Thomas Byrne
Question:996. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when an area (details supplied) will receive broadband. [4831/20]
View answerBroadband Service Provision
Questions (996)
Written answers
The Question refers to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). Deployment activities related to the National Broadband Plan (NBP) are continuing in line with the advice provided by Government and the HSE during the Covid-19 event and key mobilisation and design activities continue to be progressed.
All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass approximately 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed.
Further information on deployment activities is available on NBI’s website (www.nbi.ie) and potential customers for High Speed Broadband within the AMBER area can now record an expression of interest through the NBI website to receive updates on progress with the roll out.
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) are scheduled to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. The planned BCP locations, including school library hubs and local sports are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. It should be noted that some BCP locations may be subject to change.
These BCPs will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing, which will facilitate detailed design and installation.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (997)
Thomas Pringle
Question:997. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan; and when the roll out will commence in County Donegal. [4857/20]
View answerWritten answers
Deployment activities related to the National Broadband Plan (NBP) are continuing in line with the advice provided by Government and the HSE during the Covid-19 event and key mobilisation and design activities continue to be progressed. All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass approximately 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed.
Further information on deployment activities is available on NBI’s website (www.nbi.ie ) and potential customers for High Speed Broadband within the AMBER area can now record an expression of interest through the NBI website to receive updates on progress with the roll out.
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) are scheduled to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. The planned BCP locations, including schools, library hubs and local sports are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. It should be noted that some BCP locations may be subject to change.
These BCPs will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing, which will facilitate detailed design and installation.
Just Transition Commissioner
Questions (998)
Bríd Smith
Question:998. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied with the resourcing of the office of the Just Transition Commissioner and team in terms of finance, budget and staffing; his views on whether the role which is part-time should be full-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4861/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government has appointed Mr Kieran Mulvey as the Just Transition Commissioner on a non-statutory basis to facilitate discussions and work with stakeholders to develop, mobilise and deliver opportunities for the midlands for both the workers directly affected and the wider community. I have asked the commissioner to engage with all relevant stakeholders, including local community organisations, Bord na Móna, ESB, the Midlands Transition Team, Local Authorities, public representatives, and relevant trade unions and workers' representatives.
The Commissioner will report to Government through me and I have asked him to consider specifically a number of matters in framing his recommendations including: the delivery of the just transition measures provided for in budget 2020; the optimal structures or processes to support co-ordinated and effective delivery, including developing liaison channels between institutions in the region and central Government; the implementation of other actions underway, or planned, by Departments and Agencies that could assist in the just transition; and any additional actions or measures that he considers appropriate for Government consideration.
The Commissioner has also been invited to take account of relevant existing plans and programmes such as the Regional Enterprise Plan for the Midlands.
The Commissioner is undertaking his work on a part time basis, with administrative support provided by my Department. The Commissioner is also being supported in his engagements with stakeholders in the Midlands, as required, by the secretariat to the existing Midlands Regional Transition Team. I intend to further consider these arrangements following receipt of the Commissioner’s first report and in the context of the envisaged ongoing role for the Commissioner in relation to just transition in the Midlands.
The Government has committed significant resources in 2020, through allocating a portion of the additional carbon tax revenue to be raised on foot of Budget 2020, to measures to support the delivery of an effective just transition for the Midlands. This includes €20 million for a new energy efficiency retrofitting scheme to be focused on the Midlands, €5 million for peatland rehabilitation outside of the Bord na Móna estate, and €11 million for a dedicated new just transition fund (with €6 million coming from the exchequer and €5m coming from ESB in 2020). The Government is also seeking to repurpose the public service obligation, or PSO, to support a much higher level of bog restoration on Bord na Móna bogs and to provide for a continued role for existing Bord na Móna workers on these bogs.
