Thomas Gould
Question:56. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to a suspected fish killing in Carrigadrohid, County Cork in June 2021. [39487/21]
View answerInland Fisheries
Questions (56)
Written answers
I refer the Deputy to the response to Question No. 57 on 1 July last.
I am happy to provide the Deputy with a copy of the report received from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) which was referred to in the previous response.
OBSERVATION/ADVICE NOTE
Iascach Intíre Éireann
Inland Fisheries Ireland
IFI became aware of fish mortalities on the Inniscarra and Carrigadrohid reservoirs, primarily of the rudd species Scardinius erythrophthalmus on 14th June. Investigations by Inland Fisheries Ireland Senior Fisheries Environmental Officers found dead rudd washed along the shore line in relatively small numbers i.e. c. 50no. The fish are believed to have been post-spawning mortalities, with no external signs of disease. Rudd spawn in summer and many subsequently die, a part of their life cycle. Several calls from concerned members of the public were received on this issue including calls to the IFI hotline number 1890 34 74 24. IFI welcomes such calls as a valuable method of receiving timely information on such issues.
IFI officers launched a boat on to the reservoir on Monday 21st in an attempt to capture some lethargic samples to send to the Marine Institute for analysis in order to rule out the possibility of disease among the population. Having searched for several hours, no sample fish were detected and therefore no samples were transferred to the Marine Institute.
IFI continue to monitor the situation however at this stage in the absence of any evidence of pollution or any other causative agent they have no reason to believe this was anything but a natural event.
DATE OUT: 29/06/2021
ANSWERED By: Sean Long, Director, SWRBD
Departmental Funding
Questions (57)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:57. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current and capital funding allocation for 2021 for the Environmental Protection Agency. [39541/21]
View answerWritten answers
As set out in the Revised Estimates for the Public Services for 2021, the overall allocation from my Department's Vote to the Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 is €50,177,000, of which €34,656,000 is for current expenditure with the remaining €15,521,000 being allocated for capital expenditure.
Inland Fisheries
Questions (58)
Dara Calleary
Question:58. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 211 of 13 July 2021, the procedures for reappointment to the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland; if public consultation is involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39556/21]
View answerWritten answers
Section 14 (6) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 Act provides that any member of Inland Fisheries Ireland who completes a term of office is eligible for re-appointment, but may not serve more than 2 consecutive terms. All appointments, including re-appointments, are made in accordance with Section 12 of the 2010 Act and with due regard to the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
Inland Fisheries
Questions (59)
Seán Sherlock
Question:59. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the reason for the closure of the Inland Fisheries Ireland Educational outreach programme; the costs associated with the programme in each of the years 2016 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39578/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Educational Outreach Programme is managed and administered directly and independently by IFI under the governance of its Board. IFI's response to the Deputy's query is attached.
OBSERVATION/ADVICE NOTE
Iascach Intíre Éireann
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Education and Outreach Programme, which is funded by Dormant Accounts Funding, will continue until the end of 2021, a decision was made by the Board of IFI not to apply for Dormant Accounts Funding for 2022 as the focus of IFI going forward will be on the core functions of protection, management and conservation of Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity as per IFI’s Corporate Plan.
The costs associated with the Inland Fisheries Ireland Education and Outreach Programme for the years 2016 to 2020 were as follows:
Year 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Costs €0.00 €23,041.60 €25,000.00 €321,074.09 €476,728.66DATE OUT: 22/7/2021
ANSWERED By: Francis O’Donnell & Barry O’Connor
Grant Payments
Questions (60, 154)
Charles Flanagan
Question:60. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the actions being taken to address the backlog for SEAI warmer homes grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39589/21]
View answer
Darren O'Rourke
Question:154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of persons on the warmer homes scheme waiting list; the current estimated time from application to completion of works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41128/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 154 together. I propose to take Question Nos 60 and 154 together
The Better Energy Warmer Homes 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 and in 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800.
