Written Answers Nos. 107-127
107. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the Telecom Éireann pension fund; and if former Telecom Éireann workers will soon see an increase under the pension scheme, due to them since July 2022. [15826/23]
View answerThe Eircom Main Superannuation Scheme (as amended) was established by Statute for the purpose of providing for the pension liabilities of staff transferred from the former Department of Posts and Telegraphs to Telecom Éireann on its establishment on 1st January 1984, the Vesting day. The pre-vesting and post vesting liabilities of the scheme members were paid entirely out of the Main Fund until 1996.
Following extensive discussions with the Department of Finance at the time, formal arrangements for payment of the sums due in respect of pre-vesting service were settled between the company, Fund Trustees and that Department. The arrangements involved, inter alia, the establishment of the Eircom No. 2 Fund in 1999 to provide funding towards pre-vesting liabilities while the Main Fund continued to provide only for the post-vesting day liabilities arising.
The provisions of the eircom Superannuation Scheme (Section 10) stipulate that eircom Limited may grant pension increases to members as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment with the concurrence of the Minister for Finance
Therefore, all pension increases require authorisation at Ministerial level across two Departments; this Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan and Reform (in line with delegated functions).
In October 2022, my Department received a request from the trustees for sanction for an increase of 3%, backdated to 1 July 2022. In order to consider the request, a report was requested from NewERA on the pension increase proposal, which was received at the end of February. This Department received confirmation of concurrence from both the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and the Minister for Finance to sanction the request on 15 March 2023, and the approval of the proposed increase was communicated to the company by email and written correspondence on the same day. My Department understands the increase will be processed without undue delay.
108. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the analysis that has been carried by his Department on the purchasing of carbon credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16020/23]
View answerAs a member of the EU, Ireland has annual legally binding emissions reduction targets to meet. The EU legislative framework provides for several compliance options beyond direct emissions reductions to enable Member States to achieve their targets as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes options to bank, borrow, purchase and trade carbon credits, also referred to as Annual Emission Allocation (AEA) units.
For compliance under the EU Effort Sharing Decision (ESD), 2013 to 2020, Ireland has used both international credits and AEAs for compliance. As mandated by the Government, direct purchases of credits on international markets were carried out by the NTMA. Such purchases were made on instruction from the Minister and based on the agency’s analysis of prevailing market conditions. As AEAs may only be obtained directly from other EU Member States, my Department, following Government approval, entered negotiations on behalf of Ireland with several Member States for the purchase of AEAs for compliance with our 2020 targets. Following analysis of all offers received, based on a number of criteria, including total cost and the use of funds for Climate Action, Ireland entered a bilateral agreement with Slovakia to obtain all required AEAs.
The ESD is succeeded by the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) for the period 2021 to 2030. The compliance architecture of the ESR is somewhat different from that of the ESD; for example, while the trade of AEAs between Member States remains an option, international carbon credits/externally generated allowances cannot be used for compliance. It is too soon to determine definitively the costs, if any, of purchasing allowances as a compliance option under the ESR. This will be determined largely by the availability of surplus AEA units from other Member States and the unit-price of available AEA units.
Spending Review 2023: Estimating the Potential Cost of Compliance with 2030 Climate & Energy Targets, published in February 2023, was prepared by officials from my Department and from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, as a first step at estimating the cost of compliance with EU climate targets under the ESR. The paper outlines the proposed approach to estimating the potential costs of compliance on an annual basis out to 2030, in order to present potential implications if Ireland fails to make sufficient progress towards its targets and in implementing the new Climate Action Plan 2023. However, the lack of an existing market for the trade of AEAs or any prior data on purchases under the ESR, precludes precise projections at this point.
My officials will continue to work closely with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to keep Government abreast of any developments on the fiscal risks associated with any failure to reach climate targets and to ensure we are achieving the best possible value for the Irish taxpayer.
All further insights regarding the availability and price of AEAs, gained from annual emissions reviews and future trades of AEAs, will be integrated into Ireland’s compliance strategy as they become available.
109. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the work of the heat and built environment delivery task force; the members of the task force; his plans regarding a new policy statement on heat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15804/23]
View answerThe Heat and Built Environment Taskforce has been established to accelerate and drive delivery in relation to retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat, decarbonisation of the building stock. The overarching aim of the Taskforce is to: identify work on the critical paths to key targets under each area; ensure alignment in the development of polices and activities underway across Government Departments; and, proactively manage risks to ensure targets are achieved.
Membership of the Taskforce aligns with the initial allocation of Ministerial responsibilities for the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, as agreed by Government. The Taskforce has met twice to date and is scheduled to meet again before the end of the month. The Terms of Reference for the Taskforce, which include details of membership, will be published on www.gov.ie.
The National Heat Study published by the SEAI in February 2022 contains the detailed analysis that is informing the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors to 2050. As set out in Climate Action Plan 2023, development of a Heat Policy Statement, based on the outcomes of the National Heat Study, is currently underway. Screening for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) will be required and a consultation process will also be undertaken. The Heat Policy Statement is due to be published in Q3 2023.
