Written Answers Nos. 108-129
108. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress to date with the roll out of the National Broadband Plan throughout County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11121/24]
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).
The Digital Connectivity Strategy will lead to more balanced regional development, supporting the green transition, facilitating greater access to regional talent and skills and will assist with the implementation of the Government’s Remote Working Strategy, Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, and Project Ireland 2040.
Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 18,400 homes and businesses in Cavan with gigabit services, with plans to pass a further c.7,600 homes and businesses over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €13m. Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across Cavan, with SIRO recently passing over 4,400 premises for full fibre.
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 218,200 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 71,400 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Cavan, over 5,500 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 6,760 available to order/pre-order, with 1,896 premises now connected.
The forecast in County Cavan for the end of 2024 is an additional 3,700 Premises being Passed, which is over 10,000 Premises being able to order High Speed Broadband in County Cavan.
This represents circa 60% of the Premises in the IA being completed in County Cavan by the end of 2024.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cavan can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. A county update can be selected to provide the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. 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 3 of 2023, saw a 7.62% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to Qtr 2, 2023, and a 33.83% increase when compared to Quarter 3 of 2022. This demonstrates that the take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing greatly as the services are deployed to areas where they had previously been unavailable. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing substantially 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 (619,968) or cable (354,074) infrastructure.
109. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the roll-out of smart metres in Ireland; if it is a requirement now to have one in order to install solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10960/24]
View answerThe National Smart Metering Programme will roll out and install 2.1 million meters by 2025 and in the process make available new products and services to energy consumers. It is co-ordinated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with ESB Networks (ESBN) delivering the electricity meter rollout on the ground. The meter replacement programme is taking place on a phased basis and the total number of smart meters installed at present is over 1,627,000. Additionally, over 75,000 customers with registered micro-generation installations have smart meters installed.
The Domestic Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and is open to houses built prior to 2021. There is no requirement to have a smart meter installed to install solar panels, with or without SEAI grant support. However, for safety reasons, householders must notify ESB Networks of their intention to install solar panels, using the NC6 notification process.
It is important to note that householders who install solar PV panels can obtain the greatest benefit from their systems when they maximise the self-consumption of the renewable electricity which they generate. Thereafter, there is potential for payment for any excess electricity exported to the grid, under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme. However, this should be regarded as an additional benefit and not the primary driver for engaging in microgeneration.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) oversees the CEG scheme and published a decision paper on an interim enabling framework for the CEG, which outlines the arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. This is available on www.cru.ie. If households with Solar PV systems wish to register with their energy supplier for the CEG tariff, they must meet the specified eligibility criteria, which includes having a smart meter installed, if they are eligible for one.
As the rollout of the National Smart Metering Programme is co-ordinated by CRU and the ESBN, my Department does not maintain oversight on the day-to-day operations of the programme. Moreover, the CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
110. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has had discussions with small businesses who are encountering difficulties with the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11116/24]
View answer149. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will review the terms of the DRS given its effects on small and medium businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5731/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 110 and 149 together.
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Regulations impose obligations on the beverage industry to establish and operate a DRS. These businesses are critical to the operation and success of the scheme and have shown great commitment and leadership in coming together to ensure DRS is a success.
Supports from Re-Turn, the DRS operator, are in place for small businesses in the form of reduced or waived fees, financial assistance and exemptions, summarised below:
- Fee packages are in place for micro producers (those who sell less than 1.5m DRS units per year) and for small producers (those who sell less than 10m DRS products per year).
- An alternative labelling option in the form of a sticker, to supplement rather than replace existing packaging, is available from Re-turn to assist small-scale operators, or those whose products were not specifically produced for the Irish market, comply with DRS labelling requirements.
- All retailers will receive a handling fee for each container they take back. Handling fees are intended to offset the cost of collection infrastructure, retail floor space, staff costs and security. The level of handling fee payable is determined by Re-turn and is subject to independent, third-party verification.
- In addition to handling fees, a number of other supports are in place from Re-turn to assist small retailers, including exemptions from take-back services and financial support for the installation of Reverse Vending Machines.
- A transition period of four-months is in place to allow for the phase out of old ‘non-DRS labelled’ stock and new introduction of new ‘DRS labelled’ stock.
- Further details of the supports for businesses is available on Re-turn’s at re-turn.ie or by contacting Re-turn at info@re-turn.ie.
