Written Answers Nos. 14-33
14. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he is putting in place to ensure gas supply this winter, given the unexplained Nord Stream explosions in September 2022 which could impact Ireland’s supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55323/22]
View answerSince the middle of 2021, Russia has been reducing gas deliveries to Europe, and the decline has continued to gather pace following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February this year. Russia has continued to supply reduced volumes of gas to central Europe via a legacy pipeline transit route running across Ukraine. And at the start of September, the company fully halted gas supplies to Germany via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline — before the explosions damaged the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines running across the Baltic Sea to Germany.
This shortfall in gas supplies has resulted in record high gas prices. The European Union’s primary response has been to address the supply-demand imbalance by attracting more supplies through LNG and introducing Council Regulations to:
- store gas for the winter ahead;
- reduce gas demand;
- reduce electricity demand;
This approach has seen some softening of gas prices in recent weeks. In parallel, measures have been put in place to reduce windfall profits of energy companies and show solidarity with consumers.
Gas Network Ireland’s recently published Winter Outlook for Winter 2022/2023 notes that uncertainty exists around European gas supply sources and around achieving demand reduction in Europe this winter, particularly in a prolonged cold spell. However, the outlook sets out that it is not currently envisaged that there will be any disruption to the supply of gas to Ireland this winter. Nevertheless, we need to remain vigilant to any potential impacts due to Russia’s cutting off the gas supplies and other unforeseen issues arising. Ireland continues to cooperate closely with our EU partners to address the challenges to the EU caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April this year, provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘whole-of-Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. As part of this framework an exercise was held in September this year to test our gas and electricity emergency plans. In addition, my Department are working closely with the Department of Defence to provide additional security to protect critical energy infrastructure. However, it would not be appropriate to comment on any specific operational measures.
15. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has examined a recent report on offshore wind energy (details supplied); if recent withdrawals by named corporations from projects confirm the necessity of direct state involvement in offshore wind development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55318/22]
View answerThe report referred to by the Deputy has been brought to my attention and Officials in my Department are reviewing its recommendations. While it is disappointing to see certain companies leave the market at this time, it is not unusual in the normal course of business for such decisions to be taken. In addition, we are seeing many more new developers entering the market and I expect this to continue in the coming years, particularly as development in deeper waters off the west and southwest coast becomes more commercially viable.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to achieving at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Government has recently agreed to increase our ambition in offshore wind energy with an additional 2GW earmarked for the supply of green hydrogen, a strategy for which is under development. The Programme for Government commits to developing a longer-term plan to realise the potential of at least 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our Atlantic waters.
With Ireland’s maritime area being seven times the size of its landmass and our location at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, I am critically aware that the potential for offshore renewable energy in Ireland is enormous. Central to realising this potential is the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. The goal of the Taskforce is to accelerate and drive delivery by public bodies of offshore wind. To achieve this, it is developing a system-wide programme plan, bringing together the work ongoing across Government to deliver on our offshore wind ambitions. It will identify all aspects of work on the critical path, including gaps, risks and opportunities. One of the key objectives of the Taskforce is to ensure that potential economic and societal opportunities associated with the development of the sector are captured. Further information on the Taskforce is published on gov.ie.
16. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to ensure that new eircodes are assigned in a timely manner rather than in batches every few months. [55047/22]
View answerCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory (APG), a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement. On foot of the success of Eircodes I asked my officials to investigate a move to a system where Eircodes for new properties are assigned on a monthly basis as opposed to the quarterly release schedule. Capita has been working intensively with An Post, OSI, and APG, supported by my Department, on this issue. I am informed that the pilot is on track and milestones are all being delivered. I look forward to providing a further update on conclusion of the pilot.
17. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the actions that his Department has taken to ensure that SEAI schemes will not see homeowners forced to pay upfront the full costs of energy efficiency work undertaken by contractors from 1 January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55317/22]
View answerMy Department funds a number of energy upgrade schemes that are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Figures for September, compared to the same period last year show that:
- Demand is exceptionally high across all Schemes this year with applications up 146%.
- Home energy upgrade completions are up 67% on last year.
- Homes upgrades to a BER B2 or better are up 104% on last year.
- Homes upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes are up 136%.
- We are on track to achieve the 27,000 overall output target this year, and we are targeting 37,000 upgrades next year.
We are building towards the numbers we need to achieve to reach our overall 500,000 target.
In terms of costs to homeowners,
- Energy upgrades provided under the Warmer Homes Scheme are 100% Government funded so eligible homeowners do not face any cost, upfront or otherwise.
