Written Answers Nos. 69-95
76. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan particularly in relation to counties Cavan and Monaghan. [41552/23]
View answerIn 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
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.
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.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 15th September 2023, 182,250 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 53,695 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. NBI has also advised that as of 15th September, 4,052 premises in County Cavan and 6,972 in County Monaghan are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,483 premises connected in Cavan and 2,368 connected in Monaghan.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cavan and Monaghan 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. `
Along with the advancement of the National Broadband Plan in areas not included in industry plans, commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 13,600 homes and businesses in Co. Cavan to gigabit services, with a further c.11,100 planned connections over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €13m. In Monaghan, Open eir have already passed over 7,500 homes and businesses to gigabit services, with a further 11,000 planned connections over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €9.5m. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across the State, with SIRO recently reaching a milestone of enabling 520,000 premises for full fibre, and Virgin Media announcing plans to bring 2Gbps services to 345,000 premises through upgrade and expansion of their own network.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2, 2023 saw a 7.4% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the first 3 months of the year, and a 33.7% increase when compared to Quarter 2 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing massively as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c.40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (576,856) or cable (359,669) infrastructure.
83. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeline for the establishment of the Just Transition Commission, as committed to in the Climate Action Plan 2023 Annex of Actions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41744/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to a just transition in order to ensure that nobody is left behind as we work to transition to a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050. Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out a just transition framework to guide the Government’s approach to implementing climate action policies. The framework consists of four principles:
• An integrated, structured, and evidence-based approach to identify and plan our response to just transition requirements.
• People are equipped with the right skills to be able to participate in and benefit from the future net zero economy.
• The costs are shared so that the impact is equitable and existing inequalities are not exacerbated.
• Social dialogue to ensure impacted citizens and communities are empowered and are core to the transition process.
Through Climate Action Plan 2023, the Government has committed to establishing both a Just Transition Taskforce and Commission
I have now taken steps to establish the Taskforce and its first meeting took place on Wednesday, 27 September.
The Taskforce will be chaired by Kieran Mulvey and its membership comprises representatives of the five key social dialogue pillars (employers, trades unions, farming groups, social NGOs, and environmental NGOs), as well as representation from the National Economic and Social Council and from my own Department.
In order to build consensus among the different social dialogue pillars, I have asked the new Taskforce to consider and develop detailed recommendations on the proposed work and structure of the Just Transition Commission, having regard to the key principles for the mandate of the Commission as set out in CAP 23. I have asked the Taskforce to report to me in early 2024, following which I will bring forward proposals to Government in relation to the establishment of a Commission on an enduring basis.
84. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 46 of 3 May 2023, the status of the development of the updated long-term strategy on greenhouse gas emissions reductions; the timeline for publication of the updated strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41743/23]
View answerIreland’s current Long-term Strategy on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions was approved by Government in April 2023 and subsequently published on gov.ie.
The current strategy has been shaped by cross-departmental input and responses received to an extensive public consultation in 2019. In my response to your Parliamentary Question of 3 May 2023, I indicated that my Department would shortly launch a second consultation on the strategy, in light of the significant climate policy developments that have taken place over recent years. This public consultation was launched on 19 May 2023, and ran for seven weeks. At the same time, I consulted further with Government Ministers and the Climate Change Advisory Council.
Members of the public, organisations, companies, advisory bodies and Government colleagues, among others, have provided an array of valuable and instructive feedback through this latest consultation. This input has provided the basis for updating the current Strategy. My Department is currently preparing the updated Strategy and is on track to complete this process by the end of the year, as committed to in the Annex of Actions that accompanied Climate Action Plan 2023 and in line with my response to the aforementioned Parliamentary Question, of 3 May.
The updated Strategy will conform to the requirements of both EU and national law and, as such, will be the first national long-term climate strategy to be prepared in line with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021.
85. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the reason the decommissioned Bord na Móna, Derryadd peat bog, at Mid Shannon Wilderness Park, County Longford, continues to have large volumes of water drained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41814/23]
View answerI welcome the opportunity to outline the position on these matters, but I should point out that Bord na Móna is a commercial State company. Operational matters such as land use are the responsibility of the board and management team and not matters in which I as Minister have any direct role or function.
Bord na Móna's repositioning as a climate solutions company has been progressing for many years and through its brown to green strategy, Bord na Móna is involved in renewable power generation, recycling, resource recovery and peatland rehabilitation.
Peatlands play an important role in carbon storage. Rehabilitated peatlands in particular have the potential to contribute significantly to reducing emissions within the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector. Peatlands cover about 21% of Ireland's landscape and contain approximately two thirds of Ireland's carbon stock.
