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Tuesday, 17 Dec 2019

Written Answers Nos. 569-589

Warmer Homes Scheme Data

Questions (570)

James Browne

Question:

570. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of applicants by county awaiting the installation of SEAI warmer homes scheme works; the national average waiting time in tabular form; the average waiting time for applicants in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53134/19]

View answer

Written answers

The 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, who meet the defined eligibility criteria. The average investment by Government through the SEAI is €13,000 per house.

This year €39.8 million was allocated to the Scheme and to date, over 3,000 homes have been upgraded. Budget 2020 announced a budget allocation for the scheme of €52.8 million. This represents the biggest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme.

Notwithstanding this increased budget for the scheme, the current very high level of demand does directly impact waiting times, with the duration between applying for the scheme and having works carried out currently averaging at 18 months. There is no variation in this waiting time across counties as the scheme is demand-led and applications are processed on a first come first served basis. The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need, including how to reduce waiting times. This review is due to be completed shortly.

The following table presents the number of homes, by county, awaiting allocation to a contractor, from brand new applications just received up to homes that have been surveyed and will be allocated shortly.

County

Homes awaiting allocation

Co. Carlow

61

Co. Cavan

72

Co. Clare

95

Co. Cork

550

Co. Donegal

268

Co. Dublin

1936

Co. Galway

261

Co. Kerry

180

Co. Kildare

194

Co. Kilkenny

74

Co. Laois

70

Co. Leitrim

70

Co. Limerick

160

Co. Longford

43

Co. Louth

120

Co. Mayo

226

Co. Meath

198

Co. Monaghan

50

Co. Offaly

91

Co. Roscommon

96

Co. Sligo

81

Co. Tipperary

184

Co. Waterford

147

Co. Westmeath

108

Co. Wexford

247

Co. Wicklow

178

Air Pollution

Questions (571)

Malcolm Byrne

Question:

571. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will permit Wexford County Council to proceed with its unanimously agreed motion to ban the sale and use of smoky calls in the county. [53161/19]

View answer

Written answers

Part IV of the Air Pollution Act 1987 makes provision for Special Control Areas for the control of air pollution. This is a process which may be initiated by a Local Authority, but in practice this has proven cumbersome in the past, with requirements for consultation, and public hearings where there are objections to a proposal for an order, before ultimately returning to the Minister for confirmation. For these reasons, on each of the occasions that the ban has been extended, it has been done through statutory instrument made by my predecessors under powers conferred by the Air Pollution Act, 1987, and it is on this basis that I intend to proceed on any further extensions to the ban.

I have announced today the extension of the existing smoky coal ban to 13 additional towns, including Enniscorthy in County Wexford.

Warmer Homes Scheme Funding

Questions (572)

Pat Buckley

Question:

572. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason for the delay in the provision of the SEAI grant to persons (details supplied). [53236/19]

View answer

Written answers

The 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, who meet the defined eligibility criteria. As Minister, I have no function in relation to individual applications. However officials in my Department have contacted SEAI and I am informed that the homeowner the Deputy is referring to submitted an application to the Warmer Homes Scheme on 14th June 2019. The duration between applying for the scheme and having works carried out is currently averaging at 18 months.

Budget 2020 announced a budget allocation for the scheme of €52.8 million. This represents the biggest ever budget for the Warmer Homes Scheme – more than double the initial allocation for 2019.

Notwithstanding this increased budget for the scheme, the current very high level of demand does directly impact waiting times. The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need, including how to reduce waiting times. This review is due to be completed shortly.

Online Safety

Questions (573)

Willie Penrose

Question:

573. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the appointment of a digital safety commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53333/19]

View answer

Written answers

On 4 March 2019 I launched a public consultation seeking views on the content of the proposed Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill. The public consultation closed on 15 April 2019. A wide range of responses were received to the consultation from members of the public, NGOs, industry and government agencies. These responses, which were published on 27 June 2019, have informed the development of the Bill. Furthermore, a thematic analysis of the submissions identifying key themes and issues was published on 25 July 2019. This legislation will set a clear expectation for online platforms to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of the users of their service. A regulator, an Online Safety Commissioner, as part of a wider Media Commission, would oversee the new system.

This new regulatory system will address the proliferation of harmful online content, including cyberbullying material, material promoting suicide and self-harm and material promoting eating disorders, alongside the design and processes adopted by online services which lead to the proliferation of such material.

The regulator will have a number of significant compliance and enforcement powers, including the power to audit the compliance of services, publication of the fact of non-compliance, the power to issue administrative fines and the power to block offending services in certain cases.

I will bring the draft General Scheme of the Bill to Government in the coming weeks.