There are currently 7,805 people on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in the first half of 2021, the average time from application to completion was almost 26 months. The SEAI has advised me that wait times vary, based on the demand for the scheme at the time of application as well as other factors including the scale of works to be completed, access to the property, availability of materials and the weather.
The average wait times have increased significantly in 2021 due to the extensive COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity between March and June of 2020 as well as between January and April of 2021 when the scheme was fully paused in line with Government guidelines. Wait times have also been negatively impacted by challenges associated with availability and longer lead times for materials.
Funding for SEAI energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased significantly to over €109 million in 2021, with €100 million allocated to the Warmer Homes Scheme. This is an increase of €47 million on the 2020 allocation. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme. In addition, delivery capacity in the supply chain has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. Every effort is being made to maximise activity now that construction activity in the residential sector has recommenced.
Waste Management
Questions (61)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:61. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of contact he has had with the domestic waste industry regarding waivers being available for persons with health issues and who have to use incontinence products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38601/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has engaged with relevant stakeholders, including representative organisations such as Family Carer’s Ireland, Age Action, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, the Irish Wheelchair Association, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland and public bodies such as the National Disability Authority, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Department of Social Protection, in an effort to see how best to support persons with long-term incontinence with respect to the disposal of medical incontinence wear. Since mid-2017, a range of charging options have operated, which encourage householders to reduce and separate their waste. This provides flexibility to waste collectors to develop various service-price offerings that suit different household circumstances. Representatives from the waste industry were in positive discussions when a per kilogramme charging model was planned, however mandatory per kilogramme 'pay by weight' charging was not introduced and therefore their participation ended. A Price Monitoring Group (PMG) was established in mid-2017 to monitor the on-going cost of residential waste collection to homeowners across Ireland as the ‘flat-rate structure’ was being phased out. While fluctuations in prices and service offerings have been observed, the overall trend has been relative price stability. Results from the PMG are available on my Department's website.
In September 2020, Minister Ryan launched a new national waste policy for the period 2020-2025, A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. This plan contains a range of measures to empower households through enhanced consumer protection requirements. It also envisages an enhanced monitoring of the market to ensure continued relative price stability.
Broadband Infrastructure
Questions (62)
David Cullinane
Question:62. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 21 April 2021, if there are timelines in place for the commencement of the build works in the area; and when a property will be connected to broadband (details supplied). [39709/21]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 understand that this housing estate is a relatively new build and that neighbouring areas can access a high speed broadband service from commercial operators. The NBI website 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. I am advised that NBI plan to update their website with further details on the NBP rollout plan for all counties, including Waterford, at the end of August. 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 21 July, 336 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 installed at Knockanore Community Centre, Modeligo Community Hall, Mount Melleray Community Hall and Ballysaggart Community Centre. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Whitechurch National School, Faithlegg National School, Ballycurrane National School, Fenor National School and Saint Mary's National School are connected as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Citizens' Assembly
Questions (63, 67)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:63. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the citizens’ assembly for environmental rights will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39715/21]
View answer
Seán Haughey
Question:67. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for a citizens’ assembly on environmental issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39829/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 67 together.
While there is currently no plan to establish a citizens' assembly specifically focusing on environmental rights, the Programme for Government recognises that tackling environmental challenges is the responsibility of everyone in society, including the State, industry, the voluntary sector, and communities of citizens across the country.
The establishment of a Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity will be progressed in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government.
In terms of climate change which is the existential environmental challenge that we face, a public consultation in relation to the Climate Action Plan, in March 2021, clearly showed that among the 3,800 respondents 92% reported a high level of awareness of the risk posed by climate change and the need for action.
Following on from the successful piloting of the National Dialogue for Climate Action (NDCA) between 2017 to 2019, an enduring structure for a reinvigorated NDCA is close to being finalised and will deliver a systematic approach to engagement and activation on climate change across all of society in support of the national transition objectives and the Climate Action Plan.
