Written Answers Nos. 32-46
32. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the employment results of IDA Ireland for 2021; the main factors for the level of job increases; the level of job creation that is projected in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6796/22]
View answerI was happy to see that IDA Ireland won 249 investments during 2021, with 104 new name investments showing the confidence of investors in Ireland remains strong. The number of people directly employed in multinational companies in Ireland grew to 275,384, this is the highest level of foreign direct investment employment ever reached. The creation of more than 29,000 new jobs during the year is a great achievement in what remains a challenging environment.
The strong flow of projects observed during 2021 were significantly ahead of target and in line with pre-pandemic averages. This increase was driven by the expansion of existing clients and better than anticipated new name performance. The regions performed exceptionally well, winning 54% of total projects and the largest number on record at 133.
It was against a backdrop of predicted global falls in FDI levels that the IDA's Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth Strategy for 2021-2024 was launched. The Strategy aims to ensure that FDI can make a significant contribution to the recovery and future growth of the economy. The targets set to achieve this are to: win 800 total investments, to support job creation of 50,000 and economic activity; partner with clients for future growth through 170 Research, Development & Innovation and 130 training investments; win 400 investments to advance regional development; embrace a green recovery with 60 sustainability investments and to target a 20% increase in client expenditure in Ireland to maximise the impact of FDI.
Despite the challenges thrown up in the last two years, Ireland has proved to be a resilient and stable platform for companies choosing to invest here, 7% growth in IDA supported companies, compared to 3.6% in 2020, is notable given the global environment in which Ireland competes for foreign direct investment is constantly changing. The coming period will be characterised by an accelerated pace of change set against an exceptionally challenging economic backdrop, however, I remain confident that Ireland will continue to remain an attractive location for FDI in the future.
33. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 2 November 2021, if he has received the report by the Low Pay Commission and the ESRI of a universal basic income; when he expects the report to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6883/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the programme for Government includes a commitment to "request the Low Pay Commission to examine universal basic income, informed by a review of previous international pilots, and resulting in a universal basic income pilot in the lifetime of the Government". Last year, I formally requested that the Low Pay Commission examine this issue.
To inform its considerations, the Low Pay Commission asked the ESRI to conduct background technical research on a universal basic income under the terms of the Low Pay Commission-ESRI research partnership agreement. The study will examine the universal basic income pilots that have taken place in other jurisdictions to identify what was learned and what might be relevant to a pilot in Ireland. It will also seek to identify which policy objectives a universal basic income pilot could address and its associated risks and financial implications. It will conclude with recommendations on how a pilot in Ireland might be designed and run.
The ESRI is currently finalising its report and the Low Pay Commission intends to provide a report to me on this research and its recommendations in Q2 2022. I expect to be able to publish both the ESRI report and the LPC's report shortly after that.
34. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will expedite the work permit application process for the haulage sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6914/22]
View answerIreland operates a managed employment permits system maximising the benefits of economic migration and minimising the risk of disrupting Ireland’s labour market. The regime is designed to accommodate the arrival of non-EEA nationals to fill skills and labour gaps for the benefit of our economy, in the short to medium term.
The occupations lists are subject to twice yearly evidence-based review and take account of research undertaken by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit (SOLAS) and the Expert Group of Future Skills Needs (EGFSN), a public consultation process, input from the relevant policy Departments and the Economic Migration Inter-Departmental Group, chaired by the Department.
In support of supply chains and cognisant of the ongoing issues facing retail, transport and logistic operators, exacerbated by COVID-19 and Brexit, I announced on 27 October 2021, that any HGV drivers recruited from outside the EEA will be eligible for an employment permit without the limitation of a quota. The quota had been in existence since 2017 and was extended previously in 2019.
Permits for HGV drivers may be granted to the holders of valid mutually recognised CE/C1E licences. At present four countries are covered by mutual recognition agreements for CE/C1E licences – South Africa, Australia, Japan and South Korea.
