Written Answers Nos. 707-726
707. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if additional financial supports have been considered in an ongoing review of supports for RTÉ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7213/20]
View answer718. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a request for financial support was made by RTÉ; if his Department is considering additional financial support for RTÉ; and the amount sought by the organisation. [7337/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 707 and 718 together.
RTÉ has suffered significant declines in both TV licence receipts and commercial income as a result of the COVID 19 crisis.
There has been ongoing engagement with RTÉ in relation to the implementation of its revised strategy and the organisation is looking to identify where further savings might be realised. It is also engaging with NewEra (the advisory body to Government on commercial state owned enterprises) on the actions proposed to mitigate the financial impact of the crisis.
It is expected that a report on the matter will be submitted shortly to the Ministers for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
708. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has met with RTÉ between 12 March and 14 May 2020. [7214/20]
View answerI met with the Director General of RTÉ by videoconference on 8 April, 2020. I also spoke with the Chair of the RTÉ Board by phone on 25 March and 22 April 2020.
709. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he accepts the findings of a recent report by the European Court of Auditors on the better energy warmer homes scheme; if the scheme will be reformed in view of the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7215/20]
View answerMy Department funds a number of SEAI grant schemes to help homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Since 2000, approximately 400,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light. Approximately €120 million has been allocated to residential and community energy efficiency schemes in 2020. The SEAI and Department monitor the impact of the schemes on an ongoing basis.
The primary aim of the Warmer Homes Scheme is to address energy poverty by delivering energy efficiency measures to those homeowners deemed to be in, or at risk of, such poverty. The programme delivers many benefits to homeowners including improved comfort, quality of life, and health. Since 2000, the scheme has provided upgrades to over 142,000 homes across Ireland, improving the lives of some of Ireland’s most vulnerable citizens. The Scheme underwent a significant change in mid-2018, expanding to include more extensive measures, including external wall insulation which is now funded under the scheme. This has resulted in deeper retrofits and greater energy savings for homeowners. In 2018, 77% of homes upgraded under the scheme saw at least one energy consumption classification change.
A recently published audit conducted by the European Court of Auditors assessed whether EU co-funded energy efficiency investments in buildings, including under Ireland’s Warmer Homes Scheme, had cost-effectively helped the EU toward its 2020 energy saving target.
It is important to note that the scope of the Court of Auditors report addresses EU funding of the scheme over the period 2014-2018 in terms of energy efficiency only and not other benefits such as energy poverty reductions, which is the primary aim of the Warmer Homes Scheme. Furthermore, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is currently undertaking a social impact assessment of the SEAI’s energy poverty schemes, including the Warmer Homes Scheme.
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 plan to implement a new retrofitting delivery model. The target for development of the plan is Q3 2020.
The audit findings will be considered in the context of the reform and development of energy efficiency schemes.
710. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of homes passed and the number of homes connected through the national broadband plan to 30 April 2020. [7217/20]
View answerThe 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.
There are a number of stages required to roll out the new high speed broadband network including:-
- survey work to inform detailed designs for each deployment area ( over 22k premises are already surveyed);
- the repair and make ready activities conducted by eir to ensure the poles and ducts that are used in each deployment area are fit for purpose;
- the installation of the electronic equipment in each exchange building for each deployment area;
- the activation of the backhaul connectivity to each exchange building ;
- the development of NBI IT systems that allow operator place orders and schedule connections etc;
- the laying of the physical fibre along the poles and ducts;and
- if an order is placed the activation of the final connection to the actual premises.
NBI are working to ensure these activities are implemented, by mobilising their own staff and ramping up their capacity to deliver the project, including through multiple subcontractor procurements. While many of these activities are underway, the deployment of fibre to pass homes is a Q4 2020 activity and the first homes passed will be able to get connected before the end of this year. By the end of next year, NBI plans to pass in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. 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.
Further details on deployment activities and progress with the roll out are available on the NBI website at www.nbi.ie.
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities 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, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie . The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.
The BCPs in identified public places 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.
711. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are impediments to increasing the plastic bag levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7218/20]
View answerIn November 2019, I set out potential changes to the plastic bag levy in a consultation paper relating to new environmental levy proposals. A copy of this paper is available at www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/consultations/Pages/Public-Consultation-on-the-Proposed-Introduction-of-new-Environmental-Levies.aspx.
As set out in that consultation, it is proposed to increase the plastic bag levy from the current rate of 22 cent to 25 cent, and to remove the exemption from the plastic bag levy currently enjoyed by medium weight plastic bags which are sold for 70 cent or more. True 'bag for life' bags will remain exempt.
The arrangements to amend the rate of the levy are set out in Section 72(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996, as amended. In line with these arrangements, such amendments may be made by Statutory Instrument, within defined parameters including reference to the Consumer Price Index. Currently, the maximum increase possible within these parameters is in the order of 3 cent.
Work is currently on-going on the further development of these proposals, including having regard to the submissions received via the consultation process.
712. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the introduction of a levy on the use of single use plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7219/20]
View answerThe Government has committed to tackling the problems associated with single use plastics and strongly supported the introduction at EU Level of Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, commonly referred to as the Single Use Plastic Directive. I am committed to transposing and implementing this Directive at the earliest possible date. This Directive gives me the power to ban certain single use items from being placed on the market, including polystyrene food and beverage containers, plastic cutlery and plates, straws and balloon sticks. I will also be introducing measures to significantly reduce our reliance on typical on-the-go items such as single use food and beverage containers. I am currently exploring what measures, including the possible introduction of levies, will best deliver on this ambition.
The Climate Action Plan committed to looking at a number of possible environmental levies, including a possible levy on single use plastics, as part of the review of the Environment Fund. In the context of proposed levies, my Department published a consultation paper in late 2019 which outlined proposals with regard to environmental levies. This is available on my Department's website at www.DCCAE.gov.ie. This consultation was designed to help inform the development of a new range of environmental levies on a phased basis over the period 2020-2025, aimed at encouraging positive environmental behavioural change and climate action. Work is currently on-going on the further development of the levies including having regard to the submissions received.
713. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the closure of workplaces has led to an increase in the production of non-recyclable waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7220/20]
View answerIn an effort to ensure that all waste collections, both household and commercial, continue during the Covid-19 pandemic my Department established a Covid-19 High Level Waste Advisory Group consisting of key stakeholders from industry, the local authority sector and regulatory bodies. This Group, in cooperation with all elements of the waste industry, has helped to ensure that there have been no interruptions to waste collection services to date.
Due to the measures introduced to limit the spread of the virus there has been a significant increase in the volume of household waste arising; this has been offset by decreases in the volume of commercial waste generated.
The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices report that volumes of non-recycled waste managed by the sector continue to be broadly in line with expectations.
714. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the units in his Department currently working remotely; the units still in situ; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7221/20]
View answer715. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the activities of his Department which have been curtailed as a result of the transition to working from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7222/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 715 together.
All Divisions in my Department commenced working remotely following the announcement in March of national requirements to work from home, where possible, to combat Covid 19.
In line with the Roadmap for Re-opening Society and Business, staff are continuing to work remotely. However, along with all Government Departments, my Department is making preparations for the implementation of the Return to Work Safely Protocol to allow for a phased, and safe, return to our offices over the coming months.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic my Department has worked to minimise the impact on the sectors of the economy for which it has policy responsibility. While staff in the Department continue to focus on the delivery of business priorities set out in our Statement of Strategy, the Deputy will appreciate that it has been challenging to continue to provide a ‘business as usual service’ in all respects. For example:
- A number of meetings, events and public engagement activities have been cancelled or deferred.
- The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) field programmes including the Tellus mapping programme, Geological Mapping, Groundwater fieldwork and the INFOMAR inshore marine mapping are currently being delayed or temporarily postponed as new COVID19 Standard Operating Procedures are finalised.
- Retrofit activity supported by SEAI grant schemes has been suspended due to COVID-19 related restrictions but will recommence in line with national guidance.
716. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has met with the Just Transition Commissioner between 1 March and 7 May 2020. [7223/20]
View answer717. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the just transition measures have been progressed to assist workers at Bord na Móna. [7336/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 716 and 717 together.