While it would be impossible to protect people from every danger online, this Bill will ensure, for the first time, that robust regulation is in place and end the era of self-regulation by online platforms.

Air Pollution

Questions (574)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

574. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered a strategy of financial incentives for the use of smokeless coal in the areas not under the smoky coal ban; and if he has requested the Minister for Finance to assist in this regard. [53355/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has published figures comparing the respective costs of domestic fuels. These are available online at https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Domestic-Fuel-Cost-Comparison.pdf and show that while low smoke fuels are typically more expensive to buy on a weight-by-weight basis, they have a higher heat output than coal or lignite nuggets and, therefore, represent better value for money than smokier fuels. There is, in effect, already a financial incentive to switch to low smoke fuels.

In addition, relief from solid fuel carbon tax for certain fuels has already been provided. Relief is available at 50% of the solid fuel carbon tax rate for products with a verified biomass content of at least 50%, and at 30% of the solid fuel carbon tax rate for products with a verified biomass content of between 30% and 50%. The relief has been restricted to clean or ‘low smoke’ solid fuels to avoid unintended health impacts, particularly from particulate emissions of ‘smoky’ products. This should incentivise the promotion of cleaner and lower carbon fuels.

Electricity Generation

Questions (575)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

575. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the financial supports available to improve the electricity capacity of regional towns in order that they can attract industries or grow existing industries. [53356/19]

View answer

Written answers

Electricity supply to the distribution grid is an operational matter for ESB Networks, which is regulated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, an independent statutory body and solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas for the performance of its functions. I therefore have no function in the matter. I understand that Eirgrid, the transmission system operator, adopts a balanced approach to grid development and this is an integral part of their grid rollout process. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) employs a mechanism for setting revenue allowances for the Network companies through a 5-year revenue allowance process, this is called a Price Review. The current price review for electricity (referred to as PR4) runs from January 2016 to December 2020. The CRU have commenced the PR5 Electricity Network Tariff Review process. This process will reach fruition with a CRU decision on allowable network revenues for 2020-2025 dovetailing with the end of PR4 in September 2020.

Energy Prices

Questions (576)

Tom Neville

Question:

576. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there is a comparison website provided by the State which allows persons to compare utility bills. [53385/19]

View answer

Written answers

Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is a matter for the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU), an independent statutory body and solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas for the performance of its functions. As part of its regulatory role, CRU accredits electricity and gas price comparison websites that adhere to the CRU price comparison website accreditation framework. Currently there are three price comparison websites accredited by CRU; bonkers.ie, switcher.ie and powertoswitch.ie.

Mobile Telephony Services

Questions (577)

Brendan Smith

Question:

577. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to have mobile telephone coverage improved in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53397/19]

View answer

Written answers

Providing telecommunications services, including mobile phone services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services and make specific investments in particular locations. The ComReg consumer helpline is accessible at consumerline@comreg.ie and I would urge consumers who feel that they have not received an appropriate response from service providers to make contact with the Regulator.

Since its inception in July 2016, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services throughout Ireland. The Taskforce has addressed over 70 targeted actions designed to alleviate connectivity barriers, and continues to focus on issues that are negatively impacting upon the rollout of essential telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas, including in counties Cavan and Monaghan.

Various measures to address mobile coverage deficits, particularly in rural areas, include:

- Work undertaken by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development to achieve a greater consensus on site selection for telecoms infrastructure and therefore improve mobile phone coverage.

- A report published on my Department’s website in August 2018 based on the work of a focus group established to provide guidance on the categories of location where high quality reliable mobile coverage should be made available as a priority, to influence mobile operators in their work to reduce blackspots.

- A working group investigating the feasibility of developing standardised policy for accessing and utilising State and publicly owned assets for deploying telecommunications infrastructure.

- A composite national outdoor coverage map published by ComReg, together with the Regulator’s work on handset testing and activities to raise consumer awareness, allowing people across Ireland to optimise services available to them.

- A licensing exemption scheme developed by ComReg to enable households and businesses to use mobile phone repeaters to boost signals into their premises for immediate coverage improvement.

All of these initiatives should help enhance the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in areas currently experiencing a low level of service, including counties Cavan and Monaghan.

International Agreements

Questions (578)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

578. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the cost of the bilateral agreement between Ireland and the United States of America by which the State pays for the air traffic control costs for US military flights through Irish air space; the cost of the agreement in each of the years 2003 to 2015 including payment to Eurocontrol of €42,344,000; the estimated cost for the period 1 January 2016 to 30 November 2019; the estimated annual cost of the bilateral agreement since it commenced to 31 December 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52746/19]

View answer

Written answers

In common with all other EU Member States, Ireland’s en route air traffic management (ATM) fees are set in accordance with EU Single European Sky legislation and through the State's membership of the intergovernmental European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL), which coordinates European ATM on behalf of the EU.