As part of the Just Transition, my Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has responsibility for the administration of the Bord na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (EDRRS). The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) hold the function of Scheme Regulator to allow for the necessary oversight of the rehabilitation and restoration works that take place under EDRSS.
Bord na Móna, as operator of the scheme, must submit a plan for each bog to both the NPWS in respect of the EDRSS scheme and to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in respect of the works that are required to meet their Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licence obligations. These plans must be adhered to.
Water-level management is often a key part of the rehabilitation process for peat bogs. Indeed, the management of water levels on peatlands designated for rehabilitation is essential for many sites before decommissioning and rehabilitation can commence. Some sites further require that this process continues until rehabilitation measures have been fully completed. Once this rehabilitation has been achieved, the associated drainage management plan for the specific bog will indicate if, post-rehabilitation, some further pumping may be required to help manage water levels on an on-going basis. This is to ensure that rehabilitation won’t negatively impact on surrounding farmlands or to maintain water levels at the optimal level for successful rehabilitation.
A vital component of this process requires Bord na Móna to consult with relevant stakeholders and landowners that may be impacted by the EDRSS Scheme. Thus, each bog plan must be tailored to the surrounding area in a practical manner and be developed and approved within stringent parameters of the Scheme’s Regulatory Controls.
Roughly two thirds of the Derryadd bog will undergo enhanced rehabilitation as part of EDRSS. Any lands which are included in the scheme, either for Derryadd or any other bogs, are specifically precluded from future commercial use to ensure that the scheme is in line with State Aid rules. No lands that are rehabilitated under the EDRRS shall be included in any of Bord na Móna’s wind farm developments.
With regard to the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park, it was a concept idea for the sustainable and nature-based future of South Longford and the relevant Bord na Móna bogs which was included in the Longford County Development Plans 2015 – 2021 and 2021 to 2027. Progress on the Plan was slow during Covid but Bord na Móna have progressed with the rehabilitation of some of their bogs in Longford.
The Wilderness Park idea has now been subsumed into the Lough Ree Biosphere Reserve proposal for South Longford, East Roscommon and Northwest Westmeath. The three relevant Local Authorities are working with the NPWS and other partners in the delivery of this proposal. While the Lough Ree Biosphere Reserve remains a concept, elements have been implemented. As the Minister for Transport I announced funding in June 2021 of €1.46m for the development of new greenways and footpaths linking the Royal Canal to Corlea Bog in Longford. This in addition to the Council’s greenways at Corlea and Clondra on former Bord na Móna rail lines and vehicular access routes.
For their part, Bord na Móna have also stated that they are committed to keeping the local community informed about the projects as they progress and will continue to provide updates on the project.
86. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of a recent report that found that 98% of people in Europe are living in areas with highly damaging particulate pollution; if he is further aware that it is estimated that up to 1,400 people die in Ireland every year because of poor air quality and that the streets along the quays on either side of the River Liffey in Dublin city centre show relatively elevated nitrogen dioxide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41793/23]
View answerAir pollution is a significant issue across Europe, which is why Ireland is working closely with the Commission and other Member States to ensure that the most ambitious measures are introduced in the revised Clean Air for Europe Directive.
As outlined in the recent Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality in Ireland Report 2022, while the quality of the air that we breathe is generally good, there are localised issues which need to be addressed. The Clean Air Strategy highlights that each year, an estimated 1,410 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution and the majority, as a result of particulate matter from solid fuel burning.
Government is committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge through a suite of measures as outlined in the strategy and through the implementation of enhanced regulation of all solid fuels.
The Urban Transport Related Air Pollution Working Group (UTRAP) was formed in Autumn 2019 to consider and address rising concerns about the level of transport-generated air pollution. Reports from the work of the group can be found online at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f634-urban-transport-related-air-pollution-utrap-working-group/. The group continues to meet as a forum for ongoing engagement between the key transport stakeholders
In addition, air pollution, elevated as a result of high traffic levels is being addressed across Dublin through the Dublin Region Air Quality Management Plan 2021 and other key stakeholders who have primary responsibility for developing measures to reduce traffic congestion.
87. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will bring a proposal to Cabinet for Ireland to support the establishment of a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41789/23]
View answerOur reliance on fossil fuels is incompatible with the Paris Agreement and a low-carbon future. Ireland supports measures that reinforce and advance our transition away from reliance on fossil fuels and while we have not signed the Fossil Fuel non-proliferation Treaty, we continue to follow its progress and development.