- Under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme which was launched earlier this year, homeowners apply through a One Stop Shop which passes on the grant savings as an upfront discount on the works, meaning the homeowner only needs to fund the remainder of the cost
Under the Better Energy Homes 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.
I recognise the valuable role of the Energy Partners in helping support homeowners to access energy efficiency measures, by avoiding the need for them to pay the full amount of the works upfront. This is particularly important in light of the current energy crisis. Officials from my Department are working with the SEAI to ensure that the option of having grant savings act as an upfront discount on works will continue to be available.
18. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he, along with the CRU, has implemented protections or identified solutions to households that hold pay-as-you-go energy meters or numerous households who share a single meter; if he will ensure that these vulnerable homes receive support under the electricity support scheme this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55324/22]
View answerGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households. This is why a €2.4 billion package of supports was implemented during 2022, and a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023. The Budget package includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023 and March/April 2023. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.
The payment will be applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2). The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application/approval process. This mechanism allowed payments to be made automatically to over 2.1m domestic electricity accounts, over 99.36% of eligible accounts, under the first scheme which operated between April and June of this year.While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others could have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion could have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost. Where tenants have a dispute relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution. As there is not data set identifying this cohort, increasing awareness of entitlements of existing social protection measures, which include provision for help with household bills, is an important way of supporting people in this situation.
Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also introduced measures including:
- €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients
- €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase
- €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment
- double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children
- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November
- €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability paymentAs part of the strengthened customer protection measures CRU introduced reduced debt burdens on Pay-as-You-Go customers. The new measures mean that the debt repayment levels will reduce to 10% from a previous 25% on pay-as-you-go customers top-up payments. On a €20 top-up for example, only €2 will go towards debt repayment (if it exists), rather than €5 previously. From 1 December suppliers will be required to ensure that all customers with a financial hardship meter are automatically placed on the most economic tariff. Furthermore, the CRU has decided to suspend the €200 gas meter exchange siteworks charge associated with a customer moving from a PAYG gas meter to a billpay meter, for all domestic customers. There is no charge for moving from an electricity PAYG meter to a billpay meter.
The CRU has a dedicated email address for deputies to contact them oireachtas@cru.ie for timely replies.
19. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 83 of 20 September 2022, the details of any engagement he has had since September 2022 with Galway City Council and Galway County Council with regard to supporting and promoting efforts at local government level on climate action; the details of any engagement he has had in 2022 with the Atlantic Seaboard North CARO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55010/22]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act, 2021 strengthens the role of Local Authorities for effective climate action. It sets out a statutory requirement for each Local Authority to prepare a Climate Action Plan, within 12 months from when I formally issue a request to the sector to begin the preparation of such plans. This will be made not later than 18 months after the commencement of the Act.
I recognise that Local Authorities will need to be supported in the delivery of their Climate Action Plans. This is why I have allocated €3.5million in 2022 to support the Local Authorities in securing resources to begin the process of developing these plans, and will continue to provide funding to the sector over the coming years. In this regard, my Department issued a letter to the Chief Executive of each Local Authority on 26 October of this year confirming the provision of these resources. Beyond this letter being issued by my Department, I have had no direct engagement with Galway City Council and Galway County Council with regard to supporting and promoting efforts at local government level on climate action. However, my Department continues to work with the four Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs) and stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, on a regular basis, in particular through participation in the National Local Authority Climate Action Steering Group and the CARO Management Group which meet regularly. CAROs continue to work with local authorities to both facilitate and monitor implementation of local climate actions undertaken under existing Local Adaptation Strategies and the Climate Charter developed under the 2019 Climate Action Plan.
20. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans for the development of an electricity grid in the west of Ireland to facilitate the transfer to electric from west to east at-scale to unlock the renewable wind energy potential in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55404/22]
View answerResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The CRU is responsible for oversight of the costs associated with the operation and development of the national grid by the System Operators.Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Network. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network. The Transmission and Distribution Networks make up the national electricity grid. EirGrid and ESB Networks are independent of the Minister in the exercise of their respective functions.
The issue at hand is an operational matter for both EirGrid and ESB Networks and therefore not one in which I have a function. Both the ESB and the CRU have dedicated email addresses for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters such as the subject of this PQ. In this instance, I have forwarded the query raised in the question to EirGrid and ESB Networks for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
21. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of licensing new exploration of offshore gas in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55418/22]
View answerA revised Policy Statement on Petroleum Exploration and Production in Ireland was published in August 2022 and can be accessed at the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/3bcaf-policy-statement-on-petroleum-exploration-and-production-in-ireland/. It replaced the 2019 “Policy Statement - Petroleum Exploration and Production Activities as part of Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Economy”, in order to reflect the current policy and legislative position of the Government on Petroleum Exploration and Production, and to provide clarity to stakeholders in relation to future authorisations which may be granted under legislation.This Policy Statement outlines the commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the decision taken in 2019 by the previous Government in relation to oil exploration and extraction.
