Written Answers Nos. 42-61
42. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected timeline for completion of fibre broadband roll-out to each property in County Tipperary under Eir and NBI. [3770/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract 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.
eir’s rural deployment of high speed broadband is a commercial undertaking and not part of the planned State Intervention network. It is not funded by the State and is not planned, designed or directed by my Department in any capacity. The decision as to what areas and premises are served are made by eir internally and on a commercial basis. My Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that process.
In terms of the roll out of the State led intervention under the NBP, construction works will have commenced in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State are expected to have access to high speed broadband within the next four years. I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 January 2021, over 161,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. There are 29,759 premises in the Intervention Area in Co. Tipperary of which 8,211 premises have been surveyed. Surveys have been completed in areas around Aherloe, Ballinalard and Bansha with surveying underway in the Roscea area and surrounding townlands, Cashel, Townspark, Boherlahan, Goolds Cross, Knockavilla, Garrenroe, Camus Bridge, Golden, Shanballa, Dogstown, Racecourse Cross, Rosegreen, Knockbrett, Mayfield, Boscobell and Dualla. Further details are available on specific areas within County Tipperary 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 10 January, 243 publicly accessible BCP 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. BCP’s are installed at Drom Community Centre, Killoscully Community Centre and Killea GAA Club. BCPs are installed and connected at Moyglass Community Hall, Killurney Community Centre and Aglish Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Poulacapple National School and Killeen National School are installed by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the intervention area for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
43. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a query raised by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3804/21]
View answer68. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason County Clare is omitted from the latest details on the National Broadband Plan roll-out (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4327/21]
View answer74. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if fibre broadband service will be provided to an area (details supplied) as part of the current roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4427/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43, 68 and 74 together. 43, 68 and 74 together.
The premises referred to in the Question is located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website 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.
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.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 15 January 2021, over 161,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. This includes over 1,600 surveys in Cratloe, Ballycannan, Ballyglas and Cloghrea and that construction has commenced in these areas. I understand that NBI expects connections to be available for these areas in the second half of this year. Details of all of the townlands covered by this build are available through the NBI website www.nbi.ie.
In addition, I am informed that surveys for over 3,500 premises have recently being completed in the areas around Kilkishen, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry, Broadford and Clontra with further surveys scheduled in the areas around Feakle and Corofin in the latter half of this year. Further details are available on specific areas within County Clare 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. 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 10 January, 243 publicly accessible BCP 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. BCP’s installed and connected in Clare are Cree Community Centre, Michael Cusack Visitor Centre and Loop Head Lighthouse. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Shragh, Ennistymon and Stonehall National Schools are connected by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband within the Intervention Area for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
44. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when an area (details supplied) will be able to avail of high-speed broadband. [3814/21]
View answer66. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when an area (details supplied) will avail of high-speed broadband. [4274/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 66 together.
The Questions refer to premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website 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.
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.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 January 2021, over 161,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys in County Westmeath have been completed in Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown and Athlone. Further details are available on specific areas within County Westmeath 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.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 10 January, 243 publicly accessible BCP 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. BCP’s are installed at Streete Parish Park and Community Hall, Whitehall Community Centre, Milltown Emper Community Centre and Ballycomoyle GAA Club. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride has been installed by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
45. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when broadband will be available at a property (details supplied); the steps the person can take to accelerate the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3819/21]
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 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.
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.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 15 January 2021, over 161,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. In County Donegal, surveys have been completed in Milford, Letterkenny, Ramelton, Termon, Ballymacool, Kilmacrennan, Mullaghfin and Tommyscroft. Further details are available on specific areas within County Donegal 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 10 January, 243 publicly accessible BCP 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. BCP’s connected in Donegal are Ray Community Centre, Leghowney Community Centre, Dunree Military Museum, Cranford Coole Community Centre, the Gweedore Theatre and Meenreagh Hostel. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
School BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use through ‘service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Education. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of the schools aspect of the project was announced late last year and will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Some 42 schools in County Donegal are to be connected by the end of 2022. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
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. NBI has established a dedicated team to investigate acceleration of the rollout from its current contracted schedule of seven years. All possible alternative network providers are being considered and substantial work has been completed by this team to date with further actions scheduled over the coming months. This includes an assessment of the potential to utilise the ESB Network for certain areas and this work is on-going. The technical feasibility of whether the ESB network is compatible with the NBI solution has been the primary focus and NBI have undertaken site surveys and developed a detailed design for a pilot area using the ESB network, with the aim of establishing from this pilot exercise, the feasibility of using the ESB infrastructure on a broader basis.