The NDCA adopts a person centred model which has three key objectives:
- creating awareness, understanding and engagement on climate change;
- motivating and enabling climate action and improving climate literacy among communities and citizens;
- promoting self-efficacy and empowering citizens to take climate action and to inform policy responses.
The NDCA will function as the coordinating structure facilitating broad citizen and stakeholder dialogue. The NDCA will be the key mechanism through which climate actions related to public engagement, participation, community action, networking and capacity building activities are delivered, giving everyone in society the opportunity to fully engage constructively in climate action in a fair, just and equitable manner.
Special Areas of Conservation
Questions (64)
Mairéad Farrell
Question:64. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a bye law on the Lough Corrib special area of conservation 000297 uses the term, managed primarily for the benefit of salmonids, given the addition of the words primarily managed is a dilution of the SAC and may impact on the integrity of the SAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39760/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to “legislate to designate our Western Lakes as salmonid lakes”. These lakes have long been so designated as a matter of policy. The proposed Bye-law, intended to give effect to the commitment, and referred to by the Deputy is currently in working draft form. A public consultation on a final draft is due to commence shortly and the draft will be publically available at that stage. All interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to make their views known during the consultation period.
In parallel, the Department has tendered for an independent Appropriate Assessment (AA), in line with the requirements of the EU Habitats Directive to be undertaken to bring independent professional advice to bear on potential impacts of the bye-law on the conservation objectives of the waters concerned. The final draft bye-law will be subject to legal advice.
Departmental Functions
Questions (65)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:65. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 15 July 2021, if his Department monitors or collects data on mobile phone coverage on either a county or on a State-wide basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39811/21]
View answerWritten answers
As I outlined in my response to Question No. 147 of 15 July, the 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. While my Department does not collect data on mobile coverage, the Regulator (ComReg) does and has used this data to develop a national outdoor coverage map (available at coveragemap.comreg.ie/map), which is a useful tool for all consumers to use to make the best choice of network provider.
Broadband Infrastructure
Questions (66)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Question:66. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 15 July 2021, the number of premises connected to date in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39812/21]
View answerWritten answers
As I outlined in my reply to Question No. 149 of 15 July, build works involving some 2,100 premises in County Mayo are currently underway in the Deployment Area that covers Castlebar and surrounding townlands including Turlough, Ballyhean, Clooneen, Kilhale, Tawnylaheen and Burren. I understand that National Broadband Ireland anticipates that by early 2022, these build works will have been completed and these premises will be able to order a service and be connected to the NBP network.
Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 63.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Questions (68)
Catherine Connolly
Question:68. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 36 of 7 July 2021, if no environmental assessments were conducted for any project in connection with the SEAI subsea observatory offshore at An Spidéal, Contae na Gaillimhe; the basis on which it is concluded that, there is no requirement to undertake environmental assessments for any projects hosted in the subsea observatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39855/21]
View answerWritten answers
I have no function in relation to the subsea observatory at An Spidéal, Contae na Gaillimhe. The subsea observatory is licensed and managed by the Marine Institute and relevant enquiries and questions should be directed to the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine, which has responsibility for the Marine Institute.
Waste Management
Questions (69, 71)
Gerald Nash
Question:69. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated revenue that could be raised from a waste recovery levy at €5 a tonne to apply to the three key waste recovery options, landfill, incineration and export; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39911/21]
View answerGerald Nash
Question:71. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated yield from introducing an incineration levy at €50, €75 and €100 per tonne in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39920/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 71 together. It should be noted that a recovery levy could not be applied to landfill as this is a disposal activity and not a waste recovery option. In any event, a landfill levy of €75 per tonne is already in place.
