Darren O'Rourke
Question:52. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the funding allocation for his Department for 2020 and 2021 by project. [32385/21]
View answerDepartmental Funding
Questions (52)
Written answers
The total Capital funding allocated to my Department in 2020 was €404.773m and for 2021 it is €616.925m, both of which include capital carryover from the previous year. My Department has responsibility for policy and programmes across a number of areas of national strategic importance, encompassing telecommunications; postal; energy; climate action; waste management, resource efficiency and the circular economy; environmental policy and air quality, and natural resources. These allocations support my Department as we work to achieve our long-term vision of a climate neutral, sustainable and digitally connected Ireland. Key capital programmes and schemes funded by my Department in 2020 and 2021 are detailed below:
|
Programme/Scheme |
2020 Allocation |
2021 Allocation |
|
National Broadband Plan |
€105m |
€225m |
|
Eircodes |
€1.5m |
€1.5m |
|
National Digital Research Centre |
€3.5m |
€3.5m |
|
Energy Poverty Schemes |
€62m |
€109m |
|
Other Sustainable Energy Programmes |
€62.8m |
€153.8m |
|
Energy Research |
€9.7m |
€17.2m |
|
Renewable Energy Compliance |
€50m |
€12.3m |
|
Tellus |
€3m |
€3.5m |
|
INFOMAR |
€4m |
€4m |
|
Landfill Remediation |
€11.25m |
€26.25m |
|
Climate Initiatives |
€5.56m |
€6.71m |
|
Just Transition |
€6m |
€11m |
|
*Electric Vehicles |
€36m |
€0 |
|
**Trading Online Voucher Scheme (incl. Covid-19 scheme) |
€32.6m |
€0 |
*Electric Vehicles were transferred to the Department of Transport from 2021.
**Trading Online Vouchers were transferred to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 2021.
The 2020 and 2021 capital allocations also include operational capital for my Department and a number of its agencies including SEAI, Inland Fisheries Ireland and the EPA.
A full breakdown of the funding allocated to my Department at a programme and subhead level is published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in the Revised Estimates Volume for the Public Service which can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/.
Departmental Funding
Questions (53)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:53. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of just transition funding; and the number of workers it is expected to support on an annual basis. [32386/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Just Transition Fund was established in 2020 to support innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the wider Midlands region and which have employment and enterprise potential. The Department held a competitive call for applications to this Fund, which closed on 17 July 2020, in response to which over 100 applications were received. 16 'Strand 1' projects, announced in September 2020, have concluded grant agreements with the Department, with a total Just Transition Fund allocation of €1.2m. Provisional grant offers were issued to a further 47 successful applicants through ‘Strand 2’, with a provisional funding value of €27.8m. The Department is currently in the process of finalising grant agreements with these projects. To date, contracts have been issued to 13 ‘Strand 2’ projects with a total Just Transition Fund allocation of almost €6.5m.
There is a widespread allocation of funding for each of the eight eligible counties included in the Just Transition Fund, which include East Galway, Kildare, Laois, Longford, North Tipperary, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath.
Supported projects will create viable employment opportunities for workers affected in the Midlands region by the closures of the ESB power plants. Strand 1 projects have reported to my Department that they intend to create 28 full-time jobs, and that a further 175 indirect jobs will be supported as a result of this funding. This funding has also leveraged an additional €383,000 in the region. Once all grant agreements have been finalised, the Department will report on the breakdown of just transition projects by county and expected job creation numbers.
Departmental Data
Questions (54)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:54. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the environment fund over the past three years. [32387/21]
View answerWritten answers
Full details of the Environment Fund accounts are available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/f6b84-environment-fund-accounts/ Final accounts for 2020 are not yet available.
