Written Answers Nos. 142-161
142. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected funding to be made available from the Climate Action Fund between 2021 and 2030 to deliver on the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55599/21]
View answerAt least €500 million will be available from the Climate Action Fund over the period to 2027 to support projects, initiatives and research that contribute to the achievement of Ireland’s climate and energy targets and goals. In addition, the Government will make major investments through substantial other funding, set out in the National Development Plan.
To date, just over €140 million has been committed from the Climate Action Fund for a range of projects, including in relation to district heating, EV infrastructure, creative climate action, co-financing for EU LIFE projects, and a Community Climate Action Programme. Through the Community Climate Action Programme, announced last week, €60 million will be invested in community climate action projects and initiatives, as well as capacity building, over the next three years.
As a next step, an open call will be developed for launch in 2022 aimed at providing funding for further projects aligned with the direction of travel of the Climate Action Plan 2021.
143. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected funding to be made available from the Just Transition Fund between 2021 and 2030 to deliver on the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55600/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the ESB's peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna.
The National Just Transition Fund was made available in 2020 to support communities transitioning to a low carbon economy. The focus is on retraining workers and generating sustainable employment in green enterprise across the region. To date, 47 projects have entered into contract and are delivering their projects, with over €15 million to be provided in grant funding from the National Just Transition Fund. These projects are to be concluded by the end of 2023. Details of all projects supported by the Just Transition Fund can be found on: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund/.
Funding of €84 million will be allocated to Ireland from the EU Just Transition Fund by the European Union over the period 2021 to 2027, supported by additional co-funding from the Exchequer of up to 50%. The EU Just Transition Fund will be used to alleviate the socio-economic impacts of the low carbon transition in the most affected regions across the EU by, for example, supporting the re-skilling of workers and helping to create new economic opportunities.
In addition to the National and EU Just Transition Funds, the Government has approved funding of €108 million for Bord na Móna’s large-scale peatlands restoration project, which will see Bord na Móna reassign employees from peat harvesting activities into rehabilitation operations, while supporting and restoring the biodiversity of the peatlands. This plan and the National Parks and Wildlife Service Peatlands Scheme will support 350 jobs (or 230 full-time equivalents).
144. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to foster the use of green hydrogen in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55616/21]
View answer145. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the State supports which are available to support the adoption of green hydrogen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55618/21]
View answer146. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the European Commission hydrogen strategy; the extent to which his Department has engaged with the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55619/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 144 to 146, inclusive, together.
The Programme for Government recognises the need for research and development of hydrogen from renewable sources, known as ‘green hydrogen’, for use in power generation and as a zero-emission energy source in difficult-to-decarbonise sectors such as transport and industry.
While there are no specific supports for green hydrogen currently in place, the role of green hydrogen and the need for its future development have been set out in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, which was published on 4 November 2021. The role of green hydrogen could include providing a back-up for intermittent renewables, seasonal storage of renewable energy to replace today's fossil fuel storage systems (used in electricity, industry, heating in buildings, and transport) and security and resilience in energy supplies.
In July 2020, the European Commission published a hydrogen strategy for a carbon-neutral Europe. Ireland supported the hydrogen strategy, including the need to deploy green hydrogen in line with the Programme for Government. It is expected that green hydrogen will form a key element of the European Commission's proposals in relation to the gas market which are expected to be published next month.
147. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure that section 15(6)(c) of the Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003 will be observed and that a representative of the local community be appointed by him with immediate effect to replace the previous representative whose term expired on 2 June 2021 (details supplied). [55629/21]
View answer152. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure that section 15 subsection 6(c) of the Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003 will be observed and that a representative of the local community will be appointed by him with immediate effect to replace the previous representative whose term expired on 2 June 2021 especially in view of an announcement (details supplied) that the digital hub will continue to function beyond June 2022. [55678/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 152 together.
In April 2021, the Government decided to dissolve the Digital Hub Development Agency and to transfer its properties to the Land Development Agency. My Department continues to engage with the DHDA and the LDA in this regard, and it is also keenly aware of the need and value of community engagement as part of its plans for the regeneration of the area. I will take all necessary steps to ensure that board vacancies are appropriately filled and that a functioning board is in place to discharge the Agency’s statutory functions during the wind down period. In this regard, my Department has engaged with the Public Appointments Service in order to identify suitable candidates from the community to be considered for appointment to the board to fill the vacancy of the Local Community Representative. I expect that the position will be advertised this month.
148. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish a detailed map updating the national broadband programme roll-out for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown local authority area which clearly details the outstanding amber and blue areas; when the amber and blue areas will be upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55634/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 554,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
In July 2019, in order to finalise the mapping exercise required under the State Aid Guidelines on Broadband and to ensure the NBP High Speed Broadband Map was up to date, my Department conducted a consultation in relation to the High Speed Broadband Map. This consultation sought submissions from operators who wished to have their existing high speed broadband networks or plans to invest in high speed broadband networks over the following 7 years to be included on the Department’s High Speed Broadband Map. The Map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan. The High Speed Broadband Map is available at www.broadband.gov.ie and is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode. The map indicates those premises that are in the AMBER area and will be served by the new high speed broadband network being delivered by NBI on behalf of the State and those in the BLUE area that will be served by commercial operators.
Further details are available on specific areas within Dublin in the AMBER area through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie.
My Department continues to engage with consumers and industry in relation to broadband availability. The NBP High Speed Broadband Map is dynamic. This means that the intervention area can be updated to reflect new commercial plans, or previous plans that have failed to materialise. This flexibility allows for an increase or decrease in the number of premises included in the State Intervention area, if appropriate to do so.
149. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of funding committed to the Stop Food Waste programme in each year since 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55639/21]
View answerPlease see the table at the link below showing the breakdown of funding for the Stop Food Waste programme from 2014 to date. More information on the EPA’s food waste prevention programme can be found on the EPA website at: www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/circular-economy/food-waste/. (In addition work on food waste prevention is included in other NWPP funded programmes: e.g. Green Business, Green Healthcare, Local Authority Prevention Network and Green Enterprise)
Total National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) expenditure on food waste prevention and Stop Food Waste 2014-2021 to date
150. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the EU Single Use Plastics Directive has been transposed into Irish law given that he committed to transposing same by 3 July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55640/21]
View answerDelays by the EU Commission in producing the necessary guidance and implementing legislation caused significant difficulties for all Member States in meeting the deadline for transposing this Directive. Ireland, in common with some other Member States, decided to transpose the Directive in stages. .
The initial transposition of the Directive was completed by the 3rd July deadline, when necessary market restrictions were introduced for certain single use plastic products. The EU (Single Use Plastics)(No. 2) Regulations (SI 516 of 2021) of 8th October 2021 subsequently transposed the vast majority of the remaining provisions of the Directive.
The final transposition requirement, which relates to the introduction of an Extended Producer Responsibility scheme for commercial fishing gear, is underway and will be completed by the end of 2021.
151. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate the further delay from March 2022 to April 2023 in supply of high-speed broadband connection to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55653/21]
View answerThe question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 5 November, almost 274,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed or have surveys underway and over 125,000 premises have build currently underway. NBI has also advised that the first premises are connected in Cavan, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan and over 30,000 premises are available to order and pre-order across 12 counties. Surveys are complete or underway in County Dublin in Skerries, Balbriggan, North County Dublin, Fingal, Castleknock, Blanchardstown, Clonsilla, Ongar, Chapelizod, Ballyfermot, Cabra, Bluebell and Finglas. Main works are ongoing in the Skerries area.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Dublin through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the Intervention Area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website which enables all premises within the intervention area to have an anticipated service activation date range. Given the scale and complexity of delivery of the new high speed broadband network under the NBP, I am advised that any dates provided by NBI on its website are based on the best available information at the time and may be subject to change.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract. This plan addresses delays experienced by NBI, primarily arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and re-baselines milestones for 2021. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end users.
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 5 November, 388 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 Stars of Erin GAA / Dublin Mountain Community Centre (6.5km from premises referred to), Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Balscadden National School has been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
153. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish the scientific basis for the proposal that is to be put to him to introduce a conservation by law prohibiting a person from taking, or attempting to take, an arctic char salvelinus alpinus by means of a fishery engine or rod and line from the waters of the State and to prohibit killing, retention or possession of arctic char. [55700/21]
View answerA public consultation process on a potential conservation bye-law in relation to Arctic Char will close at 5pm today (Tuesday 16 November).I am advised by IFI that Arctic char stocks are particularly susceptible to a range of anthropogenic pressures such as eutrophication, climate change, water abstraction and invasive species. The current status of Arctic char is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red data book as ‘vulnerable’. The range of environmental pressures on this species is being addressed under current EU and national legislation by a range of state agencies (including IFI, Local authorities, the Environmental Protection Authority and National Parks and Wildlife Service). IFI advise that further legislative protection may be required for Arctic char stocks.
