Written Answers Nos. 120-140
120. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he plans to take to secure Ireland’s energy supply in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18301/22]
View answer130. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding energy security and market stability in view of the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18872/22]
View answer139. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline how secure Irish energy systems are. [18485/22]
View answer153. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the issue of energy security in view of recent geopolitical events including the invasion of Ukraine and Ireland’s excessive dependence on imported natural gas from Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12224/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 130, 139 and 153 together.
The RePowerEU Plan, launched by the European Commission on 8 March 2022, sets out an approach to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030 in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This communication sets out new actions to ramp up the production of green energy, diversify supplies and reduce demand, focusing primarily on gas, which significantly influences the electricity market and where the global market is less liquid. Ireland will work closely with the European Commission and Member States to deliver upon this ambition.
In the immediate term, Ireland is continuing to monitor international gas and oil energy markets and to consult with its EU and international partners on appropriate measures, if necessary, to ensure energy security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission is engaging with other countries to ensure sufficient and timely supply of natural gas to the EU from diverse sources across the globe to avoid supply shocks, including those that could result from disruptions.
The crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU and Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel imports. We must continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, focussing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030.
My Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. This review is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigating options for such risks.
121. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will re-examine Government policy on high-energy usage data centres in view of the current energy crisis and the need to reach climate related targets for reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18885/22]
View answerIreland is a popular location for data centres which securely store and manage the data that supports the digital and communications infrastructure for many sectors of our economy. Data centres also create employment and attract foreign direct investment. However, the expansion of data centres, particularly in the Dublin region, is projected to lead to a large increase in electricity demand which raises challenges for the energy system. Under the Climate Action Plan 2021, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has committed to reviewing the 2018 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' to ensure alignment with Ireland’s renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions and climate priorities. This statement is due for publication later this year and is part of a suite of actions included in CAP 21 to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, while facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector.My Department is working with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and relevant state agencies to ensure that there is a plan-led, regionally balanced approach to large developments such as data centres, taking into account congestion, existing grid availability and the opportunity to co-locate significant renewable energy opportunities.In addition, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act provides, inter alia, for a maximum amount of emissions to be permitted in different sectors of the economy during a carbon budget period, referred to as ‘sectoral emissions ceilings’. All sectors of the economy will have sectoral emissions ceilings and emissions from data centres will be accounted for within the relevant sectoral emissions ceiling.
122. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are being taken to mitigate against the impacts of possible cyber-attacks on public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13518/22]
View answerThe ransomware attack on the Health Service Executive last May demonstrated clearly the major impact cyber security incidents can have on the delivery of vital services and the protection of personal data. The National Cyber Security Centre plays an important role in supporting Government Departments and other public bodies to improve the resilience and security of their IT systems to better protect services that our people rely upon, and their data.
Information sharing is a key component of the work of the NCSC whereby it acts a source of expert advice and guidance for public bodies and other stakeholders. In November 2021 the NCSC published the public sector baseline cyber security standard which set out a framework to be used by Public Service Bodies as a baseline to gauge their organisation’s cyber security preparedness. The NCSC also shares information on threats and vulnerabilities, in the form of advisories. In many cases these advisories are shared with the public, however the NCSC also provides restricted and confidential advisories in respect of specific threats. The NCSC is in regular and frequent communication with international counterparts and the exchange of information is very much a two-way street. The NCSC has also deployed a monitoring programme, Sensor, across Government Departments to monitor for potential threats and malicious activity. The recent Capacity Review recommended expanding this programme across all Government Networks and Critical Infrastructure. This will be addressed in the legislation being drafted in my Department.
The NCSC has been operating at a heightened state of preparedness in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The NCSC has contingency plans in place in case of escalation of malicious cyber activity impacting on Irish networks and services. The NCSC has arrangements in place to avail of external expert support as required including a number of third-party incident response services. The NCSC has also issued a number of guidance and support documents recently, including a detailed Advisory Note and a ‘Cyber Vitals’ check list. This Advisory detailed a cyber risk assessment and appropriate advice regarding the ongoing situation in Ukraine. These documents are publicly available on the NCSC website https://ncsc.gov.ie/news/ The NCSC is in ongoing contact with counterparts across the EU, as well as the UK, US and other countries to share information and monitor possible threats. The NCSC continues to work closely with the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána and is in frequent contact with operators of critical infrastructure and services to monitor for possible malicious cyber activity.
123. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to develop a work programme as is required by the Climate Action Plan to deliver one to three TWh of zero emissions gas by 2030, specifically in relation to green hydrogen. [18791/22]
View answerClimate Action Plan 2021 establishes a target to carry out a work programme to identify a route to deliver 1-3 TWh of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030. The Climate Action Plan 2021 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 Plan contains a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen in the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors and includes: - 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;
- 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 (RD&D) 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 in February 2022, examines options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in Ireland to 2050, including options for green hydrogen.
My Department is currently preparing a public consultation on a hydrogen strategy for Ireland. This consultation will include consideration of the work programme required to deliver 1-3 TWh of zero emissions gas. I expect this strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.
124. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a price point for gas or other fossil fuels at which it would be necessary to consider decoupling high-priced hydrocarbons from setting the overall wholesale electricity price; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18683/22]
View answerA well-functioning EU-electricity market remains crucial for the integration of our Internal Energy Market and for providing investment signals for the integration of new renewables, which are essential to ultimately break our dependence on fossil fuels. We should not depart from the competitive principles of our market design, which would undermine the cost-effective decarbonisation of our energy system, jeopardise affordability and risk security of supply. On 15 and 17 November 2021 respectively, the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) issued their preliminary reports on the functioning of the energy and carbon markets. Final reports are expected this month. ACER noted that any changes to the current wholesale market design require careful consideration so as not to inadvertently impact the ability of the framework to drive desired EU-wide changes, such as cost-efficient decarbonisation, over the medium and longer term, while ESMA’s preliminary analysis does not indicate that the market is not functioning as it should. We need to take into account the final report by ACER before considering any new measures in the wholesale electricity market design to avoid the risk of unanticipated or unintended consequences.
The best long-term approach for Ireland to insulate consumers from volatility on international wholesale energy markets is to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Improving our energy efficiency, cutting our dependence on fossil fuels and generating power from our own renewable sources will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future in the long term. Electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
125. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the further steps that are being considered to mitigate energy price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18857/22]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. It is a function of the CRU to regulate the electricity market, including the type of measure referred to in the Question.
Government is acutely aware of rising electricity and gas prices and its effects on households. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. This is a global phenomenon and gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, with UK wholesale gas prices recently reaching unprecedented levels. The increase in international wholesale gas prices, have continued to be driven to these historically high levels by the volatility in the international gas market exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing conflict. These gas price increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Government’s immediate response to the current surge in international gas prices has been to utilise the tax and social welfare system in Budget 22 to counter rising costs of living for households. Additionally, and in recognition of the ongoing inflationary pressures on households, I introduced The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Bill 2022, that now provides for a credit payment to each domestic electricity account amounting to €200 (including VAT). Approximately 2.1 million account holders will benefit from the payment in the coming weeks. This was one of a range of new measures as part of a €505m package of measures to mitigate the wider cost of living increases announced by Government on the 10th February.
As price caps reflect the various component costs of supply, there is no evidence to suggest that they would lead to better outcomes for customers. Accordingly, I understand that CRU is not considering any such proposals in that regard.In light of the ongoing pressures caused by energy prices I continue to monitor the impact in consultation with key stakeholders and to consider what further measures can be taken to help alleviate them.
126. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the proposed establishment of dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent enforcement of the new air quality regulations across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18661/22]
View answer142. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the additional funding and resources that he has allocated to enable local authorities to increase the enforcement and inspections of cross-Border fuel movements in respect of the implementation of the provisions of the new enhanced solid fuel regulations within their functional areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18788/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 142 together.
My Department and the Local Government Management Agency are continuing to work together on a full assessment of the Local Authority air quality enforcement sector to scope out the resource requirements that will ensure that the most appropriate and effective enforcement structure is put in place with a view to supporting the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice that will deliver consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.
I have secured initial funding of €1.2 million this year for the provision of additional supports in this regard, and while work is on-going to develop an enhanced co-ordinated approach, my Department continues to engage with enforcement personnel to develop guidance and training, and to support the sharing of best practice in advance of the introduction of new enhanced Solid Fuel Regulations next September.
127. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding maritime area consent applications; the timeline for when they will begin to be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18845/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to the achievement of at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030 and includes a suite of actions to realise the full potential of Ireland’s offshore renewable energy resources. Ireland’s target to achieve 5GW by 2030 will be primarily met off our eastern and southern coasts. This reflects the suitability of water depths in these regions for deployment of fixed bottom offshore wind turbines and the availability of electricity grid infrastructure capacity. The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 provides the legal underpinning for an entirely new marine planning system, which will balance harnessing our huge offshore wind potential while protecting our rich and unique marine environment. Ahead of the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in 2023, the legislation provides, on an interim basis, the legal authority for the Minister of the Environment, Climate and Communications, to assess Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications from offshore renewable energy developers who meet defined assessment criteria. I recently announced the launch of this application window, which will open on 25 April for an 8-week period. The first MACs are expected to be issued in the second half of 2022. The process will assess applicants in key areas, including financial and technical competency. This will ensure that only the most viable offshore projects can apply for permission from An Bord Pleanála. Applications to An Bord Pleanála will include full environmental assessment and public participation. This approach ensures that immediate progress can be made in progressing offshore wind energy, while MARA is being established. Following assessment of the initial batch of MACs, responsibility will be handed over to MARA from early 2023.
128. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the impact that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had on Ireland’s energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18740/22]
View answer145. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he is contemplating which might strengthen Irish resilience in the face of explosion in the cost of oil and gas. [18484/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 145 together.
Government is acutely aware of rising electricity and gas prices and its affects on households. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. In Europe, wholesale natural gas prices have risen and remained high since the second half of 2020. Gas prices are now at historically high levels. The increase in international wholesale gas prices, have continued to be driven by the volatility in the international gas market linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the on-going war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas. Government’s response to the current surge in international gas prices has been to utilise the tax and social welfare system in Budget 22 to counter rising costs of living for households. Additionally, and in recognition of the ongoing inflationary pressures on households, the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 provides for a credit payment to each domestic electricity account amounting to €200 (including VAT). Approximately 2.1 million account holders will benefit from the payment in the coming weeks. This was one of a range of new measures as part of a €505m package of measures to mitigate the wider cost of living increases announced by Government on the 10th February. The conflict in Ukraine has led to sharp increases on international oil markets from late February onwards. This fed directly into higher pump prices and the Government responded on the 8th March with Excise reductions which amounted to 20 cent per litre for petrol and 15 cent per litre for diesel.
129. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of licences issued by his Department for mineral exploration in the past two years and his views on concerns by various campaigns and groups on the sustainability of increased mining operations in the State. [18886/22]
View answerNinety-two Prospecting Licences have been granted by my Department since January 2020. A Prospecting Licence allows the holder to prospect or explore for specified minerals in a defined geographic area and does not give the holder permission to undertake mining activities. My Department has received submissions as part of Prospecting Licence public consultations. Potential impacts of mining on the environment and local area, environmental impacts of mineral exploration and the public consultation process itself are among the issues raised in submissions.
All mineral exploration activities undergo environmental screening and there are strong environmental protections in place. Seeking permission to mine is a separate process requiring three State authorisations; planning permission from the local county council; a licence from the EPA (Industrial Emissions or Integrated Pollution Control licence); and a State Mining Licence/Lease. A thirty-day public consultation period is part of both the Prospecting Licence application and renewal process and notices are placed in a local newspaper, the county council office, a local garda station and on the Department’s website.
My Department is currently finalising a draft policy statement on mineral exploration and mining, that highlights the critical role minerals will play in our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and the transition to a circular economy through their use in, for example, renewable energy technologies, such as solar power, wind and batteries. The draft policy statement also underlines the importance of transparency and strong stakeholder engagement in our minerals policy and regulatory processes. I will shortly be establishing a cross-sectoral Minerals Advisory Group to support this work.
131. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the recent engagements he has had with Bord na Móna with regard to peatlands. [17912/22]
View answerBord na Móna is progressing through a period of remarkable change underpinned by their ‘Brown to Green’ strategy. The company is committed to supporting Ireland’s security of energy supply through the development and operation of renewable energy. Additionally, Bord na Móna is enhancing biodiversity, water quality and carbon sequestration through the €108 million EU Recovery and Resilience Facility funded Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme for 33,000 hectares of peatlands. This scheme which is regulated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, is delivering on our promise of a more Just Transition, creating 350 jobs across the Midlands and contributing to Ireland’s target of being carbon-neutral by 2050. Since the start of this year officials from my Department have had regular engagements with Bord na Móna on peatland rehabilitation, just transition, biodiversity, the EU LIFE Programme, the EU Innovation Fund and renewable energy projects, and will continue this positive engagement into the future.
132. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Government's policy in relation to liquefied natural gas in Ireland; the action he will take in the event of planning permission being granted for such a facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18824/22]
View answerThe Government Policy Statement on importing fracked gas was approved by Government and published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems that is currently being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. This review being conducted is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigating options for such risks. My Department is working to ensure that the implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are reflected in the analysis and the broader energy security framework. In August 2021, an application was submitted to An Bord Pleanála for a project involving an LNG terminal. As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I am listed as a Prescribed Body considered relevant by An Bord Pleanála to that planning application. In this regard I wrote, in October 2021, to An Bord Pleanála. My letter set out the Government’s policy in relation to LNG terminals, as per the policy statement, and included a copy of the policy statement. The letter also noted previous correspondence from the Minister and the Department to the developers of the project, which had clearly set out Government policy in relation to LNG terminals. An Bord Pleanála have yet to make a determination on the matter.
133. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date in the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the progress expected in improving access to broadband in this area in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18758/22]
View answerThere are over 16,000 premises in County Cavan and over 15,000 premises in County Monaghan in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) Intervention Area that will receive access to high speed broadband under the State led intervention to be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI). Government investment in Counties Cavan and Monaghan in the NBP will be in the order of €65 million and €60 million respectively. In County Cavan surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Kilnaleck and Cootehill and network build is complete in the Deployment Area of Cavan, with almost 10,500 premises surveyed to date and some 3,700 premises now available to order or pre-order. In County Monaghan surveying is complete in the Deployment Areas of Clones and Carrickmacross, pre-works are underway in the Deployment Area of Emyvale and network build is complete in the Deployment Area of Monaghan, with over 10,600 premises surveyed to date, over 5,700 premises under construction or complete and almost 4,400 premises available to order or pre-order.
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.
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
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 March 2022, some 12 sites are installed in Cavan and 15 sites in Monaghan. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
In County Cavan 12 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access, with 11 installed in County Monaghan. 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/.
134. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the recently reported €17 million that was paid to various consultancy firms in relation to the National Broadband Plan are included in his Department’s estimates of the overall cost of the project to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18825/22]
View answerThe cost to the taxpayer for the completion of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) high speed broadband network under a contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is capped at €2.7 billion over 25 years. This figure includes €480 million for contingency costs, which are only allowed under specific circumstances. Since the NBP contract was signed in November 2019, my Department has published a significant level of information on the progress of the plan, including detailed financial information with respect to the cost of the external experts who support my Department in its oversight and governance role of the NBP contract. The cost of these external advisors will be met from within the overall capped budget of €2.7 billion.
135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the one-stop-shops will be established under the new National Retrofit Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18803/22]
View answerThe recently launched National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from around 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump.
Following Government approval, the SEAI registration portal opened for companies to apply to be a One-Stop-Shop. The SEAI advise that the first One Stop Shops have now been registered and more are working through the process. Once the One Stop Shops are registered, homeowners can make applications for upgrades under the new Scheme.
