Written Answers Nos. 3-29
3. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the angling season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6048/21]
View answer14. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland has delayed the opening of the angling season on rivers in County Kerry (details supplied); if they will be opened in line with the 2020 season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6156/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 14 together.
Management of each of Ireland’s more than 140 salmon rivers relates to the individual conservation needs of the rivers as each has a genetically unique stock of Salmon. The annual management advice of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) supported by the annual assessment of individual stocks by, and scientific advice of, the Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS) underpins this management.
The annual Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations sets out the surplus available on each river and the opening period and management arrangements. The relevant regulation for the 2021 season was enacted in December last and I can confirm that the opening and closing date has not been altered for any river in Co. Kerry for the 2021 season. The opening date for salmon angling on the Rivers Maine & Brown Flesk remains at 17 March to 30 September as it was during the 2020 and previous seasons.
In addition, the Salmon and Trout Conservation Bye-Law No.623 of 1981 established that the first day of the close season for Salmon rod and line angling on the River Maine, including Brown Flesk, is 1 October each year. The last day of the close season remained at 16 March in each year. The close season for Sea Trout and Brown Trout begins on 13th October and ends on 16th March each year. In that regard the close season on these rivers is long established to meet the conservation imperative.
4. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the work being done by the post office network in the context of the Covid-19 crisis and the fundamental service that the rural post office network has delivered in this context; if he will take steps to ensure that the level of payment to postmasters is maintained during the current Covid-19 challenge in view of the fact that the number of transactions and volume of business has dropped due to a less frequent collection of some social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6080/21]
View answerI am very aware of the importance of the post office network. This 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 in both rural and urban areas. I am also aware of the serious decline in mail volumes and the impact of Covid-19 on footfall through post offices has had a severe impact on the postal network and the revenue being generated for postmasters.
A lot of work has been done over the past few years to develop the network and this has had a positive effect for both postmasters and customers. This momentum needs to be maintained and if An Post, the postmasters and Government work together we can ensure that the network can emerge as a central hub for a wide variety of valuable community-focused services.
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. What we are doing now is working with An Post to investigate the scope to channel additional services through the network. As with any business the post office needs to develop commercial strategies to enable it to grow and maintain its relevance for its users. 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.
The operation of the Post Office Network and the terms under which Postmasters contract with An Post is a matter between the Postmasters and An Post and any negotiations are a matter for both parties directly.
5. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for roll-out of the national broadband plan in Donoughmore, County Cork [6085/21]
View answer11. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the delay in delivering broadband to all households and businesses on the island of Cobh; the timeframe for the full roll-out of broadband services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6131/21]
View answer12. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when households and businesses in broadband intervention areas in east County Cork will be guaranteed proper broadband services such as Conna, Fermoy and Mallow hinterlands, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6133/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 11 and 12 together.
The Questions refer to areas which are located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website 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 am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 26 January 2021, over 166,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. There are some 79,424 premises located in the Intervention Area in County Cork of which 16,132 have been surveyed. Surveys have been completed in Midelton, Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon and Kilpatrick, with surveys underway in Ballydesmond, Kiskeam, Umeraboy, Knocknagree, Rineen, Cullen, Coolinarna, Millstreet, Hollymount and Caherbarnagh. Pre-build works are underway in Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown, and Upper Rochestown. The first fibre to the home connections are successfully connected in Carrigaline and construction work is continuing with significant technical testing and validation taking place prior to wider release of the area.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises 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 30 January, 178 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 Cork are Ballindangan Community Centre (in the area of Fermoy), Aghabullogue Community Centre (in the area of Donoughmore), Castletownkenneigh Community Centre, Lissavard Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre and T.O. Park Labbamollaga (in the area of Fermoy). Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School will be provided with high speed broadband for educational use through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Education 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 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/.
6. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when fibre broadband supply will be available to an area (details supplied). [6094/21]
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 26 January 2021, over 166,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys in County Offaly have been completed in Brosna, Shinrone, Mount Heaton and areas close to the county boundary with Tipperary. Further details are available on specific areas within County Offaly 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 30 January, 178 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 Kilclonfert Community Centre, Ballycommon Telework and Training Centre, Primo Coaches, Coolderry Community Hall, Shannon Harbour and Croghan Community Hall. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Lumcloon National School has been installed by NBI and Shinrone National School has been 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/.
7. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the 2020 annual transition statement will be published as required by section 14(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6095/21]
View answerThe Annual Transition Statement (ATS), established under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, serves an important function in providing an overview of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures adopted to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the effects of climate change in order to enable the achievement of the national transition objective. In this regard, the forthcoming Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which will amend the 2015 Act, will significantly strengthen the statutory framework for governance of the climate challenge, and ensure delivery of successive Climate Action Plans and Long-term Climate Strategies, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and a new Climate Change Advisory Council.
The Bill will introduce greater accountability arrangements with an enhanced role for the Oireachtas – Ministers will have to give account for their performance towards sectoral targets and actions before an Oireachtas Committee each year replacing the current Annual Transition Statement process.
However, in accordance with the 2015 Act, I propose to prepare an Annual Transition Statement for 2020 which I intend to publish in the second quarter of this year.
8. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Climate Action Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6096/21]
View answerSection 8 of the Climate and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 established the Climate Change Advisory Council. The Council, which is independent in the performance of its functions, provides advice to Government in respect of climate matters. The outgoing Council’s substantial body of work has included advising Government on climate policy development, assessing progress towards Ireland’s climate objectives, producing a statutory Periodic Review and Report and Annual Reviews, and participation in the 2018 Citizens’ Assembly on how the State can make Ireland a leader in tackling climate change. In view of the statutory five-year term of the current Council expiring; the need to facilitate the smooth functioning of the Council, including its intended mandate to propose carbon budgets under the Bill; and the need to ensure relevant deadlines relating to the development of carbon budgets as set out in the Bill are met, I have made the following initial appointments as members of the new Climate Change Advisory Council:
- Ms. Marie Donnelly, Chairperson
- Professor John FitzGerald, Ordinary Member
- Professor Ottmar Edenhofer, Ordinary Member
- Professor Peter Thorne, Ordinary Member
I also intend to appoint additional members shortly, taking account of the provisions of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill. Further appointments will include experts in relation to biodiversity, just transition, sustainable transport, and climate communications, amongst other areas of experience.
The existing four ex-officio members of the Council, the Director General of the EPA, the Chief Executive Officer of SEAI, the Director of Teagasc, and the Director of the ESRI, will remain in place on the Council pending the passage of the Bill.
9. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects a system of feed-in tariffs to be implemented in respect of electricity generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6099/21]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operate a grant scheme to help domestic customers who install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment on homes built and occupied before 2011. Details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are set out on the SEAI website. To date 4,810 applications have received grant support under the scheme with €11.75 million spent to date, saving approx. 4.5kT CO2 per annum. €7 million of Exchequer funding for the Scheme has been provided for 2021. The Programme for Government commits to prioritising the development of micro-generation of electricity primarily for self-consumption, letting people sell excess power back to the grid by July 2021. A Micro-Generation working group, chaired by my Department, is developing an enabling framework for micro-generation which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. Micro-generators will primarily serve their own electricity consumption needs, but will be able to receive a payment for excess electricity exported back to the grid. The proposed support mechanism is outlined in a public consultation on this Department’s website at www.gov.ie which is open for submissions until 18th February 2021.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a Roadmap for the Clean Energy Package’s Electricity and Renewables Directives in March last year, which provides for a public consultation on the regulatory framework for prosumer development this year. The document is available on the CRU website www.cru.ie
10. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the sanctions in place for those who breach the smoky coal ban either by the continued burning or selling of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6104/21]
View answerUnder Regulation 10 of the Air Pollution Act (Marketing, Sale, Distribution and Burning of Specified Fuels) Regulations 2012, Local Authorities are responsible for the development of testing and enforcement plans in respect of the “smoky coal ban” within their functional areas. In order to fulfil their statutory functions in this regard, significant powers are available to Local Authorities, including the authority to issue Fixed Payment Notices ranging from €250 to €1,000 and to bring prosecutions under the Air Pollution Act for breaches of the Regulations. In the case of prosecutions, the relevant penalties, as set out in the Air Pollution Act 1987 and amended by Section 9 of the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, are as follows:
- on summary conviction, a Class A fine (together with, in the case of a continuing offence, a Class E fine for every day on which the offence is continued, up to a maximum of €5,000), or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
- on conviction on indictment, a fine of up to €500,000 (together with, in the case of a continuing offence, a fine of up to €5,000 for every day on which the offence is continued), or imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to further strengthen enforcement of the Regulations by developing a regional approach to air quality enforcement. A coordinated approach is required given the links between burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the regulations. Increased multi-agency inspections and enforcement, including the increased use of fixed payment notices, are required and my Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard.
13. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will make arrangements through National Broadband Ireland to urgently roll-out fibre broadband supply to an area (details supplied). [6138/21]
View answer15. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will liaise with National Broadband Ireland to ensure fibre broadband is urgently rolled out to an area (details supplied). [6159/21]
View answerI propose to take Question Nos. 13 and 15 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 https://smex-ctp.trendmicro.com:443/wis/clicktime/v1/query?url=www.broadband.gov.ie&umid=648aa427-6e91-48bf-9e3a-2683452e4142&auth=3851052a65d9657d2ab4c1fa657bb1ebb1940985-37c4f1949cc97cdfe36d3a3b3de9af00d40aa6d4. 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 26 January 2021, over 166,000 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 30 January, 178 BCP's at 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 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/.
16. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the SEAI homeowners grant scheme; if a new scheme has been finalised; and if there will be an announcement on this funding stream shortly. [6162/21]
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 and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. SEAI grant schemes will be a central element of the Government's approach to achieving our national retrofit targets. Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for residential and community retrofit programmes this year to be funded by my Department through the SEAI. This represents an additional €100 million, or an 82% increase, on the 2020 allocation and is the largest ever budget for the schemes.
This funding enabled, in Q3 of last year, a call for projects under the new National Retrofit One-Stop-Shop Development Scheme and the Community Energy Grant scheme, kick starting the implementation of the national retrofit plan. Additional new retrofit schemes and initiatives will be launched in 2021 including:
- A B2 Bundle Scheme, which will facilitate deeper renovation of homes to BER B2, at scale, managed by one stop shops;
- A Heat Pump Ready Homes Campaign, which will use key data from the Building Energy Rating database to target homes that are suitable for the installation of heat pumps with grant incentives; and
- A Community Activation scheme focused on supporting Sustainable Energy Communities and small-scale, capacity-building projects, pilots and feasibility studies.
A further €65 million has been provided for retrofitting the social housing stock through the Vote of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
It is intended to align the delivery of the Phase 2 of the retrofit plan with the review of the National Development Plan.
17. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a new home (details supplied) has been unable to be connected to fibre broadband given the nearest fibre pole is just 150 metres from the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6195/21]
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 26 January 2021, over 166,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys in County Roscommon have been completed in Ballymurray, Athleague, Castlecoote, Donamon, Ballymacurley, Lackan, Kilroosky and Fourmilehouse. Further details are available on specific areas within County Roscommon 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 30 January, 178 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, Gortaganny Resource Centre, Unit 1, Meadow Brook, Cam Community Centre, Saint Patrick's Hall, Creeve Community Centre (located circa 7.5 km from the premises) and Tawnytaskin Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Ballagh National School has been installed by NBI and Termon National School has been connected 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/.
18. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific measures and actions that have been undertaken between 2010 and 2020 towards reducing Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions under the 2020 EU effort sharing decision; the extent to which these measures were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6211/21]
View answerThe 2009 EU Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) established binding annual greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for Member States for the period 2013 to 2020. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s latest emissions report, published in January 2021, our 2020 emissions covered by our ESD target are estimated to be 7-8% below 2005 levels. Therefore, Ireland will need to avail of flexibilities in order to comply with our obligations under the ESD. The emissions in respect of the ESD sector for 2010 were 44.5 Mt CO2eq, 42.8 in 2013 Mt CO2eq increasing to 45.7 Mt CO2eq in 2019. The most recent EPA report projects 2020 emissions in the sector as 43.9 Mt CO2eq. The extent of the challenge to reduce emissions was reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The National Policy Position provided a high-level policy direction for the adoption and implementation by Government of plans to enable the State to move to a low carbon economy by 2050, while statutory authority for the plans was set out in the 2015 Act. This led to the development of Ireland’s National Mitigation Plan, published in 2017, and National Adaptation Framework, published in 2018. In 2019, Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan was published. The ambition in 2019 Plan was further increased in the Programme for Government which sets out an ambitious course of action over the coming years to address the climate crisis. The Programme for Government commitments will be reflected in the updated Climate Action Plan to be finalised later this year.
