Written Answers Nos. 154-178
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he can expect to be in a position to alleviate hardship for urban or rural communities arising from the energy crisis in the course of the forthcoming winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45096/22]
View answer157. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that have been taken to help consumers deal with the cost of energy; the further measures that will be introduced. [44997/22]
View answer181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he expects to be in a position to protect the consumer from rising energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46032/22]
View answer182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which it can be found possible in the short term to ensure that ESB and other energy providers do not pass price inflation to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46033/22]
View answer184. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government has plans to repeat the €200 electricity account credit to domestic electricity customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46054/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154, 157, 181, 182 and 184 together.
The unprecedented increase in international wholesale gas prices has continued as result of the volatility in the international gas market driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the on-going war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Government is acutely aware of the impact on consumers of high electricity and gas prices, and introduced a €2.4 billion package of measures to mitigate their impact including the Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, under which a payment of €176.22 to over 2 million domestic electricity accounts. The Scheme was part of a package of measures, which included further increases in the Fuel Allowance, seeing it increase from €735 in 2020 to €1,139 and a reduction in VAT on electricity bills from 13.5% to 9%.Further measures are actively being considered in the context of Budget 2023.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has also announced enhanced consumer protection measures to be implemented by electricity and gas providers ahead of the coming winter. This will provide additional protections from disconnections and other safeguards for customers.
Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the CRU under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. CRU ceased price setting for electricity and gas in 2011 and 2014. Therefore, the setting of prices and charges is a commercial matter for individual supply companies.
The best long term solution to energy poverty is make homes energy efficient and thus warmer and healthier to live in. Earlier this year the Government increased the rates of grants operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) significantly to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. In particular, SEAI is being supported to focus on free energy upgrades for those at greatest risk of energy poverty. These schemes are seeing significant demand increases. Business supports are also available to support businesses to improve energy efficiency.
Our long term priority and the best long-term approach for Ireland is to insulate consumers from volatility on international wholesale energy markets is to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy and expand interconnection with European and neighbouring markets and deepen internal market integration.
155. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the missions that are undertaken by the National Cyber Security Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34216/22]
View answer156. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the changes that have occurred within the National Cyber Security Centre since the illegal Russian war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33653/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a unit within my Department, is the lead Government agency with respect the cyber security and resilience of public bodies and essential services. The 2015 National Cyber Security Strategy formally established the functions of the NCSC as being “… to lead in the management of major cyber security incidents, provide guidance and advice to citizens and businesses, and manage cyber security related risks to key services”.The mandate of the NCSC broadly covers the following three missions:
- Incident response, including coordinating the national response to a major cyber security incident;
- Resilience, i.e. working with public bodies and critical infrastructure to prevent and mitigate cyber security incidents;
- Information sharing and support.
The NCSC works closely with the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána, and with counterparts in the UK, US, the EU and its Member States, as well as partners other like-minded States, to share information on incidents, risks and threats. The NCSC has been operating at an enhanced state of readiness in response to the deterioration in the global cyber threat environment associated with Russia's latest invasion of Ukraine in February of this year.
The NCSC continues to monitor the threat of cyber security incidents affecting Irish public services and critical infrastructure including spillover impacts from incidents occurring outside the State. The NCSC considers that the threat to Ireland is moderate and is engaging on an ongoing basis with constituents including Government Departments and state agencies, operators of essential services, critical infrastructure operators and other important entities. It is worth highlighting that in addition to the threat of cyber security incidents associated with the war in Ukraine, there remains a very considerable threat from international cyber criminal gangs of financial fraud, theft of sensitive or personal data, or ransomware. Recognising that the risk of debilitating cyber security incident has increased, the NCSC has in recent months introduced a number of new supportive measures for its constituents. This is in addition to the frequent information sharing that occurs on both a general and sectoral basis with NCSC constituents. In addition to publishing a detailed threat assessment, the NCSC has published a Cyber Vitals checklist to assist entities in assessing their cyber security maturity and address any areas of concern.
The NCSC has also published guidance on Securing Operational Technology, and these and other guidance documents are available on the NCSC website. The NCSC has recently established a CORE network bringing together IT security managers from across the public sector to facilitate sharing of information and good practices. Building on the Baseline Cyber Security Standard for Public Bodies published last year the NCSC is currently working with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer to develop cyber security procurement guidelines to support public bodies.
158. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45890/22]
View answerI have no role or statutory function in the matter raised by the Deputy.
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is charged under statute with the promotion of the interest of users of electronic communications services, and in accordance with Regulation 16(1)(d) of the EU Framework Regulations with addressing the needs of specific social groups, including the elderly in particular.
On the issue of bills, ComReg recently published a consumer news alert on its website on the issue of paper vs paperless billing which is available at: Can I still receive a paper bill? Commission for Communications Regulation (comreg.ie). In essence, where a customer cannot reasonably access an alternative billing medium, they may request that they receive paper bills free of charge.
159. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when stakeholders can expect the consultation on private wires and direct lines to be released in relation to data centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45917/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 includes a commitment to review the policy position on the development of private networks/direct lines (Action 115). A consultation paper on policy options for private wires was due to be published in Q1 of this year. Unfortunately, the consultation has been delayed, however work on progressing this matter is ongoing within my Department and a consultation will issue shortly.
I appreciate that private wires/direct lines are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders, including Data Centres in particular given the recent publication of the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Strategy’. Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of private wires/direct lines is a priority for my Department. My officials look forward to engaging with interested stakeholders as they continue to develop this important policy area.
160. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of current activity in installing small scale solar capacity with battery backup; and if he will consider introducing greater incentives towards this activity as a cost-effective means of supplementing the national generation capacity. [45923/22]
View answer
161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that his Department can take to mitigate the gas price increases that are being experienced by some Approved Housing Bodies and their tenants who are paying commercial energy rates as a result of a district heating system. [45931/22]
View answerIn cases where apartment blocks or housing developments are supplied with heat, rather than fuel, it is the heat supplier that is the purchaser of the fuel used. Therefore, where gas is being used, a commercial tariff is applied due to scale of purchase.
Gas and electricity retail markets in Ireland operate within a European regulatory regime wherein those markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. However, I am acutely aware of the impact that current, internationally influenced, energy price increases are having on people and families, including some tenants of Approved Housing Bodies. Officials from my Department are in ongoing correspondence with representatives of Approved Housing Bodies with regard to the current energy price increases and Government has already put in place a series of measures with funding of €2.4 billion available to help alleviate the impact, particularly on lower income households. Further measures are being considered in the context of Budget 2023.
In line with the commitment in the Climate Action Plan 2021, a District Heating Steering Group was established earlier this year. The Steering Group has met eight times to date and oversees a number of Working Groups that are conducting in-depth, solutions-based analysis of the key areas that must be addressed in order to support district heating. The Steering Group is working on recommendations to ensure that a robust governance and regulatory framework is put in place to support the expansion of district heating. This will help ensure consumer protection, and considerations in this regard encompass legacy group heating schemes that are already in operation.
163. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide information on the area of land that will require to be drained to facilitate the proposed Derryadd windfarm by Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45937/22]
View answerBord na Móna’s Brown to Green Strategy states that 70% of Bord na Móna generated electricity will be renewable by 2020. This renewable capacity will help Ireland deliver on its commitment of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Bord na Móna is currently preparing a planning application for the proposed Derryadd Wind Farm. Preparation includes an extensive community engagement process being led by the project’s Community Liaison Specialist, the outcome of which will inform the project and its scope. Since May 2022, there have been a series of community engagement sessions in the locality of the proposed development, including individual visits to over 300 homes. The planning application will include the final details of the proposed project. Bord na Móna is intending to submit this in 2023. A copy of the material, including maps, is publicly available on the dedicated project website: www.derryaddwindfarm.ie
164. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will respond to an invitation request by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45938/22]
View answerThe Mid Shannon Wilderness Park is now part of a larger Lough Ree Biosphere Reserve proposal for areas in South Longford, East Roscommon and Northwest Westmeath. The three Local Authorities are working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other partners to deliver it.
The functions of Biosphere Reserves are broadly conservation, development and logistical support. The Local Authorities will soon commence a tender process for the Lough Ree Biosphere. They are seeking to engage environmental consultants to prepare an application to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, and to screen for the Strategic Environmental Assessment and any environmental impact implications.
This multiple stage process provides opportunities for community groups, such as the organisation referred to in the Question, stakeholders and all interested parties to inform and shape the project.
The invitation request is under consideration.
165. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current number of live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by his Department in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [45953/22]
View answerMy Department administers a very diverse, complex and technical brief across critical and strategic sectors of the Irish economy.
Studies, reviews and research are currently being undertaken by my Department which contribute to project delivery and informed, robust and evidence-based policy making. Details of these are set out in the table below.
166. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the level of natural gas used in Ireland in each of the years 2019, 2020 and 2021; the projected use in 2022; the level of natural gas produced at the Corrib field or other sources here in each of those years; the projected requirement in 2022; the projected production volume at Corrib in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45974/22]
View answerInformation on the historic annual gas demand and supply, forecast annual gas demand and forecast gas supply from Corrib gas field is available in the 2021 Network Development Plan published by Gas Networks Ireland. The annual data relates to the gas year from October to September. The figures for natural gas production from the Corrib Gas Field and Kinsale Areas Gas Fields in 2019, 2020 and 2021 is presented in the table below.
|
Year |
Natural Gas Produced at Corrib Gas Field |
Natural Gas Produced at Kinsale Areas Gas Fields |
|
2019 (Jan – Dec) |
2396 million cubic metres |
245 million cubic metres |
|
2020 (Jan – Dec) |
1931 million cubic metres |
92 million cubic metres (cessation of production 5 July 2020) |
|
2021 (Jan – Dec) |
1529 million cubic metres |
The Kinsale Area gas fields ceased production on 5th July 2020. Information on projected volumes of natural gas from Corrib Gas Field would be considered commercially sensitive information and it would not be appropriate to release them.
