Written Answers Nos. 105-124
105. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that are available for new businesses that have been affected by the most recent Covid-19-related restrictions and that do not qualify for the Covid restrictions support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2404/22]
View answerThe Government has worked to support businesses, including new businesses, through these challenging times with a wide range of measures for firms of all sizes, which included the wage subsidy scheme, business continuity and trading online grants, COVID-19 Working Capital Scheme, the COVID-19 Credit Guarantee Scheme, the Future Growth Loan Scheme, commercial rates waivers and warehousing of tax liabilities. Details of the supports can be found on my Department’s website: Government supports for COVID-19 impacted businesses - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie).
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) provides a subsidy to qualifying employers based on the numbers of paid and eligible employees on the employer’s payroll and charges a reduced rate of employer PRSI of 0.5% on wages paid which are eligible for the subsidy payment.
The EWSS has been a key element of the Government’s response to the continued Covid-19 crisis to support viable firms and encourage employment and it is widely recognised that the EWSS has played an essential role in supporting businesses, encouraging employment and helping to maintain the link between employers and employees during this pandemic.
Government policy has been that there will be no cliff edge to the support, at the same time, it is necessary to unwind and phase out this temporary, emergency support measure. An extension of EWSS in a graduated form until 30 April 2022 was put in place for employers validly registered on or before 31 December 2021 to participate in the scheme from 1 January to 30 April 2022, ensuring there will be no sudden end to the EWSS. Details of EWSS are available through the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/employing-people/ewss/registration-and-operation-of-ewss.aspx.
It is important to note that all business supports are being kept under review to ensure that they are timely and target those that need them the most. I would urge businesses to make sure that they are aware of what is available to them and apply for the appropriate schemes.
106. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the need for brown tags under the brown tag conservation regulations; if he plans to deal more fairly with local anglers in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2521/22]
View answerBrown tags are an additional conservation measure and in respect of the 2022 season are provided for in Schedule 4 of S.I No. 729 of 2021 Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2021 which were subject to a statutory public consultation. Brown tags are the long established method of meeting the conservation imperative by ensuring that where a marginal surplus is available for particular fisheries, these are not exceeded.
The allocation of tags is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) - I and my Department have no role. The IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI's objective to delivery services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
107. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will agree on a fee for rod licences for fishermen given that there are businesses that cannot facilitate the sale of these licences as the price has not been agreed upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62963/21]
View answerStatutory rod licence duties were agreed in December 2021 ahead of the 2022 season. Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) placed a notice on their website and social media channels regarding the duties payable for Salmon and Sea Trout Licences. Information was also circulated via IFI’s ezine. S.I. No. 732/2021 - Salmon Rod Ordinary Licences (Alteration of Licence Duties) Order 2021 prescribes the licence duties payable from 1 January 2022. This Order can be accessed at the following link:www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/732/made/en/print S.I. No. 733/2021 - Special Tidal Waters (Special Local Licences) (Alteration of Duties) Order 2021 prescribes the licence fees to be payable from 1 January 2022 in respect of special local salmon fishing licences. This Order can be accessed at the following link:www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/733/made/en/print
108. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure that there is a system to refund the prepay power metered households allowing them to avail of the proposed €100 refund of electricity costs incurred and is proposed for bill pay customers; the mechanism that has been put in place to ensure that all households will benefit from this refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62973/21]
View answer110. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if those in rented accommodation that are on a pre-pay power plan are also entitled to the €100 off their electric bill in relation to the scheme allowing households to receive €100 off their first electricity bill of 2022. [63057/21]
View answer154. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the scheme to be known as the electricity costs emergency benefit scheme to credit all domestic electricity customers with €100 in 2022; when this rebate will be given to electricity customers to offset rising energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1968/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 108, 110 and 154 together. A scheme to credit all domestic electricity account holders with up to €100 in 2022 was approved by Cabinet on 14 December 2021. This payment is one of a suite of measures to mitigate the effects of the recent rises in electricity prices, which includes significant support through the social protection system.Approximately 2.1 million domestic electricity account holders will benefit from the scheme for a one-off, exceptional payment to their electricity accounts. The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts, including pay as you go customers.
The scheme will become operational following the passing of underpinning legislation through the Oireachtas. A draft of the primary legislation required is currently being finalised with the Office of the Attorney General. Cabinet approval for the draft Bill will be sought shortly with a view to its introduction in the Oireachtas as soon as possible thereafter to allow for the establishment of the scheme in Q1 of this year.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will be charged with oversight of the scheme. The scheme will be operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) because of its existing interface with all electricity suppliers. ESB Networks will make payments to energy suppliers, who in turn will credit all their domestic electricity account holders with €100.