Departmental Funding
Questions (55)
Denis Naughten
Question:55. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date regarding the funding of €1.2 million allocated to the UNCCD in 2018 to help develop a detailed implementation and reporting plan for the Great Green Wall initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32388/21]
View answerWritten answers
In 2018, Ireland, acting through my Department, provided a contribution to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in support of the Great Green Wall (GGW) Initiative. The project costing €1,200,000 was built around two key pillars. - Pillar 1: “State of the Great Green Wall” Landmark Report (€200,000)
- Pillar 2: Development of a portfolio of transformative projects along the Great Green Wall for future donor funding (€1,000,000)
The “State of the Great Green Wall” Landmark Report was formally launched at a High-Level Ministerial virtual conference held on 7 September 2020. UNCCD has advised that the Landmark Report has led to significant positive developments for the GGW. These changes can, at least in part, be attributed to the recommendations contained in the Landmark Report, supported by Ireland. The most significant development and a culminating milestone was the One Planet Summit, held on 11 January 2021, which saw the launch of a GGW Accelerator. The Accelerator will help all actors for the GGW Initiative to better coordinate, monitor and measure the impact of their actions and speed up implementation towards achieving the 2030 ambition. As a result of delays in finalising the Landmark report (Pillar 1), the launch of Pillar 2 has also been delayed compared to the envisaged timeframe. The Department is engaging with UNCCD to formalise a no-cost extension to utilise Pillar 2 of the grant.
Climate Change Policy
Questions (56)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:56. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of costs associated with the Climate Change Advisory Council for the three most recent years; his views on plans to resource the Council for completing the responsibilities in the Climate Action Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32504/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Climate Change Advisory Council was established by Ministerial Order (S.I. No 25 of 2016) on 18 January 2016 pursuant to section 8 of the Climate Change and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The Advisory Council consisted of eleven members appointed by Government, acting in a part-time capacity for a statutory five-year term. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 strengthens the role of the Climate Change Advisory Council, tasking it, inter alia, with proposing carbon budgets to the Minister. To enable this the bill expands the Climate Change Advisory Council from eleven to fourteen members, and provides that future appointments to the Council provide for a greater range of relevant expertise and gender balance. These additional members will be renumnerated in the same manner as the current group membership. The overall costs associated with the operation of the Advisory Council are provided for through the budget of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is funded, in part, through my Department’s Vote. The costs for the last three years are set out in the table below. Climate Change Advisory Council breakdown of expenditure 2018-2020
|
Budget Item |
2020 |
2019 |
2018 |
|
Council and Committee Meeting costs |
€41 |
€11,887 |
€8,638 |
|
Remuneration and expenses of Council, Committee and guest presenters |
€76,652 |
€79,747 |
€78,605 |
|
Printing, publications, subscriptions and office supplies |
€11,293 |
€13,372 |
€4,406 |
|
Consultancy |
€11,000 |
€3,590 |
|
|
Research |
€401,651 |
€68,828 |
€50,337 |
|
Operational overhead costs |
€89,897 |
€92,643 |
€85,406 |
|
TOTAL: |
€590,534 |
€270,068 |
€227,393 |
In addition, The Climate Change Advisory Council is supported in its work by four full-time EPA employees. Their salary cost is not included in the costs shown.
Telecommunications Services
Questions (57)
Bernard Durkan
Question:57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the provision of broadband throughout the country can attain the speed necessary to meet the added requirements of the country’s population with particular reference to changes to working habits post-Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32511/21]
View answerWritten answers
Providing telecommunication services is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I recognise how vital telecommunications services are to citizens for so many aspects of their daily lives, including remote working, studying and staying in touch with family members during the Covid-19 crisis. In April of last year, all major telecommunications providers in Ireland committed to a number of measures to help people stay in touch and work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then, a number of operators have implemented further supports for consumers, such as for students in education, who require a high data usage package, by increasing data limits on many existing packages and by the introduction of new packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings. As a result, the market for mobile packages with very high, or unlimited data offerings, is becoming increasingly competitive, which is a positive development for consumers. Those commitments were further supported through regulations made under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926, enabling ComReg to release additional rights of use for radio spectrum on a temporary basis. Ministerial consent was granted for this framework proposed by the regulator to provide flexibility for mobile network operators to create additional capacity for mobile phone and broadband services and accommodate the increased demand due to Covid 19 related remote working and studying from home.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) 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 over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. A combination of commercial investment and the State led intervention will ensure access to high speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote. Of the 2.4 million premises across Ireland, 77% of premises now have access to high-speed broadband of more than 30 Mbps. National Broadband Ireland will address the remaining premises through the National Broadband Plan State intervention.
