Written Answers Nos. 89-103
89. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how it is intended to have each of the major sectors adopt a circular approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28682/23]
View answerIreland’s strategic approach to the Circular Economy is currently set out in the Whole-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022-2023. Section 7 of the Circular Economy Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 (‘the Act’) provides a statutory basis for future iterations of the Strategy, and also requires that such iterations include sectoral targets aimed at promoting circularity across the range of resource-intensive economic sectors specified in the Act.
My Department has begun preparing the second iteration of the Strategy, which will be published on a statutory basis and will be fully in compliance with the provisions of Section 7 of the Act. The new Strategy will be submitted for Government approval, following a public consultation, before the end of this year, and will be underpinned by an analysis of the respective resource consumption of the major economic sectors.
A Circular Construction Sectoral Roadmap is also being prepared my Department, in conjunction with an expert subgroup of the Construction Sector Group chaired by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. This Roadmap will identify opportunities for embedding circularity with the Construction and Demolition sector, and will also be submitted to Government before the end of this year.
My Department also provides funding to Ireland's circular manufacturing platform, Circuléire, which aims to source, test, and finance circular manufacturing systems, supply chains and circular business models. Additional funding is also being provided to Circuléire to develop a proposal regarding the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Circular Innovation. Government expects to receive this proposal for consideration before the end of Q3 2023.
90. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to ensure the Commission for Regulation of Utilities will regulate the prices charged to consumers on district heating systems; if he has plans to change the current charging system that apply to district heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28759/23]
View answerThe appropriate regulation of District Heating is critical to ensure clarity in relation to the rights and obligations of consumers, and to provide market certainty to operators. It also allows for currently unregulated group heating schemes, which are generally smaller than district heating schemes and single building or housing scheme focussed, to be brought into the regulatory framework.
The report of the District Heating Steering Group, established by my Department last year, will be brought to Government in the coming weeks. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities, was represented on the Steering Group. The Report will contain recommendations for the development of the district heating sector underpinned by an appropriate policy and regulatory environment.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is independent in its functions and has been appointed as Regulator for district heating networks in accordance with requirements under the Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Efficiency Directive. As regulator for District Heating networks, CRU will initially be responsible for ensuring that relevant provisions arising from EU and national legislation are met.
The role of the regulator requires development beyond the functions assigned under EU legislation and my Department is liaising with CRU to ensure the development of an appropriate regulatory framework for district heating into the future.
91. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projected timeframe for completion of the North South Interconnector; the number of landowners that will be affected by the development; and the number therein that have given approval for their lands to be used for this purpose. [28549/23]
View answerThe North-South Interconnector has been designed as an overhead, alternating-current interconnector integrating the Irish and Northern Irish electricity grids. In this form, it is a critical infrastructure project for the island of Ireland. It will be the backbone of a fit for purpose electricity system that will ensure energy security, allow more renewables to be used on the island, reduce the need to use fossil fuels for electricity generation, reduce electricity costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure states that: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’.
I understand that EirGrid and ESB Networks normally seek voluntary agreements with landowners in this type of project.
It is worth noting that the technical approach adopted by EirGrid has been the subject of several independent reviews. As recently as March, the Government noted the latest review by independent experts. This review, which has been published, found that the conclusions of the 2018 International Expert Commission on the decision to build the North-South Interconnector above ground remain valid.
92. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for the Government's strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change and promoting sustainable development; if he will elaborate on the key policies and measures being implemented in Ireland to achieve the country's climate goals, particularly in the areas of the farming sector, transport, renewable energy, carbon reduction and fostering a green economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28785/23]
View answerClimate Action Plan 2023 sets out Ireland’s response to the climate crisis, detailing the roadmap of policies, measures and actions that we will deliver in support of meeting Ireland's climate commitments and emission reduction targets. The plan implements the Carbon Budgets and Sectoral Emissions Ceilings agreed by the Government and sets out a roadmap for systemic change to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 relative to 2018 levels. This provides a clear medium-term pathway towards meeting Ireland's statutory national climate objective to achieve, by no later than the end of the year 2050, the transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy.
Achieving these targets require changes across all sectors of society and economy. These changes will require a collaborative effort by Government, businesses, communities, and individuals to implement new and ambitious policies, technological innovations, systems and infrastructures.
The establishment of delivery taskforces to accelerate and drive delivery in a number of key areas will serve to support our focus on accelerating the implementation of meaningful and impactful climate action.
93. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will detail the extent to which the mandate and resourcing of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities provides for an assessment of the hedging practices of energy companies and, separately, investigation of price gouging and prosecution of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28918/23]
View answerThe electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial and liberalised. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999. As part of its statutory role, the CRU also has consumer protection functions and sets out the obligations on suppliers in the Electricity and Gas Suppliers Handbooks.
