Written Answers Nos. 31-48
31. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how he plans to increase uptake on SEAI residential schemes by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50225/23]
View answerThe National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government's approach to achieving the Climate Action Plan targets of upgrading the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal level and installing 400,000 heat pumps to replace older, less efficient heating systems by 2030.
The Plan is designed to address barriers to retrofit across four key pillars: driving demand and activity; financing and funding; supply chain, skills and standards; and governance. Actions under the Plan are updated on an annual basis.
A range of actions have already been implemented under the Plan and we are seeing strong progress in delivery as a result. In 2021, SEAI supported over 15,000 home energy upgrades. In 2022, delivery was over 27,000 upgrades. Almost 39,000 home energy upgrades have been supported through SEAI schemes to the end of October of this year. This is an increase of 112% on the same period of last year and above the overall target of 37,000 home energy upgrades for 2023. SEAI is ramping up towards delivering an average 75,000 homes per year for the second half of the decade.
Record capital allocations to SEAI and the funding commitments for the rest of the decade in the National Retrofit Plan (€8 billion Exchequer commitment - including €5 billion in carbon tax revenues in the NDP) will add more confidence especially for the supply chain. This will help the sector to grow in a measured and sustainable way to meet our ambitious targets.
32. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason he has not published the review of security of energy supply; how long since he received the first draft of the report; when he will publish the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50280/23]
View answerI assume the review referred to in the question is the "Independent Review on the Security of Electricity Supply" by Dermot McCarthy. The independent review by Mr Dermot McCarthy into the circumstances requiring emergency measures to be introduced to secure electricity supply was received in January this year. Following consideration of the review and the ongoing development of further energy security analysis by officials in my Department, it was decided to publish the McCarthy report as a pillar for the overall Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 Report (Energy Security Package).
The McCarthy review recommendations inform the actions in the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 Report that I launched on the 14th of November.
The Energy Security in Ireland Strategy represents a major milestone in the State’s approach to ensuring energy security to 2030. Ireland is in the middle of a profound change to our energy system as we transition to meeting the majority of our energy needs through renewable energy. This is a huge opportunity for Ireland – economically and socially.
The document contains 28 key actions covering renewables, enhancing resilience, strengthened risk management, flexible energy demand, and specific actions for the gas, oil, and electricity sectors. These actions will be implemented in line with our European and climate commitments.
The report has several conclusions:
• Ireland’s future energy supply will be more secure by moving to an electricity-led system.
• A commitment to continue to deliver on existing plans, particularly on rollout of renewables, demand-side flexibility, interconnection, and storage.
• Balancing sustainable gas demand and supply: While gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections, there are risks in the event of disruption to infrastructure. To reduce reliance on gas imports, we will reduce natural gas demand and develop renewable, indigenous gas supply and renewable gas-compatible storage. As a transitional measure, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs. Based on the preliminary analysis of the Department (DECC) it is anticipated that a floating reserve (FSRU) will best meet the criteria set by the Government today, a solution preferred by a range of EU states. This will be examined by Gas Networks Ireland and a detailed proposal will return to Government for final approval in 2024.
• Back-up reserves and distribution plans in case of an oil emergency are sufficient. Into the future, we need to ensure commercial oil supplies into the State will be robust, along with the infrastructure for distribution. Over time, oil demand will be reduced.
• Maintaining a strong focus on anticipating risks and good governance to ensure delivery, robust risk management and adequate resources.
“Energy Security in Ireland to 2030” represents more than two years of engagement across government, the energy sector, the voluntary sector, in the EU, and internationally. Key inputs into the review also included a wide-ranging public consultation with more than 450 participants, an external review of gas security of supply mitigation options, and a review of Ireland’s Security of Electricity Supply carried out by Mr Dermott McCarthy.
I would like to thank all who have contributed to this important policy document. The full text of "Energy Security in Ireland to 2030" as well as supplementary analysis and reviews can be accessed at gov.ie - Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 (www.gov.ie)
34. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on one-stop-shops on Residential/Community retrofit programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50224/23]
View answerIn February 2022, Government announced an enhanced package of measures to support the uptake of home energy upgrades. This included the introduction of a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) and the establishment of a network of registered One Stop Shops.
The NHEUS supports homeowners wishing to undertake a whole home energy upgrade to achieve a BER of at least B2 with a 100kWh/m2/year or better improvement on the BER primary energy value. Under the Scheme, registered One-Stop-Shops (OSSs) provide an end-to-end service for homeowners, which includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance.
