Written Answers Nos. 265-285
265. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a moratorium on data centre applications in the Dublin region; the position of Eirgrid on new data centre applications in the Dublin region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19892/22]
View answerUnder Section 34 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) may give directions to EirGrid, the transmission system operator (TSO) and ESB Networks, the distribution system operator (DSO), collectively the “system operators” (SOs), on the terms and conditions of access to the transmission and distribution systems (the electricity system).
In November 2021, the CRU published the “CRU Direction to the System Operators related to Data Centre grid connection processing” decision (CRU/21/124). This decision did not impose a moratorium on data centres, but rather directed the System Operators to implement a set of assessment criteria by which to process data centre grid connection applications. Given the constraint situation in the greater Dublin Region, and the number of data centres applying for connection to the greater Dublin Region, the CRU considered it necessary to introduce a locational criterion in the Directions to the SOs which requires the SOs to take into consideration the effects of connecting data centres inside constrained areas before further processing data centre applications, in order to mitigate further constraint issues in this area and any other area that may be identified by the SOs as constrained in future. In addition, under the Climate Action Plan 2021, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has also 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 ceilings and climate priorities. 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. As transmission system operator, EirGrid is one of the stakeholders inputting to this review. The statement is due for publication later this year.
266. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is currently assessing an alternate method to deliver the €200 rebate payment to those full-time mobile home residents considering in many cases their income levels and vulnerability (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19934/22]
View answerThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account. The credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) is being applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April and May, and includes prepay meters. This scheme is in addition to the Government’s longstanding measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget.
Where residents of mobile homes hold domestic electricity accounts with a supplier of their choice, they will receive the credit, and do not need to apply for it. In cases where residents of mobile homes hold a tenancy agreement, parties are encouraged to refer tenancy disputes to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for resolution. The RTB encourages parties to work with its mediation service.
Where other arrangements apply, such as a contractual arrangement with an operator of a mobile home park, this is a contractual matter between residents and the operators of these parks.
This Credit is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number, to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible in 2022.
Existing measures, additional to this scheme, which are designed to target support for people in need of assistance to address energy poverty and wider social protection needs, were increased in the Budget, and additional measures have ben announced by Government to deal with rising energy costs.
The Deputy may also wish to note that information updates on the electricity credit, including frequently asked questions, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
267. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of an application for a prospecting licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19938/22]
View answerFollowing a detailed review of all valid objections received by the Geoscience Regulation Office (GSRO) in my Department, a decision has been taken to grant the two Prospecting Licences (PLs) for base metals, gold and silver. All those who made a submission in respect of the Minister’s original notice of intention to grant the Prospecting Licences in question and were notified of the decision on 19 April 2022. In addition, a copy of the document setting out the GSRO review of submissions received in relation to consultation on the relevant PL areas has been made available to all who made submissions.
It is important to note that a Prospecting Licence relates only to the activity of exploring for minerals and does not give the licence holder permission to mine minerals.
268. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider establishing a national and independent investigation into price competition and supply logistics in the marked gas oil market in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19952/22]
View answerThe Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) , under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, is responsible for ensuring that commercial markets are functioning correctly and that consumers are not being unfairly disadvantaged.I understand that Marked gasoil (MGO) demand, in common with the other petroleum products, is generally relatively predictable. This, combined with the just-in-time nature of the petroleum sector and limited storage availability in many areas, means that while volumes in the commercial supply chains are usually sufficient to meet normal demand, unexpected surges in demand can cause localised shortages. In addition, from time to time, logistics issues arising for particular suppliers can also lead to localised shortages. These shortages are not uncommon, and are usually quickly resolved.
269. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider engaging with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on the possibility of ringfencing 200 million litres of agricultural green diesel for the farm and forestry contractor sector up until the end of September 2022 to ensure that they can carry out essential work in saving fodder and tillage crops this summer given concerns for shortages which must be avoided and given the pressure the sector is under with increasing fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19954/22]
View answerIreland is required, under its membership of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Union, to hold strategic oil stocks equivalent to 90 days of net imports. The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) maintains these strategic reserves on behalf of the State. These stocks may be released to the market in the event of a serious shortage of petroleum products arising in domestic supply chains or as part of an IEA co-ordinated release. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, my Department, NORA and the oil industry have, on a daily basis, monitored the volumes of product currently in the domestic supply chains, as well as tracking future expected consignments of product due to arrive at the commercial terminals, in order to identify any upcoming supply deficit.My Department and NORA maintains plan to respond to supply deficits. The State's strategic reserves are in place to aid all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, and the importance of maintaining the availability of diesel and agri-diesel, in particular, is very much understood.
270. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of ban on smoky fuel (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19981/22]
View answerI remain committed to introducing new regulations on the use of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland this Autumn, as announced last September, and reflecting the ongoing consultation as to their final content. They will introduce minimum standards that will apply across all solid fuels, to ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. The new regulations are necessary as each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I am acutely aware of recent increases in energy costs due to increases internationally and, more recently, due to the crisis in the Ukraine. However, the Domestic Fuel Cost Comparison reports, published quarterly by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, consistently show that low smoke ovoids are more cost-efficient than other types of coal, peat and wood logs, in terms of heat delivered per unit cost.
I made the announcement one year ahead of the introduction of new regulations to provide industry and retailers with sufficient notice to run down existing stocks, and to make appropriate arrangements regarding supplies for the 2022/23 heating season. My Department are in ongoing communication with industry representatives and retailer groups, to ensure they are prepared for the introduction of the new regulations.
271. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit facilitate internships by students engaged in full-time or part-time further and higher education courses; if so, the number of interns his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit accept annually; if any or all of these interns receive remuneration of any kind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20005/22]
View answerMy Department is working to identify new areas of opportunity where internships can be offered, as pandemic measures are relaxed. These plans are not yet completed but details will be made available when these schemes are in place.
The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
272. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a review of employment practices in relation to contracted employees within his Department is currently being undertaken; if so, if this will affect the long-term status of the long study, multi-million euro Tellus Programme within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20021/22]
View answerMy Department is currently reviewing and updating procurement and contract management practices for contracted service providers (external contractors) used by the Department, including the Geological Survey Ireland, to ensure full compliance with relevant legislative requirements and guidelines. This review is related to the use of external contractors and not to employment practices within the Department. Maintaining the system of internal financial controls is a continuous process, is kept under ongoing review and enhanced internal procedures have been introduced in recent months. The Tellus Programme is a national survey which gathers geophysical and geochemical data across Ireland via airborne geophysical surveying using a low-flying aircraft and ground-based geochemical surveying of soil, stream water and stream sediment. This Programme is managed by the Geological Survey Ireland, a Division of my Department, and is delivered through a combination of Department officials and external contractors. The Geological Survey Ireland has decided to suspend Tellus operations for 2022. This is to allow Geological Survey Ireland to overcome operational challenges including in relation to aircraft availability and to ensure a strategic approach is taken to programme delivery for future years.
273. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a supply of 2 million litres of agricultural green diesel for the farm and forestry contractor service will be ring-fenced up to the end of September 2022, for the grass, silage and tillage crop harvest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20047/22]
View answerIreland is required, under its membership of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Union, to hold strategic oil stocks equivalent to 90 days of net imports. The National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) maintains these strategic reserves on behalf of the State. These stocks may be released to the market in the event of a serious shortage of petroleum products arising in domestic supply chains or as part of an IEA co-ordinated release. Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, my Department, NORA and the oil industry have, on a daily basis, monitored the volume of product currently in the domestic supply chains, as well as tracking future expected consignments of product due to arrive at the commercial terminals, in order to identify any upcoming supply deficit.My Department and NORA maintain plans to respond to any significant supply deficits. The State's strategic reserves are in place to aid all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, and the importance of maintaining the availability of diesel and agri-diesel, in particular, is very much understood.
274. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will carry out a national and independent investigation into prized competition and supply logistics in the marked gas oil market in Ireland which will help the farm and forestry sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20050/22]
View answerThe Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) , under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, is responsible for ensuring that commercial markets are functioning correctly and that consumers are not being unfairly disadvantaged.I understand that Marked gasoil (MGO) demand, in common with the other petroleum products, is generally relatively predictable. This, combined with the just-in-time nature of the petroleum sector and limited storage availability in many areas, means that while volumes in the commercial supply chains are usually sufficient to meet normal demand, unexpected surges in demand can cause localised shortages. In addition, from time to time, logistics issues arising for particular suppliers can also lead to localised shortages. These shortages are not uncommon, and are usually quickly resolved.
275. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government will establish a national just transition commission without delay (details supplied). [20052/22]
View answerThe Government has adopted, through the Climate Action Plan 2021 (CAP 2021), a framework for a just transition, comprising four principles: 1. An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just climate transition requirements.2. People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.3. The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.4. Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.As set out in CAP 2021, this framework should be considered by all relevant Ministers in the process of climate action policy formulation and implementation, including ensuring that response measures support all aspects of achieving a just transition. This includes creating sustainable employment opportunities, providing reskilling and retraining opportunities, and providing appropriate supports for those most vulnerable as part of Ireland’s transition to a climate neutral economy.
The Government has also committed, in CAP 2021, to establishing a statutory Just Transition Commission, with the general scheme of legislation to establish the Commission to be completed by the end of this year. CAP 2021 sets out that the purpose of the Commission will be to provide strategic advice to Government (integrating its role with existing governance and engagement structures) on how Government policy can further a just transition. I am currently progressing the development of proposals on the mandate of the Commission in advance of preparing the general scheme of legislation. In light of the role that he has performed as Just Transition Commissioner during in the Midlands Region since 2019, I have also asked Kieran Mulvey to continue to act in an advisory role, providing support to me on the development of proposals for the statutory Commission.
278. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20124/22]
View answerThe war in Ukraine has impacted Europe’s energy system. In particular, the invasion has triggered a decision by the European Union to phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible. It will also impact where and how we source that energy and will change how we design energy policy to ensure the system’s long-term resilience.The National Energy Security Framework, published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. The development of this Framework has taken account of the need to decarbonise our society and economy as set out in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Ireland’s targets to reduce emissions by 51% over the decade to 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 as set out in the Climate Action Plan. The Framework sets out the Government’s action in response to these issues across key themes: - managing the impact on consumers and businesses;
- ensuring security of energy supply in the near-term;
- reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels.
Regarding the exploration of gas offshore, it would not be appropriate for me to engage directly with companies who have submitted applications related to their petroleum authorisations while such applications are under consideration by my Department.
279. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average percentage share of the overall electricity generation produced by projects under the renewable electricity support scheme; the anticipated share of renewable electricity support scheme supported projects in overall electricity generation by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20152/22]
View answer280. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of all renewable electricity support scheme projects by the county in which each project is based; the amount of support allocated to each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20153/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver on the ambition in the Climate Action Plan 2021 of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The RESS is an auction-based support scheme. It invites grid-scale renewable energy generation projects to compete to receive a guaranteed price for the electricity that they generate.
This support will be for a period of up to 16.5 years under a two-way floating feed in premium. This means that projects receive the price they bid in at, which for RESS-1 projects was an average of €74.08/MWh. The details of individual project supports under the Public Service Obligation Levy are a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Over 1GW of new wind and solar generation was secured in the first RESS auction (RESS 1) in 2020. Projects are expected to reach commercial operation between 2022 and 2023, and are required to be operational before the end of 2023 at the latest.