Departmental Expenditure
Questions (999)
Bernard Durkan
Question:999. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of trebling funding for the trading online vouchers scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4924/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to support small and micro businesses, i.e. businesses with 10 or less employees and less than €2 million in annual turnover, to develop their e-commerce capability. The Scheme offers a financial incentive of up to €2,500 along with training, mentoring and network support. The Scheme is funded by my Department and administered nationwide through the Local Enterprise Office network.
The Scheme is demand-led and as such the take-up, level of financial assistance per business in terms of redeemed voucher costs, and thus total cost to the Exchequer will vary from year to year. When the Deputy's question was originally submitted the Trading Online Voucher Scheme had a budget in 2020 of €2.3m. The cost of trebling that budget allocation is €6.9m.
In order to support small and micro-businesses during the course of the coronavirus pandemic an additional €3.3m has been provided to the Scheme in 2020, bringing the total budget to €5.6m. In addition new flexibilities to the Scheme have been introduced, including reducing the requirement for co-funding from 50% to 10%, allowing businesses to apply for a second voucher of up to €2,500 where they have successfully utilised their first one; and allowing subscriptions to low-cost online retailing platform solutions to quickly establish a retailing presence online.
Online Safety
Questions (1000)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1000. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated full-year cost of the online safety commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4929/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill will provide for the establishment of a Media Commission, including an Online Safety Commissioner. As the Bill is still in development, the scale and cost of the regulator have not yet been finalised. The Commission will absorb the functions and staff of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, which is funded by an industry levy of approximately €5 million per year. In addition, the Commission will regulate on-demand audiovisual services that are established in Ireland. The Commission, through the Online Safety Commissioner, will also regulate Video Sharing Platforms and other designated online services established in Ireland for the whole of Europe.
It will be necessary to ensure that the new regulator is adequately resourced to take on the complex and important tasks that will be assigned to it. In analysing these resource requirements, my Department is taking account of the staffing requirements and costs of regulators of similar scale and function.
It is intended that, when established, the Commission will be fully funded by industry levies.
Energy Efficiency
Questions (1001)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1001. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated number of family homes likely to be retrofitted on foot of a budget of €160 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4933/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is funded by my Department to administer energy efficiency grant schemes for both the residential and commercial sector. At €146 million, the 2020 budget allocation for energy efficiency is the highest ever. This represents a €29 million increase over the 2019 budget and a nearly three-fold increase on 2016 funding. This funding will be used to upgrade approximately 23,200 homes and 800 businesses across the country. It will also help towards the achievement of our Climate Action Plan targets. The number of homes that could be retrofitted for a budget of €160 million would depend on the mix of energy poor homes that would be fully funded by the Exchequer and those that would receive lower levels of grant support.
The Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target of 500,000 energy efficiency retrofits by 2030. Achievement of this target will be supported by the Project Ireland 2040 allocation of €3.7 billion as well as the range of measures identified in the Plan.
To deliver our target, a Retrofit Taskforce has been established which will develop a new retrofitting delivery model. Our plan will:
- Group homes in the same area together to drive down cost;
- Start with social homes owned by the local authorities, but will embrace privately owned homes in the wider community;
- Develop smart finance options; and
- Introduce easy pay back models.
Energy Efficiency
Questions (1002)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1002. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of extending grant aid from the SEAI to cover energy efficient re-equipment in areas, such as poultry, pigs and horticulture, not already covered by the targeted agriculture modernisation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4936/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides guidance and assistance for businesses to improve their energy efficiency. These include energy management training and mentoring to help save energy through a structured management system. The cost of providing grant aid to cover energy efficiency measures in the agriculture and horticulture sector would depend on a range of factors including the eligibility criteria, the proportion of capital funding that would be provided by the grant, the scale of installations supported and the uptake of such a support. Given the impact these factors could have it is not practical to provide an estimate of the cost.
Waste Management Expenditure
Questions (1003)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1003. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of introducing a deposit-and-return scheme for plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4937/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is determined to reduce the excessive use of plastics. As a first step, the purchase of certain single use plastics has been banned throughout the public service. We are committed to increase recycling rates of plastics from 34% now to 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030, along with other EU member states, and to phase out non-recyclable plastics entirely. A Deposit and Return Scheme is one option proposed for EU member states to consider as a means of increasing the collection of plastic beverage containers and achieve the new 90% target for this waste stream identified in the Single Use Plastic Directive.