Holders of existing authorisations can continue to apply to progress through the standard licensing lifecycle stages towards a natural conclusion, which may include expiry, relinquishment, or production. While no new authorisations for new exploration will be granted, existing authorisations will not be affected by this change.
Any applications for follow-on authorisations or applications to undertake offshore activities under an authorisation are subject to Ministerial consent and must continue to meet environmental, technical, and financial criteria as appropriate.
22. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of plans to fast-track the National Broadband Plan; the impact that this will have on Ireland’s carbon emissions profile; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47189/22]
View answerI am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 28 October 2022, over 97,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection, with over 87,700 premises passed and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale.
The NBP State led intervention has been designed to re-use existing poles and ducts where possible, which NBI will lease from existing infrastructure owners. Infrastructure re-use in this manner ensures the State complies with State Aid guidelines and environmental sustainability best practice. Deployment of the NBP has the potential to deliver a range of environmental benefits linked to a range of Government strategies, including reduced emissions from teleworking and business travel. A recent report produced for my Department, investigated the potential benefits of the NBP for the Irish economy. Broadband is increasingly essential to our daily lives and it is a vital part of economic and social development. In particular it shows that the NBP is unlocking significant environmental benefits, principally through the increased prevalence of remote working.
The Cost Benefit Analysis that supported the business case for the Government decision to proceed with the NBP highlighted environmental benefits among a variety of other economic and social benefits. However, it did not set out to specifically forecast the impact of the NBP on emissions. The environmental benefits that result from the NBP, will be amongst the benefits to considered in any future assessment of the impact of the NBP. Such a benefits assessment would be most useful after the network deployment is completed and connections are at a mature stage.
23. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for processing Maritime Area Consent applications in his Department currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55021/22]
View answerThe Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 provides the legal authority for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to assess Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications from a set of pre-qualified 'Phase One' offshore renewable energy projects. A significant milestone was reached this year, with the receipt of MAC applications from these Phase One projects. This followed the opening of an application window on 25 April for an 8-week period.
Upon receipt of MAC applications, applicants were assessed in key areas, including financial and technical competency, in order to ensure that only the most viable offshore projects can apply for permission from An Bord Pleanála. Following the completion of the application assessment, and as per Section 81 of the MAP Act, I issued “minded to” letters to all Phase One projects in September 2022. These letters set out my initial intention in respect of granting MACs to Phase One projects, and included draft MAC terms and conditions. Following the issuance of “minded to” decisions, applicants were given a three week period to submit any supplemental material for further consideration, before final MAC determinations are made. This supplemental material is currently being considered, and will inform the final decision to be made. Once a final decision is made to grant or not to grant a MAC, applicants will be notified and I will publish a notice as soon as practicable thereafter, as per Section 84 of the MAP Act.
Phase One projects which obtain a MAC will still be required to apply for all of the requisite consents and planning permission and will be subject to the full assessment procedures by our national planning regulator.
24. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the rollout of the National Broadband Plan to include the number of premises passed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55001/22]
View answerSurvey and design work for the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan is complete or ongoing by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in every county in Ireland. I am advised by NBI that, as of 28 October 2022, over 97,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 87,700 premises passed across 25 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.
My Department 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 to be passed by the end of January 2023. In addition, the revised target for end January 2024 is between 180,000 to 185,000 premises passed.
25. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities on steps being taken to deter electricity and gas theft across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55193/22]
View answerIssues regarding the theft of electricity and interference with electricity meters are first and foremost an issue for ESB Networks, who are both the Distribution System Operator and Distribution Asset Owner.Matters relating to theft of gas are an operational issue for Gas Networks Ireland and for the Board and management of that company, which is a commercial State body under the aegis of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has no statutory function in such matters.
However, in this subject matter there may be an element of overlap between the ESB Networks/ Gas Networks Ireland and the work of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). The CRU has responsibility for safety matters and it would appear that the theft of electricity/ gas and / or tampering with an electricity/ gas meters are issues which may raise serious safety concerns. As the Deputy will be aware the CRU is accountable to the Oireachtas and not to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications.
