Written Answers Nos. 223-244
223. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps his Department intends to take to promote energy efficiency in rented homes; if his attention has been drawn to situations in which tenants in the private rented sector who wish to insulate their home or install solar panels but are blocked by their landlord; and if he has examined policies to incentivise such renovations. [21223/22]
View answerIn line with commitments in the National Retrofit Plan, the Government recently launched a package of significantly enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners, non-corporate landlords and Approved Housing Bodies to undertake home energy upgrades. Examples of key measures include:
- The establishment of the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, offering increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump (up from the current level of 30-35%).
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a hassle-free, start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
I recognise that rental properties can present a specific challenge for energy efficiency improvements. This is an issue found in most countries where the incentives to invest in energy upgrades can be misaligned between landlords and tenants. Therefore, homes, built and occupied pre-2011, and owned by non-corporate landlords are eligible for these new measures. This will mean that the national housing stock is upgraded, emissions will reduce and tenants get lower energy bills and a healthier, more comfortable place to live.
It is also intended that non-corporate landlords will be able to avail of the planned low-cost loan scheme for retrofit when it is launched later this year.
Furthermore, the Housing for All Strategy which is being led by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage includes a commitment to introduce minimum energy standards for rental properties from 2025.
224. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagement he has had with electricity and gas companies in relation to proposed increase in prices; if he has argued that standing charges should not increase in line with these increases as they are not linked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19227/22]
View answerOfficials from my Department have met with electricity and gas suppliers, at the request of those suppliers, to discuss a number of topics relevant to the retail electricity and gas markets including pricing, consumer impact and the services offered by suppliers. However, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity sector is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is an independent regulator. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The CRU is an independent statutory body and solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas for the performance of its functions. As Minister, I therefore have no function in this matter.In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.Additionally, the Deputy may wish to note that CRU provide a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise day to day questions on regulatory matters directly to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
225. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider bringing forward legislation to regulate light pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19235/22]
View answerMy Department has no role with regard to light pollution. I am advised that the amount of light that might emanate from a proposed development in terms of potential impacts on adjoining properties and protecting their residential amenity is considered in assessing individual planning applications on a case by case basis. Any question on possible legislation may, therefore, be more appropriate to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
226. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the deep retrofit scheme will be in place and ready for contractors to begin work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19240/22]
View answerThe 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 circa 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, building on the preparatory work already undertaken. SEAI are focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a One Stop Shop service. Therefore the registration process, for this new service, must be robust.
The SEAI advise that five One Stop Shops have now been registered and this number is growing rapidly as SEAI is actively working with applicant organisations to support them through this registration process.
Details of the registered One Stop Shops, including their contact numbers, are available on the SEAI website. A guide to advise homeowners through the various steps to completing a whole house upgrade under the One Stop Shop Service is also available on the SEAI website.
The other schemes operated by SEAI are also available for applications.
227. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the micro-generation support scheme will become operational allowing solar panel owners to receive payment for their contribution of residual energy to the national grid; the reason for the delay in the scheme becoming operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19244/22]
View answer228. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the timeline for proposed legislation to allow for electricity suppliers to credit persons on excess electricity produced by means such as solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19269/22]
View answer233. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the microgeneration scheme will be operational to allow for the payment of domestic supply to the national grid following the installation of smart meters in domestic settings with solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19309/22]
View answer237. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 21 September 2021, the position regarding the micro-generation support scheme; if he will provide a timetable for the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19400/22]
View answer254. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will examine a matter regarding PV panels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19640/22]
View answer319. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter regarding payments for households (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20922/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 227, 228, 233, 237, 254 and 319 together.
The final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government in December 2021 and will be published shortly. The phased introduction of supports has already begun with the commencement by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last.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 create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. I am aware that some suppliers have already published their CEG tariffs.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. More information is available on the CRU website (www.cru.ie). Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks and have a smart meter installed where applicable. More information is available on the ESBN website (www.esbnetworks.ie). The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis but is not setting a date or deadline for the timing of the first payment. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on their billing cycle. The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their supplier's CEG tariff arrangements.
229. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are no one stop shops listed on the SEAI websites that the SEAI has stated that these will be available in a couple of weeks for some time now; if he will engage with the SEAI on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19272/22]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
230. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that guidelines on the planning, design, construction and operation of small-scale hydroelectric schemes and fisheries are being used outside their intended scope; if there is a plan to update them in line with international best practice; if new guidelines for the remediation and mitigation of barriers to fish migration are likely to be developed in the near future (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19273/22]
View answerI am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that a review and update of the guidelines for new small-scale hydropower, originally drafted in 2005, is already underway, this review will include existing operations. Issues relating to weirs are a matter for the owners of such infrastructure, with IFI carrying out advisory and regulatory functions in relation to the requirements of the Fishery Acts and the EU Habitats Direct
The guidelines referred to and the exercise of its regulatory functions are operational matters for IFI, and I and my Department have no role. IFI have established a dedicated e-mail address: oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie where direct detailed queries may be made by members of the Oireachtas.
231. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a plant (details supplied) will require an environmental impact assessment under the EIA Directive of the EU. [19276/22]
View answerAt present, no formal application has been made in respect of the referenced plant. The EIA Directive (no. 85/337/EEC and its subsequent amendments) sets out the thresholds above which certain projects should be the subject of an Environmental Impact Assessment. The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) transposes these requirements into Irish law, as they relate to proposed development as defined in the Act, and sets out the manner in which various approvals and consents integrate same into the prescribed processes. If and when a decision is made to proceed with any proposed development, the requirements of the Act must be complied with as a matter of course.
232. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will list the extended producer responsibility schemes that are in place for recovering waste material funded by a levy on the product put on the market; if he will list in respect of each the volume of material recovered in weight and the way that compares with the current volume of sales; if he will indicate in each case the level of the levy imposed to fund the operation; the outlets for the recovered material; and if he will provide the latest report on the operation of the respective schemes. [19287/22]
View answerIn Ireland, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes form an essential part of efficient waste management and have been developed for a number of waste streams, based on the producer pays principle. The main areas are Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), batteries, packaging, end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), tyres and farm plastics. Operational information about the EPR schemes is described in the schemes' annual reports. Links to the latest reports are included in the table below. Further information relating to the materials managed by the schemes is available on the EPA website www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/waste/national-waste-statistics/
|
EPR Waste Stream |
Producer Responsibility Organisation |
Funding Mechanism |
Link to Annual Report |
|
WEEE & Batteries |
WEEE Ireland
|
Membership fees Visible Environmental Management Cost (vEMC) – applied to certain categories of electrical and electronic goods. |
WEEE Annual Environmental Report 2020 - WEEE Ireland
|
|
ERP Ireland |
ERP_Annual_Report_2020_FINAL_UPDATED.pdf (erp-recycling.org) |
||
|
Packaging |
Repak |
Membership fees |
Repak_AR_Web_2020.pdf |
|
End-of-life vehicles |
ELVES |
Membership fees |
ELVES |
|
Tyres |
Repak ELT |
Visible Environmental Management Cost (vEMC) |
repakelt_annualreport2021_web.pdf |
|
Farm Plastics |
IFFPG |
Membership fees End user collection charges |
www.farmplastics.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/IFFPG-Operational-Report-20-web.pdf |
234. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects that pylons will be erected and wind energy generated in a maritime area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19379/22]
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, beginning 25 April for an 8-week period. The first Maritime Area Consents 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 Maritime Area Regulatory Authority is being established. Following assessment of the initial batch of Maritime Area Consents, which will be located primarily off our eastern coast, responsibility will be handed over to Maritime Area Regulatory Authority from early 2023.In tandem, my Department is designing a pathway, based on consultation feedback, for a second batch of projects to progress through the new consenting system, upon establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority.
235. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when his Department will allow microgenerated electricity to be sold to the State; the reason for the delay regarding these plans given it was expected that microgenerated electricity could be sold to the State from January 2022; if those that installed renewable energy sources on the basis that they would be able to sell excess energy back to the State will be compensated; the reason that energy bills are no longer being credited for the energy being microgenerated in a home since the installation of smart meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19381/22]
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 create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. I am aware that some suppliers have already published their CEG tariffs.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. More information is available here: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CRU21131-Interim-Clean-Export-Guarantee-Decision-Paper.pdf. Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks and have a smart meter installed where applicable. See www.esbnetworks.ie for more information. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has decided upon a competitive market-based approach to the setting of the CEG tariff, as well as a number of provisions to ensure that its implementation aligns with the National Smart Metering Programme. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on their billing cycle. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments will be made – at the earliest opportunity.The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers CEG tariff arrangements.
236. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications waiting to be approved under the warmer homes scheme; the current average wait time for applications; the number of approvals per month in 2021 and to date in 2022; the number of approvals in each of the past five years; the average cost per grant; the efforts that are being made to reduce the wait times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19387/22]
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 145,000 homes have received free upgrades. The average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household has increased significantly over time to €17,620 in 2021. Activity under the scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic, when construction activity was paused for approximately 12 months in total. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2021, the average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 27 months. While this delay was largely driven by COVID related issues, the deeper measures being provided under the scheme, also involve more substantive works.
This is a top priority for my Department and SEAI and in order to reduce this timeline to completion and target a monthly average of 400 completions this year, the following actions have already been taken:
- The budget, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;
- SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
- SEAI is working to Increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.