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.
46. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an eircode will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal who requires a broadband connection for work and online schooling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3820/21]
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.
An Post has informed my officials that they have recently updated the property’s address data on its systems, and this information will be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode. My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this property address.
47. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if additional resources will be provided to expedite the roll-out of the national broadband plan given the poor connectivity employees are experiencing working from home in intervention areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3928/21]
View answerThe Covid 19 pandemic has 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 also commits 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.
NBI has established a dedicated team to investigate acceleration of the rollout from its current contracted schedule of seven years. All possible alternative network providers are being considered and substantial work has been completed by this team to date with further actions scheduled over the coming months. This includes an assessment of the potential to utilise the ESB Network for certain areas and this work is on-going. The technical feasibility of whether the ESB network is compatible with the NBI solution has been the primary focus and NBI has undertaken site surveys and developed a detailed design for a pilot area using the ESB network, with the aim of establishing from this pilot exercise, the feasibility of using the ESB infrastructure on a broader basis
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.
48. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when high-speed broadband under the national broadband plan will be available at a property (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/21]
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 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.
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.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 15 January 2021, over 161,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. In County Kerry, surveys have been completed in townlands around Killarney including Muckross, Fossa, Kilcummin, Lissivigeen, Ballycasheen, Faha, Firies and Ballyhar and in townlands around Tralee such as Curraheen, Abbeydorney, Kilflynn, Firies, Castlemaine and Ardfert. Further details are available on specific areas within County Kerry 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 10 January, 243 publicly accessible BCP 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. BCP’s installed in Kerry are Gneeveguilla (Tureencahill), Railway Station Heritage Centre and Community Space, KilleenaghKillenagh, Kielduff Community Centre and Cillín Liath. BCPs at Cable Sation and Chapeltown are installed and connected. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Boheeshil National School, Dunloe Upper and Coars National School are installed by NBI as part of this initiative. School BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use and more than 70 schools will have been connected by the end of January through ‘service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Education. An acceleration of the Schools Broadband Connection Points as part of the overall NBP was announced late last year which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the intervention area for connection over the term of the NBP. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
49. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the carbon emissions of Ireland's 5,500 ha of bog used for horticultural peat harvesting; and the reduction in emissions envisaged for 2021 and 2022 through the use of imported peat. [4004/21]
View answerThe Environmental Protections Agency's National Inventory Report 2020 sets out emissions from different land use sectors. While wetlands, which covers areas used for peat production, was a net emitter of approximately 1.5 Mt CO2 equivalent in 2018, bog rehabilitation and restoration will play key role in tackling our climate and biodiversity challenges in the coming decades.
To support the role of peatlands in providing nature-based solutions to tackle climate change,the Government, in November 2020, approved funding of up to €108m for Bord Na Móna's Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme. This scheme will support a just transition in the Midlands region, while protecting the storage of 100m tonnes of carbon and avoiding the release of a further 3.2m tonnes out to 2050; enhance biodiversity; create jobs; and contribute to Ireland's objective of being climate-neutral by 2050.
While my Department has no direct role in relation to the horticulture sector, a working group is being established by my colleague Minister of State Noonan to examine the future role of peat in the horticulture sector, with the focus on identifying alternatives for peat-use in horticulture.
50. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of horticultural peat exported in each of the past ten years; and the alternative employment envisaged for those employed in the export horticultural peat and root stock sectors. [4006/21]
View answerAs Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications I have no remit in relation to the horticulture sector or the export of horticultural peat or root stock. However I understand that the information sought by the Deputy is provided by the Central Statistics Office and can be found at www.cso.ie.
52. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the contribution Ireland has made to the green climate fund in each of the years 2015 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4031/21]
View answerIreland made a commitment at the Paris Climate Change Conference in November 2015 to provide at least €175 million in public funding in support of climate action in developing countries between 2016 and 2020. Ireland successfully met this commitment by 2018.