In this instance, I have forwarded the queries raised in the question to ESBN and the CRU for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
26. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied with the pace of the roll-out of the national broadband plan; the measures that are being taken to address the delays in progressing from design stage to roll-out of fibre broadband in an area (details supplied), given that surveys were carried out in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55393/22]
View answerSurvey and design work for the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan is complete or ongoing by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in every county in Ireland.
Surveys are needed to establish the condition of existing poles and ducts, to ascertain whether repairs are needed. NBI’s contractors walk the fibre route to inspect infrastructure and gather detailed information on local conditions and this work is on-going. Further steps are then required prior to fibre build and connections including:
- Survey results fed back to NBI’s design teams who then develop detailed designs for each of the 227 Deployment Areas for submission to the Department for “Approval to Proceed” with fibre build;
- Repair/activities (“Make Ready”) carried out to ensure existing infrastructure is sufficiently prepared to pass the premises with fibre;
- Installation of and connection to electronic equipment in each Local Exchange building;
- Laying of the physical fibre along the poles and ducts;
- Fibre build quality checks, network testing and handover within NBI;
- Upload of specific fibre build details by premises to computer systems within NBI, enabling retail service providers to make connection orders visible on their respective systems which in turn allows premises’ owners to place orders;
-Customers can then place an order and request a connection to be scheduled with the retail service provider of choice.
The final numbers of Premises Passed or Connected does not fully reflect the scale of activity or work completed in terms of delivery of this project.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 28 October 2022, over 97,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 87,700 premises passed across 25 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.
My Department 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 to be passed by the end of January 2023, with between 180,000 to 185,000 premises passed by the end of 2023.
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.
NBI advise that Templemartin Deployment Area's network build is in progress with anticipated connection dates between January and June 2024. Further information is available at www.nbi.ie. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
27. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the impact for rural households of the ban on the sale of turf given the rising cost of all fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55371/22]
View answerThe new solid fuel regulations prohibit the sale of turf from retail premises and online platforms, primarily to restrict its usage in more urban areas where the greatest harm can be caused. Those with turbary and customary rights can continue to share and sell turf through traditional practices. While I am acutely aware of the rising cost of fuels and the impact this is having on households, I have no function with regard to the retail price of fuels. Recent increases are due to a range of international, geo-political and economic factors, including the war in Ukraine. Government has responded by introducing a suite of measures that will be worth almost €1,000 to every domestic household in the country over the course of 12 months. This consists of the €200 electricity credit granted earlier this year, and the cost-of-living package in Budget 2023 that includes three further credits of €200, a PSO rebate worth €89, and lower VAT on energy bills. There will be further payments totalling €1,324 to some 371,000 households in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, including a €400 lump sum to be paid to all these households. It should be noted that the Domestic Fuels Comparison of Energy Costs reports, published quarterly by the SEAI, continue to show that low smoke coal is among the most cost-efficient of all options, despite the price increases of recent months which impacted on the costs of all solid fuels.
28. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to provide supports for district heating schemes to move to more cost-effective sources of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55395/22]
View answer35. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the work of the district heating steering group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55394/22]
View answer60. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has examined the use of legislation to regulate heating costs for district heating customers who pay for domestic energy at a commercial rate. [55382/22]
View answer61. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the short-term and long-term solutions for communities whose homes are heated through communal/district heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55002/22]
View answer62. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure that district and communal heating systems can be regulated by the CRU to ensure fair pricing for those who have these systems and to ensure that these customers are also able to switch to another provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55022/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 35 and 60 to 62, inclusive, together.
My Department established the District Heating Steering Group this year to consider the development of district heating in Ireland and the regulatory framework required to protect consumers. This Steering Group has met ten times since its establishment and has been examining issues around the structures necessary for the development of the sector. The 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.
The Steering Group, in its deliberations, has considered the economic regulation and consumer protection needs of the district heating sector, and smaller scale group heating schemes have been part of these considerations.
Group heating schemes are apartment blocks or housing developments which are supplied with heat, rather than fuel, and in such cases 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.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has initiated a programme of pilot feasibility studies in relation to the technical potential of moving group heating schemes fuelled by natural gas to a renewable energy source. It is anticipated that the results of the first of these studies will be available in the New Year, and they will be of use to inform decisions of operators of schemes throughout the country.
Furthermore, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has been appointed as Regulator of District Heat Networks and will be responsible for development of appropriate regulation of the sector.
29. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plans regarding the provision of grants to install LED lighting for sports clubs across the country, with a view to reducing both energy usage and financial costs to the clubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55186/22]
View answerThe Community Energy Grant Scheme is available to community and other organisations wishing to undertake energy upgrades as part of a community project.