Full details on the precise mechanism for payment are being finalised as part of these processes and will be announced later in Q1. The Deputy may also wish to note that regular information updates, including frequently asked questions, are being made available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/ .
109. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review the current drop of commission from 10% to 5% by Inland Fisheries Ireland on the fishing licence distributors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63030/21]
View answerThe salmon and seatrout licence duty comprises a conservation element (introduced in 2007) which is 50% of the total duty and is ring-fenced for salmon and sea trout conservation work. The remaining 50% is the licence payment in respect of which Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) pay commission at a rate of 10%.
111. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider introducing a grant scheme in which those within the hospitality sector could purchase food waste biodigesters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63062/21]
View answerMy Department currently has no plans to introduce a grant scheme for businesses within the hospitality sector to purchase food waste biodigesters.
112. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the recently announced Annacotty Weir improvement programme; the proposed timeline for completion of the programme; if funding has been allocated to enable completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63075/21]
View answerAnnacotty Weir on the lower Mulkear River has been identified as a “significant barrier” to the free movement of several fish species. The weir has been designated as “high priority” for fish passage improvement and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) ) is managing the project as a pilot within the barriers programme under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH). My Department and IFI will shortly consult with DHLGH, the lead Department on the national barriers programme, on substantive issues of funding and delivering the project. Pending these discussions IFI plans to go to tender for services to help deliver the preparatory technical, engineering and planning elements of the Annacotty Weir project.
IFI has already begun works to initiate what is a very significant project and have completed an assessment of the weir structure to quantify its fish passage capacity and have also undertaken initial title research to identify the owners of land and structures potentially impacted by the project.
Engagement with key state agencies and semi-state bodies has been undertaken by IFI to ensure all relevant stakeholders are actively involved in the project from the outset.
The next project phase in 2022 will involve extensive stakeholder and public engagement, to ensure that all stakeholder views are captured to form part of the planning process.
113. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of fish counters under the management of the ESB; the species recorded as part of this programme; the salmon count at each counter over a ten-year period on a counter basis; if there is a legislative requirement on behalf of the ESB to undertake this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63076/21]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the ESB and I have asked the ESB to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter. I am advised that the 2021 ESB Fisheries Annual Report is currently being progressed. These reports are made available to the public on the ESB website.
There is no legislative requirement on the ESB to undertake this work.
114. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps taken by his Department to address emissions from the domestic burning of wood in open fires or in stoves; his plans to bring forward legislation on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63089/21]
View answerAs with other solid fuels used for domestic heating, the burning of wood is a source of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which is associated with some 1,300 premature deaths in Ireland each year. I am committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge through enhanced regulation of all solid fuels. I have, therefore, announced that under new regulations governing the use of solid fuels in Ireland, wood sold in single units under two cubic metres will be required to have a moisture content of 25% or less, moving to 20% within four years. “Wet” wood sold over these volumes will be required to come with instructions for the purchaser on how to dry this wood.My Department is continuing to draft the new solid fuel regulations with the intention of introducing these measures, and further provisions for other solid fuels, in advance of the 2022/23 heating season. I am confident that the introduction of these regulations will serve to improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.
115. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way he plans to tackle Ireland’s energy needs given the decision to progress the Bill banning offshore drilling for oil and gas; the steps that have been put in place in the short and medium-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63109/21]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity supply. This includes the duty to monitor security of electricity supply and to take such measures as it considers necessary to protect security of supply. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid. EirGrid published its Generation Capacity Statement in September 2021, which covers the period 2021 to 2030 and has identified a medium term need to develop circa 2,000 MW of generation capacity. On the same day, the CRU published an information note, setting out the programme of short- and medium-term actions being progressed to deliver the required generation capacity.
These actions include:
- increasing the availability of existing generators;
- developing new generation capacity;
- extending the operational life of some existing generators; and
- actions to enhance demand-side response, including large consumers reducing demand when the system margin is low.
In November 2021, the Government approved and published a new Policy Statement on Electricity Security of Supply, which supports the CRU's programme of actions. My Department continues to work closely with the CRU and EirGrid to implement the programme of actions and ensure security of electricity supply.
For the longer term, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. The review is being carried out for the period to 2030 in the context of net zero emissions by 2050. The review is expected to complete in mid-2022, following which the findings of the review will be submitted to Government.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of natural gas on the same basis as the decision taken by the previous government in relation to oil exploration and extraction. This commitment has been implemented by my Department and has been given statutory effect through the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.
116. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for excluding natural gas from head 20 of the general scheme of the Circular Economy Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63139/21]
View answerThe exploration for and development of petroleum (which includes natural gas) is regulated by the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960. I introduced amendments to that Act through the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 to give legislative effect to the Programme for Government commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of oil or gas. There is no requirement to duplicate a prohibition that is already in operation.