Small businesses may also avail of the Government’s Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant, which was announced as part of Budget 2024 and is available to qualifying small and medium enterprises.
Both the Department and Re-turn are monitoring the scheme closely and I receive regular updates on its performance. The scheme will be subject to review once sufficient time has passed to make an make an appropriate assessment.
111. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a school in the Connemara Gaeltacht (details supplied) will be placed on the spring roll-out worklist for fibre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10131/24]
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, including schools, 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 strategic 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 school referred to in this question is in the BLUE area. The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
From the records made available to the Department, the school in question should already be capable of receiving speeds of up to 100Mbps through commercial means.
112. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which he continues to ensure the meeting of emission targets while protecting the agri-food industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11062/24]
View answerThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030. Following the process set out in the Act, the agriculture sector has been set the target of a 10% reduction in emissions by 2025 and a 25% reduction by 2030. Responsibility for meeting this sectoral target sits with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Climate Action Plan 2024 was approved by Government in December, subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment and consultation. The plan outlines how emission reductions can be achieved in the coming years, increasing our ambition for efficiency in the sector while also heavily promoting the diversification of agricultural activities. These actions will both improve animal breeding, feeding and finishing, and also encourage farmers to diversify into sectors including organics, tillage and biomethane feedstock production.
The plan and its accompanying annex of actions are open for public consultation until 5 April. If anyone wishes to make a submission or observation on it, or the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, they can do so.
Livestock grazing out of doors dominates Irish agriculture and our agriculture sector has an international reputation for high quality and sustainably produced food. Maintaining that reputation is an imperative for our agri-food industries, as 90% of our production is exported.
113. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the progress on the establishment of a centre of excellence for district heating as recommended in the district heating steering group's report of 2023; if any pilot district heating developments have been identified outside of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11055/24]
View answerThe District Heating Steering Group Report, approved by Government in July 2023, sets out an achievable pathway for expansion of district heating. The Report notes that district heating should develop nationally under central direction, with advice and centrally provided support assisting in ensuring standardisation and acceleration of projects. Through its work on developing the Steering Group Report and through its engagement with the sector, my Department is aware of a pipeline of potential district heating projects, including potential projects outside of Dublin.
In order to deliver on the recommendation that district heating should develop under central direction, a National District Heating Centre of Excellence has been established within the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. My Department has worked closely with the SEAI on the design of the core functions of the Centre of Excellence and building a team.
114. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the progress of broadband roll-out by commercial providers in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10856/24]
View answerCommercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 1.1 million homes. SIRO has recently reached a milestone of enabling over 545,000 premises for full fibre and is on track to reach 700,000 premises by 2026. 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, to date it has passed 252,000 premises with full fibre.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 3 of 2023 saw a 7.62% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the previous Quarter, and a 33.83% increase when compared to Quarter 3 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing substantially 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 (619,968) or cable (354,074) infrastructure.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard. There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
115. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how he intends to implement a just transition and mixed technology approach for existing gas and oil home-heating systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11143/24]
View answerThe Government has, in the Climate Action Plan, committed to the acceleration of the decarbonisation of heating by, among other actions, publishing a Heat Policy Statement and developing of a Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuel Heating System. The Heat Policy Statement will guide the Government’s overall response to the National Heat Study across all sectors, including residential, and the requirement to ensure a just transition to renewable heat sources is a crucial consideration in the design of the Roadmap for the Phase Out of Fossil Fuel Heating Systems.
In 2023, the Government established a Heat and Built Environment Delivery Taskforce to accelerate and drive delivery in relation to retrofitting, renewable heat, district heat, decarbonisation and overall energy use needs of the building stock. The development of the Heat Policy Statement and Roadmap for the Phase Out of Fossil Fuel Heating Systems both fall under the remit of the Taskforce.
Decarbonisation of the residential built environment must be done in a manner that is consistent with the principles of a just transition and considers the needs of particular groups. In terms of decarbonising new dwellings, Part L of the Building Regulations has phased out fossil fuel boilers as the primary heating system in new dwellings by advancing regulatory performance requirements. As such heat pumps are now the main heating system in most new dwellings.
To decarbonise existing dwellings, the SEAI offers a range of home energy grants, including grants for the installation of a heat pump. In 2022, grant support increased significantly from €3,500 to up to €6,500. In the period 2019-2023 almost 10,600 heat pumps have been installed under the SEAI energy efficiency upgrade schemes.
