Written Answers Nos. 98-112
98. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the date on which the home of a person (details supplied) will be connected to high-speed broadband under the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30775/20]
View answer99. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to broadband issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30794/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 99 together.
The Questions refer to a premises which is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
The AMBER 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 NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. This represents an increase from the 150Mbps committed to under the Contract.
The deployment plan forecasts premises passed in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years. As of 13 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 24 counties and steady progress is being made with over 103,000 premises surveyed to date. This activity is increasing week on week and NBI expects to have completed some 120,000 surveys by the end of the year. In County Louth, surveys have been completed in the areas of Dundalk, Drogheda and surrounding townlands.
This activity involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This is informing design solutions for provision of the fibre network. This detailed design is then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with eir for the area, where eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose. It is also used to initiate works with the subcontractors deploying the actual fibre in the area. The laying of fibre should commence shortly with the first fibre to the home connections expected around December this year.
NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website (https://nbi.ie/map/).
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 13 October 2020, some 164 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 56 of these are now connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is anticipated that 275 BCP sites will be connected by the end of the year. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
BCPs connected in County Louth include Mattock Rangers GAA Club, Clogherhead Pier, Port Beach, Templetown Beach and Annaghminnam Rovers GAA Club while Stephenstown, Knockattin is awaiting connectivity.
In addition some schools will be provided with high speed broadband through the BCP Programme, for educational use only. A number of schools including Walshestown National School and Saint Enda's National School have now been installed by NBI and will be connected to high speed broadband through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Education and Skills.My Department will continue to work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.
I understand that there can be instances where premises remain unconnected, although close to premises that are passed by eir’s fibre network. Eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and, as such, decisions regarding the areas and premises served are made by eir. My Department has no role in the matter and has no statutory authority to intervene in decisions of commercial operators as to where they build infrastructure and provide services. Throughout rural Ireland, eir’s fibre deployment is primarily focussed on towns and villages and the premises on their outskirts. Where that network ends is where the National Broadband Plan in effect commences to ensure that nobody is left behind.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.In April 2020, all major telecommunications providers committed to a number of measures to help people stay in touch and work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, a number of operators have implemented further supports for consumers, such as for students in education, who require a high data usage package, by increasing data limits on many existing packages and by the introduction of new packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings. The market for mobile packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings, is becoming increasingly competitive and this is positive for all consumers.
100. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will defer the community contribution required under the just transition fund in view of the difficulty for communities to fundraise during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30796/20]
View answerMy Department published its call for proposals under the Just Transition Fund on 19 June 2020. In line with the normal conditions for Exchequer-funded grants schemes, the terms and conditions for this call included a requirement that funding for projects include a minimum level of funding to be provided by the project itself. This minimum amount was set at 15% for this call, with the Just Transition Fund contributing a maximum of 85% of the total project cost. This requirement for matching funding ensures a level of commitment from applicants that helps to underpin the viability and of project proposals.
The Department envisages that projects that are approved for funding will be able to drawdown funding from the Just Transition Fund on a regular basis for the duration of the project and that a project’s matching funding be spent concurrently with each Just Transition Fund drawdown paid to the project. This reduces the risk to the Exchequer that matching funding requirements may not be met by an individual project. In addition, projects may also receive up to 25% of the Just Transition Fund contribution to that project in pre-funding where requested and where a rationale is provided.
I am advised by my Department that a range of approaches for securing matching funding has been evidenced from Just Transition Fund applications in the community and voluntary sector, including local fund-raising, funding provided by other public bodies, corporate and philanthropic contributions, and engagement with dedicated providers of loan finance to that sector, such as Clann Credo. I am, therefore, satisfied that relevant organisations whose projects are approved for support from the Just Transition Fund have a number of options open to them to secure the matching funding required.
101. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 6 October 2020, if he will provide a breakdown of the over 8,000 homes on the scheme waiting list by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30843/20]
View answerBudget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for residential and community retrofit programmes next year to be funded by my Department through the SEAI. This represents an additional €100 million, or 82% increase, on the 2020 allocation and is the largest amount ever in the budget for the schemes. A further €65 million has been provided for retrofitting the social housing stock through the Vote of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Of the €221.5 million allocation, €109 million (€100 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme) is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total SEAI residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty. The funding will mean that more households can receive free energy efficiency upgrades making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, in line with the Programme for Government.
The reference to the 8,000 homes in the reply to Question 191 of 6 October was an approximation and referred to homes awaiting completion of an energy efficiency upgrade. It also included:
- the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme - 314 homes, all of which are located in Dublin; and
- a number of homes which have since been completed.
The table below sets out the number of homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme by county as of 30 September 2020 that are:
- currently undergoing works,
- have been allocated to contractors for works,
- have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor, or
- are awaiting the initial survey of their home.
Waiting list by County
|
County |
No. of Homes |
|
Co. Carlow |
74 |
|
Co. Cavan |
96 |
|
Co. Clare |
132 |
|
Co. Cork |
698 |
|
Co. Donegal |
337 |
|
Co. Dublin |
2302 |
|
Co. Galway |
353 |
|
Co. Kerry |
225 |
|
Co. Kildare |
254 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
95 |
|
Co. Laois |
79 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
87 |
|
Co. Limerick |
236 |
|
Co. Longford |
66 |
|
Co. Louth |
154 |
|
Co. Mayo |
345 |
|
Co. Meath |
238 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
67 |
|
Co. Offaly |
120 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
126 |
|
Co. Sligo |
116 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
262 |
|
Co. Waterford |
195 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
155 |
|
Co. Wexford |
290 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
231 |
|
Total: |
7333 |
102. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the value of regional aid granted under the regional aid guidelines by his Department or agencies under the remit of his Department in each of the past seven years; the value by county or lowest possible NUTS level over the period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30896/20]
View answerMy Department has not directly granted any regional aid under the guidelines referenced.
In relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department, the issuing of grants is an operational matter for each agency. I have requested the bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with relevant information, if any, in respect of their organisation.
103. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport his plans to introduce specific supports for travel agencies operating through Covid-19 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25988/20]
View answerI am aware of the serious difficulties, which the Deputy has raised, arising for Irish licensed travel agents and tour operators in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the catastrophic collapse of overseas travel and tourism. This sector is among that category of businesses that have not been able to reclaim any meaningful level of lost business over the last 6 months. It is in response to this situation - which is impacting on many viable businesses across the country - that the Budget contains historic levels of State support for the SME sector in the form of wage supports, financial grants, and waived commercial rates. Taken together, I would be hopeful that these unprecedented measures will help safeguard the travel sector throughout the difficult months ahead so that they will be ready to trade fully again when the worst of this pandemic has passed.
104. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Transport the reason a company (details supplied) is using the airfield in Abbeyshrule, County Longford, to train pilots. [30638/20]
View answerMy Department contacted the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the regulatory body responsible for aviation safety in Ireland, in relation to this matter.
The IAA provided the following information. The National Flight Centre (NFC) is a Pilot Training Organisation based at Weston Aerodrome, Lucan, County Dublin. NFC provides theoretical and flight training for professional pilots.
As result of national restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NFC suspended all flight and classroom training on 20 March 2020. The suspension of training was followed shortly by the closure of the aerodrome at Weston, which remains closed to flight operations as it is undergoing a recertification process for the provision of air traffic services. It is expected that this will remain the case for a number of weeks.
Due to the continued closure of Weston Aerodrome, NFC re-located its flight training to Abbeyshrule Aerodrome on 7 July. The IAA understands that Abbeyshrule was chosen for flight training due to its suitability and relative proximity to Weston.
The completion of pilot training courses is time critical and, therefore, student pilots at NFC must continue their flight training within regulated timeframes and cannot simply wait for the completion of the recertification process at Weston. Many of the "student" pilots may already be qualified and employed commercial pilots attending NFC to get a particular additional qualification or rating. As such they would be qualified pilots and considered essential workers. In relation to ab initio trainee pilots they are attending a recognised training organisation and therefore may travel outside their county for educational purposes.
NFC received the appropriate additional temporary acceptances from the IAA for satellite flight operations and satellite maintenance at Abbeyshrule. While the IAA does not have any statutory powers to regulate matters relating to COVID-19, NFC has demonstrated operational and cockpit procedures in line with HSE COVID procedures.
105. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the status of projects (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30657/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
106. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on persons who booked flights to non-green list countries with airlines that will not refund them or offer credit for these flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30659/20]
View answerIn cases where a flight has been booked as part of a package holiday with an Irish licensed travel agent and the country has been moved from the green to red list, the consumer can seek a refund under the EU Package Travel Directive 2302 due to "unavoidable or extraordinary circumstances." That should be sought from the travel agent, in the first instance. Such a refund must be made within 14 days. Where a flight has been booked directly with an airline, the relevant legal protections are different and fall under EU Regulation 261, which covers the rights of airline passengers in instances of flight cancellations. Under that Regulation, an airline has 7 days to make a cash refund to its customers when it cancels a flight. However, if a flight goes ahead and a customer either cancels or does not use their ticket, they are not entitled to a refund under EU law, irrespective of the circumstances.
Evidently, the existing consumer protections and legal obligations on airlines and the broader travel sector did not envisage the current circumstances of mass cancellations and stringent travel restrictions for countries that are not on the 'Green' list. I am mindful that the options put forward by airlines may not be workable for customers in all instances. Specifically on this matter, my colleague the Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has raised concerns with the airlines in respect to consumer rights issues, with calls for the airlines to offer fair and reasonable alternatives to passengers who wish not to travel at this time. Unfortunately, the Deputy will appreciate that there is no mechanism to compel airlines to cancel planned flights or to provide refunds or specific alternatives to refunds when there is no legal requirement to do so.
107. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) will be called for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30707/20]
View answerThe scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.
It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date. While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.
108. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if a clear face visor will be supplied to driving test applicants at driving test centres as an alternative in cases in which cloth face masks are not suitable for applicants with conditions such as anxiety and breathing difficulties (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30708/20]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred this question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days
109. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if a person (details supplied) will be called for a driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30710/20]
View answerThe scheduling of candidates’ driving tests is the responsibility of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and as Minister, I have no power to intervene in individual cases.
My Department is remaining in close contact with the RSA as they deal with the increased demand for their driver testing service since operations resumed following its temporary closure due to the COVID emergency. In addition to this, due to the social distancing requirements, normal daily capacity is considerably reduced. This means that customers will experience longer waiting times than was the case before the service was suspended. The public’s patience and understanding in this regard is requested.
It is my understanding that those who had appointments cancelled due to Covid 19 are being prioritised in the first instance. Priority then will be given in order of application date. While there is some capacity for urgent test slots, the Road Safety Authority (RSA)'s capacity to make these available in all cases will be limited. Therefore, initially those who are frontline healthcare workers will be deemed eligible for an urgent test slot. This approach for prioritising customers will be kept under review as the RSA moves through the service resumption.
110. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if an Irish Rail district engineer in Limerick Junction will review line speed on the Ballybrophy to Limerick line in view of the fact that a continuous welded rail track is now in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30730/20]
View answer111. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if an additional midday service on the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line will be considered in addition to the morning and evening trains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30731/20]
View answer112. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if an Irish Rail regional line manager for the Ballybrophy to Limerick rail line will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30732/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 to 112, inclusive, together.
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The matters raised are, in the first instance, for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