Applications for employment permits are processed in date order. Applicants can keep track of Employment Permit applications current processing dates at enterprise.gov.ie/en/What-We-Do/Workplace-and-Skills/Employment-Permits/Current-Application-Processing-Dates.
35. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the engagement he has had with small to medium enterprises to help them reduce their carbon emissions and prepare for a greener future. [7107/22]
View answerMy department actively pursues opportunities for decarbonisation across the enterprise base and integrates climate action into all aspects of the Department and its agencies’ activities. We aim to foster strong, resilient businesses, that are successful and sustainable, while meeting our sector’s climate targets.
Climate Toolkit for Business
My department, in conjunction with Minister Ryan's department, have launched the Climate Toolkit for Business, which aims to encourage all SMEs to start their zero-carbon journey. The Toolkit provides an estimate of the carbon footprint of the business based on some simple information input and generates a tailored action plan and highlights relevant state programmes and funding that can assist in implementing the recommended actions. These actions will be in the areas of energy use, water use, materials use and transport. By implementing them, businesses will be well on their way to a greener future.
Officials in my department and in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications engaged with a Steering Group which was made up of representatives of relevant state agencies and business representation organisations throughout the development of the Climate Toolkit 4 Business.
Local Enterprise Offices
In March 2021, I launched the Local Enterprise Office Green for Micro programme. This programme offers green transition advice and technical support to micro-enterprises. Qualifying SMEs receive two days of intensive mentoring, including a sustainability audit, and design an action plan to reduce their carbon footprint. Local Enterprise Offices approved 269 Green for Micro projects in 2021, helping to prepare micro-enterprises for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future.
Enterprise Ireland Initiatives
In 2021, Enterprise Ireland launched the Climate Enterprise Action Fund. It consists of three initiatives designed to help SMEs on their sustainability journey:
- Climate Action Voucher – a €1,800 grant to engage consultants to develop plans in areas such as resource efficiency and renewable energy.
- GreenStart grant – up to €5,000 to measure carbon footprint and identify actions to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.
- GreenPlus – grant funding of up to 50% to develop a multi-annual climate change plan aligned to international standards and frameworks.
Since the Climate Enterprise Action Fund was launched in 2021, 150 projects have been approved: 84 Climate Action Vouchers, 52 GreenStarts and 14 GreenPlus projects were grant aided.
Enterprise Forum
I will also shortly chair the Enterprise Forum where the Department will meet with Enterprise sector stakeholders, including representatives from ISME, SFA, RGData, the Retail sector, Chamber Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to discuss key issues including Climate Action.
36. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when he expects the position of IDA Regional Director for the South East to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7114/22]
View answerThe appointment of a Regional Manager for the South-East Region is an operational matter for IDA Ireland, though I understand the recruitment process for the position of IDA Regional Manager for the South East Region is currently underway.
I am also informed that the IDA Team in the South-East Region is, on a temporary basis, reporting to the Department Manager- Regional Development.
37. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will consider adopting new regulations prohibiting the sale of scrap metal by cash without valid identification and proof of address of the sellers of scrap metals in order to improve on traceability of sale of scrap metal and to curb scrap metal theft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6919/22]
View answerWhile regulation of the scrap metal industry is not a matter within the remit of my Department, the regulation of waste activities is relevant to the industry. In order to improve traceability of waste received and to counter the trade in stolen metal, an amendment to the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations was introduced in 2014 to require the following at all permitted facilities receiving/purchasing waste:
the production of proof of identity and current address for the person supplying the material;
- records to be kept of the registration number and waste collection permit number of the delivery vehicle;
- records to be kept describing the materials, time and date of sale, weight and amount paid; and
- the provision of a signed statement by the person supplying the material indicating that they are the lawful owner.
The Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLAs) have issued guidance to all waste facility permit holders, including Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) for end-of-life vehicles, advising them of their responsibilities and local authorities continue to undertake inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations. These inspections have been included in the National Waste Enforcement Priorities for 2022 and the WERLAs are working closely with An Garda Síochána in investigating incidences of catalytic convertor theft in particular.My Department also participates in the National Metal Theft Forum, which was established in 2012 by An Garda Síochána, to bring together stakeholders, including local authorities, the Department of Justice, and industry representatives, in order to improve information sharing and to develop a metal theft prevention and crime reduction plan.
