Written Answers Nos. 253-270
253. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the action which has been taken to prevent the importation of fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32816/20]
View answer266. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when he will make a statement on the future of LNG infrastructure in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33131/20]
View answer269. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the Shannon LNG has been withdrawn from the Projects of Common Interest List; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33313/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 253, 266 and 269 together.
The Programme for Government sets out that, as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG terminals that import fracked gas. The Programme for Government is clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and commits to developing a Policy Statement to establish that approach. Such a policy statement is in development and includes consideration of any necessary legal/regulatory provisions. This includes detailed examination of the European energy and environmental frameworks, in which our national laws operate, to ensure the Policy Statement will be legally robust. Once finalised, I intend to bring the Policy Statement to Government for approval.
The Programme for Government also sets out that the Shannon LNG terminal should not be included in the 2021 list of EU Projects of Common Interest. If this project were to apply for inclusion in the 2021 list, Ireland would not provide the required Member State approval and therefore the project would not be included in the 2021 list.
In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review will include a detailed technical analysis and a public consultation. It will inform future policy in relation to natural gas supplies, gas storage, electricity interconnection, hydrogen, emergency reserves and other measures that would enhance our security of supply in the context of the doubling of the electricity generated from renewable sources to 70% of Ireland’s final consumption and the achievement of net zero emissions by 2050. I expect that the review will be completed by the end of 2021.
254. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will arrange for the publication of a detailed timetable for the provision of broadband for each townland in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32836/20]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed last November 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 over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
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 27 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 25 counties and steady progress is being made with over 118,000 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. 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 in Cork. Given that the contracted delivery of the National Broadband Plan State led intervention is over a 7 year period and the nature of the works involved in delivering a fibre telecommunications network, it is not possible to provide a detailed timetable on a Townlands basis. NBI provides a facility for any premises within the Intervention Area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website (https://nbi.ie/map/). In Clare, I can advise that surveys have commenced in the areas of Cratloe, Ballycannan, Ballyglas and Cloghrea and further surveys are due to commence in the areas of Kilkishen before the end of this year.
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 23 October, some 179 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 59 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. In addition, school BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband, for educational use only, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Education and Skills. To date, 6 schools have been connected with high speed broadband for educational access only. 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 Clare include Cree Community Centre, Loop Head Lighthouse and Michael Cusack Visitor Centre, with other locations at Caherconnell and Flagmount to be connected in the coming months. A number of schools in Clare including Kilmurry McMahon, Shragh, Ennistymon and Stonehall National Schools will be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP. While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network. The extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in as far as possible. The Covid 19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of good reliable broadband to ensure that citizens across Ireland can avail of remote working, education and other essential online facilities. This is reflected in the commitments in the Programme for Government where delivery of the National Broadband Plan will be a key enabler to many of the policies envisaged particularly around increased levels of remote working. The Programme for Government has committed to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this roll out to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Exploring the potential to accelerate the network roll out is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19.
255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when high-speed broadband will be available for a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that there is a connection to same 200 metres from their house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32849/20]
View answerThe Question refers 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 27 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 25 counties and steady progress is being made with over 118,000 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.
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 in Cork.
NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie.
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 23 October, some 179 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 59 of theses are now connected with high speed broadband service through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites. In addition, school BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband, for educational use only, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Education and Skills. To date, 6 schools have been connected with high speed broadband for educational access only. 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 locations due for installation in Kildare include Backgate Lodge, Kilkee Demesne, Castledermot and Crookstown Further Education and Training Centre. BCPs installed and waiting connectivity include Lullymore Heritage Park and Bigstone Community Hall. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. A number of schools in Kildare including Saint David’s National School, Killashee, Naas and Rathmore National School, Rathmore West, Naas will be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will 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 focused 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.
256. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the delays in the provision of post codes for new builds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32885/20]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode". Eircodes 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, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to 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 licenced businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 119,600 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
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.
257. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review a case (details supplied); the status of the roll-out of broadband in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32913/20]
View answerThe Question refers 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 27 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 25 counties and steady progress is being made with over 118,000 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 Meath surveys are due to commence in the areas of Dunboyne and Clonee before the end of the year. 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 in Cork.
NBI provides a facility for any premises within the AMBER area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. 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. Some 179 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 59 of theses are now connected with high speed broadband service through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites. In addition, school BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband, for educational use only, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Education and Skills. To date, 6 schools have been connected with high speed broadband for educational access only. 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/. In Meath, the public will be able to benefit from this service at locations across the county including Meath Hill Community Centre, Meath Hill, Drumrath, which is connected with high speed broadband and is located just 2 kilometres from the premises in question. Other locations across the county include Cormeen Sports Centre, Rathkenny, Boardsmill Community Centre, as well as Syddan, Drumree, and Castletown GAA clubs. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
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 focused 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. 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.
258. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if it is feasible to remove Ireland’s dependency on gas by 2030; his plans to import gas rather than use Irish gas discoveries; if he considers this an ethical and economic thing to do in view that it will come from other countries; if he has considered this within WHO and other organisations’ codes regarding exploitation of other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32957/20]
View answer259. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a recent media article (details supplied) which indicated the UK Government was placing restrictions on energy transfers to Ireland; if this is consistent with an interview he gave to the same newspaper on 12 October 2020 in which he said the UK would not do this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32958/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.
Natural gas currently provides over 30% of Ireland’s energy supply – heating and powering 700,000 homes and businesses and generating 50% of our electricity. While the level of natural gas used may reduce over the next decade, Ireland will continue to be dependent on natural gas as part of our energy mix in 2030.
The Programme for Government committed to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of natural gas in Ireland. It is not intended to revisit this commitment in the context of the factors noted by the Deputy or for any other reasons.
Currently over half of the natural gas we use is imported from the UK through the Moffat interconnection point in Scotland and two sub-sea interconnector pipelines, the vast majority of which comes from other European Countries with high standards of fossil fuel extraction and environmental management.
As set out in the Government’s Brexit Readiness Action Plan published in September, a disruption to the supply of natural gas as a consequence of Brexit is not anticipated. My Department has worked with key State bodies, including the Commission for Regulation of Utilities in Ireland and Gas Networks Ireland, to ensure that they have updated plans in place.
It is expected that the current rules for trading natural gas across interconnectors with the UK will remain the same. However, in the case of any future gas supply emergency disruption, the UK will no longer be legally bound by current EU law obligations. Ireland is continuing to work with our EU partners in the negotiations with the UK to ensure continued future cooperation on natural gas security of supply.
In relation to the news articles the Deputy has cited, the regulation of tariffs for use of the gas networks in the UK and Ireland is the responsibility of the independent energy regulators in their respective jurisdictions. In relation to tariff decisions made by the UK regulator, I would note that there is no suggestion of any restriction being placed on the trade of natural gas between the UK and Ireland.
Finally, I would note that my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review will include a detailed technical analysis and a public consultation. I expect that the review to be completed by the end of 2021.
260. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address maters contained in correspondence (details supplied) from Monaghan County Council in relation to the roll-out of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32962/20]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract signed last November 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 over 544,000 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 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 approximately 70,000 to 100,000 premises will be passed each year thereafter which will result in over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.As of 27 October, design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 25 counties and steady progress is being made with over 118,000 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. Surveys in Monaghan have commenced in Cornacassa, Cortolvin, Ballybay, and Stranooden. Other areas which will be surveyed include Mullinahinch, Bellanode, Drumhilock, Tydavnet, Cloughnart, Scotstown and Killymarley. 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 in Cork.
