Written Answers Nos. 99-118
99. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland insulation grant will be extended beyond 2011 up to and including homes built in 2014; his plans to do so. [54928/22]
View answerMy Department funds a number of energy efficiency grant schemes that are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The aim of these schemes is to improve the energy efficiency of our built environment, in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding.
As newer homes are already required to meet specific energy performance standards under the Building Regulations, grant support for home insulation is focussed on improving the condition of dwellings built and occupied before 2011. There are no plans to change this requirement. However, it is important to note that grants are available for renewable technologies for homes built and occupied before 2021.
Full details on the application processes for all schemes operated by the SEAI are available at www.seai.ie.
100. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will list the energy efficiency obligated entities for the most recent year for which data is available; the energy savings credits which they earned through delivery of efficiencies; and the proportion in each case which was delivered by buying credits. [54182/22]
View answer101. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the extent to which the annual target of energy efficiency obligated entities will increase in 2023 compared to the existing obligation. [54183/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 101 together.
The Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS) places legal requirements on larger energy companies to help energy users save energy. The EEOS has been in place since 2014 and contributes significantly to the delivery of Ireland’s energy saving target under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Between 2014 and 2020, obligated parties supported energy efficiency actions in more than 290,000 dwellings and over 3,000 businesses. These savings represent an offset in CO2 emissions of around 1.2 Mt and recurring financial savings of approximately €240 million per year. No obligated parties bought out a share of their target during that period.
In 2022 the following entities received targets under the EEOS:
- Bord Gais Energy
- Bord na Mona
- Calor Gas
- Coyle Coal
- Electric Ireland
- Energia
- Enprova (a subsidiary of Fuels for Ireland which represents the following obligated parties: Circle K; Valero Energy; Ted Castles Oil Products; Irving Oil; Inver Energy; and Maxol)
- Flogas
- Flogas Enterprise (formerly Naturgy Ltd)
- LCC Group
- PrepayPower
- SSE Airtricity
In 2021, the most recent year for which data is available, obligated parties under the EEOS delivered approximately 406 GWh of energy savings (i.e. 406 million kWh of energy savings). No obligated parties bought out a share of their target.
The EEOS has been redesigned in response to amendments to the Energy Efficiency Directive and climate priorities and was informed by an extensive public consultation and a detailed economic analysis. The new scheme will be introduced in January 2023.
In 2022 EEOS energy saving targets were issued to obligated parties, totalling approximately 398 GWh (i.e. 398 million kWh) of energy savings. It is anticipated that the target for 2023 will be approximately 644 GWh of energy savings.
102. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the requirement to have a minimum efficiency uplift, a requirement to achieve a B2 rating or better, prevents the achievement of cheaper and shallower measures which could deliver rapid reductions in energy use at this time of heightened energy uncertainty. [54184/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the residential sector from 7.9 Mt CO2 eq. in 2018 to between 3.5-4.5 Mt CO2 eq. in 2030. Key measures to achieve this target include retrofitting the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a BER B2/cost optimal level and installing 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
Earlier this year, Government launched a range of enhanced supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to retrofit their homes. In addition to 100% funded retrofits for energy poor households, grant supports are available for those seeking to undertake deep retrofits as well as for homeowners that wish to take a step by step approach by installing individual or shallow measures. For example, enhanced grant rates of up to 80% of the typical cost are available for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation as well as a €700 grant available to support the installation of heating controls. These supports are available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme and no minimum uplift or requirement to achieve a B2 rating applies.
Separately, the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS) has been in place since 2014 to help achieve our EU targets under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). The EEOS places legal requirements on large energy companies, known as ‘obligated parties’, to achieve energy savings. For the residential sector, these savings can be achieved by supporting the householder (financially or otherwise) to carry out energy upgrades on their property. A new, redesigned EEOS will commence on 1 January 2023. The scheme has been redesigned in response to amendments to the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Government’s climate priorities. While the changes introduced place a requirement on obligated parties to help homeowners to achieve a minimum uplift to achieve part of their targets, the new EEOS also continues to allow obligated parties to help those carrying out their retrofit through individual/shallow measures.
103. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department and all bodies under his Department’s aegis have reviewed their estates' portfolio in the context of identifying unoccupied buildings that may be suitable for use in the context of meeting the accommodation needs of persons arriving in Ireland from Ukraine. [54215/22]
View answer104. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number and type of unused and or unoccupied buildings in his Department’s estates’ portfolio and all bodies under his Department’s aegis. [54233/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.
All premises occupied by my Department are either state owned or leased by the OPW. In relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department I have asked all of the bodies to review their property portfolios. While some have reverted with possible options, it is important to note that most of the properties would be in need of considerable remedial work to make them suitable for accommodation for refugees and would require inspection by the OPW.
105. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that energy providers are continued to be permitted to set the rate at which they purchase electricity back to the grid, including the imposition of standing charges on customers who have installed renewable systems to provide net electricity to the grid; if he will provide a directive to the regulator in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54307/22]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, including the matters raised by your question, is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999.
The CRU published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the Clean Energy Guarantee (CEG) which outlines the arrangements for how new and existing micro-and small-scale generators will receive payment for excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. As part of this, the CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned.
The key benefit of micro-generation is the money you save on your electricity bill by consuming some of your own power, especially as we see rising electricity bills as a result of the war in Ukraine.
The CRU has asked all suppliers to communicate their decision to their customers on when initial CEG payments will be made at the earliest opportunity. I am aware that most suppliers have now advertised their rates, which range from €13.5c/kWh up to €20c/kW. The CRU advises customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers' CEG tariff arrangements.
CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
106. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the consultation on the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme regulations for 2023 will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54345/22]
View answer107. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that the fishing season was reduced to a three-week period in 2022 rather than eleven weeks on every other river; if it is likely to be repeated in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54346/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.
In line with normal practice, the management regime for salmon (and sea trout over 40cms) for 2023 will have regard for the annual management advice of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) supported by the latest scientific advice and assessments of each salmon river from the independent Technical Expert Group on Salmon (TEGOS). This advice was received in my Department on 4 November. The annual public consultation on the draft legislation is expected to commence later this week for a period of 30 days. The draft legislation will provide for, inter alia, the proposed status (open, open to catch and release angling or closed to all exploitation) of, and the harvestable surplus (if any) available, on each of Ireland’s more than 140 salmon rivers.
A further suite of secondary legislation is set out in the first quarter of every year in advance of the commercial fishing season. This legislation, which principally sets the open and closing dates for commercial fishing on each fishery, is based on the individual circumstances of the fishery including the size of the surplus and the number of licences available. Therefore, while there is a general commercial season within which fishing is possible, opening and closing dates vary, based on these individual circumstances, to provide the optimum protection to each genetically individual stock and to guard against over-exploitation. Both sets of legislation are based on the conservation and biodiversity imperatives and on Ireland’s obligations under EU Directives and international agreements.
108. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the disbursement of grant funding for the remediation of environmentally-degraded landfill sites operated by local authorities under programme E; the success of these efforts to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54358/22]
View answerSince 2006 the landfill remediation programme has provided approximately €190m funding to risk assess and remediate 150 landfill sites. This includes €52m for the former ISPAT site at Haulbowline, Co. Cork.
To date remediation work has been completed on 46 sites. In 2021 funding was provided for 72 sites across 22 local authorities with expenditure of just under €21m. This year 135 projects have been approved for funding across 29 local authorities with a budget of €26m.
The roadmap for the landfill remediation programme is set out in the Regional Waste Management Plan 2015-2021 with the renewed roadmap to be published in early 2023 in the new National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy. The programme has been a key component of Ireland's response to the judgment of the European Court of Justice in case C494/01.
109. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Poolbeg west strategic development zone is ready for supply to the Dublin district heating system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54359/22]
View answerWhile it is a condition of the planning permission for the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone that the buildings there be capable of connection to a district heating system, I have no function in relation to the matter raised in the Question. Responsibility for the development of the Dublin District Heating Scheme is a matter for the local authority.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions to provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including the establishment of a multi-disciplinary District Heating Steering Group, which was established earlier this year. The Steering Group has met ten times this year 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 to have its initial report prepared by year end, with recommendations on steps necessary to support a structured, nationally consistent approach to the development of district heating.
110. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he or any of his officials had any engagement with Bord na Móna on the employee share scheme. [54444/22]
View answerBord na Móna is a commercial State company and pension related matters are a matter for the Board and Management of Bord na Móna and so I as minister have no statutory function in this matter.
111. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications that have been approved for the national home energy upgrade scheme to date in 2022; the number of homes that have had works started on that scheme; the target for completions this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54476/22]
View answer112. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications that have been approved for the individual energy upgrade grants to date in 2022; the number of homes that have had works started on that scheme; the target for completions this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54477/22]
View answer113. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications that have been approved for the fully-funded energy upgrades to date in 2022; the number of homes that have had works started on that scheme; the target for completions this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54478/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together.
The 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. Grants of up to 80% are available for homeowners wishing to install attic and cavity wall insulation.
This year demand and delivery across the range of SEAI retrofit schemes has been exceptionally high. As of end-September:
- Over 35,300 applications for support have been received across all of the SEAI home energy upgrade schemes – a circa 150% increase on the same period last year.
- 16,200 home energy upgrades have been completed – up nearly 70% compared to the same period last year.
- Of this amount, 3,200 homes have been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – up almost 140% on the same period last year.