The information requested regarding recovery levy is not available as the potential yield would depend on a wide range of factors including whether any such levy, inter alia:
- would apply to all recovery operations, of which incineration in just one, or incineration only;
- would apply to recovery or incineration activity in Ireland only or to waste exported from Ireland for recovery / incineration elsewhere in the EU;
- would be introduced as a standalone measure or in parallel to an increase in landfill levy;
- would include exemptions from the charge - for example, for certain materials or specific recovery activities that make beneficial use of waste for landfill engineering.
National waste statistics are published by the EPA and are available at: www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/municipal/
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy contains a range of measures to reform and strengthen waste management with a greater focus on prevention. It also sets out a range of objectives to drive higher recycling rates including the introduction of a recovery levy, which will be provided for under the Circular Economy Bill, and a commensurate increase in the landfill levy. It should be noted that these measures are intended to effect behavioural change and move Ireland higher up the waste hierarchy and not as revenue raising.
Environmental Policy
Questions (70)
Gerald Nash
Question:70. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated revenue that could be raised from raising the landfill levy by €5, €10 and €15 per tonne respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39912/21]
View answerWritten answers
Estimated projections are shown in the table below. These are based on the actual leviable tonnes of waste to landfill from 2016 – 2019, from the published audited accounts available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/f6b84-environment-fund-accounts/. The projected figures are approximate and do not take into account a wide range of variables such as varying degrees of behavioural change arising from different levels of increase, late interest payments, etc. The figures have been prepared as an approximate forecast only and do not necessarily reflect potential future increases to the landfill levy.
|
Year |
Quantity for which Levy Applies (€75 per tonne) |
Estimated projection -additional €5 |
Estimated projection -additional €10 |
Estimated projection -additional €15 |
|
2016 |
608,388 |
€48,671,058 |
€51,712,999 |
€54,754,940 |
|
2017 |
495,131 |
€39,610,444 |
€42,086,097 |
€44,561,750 |
|
2018 |
250,143 |
€20,011,432 |
€21,262,147 |
€22,512,861 |
|
2019 |
117,127 |
€9,370,131 |
€9,955,764 |
€10,541,398 |
Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 69.
Environmental Policy
Questions (72)
Gerald Nash
Question:72. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the introduction of the coffee cup levy; the estimated yield from a 25 cent levy on every disposable coffee cup in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39921/21]
View answerWritten answers
The necessary legislative basis for the introduction of an environmental levy on disposable coffee cups is will be provided via the Circular Economy Bill, 2021. The General Scheme of the Bill was published in May 2021, and the aim is to seek its enactment as a priority before the end of this year.
Precise details regarding scope and rate of the levy on disposable coffee cups will then be set out in related secondary legislation, with the intention of bringing the levy into force as early as possible in 2022.
My Department does not hold any reliable data regarding the current total number of disposable coffee cups used each year, and so cannot provide the requested estimated yield. I would however point out that the introduction of this environmental levy is not primarily intended as a revenue raising measure, but rather as a means of incentivising increased use of affordable,
re-usable alternatives to disposable coffee cups. Such cups are single use items which represent an almost entirely avoidable waste stream.
Environmental Policy
Questions (73)
Gerald Nash
Question:73. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated yield from a 10 or 25 cent levy on every plastic bottle sold in Ireland, a 10 or 25 cent levy on every fruit and vegetable sold in plastic and a 10 or 25 cent levy on disposable takeaway containers in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39922/21]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested is not available.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020, outlines a range of measures that will be implemented over a five year period to address the environmental threat arising from plastic, particularly single use plastics. These include a ban on a range of single use plastic products which has been in place since 3rd July 2021 and the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic bottles in Q3 2022.