A number of commercial operators have also announced further investment plans in high-speed broadband. Eir has said it will roll out fibre to a further 1.4 million premises, bringing its fibre deployment to some 1.8 million premises. SIRO is currently completing the first phase of its fibre deployment which will see 375,000 premises passed with gigabit services. Virgin Media is offering 250Mbps as a standard offering with higher speeds available to many of its customers across more than 1 million premises. Many other network operators and telecom service providers across the State also continue to invest in their networks.
Electric Vehicles
Questions (58)
Johnny Guirke
Question:58. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of electric or hybrid vehicles purchased by his Department in 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32842/21]
View answerWritten answers
No electric or hybrid vehicles were purchased by my Department in 2020 or to date in 2021. Only one vehicle was purchased during this time, a specialist four-wheel-drive diesel truck to support field operations of Geological Survey Ireland.
Driver Test
Questions (59)
Jackie Cahill
Question:59. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if a driver theory test will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32143/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. All enquires relating to the service are handled by the Authority. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (60)
Jackie Cahill
Question:60. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the plans of the Road Safety Authority to recommence the process of offering cancelled appointments to those applying for driver theory tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32144/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test.
The protocol for scheduling appointments is an operational matter for the RSA and I do not have any role in this process.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Rail Network
Questions (61)
Brendan Howlin
Question:61. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if the reopening of the Wexford to Waterford rail line is to be considered as part of the Strategic Rail Review now underway; his views pending the outcome of this strategic review of the decision of Irish Rail to secure the Barrow Bridge in a permanently open position; his views on whether this action has implications for any future use of the bridge for rail or as part of a potential greenway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32168/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, a Strategic Rail Review will commence shortly and the procurement process is well underway in relation to that Review. This Review will examine the rail network on the island of Ireland in relation to improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways, with the latter also considering the role of rail freight.
The Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network and that scope will certainly include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Wexford to Waterford line.
With regard to the Barrow Bridge, I can inform the Deputy that I am aware of the matter raised and indeed discussed the issue previously in the House in relation to this line generally.
As previously stated, it is the case the line has been closed to scheduled services for almost 11 years now. The National Transport Authority and Iarnód Éireann have agreed that, reflecting that fact, the bridge should be left in the ‘open’ position for marine traffic as trade continues of course in the port of New Ross. I am informed that the planned securing of the bridge in the open position in no way removes the future functionality of the bridge for carrying rail traffic should services on this line resume, nor, I would stress, does it in any way impede consideration of the line in the context of the Strategic Rail Review . I understand that Iarnód Éireann will ensure the continued functionality of the bridge through scheduled movements which will allay potential concerns that may exist as regards the permanency of the changed position.
I look forward to the Strategic Rail Review and its consideration of the strategic potential of the rail network on the island of Ireland, including the Wexford to Waterford line.
Driver Test
Questions (62)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:62. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for a driver theory test in view that it has been cancelled on numerous occasions previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32176/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. All enquires relating to the service are handled by the Authority. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (63)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:63. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the additional air circulation or filtration measures that have been installed in train carriages since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic given that most train carriages do not have windows that can open for air circulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32177/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport.
Public transport operators have been advised of, and are closely following, public health instructions issued by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) in relation to COVID-19.
The issue raised is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply.
Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (64)
Paul Kehoe
Question:64. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the arrangements being put in place to facilitate driver theory tests in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32198/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. The information requested is held by the RSA and this question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (65, 77)
Paul Kehoe
Question:65. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when driving lessons are to resume for non-essential workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32199/21]
View answer
Emer Higgins
Question:77. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport when essential driver training lessons for non-essential workers will resume; and the actions that will be taken to assist in clearing this backlog of non-essential workers waiting to take such lessons. [32205/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. The information requested is held by the RSA and this question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
Driver Test
Questions (66)
Paul Kehoe
Question:66. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport when driving tests will resume for non-essential workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32200/21]
View answerWritten answers
Driving tests for essential workers will continue to be the priority for the driver testing service. In line with the gradual reopening of services, driving tests for all those who are eligible to take the test and have been waiting longest have recommenced in a limited fashion. The further opening of the driver testing service will be the subject of discussions between Department officials and the RSA in the coming weeks.