There are no plans to introduce any further measures around traceability requirements at this time, although enforcement of the existing regulations remains a priority for the WERLAs.
38. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the options available regarding fibre broadband at a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason this property cannot be connected to the fibre broadband infrastructure that is already provided in the area by commercial providers; the steps his Department has taken to provide access to full-capacity fibre broadband to this area of County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6773/22]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living close to a fibre network, owned by a commercial operator, but cannot obtain a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 31 January, almost 296,000 premises have been surveyed or have survey underway, with over 154,000 premises constructed or under construction across all counties. NBI has also advised that premises are connected in 16 counties; Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Limerick, Louth, Monaghan, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Wexford and Wicklow and over 54,500 premises are available to order and pre-order across 21 counties. In County Tipperary surveying is underway in the Deployment Area of Cahir, surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Nenagh and Mullinahone, pre works are underway in the Deployment Areas of Cashel and Roscrea and main works are ongoing in the Deployment Areas of Tipperary and Clonmel. To date over 17,000 premises in County Tipperary have been surveyed, with almost 8,000 premises under construction and over 2,700 premises now available to order or pre-order.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Tipperary 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, 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.
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 31 January, 469 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. BCPs are connected at Rossmore Community Hall (approx. 8.4km from the premises referred to), Aglish Community Hall, Drom Community Centre, Curreeney Community Hall, Killoscully Community Centre, Killea GAA Club, Moyglass Community Hall, Killurney Community Centre, Fanure Community Hall, Boher Parish Hall, Latteragh Community Centre, Ballinahinch Community Centre, Kilcoleman Community and Recreational Centre, The Apple Farm, The Pavillion, Ballinderry Sportsfield, Terryglass Community Hall, Ballylooby Castlegrace GAA Club, Lismackin Community Hall and Gurtagarry Community Hall. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Poulacapple National School, Killeen National School, Killea National School, Leugh National School, Ballinahinch National School, Ayle National School, Newtown Upper, Moyglass National School, Two Mile Borris National School and Scoil Naisiunta Chaoimhghin 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. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
39. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the exemption provided to farmers to dispose of untreated and uncontaminated green waste such as trees, wood, trimmings, leaves, bushes or similar materials generated by agricultural practices by burning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6841/22]
View answer46. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that he has not signed the derogation with regard to the burning of bushes, branches and so on (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6981/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 46 together.
Under the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009, the burning of household, garden, commercial or industrial waste is not permitted.
Previously, an exemption under the legislation had been provided for the burning of green waste generated by agricultural purposes. The burning of green waste is a matter of concern and leads to localised air pollution. More broadly, health problems associated with air pollution are widely known and acknowledged.
The sunset clause in the Regulations, whereby the granting of exemptions would come to a definite end at a specified time, has been extended on four different occasions in the past. It was not envisaged that the exemption would continue indefinitely. The most recent exemption, under the legislation, expired on the 1st January, 2022.
Regulations to extend the exemption until 1st January 2023 will be published in the coming days. I anticipate this will be the final extension. Discussions between officials from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will commence – to examine alternative options to the practice of burning of this waste.
40. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if specific targets will be set for aluminium cans as well as for polyethylene terephthalate bottles; if the targets shall be the same; and if he plans that the charges set for different types of item will be set to avoid cross subsidisation between lines in respect of the costs of recovery and onward uses. [6859/22]
View answerLast year, I signed the Separate Collection (Deposit Return Scheme) Regulations 2021, providing the legal framework for a national deposit return scheme. The Regulations require that the approved body who will operate the scheme, must achieve separate collection rates for recycling of in-scope bottles in accordance with Directive 2019/904/EC on the reduction of the impact of certain plastics on the environment and also achieve EU recycling targets for in-scope containers, or aluminium or steel beverage containers.