Environmental Policy
Questions (74)
Gerald Nash
Question:74. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated yield from expanding the plastic bag levy to include medium-weight plastic bags and increasing the tax from 22c to 25c from 1 January 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39923/21]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the categories of bags currently subject to the plastic bag levy (PBL), based on the levy's performance in recent years until 31 December 2020, my Department's best estimate is that an increase in the rate from 22c to 25c would result in an initial additional levy yield in the region of €570,000 per annum. This estimate is calculated as follows:
|
Additional Measure |
Estimated number of bags subject to the PBL |
Estimated Total PBL Revenue |
Estimated increase in PBL yield due to additional measure |
|
Increase in PBL) rate from 22c to 25c |
19,000,000 |
€4.8m |
€570k |
It should be noted that PBL yields have been in decline over a number of years in line with decreased use of the relevant single use plastic bags. As such, the estimate provided here should be treated as highly provisional. I would also point out that the primary function of the levy is not to be a revenue raising measure, but rather to incentivise increased use of affordable, sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic bags, such bags representing an almost entirely avoidable waste stream.
In relation to medium weight plastic bags, which I take to be those for which consumers are currently charged at least 70c at the point of sale, as these bags are not currently subject to the levy my Department holds no information in relation to the number used each year. Therefore I cannot provide the requested estimate in relation to any extension of the PBL to cover such bags.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (75)
Paul Kehoe
Question:75. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the agencies and State organisations under his Department that are receiving State funding that do not have to declare salaries of employees under the 2016 code of governance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40034/21]
View answerWritten answers
All of the bodies under the aegis of my Department that receive State funding are obliged to comply with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies Business and Financial Reporting Requirements and publish the required salary details of employees in their annual report and/or financial statements.
Post Office Network
Questions (76, 100, 156)
Holly Cairns
Question:76. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on introducing a public service obligation of approximately €17 million per annum for the post office network. [40179/21]
View answer
Niamh Smyth
Question:100. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the financial and structural plans being considered and that are in place to protect rural post offices and to keep the fabric of rural Ireland intact; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40739/21]
View answerDarren O'Rourke
Question:156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will be providing a public service obligation for the post office network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Question Nos. 76, 100 and 156 together.
An Post is a commercial State body with a mandate to act commercially. It has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network. Decisions relating to the network, including those in relation to the size, distribution and future of the network are operational matters for the Board and management of the company.
While it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the Government, we remain fully committed to a sustainable post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. As with any business the post office needs to develop commercial strategies to enable it to grow and maintain its relevance for its users.
A Capital Expenditure programme was approved at Ministerial level which, as part of the Company’s commitment to the sustainability of its network, is designed to develop the newer elements of An Post’s Financial Services business and mitigate declining core mail volumes and revenues on the Retail side of the business. €30m in State funding was made available to the company, of which €15 million is to support the renewal of the post office network and a further €15 million towards the continued fulfilment of a five-day per week mail delivery service.
Government is committed to working with An Post and postmasters to ensure that the network continues to play a strong role in delivering State services. An Inter-Departmental Group, co-chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, has been established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of directing more Government business to the post office network.
All options will be considered fully to give effect to our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and viable post office network, while respecting the commercial mandate of An Post.
Electricity Generation
Questions (77)
Mary Butler
Question:77. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the timeline for issuing of payments to homeowners and or private citizens under the solar PV scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40199/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is responsible for the operation of the grant scheme to help homeowners install rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) equipment. Details of eligibility criteria and how to apply are set out on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie. As of 30 June 2021, 6,718 applications have received grant support under the scheme with €14.7m funding provided.Once an Applicant has applied for and received grant approval, they will then have 8 months to complete the works and submit a Declaration of Works and other required documentation to the SEAI. Grants may only be claimed after the measures are fully completed and the company contracted to carry out the works has been paid by or has entered into a financing agreement with the homeowner. Due to the popularity of the scheme, the SEAI ask that customers allow up to six weeks for the processing of payments, with additional time if an inspection is required.More information is available at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/solar-electricity-grant/.
Local Authorities
Questions (78)
Neale Richmond
Question:78. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of funding that was allocated to each local authority to deal with illegal dumping, graffiti and vandalism in each of the years 2015 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40214/21]
View answerWritten answers
The grant schemes of direct relevance are the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) and the Anti Litter-Anti Graffiti Scheme (ALAGS).