The health of both the public and the testers themselves must take priority, and as a result it is important to recognise that it will take time to get driver testing waiting times back to normal pre-Covid levels. The driving test creates particular difficulties, given the need for a tester and a test candidate to sit in close proximity in the same vehicle for a substantial period of time. Testers are also moving between vehicles provided by test candidates, which are not controllable work environments.
From the start, it has been clear that the first priority is public safety. We want to provide services, and we know people are looking for services, but we will provide them only to the limit possible while preserving public health.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (67)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:67. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the measures he is putting in place to assist driver instructors with the cost of restarting their sector; if he has engaged with unions representing driver instructors on the challenges the sector is facing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32229/21]
View answerWritten answers
Approved driving instructors are not employed by my Department or the Road Safety Authority, but are independent private operators. The resumption of initial basic training for learner motorcyclists and the partial resumption of essential driver training on 10 May will generate increased custom, and therefore increased income, for instructors who had faced a downturn in business under previous public health restrictions.
To facilitate instructors in returning to work and meeting this increased demand, I signed regulations into law in early May, extending driver instructor licences issued between 1 September 2018 and 3 January 2021 for an additional 12 months.
As the second part of the Deputy's question is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, I have forwarded it to the Authority for direct response. I would ask that he contact my offices if no reply is received within 10 working days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (68)
Seán Sherlock
Question:68. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport if a theory test examination will be expedited in order that a person (details supplied) can commence work. [32235/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. All enquires relating to the service are handled by the Authority. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Driver Test
Questions (69)
Michael Ring
Question:69. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if an urgent driver theory test can be arranged for a frontline worker (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32284/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under legislation, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is the body responsible for the operation of the Theory Test. All enquires relating to the service are handled by the Authority. My Department does not have access to individual applications.
This question is therefore being referred to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Departmental Policies
Questions (70)
John McGuinness
Question:70. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the reason the recording of licences issued to fly drones on a county by county basis was discontinued; if this method of recording will be restored; the number of staff attached to the licensing and the enforcement sections; the number of drone licence operators that have availed of the training for basic piloting of drones out of the total 2,500 licence holders; the way in which a member of the public can verify the credentials of a licence holder; the number of times the IAA has had to use its enforcement powers; the number of administrative fines that have been issued since 2020; the number of complaints received by the IAA in relation to a perceived breach of European regulations or Irish law; if he plans to review and strengthen the Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32293/21]
View answerWritten answers
I understand that the Irish Aviation Authority provided a comprehensive response to the Deputy on 25 April in relation to a previous PQ (Ref 19413/21 for answer 21 April 2021) dealing with the recording of licences to fly drones issued on a county basis, the number issued for the last four years, the enforcement of regulations and the number of breaches in the past four years.
The subsequent issues raised here by the Deputy have been referred to the IAA for a direct reply. If the reply is not received within the next 10 days please do not hesitate to contact my office.
In respect of strengthening the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 and to assist with further enforcement of breaches of aviation safety regulations, section 72 of the Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020, provides for enhanced enforcement powers by the IAA and the charging of fixed charges for offences. The Bill is scheduled for Dáil Committee Stage on 17 June 2021.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
Fishing Industry
Questions (71)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:71. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider raising an issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32297/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Irish Authorities informed the European Commission and all European Union member states of potential safety issues with the “Euro-Cutter” type of fishing vessels in July 2013. This was done by means of a submission to the European Union Committee on Safe Seas, the COSS Committee.
This submission was developed on foot of an analysis carried out by the Marine Survey Office (MSO) of my Department regarding an individual vessel which had applied to be registered in Ireland. As part of this application the MSO carried out an analysis of the vessel and determined that it did not comply with Irish fishing vessel stability requirements. The MSO was concerned that this vessel may have been one in a series of similar vessels operating on the flag of other European Union Member States, referred to as the “Euro-Cutter” type. The MSO made the submission to COSS on a precautionary basis and as an early warning to inform the European Commission and all other EU member states of potential safety issues to consider if they had similar vessels on their register.