Written Answers Nos. 121-130
121. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in County Cork; the areas which will be connected first within the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34561/20]
View answer139. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the National Broadband Plan will be prioritised in County Cork given the commitment to build County Cork as a viable alternative to Dublin. [35080/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 139 together.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas in Cork which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention, the contract for which was signed last November with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). As of 4 November almost 122,000 premises across 25 counties have been surveyed by NBI which is ahead of the full year survey target of 120,000 that had been projected by the company. Of this figure, some 16,432 premises have been surveyed to date in Cork. This activity informs design solutions for the provision of the fibre network and NBI crews have started initial works for the build covering approximately 4,000 premises in the Carrigaline area, including Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, and Kilpatrick. NBI crews have also started initial works for the network build in Galway, Ballinasloe, Limerick and Cavan.The first fibre to the home connections are expected next month in Carrigaline, Co Cork and they will be subject to technical testing and validation prior to a wider release of the area. I am advised that from the end of January retailers will be able to resell the service and householders in these areas will be able to order high speed broadband provided via the NBI network.Further details are available on specific areas within Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie . Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence. 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 30 October, 187 sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly available sites and by the Department of Education and Skills for schools.
59 publicly accessible BCPs across the country are now live with 7 of these in Co Cork at Ballindangan, Lissavard, Aghabullogue, Castletownkenneigh and Whitechurch Community Centres; T.O. Park Labbamollaga Community Facility; and Bere Island Heritage Centre. In addition, Clogagh and Ballycroneen National Schools in Cork will also be connected for educational access 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.
122. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will amend the climate action Bill to include sanctions or consequences for missing five-year climate targets. [35108/20]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill will significantly strengthen the overarching climate governance framework, enact a 2050 target into law, and embed a process of carbon budgeting. The plans and strategies established on a statutory footing under the Bill will ensure meaningful policy is put in place and carbon budget ceilings are not breached. Putting these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action. The Bill also provides for a significantly strengthened accountability and oversight role by the Oireachtas. Each year, relevant Ministers will be required to give account annually to an Oireachtas Committee on their performance in adhering to their sector’s emission budget. Where Ministers are not in compliance with the targets, they will need to outline what consequential measures are envisaged, and respond to any recommendations made by the Committee within three months. This ‘comply or explain’ approach will ensure greater oversight is provided.
The annual revision to the Climate Action Plan acts as a further review mechanism and opportunity to re-adjust or refocus actions, if required, to ensure targets are achieved.
The existing governance mechanisms established on an administrative basis by the 2019 Climate Action Plan will also continue, with the Department of the Taoiseach and the Climate Action Delivery Board overseeing implementation of actions under the Climate Action Plan and publishing quarterly progress reports.
Through this significantly enhanced reporting, Ireland will remain on course to achieve our climate objectives.
The Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas and I welcome the active engagement of Committee Members and witnesses in this process.
123. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to ensure the climate action Bill is compatible with a just transition and environmental justice. [35110/20]
View answerAs Minister for Climate Action, I will lead on delivering the Programme for Government commitment of an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. A key aspect of delivering on this ambition will be enacting the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which will be reinforced by credible on-going policy. The statutory policy instruments provided for in the Bill include carbon budgets; climate action plans; long term climate action strategies; and national adaptation frameworks. The Bill provides an extensive range of matters that Government will have to regard in developing such statutory policy instruments. These include the principle of climate justice. The Climate Change Advisory Council will also be required to consider climate justice when developing and proposing carbon budgets to Government.The concept of climate justice incorporates a just transition and involves a human-centred approach to climate policy development.
The step change in our climate ambition will require fundamental changes, and the Programme for Government commits to continuing to work to achieve a broad political and societal consensus on a just transition to a sustainable future for all communities. I am committed to ensuring that no sector of society or community is left behind in the movement to a low-carbon future and instead can capitalise on the new opportunities the transition will bring.
In terms of managing this transition, the Programme for Government also recognises that it is vital there is adequate time and effort devoted to working with communities and sectors in designing and delivering the pathway to achieve the goal in a fair way. This will mean creating fresh opportunities for those sectors most exposed by the transition and supporting those in our community who are least equipped to make the changes.
The Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas and I welcome the active engagement of Committee Members and witnesses in this process.
124. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans in place to control the carbon output of large corporations. [35081/20]
View answerEmissions from large industry in Ireland are regulated through the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The EU ETS works on the 'cap and trade' principle. A cap is set on the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted by installations covered by the system. The cap is reduced over time so that total emissions fall. In 2030, emissions from sectors covered by the EU ETS will be cut by 43% from 2005 levels. In Ireland, our EU ETS sector accounts for 25% of our emissions, with the remaining 75% in the non-EU ETS sector. This compares to an EU average of 39% ETS and 61% non-EU ETS. Under the European Green Deal, the Commission presented in September 2020 an impact assessed plan to increase the EU’s greenhouse gas emission reduction target to at least 55% by 2030. By June 2021, the Commission will present legislative proposals to implement the new target, including revising and possibly expanding the EU ETS.
The Climate Action Plan published in June 2019 establishes ambitious targets for the enterprise sector and commits to a range of actions which will reduce the sector’s emissions. The plan includes a set of actions to ensure our enterprise agencies prioritise decarbonisation as part of their strategies.
The Programme for Government commits to devising a systematic programme of sectoral audits of the commercial and industrial sector to underpin, area by area, strategies to meet the new national climate targets. These will be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders in those sectors to meet targets consistent with our national climate objectives.
In addition, the commitments in the Programme for Government which develop our energy system will directly impact the decarbonisation of our enterprise sector, including the target for 70% renewable electricity by 2030. These actions will also present new areas of opportunity for industry, such as the development of offshore renewables and introduction of new technologies.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland will have a key role in supporting industry to drive decarbonisation through measures to enable businesses reduce their energy use and emissions. Measures currently in place include, the Excellence in Energy Efficient Design programme, the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, and a range of supports to companies in the Large Industry Energy Network.
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he and his Department are progressing climate change issues with particular reference to the reduction of carbon emissions and the development of the alternative energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35092/20]
View answerThe next ten years are critical if we are to address the climate crisis which threatens our safe future on this planet. The Programme for Government 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 2050 target will be set in law by the Climate Action Bill, which will drive the implementation of a suite of policies that will help achieve the Programme for Government's goal of a 7% yearly reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The finalisation of the Bill is a key part of our journey towards achieving the 7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The next iteration of the Climate Action Plan will identify and set out the far reaching policy changes across every sector to deliver these emissions reductions. The Programme for Government provides that a reliable supply of safe, secure and clean energy is essential in order to deliver a phase-out of fossil fuels. The Government is committed to the rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector and will take the necessary action to deliver at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
The 2019 Climate Action Plan included a commitment to deliver at least 3.5GW of offshore wind by 2030, up to 8.2GW of onshore wind, and up to 1.5GW of solar. The Programme for Government commits to a further increase in offshore wind deployment to 5 GW by 2030.
Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Plan sets out estimated trajectories by renewable energy technology in order to achieve the overall and sectoral trajectories for renewable energy from 2021 to 2030. These technology levels are indicative, and for electricity the level of each technology will be driven by technology costs and competitive auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) as well as major private sector funding through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements. The results of the first RESS auction were approved by Government in September 2020, which consisted of 479MW of onshore wind energy projects and 796MW of solar energy projects.
126. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the analysis which has been undertaken in relation to the sustainability of sourcing rare earth materials for electric vehicle battery technology; the way in which resource and environmental implications of the transition to green energy, including electric vehicles, have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35137/20]
View answerThe roll out of EVs on our roads over the coming years, as envisaged by both the Climate Action Plan (2019) and the Programme for Government, will play a key role in helping to decarbonise our national transport fleet. In addition to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) also bring other benefits such as improved air quality and encouraging additional positive contributions towards meeting our climate and energy objectives. It is noted that environmental and sustainability concerns have been raised in relation to production of batteries for use in electric vehicles and other applications. The European Green Deal Communication, which presents Europe's new growth strategy and sets out a roadmap to become climate-neutral by 2050, recognises access to raw materials as a “strategic security question” for delivering on this ambition. The European Commission published the 2020 List of Critical Raw Materials (which includes Rare Earth Elements), an Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials, and a foresight study on critical raw materials for strategic technologies and sectors from the 2030 and 2050 perspectives on 3 September, 2020. The Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials is aimed to:
- develop resilient value chains for EU industrial ecosystems;
- reduce dependency on primary critical raw materials through circular use of resources, sustainable products and innovation;
- strengthen domestic sourcing of raw materials in the EU;
- diversify sourcing from third countries and remove distortions to international trade, fully respecting the EU's international obligations.
Further details on the above initiative are available to download at https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/raw-materials/specific-interest/critical_en
In addition, I will shortly be publishing a draft policy statement for consultation on mineral exploration and mining. This will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to inform the development of policy in this area. The draft policy statement will include a significant focus on how we can maintain and improve the sustainability of mineral exploration and mining, and on the role of minerals, (including minerals which are critical raw materials), in supporting technologies that will help achieve our decarbonisation targets.
127. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to legislate to cease the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of oil and gas as promised in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35025/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the decision taken in 2019 by the previous Government in relation to oil exploration and extraction. I have made this commitment effective immediately: my Department is no longer accepting new applications for exploration licences for natural gas or oil, nor will there be any future licensing rounds in Closed areas.
While there is no requirement for legislative underpinning, I have asked my officials to consider how best to give statutory underpinning, for the avoidance of any doubt, and to consider whether a suitable legislative vehicle is available in the short term.
128. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the evidence given by a person (details supplied) to the Joint Committee on Climate Action that a significant and sustained reduction in methane will have a greater impact in helping Ireland achieve the Paris Agreement targets than a comparable reduction in carbon dioxide. [35111/20]
View answerThe next ten years are critical if we are to address the climate crisis which threatens our safe future on this planet. To this end, we need to urgently take action and deliver ambitious and effective emission reduction measures in order to play our part, and remain on track to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement, of balancing emissions and removals by the second half of the century and stabilising global temperatures. The IPCC 2018 Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C increased our understanding of global carbon budgets, consistent with holding the temperature rise to 1.5°C (or 2°C). In modelled pathways to limit global warming to 1.5°C, global CO2 emissions must reach net-zero by around 2050 and non-CO2 emissions, such as methane and nitrous oxide, must show deep reductions. It must be acknowledged that the IPCC findings provide targets and timelines for global averages with no one-size-fits-all for individual countries. The IPCC Special Report further elaborated on the distinguishing characteristics amongst different greenhouse gases which tells us that not all greenhouse gases are the same, and their individual characteristics will have different warming potential and impacts on the atmosphere.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill will enact a 2050 target and define the process for five-year carbon budgeting, including a strengthened role for the Climate Change Advisory Council who will develop and propose recommended carbon budgets to Government. While the Bill sets out the process for defining carbon budgets, it does not prescribe emission levels for each five-year carbon budget or for specific greenhouse gases. Through their strengthened role, the Climate Change Advisory Council will propose carbon budgets to Government, who will consult with the Oireachtas.
The development of carbon budgets is an extremely complex process. Determining the best approach for Ireland will be underpinned by the best available climate science, and will require the use of detailed models to explore the implications of different pathways and policy interventions in an Irish context.
It is, therefore, premature to comment on the best approach for Ireland at this time. However, l look forward to considering timely advice of the Climate Change Advisory Council on these matters in due course.
The Bill is currently undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny in the Oireachtas and I welcome the active engagement of Committee Members and witnesses in this process.
129. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the delay in publishing the clean air strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34524/20]
View answerTackling the sources and causes of air pollution is a significant cross-Government challenge, as it involves emissions from transport, industry, agriculture, shipping and the use of solid fuels in homes. Given the wide range of pollutant sources, it is important that action is coordinated across various sectors. In this regard, it has been necessary to consult widely, including with other Departments, State Agencies, and industry bodies on developing the Clean Air Strategy. In addition, a number of plans relevant to the clean air agenda have been published including the Climate Action Plan, National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the National Renewable Energy Plan. It is important to ensure that synergies are maximised between these plans and the National Clean Air Strategy, with a view to achieving lasting reductions in the health and environmental impacts of air pollution. I am committed to publishing the Strategy at the earliest opportunity.
130. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if local authorities have highlighted issues with accessing funding for e-car charging points; if he is satisfied with the roll out of e-car charging points across the country by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35125/20]
View answer224. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if Laois and Kildare county councils have applied for the electric vehicle public charge point grant; the reason for the low uptake of the grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35207/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 224 together.
The Public Charge Point Scheme has been in place since September 2019 and will continue to be available during 2021 to provide funding to local authorities for the development of on-street public chargers. The primary focus of this scheme is to provide support for the installation of infrastructure which will facilitate owners of EVs, who do not have access to a private parking space but rely on parking their vehicles in public places near their homes, to charge their EVs.
My Department, via the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, currently provides a grant of up to €5,000 to support the installation of these charge points. Since the launch of the scheme, the SEAI has received requests from twelve local authorities for applications under the scheme with two completed applications from Louth County Council and Dublin City Council currently being assessed for approval to install a total of 24 charge points within their respective jurisdictions. In addition, the four Dublin local authorities are currently examining their approach for a network of charging infrastructure in the metropolitan area.
The SEAI have advised that no issues have been raised by Local Authorities in relation to accessing funding under the public charge scheme. It is clear however that local authorities are facing some challenges around planning and operational matters which can be potentially complex with respect to installing charging infrastructure in appropriate locations. The Department is working closely with the sector and other key stakeholders on the issues concerned and while uptake to date under the SEAI scheme has been slow thus far, I fully expect this to change in the months ahead as local authorities look to adopt a more strategic approach for how they will avail of the generous grants that are available under the public charge point scheme.
Local Government has been to the forefront in recent times in addressing the climate challenge and the sector will have a key role to play in helping to decarbonise our national fleet through facilitating the provision of EV charging infrastructure in appropriate locations at both the local and regional level.
In this regard it should be noted that my Department is working closely with a number of key stakeholders, including Local Government, on developing a strategy to ensure electric vehicle charging infrastructure stays ahead of demand. This includes developing appropriate guidance for local authorities in line with the Programme for Government which will ensure we can continue to expand our national charging network through the supports for on street chargers.