The latest scientific report regarding status of Arctic char stocks in Ireland is available on the IFI website under Habitats Directive Report 2012. (fisheriesireland.ie). Further information is available at www.fisheriesireland.ie/species/arctic-char-salvelinus-alpinus.
154. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the feed-in tariff for homes with PV panels will come into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55703/21]
View answer169. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to regularise the payments that smaller scale hydroelectric generators receive for the electricity they supply to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56174/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 169 together.
The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff will represent the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, including micro- and small-scale hydroelectric, wind and solar PV installations. This will allow them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for 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 outlined the details for the introduction of the CEG payment. The consultation is now closed and I understand a decision is expected to be published this month and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards. The CRU propose that a competitive market based approach will apply to the CEG tariff. The CRU decision will outline the eligibility criteria which must be met in order for a renewables self-consumer to be eligible to receive the CEG. It is expected that these will include having an export grid connection from ESB Networks. In addition, where the customer's meter type is eligible for upgrade under the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP), a smart meter must be installed. Where a customer's eligible meter type has not yet been upgraded under the NSMP, the CRU proposes that a deemed or estimated export calculation will apply. In relation to micro- and small-scale hydro installations, where there is an element of self-consumption on site and the eligibility criteria established by the CRU are met, then they will be eligible to receive the CEG. This will not impact upon generators with no self-consumption who have existing power purchase agreement contracts with suppliers.
155. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline any solar strategy to ensure a greater share of electricity is generated through solar PV; if there are plans to retrofit every home in the country with solar panels; if solar PV will be made more accessible to schools, GAA clubs and local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55842/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to expanding and incentivising micro-generation, and to developing a solar strategy to ensure that a greater share of our electricity needs is met through solar PV.
The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale generators in Ireland, including solar PV. This will allow 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 for the CET on 1 October. The consultation is now closed and I understand a decision is expected to be published this month and a compensation regime expected to follow shortly afterwards. My Department is developing a final scheme design for the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS). It is expected that a proposal on the supports to be offered for new installations under the Scheme will be submitted to Government by year end. On retrofitting of solar PV, supports for solar PV are currently available under the SEAI solar PV grant scheme and as one of a range of measures supported under the National Home Retrofit and Communities Energy Grant Schemes. Regarding accessibility, it is expected that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will bring forward revised Regulations early next year to reduce barriers to solar PV adoption. I also understand that ESB Networks will shortly begin a trial of an updated and simplified grid connection process for micro-generators in the 12-50kW range.
156. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine a connection to broadband (details supplied). [55862/21]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question is located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
Notwithstanding this, my Department has undertaken an initial investigation into the matter and established that the premises is connected to an open eir NGA cabinet along with the neighbouring premises. It would appear that the premises cannot get the same service as its neighbours which suggests that there may be a technical fault between the distribution point and the premises. We would advise therefore that the premises owner contact their retail service provider directly to log a fault so that the technical issue can be further examined.
157. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the penalties provided for in the Climate Act 2021 for failing to meet targets including sectoral emissions ceilings and carbon budgets, 2030 interim targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55921/21]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 (the Acts) commit Ireland to a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by no later than 2050, and to reducing GHG emissions by 51% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels.
The Acts establish a legally binding framework with clear targets and commitments set in law, and ensure the necessary structures and processes, including carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings, are embedded on a statutory basis to underpin the achievement of our climate ambition in the near and long-term. Putting these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action. Monitoring of compliance with national and sectoral progress towards each carbon budget and sectoral emissions ceiling will be informed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s annual GHG inventory and projection reports, as well as the Climate Change Advisory Council’s (CCAC) annual review report. In light of the CCAC’s annual review report, published by the 30 October each year, relevant Ministers will be required to give account to an Oireachtas Committee on performance, both in implementing Climate Action Plan actions and in adhering to their sector’s emissions ceilings under the carbon budget. Where Ministers are not in compliance with the targets, they will need to outline what corrective measures are envisaged. Ministers will have to attend the Committee and respond to any recommendations made by the Committee within three months. This ‘comply or explain’ approach will ensure greater scrutiny and accountability is provided. The annual revision to the Climate Action Plan acts as a further review mechanism and opportunity to re-adjust or refocus actions to ensure targets are achieved. Reporting and publication of progress under the Climate Action Plan will continue to be carried out by the Department of the Taoiseach. Should Ireland face any compliance costs for failing to meet EU climate targets, these costs will be borne by the sector(s) responsible for this shortfall. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is developing a methodology on the approach to be taken on this.
158. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expedite legislation to amend both the Litter Pollution Act 1997 and the Waste Management Act 1996 to provide a lawful basis for local authorities to use CCTV in detecting and prosecuting illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55946/21]
View answerMy Department published the General Scheme of the Circular Economy Bill 2021 on 15 June 2021. It is my intention under the Bill to facilitate not only the use of CCTV, but also the use of a broad range of Audio Visual Recording (AVR) equipment in order to assist local authorities in their efforts to combat litter and illegal dumping. Drafting of the Bill is well advanced, as is, I understand, the pre-legislative scrutiny process before the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action. The Bill will be published and enacted as soon as possible after pre-legislative scrutiny has been completed and I have considered the Report of the Committee. I look forward to receiving the Committee's recommendations.
A combination of legislation and guidance will help to ensure that the processing of personal data, obtained through the use of CCTV and AVR equipment, may be carried out by local authorities tasked with enforcing both litter and waste legislation, thus providing an important deterrent in order to protect our environment from the scourge of illegal dumping, while at the same time respecting the privacy rights of citizens. The Bill can also facilitate consideration of the use of Fixed Penalty Notices for litter and waste enforcement purposes.
159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the plans to rent and import 200 megawatts of emergency gas generators in winter 2021 have been abandoned; the amount which was spent on the attempted procurement; if the State or a semi-State body will face fines for abandoning this plan; if so, the estimated amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55953/21]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. The CRU is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid, the electricity transmission system operator.
The CRU is an independent statutory body. The Electricity Regulation Act (ERA) 1999 states that the CRU shall account for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister. Given this CRU statutory accountability to an Oireachtas Committee, the Deputy may wish to note that CRU provide a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions directly to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
On 16 June 2021, the CRU wrote to me seeking my consent, under Regulation 28(10) of S.I. 60 of 2005, to allow them to direct EirGrid, to secure the delivery of circa 200 MW of temporary emergency generation. It was intended that this generation would be delivered in advance of this winter. I provided my consent by letter on 23 June 2021.
I understand that, while the ESB and its North Wall site was identified as the preferred location for delivering this project, it was ultimately not technically feasible to deliver the generation in the timeframe and no contract was entered into by EirGrid to do so. It should also be noted that the risk to security of electricity supply had reduced with the outlook for the return of two key gas-fired power stations having improved. One of these power stations is now back in operation with the other expected to return to full operation this week.
I also understand that the ESB has not yet submitted a claim seeking to recover costs that they incurred in carrying out preliminary works prior to the decision not to proceed with the project. The assessment of such a claim, if one was to be made, is a matter for EirGrid and the CRU. I am not aware of any fines that would be applicable in relation to this procurement not proceeding.
I would note that a new procurement for temporary emergency generation to be provided in advance of next winter (i.e. winter 2022/23) has since commenced with my consent.
Expenditure under either procurement process is a matter for the CRU. I, as Minister, have no role in sanctioning or approving expenditure in this regard.
160. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to introduce a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme as per action 212 of the Climate Action Plan 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56024/21]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan has set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 or carbon equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by the end of 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 are still under development.
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 help to increase the volume of retrofit activity within the State and improve the recovery and 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.
161. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of expressions of interest received in relation to the support scheme for renewable heat; the number of full applications made; the number of applications approved; the number of applicants issued a letter of offer; the number of applicants who have completed all inspections for each year the scheme has been in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56031/21]
View answerThe Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) is a government funded initiative designed to increase the energy generated from renewable sources in the heat sector whilst also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The scheme is open to commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating, public sector and other non-domestic heat users and is administered by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
The SSRH provides an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems and an installation grant for renewable heating systems using heat pumps.
The total number of applications received to the end of October 2021 is 105 with the breakdown set out in the table below.
|
- |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
The number of full applications made |
81 |
24 |
105 |
|
The number of applicants approved and issued a letter of offer |
51 |
11 |
62 |
|
The number of applicants who have completed all inspections for each year the scheme has been in operation. |
1 |
11 |
12
|
