Written Answers Nos. 209-232
209. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff who are abated under his Department in accordance with the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, in tabular form. [38950/22]
View answerMy Department currently employs one person with an abated public service pension. The public service pension abatement principles are applied in all cases where persons are re-employed by my Department in accordance with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform guidelines and the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
|
Abatements |
Number of Staff (FTE) |
|
Employees |
1 |
|
Pensioners |
0 |
210. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the microgeneration rebate scheme for householders who invested in microgeneration is in place; when they will receive the money due back to them; if this money will be backdated to 1 July 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39138/22]
View answer211. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that have been taken to expedite action 105 of the deliverables framework of the Climate Action Plan in order that domestic dwellings can be reimbursed for the generation of electricity to the grid. [39139/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 210 and 211 together.
On the 15 February, this year I signed the Regulations that 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.
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: Clean Export Tariff - Commission for Regulation of Utilities (cru.ie)
Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks (Micro-Generators (esbnetworks.ie)) and have a smart meter where applicable (Smart Meter Upgrade FAQs (esbnetworks.ie)).
I understand that over 32,000 micro- and small-scale generators have successfully registered for export and 22,000 of this cohort have smart meters which means they are already accruing the value of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff for their exported electricity. Payments will be backdated to the date of eligibility or the 15th February 2022, whichever is the latest.
The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis and has asked suppliers to communicate their decision to their customers on when initial 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.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for a timely direct reply.
212. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to ensure that the State meets climate targets in relation to electricity generation from renewables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39170/22]
View answer213. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of plans to improve microgeneration of electricity in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39171/22]
View answerThe phased introduction of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) has begun with the commencement of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI also are working to extend the solar PV grant to the non-domestic sector for installations up to 6.0kW, from August this year.
Up to the end of June this year the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for 11,581 homes since 2018, which has resulted in an installed capacity of domestic Solar PV of 45.1 MW. This translates to an average size of an installed system of 3.9 kW. Furthermore, SEAI target supporting 6,600 homes in 2022 to install Solar PV systems.
On the 15 February I signed the Regulations that 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 advertised their CEG tariff, and eligible micro-generators will start receiving CEG tariff remuneration from 1 July depending on their billing cycle.
I understand that over 30,000 micro- and small-scale generators have successfully registered for export and 22,500 of this cohort have smart meters which means they are already accruing the value of the CEG tariff for their exported electricity.New installations greater than 6kW up to 50kW will be eligible for a Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff per kWh exported. The CEP will be €0.135/kWh in 2022, fixed for 15 years. It is expected that the CEP will be implemented further to a public consultation process to be undertaken by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in Q3 this year.
214. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the criteria that are used for entities to be established as one stop shops for housing improvement grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39172/22]
View answer215. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the criteria that is used by one-stop shops for contractors to be included on their approved lists for customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39173/22]
View answer228. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of one-stop shops that are currently operational; the number of staff employed in each; the number of applications that have been received by each one-stop shop and in total; the number of completed retrofits carried out through the one-stop shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39503/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 214, 215 and 228 together. The 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 (OSS), building on the preparatory work already undertaken. SEAI are focused on engaging organisations capable of professionally managing all aspects of a OSS service. Therefore, the registration process, for this new service, must be robust.
The SEAI advise that there are a number of clearly defined minimum eligibility criteria in order to apply to become an OSS. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that they can meet the criteria under the key areas as outlined below:
- Financial Probity and Business Standing
- Organisational Capability and Technical Competence
- Governance and Legal Requirements
- Business Systems and IT Capability
- Market Engagement
- Skilled Workforce (direct or partnerships)
- Quality Assurance
- Obligated Party if relevant
- Commitment as a partner and key stakeholder in national retrofit
Once the OSS applicant meets the eligibility criteria, they are then required to submit a strategic plan to SEAI for assessment and agreement and enter into an OSS appointment agreement with SEAI.
In accordance with each OSS quality management system, each OSS must ensure they have sufficient competent resources in place, either directly employed or subcontracted via each OSS subcontractor framework, to satisfy all the home energy upgrade measures required. The individual competency requirements for each specific measure are described in the Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications. Each OSS must ensure, through their competency and onboarding frameworks, internal auditing process and training, that all contractors adhere to these technical requirements. Each OSS is responsible for contracting their own subcontractors via their own appointment criteria.
The SEAI advise that nine OSSs have now been registered, outlined in Table below, and the SEAI is actively working with applicant organisations to support them through this registration process.