Some of the keys measures and actions that have contributed to mitigation of carbon emissions over the past decade include:
Emission standards for vehicles introduced by the EU;
- Increasing the use of biofuels to contribute to the growth of renewable energy and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector;
- Energy efficient schemes in both domestic and commercial buildings, and
- the introduction of building standard regulations.
It is clear that heretofore Ireland has not sufficiently reduced it’s non-ETS green house gas emissions and a step change in ambition commenced in the 2019 climate action plan. I plan to bring forward a whole of government climate action plan that will, on a whole economy basis, reduce Irelands Green House gas emissions by 51% by 2030 from a 2018 baseline.
19. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the funding from his Department to the carbon fund for Europe and the biocarbon fund is counted in Ireland’s overseas development aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6212/21]
View answerUnder the first period of the Kyoto Protocol (2008-2012), Ireland committed to limiting total national greenhouse gas emissions to 13% above 1990 levels. In anticipation of a requirement for the State to purchase carbon credits in partial fulfilment of Ireland’s Kyoto Protocol and ongoing obligations, the Carbon Fund Act 2007 established a carbon fund for this purpose and empowered the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) to undertake such purchases on behalf of the State. As the designated purchasing agent on behalf of the State, the NTMA administers and manages purchases of carbon credits. Ireland’s strategy to meet its targets under the first commitment period included investments, commencing in 2006, in three multilateral funds: the Multilateral Carbon Credit Fund (MCCF) managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and the Carbon Fund for Europe (CFE) and BioCarbon Fund (BioCF), both managed by the World Bank. These funds delivered carbon credits to participants from various projects across numerous countries. Ireland has now finished all financial commitments to the three funds.
Details of all transactions entered into by the NTMA are published annually in a Carbon Fund Report at www.ntma.ie in accordance with section 6 of the Carbon Fund Act 2007.
The expenditure on these funds is not included in Ireland’s overseas development aid.
20. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current timeline under the National Broadband Plan for the roll-out of a fibre connection to a premises (details supplied). [6254/21]
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 am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 26 January 2021, over 166,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys in County Longford have been completed in Drumlish, Ennybegs, Moat Farrell, Cullyfad, Longford Town, Newtownforbes, Cloondara, Stonepark, Ardagh, Moydow and Kilashee. Further details are available on specific areas within County Longford 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 30 January, 178 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 Colmcille GAA Club, Ballymore Shamrocks GAA Club, Mullinalaghta Community Centre, Corlea Heritage Centre and Aughine Community Centre. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Naomh Guasachta National School (Bunlahy) has been installed by NBI and Fermoyle National School has been connected 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/.
21. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has reviewed the Joint Committee on Climate Action’s report following pre-legislative scrutiny on the draft of the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6301/21]
View answerThis Government is committed to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030, equivalent to a 51% reduction over the decade and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. A key aspect of delivering on this ambition will be enacting the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill, which will strengthen the climate governance framework which underpins the on-going development of policies and measures. I welcome the extensive pre-legislative scrutiny report on the Bill, published by the Joint Committee on Climate Action on 18 December. I was very pleased to note that the report was informed by an extensive engagement by the Committee with relevant experts, including both oral evidence and written submissions to the Committee. I am aware separately that civil society organisations have also contributed their perspectives to the Committee’s work on the Bill and I also welcome their engagement in this process.
I am currently considering the report and its recommendations in the context of the overall framework and objectives of the legislation. I intend to revert to Government in the coming weeks to seek approval for publication of the final text of the Bill, including any amendments arising from the pre legislative scrutiny process, and will then initiate the Bill in the legislative process in the Oireachtas.
22. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport his plans to help support the aviation industry including airlines during the Covid-19 restrictions. [6143/21]
View answer23. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport if additional financial supports will be made available to Irish airlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6157/21]
View answer24. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport his plans for sector specific supports for aviation given the continued suppression of international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6042/21]
View answer28. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will engage with Irish airlines to ensure their future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6093/21]
View answer29. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will take measures similar to those taken in other countries such as New Zealand and the UK to provide additional support and funding for airlines and their staff who are struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6111/21]
View answer31. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Transport if financial supports for airlines have been considered especially given air travel will be suppressed up to at least late summer 2021. [6139/21]
View answer32. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if further supports beyond the €80 million package announced in November 2020 will be made available to the Irish aviation industry. [6140/21]
View answer35. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the further supports being put in place to assist the aviation industry and all those employed in the sector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6161/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 31, 32 and 35 together.