Ireland focuses most of its international development cooperation and climate action in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The majority of Ireland’s climate finance, funded through Irish Aid of the Department of Foreign Affairs, is channelled to bilateral programmes in LDCs as well contributions to multilateral financial institutions and to multilateral climate change funds.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a fund established within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as the primary funding mechanism to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation investments to address climate change. Ireland committed to commencing contributions to the GCF in 2016, with a view to building up support over future years.
From 2016 to 2019, Ireland, through the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, has provided an annual contribution to the GCF of €2 million.
In 2020, Ireland doubled its annual contribution providing €4 million to the GCF, in line with a commitment made for the first replenishment of the GCF, to which Ireland pledged a total of €16 million over the period from 2020 to 2023.
53. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific funding streams available to local authorities to apply for; the amount that has been given by county; the amount awarded under each scheme in each of the years 2018 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4054/21]
View answerMy Department provides funding across a range of programmes to local authorities, details of which are set out in the table below.
|
- |
Amount of funding provided (€ inc. VAT) |
Amount of funding provided (€ inc. VAT) |
Amount of funding provided (€ inc. VAT) |
Amount of funding provided (€ inc. VAT) |
|
|
Categories of funding available to local authorities |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Local Authority in receipt of funding |
|
- |
19,837 |
- |
Dublin City Council |
||
|
EXEED |
- |
- |
3,916 |
Cork County Council |
|
|
7,022 |
Dublin City Council |
||||
|
6,198 |
Longford County Council |
||||
|
7,500 |
Cork County Council |
||||
|
14,696 |
South Dublin County Council |
||||
|
26,499 |
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
||||
|
Project Assistance Grants (PAG) |
37,500 |
South Dublin County Council |
|||
|
Climate Action Fund |
0 |
0 |
4,447,952* *Funding awarded but not yet drawn down |
see 2020 |
South Dublin County Council |
|
514,359 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Dun Laoghaoire Rathdown County Council |
|
|
Deep Retrofit Pilot Programme |
202,498 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Wexford |
|
Deep Retrofit Total to LAs |
716,857 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Warmth and Wellbeing |
5,962,565 |
1,987,673 |
153,842 |
0 |
Dublin City Council |
|
|
39,613 |
|
|
Carlow |
|
|
|
|
8,327 |
|
Cavan |
|
|
|
29,967 |
68,541 |
|
Donegal |
|
|
|
156,816 |
86,656 |
|
Dublin City Council |
|
|
|
20,430 |
4,500 |
|
Kerry |
|
|
|
75,115 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
|
|
|
1,224 |
|
|
Laois |
|
|
|
5,813 |
|
|
Louth |
|
|
|
|
24,067 |
|
Mayo |
|
|
|
7,082 |
|
|
South Dublin County Council |
|
|
|
68,989 |
|
|
Tipperary |
|
|
|
64,285 |
|
|
Waterford |
|
|
Better Energy Communities (BEC) |
|
101,694 |
|
|
Wicklow |
|
|
|
74,262 |
|
Cork |
|
|
Community Housing Scheme 1,2 (CHS) |
|
|
88,633 |
|
Tipperary |
|
BEC and CHS total to LAs |
|
571,028 |
354,987 |
|
|
|
Geoparks grant scheme |
20,000 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
25,000 |
Clare County Council |
|
- |
5,000 |
10,000 |
- |
Cavan County Council |
|
|
Geoheritage grants |
- |
5,000 |
- |
- |
Clare county Council |
|
0 |
0 |
37,114 committed (grant not yet drawn down) |
0 |
Sligo CC |
|
|
National Strategy for Angling Development |
0 |
0 |
44,487 committed (grant not yet drawn down) |
0 |
Leitrim CC |
|
Just Transition Fund |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
77,209 |
74,963 |
83,363 |
0 |
Carlow |
|
|
90,900 |
88,715 |
118,137 |
0 |
Cavan |
|
|
42,002 |
55,747 |
94,615 |
0 |
Clare |
|
|
51,669 |
111,153 |
117,722 |
0 |
Cork City |
|
|
79,661 |
188,249 |
110,544 |
0 |
Cork County |
|
|
54,435 |
99,563 |
83,634 |
0 |
Dublin City |
|
|
91,455 |
