Written Answers Nos. 141-156
141. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to vindicate the European Pillar of Social Rights in the creation of its just transition plan for the midlands as part of the just transition mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35010/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government affirms the necessity for a just transition pathway to be found, which delivers alternative job opportunities to sectors and regions most affected, and ensures that vulnerable groups are helped, as transformative policies are implemented. The Government recognises that the transition out of peat in the Midlands is the first test of a just transition for Ireland, arising from an accelerated exit from peat harvesting in the area. As part of the EU Green Deal, the European Commission has proposed the establishment of an EU Just Transition Fund to provide support to the economies, people and the environment of territories facing serious socio-economic challenges deriving from the transition process towards the EU’s 2030 climate targets and a climate-neutral economy by 2050.
Investments by Member States under the EU Just Transition Fund must be underpinned by a Territorial Just Transition Plan, covering the period 2021 to 2027, which must be approved by the European Commission and implemented within the regulatory framework for the European Structural and Investment Funds as part of EU cohesion policy. Work on this plan has commenced in my Department, and this work will also be supported by technical assistance under the European Commission’s Structural Reform Support Programme.
As one of the European Structural and Investment Funds, the European Commission has proposed that programmes supported by the EU Just Transition Fund will, under the relevant EU rules, be subject to a number of horizontal enabling conditions to underpin the effective implementation of each Fund. In respect of each enabling condition, Member States will be required to demonstrate that programmes implementing the Funds contain appropriate mechanisms to ensure compliance, including by beneficiaries of funding, with specified requirements relevant to each enabling condition. Although the European Pillar on Social Rights is not specifically addressed in this context, these enabling conditions include:
- effective monitoring of public procurement;
- effective application of EU State Aid rules;
- effective application and implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights; and
- implementation and application of the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD) in accordance with Council Decision 2010/48/EC
In addition to future investment under the EU Just Transition Fund, the Government is committed to ensuring that financing is available through my Department’s Just Transition Fund, including up to €11 million in 2021, to fund innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Wider Midlands region, and which have employment and enterprise potential.
143. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the policy statement on the importation of fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35067/20]
View answerThe 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. This policy statement is being developed by my Department and includes consideration of any necessary legal and 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.
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. A request for tender for the technical analysis has recently been published.
The review will inform future policy in relation to natural gas supplies, gas storage, electricity interconnection, emergency reserves and other measures that would enhance our security of supply. This will be done 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.
144. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has carried out a study on the environmental benefits of undergrounding the north-south interconnector as opposed to over grounding same. [34743/20]
View answerThe North South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the Single Electricity Market and to increasing security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland, which will in turn deliver significant benefits to electricity consumers through lower prices. I believe that this important new cross-Border infrastructure can significantly facilitate the integration of more renewable energy into the all-island power systems while also addressing our mutual climate objectives in Ireland and in Northern Ireland. The option of undergrounding the line has been assessed on several occasions over the years across a range of criteria. Most recently, my Department published an independent study in October 2018 on undergrounding the interconnector, which found that an overhead line remained the most appropriate option for the proposed interconnector. The project has gone through the full planning process in Ireland and Northern Ireland and as part of that process, the environmental impact of various alternative options was considered.
As I have indicated previously, I do not intend ordering a further review of the project.
146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he continues to explore the development of biofuels and the reduction of carbon emissions in line with previously identified targets and at the same time ensuring the protection of the highly productive and carbon-efficient beef and dairy sectors which continue to be of major benefit to the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35093/20]
View answer245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the extent of development and research in biofuels with a view to utilisation as a replacement for fossil fuels in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35416/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 245 together.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme is the principal policy measure used to support the uptake of biofuels and other forms of bioenergy in the transport sector. The scheme, which was introduced in 2010, requires fuel suppliers in the road transport sector to ensure a certain proportion of all fuel supplied is from renewable sources. The biofuel obligation was increased from 10% by volume to 11% by volume from 1st January 2020.
In September 2019, a public consultation was launched on the development of the Biofuels Obligation Scheme in the period of 2021 to 2030. This consultation closed in November 2019 and 42 responses were received. I expect to publish shortly a policy statement which will set out my plans for biofuels and other renewable transport fuels for the coming years.
While electric vehicles will make an increasing contribution to decarbonising the transport sector, I fully expect biofuels and other renewable fuels to continue making significant contributions to our decarbonisation effort. I expect fuels such as Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which can be deployed in higher diesel blends and biomethane, which can be used as a substitute for natural gas to form part of our fuel mix over the course of this decade. There is also much work being undertaken at domestic and EU level to develop renewable hydrogen and advanced biofuels for use in the energy sectors.
