Written Answers Nos. 190-207
191. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on actions taken since the introduction of the new air-quality regulations, in particular to report on the work carried out within regional lead authorities in respect of co-ordination, expertise and advice issued to ensure enforcement of the regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15369/23]
View answer192. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a breakdown of the number of retrofits in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in private homes, approved housing bodies and social housing. [15465/23]
View answer193. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a breakdown of the total value of grants and expenditure on retrofits in 2020, 2021 and 2022 in private homes, approved housing bodies and social housing. [15466/23]
View answer194. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average BER rating of homes retrofitted in 2021 and 2022 prior to being retrofitted; and the average BER rating when completed. [15467/23]
View answer197. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average grant figure for 2021 and 2022, broken down by approved housing bodies and private homes. [15470/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 192, 193, 194 and 197 together.
The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
In order to promote and incentivise the achievement of these targets, in February 2022, Government launched a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills.
SEAI schemes offer grants for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades, as well as free energy upgrades for people at risk of energy poverty through the fully funded Warmer Homes Scheme. Approved Housing Body (AHB) properties are supported under the SEAI supported National Home Energy Upgrade and Community Energy Grant Schemes. Local Authority social housing energy upgrades are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Following the introduction of the new measures, demand across the SEAI grant supported schemes was exceptionally high in 2022 with:
- Over 50,000 applications processed (up 140% year on year)
- Capital expenditure of €188 million (up 90% year on year)
- 27,199 home energy upgrades (up 78% year on year)
- 8,481 BER B2 upgrades completed (up 95% year on year)
- 4,438 fully funded energy upgrades for low-income households (up 85% year on year)
- A further 437 Approved Housing Body homes were supported under the One-Stop-Shop Scheme and an additional 95 low-income houses were supported under the Community Energy Grants Scheme.
- 16,827 attic and cavity wall measures supported (up 107% year on year)
-12 one-Stop-Shops registered with SEAI
- 40.27kt CO2 emissions savings (up 80% year on year)
A more detailed overview of the SEAI 2022 performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published report, along with key stats for the period 2019 to 2022. The Report can be found on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/news-and-media/home-energy-upgrades-2022/
My Department is working with SEAI to build on the strong performance of 2022. A record €356 million in funding has been allocated to SEAI for residential and community retrofit for 2023 to support the delivery of 37,000 retrofits this year.
The additional specific information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by the SEAI and the available data will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
195. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of complaints that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has received from private homeowners or approved housing bodies regarding unsatisfactory work by retrofitting companies contracted by it. [15468/23]
View answerMy Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The day to day administration and management of applications for retrofit projects under Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes, including the effective management of complaints received, are an operational matter for the SEAI. The data requested by the Deputy is not routinely provided by SEAI to the Department.
SEAI has established 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.
196. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of units in the private rental sector that require retrofitting. [15469/23]
View answer198. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address recent reports that security screening at Dublin Airport is "not fit for purpose" and leaves risks for a possible terrorist attack; if his Department has been in contact with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to discuss this matter; the actions that are being taken to resolve the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14660/23]
View answerMy Department and Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) regularly engage on aviation security matters. However, I cannot comment on matters relating to aviation security operations.
Aviation security is highly regulated at international, European and national levels and all regulated entities, including airport operators, are required to comply with rigorous standards and are subject to national and international oversight.
Inspections and testing of security controls at Irish airports are conducted at national level by the IAA in accordance with EU Regulation 18/2010, and at European level by the European Commission in accordance with EU Regulation 72/2010. The results of these inspections are evaluated, and corrective actions and system improvements are implemented where required. The results of any such inspections are highly security-sensitive and are never disclosed externally.
199. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport whether an assessment is underway to assess the impact that aircraft noise is having on communities and residential areas around Dublin Airport; if he can provide the number of flights that have passed over the Baldoyle, Clongriffin, Belmayne areas since January 2023, along with their flight paths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14671/23]
View answerAs the deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin Airport.
Noise mitigation at Dublin Airport is subject to substantial regulation and oversight as well as best practice mitigation measures. These measures are designed to address long-term adverse effects of aircraft noise on health and quality of life, whilst also facilitating the sustainable development of the airport and the broader economy.
The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA) is the regulatory body responsible for noise regulation at Dublin Airport. I understand that ANCA has commenced a review of the impact of aircraft noise on the communities around Dublin Airport. The airport authority (daa) has been directed to provide operational data to ANCA to inform the review. The outcome of this review will be made available to the public.
Due to the technical nature and volume of the information required from daa, data will be submitted and assessed on a phased basis over the coming months. Through this process, ANCA will determine if it is necessary to introduce additional noise control measures around Dublin Airport.
This review will examine how the airport has operated since the new runway opened on 24 August 2022 and consider how aircraft operations may affect the areas around the airport in the years ahead.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for the provision of air traffic management services at Dublin Airport, including flight information and air traffic control, accordingly I have forwarded your question to IAA for a direct response in relation to the number of flights and flight paths. If a response is not received within 10 days, please contact my private office.
200. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport the number of sports utility vehicles registered in total in Ireland; the number of SUVs registered annually over the past ten years; the number registered to date for 2023; if he will provide a breakdown of the number of SUVs registered per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14685/23]
View answerThe level of detail requested by the Deputy is not available to the Department of Transport. The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the initial registration of all vehicles in Ireland (both new and imported) and they are not able to identify SUVs from the information submitted by taxpayers when they register for Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT). The Department of Transport data rely on the registration details provided by Revenue to create the core vehicles details for initial first licensing (motor taxation) of the vehicle.
201. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will make funds available to support the maintenance of active travel projects (details supplied); and if he will set out his rationale for not funding the maintenance of active travel projects. [14716/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for the overall policy and funding of Active Travel infrastructure. The allocation of this funding to the various local authorities falls to the National Transport Authority (NTA) who are responsible for overseeing the delivery of both new projects and upgrading of existing infrastructure.
Investment in Active Travel infrastructure has increased significantly in recent years, with around €290 million allocated to the NTA for such projects this year alone including €38 million for the protection and renewal of the Active Travel network.
It is recognised that funding for the maintenance of the Active Travel network for walking and cycling is an important issue, particularly as the network expands over the coming years. As such, discussions are actively taking place in relation to this ahead of the start of the annual budgetary process for funding in 2024.
202. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of all procurement competitions, if any, in which companies (details supplied) won contracts from his Department since 2016. [14734/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I can confirm that the none of the companies listed are either current or historical suppliers to my Department for the period from 2016 to date.
203. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport the total costs of accommodation and travel expenses associated with his recent foreign trip, or foreign trips by Ministers for State at his Department, for St Patrick’s Day; and if a breakdown can be provided on travel costs, accommodation costs, country/state visited, number of departmental staff accompanying him, and the duration of the trip, in tabular form. [14752/23]
View answer.
|
Duration/Destination (Not including travel days) |
Japan 10th – 15th March |
Indonesia 17th – 18th March |
|
Total Flight Costs |
€5,878.19 |
€8,248.86 |
|
Accommodation* |
Paid by DFA |
Paid by DFA |
|
Travelers |
Minister Jack Chambers Special Advisor Shane Smyth Assistant Secretary Keith Walsh |
Minister Jack Chambers Special Advisor Shane Smyth Assistant Secretary Keith Walsh |
*Accommodation paid for by Department of Foreign Affairs, who will recoup the cost from this Department, usually on a quarterly basis which has not be done yet.
204. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the expected timeline for completion of the inner relief road Thurles, County Tipperary linking Slievenamon Road to the Mill Road; if funding is in place for same; if a route has been finalised; and if all land required has been secured. [14798/23]
View answerThe improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993. Works on those roads are funded from local authorities' own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.
The primary focus for capital investment under my Department's Regional and Local Road Grant Programme continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.
€75,000 has been allocated to the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme in 2023 to allow Tipperary County Council to progress the detailed design of the scheme. Implementation of the scheme is the responsibility of Tipperary County Council.
205. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 31 January 2023, what progress has been made on locating a second NCT centre in Clare since; the number of occupiers of premises in respect of which feasibility analysis was carried out who subsequently withdrew their expressions of interest; and if he will provide an explanation for same. [14802/23]
View answerThe operation of the National Car Testing Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's queries to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
206. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the RSA's new regulations (details supplied) will be amended to ensure that CVR test operators without drive-through facilities but who meet every other standard as per the 2022 regulations can be kept in business and not forced to close as a result of the new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14845/23]
View answer207. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the number of CVR test operators who currently have a three-year renewal of authorisation and that the RSA expects will be forced to close as a direct result of the new regulations (details supplied) and specifically arising from the requirement to have a drive through facility on the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14846/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 207 together.
The Authorisation of Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness Test Operators and Testers (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (SI 475 of 2022) prescribe standards as required by Section 11(2) of the Road Safety Authority (Commercial Vehicle Roadworthiness) Act 2012, introduce premises improvements, remove special conditions relating to drive throughs and HCV pit lengths and introduce dimension tolerances for testing premises.
The Regulations delay the requirement to comply with the standard to have a drive-through facility on a CVR testing lane to 19 March 2027. This approach provides affected CVR test operators with a 3-year grace period and allows:
- premises that already meet the standards to be authorised for up to 10 years;
- sufficient time for upgrading of premises that do not meet the standards;
- CVR test operators to renew their authorisations using existing premises until 18 March 2027 and then, using upgraded premises which meet the new standards, renew until 18 March 2034.
A drive-through facility is necessary to carry out CVR testing efficiently and effectively and to future-proof the delivery of reliable CVR testing. All CVR testing lanes shall have a drive-through in place by 18 March 2027. Any testing lane that does not have a drive-through in place by that date will no longer be authorised to carry out CVR testing. This has been communicated since 2013, via Premises and Equipment Guidelines, conditions of authorisation and correspondence, and is now set out in legislation by SI 475 of 2022. There is no possibility for the Department or the RSA to deviate from the drive-through requirement for all CVR testing lanes.
As the RSA has statutory responsibility for the oversight of vehicle testing in the State, I have referred the Deputy's request for information to the Authority for further direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
