Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to encourage the generation of energy for provision to the grid by private individuals, organisations or community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9467/22]
View answer102. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which he intends to maximise the roll-out of solar PV to schools, community buildings and sports clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10258/22]
View answer146. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will devise a grant scheme to encourage the installation of solar panels on the roofs of farm and industrial buildings. [10180/22]
View answer150. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the development of microgeneration in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9361/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 102, 146 and 150 together.
On the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations allow the Clean Export Guarantee tariff to become available for micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value.
Additionally I bought forward the final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) which was approved by Government in December 2021 and which will be published shortly.
The phased introduction of supports has already begun with the commencement of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last, with grant levels up to €2,400, the removal of the minimum BER requirement and increasing eligibility for homes built before 2021.
Non-domestic applicants, e.g. businesses, farms, schools, community buildings etc., will be able to apply for a grant for installations up to 6.0kWe, at the same grant amounts as domestic customers.
Larger non-domestic applicants will be able to apply for a Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff for installations between 6.1kWe and 50kWe. The CEP will be offered at a fixed rate for 15 years, and eligible volumes will be capped at 80% of generation capacity to encourage self-consumption.
Community enterprises including sports clubs and community halls will be eligible to participate, either as individual micro-generators or as community projects within the MSS. The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is currently working on the regulatory framework to facilitate renewable energy communities following a recent public consultation.
103. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the detail of the efforts by his Department to develop a green hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9464/22]
View answer138. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he plans to bring forward a hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10348/22]
View answer148. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an update will be provided on the investment in research and development in green hydrogen as a fuel for power generation, as per the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9455/22]
View answer153. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to develop a green hydrogen strategy as part of the next version of the climate action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10270/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103, 138, 148 and 153 together.
The role of hydrogen and the actions needed for its development were considered as part of the development of the Climate Action Plan 2021. The plan, 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. 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. The plan includes a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen across the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors. These actions include:
- testing the technical feasibility of safely injecting green hydrogen blends in the gas grid;
- assessing the potential for system integration between the electricity and gas networks, which will include the production, storage and use of green hydrogen; and,
- progressing research and pilot studies regarding the use of hydrogen in the transport sector.
In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is developing a number of initiatives on the role of green hydrogen in decarbonisation. The 2021 SEAI National Energy Research Development & Demonstration Programme Call included a number of projects relating to green hydrogen, and the development of floating offshore wind foundations coupled with hydrogen storage. The SEAI's National Heat Study published this week examines options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in Ireland to 2050, including options for green hydrogen.
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 targets achieved. I expect a strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.
104. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the energy security review of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems; when he expects the review to be completed; his plans to publish the final report and recommendations of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9362/22]
View answerMy Department is carrying out a review of security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems focussing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050.
I expect the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation commenced by mid-2022. It is planned to complete the overall review following this consultation, at which point, it will be submitted to Government.
105. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of upgrades provided under the warmth and well-being scheme, by year and county; and the way the scheme will be incorporated into new schemes going forward. [9281/22]
View answerThe Warmth and Wellbeing pilot scheme aims to objectively measure and validate the health and wellbeing impacts of improving the living conditions of vulnerable people living in energy poverty with chronic respiratory conditions. The scheme is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Health and is jointly administered by the Health Service Executive and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Since 2016, 1,464 homes have received free upgrades to their homes, including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The scheme was established as a pilot in HSE Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) 7, specifically Dublin 8, 10, 12, 22 & 24, and one of the qualifying criteria for the scheme is that applicants must reside within the area designated for the pilot scheme. The numbers of upgrades completed in these areas under the Warmth and Wellbeing scheme in each of the years 2016 to 31 December 2021 are as follows.
|
YEAR |
NO. OF HOMES COMPLETED |
|
2016 |
72 |
|
2017 |
360 |
|
2018 |
455 |
|
2019 |
340 |
|
2020 |
91 |
|
2021 |
146 |
|
TOTAL |
1,464 |
Given that the research element of the scheme has now closed to participants having reached a sufficient number, new applications for the scheme will cease on 28 February. Existing applications will receive their upgrades in line with the existing terms and conditions.