In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Price setting by electricity suppliers, including standing charges is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. Each such company has its own different approach to pricing decisions over time, in accordance with factors such as their overall company strategic direction and developments in their cost base.
Officials from my Department meet on an ongoing basis with a range of stakeholders including the CRU.
With regard to resourcing, approval has been given, in full, for the CRU’s three year workforce plan, representing 74 new whole time equivalent positions, which include an additional director to meet its objectives under the Strategic Plan 2022-2024.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members at, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters to CRU for timely, direct, reply.
94. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been brought to the recently published EPA report “Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections 2022-2040: June 2023”, which outlined that Ireland is not on track to meet the 51% emissions reduction target by 2030; his response to the EPA report; what engagement he or his Department has had with other Government departments on foot of the findings of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28818/23]
View answerThe EPA’s latest GHG emissions projections highlight the challenge Ireland faces in meeting its highly ambitious climate objectives and legally-binding emissions targets. While the EPA’s projections do show that emissions are expected to decrease in almost all sectors over the next two decades, it is clear that we still have considerable work to do.
The EPA report has projected that Ireland is on course to reduce emissions by 29% by 2030 under its ‘With Additional Measures’ scenario. In relation to the EPA projections I should point out that they do not fully reflect the pathway set out in the 2023 Climate Action Plan (CAP23), as sufficient data is not yet available to allow all policies and measures in CAP23 to be modelled. Policies and measures need to meet strict criteria regarding detail for inclusion in the EPA‘s 'With Additional Measures’ scenario. The EPA’s own Projections Report acknowledges that if all of the unmodelled policies and measures in CAP23 and the, as yet, unallocated emissions savings are included the reduction in emissions could equate to 42% by 2030. Further detail on these will be provided through annual updates of the Climate Action Plan.
With these additions, and continuing increased climate ambition in our forthcoming annual national Climate Action Plans, we are setting a pathway to reduce overall emissions by 51% by 2030 and to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050.
Under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, Ireland is legally required to update its Climate Action Plan on an annual basis, allowing for regular and frequent opportunities to improve, refine and strengthen the Plan’s effectiveness.
The annual update of the Plan also acts as a review and monitoring mechanism, and an opportunity to re-adjust or refocus actions to ensure targets are achieved, while also considering the refinement of delivery structures.
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, fully involving other departments across government and key external stakeholders.
95. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the potential of renewable energy to transform livelihoods and the scope for regional economic development; and if he will indicate the discussions and the planning which he is undertaking to deliver this potential, particularly in onshore employment and new sources of farm income. [28742/23]
View answerThe Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is responsible for regional economic development and oversees the development and implementation of nine Regional Enterprise Plans (REPs).
The development of renewable energy is central to achieving our climate ambitions, protecting energy security and delivering long term sustainable economic development in Ireland. Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, an ambitious target has been set of having an 80% share of electricity generation capacity coming from renewable sources by 2030.
A supportive policy framework for renewable electricity generation development at national, regional, and local level is critical to ensuring the successful delivery of the renewable electricity targets under the Climate Action Plan 2023. My Department is currently drafting the Renewable Electricity Spatial Policy Framework (RESPF) to support the delivery of increased onshore renewable electricity generation which will provide direct economic benefits to counties and regions across the country.
Through the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, significant employment and economic value to the Irish economy is being realised with the continued development of onshore wind and a major expansion of solar energy. Direct and indirect employment from windfarm and solar farm construction and maintenance as well as significant community benefit payments and a substantial contribution to local authority rates are helping to support balanced regional development. The roll out of solar energy is supporting diversification of incomes in the agricultural sector and helping to reduce emissions.
My Department is also designing a Small Scale Generation Scheme (SSGS). The scheme will support non-domestic renewable electricity generators above 50kW, but smaller than those supported under the RESS. This scheme will enable farms, community projects, larger businesses and public buildings to maximise their participation in the energy transition.
96. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered introducing a windfall tax to capture the windfall profits of energy producers accrued from March to November 2022, the revenue forgone by exempting windfall profits accrued from March to November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21542/23]
View answerCouncil Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices came into force in October 2022. This Regulation seeks to address windfall gains in the energy sector through a temporary solidarity contribution based on taxable profits in the fossil fuel production and refining sector and a cap on market revenues of specific generation technologies in the electricity sector.
A General Scheme of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) Bill 2023, which will implement the temporary solidarity contribution and the cap on market revenues, was approved by Government and published on 21 March and the legislation is currently being developed.
The cap on market revenues in the electricity sector will apply for the period December 2022 to June 2023. The Council Regulation does not provide scope to extend the cap on market revenues prior to this period. The temporary solidarity contribution will apply for 2022 and 2023.