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 23 October 2020, some 179 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 59 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. In addition, school BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband, for educational use only, through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Education and Skills. To date, 6 schools have been connected with high speed broadband for educational access only. 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 Monaghan include Saint Alphonsus Community Hall and Ballybay Wetlands, with other locations at Latton Resource Centre, Corduff Community Centre, Tannagh Outdoor Education Centre, Corcaghan Community Centre, Carn Resource Centre and Mullyash Community Centre to be connected in the coming months. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/. A number of schools in Co Monaghan including Drumcorrin and Drumgossatt National Schools will be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will work with Department of Education and Skills to prioritise the remaining schools to be connected over the term of the NBP.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network. The extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in as far as possible. The Covid 19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of good reliable broadband to ensure that citizens across Ireland can avail of remote working, education and other essential online facilities. This is reflected in the commitments in the Programme for Government where delivery of the National Broadband Plan will be a key enabler to many of the policies envisaged particularly around increased levels of remote working. The Programme for Government has committed to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. In this regard, my Department continues to engage with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of this rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Exploring the potential to accelerate the network rollout is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19.
261. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the four premises outlined on a route are not included in the roll-out of fibre (details supplied) in an area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33021/20]
View answerThe High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas in Monaghan which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode.
- Premises in the AMBER area 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.
It would appear from the information provided in the Question that the premises referred to are in the Amber area. 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 27 October, design work is complete or ongoing in target townlands across 25 counties and steady progress is being made with over 118,000 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. 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 in Cork.
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/ ). In Monaghan surveys have commenced in the areas of Cornacassa, Cortolvin, Ballybay, and Stranooden. Other areas which will be surveyed include Mullinahinch, Bellanode, Drumhilock, Tydavnet, Cloughnart, Scotstown and Killymarley.
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 23 October, some 179 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 59 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 Monaghan include Saint Alphonsus Community Hall and Ballybay Wetlands, with other locations at Latton Resource Centre, Corduff Community Centre, Tannagh Outdoor Education Centre, Corcaghan Community Centre, Carn Resource Centre and Mullyash Community Centre to be connected in the coming months. A number of schools in Co Monaghan including Drumcorrin and Drumgossatt National Schools will be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will 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.
262. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the status of the roll-out of fibre in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33031/20]
View answer264. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review a matter (details supplied); the reason the four premises are outlined on this route and not included in the roll-out of fibre in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33036/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 264 together.
The Questions refer to premises which are 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 27 October, design work is complete or on-going in target townlands across 25 counties and steady progress is being made with over 118,000 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. 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 in Cork.
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/ ). In Monaghan surveys have commenced in the areas of Cornacassa, Cortolvin, Ballybay, and Stranooden. Other areas which will be surveyed include Mullinahinch, Bellanode, Drumhilock, Tydavnet, Cloughnart, Scotstown and Killymarley.
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 23 October, some 179 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and 59 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 Monaghan include Saint Alphonsus Community Hall and Ballybay Wetlands, with other locations at Latton Resource Centre, Corduff Community Centre, Tannagh Outdoor Education Centre, Corcaghan Community Centre, Carn Resource Centre and Mullyash Community Centre to be connected in the coming months. A number of schools in Co Monaghan including Drumcorrin and Drumgossatt National Schools will be connected to high speed broadband as part of the BCP initiative. My Department will 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.
263. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the steps Ireland has taken to move in line with the European Green Deal as outlined as a priority by the European Commissioner President, Ursula von der Leyen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33035/20]
View answerThe EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. This objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal and in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. The European Commission has presented its plan to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. This level of ambition for the next decade will put the EU on a balanced pathway to reaching climate neutrality by 2050. It is intended that both the 2030 and 2050 targets will be enshrined in the EU Climate Law. The Government has welcomed the European Green Deal and supports the ambition set out therein.
In recognition of the investment required to decarbonise our economies, the EU’s €750 billion Next Generation EU recovery package and €1 trillion budget require that money can only be spent on projects that meet certain green criteria, with 30% of all funding to go on climate change mitigation. Ireland will seek to maximise the drawdown of its share of this funding.
The Programme for Government has a Green New Deal for Ireland as a core mission. It commits to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 (a 51% reduction over the decade) and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the latter being consistent with EU 2050 ambition. The Climate Action (Amendment) Bill, currently in pre-legislative scrutiny, will strengthen the governance structure in supporting Ireland’s response to climate breakdown, and will set the 2050 decarbonisation target in law.