110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if and when modern, effective broadband services are likely to be made available to the people of Martinstown, Kilmore and Enfield in County Kildare, which also covers the motorway service facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15827/23]
View answerThe High-Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode. Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high-speed broadband through the State led Intervention. The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The Martinstown area referred to in the question is located in a predominately BLUE area and bordered by AMBER premises.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 17 March 2023, over 138,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 126,800 premises passed across 26 counties which are available for immediate connection. As of 28 February 2,543 premises in County Kildare are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 891 premises already connected.
The NBP network build that commenced in 2020 is scheduled to be completed by 2027. The business referred to in the question is located in the AMBER area. NBI advise that this business is at a status of Survey Complete. Anticipated Connection dates for this area are between July and December 2024.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI have created a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: nbi.ie/reps
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
Eir has committed to rolling out fibre to a further 1.6 million premises throughout the country, bringing their fibre deployment to some 1.9 million premises. SIRO is currently completing the first phase of its fibre deployment and to date has passed more than 430,000 premises with gigabit services and it has recently announced plans to extend its network to an additional 320,000 premises. Virgin Media is offering 250Mbps as a standard offering with 500Mbps and 1Gbps available to many of their customers across the more than 1 million premises that they cover. Many other network operators and telecom service providers across the State also continue to invest in their networks.
111. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps his Department is taking to ensure wholesalers and retailers who sell fruit and vegetables in plastic packaging do so in an environmentally friendly manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15854/23]
View answerThe Circular Economy Act 2022 provides the necessary legislative basis for several key measures supporting Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.
The Act requires that the next Circular Economy Strategy include sectoral targets in respect of, inter alia, the retail and packaging sectors. Targets must deliver reductions in material resource consumption and non-recyclable materials; increases in the use of reusable products; increased levels of repair and re-use; or improved maintenance and optimised use of goods, products and materials. The strategy must also set out the actions necessary to meet those targets. The first statutory circular economy strategy must be submitted for Government approval not later than 6 months after the date on which section 7 of the Act comes into operation.
The Act also provides that a report, examining how single-use packaging used in the sale of fruit and vegetables can be reduced, must be published by the Minister. The report will be commissioned and published within 12 months from the date of commencement.
It is intended to commence the relevant sections of the Act shortly.
In addition, the European Union (Waste Directive) Regulations 2020 introduced a new requirement for collective EPR schemes to eco-modulate the financial contributions paid by producers. This measure incentivises producers to design products prioritising durability, reparability, re-usability and recyclability by charging them lower fees. Since July 2021, Repak, Ireland’s packaging EPR scheme, is implementing this approach for plastic packaging.
112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the pre- and post-BER ratings of all deep retrofits completed under all SEAI schemes, by scheme, pre-BER, post-BER, and the number completed in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15885/23]
View answerThe 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. 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, which 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 is being compiled by the SEAI and the available data will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
113. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is any grant scheme for solar panels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15887/23]
View answer114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the up-to-date position concerning the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15921/23]
View answer115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the recent review on the proposed North-South interconnector following his announcement that the Cabinet had noted this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15922/23]
View answer116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the total opposition of communities in Monaghan, Cavan and Meath to the present proposals regarding the proposed North-South interconnector, with particular reference to the concerns about transmission cables being put overground; if he will ensure that if the project proceeds, the transmission cables are put underground, as proposed for other major energy projects in this country and throughout the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15923/23]
View answer117. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the inadequacy of the review of the proposed North-South interconnector carried out in 2018, given it did not take into account the concerns of householders, farmers and communities in respect of a number of aspects of this proposed project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15924/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 to 117, inclusive, together.
The North-South Interconnector, which will allow for the flow of 1,500 MW electricity between jurisdictions, is critical for improving the operation of the all-island Integrated Single Electricity Market (ISEM), in achieving up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure on the island of Ireland is vital for Ireland's economic well-being, responding to the needs of consumers and in ensuring security of electricity supply.The option of undergrounding the North-South Interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. The key finding from the International Expert Commission's report of October 2018 was that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option. The recently published report of 2023 assessed if the overall finding of the 2018 remained valid. The report concluded that the 2018 findings remained valid, outlining that it would not be feasible to run the proposed North-South interconnector underground.
The Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. It is for system operators to determine the means of delivery of infrastructure and in doing so they seek to work in close collaboration with landowners and stakeholders. Eirgrid have been and will continue to engage with the local communities affected.
118. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date in the roll-out of the national broadband programme in counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he will outline the further progress that will be made throughout 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15976/23]
View answerI am advised by NBI that, as of 17 March 2023, over 138,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection and over 126,800 premises passed are available for immediate connection across 26 counties.
NBI advised on 28 February that over 3,613 premises in County Cavan, and 5,674 premises in County Monaghan are passed by NBI’s fibre broadband network and are available for immediate connection. As of 28 February, NBI advise that 1,337 premises in Co Cavan and 1,558 premises in Co Monaghan are connected.
NBI have advised that over 4,000 premises in County Cavan, and 6,780 premises in County Monaghan are expected to be passed by NBI’s fibre broadband network and available for connection by the end of July 2023. Further progress in Counties Monaghan and Cavan can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. A county update can be selected to provide the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project.