It is estimated that the two measures will result in proceeds of between €280 million and €600 million being collected. It will be a matter for Government, as part of the annual Budget process and in line with the Council Regulation, to determine how the proceeds collected from the windfall measures temporary solidarity contribution will be distributed. The proceeds from the Temporary Solidarity Contribution and the Cap on Market Revenues may be used to provide financial supports to households and companies heavily affected by soaring energy prices. It may also be used to help support investment in areas such as renewable energy.
97. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will indicate the progress in embedding a public sector climate mandate; the key performance indicators which are being used and if he will outline how the progress of individual bodies is monitored and reported. [28681/23]
View answerClimate Action Plan 2021 included a Public Sector Climate Action Mandate which was approved by Government in July 2022. As part of the preparation of Climate Action Plan 2023, the Mandate was reviewed and updated. The 2023 Mandate was approved by Government in May 2023.
The Mandate helps public sector bodies to lead by example on climate action by highlighting the priority climate action objectives, and applies to bodies covered by decarbonisation targets except for local authorities, commercial semi-state bodies, and the school sector, which have separate requirements. Each body’s Climate and Sustainability Champion is responsible for supporting implementation of the Mandate and reporting on progress.
The Mandate must be reported on annually through the SEAI’s Monitoring & Reporting (M&R) system using a ‘comply and explain’ approach. Reporting through the M&R system will commence in the latter half of 2024. From 2025 onwards, Government Departments and Public Sector Bodies will be facilitated to report on the Mandate through the M&R system as part of the standard reporting cycle in Q1 of each year.
The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies will be updated to reflect Mandate reporting requirements. This will enable parent Departments to include climate considerations as part of the existing reporting structure for monitoring compliance with statutory and governance requirements. The implementation of the Mandate is supported through the body’s Climate Action Roadmap. Guidance and support on developing the Roadmap is available from SEAI. Public sector energy performance is reported on and published in the Annual Report on Public Sector Decarbonisation & Energy Efficiency Performance. The 2022 report on 2021 data was published recently by SEAI.
98. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department should have more stringent guidelines in place for contractors to ensure that ESBN NC6 applications are submitted in a more uniform and timely manner to ensure that customers are given access to feed-in tariff payments at the earliest opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28747/23]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister; has responsibility for the operation of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). In December 2021, the CRU published a Decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology.
As part of this, a renewables-self consumer must have installed microgeneration and must have informed ESB Networks of their intention to install microgeneration via a declaration using the NC6 or equivalent form. Full details are available at www.CRU.ie.
ESB Networks’ role is to notify the registered supplier that there is a registered export capability at the customers meter point and to provide the meter readings to the supply company. The customer should then engage with their supply company in order to obtain more information relating to export payments through the clean export guarantee.
Once a valid NC6 Form is processed, this triggers a ‘market message’ to the registered supplier for that MPRN, informing the supplier that there is export capability at that site
ESB Networks have automated the processing of NC6 applications by implementing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in October 2021 and this has reduced the manual effort involved in processing NC6 forms. There are dedicated resources in place to manage the NC6 process including managerial and technical support to resolve any queries. I understand that there is currently no backlog in registering NC6 customer applications.
Submission of NC6 to ESBN is a private matter between the customer and their chosen installer.
99. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications received in the first quarter of 2023 for Cork County under the SEAI Free Energy Upgrades; the current timeline from surveyor allocation to contractor allocation on these applications received for Cork county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28853/23]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide upgrades to those living in, or at risk of, energy poverty.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households, as quickly as possible, is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. An unprecedented budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme this year which will deliver 6,000 home upgrades.
In the first quarter of 2023, 4,407 applications were received under the scheme. A breakdown of applications on a per county basis is not routinely supplied by SEAI to my Department. In 2022, 4,438 fully funded upgrades for low-income households were completed, an increase of 85% on 2021, 424 of these homes were in Cork. For homes completed in 2022 the average time between application and completion was 26 months.
The average waiting times from application to completion for homes completed in the first quarter of 2023 was 21 months. This reduction in the average waiting time has been supported by actions taken by the SEAI and my Department to reduce the timeline to completion and increase output under the scheme.
My Officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate output of free energy upgrades delivered. Importantly, a new contractor panel for the scheme will be established later this year. It is intended that the panel will be in place for 4 years, with an estimated contract budget of €700 million for that period, which will be a very strong signal of intent for the market.
The Deputy may wish to note that Oireachtas members can make queries about SEAI schemes by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
100. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the difficulties many householders and business owners are having in relation to accessing adequate broadband speeds in cases where these customers were provided service by commercial providers and not covered by the NBS; if he is aware that many are not achieving the 30mbps speeds that were promised; if he is aware that many would have been far better off under the NBS, if he will examine what can be done to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28744/23]
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.