This fundamental step change in ambition and broadening of our target horizon to a 7% average emissions reduction per annum will be underpinned by the core philosophy of a Just Transition. We are committed to ensuring that no sector of society or community is left behind in the movement to a low-carbon future. The Just Transition Fund is a key pillar of the Government’s just transition plan for the Midlands region. A 2020 fund of €11 million is available for projects focusing on retraining workers and proposals to generate sustainable employment in green enterprise in the region, and supporting communities to transition to a low carbon economy.
The Programme for Government commits to far-reaching policy changes across every sector to deliver this expanded and deepened climate ambition including: delivering a National Aggregated Model of Retrofitting reaching over 500,000 homes by 2030; developing a major drive to realise the immense potential of Ireland’s offshore renewables; and implementing a major Waste and Circular Economy Action Plan. The measures required to achieve the 2030 ambition will be set out in an updated Climate Action Plan in 2021.
In terms of national financing, €30.4 billion is allocated for investment in climate action over the lifetime of Ireland's National Development Plan 2018 – 2027. As part of the July Jobs Stimulus Plan, to help businesses adapt to the green economy, €10 million will be provided to support businesses engaging in green research, development and innovation, capital investment, and capacity building, through the first phase of a new Green Enterprise Fund. Budget 2021 funding reflects this Government’s ambition for a green, jobs-led recovery. In total, across Government, €286.5 million has been committed to retrofit activity, and €1.8 billion funding was announced for sustainable transport, cycling, walking, and greenways. The Government has announced a review of the National Development Plan, which will look at the appropriate amounts of funding across various areas such as climate action, housing and transport, and will be consistent with the Programme for Government.
In addition, Ireland is preparing a National Recovery and Resilience Plan to be submitted to the European Commission by 30 April 2021 in order to receive funding under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. Our plan will set out a coherent package of reforms and public investment projects to be implemented up to 2026 and will include measures aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the green and digital transition.
265. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the provision being made to provide community dividends in which renewable energy projects are being developed in communities and more specifically in the areas of wind generation, solar generation and hydro generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33062/20]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is the main government support to help deliver on Ireland’s 70% renewable electricity target by 2030. A mandatory Community Benefit Fund must be provided by all projects successful in a RESS auction and the contribution for each project has been set at €2/MWh. These funds will be aligned to incentivise investment in local renewable energy, energy efficiency measures and climate action initiatives. The community benefit fund under the first RESS auction which was held this year will deliver approximately €4.5million a year to sustainable community initiatives targeted at those communities living in close proximity to the RESS-1 Projects.
The first RESS auction also included a dedicated community projects category in which seven projects were selected for support. This will allow these seven communities to develop their own renewable energy projects - five solar and two onshore wind - and sell the energy back to the grid providing further benefits to their localities. It is my intention that communities all over the country should be able to generate electricity and reap the benefits in their own localities from the sale of that electricity. In that regard, I aim to ensure the delivery of some 100 community electricity generation projects by 2030.
In order to ensure an adequate pipeline of such projects I have allocated an additional €3 million in capital funding in Budget 2021 for the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to stimulate locally-owned community energy projects. This funding will enable SEAI to deploy a range of capacity-building supports including information dissemination, trusted intermediary and advisor services and financial supports such as enabling grants.
267. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number of contracts approved in his Department in 2019 and to date in 2020 without competitive tender; the details of the contract; the company awarded the contract; and the full value of the contract in tabular form. [33270/20]
View answerIn general, competitive tendering is used by my Department unless exceptional circumstances exist which justifies the use of an alternative approach. Circumstances where competitive tendering may not be appropriate, feasible or cost-effective is provided for in Circular 40/02 on Public Procurement. Examples of the exceptions covered by this Circular include sole supplier scenarios, proprietary goods or services, licensing renewals and instances where specialist knowledge/previous experience is essential or where urgency is a factor. Non-competitive contracts are not inherently non-compliant but rather are contracts for which competitive tendering is not considered appropriate under the circumstances.