As part of a EUROCONTROL multilateral agreement - to which Ireland along with other Member States is a party - various categories of flights, including Search and Rescue flights, training flights and military flights, may be exempted from paying en route fees.

While the State's air navigation service provider - the Irish Aviation Authority - is reimbursed for any ATM services it provides to exempted flights, my Department does not record a breakdown of these reimbursements by flight category. However, the total reimbursement for exempted flights for each of the years requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Year

Millions

2002

1.4

2003

2.8

2004

3.7

2005

3.2

2006

2.5

2007

3.1

2008

3.0

2009

3.3

2010

2.9

2011

2.9

2012

2.6

2013

2.3

2014

2.4

2015

2.5

2016

2.6

2017

2.3

2018

2.0

Sport Ireland

Questions (579)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

579. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that would be of concern to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53184/19]

View answer

Written answers

On 26 November, I received the report mentioned by the Deputy. Sport Ireland has referred the report to An Garda Síochána.  I have written to the Garda Commissioner and the Director of Corporate Enforcement to advise them that my officials and I are available should the need arise.

It would not be appropriate for me to publish the report or make any comments on the details, findings or recommendations until such time as An Garda Siochána has concluded its investigation and any related follow on actions.

Electric Vehicles

Questions (580)

Jack Chambers

Question:

580. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the scheme for reduced toll charges for electric vehicles; the number of cars in the scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the need for participants to open an account which requires lodging a fee and keeping the amount in the account which is acting as a deterrent to motorists signing up to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52602/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Electric Vehicle Toll Incentive (EVTI) Scheme was launched in July 2018 following a recommendation from the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce; the Scheme forms part of a wider suite of incentives aimed at supporting the national transition towards lower emitting vehicles, especially electric vehicles in the national car/van fleet. The Scheme was introduced to encourage private and commercial car/van users who regularly travel tolled roads to consider switching to an electric alternative. It was estimated that there were approximately 400,000 heavy toll users in Ireland and so a reduced tolling incentive does act as a meaningful inducement for a large number of vehicle owners.

Under the EVTI Scheme, which is administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland on behalf of my Department, full battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles qualify for a 50% and 25% toll reduction respectively, up to a maximum annual threshold of €500 for private vehicles and €1,000 for commercial vehicles. Greater off-peak reductions also apply to the M50 toll.

As of the end of November 2019, 8,476 electric vehicles have registered under the EVTI Scheme; this represents 56% of the total number of electric vehicles under taxation in Ireland. The uptake rate is considered high in light of the fact that many of the toll roads in Ireland are located in the South and East of the country while electric vehicle ownership has a wider geographic distribution. To date, registered vehicles have made over 615,000 discounted tolled journeys.

I was delighted to announce an expansion to the EVTI Scheme for 2020. From January, the maximum annual threshold for small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines) will be extended to €1,000 in line with other commercial vehicles. Additionally, a new reducing tolling incentive regime will be introduced for heavy duty vehicles exceeding 3,500kg, including buses and trucks, fuelled by compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen or electricity. Heavy duty vehicles will be eligible for a toll refund of up to 50% to a maximum cap of €1,000 per calendar year.

In relation to the Deputy’s specific query regarding account registration requirements, it is my understanding that vehicles participating in the Scheme must use a Toll Tag and vehicle eligibility must be approved by one of four Toll Service Providers. A monthly administration fee, up to a maximum of €1.25 per month, is applied to all toll tag accounts; however, I am given to understand that there is no mandatory minimum account balance required by any of the Toll Service Providers to avail of the reduced EVTI toll charges. Nevertheless, due to the monthly account administration fee individual electric vehicle owners should determine, based on toll usage, the benefits of participating in the Scheme.  The primary focus of the EVTI Scheme is to encourage heavy toll users to transition away from fossil fuels; such users are generally already toll tag/account holders.

Parking Provision

Questions (581)

Jack Chambers

Question:

581. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a change to the eligibility criteria for a disabled parking permit in certain cases (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52739/19]

View answer

Written answers

Under the criteria laid out in the Road Traffic (Traffic And Parking) Regulations, 1997, as amended, Disabled Parking Permits are available to an individual with permanent conditions or disabilities that severely restrict their ability to walk.  Eligibility is thus defined on the basis of mobility impairment rather than on the basis of a specific medical condition.