117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes retrofitted under each retrofitting scheme in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63159/21]
View answerMy Department funds a number of SEAI grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Partial grants are available for individuals that can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. Since 2000, over 465,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier and cheaper to heat and light. The National Retrofit Plan, published in November 2021 as part of the Climate Action Plan, 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.
COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity in the residential sector between January and April 2021 had a significant impact on activity last year.
The number of homes retrofitted under each retrofitting scheme in 2021 is set out in the table below.
|
SEAI Scheme |
No. of Homes Upgraded 2021 |
|
Better Energy Homes |
7,928 |
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes |
2,126 |
|
Better Energy Warmth and Wellbeing |
146 |
|
Deep Retrofit |
10 |
|
Solar PV (Domestic only) |
4,089 |
|
Community Energy Grants |
353 |
|
National Retrofit Scheme (One Stop Shop Dev. Call) |
805 |
|
Total |
15,457 |
In addition to the schemes operated by the SEAI, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage funds the Local Authority Retrofit Scheme.
118. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the risk analysis that has been taken regarding the proposed new gas power plants and the liabilities of the State under the energy charter treaty investor provisions given a judgement (details supplied); his views on the fact that the European Union energy investors can set up an office in another country to avoid the European Court of Justice ruling; and the way an energy investment with mixed European Union and non-European Union investors could take legal action under the Energy Charter Treaty on grounds of discrimination. [63273/21]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 sets out the need for new gas-fired generation in order to support the growth of renewable electricity and ensure security of supply. This generation will, in the main, be incentivised via the capacity market. The capacity market is an integral part of the all-island Single Electricity Market which is overseen by the Single Electricity Market Committee. The Single Electricity Market Committee consists of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, their Northern Ireland counterparts and an independent member.
The risks associated with any capacity contracts entered into is a matter for the regulatory authorities. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities is independent of me as Minister and my Department. It is solely accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas.
In relation to the Energy Charter Treaty, Ireland's position remains to support the European Commission's efforts to negotiate meaningful reform of the Treaty in the first instance, while reserving the option to support a co-ordinated withdrawal should these efforts fail and if considered appropriate by Government to achieve our national renewable energy and climate ambitions.
119. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the timeframe for broadband for a location (details supplied) to be up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63378/21]
View answer135. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the delivery date for high-speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1356/22]
View answer141. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the range of estimated National Broadband Ireland network connection times in County Kerry; the way this compares to figures nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1663/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 135 and 141 together.
The premises referred to in the Questions are 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 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 7 January, over 290,000 premises have been surveyed or have surveys underway with over 154,000 premises constructed or under construction across all counties including Kerry. Surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Dingle (Ballydavid), Rathmore and Kilgarvan. Pre works are underway in the Deployment Areas of Ballyheigue and Castlegregory and main works are underway in the Deployment Areas of Tralee and Killarney, with over 5,000 premises now available for order or pre order.
I am advised by NBI that surveying is currently underway in the area where the premises at Inch is located, with anticipated date for connection in H2 2022. NBI has also confirmed that the premises located in the Killarney area had an originally anticipated connection date of August 2021 to October 2021 and the anticipated connection date is now February 2022 to April 2022. Given the scale and complexity of the NBP, any dates issued, whilst based on the best available information at the time, are indicative and are subject to change. Many factors, including those beyond NBI’s control such as the Covid-19 pandemic, can impact the dates communicated. On December 2021 the premises was opened for pre-order, resulting in the ability for the resident to place a pre-order for service from a range of providers.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kerry 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.
With regard to the Question raised regarding the estimated NBI network connection times in County Kerry, the network rollout for the National Broadband Plan is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. The architecture of the network design is specifically based on the design of the NBI network coming from the Eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs). It is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to reach every premises as quickly as possible working within the confines of how fibre networks are built. Counties are covered by a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for connection across county areas.
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 7 January, 449 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 in County Kerry at Gneeveguilla (Tureencahill), Cable Station, Saint Fiachna's Church, Railway Station Heritage Centre And Community Space, Killeenagh Killenagh, Kielduff Community Centre, Chapeltown, Cillín Liath, Kilmoyley Community Centre, Black Valley (Lady Of The Valley Church). Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Boheeshil National School, Dunloe Upper, Coars National School, Scoil Náisiúnta Dar Earca, Naomh Charthaigh, Boys National School, Loughfouder National School, Realt Na Maidne, Aghatubrid National School and Scoil Náisiúnta Cillin Liathhave 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 2020 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/.
120. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps his Department has taken to prepare schools with onsite shops for the introduction of the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63395/21]
View answer121. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if funding for reverse vending machines as part of the deposit return scheme will be made available for schools to enable them to fully participate in the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63396/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.