By 2025, Ireland must ensure the separate collection of 77% of plastic beverage bottles placed on the market (by weight), rising to 90% by 2029. In the case of aluminium, the current EU recycling target is set at 50% by 2025 and rises to 60% by 2030. While Ireland’s recycling rate of 54% currently surpasses the EU recycling target, we will need to improve our performance further. I expect the deposit return scheme to contribute significantly to target attainment for both material streams.
In advance of the introduction of the Scheme later this year, I will introduce Regulations to establish, among other things, the level of deposit for the materials to be collected.
41. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath connected under the National Broadband Plan; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current roll-out is leaving some neighbours connected and others not due to variances on the mapping system, that is, blue zone and orange zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6909/22]
View answerThe High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode. Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, the contract for which was signed in November 2019 with National Broadband Ireland (NBI). The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. 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.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living close to a fibre network owned by commercial operator, 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.
Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, National Broadband Ireland has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan. As of 31 January, almost 296,000 premises have been surveyed or have survey underway, with over 154,000 premises constructed or under construction across all counties and over 54,500 premises are available to order and pre-order across 21 counties.
There are some 42,512 premises in County Cavan of which 26,103 are in the commercial area and 16,409 are within the NBP Intervention Area. I am advised by NBI that, as of 31 January, 10,491 premises in County Cavan have been surveyed. Surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Kilnaleck and Cootehill and main works are complete in the Deployment Area of Cavan with over 3,604 ready for order.
There are some 33,709 premises in County Monaghan of which 18,262 are in the commercial area and 15,447 are within the NBP Intervention Area. I am advised by NBI that, as of 31 January, 10,000 premises in County Monaghan have been surveyed. Surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Clones and Carrickmacross. Pre build works are underway in the Deployment Area of Emyvale and main works are complete in the Deployment Area of Monaghan with over 4,380 premises available for order and 1,234 premises under construction.
There are some 89,908 premises in County Meath of which 69,543 are in the commercial area and 20,365 are within the NBP Intervention Area. I am advised by NBI that, as of 31 January 10,012 premises in County Meath have been surveyed. Surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Dunboyne/Clonee, Navan and Hill of the Down. There are currently 3,000 premises under construction in the county Meath with over 2,000 of those premises located in the areas around Bettystown, Julianstown, Duleek and Bellewstown to be completed in H1 2022, as advised by NBI.
Further details are available on specific areas within Counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 31 January, 469 BCP sites have been installed by NBI including 12 sites in Cavan, 14 sites in Monaghan and 15 sites in Meath 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.
My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
42. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the €100 energy payment support will be made available to all households including those who have been cut off by their provider in circumstances in which they have not been able to pay bills and need to reinstate their accounts; the way that this support can be accessed in these circumstances; if there is an expiration date attached to using the funds on utility costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6910/22]
View answerApproximately 2.1 million domestic electricity account will benefit from the scheme for an exceptional payment to electricity accounts that will become operational following the passage of the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022 currently before the Oireachtas. The scheme will apply to all domestic accounts, including pay as you go. The €100 credit will be provided by suppliers by way of crediting all domestic electricity accounts. The credit can be used to contribute towards any outstanding fees in the account, including reconnection where disconnection (de-energisation) has taken place. Regulations under Section 8(2)(d) of the Bill provide for the period within which such funding is to be transferred to accounts by suppliers, after which, the funding, where not credited to accounts, will be returned to the Distribution System Operator (DSO ) and ultimately the Exchequer.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will be charged with oversight of the scheme. CRU, through their existing enforcement functions will be able to direct ESBN and suppliers to comply with their functions under the Bill. 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 electricity suppliers, who in turn will credit all the domestic electricity accounts held with them with €100.
