Written Answers Nos. 306-328
306. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of households that use pre-pay meters for their energy requirements; the number of these that are older meters which have to avail of the €200 grant by topping up on three separate occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20617/22]
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 €200, including VAT, is currently being applied to all domestic electricity accounts, and will include prepay meters. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has confirmed that there are approximately 254,000 households that use pre-pay meters for their energy requirements.
The majority of prepayment meters will accept the credit in one go. However, approximately 90,000 of these are older prepayment meters which, due to their age and inbuilt monetary limits, will require the customer to redeem their credit over three separate transactions over the space of a few days.
There is a ‘hard-coded’ single vend limit of €100 on a small amount of legacy prepayment meters. To redeem each stage of the credit, customers will need to buy a (minimum) €10 top up. When they do this they will receive a new 40-digit code which will credit their meter with the government electricity credit when entered. Once the credit is applied to the customer’s account/pre-pay meter they can access it by vending 3 times.
The scheme provides for a credit of €176.22 excluding VAT to be applied to domestic electricity accounts. This means that the total impact for each domestic electricity account will be €200.
The Deputy may also wish to note that information updates, including frequently asked questions, are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
308. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to the ring fencing of a supply of 200 million litres of agricultural green diesel and marked gas oil for the farm and forestry contractor sector up to the end of September 2022 to include the grass silage and tillage crop harvest in view of recent supply and cost inflation issues in Ireland with marked gas oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20659/22]
View answerIreland is required, under its membership of the International Energy Agency 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 maintain plans to respond to any significant supply deficit. The State's strategic reserves are in place to aid all sectors of the economy, including agriculture and forestry, and the importance of maintaining availability of all petroleum products is very much understood.
309. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated number of households that purchase turf from commercial operators for domestic heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20665/22]
View answer316. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the effect the banning of burning will have on rural homes that need turf as a form of heating to keep them warm and the implications it will have on the people providing this turf to make a living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20832/22]
View answer326. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding domestic turf cutting and the sale or provision of turf to a third party. [21130/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 309, 316 and 326 together.
I remain committed to introducing new regulations on the sale of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland this Autumn. 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. New measures are required to improve air quality and protect public health. It is estimated that each year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning and that there are over 16,200 life years lost. In addition, 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. The regulations are a critical element of addressing this public health and environmental challenge and will serve to improve the quality of the air that we breathe, and the health of the public that we serve.I am acutely aware of recent increases in energy costs due to increases internationally and, more recently, due to the crisis in Ukraine. The purpose of new solid fuel regulations is to ensure that better quality, more efficient fuels will be available on the market. Low smoke ovoids are a suitable cost-efficient alternative to other types of high polluting coal, peat and wood logs, in terms of heat delivered per cent cost. While there is no detailed information available regarding the number of people who purchase peat, the 2016 census data indicates that approximately 5.4% of households relied upon peat as a main heating fuel, though this varies significantly at a county level. Nationally it is estimated that 128ktoe of peat are used for heating purposes.The primary focus of these regulations is on the large-scale commercial sale of turf. I recognise that turf cutting by citizens for use in their own homes is a traditional activity across many peatland areas. Measures are required to reduce the emissions associated with burning peat, but which respect these traditions. No ban on the burning of peat will be introduced for those with rights to harvest sod peat, but measures are required to reduce its availability in more urban areas where the greatest harm can be caused. To that end, provision is proposed to prohibit the commercial sale of sod peat in areas with higher population density while allowing for traditional distribution in rural areas. This approach will facilitate those with turbary rights and traditional rural usage to continue to cut and burn sod peat for their own domestic purposes, while also reducing the use of sod peat in urban areas.Final regulations will be agreed by Government in due course that will ensure, that while measures are introduced to enhance the quality of our air, they will not impinge upon traditional local practices associated with sod peat.
310. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any consideration has been given to prioritising retrofits for households that still burn solid fuels for heating and hot water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20667/22]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty. Since 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the SEAI administered scheme. A budget allocation of €109 million has been provided for this scheme this year. This will support an increase in the number of free home upgrades, from an average of 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year, helping to reduce waiting times. In February, the Government announced its intention to target the worst performing properties under the scheme, by prioritising homes that were built and occupied before 1993 and have a pre-works BER of E, F or G. Existing applications will not be affected by this change. Properties that burn solid fuels are far more likely to be in these worse-performing BER ratings. The Government also recently launched a package of significantly improved supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions. The supports include a 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 previous level of 30-35%). A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation, has also been introduced to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices. The supports are available to all homes including those that use solid fuels for heating and hot water.
311. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if additional funding and personnel will be provided to Eirgrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities to ensure these agencies are fully resourced to deliver on the increased number of renewable project developments planned in the coming years; the requests for additional funding and personnel from these agencies have been made to Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20669/22]
View answerThe CRU has submitted their Strategic Plan for 2022-2024 which includes a Workforce Plan to increase the workforce over the next three years to ensure it can deliver on its objectives. While the CRU is not exchequer funded, my consent and that of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is required for the Workforce Plan. Official level engagement has been expedited to secure approval. EirGrid has been appointed the operator and asset owner of Ireland’s offshore electricity transmission system, with ownership resting with EirGrid at all stages of the phased transition, regardless of whether the grid has been developed by individual renewable energy projects or EirGrid. As a commercial state company, the resourcing required to deliver on EirGrid’s mandate is a matter for the board and management of the company
312. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is considering extensions of the rollout of the National Broadband Plan to accommodate commercially serviced BLUE area premises in close proximity to the rollout of the plan with particular reference to a housing estate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20692/22]
View answerThe premises referred to in the Question are located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. Under State aid rules, my Department is not permitted to displace commercial investment by intervening in areas where commercial investment exists or is planned, as to do so would be an infringement of these State aid rules. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to ensure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
313. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if electricity companies are currently paying customers for surplus solar energy being fed back onto the grid; the reason that some customers are currently not being paid by electricity companies for surplus solar energy; if electricity companies are obliged to pay for energy generated by solar; the amount of solar energy that is being fed back onto the grid but not currently being paid for by utility companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20706/22]
View answer322. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the policy decisions he has taken to ensure that domestic electric consumers can sell surplus electricity they generate from solar power or wind energy back into the grid; the number of domestic consumers in Ireland who are selling electricity to the grid; the availability of feed in tariff contracts from electricity suppliers; the feedback tariff rate; the way this was determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20982/22]
View answerI propose to answers Questions Nos. 313 and 322 together. On the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations (Statutory Instrument 76 of 2022) that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive into Irish law. 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 are aware that some suppliers have already advertised 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 for the CEG should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks and have a smart meter installed where applicable. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on their billing cycle, backdated to their date of eligibility or the 15 February, whichever is the latest. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial CEG payments will be made at the earliest opportunity. ESB Networks have confirmed that by the end of March 2022 approximately 21,000 micro-generators are accruing the value of the CEG for the electricity they export to the grid via their smart meter.
314. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of solar panel units that have been installed to date which currently feedback energy to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20707/22]
View answerUp to the end of February this year the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV for 9,674 homes and 380 community projects. The average size of an installed system was 2.8kW. An installed capacity of domestic Solar PV of 36.9 MW has been achieved. We expect that the SEAI will support a further 6,600 homes in 2022 to install solar PV. ESB Networks (ESBN) have stated that 22,448 micro generators have registered with them for export of renewable electricity, with the vast majority of these installations comprising of solar PV.
317. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he received the draft management plan from Inland Fisheries Ireland in relation to a number of lakes including Lough Corrib; when he intends taking action, including legislation if necessary in the context of implementing this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20856/22]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has, at my request, set out a draft Management Plan specifically for the 7 Western Lakes, including Lough Corrib, in the context of the Programme for Government. The first preliminary draft of a comprehensive, evidence-based management plan for the Lakes was submitted by IFI to my Department in mid-October 2021. Following detailed consideration of the preliminary draft plan and wide-ranging discussions with IFI, the draft plan was further developed. The revised draft was received from IFI in late February.
My Officials are continuing to work closely with IFI in this matter and I expect that the finalised draft plan will be put out for public consultation shortly by IFI.
318. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the support he can offer to residents in Glanmire who are raising issues with air quality. [20919/22]
View answerWhile I understand that the Environmental Protection Agency do not have an air quality monitor in Glanmire, the LIFE EMERALD project, which commenced in 2021 and is part funded by my Department, is developing the capacity to use information from the monitoring network to provide a national three-day air quality forecast and near real-time mapping of air pollutants for the entire country. This project will improve Ireland’s ambient air quality management capabilities, by using an air quality modelling system to gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to poor air quality, and to develop a system that will provide more comprehensive information to the public. In general, air pollution issues are often related to particulate matter, from the burning of solid fuel. I am committed to addressing this public health and environmental challenge through the introduction of new solid fuel regulations later this year. The regulations will introduce minimum standards for all solid fuels placed on the market in Ireland, realising subsequent improvements in air quality.
In addition, my Department has developed a draft Clean Air Strategy which identifies and promotes the integrated actions across Government required to reduce air pollution. The draft Clean Air Strategy is open for public consultation until 3 May, with a view to publishing the final Strategy later this year.
320. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the funding for the Environmental Protection Agency research activities for the past three years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20931/22]
View answerMy Department provides annual funding from the Exchequer to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The allocation to the EPA for Climate and Environmental Research in 2022 is €10,000,000. The table below outlines the allocation for the previous three years.
|
Year |
Allocation for Research |
|
2019 |
€ 7,999,000 |
|
2020 |
€10,437,000 |
|
2021 |
€10,000,000 |
|
2022 |
€10,000,000 |
323. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that is being made as regards to reviewing the policy position on the development of private wires and direct lines; if a public consultation will be held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20993/22]
View answerUnder Action 115 of Climate Action Plan 2021 my Department is reviewing the policy position on the development of private networks/direct lines with a view to developing the legislative position in the context of the transposition of the EU’s Clean Energy Package.
My Department plans to launch a public consultation on the issue this June, with a view to preparing a proposal on the preferred option(s) to review and or revise the current legislative framework in relation to private networks/direct lines circa year end.
324. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department intends to introduce further legislative measures pertaining to existing industrial emissions licence holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20994/22]
View answerI intend to introduce legislation, by way of amendment to the Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022, to allow for a broader type of amendment to be made to Industrial Emissions, Integrated Pollution Control and Waste Management licences issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed changes will be proportionate and will not alter the overall environmental impact of the activity involved. This approach is in line with the focus of the Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022 on smarter, more targeted regulation.
325. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that he intends enforce the new air quality regulations; if such enforcement will carry criminal or civil penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21043/22]
View answerLocal Authorities are, and will continue to be, responsible for the enforcement of solid fuel regulations. The new enhanced solid fuel regulations are being drafted to ensure that Local Authorities have sufficient powers to ensure effective compliance within their functional areas. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement. Officials from my Department and the Local Government Management Agency are now working together on a full assessment of the current state of the sector and scoping out the resource requirements to ensure the most appropriate and cost-effective enforcement structure is put in place.
This structure will be established to support the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice ensuring consistent implementation of all air quality legislation across the country. I have secured funding of €1.2 million for 2022 for the provision of additional supports in this regard.
This work will continue over the coming months on additional projects and opportunities for collaboration, providing the groundwork for the new enforcement structure.
Enforcement actions taken in relation to the solid fuel regulations will be civil offences and incur penalties as provided for by the Air Pollution Act 1987. The focus of inspections and associated actions will be on supporting compliance by solid fuel producers, distributors, and retailers with the enhanced standards to be introduced and to ensure that the most polluting fuels are no longer available on the Irish market.
327. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to explore proposals for the installation of a floating storage and regasification liquified natural gas terminal in the Cork area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21164/22]
View answerThe 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; and
- reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels.
In respect of LNG in Ireland, including floating storage and regasification, the 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.
It is planned to complete the review in the coming months and the results will be submitted to Government.
328. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the breakdown of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland National Energy Research Development and Demonstration Funding Programme 2022 by private and public institutions and the amount of funding received in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21170/22]
View answerIn relation to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) National Energy Research Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Funding Programme 2022, the SEAI have confirmed that the call is currently live and ongoing.The application deadline is May 16th, 2022. It is proposed the Award Notifications will issue in Q4, 2022. Please see the SEAI’s webpage for the dates and details; www.seai.ie/grants/research-funding/research-development-and-demonstration-fund/ .The great majority of consortia which receive funding incorporate both public and private institutions. This public/private cooperation is encouraged by my Department through SEAI.All awards are made public and published on the SEAI’s website. Should you require any information on awards made in previous years then please go to the webpage www.seai.ie/data-and-insights/seai-research/research-database/ .