While my Department keeps the eligibility criteria under review, there are no plans to change them at this time. I would also particularly emphasise to the Deputy that issuing a large number of extra permits by extending the eligibility criteria would in fact put the existing scheme under significant additional pressure and compromise the availability of disabled parking spaces in general.

Taxi Regulations

Questions (582)

Mick Barry

Question:

582. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider providing a representative to the board of the Taxi Regulator for taxi drivers from County Cork in view of the unique challenges faced by drivers and the industry in the Cork area and in the interests of regional balance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52741/19]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with section 72 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013, members of the committee are appointed on the basis of their individual experience and expertise with due regard paid to the legislative requirement to ensure, insofar as practicable, an equitable gender balance with both urban and rural representation. 

As the Advisory Committee is a national body It would be inappropriate for an individual county to be singled out for seperate representation. I would note, however, that three members of the current committee are from Munster and that one of these is a taxi driver.

Sports Capital Programme

Questions (583)

Peter Burke

Question:

583. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if requests from sport capital grant beneficiaries are allowed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52793/19]

View answer

Written answers

The Sports Capital Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. 

My Department understands that the priorities and needs of sports clubs and groups can change from time to time. Therefore, provided any new proposal still has a sporting content and can meet the terms and conditions of the Programme, the Department generally looks favourably on requests for a change of purpose for a particular grant.   

In the first instance the club should contact the official that deals with their county.  Details of the phone number to call for each county are published on my Departmenmt's website at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d13385-sports-capital-programme/#further-information or they can email sportscapitalprogramme@dttas.gov.ie

Sports Capital Programme Data

Questions (584)

Hildegarde Naughton

Question:

584. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the allocations made to organisations in Oranmore, Maree, Claregalway and Clarinbridge, County Galway, under the sports capital programme since 2011; the allocations per organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52801/19]

View answer

Written answers

Details of all allocations under the Sports Capital Programme since 2000 are published on my Department's website on a county basis at   https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/471ed5-sports-capital-allocations/

Smarter Transport

Questions (585, 586, 592, 594)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

585. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied); and the projects funded under B8.1 Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport. [52819/19]

View answer

Catherine Murphy

Question:

586. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the planned and-or budgeted capital expenditure from 1 January 2020 to 31 August 2020 under headings (details supplied); and the projects to be funded in 2020 under B8.1 Smarter Travel / Sustainable Urban Transport. [52820/19]

View answer

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

592. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied); and the projects funded under B8.1 Smarter Travel/Sustainable Urban Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52852/19]

View answer

Gino Kenny

Question:

594. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the capital expenditure of his Department from 1 January to 31 August 2019 under headings (details supplied). [52876/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 585, 586, 592 and 594 together.

As the Deputies are is aware, funding provided under these subheads is related to capital expenditure programmes and part of a multi-annual capital funding programme.  The timing of expenditure on programmes such as these are by their nature dependent on a number of variables and therefore monthly or quarterly expenditure must be viewed within that context.  The majority of the funding allocation each year tends to be drawn down toward the year end.  Reporting of annual expenditure outturns is made publicly available each year through the Department's audited Appropriation Account and related reports to, and appearances before, the Oireachtas.

As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport, including cycling infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the allocation of funding at project level, working in conjunction with the relevant local authorities.

I can advise the Deputy that, since announcement of Budget 2020, the overall funding for my Department's two principal active travel related programmes is now likely to increase to over €100 million in total.  This improved funding allocation does not include the Bus Connects programme which itself will deliver 200km of largely segregated cycle lanes across Dublin. It also does not encompass various other funding sources that can be supportive of walking and cycling, such as €23 million for 2020 under the Greenways Strategy and funding that is provided outside my Department, like the Urban & Rural Regeneration and Development funds. 

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the  Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more detailed reply.  Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Public Service Vehicles

Questions (587, 588, 590)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

587. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the most recent count of wheelchair accessible vehicle journeys by week and year by taxi, minibus and private vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52834/19]

View answer

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

588. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of wheelchair accessible vehicle minibuses for hire in Dublin and nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52835/19]

View answer

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

590. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans of the NTA to increase the number of wheelchair accessible vehicle minibus drivers coming into the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52837/19]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 587, 588 and 590 together.

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including measures to promote and/or increase wheelchair accessible vehicles in the SPSV fleet, and the collection of statistics in relation to wheelchair accessible SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. I note that SPSVs, by definition, carry a maximum of eight passengers.

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A

Public Service Vehicles

Questions (589)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

589. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the plans of the NTA to convert the stock of standard taxis to wheelchair accessible vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52836/19]

View answer

Written answers

The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including measures to promote wheelchair accessible vehicles in the SPSV fleet, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013. 

Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
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