Written Answers Nos. 119-133
119. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the community projects under RESS 1 and RESS 2; his plans to publish any analysis carried out by his Department into the operation of the community category in RESS 1 and RESS 2, particularly in light of the decision to discontinue the community category under RESS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28822/23]
View answerThrough the RESS 1 and RESS 2 competitions, my Department provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects preference category and also through the requirement of a mandatory community benefit fund. A Community projects preference category has not been included RESS 3; rather, support for communities for the development of renewable projects will now transition to the non-competitive Small-Scale Generation Scheme (SSGS), which is due to be launched later this year.
This scheme will align more closely to the experience and capacity of the community energy sector and ensure that a more sustainable delivery of the renewable energy community target of 500 MW by 2030. The scheme aims to provide specific support for renewable electricity generators who are too large for the MSS but too small for the RESS. The SSGS will provide a simpler route to market for community projects.
In total, 7 community projects were successful in the RESS 1 auction, 4 projects remain in progress and are either energised or due to energise this year. In RESS 2, 8 community projects were successful in the auction, are continuing to progress and are expected to energise by end of 2025.
My Department will retain the mandatory community benefit fund in RESS 3 whereby contracted projects must contribute €2/MWh to a local community benefit fund for every MWh generated.
120. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can clarify if recent EPA projections of GHG emissions for the next two carbon budget adequately account for the projected overshoot in emission in the budget to 2025; if the subsequent budget for 25-30 reflects a reduced budget as a result of the first budget overshoot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28827/23]
View answerThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has national responsibility to develop, prepare and publish projections of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA’s annual projections are compiled in line with EU guidelines to meet EU reporting obligations, and at a national level the projections inform policy and the monitoring and reporting of Ireland’s climate action performance to Government, under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act (Amendment) 2021.
Section 6D of the 2021 Act provides that if sectoral targets and carbon budgets are not achieved, corrective or additional measures shall be introduced to ensure targets are met. The Act also provides that at the end of a five-year carbon budget period, any excess emissions will be carried forward to the next budget period, which will be reduced accordingly.
This Government is committed to addressing greenhouse gas emissions; passing one of the most ambitious climate laws in the world and mobilising the public and private sectors to deliver emissions reductions.
Work has already begun in my Department on Climate Action Plan 2024 and it is clear from the EPA projections that we must continue to act with increased scale and ambition in our response to the climate crisis.
121. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what engagement his Department is having with local fishermen around the coast about the construction of offshore wind infrastructure; if he agrees that the impact on traditional fishing grounds should be minimised; that adequate financial compensation is provided, and that agreements reached in advance of construction are adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28746/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to engaging with the fishing sector as Ireland transitions to a more State-led, planned approach to offshore renewable energy development.
Government policy, as outlined in the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF), encourages the practice of co-existence between maritime industries. National policies relating to the fishing sector specifically are set out in the Fisheries chapter of the NMPF, which includes, for example, Fisheries Policy 1, which states that proposals that may adversely impact on existing fishing activities must demonstrate that they will, in order of preference, avoid, minimise or mitigate such impacts.
When finalised, the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan II (OREDP II) will provide a high-level spatial strategy to support and guide the long-term development of Ireland’s ORE resources. Representatives of the fishing sector provided input to the development of the OREDP II through the Advisory Group. An eight-week public consultation on the draft OREDP II concluded in April and it is now being updated and finalised following feedback received.
In-person consultation events included engagement with the fishing community at the Annual Skipper Expo, at in-person workshops and at local outreach events in coastal communities. A focused online consultation event for the fishing sector was also hosted. Following on from finalisation of the OREDP II, the fishing sector will also be engaged during the development of statutory Designated Maritime Area Plans for ORE.
Additionally, the Seafood / ORE Working Group provides a forum to facilitate constructive engagement on the interaction of the seafood and ORE industries. I understand that this group is considering adopting an updated work programme at present and that the issue of compensation for the fishing sector may feature as part of that updated work programme.
All generators developing projects under the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme are required to make contributions to their respective project Community Benefit Fund. For offshore projects, this amounts to very substantial annual funds over its twenty-year life cycle. Such funding is anticipated to facilitate the local community in undertaking long term planned community support initiatives. The Community Benefit Fund will be professionally managed on behalf of the local community and the local community will have full responsibility for its funding decisions.
122. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the review of security of energy supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28749/23]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising its review of security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. The Review is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition up to 2050.
The Government’s policy objectives are to ensure energy is affordable, sustainable and secure, as well as in line with Ireland’s climate targets and statutory carbon budgets. Underpinned by these objectives, the review is considering the risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and a range of mitigation measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy but also energy imports, energy storage, fuel diversification, demand side response and renewable gases (such as hydrogen).
To support its development, a detailed technical analysis has also been published and an extensive consultation process carried out, providing important insights on the range of options that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework.
The completion of the review is a key priority. Once completed, I will bring my recommendations to Government for consideration.
123. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what assessments, if any, the Government have made concerning the remunicipalisation of waste and the various models that are available and operating successfully in other European countries, in particular the ‘franchise’ model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28917/23]
View answerLocal authorities are responsible for municipal waste collection and waste management planning within their functional areas. It is open to any local authority to re-enter the waste collection market as direct service providers if they so choose, either alongside existing permitted service providers or subject to making arrangements to replace those providers.
Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996 I am, as Minister, precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
Please see gov.ie - Structure of the Household Waste Collection Market (www.gov.ie) for an analysis of the impacts of moving from side by side competition to a franchise market structure. It should be noted that this study does not take account of the costs associated with local authorities acquiring existing customer share or those associated with investing in the necessary collection infrastructure or staff costs.
As Minister, I am focused on introducing measures to drive waste minimisation and improve waste segregation to help us achieve our challenging EU targets. In this regard regulations have recently been signed to introduce incentivised charging for the commercial sector from 1 July and my Department is currently drafting regulations to roll out bio-waste collection to all households in the State with a waste collection service as well as regulations to introduce a waste recovery levy.
124. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in order to secure additional funding to address rising inflation costs and to ensure just transition projects proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28795/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna. The Midlands Implementation Plan, published as part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2023, sets out how the Government is supporting the Midlands region in response to these developments and as it transitions towards a low carbon economy.
The Department is funding 56 projects in the Midlands through the National Just Transition Fund. The Fund will provide up to €22.1 million in grant funding over the lifetime of these projects, which will mobilise an estimated €15 million in additional funding to the region. Details of all supported projects can be found on the Fund's webpage at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed10d-just-transition-fund.
To date, the National Just Transition Fund has disbursed €5.3 million to participating projects. The Department maintains ongoing contact with grantees, to offer support in addressing any challenges in delivering the projects. Following submission of scheduled implementation reports to my Department in accordance with project grant agreements, my officials are prioritising direct engagement with those projects that have identified challenges in project delivery.
The Department is aware of issues related to inflation-related construction costs increases, which have been reported by a small number of projects. The Department is committed to engaging constructively with projects to identify practical solutions to any challenges identified in order to ensure completion of projects in a timely manner. The Department will engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if necessary as part of this process.
The new EU Just Transition Fund will also provide opportunities for further investment in the region, with an overall Programme committing funding of up to €169 million until 2027, prioritising the following areas:
1. Generating employment for former peat communities by investing in the diversification of the local economy by supporting productive investments in enterprise, SMEs and community actions;
2. Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands and the regeneration and repurposing of industrial heritage assets; and
3. Providing former peat communities with smart and sustainable mobility options to enable them to benefit directly from the green transition.
125. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to review the application of the PSO levy given the disproportionate burden it currently places on households, in particular low-income households; if alternative funding models, including direct state investment have been considered to support renewable projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28916/23]
View answerThe Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is a vital policy support for the development of renewable electricity and to enable Ireland reach our national and EU energy and climate targets. The PSO provides support for renewable generators under a number of Government schemes, including the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) schemes.
The PSO levy is apportioned across domestic and business consumers according to the methodology set out in the Electricity Regulation Act,1999. The CRU has statutory responsibility to calculate the PSO on an annual basis and to ensure that the scheme is administered appropriately and efficiently.
Due to unprecedented and sustained levels of wholesale electricity prices, the CRU calculated that the PSO levy for the 2022/23 PSO Year would be negative. In June 2022, Government amended the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 to allow the CRU, if it deems it appropriate, to direct that electricity customers (both households and businesses) are credited with a benefit, if the PSO levy has been calculated as a negative.
