Written Answers Nos. 152-171
152. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding given to each of the four Dublin local authorities over the past five years under the local authority enforcement measures grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23068/21]
View answerTotal funding provided to each of the four Dublin local authorities over the past five years under the Local Authority Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme is set out in the table hereunder:
153. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received a letter from a company (details supplied) in relation to changes to the SEAI communities grant scheme; if the issues set out in same will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23151/21]
View answerThe Communities Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme which is funded by my Department and operated by the SEAI, makes grant funding available for community-based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock in their area. The guidelines for the scheme indicate that it is designed to support cross-sectoral, partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits. The 2021 budget for the scheme is €30 million, a €10 million increase on the allocation in 2020. This is in the context of an overall budget of €221.5 million for SEAI residential and community grant schemes this year. The Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. The requirement for a small number of homes to be incorporated in all CEG applications was included in the context of these ambitious home retrofit targets. Homes are a core element of every community so it is entirely reasonable that they be included in applications for grant support under this scheme.
This requirement is not intended to exclude any applicant. The scheme requires just one home to be included in applications for it to be deemed in line with the relevant criteria. I am informed that the company referred to in the Question has made a successful application under the scheme this year within the existing requirements. It is noteworthy that demand for the scheme under the existing guidelines has been very strong - applications with a value in excess of €30 million have been received by SEAI under the most recent call for projects. This indicates that the requirement for homes to be included in projects has not impacted negatively on uptake. No decision has been taken in relation changes to the scheme requirements for future calls for projects.
It should also be noted that a range of other supports and schemes for businesses are also funded by my Department and operated by SEAI. These include:
- The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Design (EXEED) grant scheme supporting businesses to undertake design, construction and commissioning projects using the EXEED certification process.
- The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat – financially supporting businesses in adopting renewable energy for heat including heat pumps and heating systems using biomass or biogas.
- Project Assistance Grants helping fund feasibility studies and business cases for energy performance improvements.
- Training (SEAI Energy Academy), information and advisory service, access to energy auditing services and case studies of best practice.
- Large Industry Energy Network where members work together to improve energy performance and share experiences.
There is also the Accelerated Capital Allowances process operated by Revenue which allows businesses to reduce their taxable profits by the full level of expenditure on energy efficient equipment in the year the investment is made.
154. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a property (details supplied) will be included in the intervention area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23188/21]
View answerThe area referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Complaints about service provision are a matter for discussion between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted, without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
Notwithstanding this, my Department has considered the matter raised and our investigations show that the premises referred to in the Question should be able to access high speed broadband from their service provider. My Department has raised a query regarding the premises in question with the network operator to obtain the current status for the premises. As soon as a reply is received my Department will revert to the Deputy with an update.
155. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason an application by an organisation (details supplied) for funding for the Community Energy Grant Application for 2021 have had all its applications rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23247/21]
View answerThe SEAI Community Energy Grant Programme call opened in November 2020. To date SEAI has approved 39 project applications incorporating 538 buildings and 619 homes across the country. The grant value of these offerings is €35 million and the total value of the investment is €100 million. The evaluation process and scheme scoring criteria is outlined in the application guidelines. A briefing session for Project Co-ordinators was also provided in October for prospective applicants.
I am informed by SEAI that two applications for funding under the scheme were received from the agency referenced by the Deputy. Although funding was approved for both projects, some project elements (Community and Resource Centres) were removed during the evaluation process because their inclusion impacted negatively on the overall value for money score. Some issues with elements of the applications also arose during the evaluation process.
Following recent correspondence, SEAI has reviewed both projects and has now reengaged with the applicants with a view to finding a resolution that is in full compliance with the scheme guidelines.
156. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being taken to improve Ireland’s recycling rate with regard to plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23293/21]
View answerThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy details the measures that will be adopted to achieve optimum results in the management of plastic waste. These include commitments to: increase plastics recycling rates to 50% by 2025 and 55% by 2030;
- require that, also by 2030, all packaging, including plastic packaging, placed on the Irish market must be reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way through eco-modulation; and
- the introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme (DRS), which will include plastic bottles, by the third quarter of 2022.
In addition, my Department is well advanced with work extending Irelands official recycling list to incorporate soft plastics, and I look forward to making an announcement in relation to this in due course.
157. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the efforts by his Department efforts to address rising rates of hazardous waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23294/21]
View answerThe most recent report on Hazardous Waste statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is for 2019 and is available at www.epa.ie. The Agency reported a figure of 580,977 tonnes of hazardous waste generated in 2019, which was up 54,580 tonnes on the 2018 figure. 65% of Ireland’s hazardous waste was exported for treatment in other European countries in 2019, compared with 73% in 2018. The Agency also noted that incinerator bottom ash from the Dublin Waste to Energy facility was re-classified as non-hazardous waste in 2020, following testing in the Netherlands. This will contribute to reduced figures In this category in 2020.