In line with the requirements of Circular 40/02, my Department makes annual returns to the Comptroller and Auditor General in respect of contracts in excess of €25,000 which are awarded without a competitive tender process. Contracts awarded by my Department in accordance with Circular 40/02 in 2019 and to date in 2020 are shown in the tables below.
2019
|
Contract |
Company |
Contract Value (Ex VAT) |
|
Mobile phones |
Vodafone |
€189,571 |
|
Fixed phones |
Eir |
€135,661 |
|
Cleaning Services |
Moore Cleaning |
€120,017 |
|
Cleaning Services |
Accent Facilities |
€67,309 |
|
Postal services |
Neopost |
€25,000 |
|
Postal services |
Pitney Bowes |
€26,000 |
|
Software licences |
Reveal |
€189,571 |
|
Legal drafting services |
Independent contractor |
€25,000 |
|
Software Licences |
Oracle |
€59,546 |
|
Software Licences |
An Post |
€34,000 |
|
Software Licences |
Integrify |
€111,265 |
|
Software Licences |
Unit4 |
€200,000 |
|
Media Monitoring Services |
Kantar |
€59,546 |
|
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
€1,200,000 |
|
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
Mason, Hayes & Curran |
€600,000 |
|
Financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€850,000 |
|
Financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€850,000 |
|
Technical advisory services to support the National Broadband Plan |
Analysys Mason |
€700,000 |
|
Technical advisory services to support the National Broadband Plan |
Analysys Mason |
€430,375 |
|
Specialist personnel to support the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€300,000 |
|
Taxation advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
Deloitte |
€40,000 |
|
Taxation advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
Deloitte |
€30,000 |
|
Economic and strategy advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
PWC |
€300,000 |
|
Economic and strategy advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
PWC |
€100,000 |
|
Insurance advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
Marsh Insurance |
€94,838 |
|
Management of the National Digital Research Centre |
National Digital Research Centre |
€2,330,000 |
|
Advisory services in relation to the procurement of a MSE for the Galway-Mayo Telecoms Duct |
Analysys Mason |
€32,301 |
|
Advisory services in relation to the procurement of ECAS |
Analysys Mason |
€41,000 |
|
Software for the National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€2,473,869 |
|
Software for the National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€83,000 |
|
Software Licences for the National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€26,938 |
|
Operations for National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€80,000 |
|
Training for the National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€24,500 |
|
Emergency repairs at 850 Adit (Avoca old mine site) |
Quarry Mining Equipment |
€584,556 |
|
Emergency repairs at 850 Adit (Avoca old mine site) |
CDM Smith |
€60,000 |
|
Emergency repairs at 850 Adit (Avoca old mine site) |
Lisheen Technical Mining |
€26,930 |
|
ObSERVE services to survey the western Irish Sea |
University College Cork-led consortium |
€270,109 |
|
Chair of Price Monitoring Group |
Communimax |
€70,000 |
|
Seismic Programme |
IMC Exploration |
€50,000 |
|
Fuel |
West Cork Oil Company |
€70,744 |
|
Insurance |
Aquabroker |
€64,529 |
|
Fuel Cards |
Diesel Card Ireland |
€67,430 |
|
Electrical Maintenance |
Marine Electrics |
€80,000 |
|
Filming |
New Decade |
€60,000 |
|
Electric Vehicle |
Hyundai |
€30,679 |
|
Geoscience Software |
Geosoft Europe |
€100,000 |
|
Mapping equipment |
Konsberg Maritime |
€60,352 |
|
Maintenance |
MH Auto Body |
€120,000 |
|
Supply and installation of surveying equipment |
AML Oceangraphic |
€32,375 |
|
Maintenance |
Applainix Ltd |
€160,000 |
|
Software licencing and maintenance |
Teledyn Caris |
€125,000 |
|
Consultancy Services |
Independent contractor |
€62,467 |
|
Maintenance |
Independent contractor |
€50,000 |
|
Maintenance |
South Coast Diesels |
€50,000 |
|
Support on Wind Energy Guidelines Noise Provisions |
RPS |
€35,700 |
|
Marginal abatement cost curve for Ireland |
McKinsey & Co |
€318,000 |
2020 (To Date)
|
Contract |
Company |
Contract Value (Ex VAT) |
|
Windows 7 - Extended security updates |
Micromail |
€26,975 |
|
Legal advisory services relating to the Online Safety and Media Regulation Bill |
Independent contractor |
€55,000 |
|
Software for National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€100,386 |
|
Software for the National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€47,520 |
|
Sensitivity planning to assess potential sectoral costs of achieving more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets out to 2030 |