BLUE areas are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high-speed broadband or have indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
In December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
• all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028;
• all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
• digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023.
• The National Broadband Plan intervention contract provides for the roll out of a high speed and future-proofed broadband network to primarily rural areas. The intervention area covers over 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
These targets will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan intervention. When taken together, all premises in the State will have access to high-speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote.
If a customer is having service problems they should first attempt to resolve these directly with their retail service provider. If the provider cannot come up with a satisfactory solution, then the customer has the option of asking Comreg to open a case on their behalf. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations. Any issues with service provision, including problems with quality of service, are the responsibility of ComReg.
101. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has engaged with energy providers to ensure that all electricity customers with smart meters, and regardless of tariff plan, are given access to their real-time data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28748/23]
View answerA smart meter has the capability to collect data on electricity use every 30 minutes. Until recently, to have access to their data, customers needed to switch to a Time of Use tariff or give approval to their supplier to request this functionality be activated by ESB Networks.
However, since November 2022, customers have been able to start accessing their smart meter data directly from ESB Networks, following the launch of ESBN’s Customer Portal. As of May 2023, nearly all of the over 1.3 million smart meters installed have been fully enabled to provide this functionality. This now allows smart meter customers to register for online independent access to their electricity consumption data, to better understand their electricity demand profile and be able to assess opportunities to reduce their use, shift consumption to off-peak periods, and compare tariff options from other Suppliers. This will empower consumers to reduce their carbon footprint and potentially save them money on their bills.
The Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) are also currently developing a Smart Meter Data Access Code, which will establish the parameters for which 3rd party entities may request access to smart meter data and what specific data they will be allowed to access. It will also define the purposes for which customers’ smart meter data can be used by ESB Networks in its role as the Distribution System Operator (DSO), by energy suppliers who are providing a service to customers, by other parties such as the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) for research purposes, and other actors in the energy market. This will include aggregators and demand side response providers. The intention is for the Code to establish a basis for market participants, including the DSO, to use meter data for network planning, real time grid management and information provision purposes.
An update position on the Data Access Code is expected to be published by CRU shortly, with the final decision paper on the Data Access Code expected to be published by CRU in Q3 2023.
102. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will introduce a community energy advice service; and if there are existing plans within his Department in relation to its creation. [24646/23]
View answerGovernment is acutely aware of the impact higher energy prices has been having on households, in particular those in or at risk of energy poverty. This is why a total of €1.57 billion has been spent on providing support totalling €800 (inc. VAT) to over 2.1 million domestic electricity accounts over the last year.
People experiencing difficulties with meeting electricity and gas bills should contact their supplier in the first instance. Under the industry led Energy Engage Code a customer will not be disconnected as long as they continue to engage with their supplier. Suppliers offer a range of supports to customers, including hardship funds or emergency credit for pay as you go accounts. Suppliers also work with the Money Advice & Budgeting Service (MABS), Alone and SVP in relation to accessing these funds on an individual’s behalf.
Any customer that is in need of additional support may apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection, including customers on a Pay As You Go meter who have a need for financial assistance to facilitate their continued energy supply. Every effort is being made to ensure that these vulnerable individuals in financial distress, and who qualify, receive an Additional Needs Payment on the same day or as soon as possible where it relates to electricity and heating expenses.
The Energy Poverty Action Plan sets out the range of measures that have been implemented across Government this winter, as well as longer-term measures, to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected to adequately heat and power their homes.
Communication on how to manage energy and access the supports available is indeed crucial for how we support people at risk of energy poverty in the long term. Research commissioned by my Department is showing very high levels of awareness and support for the Reduce Your Use/Stay Warm & Well campaign which provides information on energy saving measures and where to go for help with meeting the cost of energy. It is also finding that there is a strong desire among people facing financial challenges to be proactive on saving energy. The Steering Group for the Action Plan will be engaging with key stakeholders as part of its work and I fully expect that ways to further develop the provision of energy advice to communities and people at risk of energy poverty to better enable them to access supports will be central to those discussions.
103. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify when his Department will issue a money message or a reasoned response for the Petroleum and other Minerals Development (Climate Emergency) Amendment Bill; if he can clarify why this has taken his Department this length of time to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28758/23]
View answerA request for an Oireachtas Money Message for the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Amendment) (Climate Emergency Measures) Bill 2018 was received from the Bills Office by my Department on 13th May 2022. The Bill referred to in the Question has been examined in detail by my Department and legal advice has been obtained from the Office of the Attorney General.
On foot of that examination and the legal advice obtained, I intend to bring the matter to Government for formal decision shortly. Following on from that, a response will be sent to the Deputy and the Chair of the Committee on Environment and Climate Action as soon as possible ahead of it being laid before the Oireachtas, in line with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and Dáil Éireann on Private Members Bills.