On 1 October 2022, the PSO levy on electricity customers' bills was set to zero, while the CRU and EirGrid developed a mechanism to credit customers with the PSO benefit. From 1 March 2023, electricity customers have been receiving a PSO benefit on their bills. These benefit payments will continue until at least 30 September 2023.
127. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline what short and long-term measures his Department is currently seeking to ease the burden of energy costs for the constituents of Sligo Leitrim South Donegal and North Roscommon. [28876/23]
View answerHigh energy costs across the country remain a priority for Government and a range of measures have been implemented to assist households and businesses in meeting these costs.
Most recently, this included a €470 million package announced in February which introduced measures assisting social protection recipients from April to July, and extended the reduced VAT rate on electricity and gas bills until October 2023. This followed the €2.5 billion of once-off supports announced in Budget 2023, including various targeted social protection payments and an Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme which credited €600 (inclusive of VAT) to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €200. The total cost of that scheme was €1.2 billion, which combined with its predecessor scheme means Government have spent over €1.5 billion to directly assist 2.1 million households nationwide with electricity bills since the start of 2022.
In addition, my Department commissioned a nationally representative fortnightly research tracker, which indicates that Irish families are making every effort to reduce their energy use and that there has been some reduction in the difficulty being experienced in meeting energy costs. Nevertheless, there are still groups who are facing real financial pressure on account of energy costs; public information on available supports and advice is being tailored to these segments. Government is closely monitoring the impact of these supports through the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, and additional future measures are under consideration in the context of Budget 2024.
In the long-term, the best means to ease the burden of high energy costs will be through investing further in home energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy adoption, and deepening interconnection with Europe. Making critical investments which reduce our dependence on fossil fuels will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future.
128. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify whether the Energy Security Review must include liability and insurance cover in the consideration of new energy projects; if he will comment on the contraction in the market of insurers willing to extend cover to the construction of new LNG terminals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28431/23]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising its review of security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. The Review is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition up to 2050. The Government’s policy objectives are to ensure energy is affordable, sustainable and secure, as well as in line with Ireland’s climate targets and statutory carbon budgets. Underpinned by these objectives, the review is considering the risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and a range of mitigation measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy but also energy imports, energy storage, fuel diversification, demand side response and renewable gases (such as hydrogen). The completion of the review is a key priority. Once completed, I will bring my recommendations to Government for consideration.
The responsibility for securing insurance cover on energy projects is a matter for individual project developers.
129. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the current work being undertaken by his Department on security of energy supply; to outline, in the context of the Government decision to build over 2,000 megawatts of new gas-powered electricity plants; if it has been considered that an indigenous gas supply would provide a reliable source of low emission energy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28741/23]
View answerMy Department is currently finalising its review of security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. The Review is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition up to 2050.
The Government’s policy objectives are to ensure energy is affordable, sustainable and secure, as well as in line with Ireland’s climate targets and statutory carbon budgets. Underpinned by these objectives, the review is considering the risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and a range of mitigation measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy but also energy imports, energy storage, fuel diversification, demand side response and renewable gases (such as hydrogen). To support its development, a detailed technical analysis has also been published and a consultation process carried out, providing important insights on the range of options that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework.
The completion of the review is a key priority and once completed, I will bring my recommendations to Government for consideration.
The Government's policy statement on security of electricity supply sets out that the development of new flexible gas-fired generation capacity is a national priority and should be permitted and supported in order to ensure security of electricity supply and support the growth of renewable electricity generation. The policy statement supports the need to deliver at least 2 GW of new flexible gas-fired generation which is outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2023. As set out in EirGrid's Generation Capacity Statement 2022-2031, much of this new capacity is needed to replace older high-emitting power stations, such as those fuelled by oil and coal, which are due to close over the coming years. New plants are sought via regular capacity market auctions for delivery over the coming years. It is important to note that the development of flexible gas-fired generation is to provide security of supply and support high levels of renewable electricity generation.
130. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeframe for the enacting of legislation that will permit local authorities to install CCTV cameras in the vicinity of bottle banks and other waste collection locations. [28550/23]
View answerLegislation permitting local authorities to utilise CCTV in their litter and waste enforcement efforts has already been enacted under the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022. However in order to address data protection concerns, the Act sets out a number of conditions to be complied with prior to the introduction and use of CCTV by local authorities. In particular, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is required to prepare and submit draft Codes of Practice to the Minister for the Environment, Climate & Communications for approval.