We are acting both domestically and internationally to tackle our reliance on fossil fuels. Following the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (under the National Treasury Management Agency) divested from fossil fuel companies and holds a list of companies in which it will not invest. Ireland has also ended the issuing of new exploration licences for fossil fuels and will manage existing authorisations towards a natural conclusion, through expiration, relinquishment, or production.
International collaboration is key to achieving the widespread, transformative change needed to tackle climate change. At COP26, Ireland joined the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance as a core member because of our determination to shift the global relationship with nature from a place of extraction to rehabilitation.
This commitment was demonstrated further at COP27 when Ireland joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance to create a global driving force for the uptake of offshore wind through political mobilisation and the creation of a global community of practice.
At COP28 this year, Ireland will continue to advocate for the move away from fossil fuels.
88. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the community projects successful in RESS1; the MW that will be delivered from these projects; if he is aware of the challenges these projects face in planning and grid access in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41785/23]
View answerThrough the first two RESS auctions, my Department has provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects category and also through the requirement of a mandatory community benefit fund for all RESS 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. All four are solar projects, totalling 16.95MW in generation.
Through my Department’s continued engagement with RECs, there is evidence of significant challenges that REC projects may face with the competitive, auction based nature of RESS, along with grid and other and other barriers to project delivery.
Therefore, 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 Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS). The export tariff phase of SRESS, to support small scale and community renewable projects, is due to be launched later this year. This is expected to offer a simpler route to market for community projects and boost community participation in the Government’s renewable energy ambition.
This scheme will align more closely to the experience and capacity of the community energy sector and support a more sustainable delivery pathway to the renewable energy community target of 500 MW by 2030.
89. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which sufficient progress is being made in the provision of broadband throughout the country in both urban and rural areas and in such a way as to meet the ever-growing demands in a competitive worldwide market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41802/23]
View answerIn 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.
These targets will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and through the State investment in National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir, as part of their IFN fibre programme currently rolling out nationwide, plan to connect over 1.9m premises to their commercial fibre network by 2026. Open eir have already connected over 47,700 homes and businesses to gigabit services in Co. Kildare, with a further c.28,660 planned connections over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €35m. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across the State, with SIRO recently reaching a milestone of enabling 520,000 premises for full fibre, and Virgin Media announcing plans to bring 2Gbps services to 345,000 premises through upgrade and expansion of their own network.
Along with the progress made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State, 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.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 15th September 2023, 182,250 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 53,695 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Kildare, over 4,000 homes and businesses have been passed by NBI and are available for immediate connection, with c. 1,260 of those now connected to the NBP State Intervention network.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) 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 15th September some 950 sites have been installed by NBI 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. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2, 2023 saw a 7.4% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the first 3 months of the year, and a 33.7% increase when compared to Quarter 2 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing massively as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c.40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (576,856) or cable (359,669) infrastructure.
90. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications why projects approved under the Just Transition Fund cannot qualify for an increase under building inflation costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41853/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No 124 of 15 June 2023.
As set out in my reply to that question, my Department continues to engage constructively with projects participating in the National Just Transition Fund. The Government is committed to a just transition in the Midlands region and has dedicated significant funding to supporting workers, enterprises and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the end of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna.
My Department continues to support 56 projects in the Midlands region 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. To date, €6.5 million has been disbursed to participating projects.
The Department maintains ongoing contact with grantees, to offer support in addressing any challenges in delivering the projects. These engagements have offered each project an opportunity to discuss any challenges they have identified, and to explore potential solutions within the parameters set down in individual grant agreements. My officials are continuing to prioritise direct contact with projects who have identified various challenges with a view to supporting projects in their delivery.
The Deputy will also wish to be aware that the EU Just Transition Fund Programme, formally launched in April of this year, will provide opportunities for further investment in the region. An overall Programme funding envelope of up to €169 million until 2027 will prioritise investments in the following areas:
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.
Supporting the restoration and rehabilitation of degraded peatlands and the regeneration and repurposing of industrial heritage assets.
Providing former peat communities with smart and sustainable mobility options to enable them to benefit directly from the green transition.
Information on currently open funding calls, as well as forthcoming calls, is available on the website of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly at www.emra.ie.
91. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he envisages the consultation on private wires will conclude and a report from same will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41885/23]
View answerThe public consultation on Private Wires was published on 18th August 2023, with an initial deadline for submissions of 13th October. Following a number of requests, the deadline for submissions was recently extended to 27th October 2023. Publication of this consultation represents the first step towards a final policy, which will be delivered in 2024, and completes an important action of the Climate Action Plan 2023.
The aim of this consultation is to gather the views of the public, stakeholders and interested parties alike, to consolidate our understanding of the role which Private Wires may play in the future Irish electricity ecosystem, as well as to identify the challenges and opportunities such a policy change may present.