In 2019 I commissioned a study to examine how Ireland can deliver a 90% collection target for single use beverage containers, including plastic bottles, as required under the Single Use Plastics Directive. This study examines the possibility of introducing a Deposit and Return Scheme and how this might operate in an Irish context. The introduction of an initiative such as a Deposit and Return Scheme needs to be carefully considered in the context of potential benefits, expected costs and impacts identified to enable evidence-based decision making in this matter and having regard to other potential measures that would facilitate the 90% collection rate. The study into how Ireland can achieve the 90% collection target has been received and is currently being reviewed in the context of developing a new Waste Action Plan.
The introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme was also considered by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and the Environment in 2018. The estimated set up and running costs were identified as between €76m to €116m net cost, without consideration of the impacts on the existing kerbside collection and existing household subsidy.
Waste Disposal
Questions (1004)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1004. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of putting waste collection back under the direct control of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4938/20]
View answerWritten answers
Local authorities are responsible for municipal waste collection within their functional areas. The obligations on local authorities in relation to collecting household waste are set out in section 33 of the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended. In summary, it provides that each local authority shall collect, or arrange for the collection of, household waste within its functional area. The obligation to collect or arrange for the collection of household waste shall not apply if:
- an adequate waste collection service is available in the local authority's functional area,
- the estimated costs of the collection of the waste would, in the opinion of the local authority, be unreasonably high, or
- the local authority is satisfied that adequate arrangements for the disposal of the waste concerned can reasonably be made by the holder of the waste.
It is open to any local authority to re-enter the waste collection market as direct service providers if they so choose. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
Broadband Service Provision
Questions (1005)
Martin Heydon
Question:1005. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll out of three broadband connection points in County Kildare; when they will be available for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4958/20]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract was signed with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in November last to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the nearly 540,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. Approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs), in community facilities within every county in Ireland, including Kildare, are scheduled to be connected to high speed broadband this year, to enable communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband.The planned BCP locations are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. It should be noted that some BCP locations may be subject to change.
The BCPs have been specifically selected by the local authorities so that they can provide public Wi-Fi and other facilities to support mini digital/enterprise hubs to the local community in advance of the main NBP deployment. Broadband Officers in each Local Authority were tasked with consulting with local communities and business to find the appropriate mix of locations to reap the maximum benefits.
BCPs will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised.
The BCP delivery project is well underway and it involves extensive coordination between my Department, the Department of Rural and Community Development, NBI, Local Authority Broadband Officers and BCP site owners.
The surveying of the BCP locations is well progressed, including the BCP locations in Co. Kildare. Once this site survey exercise has been completed, the technical solution will be finalised and the installation of each of the sites will be scheduled.
Following installation, the final step for these locations to start providing public Wi-Fi services is for a retail broadband service provider to be appointed. I understand that the Department of Rural and Community Development has concluded the procurement process to appoint a retail service provider.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (1006, 1017)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:1006. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of new electric vehicle charging points installed since the announcement of extra funding in 2019 to install charging areas nationwide; the number of electric vehicle charging points available in each county since the announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5033/20]
View answer
Michael McGrath
Question:1017. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to improve the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5469/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1006 and 1017 together.
Investment and regulatory decisions by the Government are supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the next few years.
