Written Answers Nos. 122-137
123. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline his plans for the phasing out of fossil fuel boilers in existing and new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1676/23]
View answerThe National Energy Security Framework (NESF) 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.
Under Response 17 of the NESF, the Government committed to building on the detailed sectoral analysis of the National Heat Study to develop proposals for regulatory options to accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels for space and water heating in all new buildings, with limited exemptions such as industrial processes.
Following on from this, in the Climate Action Plan 2023, the Government committed to the acceleration of zero-emissions heating in residential buildings.
To facilitate delivery on these commitments, the Government has established a Heat and Built Environment Delivery Taskforce and will publish a new National Policy Statement on Heat to guide the Government’s overall response to the National Heat Study across all sectors, which will take into account the need for a medium-term pathway for the phase-out of fossil fuels for space and water heating.
A detailed roadmap to accelerate the electrification of heating and the phase out of fossil fuels for heating will be published, including the required policy and regulatory instruments. All options are currently under consideration, including the requirement to ensure a just transition to any alternative heat sources. As a consequence, there has been no commitment made thus far by Government to phase out oil and gas boilers in existing homes within a specified timeframe.
124. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a person who is in receipt of an invalidity pension, but is not in receipt of a fuel allowance, can also qualify for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1736/23]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners who are most at risk of energy poverty. Eligibility for the Scheme is linked to receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments.
They eligibility criteria for the scheme are kept under ongoing review by my Department with the Department of Social Protection to ensure they are consistent with and complementary to the other income support schemes offered by that Department. I understand that the Invalidity Pension is a qualifying payment for the Fuel Allowance, which is a means tested payment. Households can contact the Department of Social Protection to check whether they meet the relevant criteria.
All information on the Warmer Homes Scheme is available on the SEAI website at www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/free-upgrades-for-eligible-homes.
125. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role that his Department plays in the regulation of masts in the State. [1769/23]
View answerI have no role or statutory function in the matter raised by the Deputy which is a matter for the relevant local planning authority or An Bord Pleanála.
126. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of letters received from energy investors between 1995 and 2021, including international arbitration that threatened the State with legal action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1773/23]
View answerThere were no legal cases or threatened legal cases under international arbitration. The Department routinely gets legal correspondence on regulations, support schemes and other policy positions which could, but rarely does, result in legal action in the Irish/EU legal system.
127. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will publish his diary and expenses for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1890/23]
View answerMy diary is published on Gov.ie and my 2022 diary will be published shortly. Details of expenses are not routinely published.
128. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that he has not signed the derogation with regard to the burning of bushes and branches (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/23]
View answerUnder the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009, the burning of household, garden, commercial or industrial waste is not permitted. An exemption under the legislation, which has allowed farmers, as a last resort following strict application of the waste hierarchy, to dispose of waste generated by agricultural practices by burning has been extended on several occasions. However, it was never intended that this exemption would extend in perpetuity.
My Department has engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) on this matter and they have commissioned a feasibility study which will examine alternative measures to the burning of agricultural green waste within the Irish context and assess the practicality of such alternatives. My officials, in conjunction with their DAFM counterparts are currently examining the contents of this study, which was presented to DAFM in December 2022, with a view to establishing the most appropriate policy actions to sustainably manage this waste stream. I expect to be in a position to announce a decision on this matter shortly.
The issue of air pollution and the associated health impacts caused by this practice is well established and is addressed in the draft Clean Air Strategy developed by my Department, which was open for public consultation until 3 May last year. The final Clean Air Strategy, intended for publication later this year, will provide the high-level strategic policy framework necessary to identify and promote the integrated measures across government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner ambient air while delivering on wider national objectives.
129. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the changes to benefit-in-kind introduced recently in relation to company cars have been assessed in terms of their impact on emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2009/23]
View answerThe 1 January 2023 changes to benefit-in-kind in relation to company cars was legislated for in the Finance Act 2019 and is, therefore, an area of tax policy that lies within the remit of the Minister for Finance. From that date the amount taxable as BIK remains determined by the car’s original market value (OMV) and the annual business kilometres driven, while new CO2 emissions-based bands will determine whether a standard, discounted, or surcharged rate is taxable. The number of mileage bands is reduced from five to four. In certain instances, the new regime from 2023 will provide for higher BIK rates, for example in relation to above average emissions and high mileage cars. It should be noted, however, that the rates remain largely the same in the lower to mid mileage ranges for the average lower emission car. Additionally, EVs will benefit from a preferential rate of BIK, ranging from 9 – 22.5% depending on mileage. ICE vehicles will be subject to higher BIK rates, up to 37.5%. The Minister for Finance has stated that the new structure with CO2-based discounts and surcharges is designed to incentivise employers to provide employees with low-emission cars.
The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has not carried out any emissions abatement modelling of this tax policy. However, the Department of Transport is assessing the role of BIK relief in the context of EV usage incentives/disincentives and the implementation of recommendation 24 of the EV Policy Pathway Progress Report. The role of transitioning our passenger car fleet to EVs in achieving our abatement targets is set out in the Climate Action Plan 2023.
130. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends rolling out a programme similar to the national broadband scheme to ensure effective 100% good-quality coverage of mobile broadband and phone services throughout the State in view of the large areas that are still without a service, particularly in hill areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2090/23]
View answerThe roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002.