To support the just transition of heating decarbonisation, my Government has announced a series of measures aimed at supporting those least able to afford retrofit. The Climate Action Plan commits to continuing this work. In addition, the National Residential Retrofit Plan and Housing for All offer opportunities for employment and upskilling in sustainable construction. Five NZEB/Retrofit Centres of Excellence nationwide offer free and flexible upskilling and reskilling programmes to meet this demand, and assist with entry into a new and growing industry.
116. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has had discussions with the ESB on opening up grid access to more households and businesses with microgeneration capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10859/24]
View answer123. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has had discussions with the ESB on the rollout of three-phase smart metres for wind turbines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/24]
View answer128. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if farms producing wind-powered microgeneration can sell on to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11115/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 123 and 128 together.
In relation to grid access, for safety reasons, all microgeneration systems must be registered with ESB Networks, using the NC6 notification process. This process also includes recording the size of the microgeneration system. To maintain balance and prevent strain on the low voltage distribution grid, ESBN has set limits based on the size of the inverter through which the PV panels transport their generation. These limits require that the peak export from inverters should not exceed 25A (approx. 6kVA) for single-phase connections or 16A/phase (approx. 11kVA) for three-phase connections. While export limits are in place to protect the grid, households can install larger systems through the NC7 mini-generation process or adopt solutions to maximise self-consumption of solar PV generated electricity. Furthermore, the use of smart inverters as part of Solar PV systems, as well as households and businesses flexing their energy demand across the day, will increasingly be a more effective and economic way of supporting the energy grid and reducing costs for consumers.
In respect of the rollout of three-phase smart meters, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has responsibility for the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP), with ESBN delivering the rollout on the ground. However, I understand that the proposed 3-phase smart meter solution encountered some technical issues which has delayed the planned rollout. ESBN have since identified a solution for this but the rollout of 3-phase smart meters is now expected to begin in 2025.
It is important to note that in the interim, all renewables self-consumers with 3-phase connections remain eligible for deemed export payments under the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) scheme. In December 2021, CRU published a Decision on an interim enabling framework for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), enabling payments to micro-generators for excess electricity exported to the grid, which outlines the arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. This decision paper is available on the CRU website, cru.ie.
Under certain conditions outlined in the CEG Decision paper, customers with microgeneration but who are not yet eligible for a smart meter (including 3-phase meters) may still avail of the CEG. Under these conditions a deemed quantity will be calculated by ESBN. Notwithstanding this, smart meters are not required for installing microgeneration systems and the greatest benefit from Solar PV or micro-wind microgeneration systems will always be attained when households, businesses and community organisations maximise the self-consumption of their generated renewable electricity.
Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister.
117. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his engagements with Eirgrid at which he has raised the North-South Interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10436/24]
View answer119. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the meetings he has had and the briefings he has received in respect of the North South Interconnector; and if he has had any meetings in this regard with local communities or landowners that are directly affected by this project. [11120/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 119 together.
The North-South Interconnector is an essential infrastructure project that will link the electricity transmission networks of Ireland and Northern Ireland — leading to a more secure, affordable and sustainable supply of electricity across the island. It will facilitate the connection of 900 MW of renewable generation, enough to power 600,000 homes through green energy.
As a Transmission project it is being undertaken by EirGrid, which are independent of me as Minister, with EirGrid determining the means of delivery of the project and in doing so they seek to work in close collaboration with affected landowners and local communities. As Minister, I do not have a role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground and this is in line with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure. As such, it would not be appropriate for me to engage directly with affected landowners. My officials have been and continue to engage with Eirgrid on the development of the grid.
The Deputy may however wish to know that I recently attended the Meath County Council launch of their ambitious Climate Action Plan 2024-2029, which is a plan, with local support, that seeks to deliver a sustainable future for the people of the county. Key to delivering County Climate Action Plans like this will be renewable electricity, which the North South Interconnector will assist us in delivering to homes and businesses throughout the country.
In March 2023, Government noted and published an independent report into the project which concluded that it would not be feasible to run the North South interconnector underground, confirming that the findings of the 2018 report remained valid. Given the relevance of the project to the overall development of our electricity grid, I receive briefings from my officials which include aspects related to the project when relevant to topics under consideration. In November 2023, a commencement matter debate took place on the development of a fit for purpose electricity grid, with Minister Smith deputising for me. As part that debate, it was outlined that the North South Interconnector will form part of a fit for purpose electricity grid.
118. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how he is supporting the Just Transition process; the funding being allocated for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11124/24]
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.
In relation to the Midlands region, the Government continues to support workers, companies and communities affected by the closure of the peat-fired power stations and the ending of peat harvesting by Bord na Móna.
The National Just Transition Fund, established in 2020, continues to support local and community-led projects, which are implementing innovative plans to support the transition to a low carbon economy across a range of activities. The fund will provide up to €22 million in grant assistance to supported projects until the end of 2024.
Ireland's EU Just Transition Fund Programme, launched in April 2023, will provide €169 million until 2027 to support the longer-term economic transition of the Midlands Territory. Approximately €71 million of funding has already been made available under the Programme for projects that support the bioeconomy, electric vehicle charging, regenerative tourism, and the implementation of local and regional economic strategies. Call documentation is currently in development for a further €91 million of funding under the Programme, with these schemes expected to launch throughout 2024.
As outlined in Climate Action Plan 2023, the just transition framework guides the Government’s approach to implementing climate action policies. Climate Action Plan 2023 also committed the Government to establishing a Just Transition Taskforce to provide recommendations to Government on the establishment of a Just Transition Commission. The Taskforce has now concluded its work and I expect shortly to formally receive the final report of the Taskforce.
120. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to contact all local authorities to ensure their involvement in installing reverse vending machines at civic amenity sites or equivalent sites nationally in the next planned phase of the deposit return scheme development and roll out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11112/24]
View answerThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) will primarily operate on a return-to-retail model, where consumers bring empty containers back to a retailer to recoup their deposit. The DRS scheme also allows for other, non-retail operators to provide take-back facilities. Developing these facilities will commence following the go-live phase of the scheme.
My Department has engaged with the local government sector and a number of local authorities have expressed an interest in installing Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at civic amenity sites as part of the next phase of the scheme's development.
121. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the prospective generation capacity needs under each category of generation and storage over the next two years to achieve 2025 targets; if he has identified the critical barriers to be overcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11128/24]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2023 (and 2024) seeks to transform Ireland into an international leader in the development and generation of high-quality renewable energy. The Plan includes a series of measures to support our renewables programme, including the accelerated delivery of onshore wind, solar, and offshore wind generation, through a competitive framework, where appropriate, to reach 80% of electricity demand being met by renewable sources by 2030. The energy targets for renewable electricity include:
• 9 GW of onshore wind,
• 8 GW of solar, and
• At least 5 GW of offshore wind.
Two key performance indicators for 2025 were also included:
• 6 GW of onshore wind, and
• Up to 5 GW of solar.
Ireland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector and currently has over 6 GW of renewable generation. This is split between over 4.8 GW of onshore wind, over 1 GW of solar (over 400 MW of rooftop domestic and circa 600 MW of grid-scale), and the remainder coming from hydro, biomass, and other small sources of renewable generation.
Notwithstanding that CAP has not set storage targets, Ireland has seen tremendous progress in the deployment of battery energy storage systems (BESS), with more than 700 MW of battery storage active at the end of 2023 and another 500 MW contracted to connect over the next five years.
A key measure in CAP23 was the establishment of an Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, made up of senior officials from relevant Departments and State Bodies, to coordinate the fast-tracked and increased deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation, storage facilities, and supporting technologies and infrastructure.
122. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the first month of the operation of the deposit return scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11189/24]
View answerThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launched as planned on the 1st February last and has been in operation for just over a month. Both the Department and Re-turn, the DRS operator, are monitoring the scheme closely and I receive regular updates on its performance.
To date:
- 199 producers have registered with Re-turn. These producers have registered 5,900 products with the DRS scheme.
- 5,623 retailers have registered with Re-turn representing 9,798 individual retail premises.
- There are currently 2,418 retail return points across the country. The vast majority of retailers (2,202) are using automated collection via Reverse Vending Machines while 216 retailers have opted for a manual, over-the-counter collection system.
- To date 3.9 million empty containers have been returned by customers. Of this, 1.8 million (46%) are plastic bottles and 2.1 million (54%) are cans.
- €683,270 has been refunded to customers.