The LGMA continue to work on the preparation of these draft Codes of Practice, which are fundamental to the future operation of CCTV schemes. This a complex process and requires consultation with the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Minister for Justice and the Data Protection Commission. Separate Codes of Practice are required for the operation of CCTV schemes under both the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act, while a further Code of Practice is required for the use of “mobile recording devices” under the Waste Management Act. Data Protection Impact Assessments must also be carried out as part of this process. I will assess and approve these draft Codes of Practice as soon as they are submitted to my Department. Timescales regarding their submission are a matter for the LGMA but my officials are regularly in touch with counterparts in the LGMA with a view to expediting the process.
131. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update as to whether a process has been agreed by which full-time residents in mobile homes can access a much-needed electricity credit; if he will confirm how such a payment will be drawn down to further support persons in, or at risk of, energy poverty to ensure these vital credits are received by the thousands of full-time mobile home residents who to date have been unable to access the Government credit despite their being in one of the most vulnerable sections of society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28041/23]
View answerThe Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme payment used the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure that all domestic electricity accounts, including those with pre-pay meters, could receive direct support. This method was used to ensure that payment could be automatic, without the need for application, means testing or approval.
While credits were applied to each domestic MPRN, there are cohorts, including occupants of mobile homes which share a commercial connection, that did not receive the payment. However, other supports have been made available for those struggling to pay their bills. Budget 2023 introduced a range of once-off social protection measures, including additional lump sum payments for recipients of Fuel Allowance, the Living Alone Increase, the Working Family payment, and the Carer's Support grant, as well as further support to those in receipt of long-term disability payments.
One particular cohort which includes traveller households who use Local Authority accommodation. In this situation, the MPRN is registered to the Local Authority and supplies multiple households. In approving the second Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, Government also approved funding for this group, including provision for payment to be made to these families in respect of the first scheme. My Department has worked with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) on this matter and provided the funds to individual Local Authorities to enable them to make the necessary payments to families in their areas
In February, a further €470 million package of measures to support social protection recipients from April to July was announced. Other existing support options include the Additional Needs Payment available through the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and support to anyone struggling to meet energy costs. and other expenses.
Government is closely monitoring the impact of the measures it has taken to combat energy poverty through the implementation of the Energy Poverty Action Plan, and possible future measures to support vulnerable groups are being considered in the context of Budget 2024.
132. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to comment on the recent agreement between Ireland and Germany with regard to Green Hydrogen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28871/23]
View answerOn 31 May 2023, a Joint Declaration of Intent was signed between Germany and Ireland in respect to the development of renewable hydrogen.
The Declaration of Intent emphasises the willingness of both States to initiate their cooperation on research and development in the field of production, storage, transport, and use of green hydrogen including its derivatives. The key points of the Declaration are:
1. To explore the establishment of a joint pilot project on a potential Green Hydrogen cross-border value chain in Ireland and Germany.
2. To cooperate with other European countries within the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda on Green Hydrogen.
3. To carry out the cooperative activities contemplated by this Joint Declaration of Intent, subject to the availability of funds.
133. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; the number of premises that were passed and connected as of May 2023; and the way that he plans to accelerate the delivery of the plan in counties Sligo and Leitrim. [28875/23]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) state led intervention is being delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the intervention area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 02 June 2023, 147,159 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 42,805 connections have already been made to the NBP high-speed broadband network. NBI has advised that as of 02 June, 2,900 premises in County Sligo are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,134 premises connected. In County Leitrim 895 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 135 premises connected.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Sligo and Leitrim 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. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
The network roll-out for the NBP is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. The network is specifically designed based on the NBI network coming from the eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs) which allows NBI to reach every premises as quickly as possible. Villages, townlands and counties are covered by a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for the roll-out across county areas.
The NBP network build, that started in 2020, is scheduled to be completed by 2027.
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 02 June 2023, 926 SCP sites 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 publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Sligo all 9 BCPs have been installed to date with all 11 installed in Leitrim. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/.
In County Sligo all 24 schools have been installed to date for educational access with 14 installed in Leitrim. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at /nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
