Written Answers Nos. 134-153
134. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a commercial landlord can be prevented from increasing the rent on a commercial property given the financial impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on many businesses; if rent protections are available to commercial tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38791/21]
View answerI understand some businesses are under pressure to meet their fixed costs, such as rent, after what has been an exceptionally challenging period. At the same time, we must remember that commercial landlords have their own financial obligations that still need to be paid. Where a landlord has debt in place, their flexibility will likely be driven by what their bank/lender will accept. One person’s rent might be another person’s income or pension.
The Government has urged commercial landlords and tenants to talk to one another and come to some arrangement, as it is in everybody’s interest that terms are amicably agreed. Landlords should be willing to do what they can to help their tenants to continue to operate rather than facing the risk of a vacant premises and inability to obtain new tenants. Equally, tenants should pay what they can and speak with their landlord when difficulties arise.
Last October, I published the Code of Conduct between landlords and tenants for commercial rents. The aim of this Code is to facilitate discussions between landlords and tenants impacted by COVID-19. It sets out a structured approach for engagement between both commercial landlords and tenants, based on their mutual interest in continuing to work together.
However, the Code should not be seen in isolation. The Government has put in place a comprehensive package to help businesses through the crisis including the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC), the forthcoming Business Resumption Support Scheme (BRSS), low-cost loans, the deferral and warehousing of tax liabilities and the waiver of commercial rates. Many of these alone, or in combination, can be used to assist in the payment of commercial rents if needed.
The Land & Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 and related matters, such as rent reviews, are a matter for the Minister for Justice. However, I understand that, since the enactment of the Land & Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, 'upwards only' rent review clauses are prohibited in all leases created after 28 February 2010 and leases, since then, must allow for the rent to go upwards, or downwards, on review. Typically, the new rent is based on the evidence of new lettings of comparable properties at the time the review falls due. Where a tenant disputes the rent review, the matter is usually referred to an independent chartered surveyor, who acts as an arbitrator or expert and decides the new rent.
135. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of an application for the capital investment scheme by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38878/21]
View answerApplications for funding received under the competitive Capital Investment Scheme are currently being assessed and evaluated by Enterprise Ireland. Given the competitive nature of this scheme, I am not at liberty to comment on the specifics of particular applications received.
136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the level of farm accidents; if further measures are contemplated to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38954/21]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) investigate every farm fatality. In addition, data is collected on incidents at work as part under the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC (1) on measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work.
Each year the HSA publishes a comprehensive review of workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The latest report was published in July 2021 and relates to the period 2019 – 2020. In addition, the HSA will shortly publish a review of work-related death in agriculture in Ireland from 2011 – 2020. The information and findings from the reports are used to inform future programmes of work and to identify key issues to focus on during awareness raising campaigns, inspection campaigns, and engagements with key stakeholders.
Under its current strategy statement (2019-2021), the HSA has identified agriculture as a priority sector. In support of this prioritisation, the HSA has an extensive farm safety prevention programme in place, which focusses on the provision of advice, guidance, e-tools and educational supports for the sector, as well as targeted inspection campaigns. This programme is delivered in a collaborative manner and involves the key farming stakeholder groups along with government agencies and departments.
Initiatives and measures are in place to educate, raise awareness and help prevent the injuries and fatalities prevalent in the farming community. Extensive guidance and information on all aspects of farm safety, developed by the HSA in consultation with stakeholders, is freely available. The core of this being a user-friendly Farm Safety Code of Practice and half-day training program on its practical use delivered by the Teagasc advisory service and independent agricultural advisers.
Later this month, the HSA will roll out a proactive inspection programme to coincide with Farm Safety Week (19 - 23 July) which is an annual event led by the Farm Safety Foundation and takes place across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons who died or were injured in farm accidents in each of the past five years to date; the actions taken and or pending to address farm safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38955/21]
View answerAgriculture is among the priority sectors identified by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in its current strategy. This sector, therefore, receives a sustained focus in the delivery of the HSA’s occupational health and safety policy and inspection programmes.
The HSA investigates every farm fatality. The findings from these investigations inform and focus future farm safety promotion, prevention and inspection campaign initiatives.
In the five year period from 2016 to 2020, there have been 100 farming fatalities. To date in 2021, three fatal incidents have occurred in this sector. Table 1 details the breakdown of the number of fatalities for each of the years requested.
