Written Answers Nos. 142-161
142. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of smart meters that have been installed to date; the number of homes retrofitted to date; the number of electric vehicle charging points that have been implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42940/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to ensuring that the energy efficiency potential of smart meters starts to be deployed in 2021 and that all mechanical electricity meters are replaced by 2024. In September 2019 ESB Networks commenced the replacement of over 2 million electricity meters and by end November 2020 over 214,000 electricity meters have been installed. Since 2000, over 400,000 homeowners have availed of SEAI grants or support to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets for the number and depth of residential retrofits to be completed by 2030. The overarching target is to reduce residential greenhouse gas emissions by 2-3 million tonnes. This will be achieved by retrofitting 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and installing 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years.
As part of Budget 2021, the Government announced that €221.5 million in capital funding will be provided for residential and community retrofit programmes next year.
Similarly, this Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion and modernisation of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years.
There are currently circa 650 standard public charge points and over 100 fast charge stations in Ireland (the majority of which are operated by the ESB). In addition, my Department has committed €10 million from the Climate Action Fund to promote the charging network across Ireland and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB. This intervention alone will result in:
- 90 additional high power chargers (150kW), each capable of charging two vehicles
- 52 additional fast chargers (50kW), which may replace existing 22 kW standard chargers
- 264 replacement standard chargers (22kW) with more modern technology and with each consisting of two charge points.
Combined with an effective public charging network, Ireland's home charging policy will help sustain and service the expected growth of electric vehicles on Irish roads. Charging while at home accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle charging in Ireland and it is best practice, internationally, to promote home charging as the most common and cheapest form of charging. To support home charging, SEAI on behalf of my Department, administers an EV home charger grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit. Since the home charger grant scheme was introduced in January 2018, a total of 6,155 grants were paid out to the end of October 2020.
143. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the time frame for phasing out of BER F-G in the private rental market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42965/20]
View answerIn the residential rental sector, the incentives to invest in energy efficiency upgrades are misaligned between landlords and tenants, which impacts negatively on energy performance of the sector. This is a complex problem seen in many countries. Last year, an Expert Advisory Group was formed to explore potential policy approaches to address the split-incentive and increase the number of rented properties undergoing energy upgrades. The Group is comprised of representatives from my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the SEAI and the Residential Tenancies Board. Based on an analysis of policy approaches in other jurisdictions and input from stakeholders, the Group selected a number of potential policy measures for a public consultation, including the introduction of a minimum BER for private rental properties. Over 90 submissions were received in response to the consultation.
The results of the public consultation have been analysed by my Department and will inform the Expert Advisory Group's policy recommendations which will be submitted to me next year. Submissions stressed the importance of striking the right balance between ensuring a sufficient supply of rented accommodation and taking action to improve energy efficiency of the private rented stock.
Currently, landlords can apply for grant support to upgrade their rental properties under a number of SEAI grant schemes including the Better Energy Homes scheme. The SEAI also recently launched the One-Stop-Shop Development Call as part of the National Retrofit Scheme. The findings of the consultation helped to inform the decision to include encouraging the retrofitting of rental properties as an objective of the scheme. The consultation also informed the decision to improve the level of support available for the retrofitting of rental properties under the SEAI Community Energy Grant scheme. Grant support of 35% is now available versus 30% previously.
144. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated amount it would cost in 2021 to recruit two additional full-time petroleum exploration specialists for his Department. [43109/20]
View answerThe gross annual salary cost of employing two additional petroleum exploration specialists in my Department is €160,732 (based on the 1st point of the salary scale)
145. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if plastic processed through pyrolysis infrastructure will be considered as recycled plastic for the purposes of national statistics collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43136/20]
View answerAny pyrolysis operation in Ireland would need authorisation from either, depending on its size, a Local Authority or the Environmental Protection Agency. Under EU guidelines, such an operation could be categorised as recovery or recycling or both, depending on the process and outputs. The status of the operation for statistical reporting purposes would therefore depend on an assessment in light of those guidelines.
146. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will commission an independent report incorporating international industry expertise to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the north south interconnector in line with the resolution of Dáil Éireann of 16 February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43268/20]
View answerThe Government believes this important new cross-Border infrastructure will significantly facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the power system in line with the Programme for Government. It will improve the efficient operation of the all-island Single Electricity Market, increase the security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland, bring economic benefits to the region and support the achievement of our climate objectives on the island of Ireland. The option of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. Most recently and fully in line with the resolution of Dáil Éireann of 16 February 2017, my department commissioned an independent report incorporating international industry expertise to examine the technical feasibility and cost of undergrounding the north-south interconnector. The report from the International Expert Commission was published in October 2018 and it found that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this piece of critical electricity infrastructure. I do not intend ordering a further such review.
147. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate the feasibility of a proposal (details supplied) in the context of the midlands just transition process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43427/20]
View answerThe objective of the Just Transition Fund is to support innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Wider Midlands region, and which have employment and enterprise potential. The call for applications to the Fund closed on the 17 July 2020 and over 100 applications were received. The evaluation process has now been completed. Provisional offers of funding totalling €27.8 million were made to 47 projects in the Midlands in November of this year. This is in addition to the €1.2 million in funding announced for 16 projects in September 2020. Of these, provisional approval offers have been made to 13 projects for tourism and outdoor recreation investments, a number of which have a cycling focus. These include:
- Lough Boora Discovery Park and Midlands Cycling Destination which will provide enhanced cycling and walking links between the Grand Canal Greenway and Lough Boora Discovery Park.
- Lough Boora enhancement, which includes the creation of a cycle velo rail on the former rail beds.
- A Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park Greenway which will extend the greenway through Mount Dillon Bog complex and will also assess delivery of future trails.
- A pedestrian and cycle link from Killucan to the Royal Canal that forms part of the Galway to Dublin national cycle network.
Further details on projects that have received provisional offers can be found on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/.
While the deadline for applications to the Just Transition Fund has now passed, funding may also be available from the Department of Transport, which recently announced funding of €50 million to be made available to Local Authorities for investment in walking and cycling projects. Further information on this funding is available at: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/21f86-embargoed-50m-walking-and-cycling-fund-announced-for-towns-and-villages/
The Midland Regional Transition Team is available to assist interested parties to develop project concepts and future funding applications, and can be contacted on justtransition@mrtt.ie.
148. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the project status and estimated timeline for start and completion of the EirGrid north Connacht 110kV electricity infrastructure project between the Moy substation near Ballina and Tonroe substation near Ballaghaderreen; the overall benefits to the western region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43470/20]
View answerWhile this is an operational matter for EirGrid, the transmission system operator, I understand that work on the North Connacht 110kv project has been underway since 2017. It is expected that this key piece of regional electricity infrastructure will come into use in 2024 or 2025. A public consultation on the project took place between September 14 and December 11 this year with 7 options consulted on -4 overhead line corridors and 3 underground cable routes. The outcome of the consultation, which included webinars and direct mail advertising, will help to identify which technology and corridor options are the best performing. A full report on the public consultation will be published in early 2021.
The project will bring a very significant upgrade to the local electricity infrastructure, which in turn will feed into the wider regional economy. The project supports Mayo County Council plans to boost business and investment in the region and aligns with the Government-backed Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) at Ireland West Airport in Knock. The SDZ initiative demonstrates Government commitment to develop coherent regional plans to drive the regional economy.
149. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the recently reported comments from an ambassador to Ireland (details supplied) that European security is heavily dependent on cyber resilience; his further views on the implications of their further statement that 30% of European cloud data is stored in Ireland; his views on whether Ireland is disproportionately responsible for Europe’s cyber resilience and thus Europe’s security; and if so, the way in which he plans to urgently strengthen Ireland’s capabilities. [43573/20]
View answerThe security of the Irish State and its citizens is a matter of the highest priority for the Government. The Irish authorities work very closely on an on-going basis with their international counterparts in identifying and managing any incidents or matters arising that pose a threat to the national security of the State. This includes engagement with other EU Member States across a wide range of cyber security matters and engagement with peers in the policy, strategic and operational coordination structures on cyber security established under EU law The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is located within my Department. The Centre is composed of highly skilled, specialist technical staff having skillsets in computer science, software engineering, malware analysis, information technology forensics, cryptography, software development, and cyber security compliance. The NCSC also acts as a conduit for information to its constituent base, including operators of Critical National Infrastructure, Government Departments and Agencies, via the Alert & Advisory System. The NCSC provides expert advice and analysis on cyber security issues and is involved in coordinating the response to significant incidents, including those under the EU Network and Information Security Directive.