The Exchequer investment in this scheme has significantly improved the warmth and comfort of the homes involved. Initial reports have indicated that the upgrades are also delivering benefits to the health and wellbeing of participants, including reports of needing fewer GP and hospital visits, fewer prescriptions for antibiotics as well as increased engagement with other support services in the community. An independent analysis of the scheme benefits is being carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, in collaboration with the Health Service Executive.
The details of how the scheme can inform Government’s approaches to retrofitting, especially with regard to those who are more vulnerable and at risk of energy poverty, will be informed by the final findings of the analysis. From next year, the Warmth and Wellbeing budget will be transferred to the Warmer Homes Scheme.
106. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of social houses that were retrofitted in counties Laois and Offaly as part of the just transition project in 2020 and 2021. [9606/22]
View answerThe National Just Transition Fund’s objective is to fund innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the wider Midlands region, and which have employment and enterprise potential.To date, my Department has finalised grant agreements with 55 National Just Transition Fund projects. The total value of projects in delivery is approximately €30 million, with €20.5 million of this to be provided by the Fund. These projects have reported that they will create an estimated 154 direct jobs and 932 indirect jobs. 11 of the projects are being supported under the ‘Renewable Energies and Retrofitting’ category. To date, no monies from the National Just Transition Fund have been provided for the purpose of retrofitting social houses in Laois and Offaly.
107. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps his Department is taking to expedite harnessing the vast wind energy resource off the west coast of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10269/22]
View answerIreland’s increased climate and energy ambition is reflected in the Government target to achieve 5GW of installed offshore wind generation by 2030. There is further commitment in the Programme for Government to develop a longer-term plan to harness the potential 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our Atlantic waters. The 5GW target will be primarily met through development of offshore renewable energy in Ireland’s eastern and southern coastal regions. This reflects the suitability of water depths in these regions for deployment of conventional fixed bottom offshore wind turbines and existing electricity grid infrastructure to connect these projects to the onshore grid. Subsequent cost-effective deployment of renewables in deeper waters off the west coast, to take advantage of greater wind resources, should be increasingly feasible through future advances in floating turbine technology. The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, was enacted in December 2021 with my Department providing input on provisions specific to offshore renewable energy. The Act provides a modern, up-to-date regulatory framework that will enable offshore renewable energy developments beyond the limits of the current foreshore regime. Work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) has also been initiated by my Department. This will provide an evidence base for the identification of the most suitable areas for the sustainable development of fixed and floating wind, wave, and tidal technologies in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), while also considering other maritime activities and marine biodiversity. The OREDP II, along with a planned economic analysis, will set out the pathway for the development of offshore renewable energy beyond 2030.
108. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of proposals to provide an annual support towards the cost of bin charges for homes in which a family member uses incontinence pads, which results in additional costs for the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10157/22]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No 60 of 9 September 2021. The position is unchanged.
109. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the new rolling timelines for the provision of the national broadband plan; the steps that are now being introduced to ensure no further slippage to the schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10482/22]
View answer111. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the national broadband plan target for 2022 will be provided; the key milestones for 2022, considering the targets for 2021 were not achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10263/22]
View answer134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which adequate progress is being made in the provision of broadband to all locations throughout the country, with particular reference to the need to provide services in areas previously not serviced and keeping in mind the need to provide for job creation on an even basis throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10448/22]
View answer156. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an update will be provided on the national broadband plan, including the targets to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10259/22]
View answer169. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises passed by the roll-out of the national broadband plan to date compared with the number that were originally planned to be passed by February 2022; the projected number of premises that will be passed by the end of the year under the roll-out compared with that originally planned; the actions he is taking to ensure all the targets of the roll-out are achieved; the penalties that will be incurred by National Broadband Ireland for failure to adhere to the schedule it agreed contractually with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10466/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 111, 134, 156 and 169 together.
