainder of 2019 to fund same |
|
Bioeconomy Ireland Day |
External |
n/a |
€10,000 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Project Ireland 2040 event |
Internal |
n/a |
€26,715 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
All of Government Climate Plan event |
Internal |
n/a |
n/a |
€6,799 |
n/a |
|
National Dialogue on Climate Action |
Internal |
n/a |
€24,009 |
€1,557 |
n/a |
|
Tipperary Energy Agency Conference Sponsorship |
External |
n/a |
€7,500 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Community Development Conference |
External |
n/a |
€5,000 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Lead Author meeting * |
External |
n/a |
n/a |
€28,107 |
n/a |
|
Geological & Research Organisations Annual Meetings/Seminars |
External |
€8,000 |
€9,000 |
€1,500 |
€10,000 |
|
Irish Geoscience Early Career Symposium 2018 |
External |
n/a |
€1,000 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Irish Association for Economic Geology |
External |
€250 |
€250 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Trading Online Voucher Scheme - Regional Events |
Internal - Partnership with Local Enterprise Office Network |
€101,128 |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Critical Infrastructure Seminar |
External |
n/a |
€2,480 |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Aggregate Amount for each year |
€109,378 |
€85,954 |
€37,963 |
n/a |
*Contribution to the cost of the event
480. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of staff in his Department who attended a summit (details supplied) in Dublin in 2017 and 2018, respectively; the cost to his Department or an agency under the remit of his Department; if his Department or an agency under the remit of his Department undertook advertising or sponsorship in respect of the summit; the cost in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9198/19]
View answerThere was no attendance by staff in my Department at the summit referred to by the Deputy. In relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department this 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.
481. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of buying sufficient credits to prevent Ireland from breaching its EU climate obligations on the basis of the most likely emission profiles for each year until 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9230/19]
View answerThe last available projections of greenhouse gas emissions, published by the EPA in May 2018, indicate that Ireland will exceed its cumulative annual greenhouse gas emissions ceilings for the 2021 to 2030 period under the EU Effort Sharing Regulation, by between 47 and 52 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent, assuming full utilisation of the ETS to non-ETS transfer and Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry mitigation options.
The Deputy will be aware that I am leading on the development of an All of Government Plan, which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I also intend that the Plan will articulate the proposed policies and measures to enable Ireland meet its targets under the EU Effort Sharing Regulation, thereby avoiding any requirement for Ireland to purchase credits for compliance purposes.
The Plan will have a strong focus on implementation, including actions with specific timelines and steps needed to achieve each action, assigning clear lines of responsibility for delivery. It will be updated on a rolling annual basis and will also be informed by successful approaches in other countries, where such approaches can be adapted for implementation in Ireland.
482. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason an application by a person (details supplied) under the warmer homes scheme to have external wall insulation provided has been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9269/19]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 135,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level.
The aim of the scheme is to deliver a range of energy efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding. This means focusing eligibility to those in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, such as the Fuel Allowance, and limiting each home to one visit for an energy efficiency upgrade. Last year, the measures available under the scheme were expanded. Subject to a survey by SEAI and assessment of potential for improved energy performance, the scheme can, in certain circumstances, include internal or external wall insulation. This is permitting the upgrade of more property types such as homes with solid walls, and also increasing the energy savings and emissions reductions that the scheme is achieving and will also enable future fuel switching.
Demand for the scheme is extremely high, reflecting this shift to deeper measures, and is impacted by longer delivery times associated with these type of works and the delivery capacity of SEAI’s contractor panel.
The measures offered under the scheme are currently being reviewed again in light of new Building Regulations coming into force later this year. Any works carried out under the scheme will need to comply with the requirements set out under those regulations, while also taking account of the budget available to the scheme.
While homes that previously received works under the scheme are not currently eligible for a second visit, consideration will be given to revisiting these properties later in 2019, where feasible and appropriate.
483. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if broadband will be provided in an area (details supplied). [9270/19]
View answerThe premises referred to by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP. This intervention is the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. I will bring a recommendation to Government in relation to the NBP in the coming weeks.
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. 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.
484. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if phase 1 of the national broadband plan will supply broadband coverage to a property (details supplied). [9272/19]
View answerThe premises referred to by the Deputy is in the LIGHT BLUE area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The LIGHT BLUE areas are where eir is in the process of deploying high speed broadband to 300,000 premises on a commercial basis.
According to my Department’s Map, eir have yet to pass the premises referenced by the Deputy with this deployment, however, it has committed to doing so. According to eir's information, they plan to complete their overall deployment in mid-2019. My Department is engaging with eir in this matter.
485. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when fibre broadband will be rolled out in a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9277/19]
View answerIn April 2017 my Department published an updated version of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map. This is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The 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 area represents the parts of the country where commercial operators have no plans to build high speed broadband networks. Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high Speed Broadband through a State Intervention.
- The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The LIGHT BLUE area represents eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.
There are 91 premises in the townland of Ryecourt. 7 premises (8%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention. 79 premises (87%) are in a BLUE area and are served by commercial providers, while 5 premises (5%) are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be served by eir's rural deployment.
The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. I will bring a recommendation to Government in relation to the NBP in the coming weeks.
Where a citizen living in a Blue area is unable to obtain a high speed broadband service, I would encourage them to email my Department at broadband@dccae.gov.ie with their Eircode and details of the service providers they have contacted and the issues encountered in respect of accessing high speed broadband.
Under a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017, eir is in the process of passing 300,000 predominantly rural homes with high speed broadband. According to the latest data submitted by eir to my Department the company has passed approximately 225,000 premises nationwide as part of its ongoing deployment. This information will be available on my Department’s website shortly. Information on eir's rural deployment is available on that company’s website, http://fibrerollout.ie/Eircode-lookup/.
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. 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.