McKinsey & Co |
€105,000 |
|
Just Transition |
Independent contractor |
€30,000 |
|
Software for National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€80,955 |
|
Legal advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
Mason Hayes & Curran |
€57,000 |
|
Financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€322,096 |
|
Software for National Cyber Security Centre |
Confidential |
€432,000 |
|
Software Licences |
Integrity 360 |
€53,372 |
|
Software Licences |
PFH Technology |
€27,900 |
268. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the number, categories and expected expiration date of all existing licences in relation to current licences issued by his Department for oil and gas exploration; the number of applications currently with his Department for renewal of any of these licences; the number of applications with his Department for a progression from one type of licence to another; and if, under the terms and conditions of these licences, the Government has the right to refuse extensions or progression of existing licences in the public good or on other environmental grounds. [33299/20]
View answerSection 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 requires that I lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas every six months a report detailing all exploration activities, including petroleum exploration authorisations granted during the period of the report. The last such report laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas was in respect of the six-month period ending 30 June 2020. In addition, a report on the status of all petroleum authorisations is published on a quarterly basis on gov.ie (https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/10d43-acreage-reports-and-concession-maps/). The most recent such report was published in respect of the three month period ending 30 September 2020. This report contains the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the categories and expected expiration date of existing licences for oil and gas exploration. In relation to applications for renewals and progressions, the following are under consideration by my Department:
|
Extensions |
3 |
|
Application for Licensing Option |
1 |
|
Application for conversion from Licensing Option to Exploration Licence |
4 |
|
Application for conversion from Exploration Licence to Lease Undertaking |
2 |
Applications for authorisations received by my Department are assessed against a number of criteria in accordance with Section 3 of the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production. This includes the technical competence of the applicant, the financial resources available to it, and the applicant’s policy to health, safety and the environment. The Licensing Terms also set out that the receipt of an application creates no obligation on my part to grant any authorisation.
270. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of and position regarding the Avoca mines remediation project; the amount of funding set aside in 2020; the amount spent to date; the amount allocated from Budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33358/20]
View answerA feasibility study undertaken by my Department in 2008 developed integrated rehabilitation and management plans for the Avoca mine site, addressing human and ecological concerns, safety and physical hazards, heritage, future uses and long-term site monitoring and management. The overall estimated cost for the works included in the 2008 study was over €50m with works envisaged to take place on a phased basis. Since the publication of the feasibility study, the Department has prioritised recommendations that addressed the most critical safety, human health and environmental concerns at the site.
To date, in excess of €5 million has been expended on remediation and monitoring costs at the site. As well as the health and safety work, environmental monitoring of the site is undertaken to ensure no significant change in conditions occurs without detection. An annual inspection of an underground tunnel, the 850 Adit, raised safety concerns about a section of the tunnel which passes under a local residential road in 2019. This necessitated emergency repairs to the Adit between January and June 2020 to ensure its stability.
The Department allocated €1.1m funding for Avoca in 2020 of which in excess of €900,000 has been spent to date on the recent safety work undertaken at the 850 Adit. Funding of €450,000 is expected to be allocated for 2021. This funding will further support the monitoring of the site and will be used to re-evaluate the 2008 Feasibility study as a first step in the process to reappraise the approach to managing and restoring the site.