As set out in the eligibility criteria to register as a OSS, each must ensure they have sufficient competent resources in place. This means the proportion of staff directly employed by the OSSs to the level of support through frameworks of subcontractors and independent consultants varies considerably across the nine registered depending on their respective business models.
SEAI has indicated that the OSSs have received over 18,000 initial expressions of interest by phone and online, showing the interest in the new offering.
|
Registered One Stop Shop |
|
SS Airtricity |
|
Kore Retrofit |
|
Electric Ireland Superhomes |
|
House2Home Retrofit |
|
Retrofit Energy Ireland Limited |
|
EnviroBead |
|
Integrate Energy Upgrades |
|
Bayview Contracts |
|
EnerGlaze & Bord Gais Energy |
216. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to accelerate the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; the engagement there has been with National Broadband Ireland in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39174/22]
View answerThe 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 almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 1 July 2022, over 312,800 premises are design completed and over 70,700 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties. NBI has further advised that over 63,600 premises are passed with a high speed fibre broadband service across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is complete or underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with projections with some areas exceeding expectations.My Department has worked with NBI to agree an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) which recalibrated the targets for 2022 to take account of the knock on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays to the programme. The revised target is 102,000 premises passed by the end of January 2023 (cumulative). My Department continues to work closely with NBI to determine the targets for 2023 and this target will be agreed later this year.NBI are implementing a number of measures to help lessen the impact that delays have had on the rollout. Such measures include: - Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month
- Bringing in additional NBI resources
- Earlier procurement of materials used in the build stages
- Bringing in additional subcontractors.The focus will continue to be on ensuring that the NBI build programme gets back on track and is gaining momentum month on month. With regard to engagement with NBI, my Department as the contracting authority manages all of the elements of contract governance and engages with NBI on an ongoing basis across all elements of the programme to deliver the new high speed broadband network, including plans for acceleration.
217. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the updated plans at the National Cyber Security Centre to deal with cyber and hybrid attacks in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39175/22]
View answerThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) last year underwent a detailed external Capacity Review, leading to a Government Decision in July 2021 which committed to a roadmap of measures to grow its resources and capability. In addition, my Department is engaging with national stakeholders to develop a policy paper on legislation to define the future mandate, functions and powers of the NCSC. It is intended that this policy paper will be agreed by end 2022 leading to the drafting of Heads of a Bill in 2023.In line with the recommendation from the Capacity Review and building on the Post Incident Review of the NCSC's response to the HSE incident, the NCSC has developed a new National Cyber Emergency Plan. This plan replaces the previous Critical National Incident Response Plan and sets out a whole of Government response process to serious national cyber incidents. The plan includes categorisation criteria for incidents and sets out the roles and responsibilities for various stakeholders, as well as an escalation process for various incident types. This Plan has been shared with all relevant stakeholders and will be subject to ongoing review and update. The NCSC has been operating at a heightened state of preparedness in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The NCSC continues to work closely with the Defence Forces and the Garda Síochána and is in frequent contact with operators of critical infrastructure and services to monitor for possible malicious cyber activity. In addition, the NCSC is in ongoing contact with its counterparts in the EU, the UK, the US and other countries to share information and to monitor possible threats. The NCSC has 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 ncsc.gov.ie/news/.
218. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the interactions with telecoms companies and other related agencies with regard to eliminating spam calls and texts to phone users in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39176/22]
View answerFollowing engagement with telecommunication industry leaders late last year to address the ongoing problem of nuisance communications, an industry-led taskforce, facilitated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) has been established to identify and recommend practical interventions that might be taken by operators in the short, medium and long-term to combat nuisance communications. As with much fraudulent activity a multi-faceted approach is required. This particular Taskforce is focussed on telecoms and will seek to address the matter of nuisance communications from a telecoms network operator / service provider perspective. Details are available on ComReg’s website at www.comreg.ie (ComReg Information Note 21/129).
The investigation of fraudulent activity by criminals that might be carried out over telecoms networks is a matter for An Garda Síochána and the advice to the public remains focussed on the importance of being vigilant.
Several state bodies and agencies including the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social Protection and other sectors, such as financial institutions and indeed the mobile network operators have run public awareness raising campaigns to warn consumers about smishing and vishing and the need to remain continually on the alert in accessing and reviewing suspicious messages.
The National Cyber Security Centre additionally publishes comprehensive advisories and alerts on scams, attacks or vulnerabilities and ComReg has also published a consumer information notice on its website, which provides advice urging vigilance at all times on the part of consumers and listing suggestions for the proactive steps to be taken by those receiving scam calls.
219. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises in County Mayo; the number of premises that have had surveys (details supplied) completed in County Mayo; the number of premises in which the surveys are ongoing in County Mayo; the number of premises that have been passed and available for internet connection in County Mayo; and the number of premises that have been connected in County Mayo, in tabular form [39378/22]
View answer220. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of premises that will be connected in Mayo in the first half of 2022 and by the end of 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39379/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219 and 220 together. I propose to answer 219 and 220 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 almost 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 1 July 2022, over 312,800 premises are design completed and over 70,700 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties. NBI has further advised that over 63,600 premises are passed with a high speed fibre broadband service across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is complete or underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with projections with some areas exceeding expectations. In County Mayo there are 36,919 premises in the Intervention Area and NBI has advised that, as of the end of June, some 3,322 premises are passed and available for immediate connection.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Mayo through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie/reps
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. Some 644 BCP sites have been installed by NBI, as of 1 July 2022, and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Mayo 15 BCP’s have been installed by NBI to date. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/.
In County Mayo 41 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. 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/
221. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the engagements regarding the interest rates under the retrofitting loan guarantee scheme due to be decided in the coming months; the timeline for decision on interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39476/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan have set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 or carbon equivalent and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by the end of 2030. My Department is engaging with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the European Investment Bank in relation to the development of a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme. The residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme is part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and will be co-funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility and Exchequer funding. The scheme is still under development and market engagement is on-going. The Invitation for Pre-Qualification stage to identify interested On-Lenders has now concluded. This is an important milestone in the development of the scheme. The Invitation for Allocation stage, planned for Q3 2022, will determine how much of the guaranteed loan portfolio will be allocated to each On-Lender. The Invitation for Allocation will set out the interest rate pricing approach under the scheme. The aim is to make the loans under the guarantee available in Q4 2022.
The loan guarantee will provide risk protection to retail credit institutions participating in the scheme. This will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates to private homeowners and non-corporate landlords and make comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable to consumers. This approach will signal to the banking sector, new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy as well as increasing the volume of retrofit activity within the State.
222. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current waiting times for each of the retrofitting schemes available in the State, by county; the number waiting on each waiting list and scheme in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39477/22]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Grants of up to 50% are now available for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. €118 million has been allocated to the energy poverty schemes which are directly provided by contractors procured by SEAI. There are currently just over 9,600 homeowners on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. The number of homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list by county at the end of June 2022 is set out in the table below.
COVID-19 related restrictions in 2020 and 2021 negatively impacted wait times under the Energy Poverty Schemes. COVID cases are continuing to impact works on the schemes, both on the Contractors’ and Customers’ side.
It is important to note that the SEAI received over 5,000 applications for the Warmer Homes Scheme to the end of June this year, compared with 2,874 for the whole of 2021. The increased publicity around the launch of the new SEAI National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and revisions to the Warmer Homes Scheme, together with increased energy costs, are driving demand for this critical Scheme.
In addition, the deeper measures being provided under the Warmer Homes Scheme result in upgrades taking longer to complete. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,620 reflecting the significant works being carried out.
SEAI data indicates that, for homes completed in 2022, the average cycle time from application to completion was 28 months for the Warmer Homes Scheme and the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme. That average wait time is a function of the level of disruption caused byCOVID-19.The Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme is confined to specific areas of Dublin.
Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list is a top priority for my Department and SEAI. 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.
Delivery under the Warmer Homes Scheme remains a top priority for the Minister and SEAI.
Other SEAI schemes require homeowners to procure their own contractor or One Stop Shops secure approval from SEAI and draw down a grant once the works are completed.
For Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Schemes completion times are within the control of the homeowner. However, works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval. Under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, homeowners will engage a registered One Stop Shop to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under this scheme within 12 months.
|
County |
No. of Homes |
|
Carlow |
114 |
|
Cavan |
95 |
|
Clare |
193 |
|
Cork |
1,014 |
|
Donegal |
360 |
|
Dublin |
2,697 |
|
Galway |
535 |
|
Kerry |
299 |
|
Kildare |
355 |
|
Kilkenny |
130 |
|
Laois |
148 |
|
Leitrim |
78 |
|
Limerick |
348 |
|
Longford |
70 |
|
Louth |
187 |
|
Mayo |
507 |
|
Meath |
340 |
|
Monaghan |
116 |
|
Offaly |
197 |
|
Roscommon |
173 |
|
Sligo |
172 |
|
Tipperary |
392 |
|
Waterford |
206 |
|
Westmeath |
170 |
|
Wexford |
345 |
|
Wicklow |
376 |
|
Total |
9,617 |
Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 201.
224. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of microgeneration in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39479/22]
View answerThe phased introduction of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) has begun with the commencement of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI also are working to extend the solar PV grant to the non-domestic sector for installations up to 6.0kW, from August this year.
Up to the end of June this year the SEAI has supported the installation of domestic Solar PV systems for 11,581 homes since 2018, which has resulted in an installed capacity of domestic Solar PV of 45.1 MW. This translates to an average size of an installed system of 3.9 kW. Furthermore, SEAI target supporting 6,600 homes in 2022 to install Solar PV systems.
On the 15 February I signed the Regulations that 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 advertised their CEG tariff, and eligible micro-generators will start receiving CEG tariff remuneration from 1 July depending on their billing cycle.
I understand that over 30,000 micro- and small-scale generators have successfully registered for export and 22,500 of this cohort have smart meters which means they are already accruing the value of the CEG tariff for their exported electricity.New installations greater than 6kW up to 50kW will be eligible for a Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff per kWh exported. The CEP will be €0.135/kWh in 2022, fixed for 15 years. It is expected that the CEP will be implemented further to a public consultation process to be undertaken by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in Q3 this year.
225. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of air quality monitoring stations currently in place; if the final expansion of the network will be completed in 2022; when it is expected that the number of official air quality stations will increase to 110 and be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39482/22]
View answerThe national Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme is operated, maintained and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, my Department has provided funding for a significant upgrade to the network in recent years and, as a result, the number of monitoring stations has increased from 29 in 2017 to 102 today. All stations collect air quality data for a range of pollutants in order to provide information to the public, and for assessment against European legal limit values and World Health Organisation guideline values. Details of the locations of all monitoring stations currently in operation, along with real-time and historic data from each station, can be found at the EPA-operated website, www.airquality.ie. The final expansion of the network is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will increase the number of official stations to 116.
226. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of his engagement 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; if he will the outline the outcome there will be from his work with relevant Departments and State agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39483/22]
View answerData centres play a critical role in supporting digital and communications infrastructure across all sectors of our economy. They provide benefits to society including the creation of employment and the stimulation of economic growth through foreign direct investment. However, as large energy users they also present considerable challenges to the future planning and operation of the country’s power system.There have been major policy, market and geopolitical developments with implications for the data centre sector since the publication of the 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' in mid-2018. For instance, last November, to address security of supply concerns, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a direction to the system operators, on grid connections for data centres, which introduced strict assessment criteria by which to process applications. The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment has committed, under the Climate Action Plan 2021, to reviewing its 2018 Statement on data centres, taking into account the relationship between data centres and their impact on the energy system in terms of grid constraints, renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions ceilings and security of supply. As such, in recent months D/ETE has been engaging with relevant Government Departments, including my own department, and state agencies, including the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities and EirGrid in its role as Transmission System Operator, to finalise this statement, which is due for publication later this summer.
227. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of retrofits that were completed to date in 2022, under each scheme, by county; the average costs and waiting time, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39502/22]
View answerEarlier this year, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades and include:
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
- Establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- A significant increase in the number of free energy upgrades provided to those at risk of energy poverty alongside changes to the operation of the Warmer Homes Scheme. This includes ensuring the Scheme prioritises those in the worst performing homes first and opening the Scheme for homeowner ‘revisits’ thereby allowing them apply for deeper energy upgrade measures now available under the scheme.
- A special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation has also been introduced for all households. This will help to urgently reduce energy use as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.
A total of €267.2 million was allocated for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and the Solar PV scheme in 2022 as part of the Revised Estimates Volume. The capital allocation will be amended on foot of the Supplementary Estimate for my Department.
The investment this year targets almost 27,000 home energy upgrades, including over 8,600 homes to a BER of B2. Figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland show that to the end of June 8,628 homes have been completed across the residential energy efficiency schemes and of these, 2,681 have been upgraded to a post works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2 or better.
There are a number of Residential Schemes that offer a range of upgrade measures, therefore the average cost per Scheme will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property and they retrofitting works required or recommended.