More generally, CRU have responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas retail markets as set out under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. CRU has in place a suite of protections against disconnection that are set out in the Supplier Handbook. In brief, priority customers cannot be disconnected, while vulnerable customers are protected over winter months from 1 November to 31 March each year while a CRU moratoria on disconnections for all customers comes into effect over the Christmas period. Additionally, under the supplier led voluntary Energy Engage Code, suppliers will not disconnect a customer who is engaging with them at any time. Accordingly any customers who are experiencing difficulties with their Bills should engage with their supplier to discuss the various options and assistance available.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
43. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the options available to a person who finds themselves within the orange area on the National Broadband Plan roll-out but within 100 metres from the port box with free ports available which connected their neighbours to fibre but they cannot get connected and are being told that this will be the position for four years. [6911/22]
View answerThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living close to a fibre network, owned by a commercial operator, but cannot obtain a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
As advised in my reply to Question 32 of 2 February 2022 regarding the same premises, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is making steady progress in County Meath and surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Dunboyne/Clonee, Navan and Hill of Down, with over 10,000 premises surveyed and over 3,000 premises under construction to date, with over 2,000 of those premises located in the areas around Bettystown, Julianstown, Duleek and Bellewstown to be completed in H1 2022.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Meath 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, 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.
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 31 January, 469 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. BCPs are connected at Syddan Gaelic Football Club (approx. 6.7km from premises referred to), Drumree GAA Club, Rathkenny Hall, Meath GAA Centre of Excellence, Cormeen Sports Complex, Teach Raithneach Heritage & Cultural Centre, Meath Hill Community Centre, Castletown GAA Club, Boardsmill GAA Club/Community Centre, Kilskyre GAA Club, Moynalty GAA Club, Ballinlough Shop & Former Halfway House Public House, Bective GAA Clubrooms, Cortown GAA Club and Carnaross Mart. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Kentstown National School, Saint Catherine's School, Gaelscoil na Mí, Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Fheasa, Culmullin School and Newtown National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
44. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he plans to publish a national hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6933/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021, published in November, identifies green hydrogen as having the potential to support decarbonisation across several sectors and, in particular, as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity. The Climate Action Plan 2021 already includes a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen in the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors. It also sets out how green hydrogen could address some of the challenges faced by the energy sector, such as providing a back-up for intermittent renewables. A key target set out in the Climate Action Plan is to carry out a work programme to identify a route to deliver one to three terra-watt hours of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030.
In accordance with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, the Climate Action Plan will be updated on an annual basis to reflect ongoing developments and to ensure our targets are achieved. My Department continues to work with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders to carry out research and develop policies to support the uptake of green hydrogen. I expect a strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.
45. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current numbers awaiting completion of works under the warmer homes scheme; the number of pending applications received in each of the past five years; the estimated energy savings on foot of works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6980/22]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the beginning of the roll-out of energy poverty schemes, over 146,000 homes have received free upgrades. The average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household in 2021 in the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme was €17,100.
For works completed in 2021, the latest data shows that the average waiting time from application date to works completed was approximately 26 months. The SEAI has advised that wait times may vary, based on a number of issues. For instance, once the survey is completed and works are allocated to a contractor, the time to complete works is dependent on a number of factors including the scale of works to be completed, access to the property, availability of materials, weather and in recent years COVID-19 restrictions. Waiting times have significantly increased as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions where contractors were unable to carry out works for approximately 12 months.
There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor or are awaiting the initial survey of their home. The SEAI aims to significantly reduce the waiting list in 2022, by completing an average of 400 homes per month - up from an average of 177 completions per month in 2021.
The following table sets out the number of pending applications received in each of the past five years 2017 to 2021:
|
Year |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Total |
|
No. on waiting list for completion of works |
0
|
40 |
1,888 |
2,356 |
2,788 |
7,072 |
The estimated energy savings in 2021 for 2,126 homes completed are as follows:
|
Estimated energy saving (GWH) |
4.465 |
|
Estimated CO2 savings (ktCO2) |
1.107 |
Additional resources have now been secured for this area with a total of €267 million (of which €202 million is carbon tax receipts) allocated for SEAI residential and community schemes in 2022. €109 million of this will be used to provide free energy efficiency upgrades to households in the Warmer Homes Scheme. In addition, delivery capacity in the supply chain has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020.