€10 million has been committed from the Climate Action Fund to promote the charging network and this has leveraged another €10 million investment from ESB. This intervention alone will result in:
1. 90 additional high power chargers (150kW), each capable of charging two vehicles
2. 52 additional fast chargers (50kW), which may replace existing 22 kW standard chargers
3. 264 replacement standard chargers (22kW) to more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points
Since the delivery stage of the project commenced last October 2019, 141 22kW chargers, each with two charge points, have been replaced bringing the total number of these chargers nationally to 282. The locations of these chargers are set out in the following table.
|
County |
New 22 kW Charger Replacements since Oct 2019 |
Total Charge Points available |
|
Carlow |
4 |
8 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
6 |
|
Clare |
6 |
12 |
|
Cork |
17 |
34 |
|
Donegal |
5 |
10 |
|
Dublin |
23 |
46 |
|
Galway |
8 |
16 |
|
Kerry |
8 |
16 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
16 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
2 |
|
Laois |
3 |
6 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
5 |
10 |
|
Longford |
2 |
4 |
|
Louth |
2 |
4 |
|
Mayo |
5 |
10 |
|
Meath |
7 |
14 |
|
Monaghan |
3 |
6 |
|
Offaly |
2 |
4 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
4 |
|
Sligo |
3 |
6 |
|
Tipperary |
6 |
12 |
|
Waterford |
6 |
12 |
|
Westmeath |
2 |
4 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
14 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
4 |
|
Total |
141 |
282 |
In addition, the first two multi charger sites have been delivered, one each in Galway (M6) and Kildare (M9). A number of other multi charger sites are at planning and design stage and their locations will be announced in due course. In addition, the programme to upgrade 50 22kW chargers to 50kW chargers has commenced, with installations in Dublin, Cavan, and Meath and once construction activities reconvene, a number of other sites will begin in Galway, Kerry, Louth, Sligo and Westmeath.
An interactive map showing ESB charger locations can be found at www.esb.ie/ecars .
Since September 2019, the Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place to provide funding to local authorities for the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of EVs, who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles on public streets, to charge their EVs near their homes.
Home charging is the most cost-effective method of charging, followed by on-street public charging and then destination charging. Charging while at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle charging in Ireland and it is best practice, internationally, to promote home charging as the most common and cheapest form of charging. Combined with a public charging network, Ireland’s home charging network will help sustain and service the growth in electric vehicle numbers.
Energy Efficiency
Questions (1007)
Carol Nolan
Question:1007. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if funding will be urgently allocated to the SEAI for the better energy community scheme in order to ensure that communities and businesses can avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5128/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Community Energy Grant Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme funds community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area – homes, including those at risk of energy poverty, community facilities and businesses. It also encourages innovative measures and solutions. These partnerships can be between the public and private sectors, domestic and non-domestic sectors, commercial and not-for-profit organisations and energy suppliers, and leverage considerable additional private investment. This year has seen a significant increase in demand under the Scheme with a total of 52 applications received by the deadline of 31 January, 2020. This demand is welcome and there has been increased demand across all the schemes offered by the SEAI.
The total funding allocation for the Communities Scheme this year is €22 million which will fund projects under the traditional Communities scheme and a new “homes only” communities strand. The total outturn under the Scheme in 2019 was €20.5 million.
The SEAI assesses applications in line with the application guidelines and I understand that SEAI have in recent weeks issued approval letters to successful applicants.
It is important to note that the Community Energy Grant scheme is one of a number of schemes aimed at supporting households and businesses to improve the energy efficiency of their property. An allocation of €146 million has been provided for 2020, which represents the largest ever annual allocations for energy efficiency retrofit.
Just Transition Commissioner
Questions (1008, 1009, 1019)
Carol Nolan
Question:1008. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when he last met with the Just Transition Commissioner; the funding provided to the commissioner; if he is satisfied that the commissioner has sufficient staff and secretariat facilities to enable him to carry out his work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5247/20]
View answerCarol Nolan
Question:1009. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of his most recent engagement with Bord na Móna as part of the just transition strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5248/20]
View answer
Joe Flaherty
Question:1019. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the report from the Just Transition Commissioner will be published in view of the fact that Bord na Móna is facing an increasingly uncertain future post Covid-19. [5499/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1008, 1009 and 1019 together.