The HSA collects data on incidents at work in compliance with the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC (1) on measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work. There can be considerable underreporting of work-related incidents, with smaller enterprises and self-employed people less likely to report incidents than larger enterprises. As self-employment is common in the agricultural sector, underreporting of non-fatal work-related incidents is likely. Table 2 details the breakdown of the number of non-fatal injuries for each of the years requested.
The latest available data (2019) from the Central Statistics Office’s special module on work-related injuries and illnesses, which is collected as part of the Labour Force Survey, indicates that the rate of work-related injuries leading to four or more days of absence from work in the Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sector in 2019 was 10.7 per 1,000 workers. In comparison, the five-year average rate for 2015–2019 was 13.1.
The HSA is undertaking a number of specific programmes and campaigns to target specific risks within the farming sector which include the provision of guidance, e-tools, online testimonials, and targeted awareness campaigns.
The HSA have a long-standing Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee which is chaired by a Board member of the Authority and involves key stakeholders in addressing the health and safety concerns within the agriculture sector. The Committee's Action Plan for 2021 to 2024 will be published shortly and will focus on identified high risk activities such as tractor and vehicle use, livestock handling and working at height. This plan will also seek to improve farmer skill levels in the areas of risk identification and management.
The HSA provides an online farm risk assessment tool, farmsafely.com, which recorded 13,227 active registered users in 2020. Later this month, the HSA will roll out a proactive inspection programme to coincide with Farm Safety Week (19-23 July) which is an annual event led by the Farm Safety Foundation and takes place across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.
Table 1
|
Farm Fatalities 2016 – 2020 |
||||
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
21 |
25 |
15 |
19 |
20 |
Table 2
|
Non-Fatal Injuries (Farming) Reported to the Authority |
||||
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
74 |
123 |
98 |
91 |
121 |
138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he and his Department continue to encourage major corporations currently located in this country to use digital hubs as a means of virtually bringing their employees under one roof with consequent benefit to all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38977/21]
View answerIDA Ireland was one of many stakeholders who worked with the Department of Community and Rural Development on the project to implement the National Hubs Network which was branded ConnectedHubs Ireland. This project is now being managed by the Western Development Commission and is intended as a single registry of all remote working hubs in Ireland.
It is envisioned that there will be 450 Hubs listed nationally. 115 are already classified by the Western Development Commission and these Hubs will generally include formal serviced offices, co-working spaces and enterprise centres.
There is a web platform (similar to Airbnb) which has been operational since April 2021 which will allow users to identify available spaces, and book and pay online. Hubs will also be evaluated against the new National Association of Community Enterprise Centres (NACEC) Quality Mark-Standard/Certification criteria. Additional properties will be added on a phased basis.
IDA has liaised with the Western Development Commission on Public Relations, Content Creation & Marketing Collateral to ensure relevant messaging for an FDI audience. The availability of a national hubs network is an additional value proposition to add to the suite of other marketing tools for use in the attraction of FDI to Ireland and the hubs in addition provide a valuable option for existing multinational corporations to utilise if they wish to attract employees who do not live in close proximity to the entity.
139. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to significant increases in tariffs for steel products being imported from outside of the EU and the significant effect it will have on steel business going forward (details supplied) given the very serious lack of supply of an alternate EU-based supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38833/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the European Union imposed safeguard measures on steel imports into the EU in July 2018 in response to the United States applying a 25% tariff on steel imports originating from 3rd Countries, including the European Union. As a consequence of the US measures, there was an increased risk of steel originally destined for the US market being diverted to the EU market and thereby distorting or severely disturbing the EU steel market. To address this risk, the EU introduced Steel Safeguards Measures in 2018 and these Measures have been continued by decision of the EU last month. The market situation has also been impacted by Brexit with the UK now a 3rd Country since 1 January this year and therefore also subject to the EU's Safeguards Measures. Accordingly, imports from the UK have a Tariff Rate Quota applying under the Safeguards Measures also.
The Measures currently in place allow for the importation of steel from 3rd Countries by way of quotas, determined in line with traditional volumes of trade in steel. The recent decision to continue the Measures for a minimum period of 2 years was based on a Commission-led review of the need for such Measures, undertaken at the request of several Member States, and which was conducted in the first half of 2021. The current Measures will be subject to a full review before 30 June 2023, to determine whether the Measures should be terminated in response to market conditions of trade in steel at that point in time.