The number of homes completed by county under the Warmer Homes Scheme to the end of May 2022 is set out in the Table below. Currently, data on home completions per county across all schemes is not routinely reported by the SEAI.
|
County |
2022 |
|
Carlow |
12 |
|
Cavan |
30 |
|
Clare |
12 |
|
Cork |
115 |
|
Donegal |
78 |
|
Dublin |
535 |
|
Galway |
44 |
|
Kerry |
49 |
|
Kildare |
44 |
|
Kilkenny |
12 |
|
Laois |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
26 |
|
Limerick |
39 |
|
Longford |
18 |
|
Louth |
34 |
|
Mayo |
45 |
|
Meath |
72 |
|
Monaghan |
21 |
|
Offaly |
35 |
|
Roscommon |
21 |
|
Sligo |
14 |
|
Tipperary |
30 |
|
Waterford |
44 |
|
Westmeath |
49 |
|
Wexford |
32 |
|
Wicklow |
39 |
|
Total |
1,453 |
The average cycle time from application to completion under the Warmer Home Scheme is 28 months. However, it is important to note that cycle times have been affected by COVID related issues. In addition, there are deeper measures being provided under the Scheme since 2018, which involve more substantive works. This Scheme is a key priority for me and SEAI are working to increase output to an average of 400 per month supported by a significant increase in funding and resources.
The cycle times for the other residential and community energy upgrade schemes are a factor of the specific guidelines associated with each Scheme. Under the Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Schemes completion times are within the control of the homeowner. However, works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval. Under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme retrofit projects are managed through contracts agreed between homeowners and their engaged registered One Stop Shop or Project Co-ordinator with all works required to be completed within 12-months of the signing of contracts.
229. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government is still committed to retrofitting 500,000 homes to B2 by 2030, as per the Programme for Government commitment; if not, if this commitment has been downgraded to retrofitting to 500,000 B2 equivalent homes; the rationale for this downgrade; when this decision was taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39520/22]
View answerThe 2021 Climate Action Plan (CAP21) sets out a range of emissions reductions for each sector that together will contribute towards achieving the 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. The range of emissions reductions for the built environment published in CAP21 is 44% - 56% relative to 2018 levels and includes direct emissions associated with buildings in the residential, commercial and public sectors. As one of the measures for achieving emissions reductions in the residential sector the National Retrofit Plan sets a target to complete 500,000 residential retrofits to achieve a B2 BER/cost optimal equivalent or carbon equivalent and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes, by the end of 2030.
The Retrofit Plan estimates that, between 2019 and 2025, almost 185,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered with over 83,000 to a B2/cost optimal level. When the emissions savings from the non-B2 upgrades are included, this is the equivalent of 120,000 B2 upgrades over the period. As a result, there will be a need to deliver, on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 to achieve the overall target of 500,000 by 2030.
The National Development Plan and National Retrofit Plan have ring-fenced €8 billion to support the achievement of this objective. This will be supplemented by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage budget for retrofitting local authority homes.
230. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the Government’s target for homes retrofitted to B2 standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39521/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 (or cost optimal equivalent), and to install 400,000 heat pumps to replace existing heating systems by 2030. The review of the National Development Plan (NDP) resulted in an unprecedented financial commitment to support achievement of the Government’s retrofit targets. A total of €8 billion of Exchequer funding (including €5 billion in carbon tax revenues) will be available to support residential upgrades to 2030. Achieving B2 status for homeowners is central to the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which was launched earlier this year. The 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.
This year, the SEAI has a target to support 27,000 home energy upgrades across all schemes including 8,640 homes to a post-works Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2.
Figures from the SEAI show that to the end of June, 8,628 homes have been completed across the residential and community schemes, of these 2,681 have been upgraded to a post works BER of B2 or better.
231. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update to include costings, plans and progress made on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. [38846/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the island of Ireland over the coming decades.
Following a competitive tendering process, Arup were appointed to undertake the Review, which commenced last September. A public consultation process ran from 26th November to 21st January. Submissions made as part of that public consultation have been considered and continue to inform the rest of the Review. The total cost of the Review is expected to be in the order of €1.2 million to €1.5 million.
I have previously stated my belief in the potential of rail. It is important that we identify current constraints in the rail sector, and appropriately balance decarbonisation priorities, economic growth and rural connectivity objectives to achieve a strategy which allows rail to fulfil its potential as a resilient and sustainable mode of transport and generator of economic growth for people across Ireland.
The Strategic Rail Review will establish the framework for investment in the rail network in the coming decades in support of these objectives. I look forward to its completion later this year and publication of the final report, which is expected in Quarter 4.
232. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied); the stage that the project is currently at; the estimated timeline for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38875/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to Greenways. The planning, design and construction of individual Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you on the status of this project.
Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