Ireland sources roughly one-quarter of its gas from the Corrib gas field, and three-quarters via an interconnector from the UK, which has diverse sources of supply. Both the UK and Ireland both have far less reliance on Russian gas than other European Countries. The UK’s gas supply comes from indigenous supplies, via pipelines from Norway, interconnectors with Belgium and the Netherlands and through imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
As production from the Corrib gas field declines, our import dependence on natural gas from the UK will increase in the near term.
In light of the Ukraine crisis, the European Commission is working closely with Member States to protect the resilience of Europe’s gas supply. The Commission is also actively engaging with other countries to ensure sufficient and timely supply of natural gas to the EU from diverse sources across the globe to avoid supply shocks, including those that could result from disruptions.
It is essential that we cut our dependence on imported fossil fuels, and power comes from our own indigenous renewable resources including wind and solar. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets an ambitious target to increase the share of electricity demand generated from renewables sources to up to 80% by 2030.
167. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of reports used, and consultants availed of, in the preparation of the sectoral emission ceilings, broken down by the reports used for each sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45976/22]
View answer168. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish all of the modelling and economic analysis used in the preparation of the sectoral emission ceilings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45977/22]
View answer170. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reports used and consultants availed of in the preparation of the sectoral emission ceiling, by sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45979/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 168 and 170 together.
Following the approval of the Carbon Budgets, and in accordance with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, my Department engaged with relevant Government Departments and Agencies to prepare Sectoral Emissions Ceilings for Government review and approval. This engagement was informed and supported by the procurement of external technical support services, as well as modelling support from members of the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG).
Through an iterative process that comprised extensive and frequent engagement with the relevant Departments and Agencies, as well as with members of the CAMG, policies and measures (including those identified in Climate Action Plan 2021) were assessed and refined to determine their emission abatement potential, while also considering various other factors and constraints such as cost, feasibility, and socioeconomic impact. The potential measures, actions and ceilings were also assessed in terms of alignment with other sustainability goals, and effectiveness in reaching ‘net zero’ no later than 2050. A significant number of workshops, bilateral meetings, and inter-departmental meetings were held to refine the analysis, and to understand the associated delivery challenges.
My Department is currently finalising a document, to be made publicly available shortly, which provides a summary of the analysis undertaken to inform and support this process. This document will include appendices that contain a comprehensive overview of the analysis used in the preparation of the ceilings, as well as a bibliography of all reports, studies and other documentation that were referenced during this process.
169. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish the McKinsey Report on the cost of decarbonisation up to 2050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45978/22]
View answerMy Department engaged technical support and sought input from a range of bodies and organisations to support and inform the preparation of a Long-term Climate Action Strategy (LTS) in 2019, in line with the then climate ambition set out in Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. This included analysis on potential decarbonisation pathways. However, with the Programme for Government commitment to substantially increase our climate ambition, including our 2050 objective, submission of Ireland’s draft LTS to the European Commission was paused to ensure it fully aligned with our enhanced climate ambition. While preparing the LTS, we are ensuring that the ambition aligns with our recently legislated for national climate targets, as well as making a strong contribution to the overall EU ambition of achieving climate neutrality no later than 2050, and achieving an interim reduction in overall EU greenhouse gas emissions of 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Similarly, the LTS will support our commitment to the international objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels, as established under the Paris Climate Agreement, and reaffirmed in the Glasgow Climate Pact. As the process to finalise Ireland’s LTS is continuing, analysis, including reports from consultants, is still ongoing and, once completed, it can be published.
171. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45981/22]
View answerMy Department engaged technical support and sought input from a range of bodies and organisations to support and inform the preparation of a Long-term Climate Action Strategy (LTS) in 2019, in line with the then climate ambition set out in Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. This included analysis on potential decarbonisation pathways. However, with the Programme for Government commitment to substantially increase our climate ambition, including our 2050 objective, submission of Ireland’s draft LTS to the European Commission was paused to ensure it fully aligned with our enhanced climate ambition. While preparing the LTS, we are ensuring that the ambition aligns with our recently legislated for national climate targets, as well as making a strong contribution to the overall EU ambition of achieving climate neutrality no later than 2050, and achieving an interim reduction in overall EU greenhouse gas emissions of 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Similarly, the LTS will support our commitment to the international objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels, as established under the Paris Climate Agreement, and reaffirmed in the Glasgow Climate Pact. As the process to finalise Ireland’s LTS is continuing, analysis, including reports from consultants, is still ongoing and, once completed, it can be published.
172. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the number of power outages in areas (details supplied) on an ongoing basis; if these outages are due to an energy shortage with grid capacity issues; the remedial action that he proposes to take to ensure the continued power supply and increased grid capacity given the unprecedented growth across all these areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46021/22]
View answerThe matter raised in the Question is an operational matter for the Board of management ESB and therefore not one in which I have a function. I have forwarded the query raised in the Question to the ESB for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which continued success can be reported in regard to meeting Ireland’s emission reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46022/22]
View answer177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland’s emissions have been reduced in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46026/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 173 and 177 together.
Recent reports of provisional data from the EPA have indicated that Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions increased by 4.7% in 2021 compared to 2020 and are now 1.1% above 2019 pre-COVID restriction levels. The EPA’s report is a strong reminder of the challenges Ireland faces as we seek to meet our ambitious, yet necessary, climate objectives and emission targets.
Notwithstanding an anticipated increase in emissions in 2021 as the country emerged from the most severe Covid-19 restrictions, we must consider how to accelerate the measures and actions that will not only reduce our emissions, but will also support new ways of conducting business and encouraging innovation. To reverse the current trajectory of emissions and meet our 2030 and 2050 targets, a significant shift is required in the speed at which we roll-out and ramp-up up the policies, measures and actions that will decarbonise our economy and improve our indigenous supply of sustainable and renewable energy. The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, significantly strengthens the legally binding framework for climate governance in Ireland, and the recently approved sectoral emission ceilings set out a clear pathway for meeting our carbon budgets and Ireland’s commitment to a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. These ceilings will be reflected in the next Climate Action Plan, which is due to be published by the end of 2022.
This Climate Action Plan will build on the 2021 Plan and set out the policies, measures and actions to keep us within our carbon budgets and on the pathway to a zero-emissions economy by no later than 2050. The process to deliver this new Climate Action Plan will include my Department engaging with other Government Departments, State Agencies and civil society to identify opportunities for accelerating climate action.
174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which ongoing progress can be reported in regard to the provision of high-speed modern broadband in all areas throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46023/22]
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 over 560,000 premises, including over 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 9 September 2022, over 88,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 75,500 premises passed across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is 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 or exceeding projections.
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 and connected 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.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 9 September 2022, 716 BCP sites have been installed by NBI 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.
Over 430 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/.
175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which ongoing efforts are being made to meet applications for modern high-speed broadband from those areas that may be between serviced areas but are yet without service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46024/22]
View answerThe NBP network that is being built by National Broadband Ireland will ensure that all of those living and working within the NBP intervention area will have access to a future proofed high-speed broadband network. Deployment of the network is now ongoing in every county in Ireland with the build programme reaching scale. Connectivity will continue to be available from a variety of operators already in the market who offer fixed and wireless options for people to access broadband.
Mobile operators also provide connectivity options and to assist consumers, ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map (available here: coveragemap.comreg.ie/#/map) to provide consumers with clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage. Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by ComReg who advises that all operators are exceeding the current minimum coverage obligations. Capital investment by telecommunications operators over the last 5 years came to €3.3 billion for both fixed and mobile services enhancing the availability of services, both voice and data, throughout Ireland, including in rural areas.
ComReg is currently in the process of running another Multi-band Spectrum Award to assign rights of use in four spectrum bands. The award comprises 470 MHz of spectrum and represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland. This will enable the operators to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. The proposals include significant coverage obligations for prospective winning bidders.
In Ireland, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been a driving force since 2016 for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide with over 70 targeted actions completed to alleviate connectivity barriers. It tackles issues impeding the rollout of mobile and fixed connectivity. It is co-managed by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Broadband Connection Points (BCP) provide wireless connectivity, to support remote working and connected communities with public access to free high-speed broadband. 268 live BCP sites are in regular use, with a monthly average of 1,010 new and 6,415 returning users across the network.
Further details are available on specific areas through the NBI website. The website 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 twenty-six 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 and connected 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.
176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the ongoing provision of modern, high-quality, high-speed broadband is being made available throughout Ireland by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46025/22]
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 over 560,000 premises, including over 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 9 September 2022, over 88,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 75,500 premises passed across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is 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 or exceeding projections.
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 and connected 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.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 9 September 2022, 716 BCP sites have been installed by NBI 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.
Over 430 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/
178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which high air-quality is being maintained throughout the country; the areas that are most at-risk in this regard; his plans to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46027/22]
View answer179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which air-quality monitoring continues in all areas throughout the country; if the same technology is involved over the years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46028/22]
View answer