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 17 March 2023, 885 SCP sites (282 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 603 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 Cavan all 12 BCPs have been installed with all 16 BCPs installed in County Monaghan. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/
In County Cavan all 19 schools SCPs have been installed by NBI for educational access with 16 SCPs installed in Monaghan. 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/.
119. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will detail all carbon credits purchased by the State or its agencies under any scheme since 2015 to date; if the CO2 equivalent totals of such credits and the monetary costs involved will be included; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15980/23]
View answerFor the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (2013 to 2020), EU Member States contributed collectively to the EU’s emissions reduction targets by meeting nationally binding annual emissions reduction targets set out in the EU Effort Sharing Decision (ESD). These targets cover sectors outside the EU Emissions Trading System and Ireland has been fully compliant in every year.
The legislative framework of the ESD provides for a number of compliance options beyond direct emissions reductions, including purchasing international carbon credits and trading surplus annual emission allowances (AEAs) between Member States. This approach enables flexibility among Member States to achieve targets as efficiently and as fairly as possible.
Each individual international carbon credit and AEA corresponds to one metric tonne of CO2 equivalent, calculated using global warming potentials.
Since 2015, for the purpose of achieving compliance under the ESD, the State has purchased 2.94 million ESD eligible international carbon credits at a total cost of €2.1 million and will shortly make a payment of €2.9 million for 4.15 million AEAs received from Slovakia. The total costs of purchasing compliance since 2015 will thus amount to €5.02 million for 7.09 million tonnes of CO2 eq. carbon credits/AEAs.
120. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the benefits of the warmer homes schemes or other energy-saving entitlements that might accrue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16044/23]
View answerMy Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. The administration and management of applications under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI.
Homeowners can contact SEAI directly by phone at 01 808 2100 or by email info@seai.ie to learn more about the schemes and what they can apply for. This information can also be found on SEAI’S website: www.seai.ie/home-energy/home-upgrades/.
121. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on Dublin Bus plans to convert its site at the Broadstone bus depot into offices and a training centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15805/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport in Ireland.
The property affairs of CIÉ are matters for the CIÉ Board in accordance with the provisions of the Transport Acts 1950 and 1964. Accordingly, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to CIÉ for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
122. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the standard of bus being used for the LocalLink services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15844/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including the Rural Transport Programme management, which operates under the TFI Local Link brand.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for public transport services, including TFI Local Link services in Kerry, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
123. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 274 of 21 March 2023, if he will confirm that he has submitted the business case and consent request to the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform as required regarding a company's (details supplied) approved pension increase as submitted to him in July 2022. [15881/23]
View answerAs I advised the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No. 274 on 21 March 2023, I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on this matter with a view to an early resolution.
A submission on this matter has been prepared and will be issued to the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in the immediate future.
124. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for commencement and completion of the DART+ South West project and its infrastructural works; if he will provide the details of the proposal for a station in Ballyfermot; the timeframe for the delivery of same; if Irish Rail has a dedicated liaison office to liaise with residents in areas such as Kylemore in Ballyfermot whose property may be affected by the works involved; if CPOs on gardens have been issued to these residents; if negotiation and consultation will take place with these residents ahead of any such CPO or proposed works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15925/23]
View answerThe Government approved the updated Preliminary Business Case in respect of the DART+ South West project earlier this month. The project will extend DART services from Dublin city centre to Hazelhatch and Celbridge train station, as part of the wider expansion of the DART network in the coming years. The Railway Order application for the DART+ South West project was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on 22 March.
The Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2022-2042 was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in January 2023 following my approval. The strategy commits to the development of a number of new rail stations including a station at Kylemore Road in Ballyfermot. While this station is outside the scope of the DART+ South West project, the design of the project has future-proofed its layout to allow the addition of a new station at this location. The NTA has provided funding to Iarnród Éireann this year to commence the preparation of designs and planning for the Kylemore Road station.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed response. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
125. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport if the active travel scheme has been collectively assessed under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 to determine if the scheme complies with the Act, bearing in mind that it includes plans to build out 1,500 km of footpaths and cycleways; if he will publicise the results of the assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15973/23]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall funding and policy decisions in relation to Active Travel. Funding is administered through the National Transport Authority (NTA), who, in partnership with local authorities, have responsibility for the selection and development of specific projects in each local authority area.
Noting the NTA's role in the matter, I have referred your question to that agency for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
126. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if the authors of a report (details supplied) commissioned by the NTA on fare-fee public transport can provide a figure for CO2 emission savings from a 1% decline in car usage; and if the authors can provide a figure for the total reduction in kilometres travelled by car users as a result of a 1% decline in car usage. [15981/23]
View answer127. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport the total cost of a report (details supplied) on fare-free public transport. [15982/23]
View answer128. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will itemise or detail the potential categories of internalised benefits that were not part of the report (details supplied) into fare-free public transport; the reason such benefits did not form part of the scope of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15983/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 126, 127 and 128 together.
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts. As the Deputy is aware, the NTA engaged the services of Ernst & Young Business Advisory Services to prepare the Fare-Free Travel Policy Analysis Report
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