The Grant scheme, managed and operated by SEAI, supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits.
The Scheme provides funding for a range of improvements to existing buildings and facilities. These include the installation of insulation, heat pump systems, replacement windows/doors, solar Photo-Voltaic technology, energy-efficient flood lighting to sports facilities, and energy monitors, as well as other energy upgrades.
Under the Community Energy Grant Scheme Guidelines for 2022, lighting projects for non-residential buildings, including sports clubs, can be supported under the Scheme when they are part of a suite of energy efficiency upgrade measures to retrofit a building, for example fabric upgrades or heating measures.
30. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the clean export guarantee as part of the micro-generation support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55280/22]
View answerUnder Article 21, 2(d) of the recast Renewable Energy Directive, consumers are entitled to receive remuneration for self-generated electricity they feed into the grid. To provide for this provision, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published an interim decision for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff in December 2021, which outlines arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. As part of this, the CRU decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis which must be reflective of the market value of the electricity, in line with the requirements of the Renewable Energy Directive.
I am aware that suppliers have published a range of CEG tariffs from €13.5c/kWh up to €20c/kWh, which allows customers to choose the best tariff arrangement that suits their particular needs. Moreover, 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.
However, regardless of individual supplier arrangements, micro-generators will not lose out while payment systems are put in place; as payments to customers will be backdated to when they either became eligible or to the 15th February 2022.
Finally, I also understand that the CRU propose to undertake a review of the Interim CEG arrangements after one year, including analysis of export tariffs to ensure that remuneration reflects market value, as required by the Renewables Energy Directive.
The 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.
31. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to develop strategies to develop grid infrastructure to advance and accelerate the deployment of offshore wind technology off Ireland’s west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55421/22]
View answerA new framework for Ireland’s offshore electricity transmission system was approved by Government in April 2021 with the associated policy statement providing for a phased transition from the current decentralised model to a centralised model to take place in line with the offshore RESS auctions this decade as part of the wider transition towards a plan led Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) regime.
The policy envisages that the enduring centralised model will be established by the third offshore RESS auction, with transmission system assets to be planned, developed, owned and operated by EirGrid. This centralised plan led model has been identified as delivering maximum societal benefits.
In addition, work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) is currently in progress. This will set out the pathway for the development of offshore renewable energy beyond 2030.
The Government anticipates that the overwhelming majority of ORE to be delivered by 2030 will be located off Ireland’s East and South coasts, with delivery on the West coast to follow thereafter. This is due to the suitability of East and South coast waters for fixed bottom turbines and available grid capacity. This position is consistent with the underlying analysis in ‘Shaping Our Electricity Future’, published by EirGrid in October 2021.
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the negotiations from the EU Energy Council negotiations on decoupling gas from electricity prices, price cap proposals and on the windfall tax on excessive profits of energy companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55350/22]
View answerThe European Council met on 20 October to continue work on Europe’s response to the energy crisis precipitated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The focus of this meeting was on wholesale gas prices. The Council and the European Commission have been called on to urgently submit concrete decisions in a number of areas, including but not limited to:
- voluntary joint purchasing of gas;• a new complementary gas price benchmark, that more accurately reflects conditions on the gas market;
- a temporary ‘dynamic price corridor’ on natural gas transactions on the main European gas exchange; and
- a temporary EU framework to cap the price of wholesale gas in electricity generation, while preventing increases in gas consumption;
Officials in my Department will work closely with its EU counterparts in the consideration of these proposals. It should be noted that while Ireland secures its gas mainly from the UK, these measures may not have an immediate impact however over the medium term they should lower wholesale gas prices generally.
In relation to price cap proposals and on the windfall tax, on 30 September the Council of Energy Ministers agreed a Council Regulation on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices. The Regulation includes provisions that deal with windfall gains in the energy sector through a temporary solidarity contribution based on taxable profits for fossil fuel production and oil refining, and by introducing a cap on market revenues of for specific technologies in the electricity sector. My Department is currently working with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders to implement the Regulation.
33. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which broadband provision throughout the country is progressing as intended; if efforts continue to bridge communication gaps that have become obvious; if he can see a means whereby the provision of broadband throughout all the regions can be maximised in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55378/22]
View answerSurvey and design work for the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan is complete or ongoing by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) in every county in Ireland.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 28 October 2022, over 97,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 25 counties, with over 87,700 premises passed across 25 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.
My Department 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 has worked closely with NBI to determine the targets for 2023 (end of January 2024) and the agreed targets are 180,000 to 185,000 premises passed.
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 is back on track and is gaining momentum month on month.