Since applying the original Safeguard Measures in 2018, the European Commission has completed 3 reviews of the Measures, with the most recent review published in June 2021. The findings of that most recent review included details on the availability of quotas across the product categories impacted by the Measures. The Commission's review found that during the first three years of application of the Measures (July 2018 – May 2021), there have been consistent and increasing free-of-duty TRQ volumes available at the end of each period in nearly all product categories. For example, in year-3 of the measures up to 20 May 2021, 36% of the available TRQs in steel remained unused, some 11 million tonnes. Thus, the data available indicated that the application of the EU's Safeguard Measures does not affect the availability of supply, as quotas, under which imports do not attract the Safeguard Measures' tariff, are not exhausted before the end of a given period.
However, the Commission has also noted that some 3rd countries continue to demonstrate what it has described as "opportunistic behaviour" and "aggressive export tactics" under which they seek to maximise their market presence under the safeguard measures. This means that, in some extreme circumstances, a 3rd country maximises or exhausts their specific quarterly quota on day-one of the TRQ becoming available (e.g. on I July). This is despite the current Measures being designed to allow for traditional trade flows of steel, and, moreover, being designed to prevent, insofar as is possible, overcrowding the market and pushing out other 3rd country producers that are operating within the parameters of the Measures. At the same time, the Measures are designed to allow EU producers continue to compete in a fair and sustainable manner.
Specifically, in relation to the additional detail provided regarding imports of Category 21 Hollow Sections from Turkey, the Commission Implementing Regulation, brought into effect on 1 July 2021, allocated a country-specific TRQ for Turkey of some 70,000 tonnes of hollow steel for the quarter 1 July 2021 – 30 September 2021. The online TRQ calculator confirms that the full quota was exhausted on 1 July 2021, which supports the Commission position that some 3rd country exporters are applying damaging and aggressive trade tactics in relation to the utilisation of the available TRQ and is relevant to the case of interest to your enquiry.
Furthermore, Turkey was assigned the largest TRQ when compared to the other major exporters of Category 21 Hollow Sections. Comparatively, the next ranked 3rd country, the United Kingdom was assigned a TRQ of 42,000 tonnes for the same period and as of 12 July 2021, there remains a balance of 10,000 tonnes that can be imported from the United Kingdom within the available TRQ. Similarly, North Macedonia was assigned nearly 23,000 tonnes for the same period and there remains some 19,000 tonnes of the TRQ available. My Department’s analysis suggests that of the 7 countries assigned a specific quarterly TRQ, only Turkey and Russia have exhausted their quarterly TRQ already and there remains TRQs available in the other 5 countries with a country specific TRQ and some 64,000 tonnes available within the global quota.
Notwithstanding the general level of availability of TRQs across the system, it is recognised that importers can face significant administrative burdens when trying to source material from 3rd countries where there is a limited commercial relationship between the producer and the importer. In that regard, officials in my Department have routinely raised this concern with Commission officials and will continue to do so on foot of the information that has been included as part of this Parliamentary Question. It is in the interest of our steel importers that they develop strong commercial relationships with a range of 3rd country producers to ensure that they can source their requirements from a diverse range of 3rd country providers.
Moreover, it is important to note that the current Measures in place include a 3% year-on-year liberalisation rate which means that the available TRQs increase each year by 3% from the benchmark period of 2015-2017. Therefore, TRQs for the periods 2021/22 and 2022/23 will reach the import highs recorded in 2018 when the Measures were first introduced, meaning that imports of steel into the EU will have to exceed the import levels of 2018 before the 25% safeguard tariff would apply. In designing the Measures, the European Commission has sought to ensure full compliance with the safeguard rules provided for under the World Trade Organisation and the Commission has reassured Member States that it continues to monitor the situation for both producers, users and importers to limit any negative impact of the application of the Measures.
Finally, officials in my Department continue to engage with Irish industry and representative groups on the matter and liaise closely with EU officials regarding the operation of the safeguard measures to ensure that they continue to meet their objective in guarding EU steel producers from the harmful impact of trade diversion of steel while at the same time ensuring that the EU market stays open to fair and sustainable competition where EU importers can secure supply at competitive prices.
As always, steel sourced within the EU is not subject to any such tariffs as part of the Single Market.
140. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff by location and function in each office of his Department nationally; if the property is State owned or leased; and the detail of these leases in the case of those properties on a lease in terms of cost, term and next break date. [38850/21]
View answerThe table below lists the number of staff in each office/building of my Department by function and location, nationally. The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages the State’s property portfolio on behalf of my Department. In respect of the accommodation occupied by the Department and its Offices, the State owns the Kildare Street, Dawson Street, Lansdowne House and Lower Hebron Road, Kilkenny buildings. The other buildings are leased and the specific lease arrangements are a matter for the OPW.
141. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the way new builds are incorporated into the National Broadband Plan if they do not have an Eircode at the time of initial rollout planning and are therefore not included in plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38716/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools ensuring no premises is left behind. The NBP network will offer those premises in the Intervention Area a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. It was a requirement of the Contract to provide high speed broadband services to all premises in the Intervention Area, including new premises built over the lifetime of the Contract. Therefore, NBI will be required to both pass and connect new premises in the Intervention Area over the 25 year term of the Contract.
The NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie shows the areas covered by the State led intervention as well as those targeted by commercial operators. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the NBP, 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.
An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses, and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory issues a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to the Department which enables a process to update the NBP map to take account of new builds in the intervention area. Any new premises that is captured in the GeoDirectory file that is located within the geographic area of the intervention area will be captured in the scope for the NBI rollout regardless of whether an eircode has been assigned.
142. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter in which a number of properties are struggling to get connection to adequate broadband and the installation date has been pushed back by National Broadband Ireland (details supplied). [38771/21]
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 obtain a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 8 July, over 233,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Westmeath in Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown, and Athlone. Pre-works have commenced in the areas around Mullingar. NBI has advised that surveying is underway in the area where the premises referred to is located and they anticipate that high speed broadband should be available for connection in the first half of 2022.
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. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays to aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors, restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays (both nationally and internationally). Covid 19 has affected the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. Inevitably, like many other organisations, NBI and contractor staffs are at risk of contracting Covid 19 or may have to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact posing further challenges. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract to address the impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on the project.
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 8 July, 335 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 for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are connected at Whitehall Community Centre, Streete Parish Park & Community Hall, Milltown Emper Community Centre, Ballycomoyle GAA Club, and Clonkill Hurling Club. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/ .
Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride and Naomh Micheal have been installed by NBI for educational access. 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 nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/ .
143. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of warmer home scheme applications received, completed and disallowed in the past five years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38781/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided to households under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme was €14,800 in 2020 A total of €221.5 million in capital funding has been provided for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes in 2021. Of this amount, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes, with €100 million allocated to the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total SEAI residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty. The funding will mean that more households can receive free energy efficiency upgrades making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, in line with the Programme for Government.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of warmer home scheme applications received, completed and ineligible in the past five years has been provided by the SEAI and is set out in the Table below:
|
Warmer Homes Scheme |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021** |
|
New applications |
12,863 |
7,408 |
5,682 |
2,858 |
1,401 |
|
Homes completed |
6,554 |
5,255 |
3,142 |
1,524 |
563 |
|
Ineligible applications*** |
|
|
324* |
276 |
240 |
* Data from mid-2019 only due to new system implementation. Historical data not available.
**2021 figures to end June 2021.
***The SEAI uses the term "ineligible" rather than "disallowed" to classify applications which were not successful in meeting the eligibility requirements of the scheme.
It is important to note that the number of retrofits last year were unfortunately, negatively impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions. Enhanced COVID restrictions between January and April also had a significant impact on activity this year. Every effort is being made to maximise activity now that construction activity in the residential sector has recommenced.
144. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has lifted the restriction which applies to persons getting a second round of support under the warmer homes scheme in cases in which the previous support had only been for shallow measures such as roof insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38797/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. In order to qualify for support, applicants must own and live in their home which was built and occupied before 2006 and must be in receipt of certain social welfare payments.
To date, over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. There are currently over 7,800 homes on the Warmer Homes work programme and the scheme operates nationally on a first come, first serve basis. These homes have not previously received any free upgrades under the scheme and for that reason are the priority to receive upgrades. Recommendations on the implementation of changes to the scheme to better target those most in need will be finalised shortly.
The total budget for energy poverty schemes in 2021 is €109 million with €100 million allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a €47 million increase for the scheme when compared to 2020. In addition to the increased budget allocation, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.
145. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff by location and function in each office of his Department nationally by location; if the property is State owned or leased; and the detail of these leases in the case of those properties on a lease in terms of cost, term and next break date. [38855/21]
View answerMy Department currently operates from the following locations:
|
Office Location |
Number of Staff |
|
29/31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. D02 X285 |
280 |
|
Tom Johnson House, Beggars Bush, Dublin 4. D04 K7X4 |
74 |
|
Elm House, Earlsvale Road, Cavan. H12 A8H7 |
40 |
|
Government Offices, Newtown Road, Wexford. Y35 AP90 |
37 |
The procurement and management of office accommodation for my Department is carried out by the Office of Public Works.
146. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a broadband connection for a household (details supplied) in an amber zone in the national broadband roll-out plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/21]
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 obtain a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 8 July, over 233,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Cork in the areas of Midleton, Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, Kilpatrick, Ballydesmond, Kiskeam, Umeraboy, Knocknagree, Rineen, Cullen, Coolinarna, Millstreet, Hollymount and Caherbarnagh. Main works are ongoing in Carrigaline, Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown, and Upper Rochestown. Preworks are ongoing in Midleton.
The first fibre to the home connections are successfully connected in Cavan and in Carrigaline, County Cork. I am advised by NBI that, as of 8 July nearly 6,600 homes are passed and available for connection in Counties Cork, Cavan and now Galway. A further 13,000 premises can also pre-order via retail service providers (RSPs) in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway and Limerick and get a connection in the coming months.
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. NBI 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 8 July, 335 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 for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are connected at Laharn Heritage Centre, Ballindangan Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre, Clogagh Community Hall, T.O. Park Labbamollaga, Bere Island Heritage Centre, Sherkin Island Community Hall (8.06km from premises), Glash Community Centre, Ballydaly Community Hall, Aubane Community Centre, Mealagh Valley Community Centre, Coláiste Phobal Cléire (1.64km from premises), Lissavard Community Centre, Aghabullogue Community Centre, and Castletownkenneigh Community Centre. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Ballycroneen National School and Clogagh National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. 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 nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
147. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average 4G coverage across the State; the average 4G coverage for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39010/21]
View answerThe provision of telecommunication services, including mobile phone and broadband 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. Obligations in relation to mobile coverage are set out in licences granted by Comreg to the mobile operators and ComReg advises that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded considerably by all operators. ComReg is currently managing the next spectrum award process for wireless broadband services and commissioned studies and technical reports to inform its approach to the award process and the consideration of appropriate coverage and rollout obligations in that context. These studies are available at www.comreg.ie.
In relation to mobile coverage, ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map (available at this link), which can help consumers choose the network provider that best meets their needs for where they live, work and travel. ComReg has also published the results of tests carried out on mobile/smartphone handsets currently available in Ireland (available at this link). These findings will further allow consumers to make informed decisions based on the handsets which best address their needs.
148. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons that have received energy upgrades as part of the better energy warmer homes scheme since 2020 on a county basis; the number of applicants in the same time period on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39011/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided to households under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme was €14,800 in 2020. A total of €221.5 million in capital funding has been provided for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes in 2021. Of this amount, €109 million is provided to support lower income households to retrofit their homes, with €100 million allocated to the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation for energy poverty schemes and means that almost half of the total SEAI residential and community retrofit budget will support people vulnerable to energy poverty. The funding will mean that more households can receive free energy efficiency upgrades making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run, in line with the Programme for Government.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of applicants, and the number of applicants that have received energy upgrades as part of the better energy warmer homes scheme since 2020 on a county basis has been provided by the SEAI and is set out in the Table below:
|
Applications |
Works Completed |
|||||
|
County |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
Co. Carlow |
31 |
29 |
60 |
11 |
8 |
19 |
|
Co. Cavan |
45 |
23 |
68 |
22 |
18 |
40 |
|
Co. Clare |
59 |
29 |
88 |
22 |
6 |
28 |
|
Co. Cork |
292 |
146 |
438 |
142 |
54 |
196 |
|
Co. Donegal |
164 |
62 |
226 |
87 |
22 |
109 |
|
Co. Dublin |
690 |
341 |
1,031 |
504 |
176 |
680 |
|
Co. Galway |
161 |
75 |
236 |
86 |
10 |
96 |
|
Co. Kerry |
94 |
53 |
147 |
55 |
10 |
65 |
|
Co. Kildare |
79 |
40 |
119 |
40 |
19 |
59 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
41 |
20 |
61 |
20 |
12 |
32 |
|
Co. Laois |
27 |
24 |
51 |
11 |
6 |
17 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
31 |
11 |
42 |
17 |
3 |
20 |
|
Co. Limerick |
94 |
47 |
141 |
16 |
9 |
25 |
|
Co. Longford |
38 |
14 |
52 |
13 |
8 |
21 |
|
Co. Louth |
63 |
32 |
95 |
26 |
22 |
48 |
|
Co. Mayo |
182 |
67 |
249 |
68 |
12 |
80 |
|
Co. Meath |
106 |
58 |
164 |
60 |
19 |
79 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
31 |
25 |
56 |
14 |
6 |
20 |
|
Co. Offaly |
51 |
29 |
80 |
42 |
11 |
53 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
63 |
28 |
91 |
33 |
19 |
52 |
|
Co. Sligo |
47 |
21 |
68 |
27 |
10 |
37 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
126 |
47 |
173 |
22 |
14 |
36 |
|
Co. Waterford |
84 |
38 |
122 |
42 |
24 |
66 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
81 |
41 |
122 |
39 |
15 |
54 |
|
Co. Wexford |
97 |
63 |
160 |
74 |
38 |
112 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
81 |
38 |
119 |
31 |
12 |
43 |
|
Grand Total |
2,858 |
1,401 |
4,259 |
1,524 |
563 |
2,087 |
Note: 2021 data is to end-June 2021
It is important to note that the number of retrofits last year were unfortunately, negatively impacted by COVID-19 related restrictions. Enhanced COVID restrictions between January and April also had a significant impact on activity this year. Every effort is being made to maximise activity now that construction activity in the residential sector has recommenced.
149. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the National Broadband Plan in County Mayo; the number of premises connected to date; the target for the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39020/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
There are 84,299 premises in County Mayo of which 47,684 are in the commercial area and 36,615 are within the NBP Intervention Area. I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 8 July, over 233,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed including 8,281 premises in Co Mayo. Surveys are completed or ongoing in the areas of Aghagower, Ballyhean, Breaghwy, Burren, Castlebar, Clogher, Cloonkeen, Croaghmoyle, Islandeady, Killavally, Manulla, Pontoon, Strade, Tawnynagry, Turlough, Drumsheen, Bunnyconnellan, Ballina Town, Carrowntreila, Ardagh, Campbells Crossroads, Rosserk, Shanvoley, Derryhick, Kilhale, Tawnylaheen, Turlough, Ballyvary, Keeloges, Castlebar Town, Rinnaseer, Bellaburke, Killawullaun Mountain, Carn, Carnacon, Ballyglass, Belcarra, Balla and Ringarraun, Newport, Carrowbeg, Inishgort, Inishcottle, Myna, Fahy, Ashbridge, Glenisland, Srahmore, Glenhest, Comploon, Slogger and Tawnameeltoge.
Build works are currently underway in the Deployment Area that covers Castlebar and surrounding townlands including Turlough, Ballyhean, Clooneen, Kilhale, Tawnylaheen and Burren. I am advised by NBI that it expects some 2,100 premises in these areas to be passed and available for connection by early 2022.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays on delivery of aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors with restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays (both nationally and internationally), as well as the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up, including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. Inevitably, like many other organisations, NBI and contractor staff are at risk of contracting Covid 19 or may have to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact posing further challenges. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract to address the impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on the project.
Further details are available on specific areas within Mayo through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence.
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 8 July, 335 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible locations and the Department of Education for schools. BCPs installed with high speed publicly accessible broadband include Bofeenaun Community Centre, Killaser Community Centre, Keel Community Centre, Taugheen Community Centre, Kilmovee Community Centre, Finny Community Centre, Islandeady Community Centre, Cushlough Community Centre, Clare Island Community Centre, The Black Tom Freeman Sport And Community Amenities Centre and Belderrig Community & Research Centre.
Midfield National School, Rathnamagh National School, Dooagh National School, Valley National School, Dookinella National School, Scoil Néifinn, Tavraun Central National School, Errew National School, Facefield National School, Gortskehy National School, Kinaffe National School, Meelick More National School, Saint Coleman's National School, Cloghans National School, Shraigh National School and Rathbane National School are also installed 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 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 nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
150. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if an EU Digital COVID Certificate will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38752/21]
View answer151. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Transport if an EU Digital COVID Certificate will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38753/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
Arrangements for the production and issue of the EU Digital Covid Certificates are being progressed by the Department of Health, the HSE and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer. Questions on these matters should be addressed to the relevant Minister.
152. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a timetable for clearing the backlog in driver test waiting times. [38779/21]
View answerThe driving test is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority.
The information requested is held by the Authority and this question is being referred to it for direct reply.
I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
153. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Transport if there are financial supports available for the establishment of a taxi service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38820/21]
View answerThe administration of financial supports for the SPSV sector, which includes measures such as the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle grant which supports the purchase of new wheelchair accessible vehicles, is a matter for the statutory regulator, the National Transport Authority. In view of the Authority's responsibilities in the matter I have forwarded your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