104,491 |
111,806 |
0 |
Donegal |
|
|
16,562 |
26,627 |
42,532 |
0 |
DunLaoighaire Rathdown |
|
|
11,288 |
50,134 |
112,960 |
0 |
Fingal |
|
|
53,678 |
87,794 |
94,236 |
0 |
Galway City |
|
|
93,221 |
127,161 |
125,430 |
0 |
Galway County |
|
|
21,649 |
50,849 |
47,909 |
0 |
Kerry |
|
|
28,239 |
30,976 |
55,412 |
0 |
Kildare |
|
|
36,206 |
145,637 |
113,096 |
0 |
Kilkenny |
|
|
67,719 |
140,364 |
55,889 |
0 |
Laois |
|
|
104,602 |
123,476 |
78,103 |
0 |
Leitrim |
|
|
50,223 |
125,240 |
294,770 |
0 |
Limerick city & county |
|
|
35,918 |
31,716 |
38,023 |
0 |
Longford |
|
|
75,481 |
142,185 |
137,716 |
0 |
Louth |
|
|
81,793 |
177,571 |
131,73 |
0 |
Mayo |
|
|
71,466 |
92,158 |
170,714 |
0 |
Meath |
|
|
55,325 |
123,000 |
109,785 |
0 |
Monaghan |
|
|
57,512 |
63,870 |
65,877 |
0 |
Offaly |
|
|
69,322 |
95,973 |
66,273 |
0 |
Roscommon |
|
|
81,484 |
52,820 |
85,248 |
0 |
Sligo |
|
|
108,411 |
117,000 |
83,177 |
0 |
South Dublin |
|
|
56,456 |
71,636 |
91,580 |
0 |
Tipperary |
|
|
44,534 |
99,793 |
68,086 |
0 |
Waterford |
|
|
61,860 |
28,579 |
89,068 |
0 |
Westmeath |
|
|
61,155 |
97,318 |
109,584 |
0 |
Wexford |
|
|
Anti Dumping Initiative |
47,704 |
75,916 |
36,722 |
0 |
Wicklow |
|
Anti Dumping Initiative - yearly totals |
1,879,142 |
2,900,675 |
3,023,750 |
0 |
|
|
19,000 |
16,600 |
0 |
0 |
Carlow |
|
|
19,000 |
16,606 |
0 |
0 |
Cavan |
|
|
23,000 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
Clare |
|
|
36,000 |
31,360 |
0 |
0 |
Cork City |
|
|
36,000 |
31,500 |
0 |
0 |
Cork County |
|
|
26,000 |
22,700 |
0 |
0 |
Donegal |
|
|
72,000 |
52,257 |
0 |
0 |
Dublin City |
|
|
35,938 |
31,500 |
0 |
0 |
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown |
|
|
36,000 |
31,500 |
0 |
0 |
Fingal |
|
|
36,000 |
31,400 |
0 |
0 |
Galway City |
|
|
26,000 |
22,700 |
0 |
0 |
Galway County |
|
|
26,000 |
22,700 |
0 |
0 |
Kerry |
|
|
23,000 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
Kildare |
|
|
23,000 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
Kilkenny |
|
|
19,000 |
9,996 |
0 |
0 |
Laois |
|
|
16,000 |
14,000 |
0 |
0 |
Leitrim |
|
|
51,000 |
44,500 |
0 |
0 |
Limerick City & County |
|
|
16,000 |
14,000 |
0 |
0 |
Longford |
|
|
23,000 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
Louth |
|
|
23,000 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
Mayo |
|
|
26,000 |
22,700 |
0 |
0 |
Meath |
|
|
19,000 |
16,600 |
0 |
0 |
Monaghan |
|
|
19,000 |
16,600 |
0 |
0 |
Offaly |
|
|
19,000
|
16,600 |
0 |
0 |
Roscommon
|
|
|
19,000
|
16,600 |
0 |
0 |
Sligo
|
|
|
36,000
|
31,500 |
0 |
0 |
South Dublin
|
|
|
42,000 |
36,500 |
0 |
0 |
Tipperary County
|
|
|
48,793 |
33,320 |
0 |
0 |
Waterford City & County
|
|
|
19,000 |
16,600 |
0 |
0 |
Westmeath
|
|
|
28,000 |
24,400 |
0 |
0 |
Wexford
|
|
|
Anti-Litter Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant
|
23,000 |
20,000 |
0 |
0 |
Wicklow |
|
Anti Litter Anti Graffiti Awareness Grant - yearly totals |
883,731 |
744,739 |
|
|
|
|
Historic tyre stockpiles -Remediation of sites |
124,215 |
- |
- |
- |
Mayo CC |
|
Historic tyre stockpiles -Remediation of sites |
75,080 |
|
|
|
Offaly CC |
|
Historic tyre stockpiles -Remediation of sites |
91,112 |
|
|
|
Galway CC |
|
Historic tyre stockpiles -Remediation of sites |
3,279 |
|
|
|
Carlow CC |
|
Historic tyre stockpiles -Remediation of sites Yearly total |
293,686 |
- |
- |
- |
|
|
5,448 |
|
17,993 |
|
Carlow County Council |
|
|
|
16,992 |
25,980 |
|
Cavan County Council |
|
|
|
|
17,222 |
|
Clare County Council |
|
|
113,634 |
119,618 |
26,804 |
|
Cork County Council |
|
|
|
172,144 |
167,091 |
|
Donegal County Council |
|
|
|
1,968 |
|
|
Dublin City Council |
|
|
70,697 |
|
3,715 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
|
|
|
96,190 |
18,240 |
|
Fingal County Council |
|
|
|
14,634 |
1,784,190 |
226,972 |
Galway County Council |
|
|
|
384,585 |
201,400 |
|
Kerry County Council |
|
|
2,439,443 |
3,153,097 |
7,276,281 |
180,517 |
Kildare County Council |
|
|
127,228 |
1,544,995 |
334,543 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
|
|
|
10,585 |
15,284 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
|
|
30,212 |
51,711 |
12,870 |
|
Longford County Council |
|
|
1,204 |
|
|
|
Louth County Council |
|
|
|
|
20,941 |
|
Mayo County Council |
|
|