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 with 54,000 premises available to order and pre-order across 22 counties. In total, almost 301,000 premises in the Intervention Area across all counties have been surveyed, with over 157,000 premises constructed or under construction across 26 counties and almost 34,500 premises are now passed with high speed fibre broadband.In line with a remedial plan to address Covid-19 related delays which was agreed with the Department in April 2021, NBI had expected to have almost 60,000 premises passed and available for immediate connection by the end of January 2022. As would be expected with a large scale infrastructure build of this nature, challenges were encountered within planning and build processes and also as a result of Covid-19 impacts. NBI actively continues to work with its network and build partners to address any issues as they arise. Work is underway to re-baseline milestones for 2022 and beyond. The focus for 2022 is to continue to build momentum in the build, catch up on the delays experienced and plan for acceleration. Final targets for 2022 are expected to be agreed early this year. NBI has implemented a number of measures to help lessen the impact that these challenges have had on the rollout including:-
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month;
- Bringing in additional NBI resources;
- Earlier procurement of material used in the build stages; and
- Bringing in additional subcontractors. The Public Spending Code obliges public sector entities to ensure that contracts are managed and delivered to the specified standard, within budget and on time. The contract with NBI contains a comprehensive set of protections and legally binding obligations. The contract makes provision for dealing with delays to delivery of the network arising from unprecedented events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and NBI can seek additional time to meet contract milestones. In those circumstances no penalties would apply. In other circumstances, the contract provides that penalty provisions relating to delays to delivery of the network are applicable with respect to any delays that occur from the end of contract year 2. With regard to job creation, some 290 staff are employed directly with NBI and there are over 900 employees working with build/design contractors on foot of the NBP investment, with this number rising as the construction activity ramps up. The delivery of the National Broadband Plan is seen as a key enabler of many aspects of the Programme for Government. It will allow policies around remote working and remote service delivery to be realised to their full potential throughout the country no matter how remote the location.
110. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the up-to-date position concerning the review commissioned by his Department in respect of the proposed North-South interconnector project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10462/22]
View answerThe North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also facilitate the achievement of the goal to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland's economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.
The option of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. Most recently, the key finding from the International Expert Commission's report of October 2018 was that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this critical electricity infrastructure.
Notwithstanding this, I decided to commission a further short review to assess if the overall finding from the 2018 report remains valid. Formal procurement of international experts in electricity grid infrastructure was completed last September and, whilst we had hoped to receive their report before now, they have informed my officials that they plan to submit it to the department by early March.
112. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty 2016-2019 will be updated; when the review of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9363/22]
View answerEnergy poverty or fuel poverty is influenced by, inter alia, a person’s income, the energy efficiency of their home and the cost of the energy they use in their home. The Government’s Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty was published in 2016 and progress includes:
- Funding for SEAI's free energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased almost 8 fold over the period from €15 million in 2015 to over €118 million this year;
- The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will invest a further €85 million as part of the Social Housing Retrofit Programme this year;
- The Fuel Allowance has increased from €20 per week in 2014/15 to €33 per week for 2021/22 or €924 per year, and the eligibility criteria for the payment, was expanded by the Minister for Social Protection.
- The Housing for All Strategy has committed to introducing minimum Building Energy Rating standards for rental properties, where feasible, from 2025; and,
Protections are in place for customers falling into arrears on their energy bills.
Research published in 2016 found that 28% of households in Ireland would need to spend more than 10% of their income on their energy needs. More recently, the ESRI carried out an analysis of the number of households at risk of experiencing energy poverty. This showed that the share of households needing to spend more than 10% of their income on their energy needs was 17.5% in 2020. The Survey on Income and Living Conditions indicates that the proportion of people who reported that they are unable to afford to keep their home adequately warm, had fallen from 9% in 2015 to 3.4% in 2020.
In light of increased energy bills more recently, the Government has announced a package of supports which include:
- a number of changes to the Warmer Homes Scheme to increase eligibility and better target the support available to those most in need first in line with commitments set out in the National Retrofit Plan;
- the introduction of an emergency payment which will provide a €200 credit to all domestic electricity accounts;
- increased grants for attic and cavity wall insulation, covering 80% of the cost to homeowners of these highly cost-effective upgrade measures; and;
- a lump sum payment of €125 on the fuel allowance to be paid in early March to 390,000 recipients.
A review of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty will be completed in the coming months to inform future policy in this area.
113. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work he will undertake in 2022 to continue the process of ramping up Ireland’s renewable energy output. [10478/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 and annex of actions sets out a roadmap to deliver on Ireland's target of a 51% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by the 2030 including a suite of measures and actions to increase the share of electricity demand generated from renewable sources to up to 80%. In 2022, my Department will continue to drive the delivery of renewable energy sources in line with our targets and identified actions.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland’s flagship policy to deliver on the Governments target of up to 80% renewable electricity by the end of the decade. The first RESS auction for onshore wind and solar projects was held in 2020 and the first RESS 1 projects have now reached commercial operation with further projects to reach commercial operation throughout 2022.