- 5,250 homes have been upgraded to a BER of B2 or better – more than double last year.
Latest projections from SEAI indicate that the target of 27,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered this year. This compares to 15,500 upgrades last year.
My Department is working with the SEAI to build on this strong performance with a robust pipeline of activity planned for the rest of the year and into 2023.
With regard to the number of homes under each scheme which have had works commenced, it is important to note that the operating guidelines can vary across the different schemes. The figures collated by SEAI refer to home upgrades completed and where grants have been paid.
Under the Warmer Homes Scheme, the longest waiting time for a survey is 9 months, and the average cycle time from application to completion is 27.5 months. In recent years, 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, and therefore take longer to complete. At present, there are approximately 9,700 applicants on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. It is important to note that at the end of 2021, there were just over 7,000 homes on the Better Energy Warmer Homes waiting list. While the number has risen to over 9,700 at the end of September, the majority of these applications were received in the current year.
Monthly output under the scheme has more than doubled and my Department is working with SEAI to accelerate output further.
The Better Energy Homes Scheme and Solar PV Scheme are demand-led schemes which require homeowners to procure their own contractor following grant approval from SEAI (this approval process is instantaneous once all requirements for the SEAI grant application portal are met by applicants). Works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval.
Under the National Home Energy Home Upgrade Scheme and Community Energy Grant Scheme, homeowners engage a registered One Stop Shop or Project Co-ordinator, respectively, to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under these schemes within 12 months.
114. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the tourist angling measure funding for the Clare river system has delivered the 37 galvanised metal stream crossings and angling stands which were to be installed; if the funding was drawn down by Inland Fisheries Ireland from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54522/22]
View answerThe issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my department have any function.
IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
115. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that obligated parties are being removed from the better energy scheme; if an assessment has been made regarding the potential consequences of a drop-off in applications for the better energy homes scheme; and if he is giving consideration to retaining the scheme as it is constituted presently, in view of the energy crisis that exists. [54572/22]
View answerUnder the Better Energy Homes (BEH) scheme, Government offers grants to private homeowners who wish to take a step-by-step approach to improve the energy performance of their home. Under the scheme homeowners can:
- Apply themselves and have the grant refunded once works are complete;
- Apply themselves and have the grant paid to their contractor which can choose to offer them a discount upfront; or
- Apply through a registered Energy Partner which will carry out the works for the homeowner and pass on the grant savings as a discount on the works.
The Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS) places legal requirements on larger energy companies to help energy users save energy. The EEOS has been in place since 2014 and contributes significantly to the delivery of Ireland’s energy saving target under the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). The EEOS has been redesigned in response to amendments to the Energy Efficiency Directive and climate priorities and was informed by an extensive public consultation and a detailed economic analysis. The new scheme will be introduced in January 2023.
Some of the registered Energy Partners operating under the BEH are also Obligated Parties with annual energy saving targets under the EEOS. Obligated parties have not been removed from the BEH scheme. However, should one or more of those companies decide themselves to discontinue their role as an Energy Partner, other Energy Partners remain on the list and continue to offer this service.
116. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a date has been set for the publication of the climate action plan 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54668/22]
View answerThe 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 (CAP23), which is currently being developed and is due to be published by the end of 2022.
The next iteration of the 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 net zero-emissions economy by no later than 2050. The process to deliver this new Climate Action Plan has included my Department engaging with other Government Departments, State Agencies and civil society to identify opportunities for accelerating climate action.
117. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review correspondence from Monaghan County Council regarding the North South Interconnector (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54755/22]
View answerThe new North-South Interconnector, which will allow for the flow of 900 MW electricity between Ireland and Northern Ireland, will be critical for improving the operation of the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market (ISEM). It will also help to facilitate the achievement of the goal of generating up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland's economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.
The option of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. Most recently, the key finding from the International Expert Commission's report of October 2018 was that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this critical electricity infrastructure.
Notwithstanding this, it was deemed appropriate to carry out a further short review to assess if the overall finding from the 2018 report remained valid. Having requested tenders from a number of grid experts across Europe, two international experts were selected to carry out the study. Work is continuing on the report, which has taken longer than expected, but I understand it is to be finalised shortly. Following receipt of the report it will be considered, with publication to follow in due course, however at this point I am not able to provide a publication date.
118. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the qualifications and experience of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be accepted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland for the BER assessor pre-qualification criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54813/22]
View answerThe administration and management of Contractor/BER Assessor registration applications under the remit of SEAI are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister, I have no function with regard to individual applications.
SEAI operate a BER Helpdesk which can help with queries on whether qualifications and/or experience meet the requirements for registration. The email address for the BER Helpdesk is: info@ber.seai.ie
The SEAI also have a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is: oireachtas@seai.ie