The One Stop Shop approach is one of a number of SEAI Schemes available for home energy-upgrades, details of which can be found on their website at Individual Energy Upgrade Grants | Home Energy Grants | SEAI
Homeowners can familiarise themselves with the scheme details on SEAI’s One Stop Shop webpage covering the benefits of engaging a One Stop Shop, the ranges of services on offer and the grant amounts available per energy efficiency measures installed:
www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/
SEAI have also produced a homeowner guide to advise homeowners through the various steps to completing a whole house upgrade under the One Stop Shop Service:
National_Home_Energy_Upgrade_Scheme_-_Homeowner_Guide[1].pdf
SEAI are focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Organisations interested in becoming a registered OSS should visit the SEAI dedicated One Stop Shop registration webpage:
www.seai.ie/register-with-seai/one-stop-shop/
136. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 185 of 1 March 2022 , and his comments (details supplied), the status of the development of guidelines for the implementation of decarbonising zones; the timeline for the publication of these guidelines; the timeline for the incorporation of these guidelines into the promised statutory guidelines for Local Authority Climate Action Plans; the expected timeline of when the proposed decarbonising zones will be approved for implementation in each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18820/22]
View answerLocal Authorities are at the forefront of climate action and play a significant role in delivering adaptation and mitigation measures at local and community levels. The Climate Action Plan 2019 required each Local Authority to develop proposals to establish a ‘Decarbonisation Zone’ within its functional area. These zones will provide for a range of climate measures to address local low carbon energy, greenhouse gas emissions and climate adaptation needs. 29 out of the 31 Local Authorities have now submitted plans for Decarbonisation Zones.
Section 16 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 requires each Local Authority to prepare a climate action plan, specifying the mitigation and the adaptation measures to be adopted by the Local Authority. Local Authorities will have 12 months to complete their individual plans once requested by the Minister, with the request to be made within 18 months of the coming into operation of the Act.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 mandates that the guidelines for the implementation of Decarbonising Zones are to be incorporated into the statutory guidelines for Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
My Department is currently working closely with the Climate Action Regional Offices, Local Authorities, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to finalise a set of statutory guidelines detailing the approach Local Authorities are to take in the development and implementation of these Local Authority Climate Action Plans.
137. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that homeowners with solar PV panels are still not receiving any payment or credits for excess electricity exported to the grid; if he has discussed with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government ; the reason for the delay in amending planning regulations to allow schools and community halls to install solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18800/22]
View answerOn 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 mean the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available for new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they can receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG on 1 December 2021 which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. A number of suppliers are now advertising their CEG rates, and the CRU advise consumers to check with their supplier in the first instance.The CRU is not setting a date or deadline for the timing of the first payment. Those micro-and small-scale generators who have met the eligibility criteria are now accruing the CEG tariff value for all of their exported electricity and can expect an initial payment or credit from their supplier within a reasonable time after June 2022. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial CEG payments will be made at the earliest opportunity. I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH) are currently undertaking a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the revisions to the Planning Regulations to support greater installation of Solar Panels and will start a public consultation in the coming weeks with a view to finalisation later this year.
138. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the RESS 1 projects which have reached commercial operation to-date; the number of projects which are community-led projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18821/22]
View answerThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the flagship Government policies to help deliver on the ambition in the Climate Action Plan 2021 of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The RESS supports communities in a variety of ways including through a separate category for community projects and a mandatory community benefit fund for every project supported in the scheme. To date, two projects have reached commercial operation as part of the first RESS competition (RESS 1). These projects are both windfarms and amount to almost 19 MW of new renewable electricity generation. I am expecting further RESS 1 projects to reach commercial operation in the coming weeks including the first solar farms in Ireland.
All RESS 1 projects are required to reach commercial operation by the end of 2023 at the very latest and are incentivised under the scheme to deliver early. EirGrid and ESB Networks project that the volume of new renewable generators connecting to the grid this year will far surpass previous annual connection rates and it is critical that this pace of delivery continues.
Under RESS 1, seven community projects, comprising five solar and two wind projects, are progressing through a number of milestones for delivery under the RESS scheme. These projects are anticipated to reach commercial operation before the end of 2023. The auction category for community projects has been retained in RESS 2. This category has been developed specifically to allow communities and citizens to participate in and benefit from RESS, empowering communities to generate their own electricity will help us to spread the message of the green transition.
The projects under development with support from the RESS, both developer and community led, will contribute significantly towards the renewable energy targets and trajectories set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan and to the renewable electricity ambitions set out in the Climate Action Plan. Further rounds of regular RESS auctions are critical to accelerating the pace and delivery of renewable energy sources and the urgent need for diversification away from fossil fuels.