The below table shows the breakdown of RESS 1 projects by county is included below.
|
County |
Total Projects |
Solar Projects |
Wind Projects |
Amount in MW |
|
Carlow |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0.5 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
0 |
1 |
23.06 |
|
Clare |
2 |
0 |
2 |
23 |
|
Cork |
15 |
13 |
2 |
81.69 |
|
Donegal |
3 |
0 |
3 |
71.2 |
|
Galway |
3 |
2 |
1 |
8.9 |
|
Kerry |
1 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
2 |
0 |
17.99 |
|
Kilkenny |
3 |
3 |
0 |
11.99 |
|
Longford |
1 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
|
Louth |
1 |
1 |
0 |
3.99 |
|
Mayo |
4 |
1 |
3 |
106.3 |
|
Meath |
7 |
7 |
0 |
291.13 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
1 |
2 |
113 |
|
Tipperary |
3 |
2 |
1 |
89.326 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
3 |
1 |
53.35 |
|
Wexford |
7 |
7 |
0 |
129.92 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
2 |
0 |
12 |
|
Totals |
63 |
46 |
17 |
1049.346 |
282. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 196 of 7 April 2022, if this Eircode can be expedited to help accommodate a family with a very sick child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20194/22]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI), issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement. OSI have confirmed to my officials that the property in question has verified geo-locations, and An Post have confirmed they have updated the property’s address data on their systems. My officials have been informed that the property address database has now been issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Capita for the assignment of new Eircodes.
Capita have advised my officials that they have been in regular contact with the individual in question and will continue to monitor the case, reverting to the property owner with updates as soon as further information is available. The next update release of new Eircodes is due mid-May and will include a notification letter sent to each property occupant containing the Eircode of that address, new Eircodes will be published on the free to use Eircode Finder website and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use.
284. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to introduce rules on noise governing the use of bird scarers or crow bangers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20223/22]
View answerCurrent legislation in the area of noise does not specifically address the use of bird scarers (also referred to as crow bangers). There are no plans at present to introduce such legislation. There is provision, however, under sections 107 or 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 to deal with the issue of nuisance noise from a range of sources, including agricultural sources.My Department has produced an information leaflet, A Guide to the Noise Regulations, on the legal remedies open to a person experiencing nuisance noise. The guide can be downloaded from the following link:www.gov.ie/en/service/make-a-noise-nuisance-complaint/The legislation also provides that a Local Authority can take action against a person causing nuisance noise. A National Protocol for Dealing with Noise Complaints for Local Authorities was developed as a cooperative project between my Department, Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Protocol provides guidance to Local Authorities, given existing legislation, as to what is considered best practice for dealing with noise complaints. The protocol can be accessed through the following link:www.clarecoco.ie/services/environment/publications/national-policy-for-dealing-with-noise-complaints-for-local-authorities-33519.pdf
285. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a progress report on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; the number of properties connected; the number of properties surveyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20224/22]
View answer297. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises on a county basis in tabular form still at survey pending stage under the rollout of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20583/22]
View answer298. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of the 227 deployment areas under the rollout of the National Broadband Plan are currently at the survey pending stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20584/22]
View answer299. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of the 227 deployment areas under the rollout of the National Broadband Plan are currently at the available for order, pre-order stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20585/22]
View answer300. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises connected to the network under the National Broadband Plan rollout to date; if these figures are on target with the number of premises to be passed by 31 March 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20586/22]
View answer301. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises that are envisaged to be passed by year end 2022 under the network build of the National Broadband Plan; if these figures are on target as of 31 March 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20587/22]
View answer302. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises that have been passed under the network build of the National Broadband Plan from 1 January 2022 to 31 March 2022; if these figures are on target for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20588/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301 and 302 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.
NBI continues to make steady progress on the rollout of the NBP State led intervention, with over 319,000 premises surveyed and almost 172,000 premises under construction or complete across 26 counties, demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. NBI has also confirmed that as of 15 April 2022, almost 64,000 premises are now available to order or pre-order across 22 counties, with over 47,100 premises passed across 19 counties and available for immediate connection. NBI has further advised that 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 expectations.
My Department 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), which was agreed earlier this month. The focus for 2022 is to continue to build momentum and catch up on earlier delays. NBI has expressed confidence to my Department that it can achieve this target. My Department will continue to monitor closely the delivery of the NBP Programme and progress on the delivery of the UIRP targets over the course of 2022.
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 month on month.