I appointed Mr Kieran Mulvey as Just Transition Commissioner in November 2019, on a non-statutory basis, to facilitate discussions and work with stakeholders to develop, mobilise and deliver opportunities for the Midlands for both the workers directly affected and the wider community. Since the Commissioner's appointment, my Department and I have had a number of interactions with the Commissioner. I most recently met the Commissioner, via teleconference, on 19 March.
Under his Terms of Reference, I asked the Commissioner to engage with all relevant stakeholders, including local community organisations, Bord na Móna, ESB, the Midlands Transition Team, Local Authorities, public representatives and relevant trade unions and workers' representatives. Detailed stakeholder engagement with Bord na Móna included site visits by the Commissioner to the Bord na Móna plants/bogs in Lough Boora, Blackwater and Mount Dillon, and engagement with employees and management on these sites.
I have recently received the Commissioner's first progress report and I intend to bring this report to Government and to publish it shortly.
The Commissioner is undertaking his work on a part-time basis, with administrative support provided by my Department. The Commissioner is also being supported in his engagements with stakeholders in the Midlands, as required, by the secretariat to the Midlands Regional Transition Team. I am now considering these arrangements following receipt of the Commissioner's first report, and in the context of the envisaged ongoing role for the Commissioner in relation to just transition in the Midlands.
The Government has committed significant resources in 2020, through allocating a portion of the additional carbon tax revenue to be raised on foot of Budget 2020, to measures to support the delivery of an effective just transition for the Midlands. This includes €20 million for a new energy efficiency retrofitting scheme to be focused on the Midlands, €5 million for peatland rehabilitation outside of the Bord na Móna estate and €6 million for a dedicated new just transition fund with ESB agreeing to contribute an additional €5 million to this fund. The Government is also examining measures to support a much higher level of bog restoration on Bord na Móna bogs and to provide for a continued role for existing Bord na Móna workers on these bogs.
I held a series of meetings in the Midlands on 11 November last with a number of my Cabinet colleagues (Minister Madigan, Minister Donohoe and Minister of State Moran), during which we had discussions with a number of local stakeholders on the issues to be addressed under a Just Transition plan for the Midlands. I have also visited the Midlands on a number of other occasions since the An Bord Pleanála decision last summer, including 31 July when I met with the worker directors of Bord na Móna, the Midlands Regional Transition Team, the Midlands Enterprise Strategy Chair, the Regional Skills Forum and local Oireachtas members. These engagements have also informed my subsequent appointment of Mr Mulvey as Just Transition Commissioner.
My Department is in ongoing contact with Bord na Móna on a range of issues and I receive regular detailed briefings from officials as required.
Just Transition Fund
Questions (1010)
Carol Nolan
Question:1010. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the application to the platform for coal and other carbon-intensive regions in transition.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5249/20]
View answerWritten answers
In July 2019, following representations by me on behalf of the Midlands Regional Transition Team (MRTT), the European Commission confirmed its agreement to the inclusion of the Midlands in the Platform for Coal and Other Carbon Intensive Regions in Transition. The Platform works as an open forum, gathering relevant local, regional and national governments, businesses and trade unions, NGOs and academia to promote knowledge sharing and exchanges of experiences between EU coal and carbon-intensive regions to enable regions to identify and respond to their unique contexts and opportunities.
Membership of the Platform enables regions to participate in multi-stakeholder dialogue on policy frameworks and financing for successful transformation of the included regions, to share best practice and to avail of support, in the form of technical assistance, for the development of strategies and projects for local regions, focusing in particular on the employment challenges faced by workers affected by decarbonisation. Though the Platform has not met recently, given the global health pandemic, the Platform is, and will be, an ongoing feature in supporting the Midlands region, and coal regions across Europe in their transition to a low-carbon economy.
The MRTT was established by Offaly County Council in July 2018 with the objectives of pursuing funding opportunities and actions to mitigate the impact of the Bord na Móna job losses on the individuals concerned, and on the local and regional economy; and positioning the region to develop alternative forms of employment, attract investment and maximize existing employment opportunities and resources. The MRTT comprises relevant regional and national authorities and stakeholders and my Department has also attended a number of its meetings. The secretariat to the MRTT has also been engaged in supporting the work of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey.