There are currently just over 6,000 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 following tables set out the number of completions achieved on a monthly basis in 2021 and 2022 and the yearly numbers from 2017 onwards.
2021 Warmer Homes
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
|
36 |
8 |
46 |
110 |
151 |
246 |
211 |
194 |
302 |
254 |
288 |
320 |
2,126 |
2022 Warmer Homes
|
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Total |
|
193 |
244 |
320 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
757 |
Warmer Homes
|
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
6,554 |
5,255 |
3,142 |
1,524 |
2,126 |
238. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 22 March 2022, the reason that a licence (details supplied) is omitted from the list of offshore licensing extensions currently under consideration when the application for lease undertaking extension was submitted in April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19401/22]
View answer239. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a licence (details supplied) in relation to existing authorisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19402/22]
View answer240. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the lease undertaking for a licence (details supplied) will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19403/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238, 239 and 240 together. 238, 239 and 240 together.
The licence referred to was not included in the list of extension applications under consideration by my Department that was provided in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 22 March 2022 as it is the subject of an application for a follow-on lease undertaking, not a licence extension. This lease undertaking application is currently under consideration by my Department.
All applications for petroleum authorisations are assessed against a number of criteria in accordance with Section 9A(1) of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 and Section 3 of the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production. This includes the technical competence of the applicant and the financial resources available to it in order to undertake the work programme and any other commitments pursuant to the relevant petroleum authorisation.
My Department does not publish information on individual applications for authorisations whilst they are under consideration.
241. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a matter regarding an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19428/22]
View answerOfficials in my Department have followed up with SEAI regarding the case raised in the Question. I’m informed that a Contractor was assigned on 5th April 2022. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie
242. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will advise on a matter (details supplied) raised in correspondence in relation to windfarm developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19436/22]
View answerThe Government has ambitious plans for wind energy development, which my Department is implementing as a key priority. The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits Ireland to installing up to 8GW of onshore wind and at least 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, in order to support the reduction in Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is the main Government support to deliver these onshore and offshore wind targets. RESS includes a mandated Community Benefit Fund payment, valued at €2 per MWh of electricity generated, which guarantees local community participation and benefit in all projects supported by RESS. The scheme will be supplemented by the new Micro-Generation Support Scheme to facilitate communities further in their energy transition.
Significant progress has been made to date in advancing offshore wind. The enactment of the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021, establishes a well-regulated and inclusive consenting process which includes meaningful community engagement. The Act also balances the harnessing of our huge offshore wind potential with protecting our marine environment. The application process for Maritime Area Consents (MACs), which will be issued to projects on foot of the MAP legislation, opens later this month. In respect of the decommissioning of infrastructure, the MAP Act also sets out obligations on holders of a MAC in relation to the rehabilitation of the maritime area.
Preparations are also now advanced to launch, later this year, Ireland's first auction specifically for offshore wind projects, ORESS 1. Community Benefit Fund payment obligations for ORESS 1 projects will commence from an early stage of project development, before commercial operation.
Work is also underway to develop a pathway for offshore development post-2030 and a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) is currently in progress. This will identify 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 Government is pursuing a responsible level of urgency to address our renewable energy commitments, particularly in the light of recent cost pressures and the need to reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels, particularly following the tragic events unfolding in Ukraine.
243. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the acceleration of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in 2022 to catch-up with the recently missed revised target of 60,000 homes by the end of January 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19440/22]
View answer244. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes that have been passed to date by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19441/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the NBP. I am advised by NBI that as of 15 April 2022, over 319,000 premises have now been surveyed and almost 172,000 premises are under construction or complete across 26 counties. I am further advised that almost 64,000 premises are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 22 counties, with over 47,100 premises passed across 19 counties and available for immediate connection. In addition to the premises completed, build is underway on over 124,600 premises, demonstrating the project is reaching scale. NBI has confirmed that over 9,800 premises have been connected, as of 15 April, and this is increasing on a daily basis. To date, the level of connections is in line with projections and some areas are exceeding targets.
In line with a remedial plan to address Covid-19 related delays which was agreed with my Department in April 2021, following detailed engagement, NBI had expected to have almost 60,000 premises passed by the end of January 2022. Challenges were encountered with the build process and also as a result of Covid-19 impacts. NBI continues to work with its network and build partners to address all issues as they arise. The Department has worked with NBI to agree an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) which recalibrates the targets for 2022 to take account of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays to the Programme, with a revised target of 102,000 premises passed by the end of January 2023 (Contract Year 3).
It remains the ambition of the Government to rollout the National Broadband Plan State led intervention as quickly as possible, and to achieve this NBI will continue its focus on addressing the delays which have arisen and ensuring that the build programme gets back on track and is building momentum.