A commitment to establish a Deposit Return Scheme was part of the Programme for Government and the timeline for its establishment was set out in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, published in September 2020.
The introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans will assist in reducing single use plastics and will help Ireland meet EU targets while promoting a wider circular economy. In November 2021, the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021 were signed, providing the legal framework for the scheme which will become operational across the country in Quarter 3 this year.
The next step in the process is the appointment of an approved body to operate the scheme. Operational matters, including those raised in these questions, will be considered and addressed by the system operator during the design of the scheme.
122. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 16 December 2021, if appropriate financial resources have been allocated to local authorities to implement appropriate enforcement measures as referred to in the reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63445/21]
View answerLocal Authorities are, and will continue to be, responsible for the enforcement of solid fuel regulations and Local Authorities are responsible for allocating the appropriate finances and resources to ensure they can fulfill all their air quality enforcement obligations. Discussions with the Local Authority sector have commenced with the intention of establishing dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.
My Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard and has already commenced work with the sector to develop guidance, training and the sharing of best practice. In addition, I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 to enhance enforcement expertise, including through the provision of additional supports for the most effective model of enforcement which will be delivered through the regional lead authorities.
123. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the procedure in circumstances in which it appears that households are burning smoky coal. [63475/21]
View answer150. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding that is available to local authorities seeking to improve air quality. [1943/22]
View answer151. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a ban on all smoky fuels. [1944/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 150 and 151 together.
Inspections of households in designated Low Smoke Zones where it is suspected that bituminous coal is being used are procedural matters for the relevant Local Authority, and my Department has no direct function in this regard.
My Department does not compile data regarding the resources allocated by individual Local Authorities to undertake specific functions, such as air quality monitoring or enforcement. It is at the discretion of each Local Authority to decide its own priorities and to allocate staff and resources accordingly. Funding of such services would generally be met from the Exchequer and by the Local Authority’s own resources. I am, however, working to improve the resources available to Local Authorities for air quality matters, particularly the enforcement of solid fuel regulations. Discussions with the Local Authority sector have commenced with the intention of establishing dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent enforcement of air quality legislation.My Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard and has already commenced work with the sector to develop guidance, training and the sharing of best practice. In addition, I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 to continue to enhance enforcement expertise, including through the provision of additional supports for the most effective model of enforcement.The current solid fuel regulations apply only to specified fuels such as bituminous coal in designated Low Smoke Zones. However, in light of evidence showing the polluting effects of other solid fuel, from September 2022, new solid fuel regulations will be introduced which will set minimum standards for all solid fuels placed on the market in Ireland.Introducing these standards will improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.
124. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been brought to a situation (details supplied); the analysis that has been carried out into the possibility of installing a black box for the houses concerned; the reason these nine houses have been excluded from the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan to date; the timeline for their connection under the National Broadband Plan; the reason for the delay in carrying out the surveying of this area; when the surveying will be carried out in respect of this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63476/21]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention. My Department has made enquiries to see if a commercial broadband network provider would consider connecting this premises and neighbouring premises to its fibre network. The company stated that this premises is almost 550m from the nearest fibre connection via its network and that the houses to the rear that have fibre are fed from a parallel road and the service provider does not have any plans to serve the additional premises. 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 7 January, over 290,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Galway in the Deployment Areas of Galway and Ballinasloe, Gurteen, Kilkerrin, Duniry and Lettermore. Pre-build works are underway in Gort, Athenry, Loughrea and Inverin. In total over 6,800 premises are available to order or pre-order in Galway.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Galway 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.
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. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. This has resulted in some changes to timeframes for connection for end users.
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. NBI has recently published details of its full deployment schedule on its website, www.nbi.ie, which enables all premises within the intervention area to have an anticipated service activation date range.
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 7 January, 449 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 Ballinakill Community Centre, Clonberne Community Enterprise Centre, Cortoon Community Centre, Leitrim Community Centre, Halla Pobal Thír An Fhia (Tír An Fhia Community Hall), Clarenbridge Nursing Home, Kilronan Library, Tuam Golf Club, Lackagh Heritage Centre and Museum, Old Secondary School, Lettermullen Community Centre, Clonfert Community Hall, Inishbofin Community Centre, Sylane Hurling Club, Irish Workhouse Centre and Comhar Na Noileán. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Carnmore National School, Clontuskert National School, Scoil Mhuire, Ballinakill National School, Briarhill National School, Brownsgrove National School, Mweenish National School, Saint Joesph's National School, Kilcroan National School, Scoil Caomhain, Saint Colman's National School, Ballinlass National School, Scoil Ui Cheithearnaigh, Saint Mary's National School, Cahergal National School, Scoil Seamus Naofa and Scoil Naomh Brighde have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December 2020 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/.