European security is heavily dependent on cyber resilience, and each EU Member State is responsible for the cyber security in that State. With respect to Digital Service Providers, the EU Network and Information Security Directive was transposed into Irish law in September 2018, and requires Ireland to apply and enforce a regulatory regime for Digital Service Providers, including in the area of cloud computing providers. The NCSC has had detailed engagement with Digital Service Providers in regard to the security of the ICT services provided by companies across the European Union that have their European headquarters located in Ireland.
150. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if the Common Travel Area under Brexit agreements with the United Kingdom will be extended to allow UK driver licences to remain in operation by residents in Ireland. [42748/20]
View answerThe Common Travel Area (CTA) is an arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland that gives a variety of rights to citizens of those countries. It allows British and Irish citizens to travel freely between the UK and Ireland and reside in either jurisdiction. It also facilitates the enjoyment of associated rights and privileges for Irish citizens in the UK and British citizens in Ireland including the right to reside, to work, to study and to access social security benefits and health services, and to vote in local and national parliamentary elections. Through the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 8 May 2019, Ireland and the UK confirm the commitment of both Governments to maintaining the CTA in all circumstances.
The CTA arrangements do not, however, and never have, extended to driving licences.
My Department and the Road Safety Authority have been advertising since early 2019 that people residing in Ireland who hold a UK licence will need to exchange it for an Irish driving licence before 31 December 2020.
After this date, a UK driving licence will no longer be an EU licence and so will not be recognised as a valid licence for exchange purposes until a licence exchange agreement is in place between the UK and Ireland. This may take some time to complete as it involves the signing of a formal agreement between both jurisdictions and the introduction of legislation here in Ireland, as well as corresponding steps by the UK.
151. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he has assisted or can assist the provision or improvement of rural transport nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43517/20]
View answer152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he has assisted or can assist with the provision and improvement of rural transport in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43518/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 151 and 152 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
From a policy perspective, there is a need for a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and the Programme for Government, 'Our Shared Future', commits to making public transport and active travel better and more accessible.
The Deputy will probably be aware that my Department has already been undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy, which incorporates a review of public transport in rural areas. In this context the Department held a public consultation process between November 2019 and February 2020, and included a stakeholder event in the course of that consultation. Over 250 submissions were received as part of this public consultation process and I published a report of the public consultation.
I intend to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme. The new policy statement will be informed by the review of the previous policy framework (known as Smarter Travel), submissions received during my Department's consultation process and the views and recommendations of other relevant stakeholders. It will provide a platform to advance the ambitions of the Programme for Government in the area of sustainable mobility, including active travel, and will replace the previous Smarter Travel policy, dating from 2009.
Our Programme for Government commitments in relation to public transport in rural areas will be progressed in the context of that new policy statement. Among the measures we will prioritise is a Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system, expanding the Local Link rural transport service and prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has responsibility for local and rural transport, including the management of Local Link services.
The NTA has undertaken a nationwide study to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the GDA, Regional Cities and Large Towns) by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.
Arising from this study, I am advised that the NTA is starting on a two-phase consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland'; this will begin with local authority officials and other key stakeholders on the main concepts of Connecting Ireland, and then will be followed by a wider public consultation in Q2 2021 on the proposals.
I have referred the Deputy's specific question in relation to improvements to rural transport in County Kildare to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within ten days.
153. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the option of postal renewal will be provided for the renewal of driver licences as many elderly drivers and those with underlying health conditions are not familiar with using the internet and are nervous of travelling to a NDLS centre due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42867/20]
View answerAll those 70 years and over who have previously presented at a National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) centre in the last 5 years and whose licence or permit is due for renewal will receive a renewal pack in the post and be invited to apply by post. Although this is a temporary measure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, no end date has been applied to this provision at this time.
The requirement for those over 70 (under certain circumstance) to provide a medical report has been removed up to 31 December 2020. This means that from 20 March until 31 December 2020, persons of 70 years of age or over can apply for, and renew, their driving licence in the normal way through the NDLS public office or online without the need to submit a medical report. This is only on the basis that they do not have an identified or specified illness. This provision will cease to be available after 31 December 2020.
People under 70 years of age who do not wish to attend an NDLS centre can apply online provided they have a valid MyGovId account and Public Services Card. The option to avail of a postal service is not available to them at this time.
All Covid-19 solution provisions currently in place will be kept under review.
154. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of the DART plus West upgrade; the expected time frame for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42876/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, implementation of the DART+ West Programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, and to ensure the Deputy receives a detailed update of the status of the proposed project, I have referred his question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
155. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to bring forward legislation regulating e-scooters and e-bikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42877/20]
View answerI intend to bring forward the relevant provisions to amend primary legislation in relation to so-called e-sccoters and other Powered Personal Transport devices (PPTs) when the Oireachtas is considering the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill early in the coming Oireachtas session, in accordance with the Programme for Government. As the Deputy is aware, the Government's immediate priority is ensuring that we are equipped with any necessary legislation, primary or secondary, to deal with Brexit and its consequences, as well as to deal with the ongoing COVID emergency. While I hoped to bring the Bill to Government before the end of this year for approval to publish, these pressing challenges must take priority.
The task of adapting our extensive body of road traffic legislation to accommodate PPTs involves identifying and developing appropriate amendments to primary legislation across a range of complex areas. The work must be carried out in such a way that it does not undermine the overall framework of Road Traffic Law or Road Safety in general. My officials are currently working on drafting the necessary changes to primary legislation. Subject to satisfactory resolution of the necessary issues, I intend to bring forward amendments to the relevant enabling primary legislation when the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is before the Oireachtas.
Until new legislation is in place, the use of electric scooters will remain illegal on public roads and in public places. However, they may be used on private land with the permission of the landowner.
There are two types of e-bikes both of which are already provided for in existing legislation. Pedal assisted electric bikes with a maximun speed of 25kph are treated as regular bikes. Pedal assisted electric bikes with a maximum speed of greater than 25kph are treated as low performance mopeds which require the appropriate licence, tax and insurance.
156. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if a dedicated Oireachtas helpline and email address can be created for both the NDLS and the RSA in view of fact the current waiting times for proper communication are unsustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42890/20]
View answerEvery available staff member of the RSA and the NDLS are working to clear the current backlog of people seeking a driving test or a driving licence.
Anyone who requires an urgent appointment for a driving test is invited to use this link https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Learner-Drivers/The-Driving-Test/Request-an-urgent-driving-test/ and provide details as to why they require an urgent test.
People who urgently need to renew driving licences urgently can contact the NDLS customer service line at 0761 087880 (given the volume of calls currently being received people can expect a time delay speaking to a representative).
The Deputy will appreciate that it would be neither appropriate nor fair to privilege Oireachtas members over any other user in relation to requests for driving tests, assistance or information and such privileged access is not proposed to be provided at this time.
Neither the NDLS or the RSA will accept appointment requests by any other means.
157. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the number of zero emissions buses in operation in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42911/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of the national PSO bus fleet.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
158. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport his plans for upcoming changes and or cessation and or alterations to bus routes in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42915/20]
View answerAs the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The issue raised is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA), in conjunction with Bus Éireann, and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
159. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Transport the status of the pension scheme negotiations ongoing in Irish Rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42920/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The CIÉ Group has two pension schemes, namely the Regular Wages Scheme (“RWS”) and 1951 superannuation scheme (“1951 Scheme”), of which all employees of the subsidiary companies, including Irish Rail, are members. Issues in relation to CIÉ pension schemes are primarily a matter for the trustees of the schemes, the CIÉ Group and their employees.
In relation to the RWS, it is understood that the Scheme Trustees are progressing a funding proposal and a draft of the Statutory Instrument is currently being prepared by CIE’s external legal advisors.
Concerning the 1951 scheme, I understand that proposals related to the scheme were referred to the Labour Court, and a recommendation which emerged on 23rd November is currently being considered by both the Trade Unions and the Company.
I have therefore referred the Deputy’s question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
160. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans for road improvements along the R404 and the Hazelhatch Road linking north County Kildare train stations in particular to improve cycling and walking infrastructure on these routes. [42935/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to active travel and public transport infrastructure. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibiity for the allocation of funds at project level and works in conjunction with the relevant local authorities to deliver improved walking and cycling infrastructure across the country.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred your question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
161. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport the status of the proposed new DART station at a location (details supplied); the timeline for the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42942/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including, in consultation with Iarnród Éireann, the planning and development of rail infrastructure.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, and to ensure the Deputy receives a detailed update of the status of the proposed project, I have referred his question to the NTA for a more detailed reply.
Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