There are now 17 One-Stop-Shops registered by SEAI. Of these, five of the One-Stop-Shops were registered earlier this year, which points to growing confidence in the sector about the future growth prospects of the retrofit market. Details of the registered One-Stop-Shops are available on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/registered-providers/
The One-Stop-Shop service has delivered 1,017 homes so far this year, representing a 150% increase on the same period last year.
SEAI also continue to actively engage with the construction sector with the aim of attracting more companies to register as One-Stop-Shops. A number of companies are already in the process of registering as one-stop-shops and SEAI are guiding them through the registration process, with the expectation that the number of registered One-Stop-Shops will grow further in 2024.
35. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated increase of on-shore wind generation for all years, including 2023 to 2030, in line with our climate action targets; the steps being taken to ensure these targets will be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49995/23]
View answerIreland is a world leader in onshore wind, being in the top three per capita of installed onshore wind capacity globally. Building on this hugely successful technology, there will need to be a near doubling of capacity from the current circa 4.7 GW to 9 GW by 2030 in order to meet our climate action targets and support energy independence in the near term.
The latest updates provided to my Department by ESB Networks and EirGrid indicate that approximately 250MW of new wind energy projects have or will be connected to the electricity network this year across 7 projects.
In terms of future projected connections, over 400 MW of wind projects were successful in the second Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction (RESS) with expected delivery to take place between 2024 and 2025. A further 148 MW of wind energy projects were successful in the RESS 3 auction and will be expected to delivery between 2026 and 2027.
RESS is one of the primary Government policies for facilitating the deployment of renewables including onshore wind and future RESS auctions will in part determine the pipeline of wind energy projects beyond 2027.
The RESS 3 auction volumes underpin the need for a much stronger pipeline of onshore wind and solar projects coming through the grid connection and permitting processes. They also highlight the urgent and critical need for greater alignment between local plans and renewable energy targets to support investment in, and delivery of, renewable energy projects and onshore wind in particular.
36. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has undertaken any study to determine the merit of a refundable tax on plastic bottles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49281/23]
View answerA national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is being introduced to encourage more people to recycle plastic bottles and aluminium cans and to ensure we meet our ambitious EU targets for the recycling of those containers under EU Single Use Plastics and Packaging legislation.
The development of a DRS is a significant undertaking and required careful consideration and consultation:
• In October 2020, my Department commissioned Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd to analyse options for Ireland to increase the recycling rate for single use plastic bottles and cans. Eunomia’s study 'Improving the Capture Rate of Single Use Beverage Containers in Ireland' estimated that the capture rate under our existing system was significantly less than the EU targets and recommended DRS as the best means of achieving our EU targets. This report is available on gov.ie website.
• My Department engaged extensively with relevant stakeholders through the establishment of a DRS sub-group of the national Waste Advisory Group which comprises representatives from producers, retailers, environmental organisations and the waste sector.
• Two public consultations were also completed – the first in October 2020 on potential models for a DRS and the second in April 2021 on the legislative framework and scope of DRS. Both consultations are published on the gov.ie website.
In July 2022, I approved Deposit Return Scheme Ireland CLG(trading as Re-turn) as the DRS operator and the scheme was launched in November 2022. Re-turn has been working closely with all stakeholders over the course of 2023 to prepare for go-live on 1 February 2024.
37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland continues to make progress towards meeting climate change issues with particular reference to flooding prevention land drainage/management and any other issues of potential positive impact in meeting the various climate challenges in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50210/23]
View answerIreland’s climate is changing in terms of increases in average temperature, changes in precipitation patterns, and weather extremes. Ireland will need to adapt to diverse and wide-ranging impacts including flood risk and land drainage and management impacts.
My Department leads on the National Adaptation Framework (NAF), developed under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015. The NAF outlines a whole of government and society approach to climate adaptation in Ireland to improve the enabling environment for adaptation through ongoing engagement with key sectors, along with civil society, the private sector, and the research community. The key objectives of the NAF are implemented through activity at sectoral, regional and local levels. Departments and Agencies are responsible for implementing adaptation measures in sectors. The OPW leads on implementing the Flood Risk Sectoral Adaptation Plan.