The EPA is currently revising the National Hazardous Waste Management Plan for the 2021 to 2027 period. This revision will incorporate related proposals in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy and examine where additional national capacity is feasible.
Reducing the rates of hazardous waste treated will require reducing the sources of such waste. Therefore, changes being introduced via the review of the Industrial Emissions Directive and the new EU Chemical Strategy, which will lead to less hazardous waste produced, are particularly important. The Agency also supports innovative projects aimed at reducing hazardous materials placed on the market via the Green Enterprise programme.
158. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount in legal fees incurred by his Department in 2020 and in each of the years 2000 to 2020. [23578/21]
View answerMy Department administers a very diverse and complex brief. Its remit includes oversight of very complex policy areas and direct procurement of major services where protection of the State’s interest must be paramount. This situation necessarily requires my Department to procure specialist external professional advice in legal areas to enable it to discharge its responsibility to deliver quality services and protect the interests of the State and the taxpayer. In procuring specialised legal services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary.
My Department has been reconfigured on several occasions since 2000. The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time to compile.
For details of costs for the period covering 2016 – July 2020 I would direct the Deputy to Question 61 of 7 July 2020.
The amount spent on legal fees by my Department from July to year end 2020 was €438,173.
159. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a previous commitment that if implemented would allow asylum seekers to apply for Irish driver licenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22953/21]
View answerAs set out in the Programme for Government, the Government will act on interim recommendationsfrom the Chair of the Expert Group on the Provision of Support, including Accommodation, to Persons in the International Protection Process (Asylum Seekers) to improve conditions for asylum seekers currently living in the system. This includes the ability to apply for driver licences.
Currently, Ireland does not issue driving licences to applicants for international protection as their residence status in the State is not yet determined. To provide for the change in policy and to change the law to allow such applicants access to a driving licence, there are a number of complex legal, administrative and technical issues to consider and resolve. One of these issues is connected to the primary legislative proposal to grant the Minister for Transport the power to revoke a driving licence, and is planned for inclusion in the Road Traffic Bill 2021. The Bill is expected to be introduced to the Houses shortly. Secondary legislation changes will also be required.
While the legislative requirements are being examined, work is continuing on the administrative and technical solutions needed. It is not possible at this time to give a definitive date yet for when these changes will be in place. However, I am assured that my officials are working hard, in close cooperation with all the stakeholders, to make this happen.
160. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport his plans to fund enhanced and or increased CCTV monitoring of bus lanes in Dublin; if he has engaged with Dublin based local authorities on the issue of bus lanes; and if not, if he plans to do so. [23109/21]
View answer191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he has engaged with the Garda traffic corps management regarding greater and or enhanced enforcement in respect of unauthorised vehicle use of bus lanes on the Dublin road network. [23108/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 191 together.
Officials in my Department have ongoing engagement with An Garda Síochána with regard to the enforcement of the road traffic laws throughout Ireland, including breaches of bus lane restrictions.
While I can confirm that bus lane enforcement was among the issues raised with my Department by Dublin City Council in 2020, no commitment to camera funding has been made to, or indeed requested by, any of the Dublin-based local authorities.
161. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the status of the determination in relation to section 41(7) of the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 regarding the former employees of the Irish Aviation Authority as referred by him to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23206/21]
View answerSection 41 (7) of the Irish Aviation Authority Act, 1993 provides that a dispute on superannuation benefit may be submitted to the Minister for Transport for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
I can confirm that two such submissions have been received by my Department on behalf of staff of the Irish Aviation Authority. These appeals are now with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in accordance with the statutory process. Officials are engaging on those appeals.
As the appeal process is ongoing, I am not in a position to provide any further comment at this stage.
162. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport the work that has taken place to address the current situation facing motorcycle learner riders (details supplied); and his engagements with the Minister for Health regarding allowing initial basic training to resume in May 2021. [22591/21]
View answerThe validity period of Initial Basic Training (IBT) certificates is set out in legislation. Making a change to the validity of an existing certificate requires a change in law.
I can confirm that the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has recently submitted a proposal to my Department for a further extension to IBT certificates. This is currently being worked on within my Department. An update is expected shortly.
In response to the second issue raised by the Deputy's constituent I can confirm that the gradual reopening of the driving instruction industry will commence from the 10th of May. Initial Basic Training (IBT) for all learner motorcyclists may resume from that date.
163. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if further progress has been made in respect of the Meath County Council draft appraisal for the proposed Julianstown bypass considering the new school in the centre of the village is close to completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22609/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
As previously indicated in relation to the appraisal of possible measures to manage traffic in the vicinity of Julianstown, the Department understands that Meath County Council intends to carry out an origin and destination information gathering exercise to obtain a clear indication of the traffic movements and patterns in and around Julianstown with a view to informing a wider transport study for the Drogheda and East Meath area. I understand from Departmental contact with Meath County Council that the collection of origin and destination data has not yet commenced due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The consideration of traffic management options is a matter for Meath County Council as the statutory road authority for its area. In this context, the Council is best placed to provide an update to the Deputy in relation to the implementation of the traffic management measures proposed for the Julianstown area.
164. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport the status of plans to develop a by-pass for Julianstown, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22619/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable.
In relation to the appraisal of possible measures to manage traffic in the vicinity of Julianstown, the Department understands that Meath County Council intends to carry out an origin and destination information gathering exercise to obtain a clear indication of the traffic movements and patterns in and around Julianstown with a view to informing a wider transport study for the Drogheda and East Meath area. I understand from Departmental contact with Meath County Council that the collection of origin and destination data has not yet commenced due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The consideration of traffic management options is a matter for Meath County Council as the statutory road authority for its area. In this context, the Council is best placed to provide an update to the Deputy in relation to the implementation of the traffic management measures proposed for the Julianstown area.
165. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport when driving instructors will be allowed to facilitate EDT driving lessons (details supplied). [22620/21]
View answer179. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider easing restrictions for driving instructors and their students so that lessons can recommence on a phased, safe basis over the coming weeks, due to the urgent need for lessons and emerging black market considerations; if he has considered introducing guidelines to instructors on the way to prevent Covid-19 transmission during lessons or the introduction of rapid antigen testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22826/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 179 together.
As part of the broader easing of restrictions across Irish society I can confirm that the gradual reopening of the driving instruction industry will commence from the 10th of May.
Initial Basic Training (IBT) for all learner motorcyclists may resume from that date.
Essential Driver Training (EDT) may also resume but only in such circumstances where the learner in question is a confirmed essential worker. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) will reopen the online EDT portal on the 10th of May to allow instructors upload completed modules for the learners in question.
The RSA will be contacting driver instructors over the course of the week with further details of these measures.
166. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport the reason Bus Éireann buses are not wheelchair accessible on the Galway to Sligo and Sligo to Galway bus route; when disabled passengers can expect to be in a position to use these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22627/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have forwarded your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
167. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the backlog of those waiting to take a driver theory test; his plans for clearing the backlog in circumstances in which persons in areas without access to public transport need to drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22669/21]
View answerThe extension of Covid19 level 5 restrictions by Government means that the Driver Theory Test continues to be suspended. While I fully appreciate the inconvenience this poses, I must emphasise, that this decision has been taken in line with official public health recommendations that everyone in Ireland work to limit the spread of the virus by staying at home in so far as is possible and minimising social contacts.
Officials both in this Department and in the Road Safety Authority are keeping the public health situation under constant review and are working extremely hard to ensure that Theory Tests can resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
In the meantime, the RSA is engaging with its service provider to examine ways of increasing the number of tests within the current health constraints for when services resume. In this regard, the aim is to double capacity at test centres over a three-month period.
Normal capacity before the pandemic was approximately 15,000 tests per month. When the service reopened in June 2020, this was increased to 25,000 to deal with the backlog which had developed by that point. Based on the capacity of 25,000 tests per month, the aim is to provide an additional 25,000 tests per month on top of this for the first 3 months of reopening, or a total of 75,000 extra test appointments over the three-month period. This would make substantial inroads into numbers waiting over that time period.
In addition to the increased capacity initiative, the RSA is working to deliver an online driver theory test service. The online service has been trialled on a pilot basis for those taking a theory test for trucks and buses and is now being evaluated with a view to extending the online service to all test types during 2021. However, scaling up operations to facilitate higher numbers will take time to achieve.
168. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the case of a person (details supplied) regarding a licence. [22701/21]
View answerIndividual applications for PSV licences are operational matters for An Garda Síochána. The Minister for Transport has no role in these matters and cannot intervene in or comment on individual applications.
169. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when a service (details supplied) is scheduled for tendering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22753/21]
View answer170. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to amend or change the scope of a tender (details supplied) from the existing operation once the tender is put up for renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22754/21]
View answer171. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to retain a service (details supplied) in a dedicated area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22756/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 169, 170 and 171 together.
The current status of the procurement process for the national IRCG aviation service can be referenced in the Published eTenders update on eTenders and my Department's dedicated webpage - linked here SAR Webpage. R117, which is based in Waterford airport, is part of the existing CHCI DAC national service procured in 2010 and which is under contract until June 2023, with possible further extensions to June 2025.
KPMG have been appointed to carry out the detailed business/economic assessment in line with the requirements of the Public Spending Code which will determine the scope, nature and procurement strategy for the next IRCG service. The outcome of the business case will go to Government later in Q2 2021. Once this step is taken, a tender should issue shortly thereafter.