I published the progress report of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey, together with an initial response of the Government to the Commissioner’s report and progress update on relevant measures, on Friday 22 May.
The Commissioner’s report reflects a comprehensive engagement with relevant stakeholders in the region, including local community organisations, Bord na Móna, ESB, the Midlands Transition Team, Local Authorities, public representatives, and relevant trade unions and workers' representatives. The report sets out the Commissioner’s analysis of the challenges facing the Midlands region, and for Bord na Móna workers and their families and communities, arising from an accelerated exit from peat harvesting. The report also contains a number of important recommendations. The Government is already acting on a number of these and is committed to preparing a detailed implementation plan to address the remainder. A copy of the report and Government's initial response is available on my Department's website at dccae.gov.ie.
I have met the Just Transition Commissioner on a number of occasions since his appointment by me in November 2019, including most recently on 16 March and 12 May, both of which took place by tele-conference. At these meetings, the Commissioner took the opportunity to update me on progress in his work and to brief me on the recommendations contained in his report, respectively.
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.
In relation to the Just Transition Fund, I have now launched a first call for proposals for funding. Stage 1 of accessing the Just Transition Fund is to register your project with the Midlands Regional Transition Team and START (Secretariat Technical Assistance to Regions in Transition) on www.midlandsireland.ie. In Stage 2, my Department will launch a detailed evaluation process for projects that have applied under Stage 1.
I have previously set out five key priorities for this fund as follows:
- retraining and reskilling workers to assist local communities and businesses in the Midlands to adjust to the low carbon transition;
- proactive communications with affected communities and other stakeholders in the region and between local communities and the relevant national institutions;
- best practice sharing networks and frameworks;
- the early development of local transition plans, with local communities at the core of plan development, based on economic analysis and local scoping of transition impacts and the opportunities it presents, acknowledging that the needs of individual areas across the Midlands will differ; and
- innovation and investment proposals to generate sustainable employment in green enterprise that do not come within the ambit of the four Project Ireland 2040 Funds, or the State’s other investment programmes.
719. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason residents on the N52 outside Mullingar, County Westmeath (details supplied) cannot avail of broadband. [7372/20]
View answerThe government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland.
The area referred to in the Question has premises which fall within the AMBER and BLUE areas on the High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.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).
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. There may be a choice of operators offering a service in the area referred to and further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
Under the State led intervention, all counties, including Co. Westmeath, 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 in the region of 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 ).
I note that there is fibre installation close to the premises mentioned in the Question. Eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and not part of the planned State led intervention network. The decision as to what areas and premises are served was made by eir on a commercial basis and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that process.
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities 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, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.
The BCPs in identified public places 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.
720. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding persons who are seeking a grant towards cladding insulation for their house but may have received a very small grant up to ten years ago to pump walls for insulation and are now being refused the grant that could be approximately up to €6,000 due to the fact they may have received a grant of approximately €400 many years ago; if he will consider reviewing this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7388/20]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes scheme aims to improve energy efficiency by providing grant support for energy efficiency upgrades to homeowners whose homes were built prior to 2006. It is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The aim of the scheme is to improve the energy efficiency of our built environment in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding. I have no function with regard to individual grant applications.
The rules applicable to the scheme indicate that a home cannot receive grant funding twice for the same energy efficiency measure. This is outlined in section 1.4 of the scheme application guide which states: “The measure being applied for must be for newly fitted materials/products and cannot have been incentivised previously in the particular home under any other grant programme.” And again, in point 10 of the Terms and Conditions: “The applicant vouches that measures applied for have not already been supported by other government schemes or by SEAI through Better Energy Homes or other schemes.”
In the case raised by the Deputy, it appears that the home has already received a grant for wall insulation and therefore is not eligible to receive another grant for any other form of wall insulation.
The rationale for this policy is that applying a second form of wall insulation to a home that has already received another form of wall insulation would result in a lesser amount of energy savings being delivered. This ensures that the funding available for energy efficiency is prioritised to where it has the most impact.
SEAI grant schemes are kept under ongoing review.
721. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the provision of an Eircode postcode for a person (details supplied) will be expedited in view of the fact the person has been informed it will take until August 2020 to be provided with same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7456/20]
View answerEircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses, and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 110,000 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
An Post have informed my officials they are currently updating the individuals address data on their systems and this information should then be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode. My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this new property address.
In recognition of the fact that earlier assignment of Eircodes to new builds is desirable, my officials are working with An Post, Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), An Post GeoDirectory and Capita to improve and expedite the existing process.
722. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe in place to allow previous participants of SEAI to avail of the better energy warmer homes scheme under the delivery of free energy efficiency improvements to their homes in view of the fact they only availed of one aspect of the scheme previously, for example, the insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7459/20]
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.
The Warmer Homes Scheme budget allocation for 2020 is €52.8 million - a record level of funding for this scheme.
The aim of the scheme is to deliver efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding. The rules of the Scheme stipulate that repeat upgrade visits are not provided. This rule is in place to ensure that the available Exchequer funding provides upgrades to as many eligible homes as possible and to prioritise eligible homes that have never had any work completed under the scheme.
Demand for the scheme is extremely high, reflecting the shift to deeper measures, and is impacted by longer delivery times associated with these types of works and the available budget. The homeowners on this waiting list have never received any form of free upgrade from SEAI under the scheme.
The Climate Action Plan commits to reviewing ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need. This review is near completion and considers the issue of revisits for additional works.
It is important to note that the current public health emergency has meant that the scheme is not carrying out works on homes at present. This necessary pause in activity will add to the waiting times for homeowners who are due to receive works.
723. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the national broadband plan; when work will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7460/20]
View answerThe government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract was signed with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in November 2019, 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 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 in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. 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.
NBI contractors commenced survey work in January to inform the detailed designs needed for each deployment area. Further information on deployment activities can be found on the NBI website www.nbi.ie .
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities 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, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.
The BCPs in identified public places 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.
724. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the national broadband plan; and if the recent increases in demand for broadband particularly in rural areas has changed the focus of the delivery of the plan. [7470/20]
View answerThe government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland.
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.
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 in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. 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.
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. The first homes passed will be able to get connected before the end of this year. Further information on deployment activities associated with the roll out can be found on the NBI website www.nbi.ie.
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities 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, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.
The BCPs in identified public places 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.
725. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason for the delay in the provision of the SEAI retrofitting grant to a person (details supplied). [7502/20]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. However in reference to the case raised by the Deputy, I have been informed by the SEAI that the application is currently assigned to a Contractor.
In normal circumstances, the next step would be that the Contractor would contact the homeowner directly to arrange a mutually convenient appointment. However, while noting that the Government's Roadmap permits a phased return of outdoor workers in phase 1 (18 May 2020), the SEAI has determined that grant-aided home upgrade works could not be successfully undertaken without contravening the guidelines. The situation is being reviewed by the SEAI in the context of guidelines for Phase 2.
726. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when homes and businesses in County Limerick with inadequate broadband will receive an improvement in service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7506/20]
View answerThe government is committed to delivering high speed broadband to every home, farm, business and school in Ireland.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas in Limerick which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.
- Premises in the AMBER area of Limerick will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November last with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
- 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, including Limerick, as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with my Department in April 2017.
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 in the region of 115,000 premises, with 70,000 - 100,000 passed each year thereafter until rollout is completed. 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.
Design work is being undertaken in targeted townlands in a number of counties, including Limerick. Over 22,000 premises have been surveyed to date and this work is continuing. Further information on deployment activities associated with the roll out can be found on the NBI website www.nbi.ie.
To support remote working and connected communities, approximately 300 Broadband Connections Points (BCPs) were identified by Local Authorities 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, local sports facilities and other public places are available to view on the High Speed Broadband Map on the Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie. The BCP delivery project is well underway and surveying of the BCP locations is progressing which will facilitate detailed design and installation. BCP locations are subject to change and a number of the premises initially identified are in the process of being replaced with alternative locations. The remaining BCPs remain on track for delivery by the end of 2020.
The BCPs in identified public places 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.