Land management has not always been optimal for all of the demands placed on it and we cannot continue with the same land use patterns as previously. Improved evidence will allow for improved future decisions. The second phase of the Land-use Review has now commenced and shall seek to optimise land use across key Government objectives of improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes.
Following a statutory review by my Department in 2022, a new NAF is currently in development and a first draft is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. A public consultation will be held in early 2024 following which the new NAF will be submitted for Government approval.
38. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are in place to support the reduction in residential emissions for households currently using kerosene but who cannot afford a heat pump or whose properties are not suitable for heat pump installation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50247/23]
View answerIn February 2022, Government launched a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. The key measures introduced include:
• a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) providing increased grant levels for retrofits to a B2 BER standard.
• establishment of a network of One Stop Shops offering a start-to-finish project management service for home energy upgrades.
• aligning many of the grant supports available under the Better Energy Homes Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme to the NHEUS.
• amending the construction rule for grant support for installation of heat pumps to allow for homes built and occupied before 2021.
• significant increases in grant support for an air to water heat pump increasing from €3,500 to up to €6,500. For homeowners undertaking a deep retrofit with a heat pump under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) or the Community Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme, additional grant support is available towards required heating system upgrades, as well as a bonus payment of €2,000 to eligible homeowners. This equates to a potential grant support of up to €10,500 available to homeowners upgrading to a heat pump as part of a deep retrofit project.
• Significantly increasing the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty.
• A special enhanced grant rate for attic and cavity wall insulation available which is available to all households.
Since the introduction of the new measures in February 2022, demand for the SEAI Schemes has been exceptionally high. Figures to end of October 2023 show:
• 38,826 home energy upgrades have been supported so far this year (up 112% on the same period last year and 105% of the 2023 target of 37,000);
• Over 14,000 BER B2 upgrades completed (up 162% on October 2022 and 102% of the 2023 target of 13,846);
• 3,003 Heat pumps installed (up 121% on the same period last year);
• 4,513 fully funded energy upgrades for low-income households (up 28% on the same period last year and 75% of the 2023 target of 6,000).
39. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether Ireland plans to enter new undertakings in the context of the upcoming COP 28; if he will outline his priorities for the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50278/23]
View answerCOP28, the annual UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 12 December 2023. Ireland’s delegation will include representation across several Government Departments and Agencies, while attendance by civil society is also being supported through the allocation of over-flow delegation badges.
Ireland’s National Climate Delegation, an inter-departmental and cross-agency group of experts on climate change, is advising me on finalising Ireland’s COP28 negotiating priorities. In addition, Ireland continues to work alongside our EU colleagues through active participation in EU expert groups in preparation for the COP28 negotiations.
COP28 marks the conclusion of the first cycle of the Global Stocktake, a process that has assessed Parties’ collective progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and identified areas for future improvements. Substantive, equitable and transformative decisions on the Global Stocktake and Loss and Damage funding need to be taken at COP28. To enable the transformation necessary to limit global warming, additional finance must be mobilised to address the climate crisis. Making concrete progress on these issues is crucial for building climate resilience in developing countries and for delivering on the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact.
As at previous COPs, a number of proposals for new climate initiatives have been put forward by various parties and bodies, including the United Arab Emirates COP Presidency. These are currently being assessed in consultation with other Government Departments in advance of the conference.
40. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to allowing instream works in the Glashaboy river to facilitate emergency flood works and flood relief; if he and his Department have been contacted by Cork City Council to seek consent regarding same; if he will consider granting an exemption if necessary to facilitate the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49757/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has not received a request from Cork City Council in relation to works in the Glashaboy River.
Any such request would be considered in the normal manner in consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland.
41. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the works undertaken within his Department to fulfil the obligation on member states to carry out an assessment of the existing barriers and potential of development of renewable energy communities in Ireland, as directed in the Renewable Energy Directive II, Article 22, paragraph 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50252/23]
View answerThe Renewable Energy Directive (RED) is the legal framework for the development of clean energy across all sectors of the EU economy, supporting cooperation between EU countries towards this goal.Article 22(3) of the recast RED requires Member States to carry out an assessment of the existing barriers and potential of development of Renewable Energy Communities in their territories. In February 2022, I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive, which brings these Articles into force. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)'s community enabling framework has been put in place to address some of the key challenges of developing community renewable projects.My officials are currently focused on bringing a Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) into place. The export tariff phase of SRESS, to support small scale and community renewable projects, is due to be launched later this year. This scheme is being designed to align closely to the experience and capacity of the community energy sector and support a sustainable delivery pathway to the renewable energy community target of 500 MW by 2030.Bringing the SRESS into place will help to remove existing barriers and assist with the potential of development of renewable energy communities. Once the scheme is in place, my officials will consider any further obligations around the above assessment.
43. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications for the SEAI warmer homes grant to date in 2023; the average length of time people are waiting for the works to commence; what measures he is taking to reduce waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49758/23]
View answerThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to households vulnerable to energy poverty. This year's budget of €148.5 million is the highest ever allocation for the scheme.
Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme are driving increased levels of demand for the scheme with over 12,300 applications received so far in 2023.
The Scheme is delivering deeper upgrades with more emissions reductions and energy savings for homeowners. The average cost of upgrades increased to €24,000 in 2023 and these deeper upgrades take a longer time per home to complete.
To end October this year, over 4,500 homes have been upgraded. This is already more homes than were completed under the scheme in all of 2022 and we are on target to upgrade 6,000 homes under the scheme by the end of the year.
The average waiting time from application to completion in Q3 2023 was just under 20 months. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. The reduction in wait times follows a range of measures introduced by my Department and SEAI including enhanced budgets; increased staffing resources in SEAI; and actions to address supply chain challenges.
SEAI also established a new contractor panel in September this year, adding 7 additional contractors bringing the total to 36.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades delivered.
44. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update regarding the Carlinn Hall Dundalk SEAI report that was set to be published in early October; when the recommendations outlined in the report will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49960/23]
View answerAt the request of the District Heating Steering Group, a research project was initiated to assess the viability of retrofitting an existing communal heating system with a shallow geothermal energy source. An independent consultancy was commissioned by the SEAI to undertake this research.The report has now been finalised and contains recommendations in relation to heat network efficiency and options for low-carbon heat alternatives, including costs of installation and operation. The report will be published by the end of November.
It is important to note that the scheme in question is privately owned and managed, and implementation of any of the recommendations would be a matter for the relevant parties to decide upon.
45. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on his plans for the further development of postal policy in the state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50212/23]
View answerAn Post is a commercial State body and has statutory responsibility for the State’s postal service and the post office network.
The Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. The company is working to return to a stable financial footing after the combined impacts of Brexit and the pandemic, and develop strategies to grow its business against a backdrop of e-substitution of mail and the growth of a cashless society.
My Department is providing funding of €10 million per annum from within its existing capital provision over a three-year fixed term, 2023-2025, to An Post to support a sustainable, nationwide post office network in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. The funding provides time and space for An Post to accelerate the transformation and commercialisation of the network to ensure a relevant, commercially viable network delivering more services to citizens and small businesses.
The Government recognises the importance of the high quality post office network to our citizens across the country, as well as the central and trusted role of postmasters in our communities. An Post, including through the post office network, provides important services to its customers and is contracted to provide key Government services to citizens.
An Post will continue actively to seek new business and explore opportunities to develop new or enhanced product lines for the network.
48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress he and his Department continue to make towards the provision of high-speed, high-quality broadband throughout the country, with particular reference to ensuring an early link up between those areas currently having a reasonable service with the need to ensure maximum spread of service in the shortest possible term in order to facilitate the domestic and commercial markets, urban and rural; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50211/23]
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 are rolling out a full fibre to the premise network to up to 1.9 million premises and to date we understand has passed over 1.1 million homes. SIRO has recently reached a milestone of enabling over 555,000 premises for full fibre and is on track to reach 700,000 premises by 2026 through a €1billion investment. Virgin Media recently announced a €200 million investment plan to upgrade its cable network to bring full fibre to up to 1 million premises over the next three years and recently passed 252,000 premises.
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, over 200,000 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 60,000 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband 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 03rd November some 952 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.
NBI also reports that the necessary infrastructure is installed in 669 Primary Schools in the Intervention area with 29 installed by other operators as agreed with the Department of Education and the remaining installed by NBI. NBI reports that 500 schools have been connected and are live. 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.
In County Kildare, Open eir have already passed over 53,200 homes and businesses with gigabit services in Co. Kildare with plans to pass a further c.23,000 premises passed 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 Kildare, with SIRO recently passing over 28,000 premises for full fibre, and Virgin Media passing over 44,800 premises. NBI have passed over 4,000 premises with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,488 premises now connected.