ComReg is currently completing a Multi-band Spectrum Award to assign rights of use in four key Spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award will represent a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and will include significant coverage obligations for the winning bidders. In addition, the Mobile Phone & Broadband Taskforce continues to implement actions specifically designed to remove barriers to telecoms infrastructure rollout.
ComReg is continually updating and enhancing its online national outdoor mobile coverage map (available at: coveragemap.comreg.ie/map) to provide clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage. In 2022, ComReg updated this map to include 5G data. This information can assist customers when considering moving to or visiting a particular area and in highlighting blackspots that need to be addressed.
131. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 233 of 8 December 2022, if he will consider amending the legislation governing section 254: licensing for telecommunications infrastructure, to ensure such applications go through the standard planning process, thereby facilitating public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2165/23]
View answerAs noted in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s response to PQ No. 233 of 8 December 2022, the current system for licensing for telecommunications infrastructure sits under S.254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
My Department has worked with the CCMA, LGMA, RMO and all Local Authorities to facilitate the rollout of the National Broadband Plan, and has had good engagement from all parties in that regard.
In 2021, there were discussions between my Department and the Department of Housing regarding S.254 licences and their application for telecommunications infrastructure. This lead to an amendment of the Planning and Development Act 2000 by the Department of Housing, with Circular PL 07/2021 published on gov.ie on 18 August 2021 which provided clarification on planning exemptions applicable to certain telecommunications works. This amendment changed the parameters for fees for S.254 licences for telecoms infrastructure, to a flat fee instead of per length of cable.
My Department engages with all Local Authorities on a regional basis to examine any mechanisms which could assist with the rollout of the NBP. The licensing process is part of those discussions but, at present, there are no plans to amend the existing legislation.
132. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the low-interest loans to enable homes to retrofit will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2287/23]
View answerMy Department is working with the Department of Finance, the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and the European Investment Bank to develop a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme. The scheme is part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and will be co-funded by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility and Exchequer funding. It will also be backed by a counter guarantee provided by the EIB.
The loan guarantee will provide risk protection to retail credit institutions participating in the scheme. This will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates to private homeowners and non-corporate landlords and make comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable to consumers. This approach will signal to the banking sector, new sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy as well as increasing the volume of retrofit activity within the State. It is anticipated that the Scheme will provide a lending portfolio of up to €500 million.
Significant progress has been made to date including completion of the "Invitation for Pre-Qualification Stage" to identify interested 'On-Lenders' and the "Invitation for Award Stage" to determine allocations of the loan portfolio. Intensive engagement to develop the scheme is ongoing and it is expected that the loan guarantee will be in place in the coming months.
133. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on designating the post office network as the "offline gateway" of choice for persons availing of State services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2288/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The company fully understands the Government position and a sustainable, viable and customer-focused post office network is a key strategic priority for the company.
The Government recognises the importance of the high value and high quality post office network to our citizens right across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network, provides important services to its customers and it is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens.
The report of the Interdepartmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the Post Office Network was published last year.
None of the Departments or agencies involved were in a position to offer additional services for delivery by An Post in the near term. The report recommends that Government should conduct a comprehensive review of how the totality of its services are delivered to the public, online and offline in the future.
Government launched the Digital Ireland Framework last year. One of the aims of the framework is to ensure widespread access and use of inclusive digital public services, with a target of 90% of services to be consumed online by 2030. As we progress towards the target of 90% of applicable services consumed online by 2030, the framework commits to ensuring that those cohorts who are not in a position to engage online will be better served through a clear plan involving focused supports, including skills, infrastructure, and assisted digital supports, with consideration of the most appropriate service delivery channels, and the development of appropriate and clear consents and protocols.
Implementation of the Digital Ireland Framework will be driven by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment.
136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure the provision of broadband to Brookdale, Riverstick, County Cork. [2423/23]
View answerI am advised by NBI that, as of 6 January 2023, over 117,900 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 109,200 premises passed and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. The level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is exceeding projections.
There are 81,507 premises in County Cork that will be passed by National Broadband Ireland with high-speed gigabit fibre broadband as part of the State Intervention under the National Broadband Plan. To date in Cork over 15,721 premises are passed by the NBP highspeed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection.
Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) 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 6 January, 844 SCP sites (281 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 563 schools) have been installed 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 BCPs and the Department of Education for school SCP’s. In County Cork 24 BCPs have been installed to date.
In County Cork 85 schools BCPs 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 are available on the NBI website at: nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
Brookdale Estate is located in the Deployment Area (DA) of Kinsale which is currently pending completion of survey work and is anticipated for connection between January and December 2026. There is a Broadband Connection Point located adjacent to the estate in the Riverstick Community Centre offering high speed access in advance of the fibre to the home build.
137. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he is taking to encourage all local authorities to provide compost facilities at amenity sites to avoid this waste going to landfill. [2424/23]
View answerWhile waste management planning, including with regard to infrastructure provision, is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended), the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy includes a commitment to formalise the role of civic amenity sites and agree a standard list of waste streams to be accepted at such sites. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices are currently preparing a new National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy which will be available for public consultation early this year. The Plan will include policy measures to enhance the use of civic amenity sites.
My Department has also established a Food Waste Recycling Working Group which is progressing actions to improve food waste segregation and awareness in Ireland, including campaigns to encourage people to recycle their food waste. €1 million funding is being provided by my Department to support food waste recycling awareness initiatives in 2022 and 2023, which includes the roll out of a number of food waste caddy packs to householders.