The Government has put in place a range of supports for businesses, including those in the aviation sector. The supports include the wage subsidy scheme, alleviation of commercial rates, deferred tax liabilities, the COVID Restrictions Support Scheme, the Credit Guarantee Scheme, and the SBCI Working Capital Scheme.
As regards supports specifically targeted at the protection of employment, the Employment Wage Subsidy Schemes (EWSS) has been a key component of the Government's response to the COVID-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment amid these very challenging times. The EWSS higher subsidy rate will apply until 31 March 2021. The scheme will continue during 2021 and the Government will decide on the form of its extension when economic conditions are clearer, guided by what the economy requires at that time to support the expected economic recovery.
In November, the Government also agreed a revised €80 million funding package specifically for Irish aviation in recognition of the very difficult circumstances facing the sector. My Department is currently engaging with the European Commission regarding formal approval of this package which will be implemented in line with EU State aid rules.
Any additional supports designed to facilitate growth of air traffic can only be progressed at the appropriate time, taking account of the outlook for the easing of travel restrictions and improving wider epidemiological conditions.
My Department will continue to monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Irish aviation sector on an ongoing basis, in consultation with all key stakeholders and relevant Government Departments.
25. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to retrofit windows on Irish Rail trains given the evidence-based role of fresh air ventilation during the pandemic; if Irish Rail will ensure there is a sufficient number of personnel to monitor the required and correct wearing of face coverings by passengers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6070/21]
View answerContinued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the COVID-19 crisis.
A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social-distancing measures across the network.
The Government is committed to ensuring that essential transport services, and passengers utilising these services, are protected and supported. The National Transport Authority (NTA) continues to be guided by public health advice regarding safety measures across the public transport system and is working closely with transport operators with regard to the implementation of specific measures.
I have therefore 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.
26. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if a route by route analysis of rail lines has been conducted in order to assess whether diesel, electric or hydrogen powered trains are the most appropriate; if not, if he plans to carry out such an analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6090/21]
View answer27. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there is a date by which polluting diesel trains should all have been removed from the rail network and replaced by more environmentally sustainable alternatives as in other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6091/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.
Decarbonisation of our society and economy is obviously a key policy priority for Government and transport has a significant role to play in that regard.
An important part of that role is the expansion of sustainable mobility options in our major urban centres and across the country to enable people to make the switch toward more sustainable transport modes – active travel, bus and rail. This will require significant investment in our infrastructure and our services and the Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits toward such a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and I look forward to fulfilling that commitment.
I am also clear that within our sustainable mobility sector, or more particularly within public transport, we need to transition toward low-emission and zero-emission fleets in line with available technologies.
In bus, that shift has already commenced with the decision to end the purchase of diesel-only buses for the urban centres, the entry into service of hybrid buses, and most recently the National Transport Authority’s commencing a procurement process in relation to zero-emission buses for the major urban centres. I understand the NTA is also exploring procurement options for zero-emission fleets in town centres also. This transition is in line with the relevant actions set out in the Climate Action Plan.
In rail, the key focus has been to expand electrification through the DART+ programme of investment which, once completed, will mean around 70% of passenger journeys across the rail network will be on electrified services and will represent a significant shift from the position today. The scope to expand electrification (or the possible use of battery-electric fleet) to Cork and other urban centres has been, or is being, considered as part of their metropolitan area transport strategies.
In terms of inter-urban rail, which is obviously a much smaller component of total annual passenger journeys as compared to that covered by the DART+ programme, I have stated my commitment to conduct a Strategic Rail Review and it is my intention that one of the issues that Review will consider will be future decarbonisation of the inter-city / inter-regional networks. I would note that there is no settled perspective on this matter in a European context, as evidenced by the EU’s recently published Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy which notes the need for further electrification but that where electrification is not viable other options such as hydrogen should be explored. It is my intention that the forthcoming Review will give an Irish dimension to that European perspective.