The second RESS auction process has begun with the qualification application window having closed in January and the auction is scheduled to take place in May. Design of the RESS 3 onshore auction is also currently under development and my Department is also finalising the terms and conditions on the first of three planned auctions this decade for the offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS).
Ireland has considerable offshore renewable energy (ORE) potential. Ireland’s intention is to move to a plan-led approach to the development of the ORE sector. A new Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) will be completed by the end of 2022.
The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 provides a provides the legal underpinning to an entirely new marine planning system, which will balance harnessing our huge offshore wind potential with protecting our rich and unique marine environment. In Q1 2022, my Department opened a consultation on the proposed assessment criteria for the first batch of Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications from a set of seven qualified ORE projects. Consultation is also currently open on how the second batch of projects (Phase 2) will be selected to enter the new consenting system.
Last week I signed the Regulations, which will provide for the Clean Export Guarantee tariff, into Irish law allowing for micro-and small-scale generators to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid. In addition, my Department is working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on a policy design for a small-scale generation support scheme. This will be progressed in 2022 and is expected to become available in 2023.
As regards renewable heat and cooling, the SEAI published the National Heat Study on 22 February 2022. The Study, which was prepared at my Department’s request, contains detailed analysis which will now facilitate the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors to 2050 and will be a key input into the delivery of a number of actions contained in the Climate Action Plan 2022.
114. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will implement a renewable energy scheme for beef and dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10502/22]
View answerThe Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro-and small-scale electricity generators in Ireland allowing them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid at a competitive market rate.
On the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations allow the Clean Export Guarantee tariff to become available for micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. This will allow for the commencement of export payments to micro- and small-scale generators by their suppliers. The Government approved the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) on 21 December 2021, targeting 380MW of new generation from renewables self-consumers to contribute to an overall target for solar PV of 2.5GW by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan. The scheme will provide capital grants for new domestic and small non-domestic installations, including for farmers. Businesses, including farmers, who install new larger installations can avail of a Clean Export Premium tariff which will provide a fixed tariff for 15 years for electricity exported to the grid. The scheme design will be published in Q1 2022 and supports will be introduced on a phased basis during the year. The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generators, i.e. above 50kW but smaller than those supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, which will be progressed in 2022 and is expected to become available in 2023. This scheme will enable larger businesses, farms and community projects to maximise their participation in the energy transition.
115. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the impact delays to the North-South interconnector had on energy security; and his views on whether the project could more readily progress if undertaken in a manner that had the support of affected communities. [10510/22]
View answerThe North-South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also facilitate the achievement of the goal of generating up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland's economic well-being and to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.
The existing interconnector arrangement between Ireland and Northern Ireland creates a physical constraint on the flow of electricity between the two jurisdictions. This affects the level of support that can be provided from one to the other in times of security of supply challenges. As EirGrid's most recent Generation Capacity Statement outlines, generation adequacy shifts year-on-year, according to changes in demand. This proposed North-South Interconnector remains vital for the medium to long-term security of supply on the island of Ireland, as does the existing interconnection with Great Britain.
The development of this interconnector will provide reinforcement to the North-east area grid by providing an additional high capacity circuit in the region, thus reducing flows on the existing circuits. This additional transmission capacity will cater for growth in electricity consumption for many years and will also put the north-east area in a very good position if higher demand for electricity emerges through inward investment.
116. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of home retrofits that were completed in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/22]
View answer122. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of private residential properties that availed of funding through the national retrofit scheme in 2020 and 2021. [9605/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 122 together.
My 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.
In 2020, SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes (including the Solar PV scheme) supported 17,600 home energy upgrades. Approximately 15,500 home energy upgrades were supported last year. It is important to note that activity in both years was significantly impacted by restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Government recently announced a range of enhanced SEAI supports for retrofit including a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme. Further information is available at www.seai.ie.
117. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions he is taking to ensure carers and disabled persons are not adversely affected due to the introduction of the carbon tax, especially considering the findings of a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10488/22]
View answerIn 2020 my Department, in conjunction with the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform; Social Protection; Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; and Finance commissioned the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to carry out research into how the rate of carbon tax could be increased without disproportionately affecting low income households. The ESRI's research report concluded that using the revenue generated by the increase in carbon tax to support a series of socially progressive, targeted interventions will leave low income households, such as those where there is a person with a disability, with more disposable income than had those interventions not been implemented.
The increase in the carbon tax, and the redistribution of revenue in a fair and equitable manner, was one of the key measures set out in the Programme for Government. The findings of the ESRI report were taken into consideration by policy makers when preparing Budget 2021 and Budget 2022. In both of those budgets, this Government announced increases to the carbon tax along with a series of initiatives aimed at assisting low-income households address the increase in energy prices. The initiatives announced included targeted social welfare increases, as well as financial support for a socially progressive residential retrofit programme. Modelling carried out by the ESRI indicated that these measures would result in an increase in disposable income for households in the first five income deciles. It should be noted that the increase in carbon tax in Budget 2022 will not apply to home heating fuels until May 2022.
Earlier this month Government approved a package of supports aimed at making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to carry out energy upgrade work on their homes. Included in the package are measures targeted at low-income households, including funding for a Local Authority Retrofit Programme and the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme that will deliver a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households. Households in receipt of both the Domiciliary Care Allowance and the Carer’s Allowance, where the carer lives with the person they are caring for, are eligible for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. The scheme was also extended to include persons in receipt of the Disability Allowance for over 6 months and have a child under 7 years old. These criteria will be kept under ongoing review by the Department of Social Protection.
118. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has read reports that reduced activity during initial Covid-19 lockdowns prevented more than 800 air pollution-related deaths; and his plans to tackle air pollution in Ireland. [9444/22]
View answerI am aware of the recent research report which suggested that possibly 800 air pollution related deaths were avoided across Europe as a result of the first lockdown measures, which impacted primarily on transport related emissions. I recognise the correlation between transport-related air pollutant emissions and negative public health impacts. In 2020, monitoring stations operated by the Environmental Protection Agency, though the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme, showed that air pollution from traffic reduced, particularly at urban roadside locations, because of decreased traffic volumes due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Among the best ways to reduce emissions from private vehicles across the road network as a whole, is to remove older more polluting vehicles from our streets, and to encourage a modal shift to sustainable travel options, including walking and cycling, and electric vehicles.
The interim report of the Urban Transport-Related Air Pollution Group, which was published last year, made a number of recommendations on how to reduce vehicle emissions. In addition, the Five Cities Traffic Demand Management Study, published recently by the Department of Transport, proposes a range of measures to combat overreliance on cars. The report also includes a toolkit that Local Authorities can use to help them to reduce emissions, tackle congestion, and improve air quality as well as the overall urban environment in our five major cities.
Further actions to reduce transport-related air pollutant emissions are being developed as part of the Clean Air Strategy, and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications continues to work in conjunction with the Department of Transport on these matters.
119. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the work of the interdepartmental group on post offices; and when the report of the group will be submitted to Government. [10476/22]
View answerThe work of the Inter-Departmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being provided through to An Post and the post office network, is being considered by Minister Naughton and its report will be submitted to Government in due course.
120. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the national youth climate assembly is on track to commence in early March 2022; the way that the assembly will be structured; the topics that members will consider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9359/22]
View answerThe National Youth Climate Assembly is a core deliverable of the Programme for Government and the National Dialogue on Climate Action. It is a collaboration between my Department and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It will be an annual event which allows the participation of children and young people in decision-making according to the National Participation Framework.
The first National Youth Climate Assembly will take place remotely on 2 March this year. A preparatory meeting was held on 18 February. This allowed the representatives attending to hear presentations from climate experts and participate in workshops on a wide variety of issues.
The National Youth Assembly will capture the views of young people on climate issues and allow them make recommendations to inform the development of the annual update of Climate Action Plan. A Youth Advisory Group has been convened to inform the design, format and methodology for the National Youth Climate Assembly. Participants were nominated by organisations, including Comhairle na nÓg, youth organisations, student representative bodies, and appropriate organisations to ensure a diverse and inclusive representation.
There will also be representation from the National Youth Assembly at the National Climate Stakeholder Forum.