In relation to Ireland's existing 2030 EU target to reduce greenhouse gases in the non-ETS sector by 30%, the Climate Action Plan 2019 sets out the policies and measures to achieve this, including setting an emissions reduction range for agriculture. The Government is committed to working with communities and sectors in designing and delivering a pathway to decarbonisation that is fair. Far reaching policy changes will de developed across every sector. For the agriculture sector, which includes beef and dairy, this includes:
- Building on Ireland's relative carbon efficiency in food production and ensuring the delivery of the measures identified by Teagasc to the fullest extent possible.
- Delivering an incremental and ambitious reduction in the use of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser through to 2030.
- Transforming the scale of organic farming, with delivery of a fair price for farmers at its heart.
- Introducing a transformational programme of research and development, to ensure Ireland is at the cutting edge of scientific and technological innovation, including in: the bioeconomy; marine sequestration; improving agriculture breeding programmes; feed additives to reduce biogenic methane; agroforestry, paludiculture; and nutrient management.
Land-use offers significant potential to sequester additional carbon and provide a new source of family farm income and rural economic benefit. The Programme for Government commits to evaluating, within 24 months, the potential contributions towards our climate ambition from land-use improvements and to set in train the development of a land-use plan, based on these findings.
147. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will urgently consider providing marts with wireless broadband under the national broadband plan. [34176/20]
View answerMarts by their nature tend to be located in, or in the environs of towns, largely located in areas served by commercial operators, with about a third of marts in areas to be served by the National Broadband Plan fibre network. Individual mart owners should register on the facility on the NBI website where all premises owners can ensure that they are provided with deployment updates through the NBI website www.nbi.ie. In 2020, almost 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be connected across the country in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. These BCPs will assist communities to quickly get free public access to high speed broadband in advance of the main deployment under the NBP. The BCP locations include schools (for educational access only), library hubs, local sports facilities and other public places. It is planned to connect more key strategic premises next year and my Department is exploring the possibility of including marts in this programme of advance connections.
148. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of and position regarding state aid complaints lodged to the European Commission and the impact this might have on the roll out of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35176/20]
View answerThe European Commission gave its approval for the NBP State Aid Intervention on 15 November 2019, in advance of the Government agreeing to the award of the contract with National Broadband Ireland to deliver 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.My Department is aware of two complaints, received in early 2020, and has provided information to the Commission to assist it in responding to the complainants. This is a process managed by the European Commission and it would be a matter for the Commission, and not the Irish Authorities, to comment on the details or status of any such complaint.The complaints have had no impact on deployment of the National Broadband Plan.
149. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the policy of his Department in relation to the roll-out of 5G telecommunications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35002/20]
View answerI welcome the roll-out of 5G and the benefits that the enhanced connectivity and technology will bring to sectors such as transport, industry and healthcare. The deployment of 5G networks has already started internationally and will continue to develop in the coming years. The first wave of 5G deployments is being deployed across Irish cities with Vodafone and Eir announcing their first offerings at the end of 2019 and Three Ireland announcing this September that it is switching on its 5G network around the country. While the actual roll-out of 5G in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, who operate on a commercial basis, there are a number of national initiatives underway in Ireland to support connectivity and infrastructure roll-out. These include the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, work to ensure the timely availability of spectrum for use by 5G services, the availability of test and trial licences from the regulator and indeed the roll-out of the National Broadband plan.
150. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a report (details supplied); when it is intended to implement the recommendations of the report; the engagement he has had with an organisation in relation to the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35138/20]
View answer155. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to maintain and support the post office network. [35085/20]
View answer156. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a report (details supplied) on the post office network which highlighted the annual projected shortfall of €17 million from 2021 onwards; his further views on the steps being taken to save the post office network; his views on the importance of the post office network to rural areas; his further views on the effect the closure of more post offices would have on the areas affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34099/20]
View answer217. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to maintain and support the post office network in counties Longford and Westmeath. [35088/20]
View answer223. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the plans that have been given consideration following the call from postmasters for clarity on the future of post offices; the planned actions to support the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35190/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 155, 217, 150 and 223 together.
The importance of the post office network has been clearly demonstrated throughout the pandemic where we have seen a range of initiatives through our post offices which have helped support local communities, the elderly and vulnerable.
The serious decline in the volume of mail and the impact of Covid on footfall through post offices, has had a severe impact on the postal network and I am aware of the concerns of the Irish Postmasters Union. I am also aware of the findings of the Grant Thornton Report commissioned by the IPU, which are being considered by my Department. I am meeting with the IPU in the coming weeks to discuss the matters raised.
While it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the Government, we remain fully committed to a sustainable post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
The Programme for Government recognises that a modernised post office network will provide a better range of financial services and e-commerce services for citizens and enterprise, as part of our commitment to a sustainable nationwide post office network.