It is intended to publish the contents of all submissions received to the consultation on the Departments website in due course. Responses received to the consultation will help inform the design and delivery of a Private Wires policy which will be launched in 2024.
Private Wires is a wide-ranging policy area for which future changes have the potential to impact upon all aspects of the wider electricity eco system and as such we are seeking responses from a broad cross section of stakeholders. I encourage all Deputies and their constituents to engage with and respond to this important consultation.
92. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the rationale for his intervention in the Shannon LNG planning application; how many other planning applications has he intervened in since his appointment in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41872/23]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and the associated regulations, I am a prescribed body for the purposes of the planning application process for particular types of development.
In this regard, I receive a significant volume of notifications on a yearly basis relating to a wide variety of applications and the various stages of those application processes, and in excess of 280 number submissions have been made by my Department pursuant to such requests since 2020.
Given the volume of notifications received and the variety and nature of the submissions made, it has not been possible to provide an exact breakdown of the submissions in the time provided for the response. I would note, however, that it is standard practice for prescribed bodies to make submissions on applications as provided for in the relevant legislation.
93. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the up-to-date position on national broadband plan roll-out across County Cork when (details supplied) can expect the service to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41607/23]
View answerIn 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.
These targets will be achieved through commercial operators investing in their networks, complemented by the State’s National Broadband Plan (NBI).
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir, as part of their IFN fibre programme currently rolling out nationwide, plan to connect over 1.9m premises to their commercial fibre network by 2026. Open eir have already passed over 136,000 homes and businesses with access to gigabit services in Co. Cork, with plans to pass a further c.76,000 premises over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €89m. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint across County Cork, with SIRO recently passing more than 533,000 premises and Virgin Media passing almost 70,000 premises.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI)is currently rolling out of a high speed and future-proofed broadband network to primarily rural areas through its Contract with the Minister. 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.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 15th September 2023, 182,250 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. 53,695 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. In County Cork, over 22,000 homes and businesses have been passed by NBI and are available for immediate connection, with c. 6,545 of those now connected to the NBP State Intervention network.
My officials have reviewed the Dripsey and Berrings areas referred to in the question and we understand eir will deliver fibre to the home services to Dripsey in the foreseeable future. My Department has asked eir for a delivery date for this. Once more information is received from eir we will revert.
In the Berrings area I understand eir plans to upgrade that area with fibre to the home over the coming 2-3 years and I understand all premises marked “Blue” are part of the eir upgrade. For those premises marked Amber in that area we have been advised by NBII that it may be 2025/26 before fibre can be ordered.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) 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 15th September some 950 sites have been installed by NBI 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.
The closest Broadband Connection Point in Berrings is located at Courtbrack Community Centre, Cork, T23 NH22, which is now connected to high speed broadband. This is located approximately 4.8 km from Berrings National School and provides an option for local residents to access quality broadband for free. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork 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.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2, 2023 saw a 7.4% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the first 3 months of the year, and a 33.7% increase when compared to Quarter 2 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing massively as it’s deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c.40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre or cable infrastructure and this continue increase month on month as operators continue to invest heavily in gigabit networks across the State.
94. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extra renewable energy generation capacity that has come on stream connected to the national grid in the last year broken down between wind, solar and other technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41813/23]
View answer2022 was a record year for renewables connections to our electricity grid with 700 MW of new renewable generation capacity being added, including 330 MW of onshore wind and 370 of solar PV.
It is expected that 2023 will continue this trend with significant amounts of renewable generation connecting to the grid as the remaining RESS 1 projects reach their final milestone and early RESS 2 projects reach commercial operation. Further renewable generation will be delivered through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements.
It is expected that Ireland will reach approximately 6 GW of renewable energy generation connected to the power system by the end of 2023, supporting the Government's target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
95. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 106 of 15 June 2023, the status of the review of the security of energy supply of Ireland's electricity and natural gas systems for the period to 2030; the timeline for the publication of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41741/23]
View answer101. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Energy Security Review. [41746/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 101 together.
My Department is currently finalising the Energy Security Package which will address the energy security challenges facing Ireland, focused on the period to 2030, but in the broader context of transitioning Ireland to net-zero by 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 energy security of supply review considered the risks to both natural gas, electricity and oil 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 been published and an extensive consultation process carried out, providing important insights from over 450 individuals and organisations on the range of options that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework. The McCarthy Review into Security of Supply of the Electricity System (the McCarthy Report) has been a further key input informing the analysis and will be published alongside the completion of the review.
The completion of the review is a key priority and I have committed to bring my energy security recommendations to Government for consideration in the coming weeks.