5,335,214 |
212,163 |
|
|
Meath County Council |
|
|
133,057 |
41,752 |
12,267 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
|
|
|
11,580 |
|
|
Roscommon County Council |
|
|
14,760 |
157,845 |
210,231 |
|
Sligo County Council |
|
|
320,476 |
77,047 |
157,534 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
|
|
441,933 |
276,695 |
1,041,643 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
|
|
16,202 |
73,132 |
|
|
Waterford City and County Council |
|
|
2,460 |
65,470 |
147,201 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
|
|
|
18,428 |
|
|
Wexford County Council |
|
|
Landfill Remediation Grant Scheme |
|
216,491 |
345,881 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
|
Landfill Grant Yearly Totals |
€9,051,971 |
€6,717,125 |
€11,837,311 |
€407,489 |
54. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of fibre broadband at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4111/21]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website 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.
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.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 January 2021, over 161,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys in County Monaghan have been completed in Cornacassa, Cortolvin, Ballybay and Stranooden. Further details are available on specific areas within County Monaghan 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.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 10 January, 243 publicly accessible BCP 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. BCP’s are installed at Corduff Community Centre, Tannagh Outdoor Education Centre, Corcaghan Community Centre, Carn Resource Centre, Mullyash Community Centre and Monaghan GAA Centre of Excellence. BCP sites are installed and connected at Saint Alphonsus Community Hall, Ballybay Wetlands and Latton Resource Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
I am advised that the BCP referred to in the Question that will be installed at Ballaghnagearn National School is part of the BCP schools initiative and will have a fixed wireless connection for an internal school network without any external points of access. It will therefore not be possible to use this access to facilitate other connections.
Annalitten, Drumgossatt and Saint Brigids National Schools are installed by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
55. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it will be ensured that an independent analysis of the north-south interconnector takes place in line with the motion passed by Dáil Éireann on 16 February 2017 in view of the fact that the communities affected by the proposed Kildare-Meath grid upgrade are being consulted on an underground option; if he will establish a consultation process for the communities affected by the proposed north-south interconnector with the option of undergrounding this project included as part of the consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1459/21]
View answerThe North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island single electricity market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also help Ireland to move towards 70% renewable electricity, a commitment made in the Programme for Government. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland’s economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.
Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. The Kildare-Meath project is not comparable with the North South project, particularly in terms of distance.
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.
EirGrid and ESB Networks, as our electricity system operators, always seek to work in close collaboration with landowners and stakeholders in the delivery of electricity infrastructure. Both companies are engaging with those living closest to the route of the interconnector. In that regard I note that EirGrid has already set in place a variety of engagements locally, including the appointment of community liaison officers and a mobile information unit active in the area. I expect such engagements to intensify in the coming weeks and months, subject of course to national public health guidelines on Covid-19.
56. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of school broadband connection points in County Mayo; if a list of school connection points which have gone live and those still in planning will be provided in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4135/21]
View answerBroadband 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 January 15th, some 243 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and will be connected with high speed publicly accessible broadband through a service provider contract managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. School BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use and more than 70 schools will have been connected by the end of January through ‘service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Education.
An acceleration of the schools aspect of the project was announced late last year and will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Scoil Néifinn, Keenagh, Ballina, Co.Mayo (F26XR04) has had equipment installed by NBI and will connected by the retail service provider shortly.
The following list sets out the remaining 60 Mayo primary schools which will be connected as part of the accelerated programme by the end of 2022.
|
School Name |
Eircode |
|
MIDFIELD NATIONAL SCHOOL, MIDFIELD, SWINFORD |
F12C429 |
|
LOUGHNAMON, CLAREMORRIS |
F12E201 |
|
MEELICK MORE NATIONAL SCHOOL, MEELICK MORE, CLAREMORRIS |
F12EK20 |
|
KINAFFE NATIONAL SCHOOL, KINAFFE, SWINFORD |
F12FW71 |
|
GORTSKEHY NATIONAL SCHOOL, GORTSKEHY, HOLLYMOUNT |
F12TF38 |
|
FACEFIELD NATIONAL SCHOOL, FACEFIELD, CLAREMORRIS |
F12TX37 |
|
SAINT JAMES NATIONAL SCHOOL, BARNACAHOGE, SWINFORD |
F12VF88 |
|
ERREW NATIONAL SCHOOL, CLOONAGHDUFF, CASTLEBAR |
F23P903 |
|
CLOGHANS NATIONAL SCHOOL, CLOGHANS, BALLINA |
F26A403 |
|
SHRAIGH NATIONAL SCHOOL, SHRAIGH EAST, BUNNAHOWEN, BALLINA |
F26C672 |
|
RATHBANE NATIONAL SCHOOL, CURRAGHMORE, BOFEENAUN, BALLINA |
F26PC82 |
|
TEMPLEMARY NATIONAL SCHOOL, CARBAD BEG, KILLALA |
F26R838 |
|
RATHNAMAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL, RATHNAMAGH, CROSSMOLINA |
F26Y588 |
|
DOOAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL, THE BRAE, DOOAGH, ACHILL |
F28AK54 |
|
SAINT PATRICK'S SCHOOL, KILL, CLARE ISLAND |
F28F516 |
|
VALLEY NATIONAL SCHOOL, TÓIN AN TSEANBHAILE, DUGORT, ACHILL |
F28HY27 |
|
BUNACURRY NATIONAL SCHOOL, BUNNACURRY, ACHILL |
F28K500 |
|
DOOKINELLA NATIONAL SCHOOL, LOW RIVER, KEEL, ACHILL |
F28RF79 |
|
ROXBORO NATIONAL SCHOOL, CLOONEE, BALLINROBE |
F31EV96 |
|
CLOONLIFFEN NATIONAL SCHOOL, CLOONLIFFEN, BALLINROBE |
F31P206 |
|
GORTJORDAN NATIONAL SCHOOL, GORTJORDAN, KILMAINE |
F31YV48 |
|
TAVRAUN CENTRAL NATIONAL SCHOOL, TAVRAUN, KILKELLY |
F35A461 |
|
SAINT COLEMAN'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, DERRYNABROCK, CLOONTIA |
F56TY05 |
|
CLOGHANS HILL NATIONAL SCHOOL, CLOGHANS HILL, TUAM |
H54H024 |
|
BALLYCUSHEEN NATIONAL SCHOOL, BALLYCUSHEEN, CLOGHANS HILL, TUAM |
H54RK03 |
|
SCOIL NAISIUNTA COILL MOR, DRUMMIN, WESTPORT |
F28NY07 |
|
CLOGHER NATIONAL SCHOOL, KILLEEN, CLOGHER, CLAREMORRIS |
F12RC95 |
|
SAINT COLUMBAS NATIONAL SCHOOL, BALLYVAUM, INISHTURK |
H91YNP3 |
|
SAINT JOSEPH'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, BRACKLOON, WESTPORT |
F28E8Y9 |
|
CARROWKENNEDY NATIONAL SCHOOL, CARROWKENNEDY, LISCARNEY, WESTPORT |