I am informed by the MRTT that in February 2020, a Service Level Agreement for Technical Assistance for Regions in Transition (START) was agreed between the Secretariat of the Coal Regions in Transition Platform, and Offaly County Council, on behalf of the MRTT. I am further informed that this programme of support will seek to undertake a series of preparatory actions and engagements with communities during the course of 2020, that, together with the work of the Just Transition Commissioner, will inform the development of a longer-term just transition plan for the region. I expect the START work will, in turn, assist in the further refinement of investment needs for the region, both public and community-led, that will also inform future Exchequer and EU funding decisions. My Department is in ongoing contact with the MRTT secretariat, as the START work programme progresses.
National Broadband Plan
Questions (1011)
Carol Nolan
Question:1011. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the implementation of the national broadband plan in counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5250/20]
View answerWritten answers
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract was signed with the National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in November last to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area, which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the nearly 540,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms, along with 695 schools. The planned rollout will provide access to high speed broadband to 12,385 premises located in the Intervention Area in County Laois and 12,108 premises located in County Offaly through a combined investment of approximately €49m in respect of County Laois and €48m in respect of County Offaly over 25 years.
All counties will see premises passed in the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State will have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 150Mbps from the outset. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass approximately 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed.
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) are scheduled to be connected to high speed broadband this year. This will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main NBP deployment. The planned BCP locations, including schools, library hubs and local sports are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. It should be noted that some BCP locations may be subject to change.
These BCPs will leverage the high speed broadband connection through a range of measures and initiatives, for example providing free public Wi-Fi, some will also have hot-desks, and some will be digital hub business centres where digital training, business information events and other SME supports are organised. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing, which will facilitate detailed design and installation.
Protected Disclosures
Questions (1012)
Catherine Murphy
Question:1012. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of protected disclosures his Department has received since the legislation was introduced; the number of protected disclosures examined to conclusion by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5300/20]
View answerWritten answers
Since the Protected Disclosure legislation was introduced in 2014, my Department has received 6 Protected Disclosures as set out in the following table. 3 of those Protected Disclosures were examined to conclusion and 3 remain under investigation.
Protected Disclosures Data
|
Year |
Number Received |
Status |
|
2014 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2015 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2016 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2017 |
1 |
Closed |
|
2018 |
1 |
On-going |
|
2019 |
3 |
2 closed; 1 ongoing |
|
2020 |
1 |
On-going |
Communications Masts
Questions (1013)
Willie O'Dea
Question:1013. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the procedure for appealing against a decision by the Commission for Communications Regulation endorsed by the local authority to install a 5G mast in a neighbourhood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5420/20]
View answerWritten answers
The roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis, in a liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. My Department has no role in the individual roll-out plans of private operators, and I would also advise that ComReg has no role in relation to planning and development matters nor does it have any decision making role in relation to installation of 5G masts.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Questions (1014)
Francis Noel Duffy
Question:1014. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of CO2 emitted from the Shannonbridge, Lanesborough and Moneypoint power plants. [5451/20]
View answerWritten answers
Verified emissions from the West Offaly (Shannonbridge), Lough Ree (Lanesborough) and Moneypoint power stations are reported on the EU Transaction Log (https://ec.europa.eu/clima/ets/). The following table details the total verified emissions for the three installations for the years 2016 to 2018 (the most recent year for which verified data is published).
|
Year |
West Offaly (tonnes CO2eq) |
Moneypoint (tonnes CO2eq) |
Lough Ree (tonnes) |
|
2018 |
879,172 |
1,955,795 |
765,999 |
|
2017 |
1,130,975 |
3,464,621 |
678,550 |
|
2016 |
1,138,202 |
4,414,770 |
830,461 |
The Government's Climate Action Plan published in June 2019 states that to meet the required level of emissions reduction by 2030, Ireland will deliver an early and complete phase-out of coal by 2025 and peat by 2028. ESB announced on 8 November 2019 that the West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations will cease generation of electricity at the end of December 2020.