The annual ADI, was introduced in 2017 to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, communities and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. Details of funding for the years 2017 - 2020 are available at the link below. A further €3m has been allocated to the Anti-Dumping Initiative in 2021.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/e27ac-anti-dumping-initiative/
The anti-litter grants provided to city and county councils are utilised to fund a range of measures aimed at raising public awareness of the litter issue and promoting anti-litter and anti-graffiti activity at a local level. Allocations for the years 2017 - 2020 are set out in the table below. A further €745,000 has been allocated in 2021.
My Department is also providing an additional €5m this year to support additional litter infrastructure by local authorities in the context of the Government's emphasis on an outdoor summer.
|
Local Authority Name |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Carlow County Council |
15,000 |
15,000 |
19,000 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
16,600 |
|
Cavan County Council |
15,000 |
15,000 |
19,000 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
16,606 |
|
Clare County Council |
18,000 |
18,000 |
23,000 |
23,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
Cork City Council |
28,000 |
28,000 |
36,000 |
36,000 |
31,400 |
31,360 |
|
Cork County Council |
28,000 |
28,000 |
36,000 |
36,000 |
31,500 |
31,500 |
|
Donegal County Council |
20,000 |
20,000 |
25,960 |
26,000 |
22,700 |
22,700 |
|
Dublin City Council |
56,000 |
56,000 |
72,000 |
72,000 |
63,000 |
52,257 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County |
28,000 |
27,442 |
35,960 |
35,938 |
31,500 |
31,500 |
|
Fingal County Council |
28000 |
28,000 |
36,000 |
36,000 |
31,500 |
31,500 |
|
Galway City Council |
28000 |
28,000 |
36,000 |
36,000 |
31,400 |
31,400 |
|
Galway County Council |
20,000 |
20,000 |
26,000 |
26,000 |
22,700 |
22,700 |
|
Kerry County Council |
20,000 |
20,000 |
26,000 |
26,000 |
22,700 |
22,700 |
|
Kildare County Council |
18,000 |
18,000 |
23,000 |
23,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
18,000 |
17,850 |
23,000 |
23,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
Laois County Council |
15,000 |
15,000 |
19,000 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
9,996 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
12,500 |
12,500 |
16,000 |
16,000 |
14,000 |
14,000 |
|
Limerick City & County |
40,000 |
40,000 |
51,000 |
51,000 |
44,500 |
44,500 |
|
Longford County Council |
12,500 |
12,500 |
16,000 |
16,000 |
14,000 |
14,000 |
|
Louth County Council |
18,000 |
18,000 |
23,000 |
23,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
Mayo County Council |
18,000 |
18,000 |
23,000 |
23,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
Meath County Council |
20,000 |
20,000 |
26,000 |
26,000 |
22,700 |
22,700 |
|
Monaghan County |
15,000 |
15,000 |
18,900 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
16,600 |
|
Offaly County Council |
15,000 |
14,630 |
13,860 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
16,600 |
|
Roscommon County |
15,000 |
15,000 |
19,000 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
16,600 |
|
Sligo County Council |
15,000 |
15,000 |
19,000 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
16,600 |
|
South Dublin County |
28,000 |
28,000 |
36,000 |
36,000 |
31,500 |
31,500 |
|
Tipperary County |
33,000 |
33,000 |
42,000 |
42,000 |
36,500 |
36,500 |
|
Waterford City & County |
38,000 |
33,918 |
35,391 |
48,793 |
42,700 |
33,320 |
|
Westmeath County |
15,000 |
15,000 |
19,000 |
19,000 |
16,600 |
16,600 |
|
Wexford County Council |
22,000 |
22,000 |
28,000 |
28,000 |
24,400 |
24,400 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
18,000 |
18,000 |
23,000 |
23,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |