Written Answers Nos. 275-318
275. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for the development of Cong Hatchery and associated facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50645/21]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) operates a working hatchery in Cong, Co. Mayo. I am advised by IFI that they are working on development and operational options which will be submitted to the Department for consideration in the coming months.
276. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a price for selling back solar energy to the grid will be put in place. [50680/21]
View answerA Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff will be available to all renewables self-consumers later this year, including those with solar PV installations, subject to regulatory arrangements and the transposition of Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED II).This tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, allowing them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, reflective of the market value of that electricity. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlines the details for the introduction of the CEG payment, along with eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction. The CRU proposes that a competitive approach will apply to the CEG tariff. I understand the CRU consultation will last four weeks, with a decision expected to be published in November and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards. Further to a public consultation held earlier this year, my Department is developing a final scheme design for the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) that incorporates the feedback from the consultation and subsequent additional analysis. It is expected that a proposal on the supports to be offered to citizens, farms, schools and businesses under the MSS, which may include grants or premium tariff payments for new installations, will be submitted to Government later this year.
277. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role which former peat fired power stations may play in the decarbonisation of the electricity system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50684/21]
View answer278. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role which former peat fired power stations may play in the decarbonisation of the electricity system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50685/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 278 together.
The management of ESB-owned facilities are an operational matter for the Board and management of the ESB.
The Just Transition Commissioner made a recommendation in his first progress report, published in May 2020, that a study be undertaken in relation to the future potential of the ESB power stations at both Lanesborough (Lough Ree Power) and Shannonbridge (West Offaly Power) for the establishment of a dedicated Energy Hub in the Midlands. This was subsequently included as a commitment in the Programme for Government.
ESB has been participating in a number of working groups established under the Just Transition programme which looked at the future of the Midlands area following the closure of the ESB Midlands stations and the ending of the harvesting of peat by Bord na Móna.
One of the working groups, which included representatives of my Department, relevant Local Authorities, and the Just Transition Commissioner, looked specifically at how the existing infrastructure on the station sites might form a part of a future renewable energy hub. To that end, ESB commissioned an internal engineering report to examine how the power plants might be re-used in the future. Options reviewed included the possibility of using other types of fuel. The report was subsequently reviewed by Fichtner, an external international consultancy firm with acknowledged expertise in these areas. These reports have not identified any viable alternative use for the existing power plants.
ESB has informed the Department, however, that it plans to lodge planning applications shortly to develop additional energy services at these sites. These will include synchronous condensers and energy storage capabilities at both locations.
279. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to review the current policy and regulatory framework pertaining to direct wire in order to support the deployment of distributed generation. [50866/21]
View answerThe Electricity Regulation Act,1999, as amended, sets out the current legislative framework for Direct Lines. Specifically, Section 37 of the 1999 Act provides that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) may grant permission to construct a direct line not connected to the transmission system or distribution system but only where an application to connect and use the transmission or distribution system has been refused on the grounds of lack of capacity. Section 37 also provides for dispute resolution by the CRU if a direct line is refused grid connection.Under Action 31 of the Climate Action Plan Interim Actions my Department is giving consideration to further the facilitation of private networks / direct lines. Further details for this Action, including the attendant public consultation, will be made available upon publication of the Climate Action Plan.
280. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the SEAI-administered EXEED scheme is funded nationally or if it receives European Union funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50975/21]
View answerThe EXEED grant scheme is funded by the Exchequer and does not receive European Union funding. Full details of the EXEED grant scheme can be found on the SEAI website at the following link: www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/business-grants-and-supports/exeed-certified-grant/.
281. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the definition that his Department uses for energy poverty or fuel poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51000/21]
View answer282. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the methodology for measuring and tracking energy and fuel poverty levels that his Department uses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51001/21]
View answer283. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated number of households in energy or fuel poverty in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51002/21]
View answer298. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average cost to the State of retrofitting a home for those living or at risk of energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51293/21]
View answer304. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason he did not increase the €109 million retrofitting budget for those living or at risk of energy poverty in Budget 2022 compared to Budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51299/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 281, 282, 283, 298 and 304 together.
Energy poverty or fuel poverty is influenced by a person’s income, the energy efficiency of their home and the cost of the energy they use in their home. My Department defines energy poverty as an inability to heat or power a home to an adequate degree. Analysis carried out in 2016 for the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty found that 28% of households in Ireland could be in energy poverty i.e. would need to spend more than 10% of their income on their energy needs.
Good progress has been made since the launch of the Strategy. The ESRI carried out an analysis of the number of households at risk of experiencing energy poverty in 2019 and again in 2020. This showed that the share of households needing to spend more than 10% of their income on their energy needs was 17.5% in 2020. The Survey on Income and Living Conditions supports this, indicating that the proportion of people who report that they are unable to afford to keep the home adequately warm, has fallen from 9% in 2015 to 4.9% in 2019. Details in relation to 2021 are not yet available.
Government policy for a number of years has focused on supplementing lower income households through the Fuel Allowance and other payments, as well as providing free energy efficiency upgrades through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland schemes and the Social Housing retrofitting programme.
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. In the first six months of 2021, the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was approximately €17,100.
Budget 2022 has allocated €202 million for residential and community retrofit next year. Over half of this (€109 million) will be used to provide free energy efficiency upgrades to households that are in, or at risk of, energy poverty. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will invest a further €85 million as part of the Social Housing Retrofit Programme in 2022. Overall, this represents an allocation of €194 million to retrofitting homes of those most at risk of energy poverty next year - an increase of €20 million on this year’s allocation.
While the budget for SEAI energy poverty schemes next year has not increased, it should be noted that COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity between January and April had a significant impact on activity and actual expenditure this year. Every effort is being made to maximise activity now that construction activity in the residential sector has recommenced.
Budget 2022 also provided for a €5 increase to the Fuel Allowance to €33 per week, or €924 per year, as well as an extension of the eligibility criteria for the payment, by the Minister for Social Protection. A review of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty will be completed this year and will inform next steps in relation to the development of a new strategy. Measures to support those least able to afford to retrofit their homes will also be a key consideration for the new National Retrofit Plan which will be published later this year.
Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 281.
Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 281.
284. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he was consulted by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the reduction in the space for nature element of CAP and the impact this would have on the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51010/21]
View answerThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are currently preparing Ireland’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (CSP). As part of that deliberative process, my Department along with other Government Departments and State Agencies have been actively engaged in consultation with that Department on the design of the proposed set of interventions. The CSP in its current form is a draft proposal and the interventions outlined should be treated as such. The CSP requires a further public consultation, a Strategic Environmental Assessment, and an Appropriate Assessment before it is considered by Government before the end of this year. Therefore, the details of the strategy as currently outlined do not represent a final policy decision.
It is vital that the CSP strikes a balance between financially supporting the agri-food sector and individual farmers, while also addressing the serious needs of our environment and in particular our climate, water, air and biodiversity.
I would also note that the upcoming Climate Action Plan 2021 will set out the measures we need to reach our 2030 targets across every sector, including agriculture. These measures will include more renewable energy, decreased transport emissions, changes in how we heat our homes but also changes to how we grow our food and look after our land. With the correct policy choices, we can reward farmers for sequestering carbon, restoring biodiversity, producing clean energy, and improving water and air quality, while remaining profitable and competitive.
285. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 42 of 12 October 2021, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) does not appear on the list provided. [51019/21]
View answerThe National Trans Frontier Shipments Office (NTFSO) in Dublin City Council is responsible for the enforcement of the Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations 2007, including the maintenance of registers. Waste holders have a number of legal avenues open to them when disposing of their waste under the Waste Management Act 1996, including through the use of waste brokers and dealers registered with the NTFSO. Enforcement of the Act is a matter for the Environment Protection Agency and the local authorities. The Minister, under Section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance, in specific cases, by the Agency or a local authority of their statutory functions under the Act.
286. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter in relation to a better energy home grant application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51037/21]
View answerThe Better Energy Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Individual applications to the Better Energy Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and as Minister I have no role in such matters. SEAI operate under a Customer Charter and a complaints and appeals procedure is in place. If after following this procedure an applicant is not satisfied with the outcome, they can ask the Office of the Ombudsman for an independent review of the complaint. Further details are available here: www.seai.ie/customer-charter/.I am advised by officials in SEAI that the applicant the Deputy is referring to has received responses from SEAI in line with their Customer Charter.
287. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated amount spent by his Department on the procurement, purchase and rent of new office space; and the amount spent on the procurement, purchase and rent of office equipment in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [51103/21]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
288. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of offices currently being rented or in ownership of his Department which are currently not in use by the Department. [51120/21]
View answerMy Department does not currently have any unused office space.
289. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will instruct his Department to extend the deadline for the town hall consultation meetings for stakeholders in relation to mineral exploration and mining here beyond 22 October 2021 to facilitate an open and in-person consultation that will not disenfranchise rural communities that have restricted access to internet connection considering the final phase of the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic comes into effect on 22 October 2021 which will see most of the remaining Covid-19 restrictions lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51163/21]
View answerThe ten-week public consultation on the draft Policy Statement on Mineral Exploration and Mining and associated Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and Appropriate Assessment Natura Impact Statement began on 30 July 2021. Notices to highlight the public consultation were placed online and where possible (if public contact details were available) direct emails or messages were sent to stakeholders, including community groups. A newspaper notice to highlight the consultation was also placed in every regional newspaper and a national newspaper in early September.
To raise awareness of the consultation and highlight issues in the sector of public interest so that people could make informed submissions, and with consideration of the public health guidelines at the time, the Department organised online information sessions for the week of 20 September 2021 and an online stakeholder townhall event for 6 October 2021 to give stakeholders an opportunity to hear, express and discuss views on the draft policy statement and mineral sector in Ireland. A number of presenters, including representatives from eNGOs, community groups, industry and research were invited by the Department to present at this townhall. A comprehensive consultation process has been undertaken and it is not proposed to extend the consultation period beyond 15 October 2021.
The submissions received by the Department as part of this consultation by post or email will inform the final Policy Statement, which will be submitted to Government for consideration.
290. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the public appointment process that was used to appoint the new members of the Climate Change Advisory Council announced on 12 October 2021. [51186/21]
View answerThe recent four appointments to the Climate Change Advisory Council by Government were made in accordance with the provisions set out in Section 9 (3) and (4) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and Section 10 (4) (a) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. These legal provisions define the range of knowledge and relevant experience required for Ministerial nomination for these posts. The four people appointed all had the necessary experience and knowledge deemed appropriate for their nomination to Government.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 as amended does not envisage a formal public appointment process in making appointments to the Climate Change Advisory Council.
291. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the roll-out by National Broadband Ireland will be extended to an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51214/21]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Notwithstanding this, my Department has undertaken an initial investigation into the matter and I understand that Innishannon Main Street, Co. Cork is connected to the local exchange and therefore premises on this road should be able to access speeds of up to 90Mbps.
Given that this premises is located outside of the Intervention Area, I have asked my officials to pass the details on to the Department of Rural and Community Development to ascertain whether their funding programmes for remote working and improved connectivity might be relevant. The Department of Rural and Community Development will be asked to respond directly in relation to the matters raised.
292. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason only homeowners including landlords, whose homes were built before 2011 can apply for the solar electricity grant in order to help with the installation of solar PV panels; his plans to allow owners of houses built since 2011 to apply for this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51287/21]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the grant scheme to help homeowners to install solar PV panels on their home. To date, some 7,135 applications have been supported, with 1,926 Building Energy Ratings of B2 or above achieved. The scheme is only open to homes built and occupied before 2011 because those houses must be in compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations, which relates to the energy performance of buildings requirements. There are options to meet this requirement under the standard by including heat pumps and/or solar PV. However, grants are not targeted at meeting compliance requirements, but at increasing the energy efficiency of older dwellings that may not have been constructed to the same standards as newer builds.
Targeting the grant scheme at homes built before the renewable energy requirement for new homes was introduced ensures that the grants available through the SEAI maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. There are currently no changes to this requirement for access to the scheme envisaged.
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland allowing them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid which reflects the market value of that electricity, regardless of the build year of a property.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlines the details for the introduction of the CEG payment including eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction, with a decision expected to be published in November and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards.
293. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount expended on the solar electricity grant in each year since its inception; the number of installations completed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51288/21]
View answer301. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that will receive financial assistance under the solar PV grant programme in 2022; the estimated average grant; the estimated impact this will have on electricity demand and carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51296/21]
View answer302. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households that have received a grant to date under the solar PV scheme in each year; the impact this had on carbon emissions to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51297/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 293, 301 and 302 together.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the grant scheme to help homeowners to install solar PV panels on their home. The scheme was launched in July 2018. The table below outlines the scheme statistics for each year. Figures for 2021 are as at 30 September 2021.
|
Year |
No. of homes |
Value of support (€) |
MW installed |
Co2 saved (tonnes) |
|
2018 |
71 |
125,350 |
0.2 |
53 |
|
2019 |
1,820 |
4,266,405 |
6.1 |
1,609 |
|
2020 |
2,916 |
7,353,320 |
10.8 |
2,838 |
|
2021 (ytd) |
2,328 |
5,333,218 |
9.1 |
2,390 |
26.2 MW installed under the scheme to date equates to an annual output of 20,960 MWhs, which equates to supporting 64.6% of the annual demand for these homes.
€10 million is allocated for the scheme in 2022, an increase on the €8 million allocation for 2021. The number of grants which could be achieved in 2022 with this level of funding, as well as the average value of grants and the impact of the scheme in terms of MW installed and emissions avoided, is dependent on factors such as installation size, the rate of battery installations etc., which vary between applications.
Grant supports for domestic solar PV in 2022 will align with the upcoming Clean Export Guarantee tariff and other supports to be offered under the planned Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS). My Department is developing a final scheme design for the MSS, and it is expected that a proposal on the supports to be offered will be submitted to Government later this year.
294. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount carried over from his Department’s 2021 budget allocation to Budget 2022; the Departmental underspend in the 2021 budget allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51289/21]
View answer295. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the programmes or initiatives to be funded under the energy transformation heading in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51290/21]
View answer300. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the detailed breakdown of the €202 million announced for retrofits in Budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51295/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 294, 295 and 300 together.
The 2022 allocation for my Department is €858million which represents a 19% increase over the 2021 allocation of €720million. Allocations by programme area for 2022 are set out in the table below:
|
- |
2021 |
2022 |
||||
|
Programme (€m) |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
Current |
Capital |
Total |
|
A - CLIMATE ACTION and ENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP |
50 |
75 |
125 |
55 |
97 |
152 |
|
B - ENERGY TRANSFORMATION |
44 |
270 |
314 |
51 |
318 |
368 |
|
C - CIRCULAR ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT* |
11 |
13 |
24 |
46 |
52 |
98 |
|
D - CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNICATIONS DELIVERY |
15 |
218 |
233 |
18 |
234 |
251 |
|
- Inland Fisheries* |
31 |
3 |
34 |
|
|
|
|
Gross Total |
152 |
579 |
731 |
169 |
700 |
869 |
|
Appropriations in Aid |
11 |
|
11 |
10 |
|
10 |
|
Net Total |
141 |
579 |
720 |
158 |
700 |
858 |
Detailed allocations for 2022 for sub-programmes and initiatives within these four programmes are being finalised as part of my Department's annual business planning process. The final allocations by sub-programme/initiative will be included in the Revised Estimates Volume in December.
My officials are currently reviewing the year end capital position for my Department. Following this review there will be engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the level of capital carryover from 2021 to 2022. The level of carryover for each Department is subject to the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The approved level of capital carryover will also be included in the Revised Estimates Volume.
Budget 2022 commits €202m to fund the SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and a further €10m from the Exchequer for the Solar PV scheme. This investment will support over 22,000 home energy upgrades, including over 6,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2. It will deliver warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes with lower energy bills. It will also reduce emissions from the residential sector and improve air quality.
€109m of this €202m allocation will be used to provide free energy efficiency upgrades to households that are in, or at risk of, energy poverty. Over 4,500 upgrades will be carried out under these SEAI schemes.
Question No. 295 answered with Question No. 294.
296. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that have been retrofitted to date in 2021; the number estimated to be retrofitted by the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51291/21]
View answer297. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that will be retrofitted in 2022; the number of these that will be fully funded by the State; the cost of same; the number that will be partially funded by the State; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51292/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.
Improving the energy efficiency of our homes and reducing their carbon emissions is a critical climate priority and a major focus of the funding provided in the National Development Plan review. €5 billion in carbon tax receipts will be invested by my Department to support the achievement of our national targets which are to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by 2030 with €1.3 billion of this to be provided for the period 2022-2025.
A new National Retrofit Plan to be published shortly will detail the Government’s approach to meeting these targets and will address barriers to retrofit across four key areas: driving demand and activity; financing and affordability; supply chain, skills and standards; and structures and governance.
Extensive COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity in the residential sector between January and April have had a significant impact on activity this year. Over 9,800 retrofits have been delivered to date in 2021 and the SEAI estimate that will rise to over 16,000 homes retrofitted by the end of the year.
Budget 2022 commits €202 million in carbon tax revenue to fund the SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and a further €10 million from the Exchequer for the Solar PV scheme. This investment will support over 22,000 home energy upgrades, including over 6,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 and over 4,500 upgrades under the SEAI energy poverty schemes. It will deliver warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes with lower energy bills. It will also reduce emissions from the residential sector and improve air quality. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will invest a further €85 million as part of the Local Authority Retrofit Programme in 2022. This will deliver approximately 2,400 B2 retrofits of Local Authority homes next year.
Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 296.
303. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount the low-cost loan scheme for residential retrofitting will cost the State in 2022; the number of households that are expected to use this facility in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51298/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government and the 2019 Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to upgrade 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal or carbon equivalent, and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by 2030. These targets represent a very significant increase in both the volume and depth of retrofit activity in Ireland. My Department is engaging with the Department of Finance and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland in relation to the development of a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme. This project has been selected for inclusion in Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The specific features of the scheme as well as its costing are still under development. However, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan estimated the cost at €60 million, inclusive of €40 million from the European funding but excluding operational costs.
The part-Exchequer and part-EU funded loan guarantee will provide risk protection to retail credit institutions participating in the scheme. This will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates and make comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable to consumers. As a result, households will be able to enjoy more comfortable and healthier homes with a lower carbon footprint.
The loan guarantee is expected to increase the volume of retrofit activity within the State and improve the resilience of the supply chain within the retrofit sector. The scheme will also signal to the banking sector new viable business opportunities associated with the transition to a low carbon economy.
305. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will address a matter (details supplied). [50260/21]
View answerFirst of all, I wish to acknowledge what a tragedy the Whiddy Island disaster was and to express my deepest sympathies to those who died and the families they left behind. As the Deputy is aware the report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Whiddy Disaster considered the role of the terminal operator, ship operator and several Government Departments and Authorities as well as the role of other States. There was no finding of any failings in the maritime transport safety regulatory regime for the ship from an Irish aspect.
306. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Transport the steps his Department is taking to ensure that grey seals are not placed at undue risk due to commercial vessel-based or shipping-based activities. [50453/21]
View answerMeasures in relation to the protection of marine animals are a matter for the National Parks and Wildlife service under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and I have no role in the formulation or enforcement of those measures.
I understand that such measures under that Department's remit include:
- The Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018, which states all cetaceans and seals are protected species listed on the 5th Schedule.
- Under the OSPAR Convention to Protect the Marine Environment of the North East Atlantic, Ireland is committed to establishing marine protected areas to protect biodiversity.
In Autumn 2019, the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage initiated a process aimed at expanding Ireland’s network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the coming years.
I am aware that, in line with the Wildlife Acts, when ports are undertaking dredging or dumping at sea activities, they use the services of a Marine Mammal Observer to mitigate any impact on marine mammals in the area.
In relation to my Department's role, it is responsible for legislating for the prevention of pollution from ships. The Coast Guard, within the Department of Transport, is tasked with Marine Pollution response and also examining Oil Pollution response plans for Port and Local authorities around the coast. These activities also prevent and mitigate harmful pollution to marine mammals from ship based activities.
307. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport if there is now no plan to construct a MetroLink southern route towards Terenure and Rathfarnham or towards Belfield and Stillorgan (details supplied); the reason these routes are not being proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51223/21]
View answerI think it important to set out what are two different processes currently underway both of which relate to the potential future development of metro in Dublin.
Firstly we have the MetroLink project, which is likely the largest ever public investment project in the history of the State. It faces imminent and important milestones in the coming months and these milestones will determine its progress in the coming years.
The first milestone is Government’s approval of the Preliminary Business Case and secondly there is the submission of a Railway Order application to An Bord Pleanála. On that first milestone, my Department has received a draft Preliminary Business Case for MetroLink. This represents Decision Gate 1 under the Public Spending Code and the Preliminary Business Case is currently under review.
For major projects, like MetroLink, the Public Spending Code requires a Government decision and I expect to seek such a Government decision in the near future. If approved by Government, that will allow MetroLink to move into the statutory planning system, subject to the completion of the necessary planning and environmental documentation.
The second impending milestone is the submission of Railway Order applications for MetroLink. That application requires the finalisation of an extensive set of documentation, including environmental impact assessment reports, and that work is ongoing in relation to this project.
I understand that an extensive body of work remains in relation to finalising the preliminary design, completing the required environmental impact assessment reports and closing out property referencing issues. This should be completed during Q1 next year and, subject to the Government decision mentioned above, the project will then be ready to seek planning permission.
Secondly we have the statutory review of the Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area. The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 stipulates that the Strategy must be reviewed every six years and this review provides an opportunity to re-examine and re-consider proposals for inclusion in the revised Strategy. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has stated that, as part of its review, it is considering whether additional metro routes, above and beyond MetroLink, should be included in any revised Strategy.
The NTA plan to publish the draft Strategy for public consultation shortly and there will be a six- week consultation process with the full draft Strategy document and a number of background reports available on the NTA’s website. Following the conclusion of the consultation process, the NTA will review and assess all of the submissions and once finalized, the Strategy will be submitted to for Ministerial approval in accordance with the legislative requirements.
Inclusion in any revised Strategy is the first step in what is a very detailed and often lengthy process to enable projects move from the strategic support, enabled by inclusion in a Transport Strategy, to being a project with a Preliminary Business Case seeking approval to enter the statutory planning process.
308. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport when the Bus Éireann X20 route serving the towns and villages Oranmore, Craughwell, Loughrea and Ballinasloe, County Galway, will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50374/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters.
While most public transport in Ireland comprises the bus and rail services funded through the National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, there is part of the national public transport system that comprises non-subvented bus services, which are run on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying sizes throughout the country. Bus Éireann operates a substantial PSO business under contract with the NTA, providing subvented bus services outside Dublin, and in regional and rural locations throughout the country. Bus Éireann also has a separate, commercially-run business, "Expressway", which operates a number of inter-regional bus routes in competition with other, private, commercial operators in the licenced bus market.
The Covid-19 health emergency has had a profound impact on the public transport sector due to the fall in passenger numbers and associated drop in fare revenues. In this regard, the Government agreed substantial increases to the PSO budget to ensure the continuation of PSO services throughout 2020 and 2021. In addition, the Government has recognised the impact of the pandemic on the licenced bus sector - which normally operates on a commercial basis without public subvention but which, during the Covid crisis, was in a situation where its operations were no longer commercially viable, owing to the impact of Covid-19 on passenger numbers and the associated drop in fare revenue.
Therefore, in June 2020 the Government decided to introduce new, temporary financial supports for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators to ensure the continued operation of these essential services. Among the commercially-operated routes that have qualified for support under the temporary scheme are most, but not all, of Bus Éireann's "Expressway" services. Notwithstanding these supports, though, the Covid situation has still had a profound impact on the company's financial situation, that the Board of the company is obliged to address. Following extensive analysis and work within the company, the decision to consolidate its Expressway network was taken by the Board of Bus Éireann in September 2020. The decision impacts four routes - the X1 Dublin/Belfast service (which ceased operations in November 2020), the X12 Dublin/Limerick service (which ceased operations on 30/01/2021), the 20/X20 Dublin/Galway service (which ceased operations on 28/07/2021) and the X8 Dublin/Cork service (which ceased operations on 04/09/2021).
In circumstances where a commercial operator ceases operating a specific route, the NTA undertakes an examination to determine whether, with the discontinuation of the commercial service, it is necessary for a replacement PSO service to be introduced to ensure no loss of connectivity to the travelling public. This process includes an assessment of the level of demand for public transport services in the affected area, an evaluation of whether existing PSO services can be reconfigured to meet any shortfall, or whether it is necessary to competitively tender for the provision of services. In light of the decision by Bus Éireann to cease operating the X20 route, the NTA completed a detailed assessment of the X20 corridor and have determined that despite Expressway’s withdrawal, sufficient connectivity is provided by the remaining operators and the public service obligation is adequately met by other rail and bus services, thereby negating the need for any further intervention on the route.
Given the NTA's statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, I have also forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
309. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to an employment situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50380/21]
View answerThe matters being referred to by the Deputy are industrial relations matters and therefore, a matter for the Company, the employees and the trade unions concerned.
In response to the severe impacts of COVID-19 on the daa, in 2020 the Company embarked on a restructuring of the business and the introduction of new work practices.
It has reached agreements on new ways of working with some 93% of staff (c. 2,100 employees). Where daa has not reached agreement with unions and staff in relation to the introduction of these new work practices, the Company has engaged with the industrial relations institutions of the State, including the Workplace Relations Commission. I have been informed by daa that it has sought to refer the matter in relation to the Baggage Hall Maintenance Operatives to the Labour Court.
310. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport when he will introduce a Bill to make e-scooters legal on public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50385/21]
View answerMy intention is to legislate for e-scooters, in accordance with the Programme for Government. Department officials have drafted the necessary changes to primary legislation as part of the forthcoming Road Traffic and Roads Bill. The Bill has completed pre-legislative scrutiny and is expected to come before the Oireachtas shortly.
When the Bill is enacted, it will give the Minister for Transport powers to make regulations for the use of e-scooters.
311. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completion of the inner relief road Thurles, County Tipperary linking Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road; if funding is in place for same; if a route been finalised; and if all land required has been secured. [50386/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants, where applicable. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and my Department's Capital Appraisal Framework.
Tipperary County Council must submit an appropriate project appraisal with updated scheme costs in order for the Thurles Inner Relief Road to be considered for funding. To date such an appraisal has not been submitted by Tipperary County Council in relation to a Thurles Inner Relief Road.
312. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the commitments that were given to deliver a bypass of Castlemartyr and Killeagh following discussions on infrastructural projects relating to the constituency of Cork East in respect of the N25 road; the timeline that was given for the delivery of this project; the amount of funding that was committed; and if the National Development Plan is to be amended to deliver this project. [50398/21]
View answerAs Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and securing exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Public Spending Code Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals.
In the new NDP, launched on 4th October, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national road projects to 2030. This funding will enable improved connectivity across the country as well as compact growth, which are core components of the revised NDP. The funding will enable the development of numerous national road projects, including the completion of projects which are already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of many others.
In relation to the projects listed in the NDP that are not at or close to construction, they are subject to further approvals in advance of a decision to construct. When evaluating the progression of these projects and in order to deliver on strategic objectives, a prioritisation exercise will be undertaken which will be in line with the 2:1 Programme for Government commitment on new public transport and new roads, the "NIFTI" framework, the National Planning Framework and the requirements of the Climate Action Plan. It will also take account of available funding levels in any given year, as well as a focus, where appropriate, on town bypasses which facilitate compact growth.
The proposed N25 projects in Killeagh and Castlemartyr are not listed in the NDP, though of course the NDP is not an exhaustive list of all projects that may proceed. A Strategic Assessment Report is expected to commence in the coming year with respect to a bypass of the two villages, to identify options prior to a decision on next steps under the Public Spending Code.
The latest information on the status of the proposed relief roads are available from TII. Noting this, I have referred your query to TII for a direct reply on the current project status. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
313. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport the supports in place to assist hauliers to transition to cleaner European standards given that there is no alternative fuel source available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50410/21]
View answerTo ensure Ireland shows leadership in climate action, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 mandates carbon neutrality by 2050 and a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. The forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2021 will set a pathway towards this end.
To reduce transport emissions in line with these targets, all vehicle categories must contribute. As road freight makes up over 20% of Ireland’s land transport emissions there can be no doubt that efforts must be made to decarbonise this sector while of course it is acknowledged that there are technological delays associated with the roll out of widespread alternatively fuelled heavy-duty vehicles.
To promote the decarbonisation of the heavy-duty sector, my Department launched a new Alternatively-Fuelled Heavy-Duty Vehicle (AFHDV) Purchase Grant Scheme on 15 March 2021.The Scheme, which is administered by TII, is intended to help bridge some of the difference in purchase price between conventional heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) and those powered by alternatively fuelled power-trains. To accord with EU State Aid rules, grant levels under the Scheme are calculated as a percentage of the difference in price between a conventionally fuelled diesel HDV and its alternatively fuelled equivalent. Maximum grant levels for eligible vehicles depend on the size of the enterprise applying for the grant.
€2m was allocated to this scheme in 2021 and given the excellent response to the initiative, my Department allocated an additional €1m in funds this year to assist the heavy-duty vehicle sector in its transition to zero-mobility. Funds for 2021 have now been fully allocated however the scheme will continue in 2022 with further funding available. Details on how to apply for funding in January 2022 will be available shortly.
The European Commission proposed a revised Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) as part of last July’s Fit for 55 legislative package. The AFIR seeks to ensure the availability and usability of a dense, widespread infrastructure network throughout the EU to facilitate a quicker transition to cleaner vehicles.
When finalised, the AFIR will mandate the rollout of alternative fuel infrastructure dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles across the EU, with a strong focus on the TEN-T networks. Deployment of electric vehicle recharging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure will be prioritised in the proposed regulation.
Recognising the scale of the decarbonisation challenge facing the Irish haulage sector, my Department has also commissioned a number of studies to identify concrete actions that haulage operators and companies can take to reduce carbon and other emissions. Involving industry, academia and public bodies, these studies examine how best to maximize the emission reduction potential of the existing HDV fleet, and to identify the most viable decarbonisation and emissions reduction options going forward, and also, in some cases, involve consultation with operators.
These studies include a multi-stakeholder road freight decarbonisation study that my Department co-funded with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). The study drew together Government, transport agencies, industry and academic representatives. The objective of the Phase 1 study was to better understand the policy and logistics contexts within which the Irish freight industry operates, and to identify the most efficient and effective decarbonising measures for the sector in the medium to long term. The study sought to identify and co-design effective and affordable interventions that will have a meaningful impact in real-world road haulage conditions. A Phase 1 report was published at the end of 2020 and consideration of a potential Phase 2 of the project is on-going.
A transition away from conventional fuels to cleaner alternatives is a necessary step change if Ireland is to begin to decarbonise the transport sector. In transport, natural gas can offer a cleaner alternative to oil and renewable biogas can offer a lower carbon emitting alternative.
Gas Networks Ireland has received funding from the European Commission, under the CEF Transport Fund, to install 14 public Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations and a renewable gas injection point under the “Causeway Project”. The provision of refuelling infrastructure will support greater uptake of natural gas vehicles while the installation of a biogas injection facility is essential to enable indigenous renewable gas to become part of Ireland’s future transport fuel mix.
To date, CNG refuellers have been installed in Dublin Port, Cashel, Limerick, and Clonshaugh in Dublin as part of the project. The construction of several other refuellers is underway or planned. In addition, there are also three privately owned stations in operation.
GNI also received approval for funding through the CEF for “Green Connect” to roll-out a second phase of CNG infrastructure on completion of Causeway.
The excise rate for natural gas and biogas as a transport fuel is set at the current EU minimum rate. This rate puts CNG in a competitive price position with diesel. In addition, Budget 2019 saw the introduction of an accelerated capital allowance scheme for natural gas propelled vehicles and related equipment. This enables businesses to write down the cost of such vehicles or equipment up-front in the year of purchase rather than spread over 8 years. In Budget 2021, this scheme was expanded to include hydrogen vehicles and equipment.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme supports biogas by allowing fuel suppliers to claim biofuel certificates for biogas which suppliers can use to meet their biofuel obligations. The biofuel obligation requires that fuel suppliers place a certain biofuels (which can include biogas) in road transport in proportion to amount of petrol and diesel they place. It is my intention to extend the scheme to also provide similar support for renewable hydrogen.
314. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for the completion of the Athenry ring road; and the funds that have been allocated to Galway County Council to provide for completion. [50460/21]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from Councils' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the Council.
Any projects proposed by local authorities for consideration under the Strategic Grant Programme are assessed by the Department on a case-by-case basis. All projects put forward by local authorities for consideration must comply with the requirements of the Public Spending Code and the Department's Capital Appraisal Framework (CAF). Given the limited funding available for regional and local road improvement works it is important for local authorities to prioritise projects within their overall area of responsibility with these requirements in mind. All applications received from local authorities for Strategic Grant allocations have to be assessed taking into account competing projects and the available budget.
The Department has provided funding for the proposed middle section of the Athenry Ring Road to link up the two sections which have been constructed already. The implementation of this project, which is at design stage, is being managed by Galway County Council. While the Department has made allocations available to the Council to advance the project, to date progress on this project has been slower than anticipated.
315. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to contradictory information as to whether training was provided to volunteer cliff rescue units prior to their return to active duty; if a series of operational assessments with no training component were conducted; if he will ask the Irish Coastguard Service to detail the replacement equipment that was made available to which cliff rescue units and when the equipment was provided in order to facilitate their return to cliff rescue operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50462/21]
View answerThe volunteers at the 17 cliff rescue units within the Irish Coast Guard train regularly in the TAG 07 system and this training is verified within the Training & Certification section of the unit's annual Operational Readiness Audit (ORA). The Coast Guard Units & Support section of the Irish Coast Guard, who manage the volunteer units, introduced various control measures around training during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure the units remain on the board for operational taskings. Their return to active duty commenced for each of the 17 cliff units on completion of their external ORAs. In summary the units were permitted to train prior to the ORAs and their return to active duty.
ORAs are an inspection of a cliff rescue unit which covers equipment, record keeping, maintenance, logbooks, certification and practical exercises – primarily in stretcher recovery and walking casualty recovery. As the ORA is an assessment of a cliff unit there is no training component specifically included in that process.
Other than routine replacement of equipment as per our procedures on cliff rescue equipment during normal operations, no specific additional replacement equipment was provided to cliff rescue units to facilitate their return to active duty.
316. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport the timeline and stage process of the end-of-life decision and actions taken for the Rescue 400 life jackets for the Irish Coastguard Service; the reason there was a requirement to stand down all Irish Coastguard Service boat operations while waiting for the procurement process for a replacement to be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50463/21]
View answerThe Coast Guard withdrew the services of its in-shore rescue boats stationed at 23 locations around the coast on Friday 15th of November 2019 due to safety concerns identified with the Rescue 400 lifejacket. This action was taken following a reported malfunction of a number of these lifejackets which are a key piece of personal protective equipment. A procurement process was commenced immediately and the volunteer Coast Guard units returned to full operational status on a phased basis which commenced December 12th 2019.
This action was taken in compliance with Coast Guards SAR assurance obligations as set out in the National SAR Plan to ensure safety of Coast Guard boat crews.
As per standard arrangements other SAR providers i.e. RNLI, CRBI (Community Rescue Boats Ireland) & helicopters were advised of the actions taken by the Coast Guard to ensure provision of SAR services.
317. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the reason his Department’s website for motor tax online is not enabled to accept the online credit card payments system in line with its most recent banking security arrangements; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authority motor tax offices are not accepting payment by credit card over the telephone; if his further attention has been drawn to this leading to frustration for motorists attempting to renew their motor tax resulting in many unnecessary car journeys to motor tax offices for motor tax renewal; when will his Department resolve the outstanding issues with regard to the online payment arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50465/21]
View answerThe EU Payments Services Directive 2 (PSD2) require Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) to be used for all electronic transactions. The Directive requires all online service providers to capture additional transaction information pertaining to the cardholder and to send this to the cardholder’s bank. The cardholder’s banks use this data to verify the cardholder, with the intention of making the transaction process as seamless as possible, and removing or reducing any extra layer of friction at the payment stage. The aim of the Directive is to reduce online fraud and increase cardholder confidence in using online services.
My Departments Online motor tax service, at www.motortax.ie, is fully compliant with the Directive's requirements. All necessary technical changes have been made to the website to facilitate the requirements, and my officials worked directly with the banking institutions to ensure any initial teething troubles were addressed.
It is important to note however the requirement ensures that electronic payments are performed with multi-factor authentication to increase the security of electronic payments. Such multi-factor authentication can require a cardholder having to download their bank’s app on their mobile phone or tablet, or amend settings on the device to enable notifications to be received, and this may require the cardholder having to engage directly with their bank to address any issues they may have in this regard. My officials also provide assistance for such issues.
The Online Motor Tax service itself has continued to grow since the introduction of the Directive, with 3.36m online motor tax discs issued for the period January to September 2021 inclusive, an increase of 66,000 discs (2%) for the same period last year. Almost 90% of all motor tax transactions are now processed online.
While motor tax payment arrangements at the motor tax offices is a matter for the local authorities, I understand that in general such services are offered through physical appearance at the office, or via postal applications; as opposed to a telephone service.
318. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to implementing an ongoing extension into the future for taxi drivers with cars reaching the 9-to-10-year age under Regulation 31 of the Taxi Regulation (Small Public Service Vehicle) Regulations 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50474/21]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) sector, including vehicle age limits for SPSVs, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
In this regard, the Deputy should be aware that the NTA has extended age limits several times since the start of the pandemic, with standard age limits for taxis and hackneys now waived through to the end of 2022, thereby ensuring no operator exits the industry simply because of the need to replace a vehicle.