An Post put in place a Strategic Plan, covering the period 2017 – 2021, in response to the structural challenges faced by the postal sector.
In order to implement the Plan, the cost of which was estimated to be in the region of €150m, the Minister for Finance provided a loan of €30m to the company in December 2017 to support the renewal of the post office network (€15m) and the continued fulfilment of a 5 day per week mails delivery service (€15m).
As part of the delivery of the plan the company was split into two distinct business units, An Post Mails and Parcels and An Post Retail.
An Post is transforming its retail network by delivering new products and new formats. This includes, among other things, diversifying and growing the financial services products it provides for individuals and SMEs to include loans, credit cards and more foreign exchange products, local banking in association with the major banks and a full range of State Savings products. Two new dedicated sub-brands, An Post Money and a new business-to-business brand, An Post Commerce, were launched. Investment by An Post of €50 million in the network is about getting communities to use the enhanced services in their local post office.
Government believes An Post has untapped potential to do more and make a further significant contribution across many areas of public, business and community life in Ireland. With an evolving mandate An Post can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community focused services. We will work closely with An Post to see if there is scope to channel additional services through the network. All options will be considered fully and efforts will be redoubled to give effect to our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and viable post office network.
151. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the additional funding announced for retrofitting in budget 2021 will address the waiting list for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35086/20]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 142,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. There are currently over 7,000 homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes 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.
Budget 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. Of the €221.5 million allocation, €109 million 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 funding should allow for 5,800 lower income households to receive upgrades next year.
The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to review ways to improve how current energy poverty schemes target those most in need. Recommendations in relation to the implementation of changes to the scheme will be finalised shortly.
152. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the designated national retrofitting delivery body promised in the programme for Government by the end of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35065/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. The development of a new national retrofit plan to achieve these targets is well underway. Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland residential and community retrofit programmes. This represents an 82% increase on the 2020 allocation and is the largest amount ever for the schemes. A further allocation of €65 million has been provided to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to support the retrofitting of local authority homes. These allocations will kick-start the first phase of our national retrofit plan.
It is essential that appropriate structures and governance arrangements are put in place to help us meet our retrofit targets. For that reason, a further key aspect of phase one of the retrofit plan was the recently announced designation of the SEAI as the National Retrofit Office. Significant additional resources were provided as part of Budget 2021 to increase the capacity of the organisation to drive delivery of our retrofit targets.
153. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he will amend the climate action Bill to a binding target of net zero by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35107/20]
View answerScience tells us 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 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. This level of ambition is consistent with the approach set out at EU level which also aims to be climate neutral by 2050, and achieve at least 55% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Our increased ambition is underpinned by the core philosophy of a Just Transition and what is achievable through a fair and balanced approach. We are committed to ensuring that no sector of society is left behind in the movement to a low-carbon future. This step-change in ambition will be challenging and require fundamental changes in so many parts of Irish life, but I believe that Ireland can and will rise to this challenge. New strategies will be needed with additional policy attention across multiple sectors to sustain an emissions reduction trajectory that will increase over the decade and beyond.
A key aspect of delivering on this commitment will be enacting the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill into law. The Bill provides for a strengthened statutory governance framework. This includes enacting a 2050 climate neutrality objective into law, and defining a process for five year carbon budgets, including sectoral decarbonisation targets ensuring every sector contributes to achieving the 2050 objective.
Putting these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action that is both ambitious, but also achievable and will improve the health, welfare and security of all our people.
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.
154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to provide policy direction to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to extend the moratorium on disconnections of gas and electricity past 1 December 2020 when the current moratorium is set to lapse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35128/20]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the gas and electricity markets, including statutory consumer protection functions , are matters for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is the independent regulator established under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, and which is solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas. The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein they are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. CRU moratoriums are matters for statutory independent regulation by the CRU and I have no role. The CRU recently publicly announced, following the implementation of level 5 restrictions, a moratorium on all disconnections of domestic energy customers from 24 October 2020 until 1 December 2020. Existing protections from winter disconnection for vulnerable and priority customers will apply from 1 November to 31 March 2020 in line with CRU’s Supplier Handbook and the normal suspension of disconnection activities will mean no customer will be disconnected between 10 December 2020 and 12 January 2021.
The power of the Minister to give general policy directions is circumscribed by the terms of the Act and the European Regulatory Regime. EU Member States must guarantee the independence of their respective energy regulators, which are expressly forbidden from taking direct instructions from a government, or any public body, when performing their regulatory functions.
I have no plans for a Ministerial Policy Direction as suggested, noting that the circumscriptions of the above regulatory framework and of the EU regulatory regime indicate that such a policy direction in the area of disconnection moratorium may neither be appropriate nor possible.