Climate Action Plan
Questions (1015)
Brendan Griffin
Question:1015. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a matter regarding the Climate Action Plan 2019 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5464/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 2019 Climate Action Plan sets out clearly for the first time how Ireland can meet it's legally binding EU 2030 emission reduction targets. The Plan, which contains over 180 actions covering a number of sectors including transport, sets a target of 936,000 electric vehicles on the road in Ireland by 2030. Of these, 840,000 will be passenger vehicles, The plan also sets out a range of actions to support this growth which includes introducing legislation to ban the sale of new fossil fuel cars from 2030.
There is a wide range of supports already available to support the uptake of electric vehicles including:
- a purchase grant of up to €5,000 for new electric vehicles
- Vehicle Registration Tax relief of up to €5,000 for battery electric vehicles and up to €2,500 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
- grants of up to €7,000 to support the purchase of electric vehicles in the taxi/hackney/limousine sector;
- Accelerated Capital Allowances for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure;
- a grant of up to €600 to support the installation of a home charger for purchasers of new and second-hand electric vehicles;
- a Public Charge Point Scheme to provide funding to local authorities for the development of on-street public chargers
- Benefit-in-Kind relief for battery electric vehicles;
- low motor tax of €120 for battery electric vehicles; and
- a discount on tolls of 50% for battery electric vehicles and 25% for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (up to a maximum amount of €500 per year with greater reductions off-peak on the M50).
In addition, under the first call for applications from the Climate Action Fund, I approved funding of up to €10 million to support the development of a nationwide, state-of-the-art electric vehicle fast charging network.
There are now almost 19,000 electric vehicles under taxation in Ireland. This represents a quadrupling of the number of electric vehicles that were on Irish roads at the end of 2017. I fully expect the number of electric vehicles to continue to increase as more models become available and the supporting infrastructure continues to be put in place. Vehicle numbers will be boosted further towards the middle of this decade, when the total cost of ownership of electric vehicles will reach parity with their fossil fuel counterparts.
Illegal Dumping
Questions (1016)
Jack Chambers
Question:1016. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the additional measures put in place to tackle illegal dumping in view of increased reports in recent weeks. [5468/20]
View answerWritten answers
Enforcement actions against illegal waste activity are a matter for the Local Authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) have been conducting weekly surveys of local authorities to determine whether there is an overall increase in illegal waste activities to feed into the Local Authority Business Continuity Working Group, established on foot of the COVID-19 emergency. Information is also available through the OEE who monitor complaints made through the National Environmental Complaints Line and the "See it, Say it" app.
Since the introduction of the Anti-Dumping Initiative in 2017, funding of €6.3 million has been provided by my Department which has supported over 700 projects and removed 10,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste across the country. In this, we have been supported by community and voluntary groups, who have acted as a bulwark against the spread of this behaviour. It is of critical importance that these efforts are safeguarded and that the progress made in addressing this problem is maintained.
In this context, I have ring-fenced and prioritised the allocation of one million euro from the 2020 Anti-Dumping Initiative to combat illegal dumping activities associated with these challenging times and local authorities have been informed accordingly. Funding will be provided for monitoring and surveillance of dumping black-spots, removal of illegally deposited waste and any other measures that will prevent this activity and catch the perpetrators involved.
It is important to note that Government has designated waste collection as an essential service and that measures taken by my Department, working in conjunction with industry and other regulatory authorities, has ensured the continued operation and availability of these services across all local authorities.
Question No. 1017 answered with Question No. 1006.
Departmental Offices
Questions (1018)
Peter Burke
Question:1018. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are vacancies in the offices of his Department at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5488/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not have any offices in Longford or Westmeath.
Question No. 1019 answered with Question No. 1008.