F28RF74 |
|
SCOIL NAISIUNTA LAINN CILLE, LANKILL, WESTPORT |
F28V127 |
|
DRUMCOLLAGH NATIONAL SCHOOL, DRUMGOLLAGH, BALLYCROY, WESTPORT |
F28PP27 |
|
SCOIL NAISIUNTA POL A TSOMAIS, KILCOMMON,PULATHOMAS, BALLINA |
F26WD26 |
|
SAINT JOHN'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, LOGBOY, TULRAHAN, CLAREMORRIS |
F12FH94 |
|
SCOIL NAISUINTA TEACH CAOIN, CARROWMORE, TAGHEEN, CLAREMORRIS |
F12H2V5 |
|
S N PEADAIR AGUS POL, KNOCKAFALL, STRAIDE, FOXFORD |
F26E927 |
|
ST JOHNS NATIONAL SCHOOL, CARROWMORE, SWINFORD |
F12CX29 |
|
SCOIL NAISUINTA BEAL CARADH, BELCARRA, CASTLEBAR |
F23ET38 |
|
BALLYVARY CENTRAL NATIONAL SCHOOL, CASTLEBAR |
F23TP65 |
|
SCOIL NAISUINTA CILL MHUIRE, CROSSMOLINA |
F26V489 |
|
ST. JOSEPHS NATIONAL SCHOOL., BALLINROBE |
F31E406 |
|
SAINT PAUL'S PRIMARY SCHOOL, CLOGGERNAGH WEST, ISLANDEADY, CASTLEBAR |
F23HX85 |
|
SAINT JOSEPH'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, DERRYDORRAGH, CLOONKEEN, CASTLEBAR |
F23T659 |
|
SAINT MICHAELS NATIONAL SCHOOL, CRIMLIN, ROSS, CASTLEBAR |
F23V008 |
|
SAINT PAUL'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, BUNALTY, GLENAMOY, BALLINA |
F26NY57 |
|
BEHY MORE NATIONAL SCHOOL, BEHY MORE, BALLINA |
F26RT66 |
|
COONEAL NATIONAL SCHOOL, COONEAL, BALLINA |
F26T659 |
|
NEWTOWNWHITE NATIONAL SCHOOL, NEWTOWNWHITE, KILLALA |
F26TP63 |
|
MOUNT PALMER NATIONAL SCHOOL, ARDNAGOR, KINCON, BALLINA |
F26VW89 |
|
GARRACLOON NATIONAL SCHOOL, GARRACLOON, CLOGHANS, BALLINA |
F26W266 |
|
ACHILL SOUND CONVENT NATIONAL SCHOOL, THE POINTS, ACHILL SOUND |
F28ER26 |
|
NAOMH PHADRAIG NATIONAL SCHOOL, SAULA MID, ACHILL SOUND |
F28Y229 |
|
CLOONDAFF NATIONAL SCHOOL, CLOONDAFF, GLENHEST, NEWPORT |
F28Y261 |
|
KILMOVEE NATIONAL SCHOOL, BALLYGLASS, KILMOVEE, BALLAGHADEREEN |
F45R650 |
|
SAINT PETER'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, CARROWBRINOGUE, SNUGBORO, CASTLEBAR |
F23XY33 |
|
GAELSCOIL NA GCEITHRE MAOL, MARKET ROAD, BALLINA |
F26NA43 |
|
SAINT JOSEPH'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, GREENPARK, KILLALA |
F26YX51 |
|
SAINT MARY'S NATIONAL SCHOOL, KILLEEN, AGHAMORE, BALLYHAUNIS |
F35X728 |
|
SCÓIL IOSA, CASHELDUFF, CARRACASTLE, BALLAGHADERREEN |
F45VK23 |
|
SCOIL ÍOSA NATIONAL SCHOOL, ABBEYQUARTER, BALLYHAUNIS |
F35PX94 |
57. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to accelerate the roll-out of the national broadband plan in County Mayo; if consideration is being given to outsourcing or engaging in strategic partnerships with other operators to ramp-up the roll-out as a result of increased levels of working from home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4143/21]
View answer59. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of roll-out the national broadband plan in County Mayo; the number of premises to be surveyed versus the number surveyed to date; the current timeline of the roll-out in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4146/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 59 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract 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, and will also include any new homes built in the Intervention Area over the next 25 years. The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas 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.