- The national DRS awareness campaign remains ongoing.
124. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to address the challenges that rural communities are facing in relation to increased costs with household energy and fuel. [10553/24]
View answerBudget 2024 introduced a third Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Scheme, through which three payments of €150 (including VAT) are being made to over 2.2 million domestic electricity accounts between December 2023 and April 2024, at a cost of just over €1 billion. The Government also provided for a suite of once off Social Welfare financial supports to assist people with the Cost of Living, including a lump sum of €300 to all Fuel Allowance recipients in November 2023.
Since April 2022, the Reduce Your Use public information campaign has provided advice and guidance to Irish households in relation to managing energy costs and identifying available supports.
A key component of the campaign strategy is to ensure that Government is actively listening to people through nationally representative research; understanding and responding to their needs and concerns to determine the most useful advice, information and supports that can be provided.
Ultimately, the best way to combat energy poverty in the long-term will be by continuing to make investments to improve the energy efficiency of homes, boost renewable energy adoption, and deepen interconnection with Europe. Improving home energy efficiency and cutting our dependence on fossil fuels will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future.
125. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plans that are in place to reduce waiting times for the SEAI's warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11142/24]
View answerThe Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty.
In recent years, the Scheme has delivered a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have seen an almost tenfold increase from €2,600 in 2015 to just under €25,000 in 2023.
These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions. However, it is important to acknowledge that deeper retrofits take longer to complete.
This improvement in the upgrades provided under the scheme in tandem with increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit are driving significantly increased levels of demand. Approximately 24,000 applications from homeowners were received in 2022 and 2023 combined.
For homes completed in 2023, the average waiting time from application to completion was 20 months. This is a reduction from 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
A range of measures introduced by my Department and SEAI contributed to the reduction in waiting times, including:
• Significantly increased budgets and budget certainty with a record spend of €158 million in 2023, and an allocation of almost €210 million in place for 2024;
• Increased staffing resources in SEAI;
• Actions to address supply chain challenges; and
• SEAI also established a new contractor panel in September 2023, which increased the number of contractors operating under the scheme.
This scheme is a top priority for me and the Government. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
126. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he supports holding a referendum on the rights of the nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11042/24]
View answerI welcome the discussion on enshrining the rights of nature in the constitution. I am supportive in principle of protecting nature and the rights of nature as part of our constitution. Further detail and assessment would be required on the exact wording of how these rights would be protected before any definite answer could be given to the Deputy.
127. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department is investigating the use of new technology which has been developed for energy storage capacity on farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10858/24]
View answerIreland has seen tremendous progress in terms of the deployment of electricity storage in recent years and it is already playing an important role in supporting Ireland’s energy transition, with more than 700MW of battery storage and 292MW of pumped hydro storage (Turlough Hill) active on the system at the end of 2023.
A policy framework for electricity storage is currently under development within the department and is due for publication in Q2 this year. The policy will highlight the fact that to meet Ireland’s Climate Action Plan targets in the transition to renewable energy, electricity storage systems will be essential to provide a range of services, which include helping stabilise the grid as the level of renewable penetration increases and helping to balance the grid during periods of high demand.
To deliver on these services, electricity storage systems of varying technologies, capacities and durations will be required. As such, the policy will take a technology agnostic approach to existing and emerging storage projects. This approach will ensure the policy acts as a neutral facilitator for all storage technologies, encouraging developers to independently assess electricity storage product types based solely on their capacity to best deliver the as required service in terms of security of supply, affordability, and decarbonisation objectives. The policy will incentivise the development of storage products capable of beneficial integration into the grid and ensures that efficient storage technologies are in place to provide the required service.
129. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any efforts are being made to commission an independent or third-party assessment of Sellafield’s operations as a response to media reports, in order to avoid bias or investigative limitations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11113/24]
View answerIreland has a close working relationship with the UK on radiological issues and engages, as appropriate, with the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the relevant UK Regulators through the UK-Ireland Contact Group on Radiological Matters, which meets bi-annually.
At a technical level, the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), also engages with the UK nuclear regulators, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency (EA) and maintains regular contact with them in the case of technical matters or other developments of interest at nuclear sites in the UK.
Having consulted with the Environmental Protection Agency, my Department does not consider that the media reports referred to by the Deputy have uncovered any significant matters which would cause concern for Ireland.