Design work on the National Broadband Plan is complete or ongoing in target townlands across every county in Ireland. I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 15 January 2021, over 161,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. In County Mayo surveys have been carried out across the townlands of Aghagower, Ballyhean, Breaghwy, Burren, Castlebar, Clogher, Cloonkeen, Croaghmoyle, Islandeady, Killavally, Manulla, Pontoon, Strade, Tawnynagry, Turlough, Drumsheen, Bunnyconnellan, Ballina Town, Carrowntreila, Ardagh, Campbells Crossroads, Rosserk, Shanvoley, Derryhick, Kilhale, Tawnylaheen, Turlough, Ballyvary, Keeloges, Castlebar Town, Rinnaseer, Bellaburke, Killawullaun Mountain, Carn, Carnacon, Ballyglass, Belcarra, Balla and Ringarraun. Further details are available on specific areas within County Mayo 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 as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 December 11 of January, 243 publicly accessible BCP 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. BCP’s are connected in Mayo at Taugheen Community Centre, Killaser Community Centre, Bofeenaun Community Centre and Islandeady Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Scoil Néifinn is installed by NBI for educational access as part of this initiative. School BCPs will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use only through ‘service provider' contracts managed by the Department of Education. An acceleration of this aspect of the project has just been announced which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
The Programme for Government commits 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.
NBI has established a dedicated team to investigate acceleration of the rollout from its current contracted schedule of seven years. All possible alternative network providers are being considered and substantial work has been completed by this team to date with further actions scheduled over the coming months. Part of this work includes an assessment of the potential to utilise the ESB Network for certain areas and this work is on-going. The technical feasibility of whether the ESB network is compatible with the NBI solution has been the primary focus and NBI has undertaken site surveys and developed a detailed design for a pilot area using the ESB network, with the aim of establishing from this pilot exercise, the feasibility of using the ESB infrastructure on a broader basis.
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.
58. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide statistics on air quality around County Clare for the month of December 2020; the way in which this compares to the same month in 2019; and the way in which it compares with acceptable EPA and EU standards. [4145/21]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for monitoring ambient air quality in Ireland via the national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme 2017 to 2022, and my Department does not compile statistics from individual monitoring stations.
Real-time and other data from these monitoring stations is available online at www.airquality.ie, and the most recent report on Ireland’s air quality can be found at https://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/quality/epaairqualityreport2019.html.
60. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a person can only apply for home insulation through the SEAI once; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is causing difficulties for persons who applied to the SEAI previously and now cannot access grant support to better improve the energy efficiency of their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4147/21]
View answer69. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the SEAI will start to revisit homes in 2021 in which insulation or other energy efficiency works were done in the past under the energy upgrade scheme but which would now benefit from a further upgrade of insulation and or other energy efficiency works as stated on the SEAI website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4363/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 69 together.
The 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 equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. SEAI retrofit schemes will form a crucial part of our approach to achieving these targets. Full details on the application processes for the range of schemes operated by the SEAI are available at www.seai.ie.
The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. Revisits under this scheme are currently not available. This enables the work programme to prioritise eligible homes that have not previously received free upgrades under the scheme. Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will be finalised shortly.
The Better Energy Homes scheme aims to improve energy efficiency by providing grant support for energy efficiency upgrades to homeowners whose homes were built prior to 2006. Under the scheme a home cannot receive grant funding twice for the same energy efficiency measure. The rationale for this policy in the case of wall insulation is that applying a second version of wall insulation to a home that has already received one form of wall insulation would result in a lesser amount of energy savings being delivered.
Under the Community Energy Grant Scheme and the National Home Retrofit (One Stop Shop Development) Scheme, grants may be claimed for additional measures to increase the energy efficiency of a home as part of an overall project to achieve a specified target. For example, external wall insulation can be supported in homes that previously received cavity wall insulation where it is determined that it is an appropriate intervention as part of an overall upgrade project to attain B2 or cost optimal and meet the minimum BER uplift.
It is important to note that the grants available through SEAI aim to maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were selected as the most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners as well as the best value for money for the Exchequer. The grant schemes provided by SEAI are however reviewed on a regular basis.
61. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the cessation of peat production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4163/21]
View answerThe Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has no function in relation to the issues addressed in the Question.
