Written Answers Nos. 150-158
150. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a person will receive an appointment for a BER assessment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11267/24]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI.
Last year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Scheme with an average spend of €25,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure.
My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme. However, individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for SEAI and as Minister I have no function in relation to such applications.
Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme. SEAI advise that it can take 8-10 moths from date of application to the pre-works BER assessment.
Applicants can contact SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
151. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address a matter regarding the remediation of the weir in Fermoy (details supplied). [11451/24]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland, as the statutory body tasked with the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource, has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries in relation to operational matters can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
The funding of any works to be carried out by the Local Authority is not a matter for my Department.
152. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if private waste providers are permitted to charge a lifting fee for picking up compost bins from householders and his views that such a fee is justifiable in trying to encourage households to dispose of waste in the correct manner. [11452/24]
View answerThe European Union (Household Food Waste and Bio-Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 require all household waste collection companies to provide their customers with a brown bin collection service, however, they do not require this additional service to be provided free of charge.
Private waste collectors operate under a waste collection permit issued by the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO). These permits include a requirement that waste collection charging systems should incentivise customers to source segregate their waste, therefore the fees charged for the collection of residual waste should be higher than the fees charged for the collection of the brown bin or mixed dry recyclables bin.
The terms and conditions of individual waste collection contracts, including pricing plans for the provision of bins, are matters between the waste collection companies and their customers, subject to compliance with the terms of their NWCPO permit.
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he has studied the basis on which other EU countries and non-EU countries propose to meet their carbon reduction targets while minimising the impact on industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11494/24]
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. Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP 24) was approved by Government in December. 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.
CAP24 sets out the basis for Ireland’s approach to meeting the carbon budgets, and the associated sectorial emissions ceilings, for the periods 2021-2025 and 2026-2030. The limits set by these budgets underpin the modelling used in the drafting of CAP24 and its predecessor Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23). This includes the industry sector.
The pathways detailed in CAP 23 were largely based on analytical work produced by my Department, but incorporating work from other Departments and Agencies. This includes relevant EU and international studies and research.
In CAP 24, these pathways have been enhanced as new data and expertise became available. This enabled policy makers to ensure that climate efforts are optimised to deliver both emissions reductions and socioeconomic benefits. Additionally, preparations included a call for expert evidence through which industry experts offered evidence-based submissions on the plan.
More practically, there are several supports set out in CAP24 to businesses to assist them in making the green transition, including:
• Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland’s support for their clients on decarbonising their operations while continuing to facilitate growth
• The Green Transition Fund is part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It has two streams, the Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund (€30 million) and the Climate Planning Fund for Business (€25 million)
• The Enterprise Emissions Reduction Investment Fund targets manufacturing companies using fossil fuels and incentivises them to adopt carbon abatement technologies in their processes
• The Climate Planning Fund for Business is targeted at companies of different sizes and at different stages of engagement, to support them in accelerating their awareness of carbon abatement opportunities; building decarbonisation capabilities; and putting in place sustainability plans
• The SEAI also offers a range of initiatives and supports to improve business energy efficiency. These include Government-funded EXEED and Support Scheme for Renewable Heat
154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department continues to evaluate the potential negative impact of meeting carbon reduction targets; the degree to which amelioration measures can be utilised to assist in meeting such targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11495/24]
View answerClimate change is expected to have diverse and wide-ranging negative impacts on Ireland’s environment, society, and economic development, including on the built environment, managed and natural ecosystems, water resources, agriculture and food security, human health, and coastal zones.
Climate adaptation is the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate change and its effects. My Department leads and coordinates national climate adaptation policy, primarily through the development and implementation of the National Adaptation Framework (NAF, 2018). Adaptation measures aim to build the resilience of our economy and society to the impacts of climate change. Adaptation measures also have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and deliver mitigation co-benefits (rewetting of peatlands, nature based flood relief measures, sustainable forestry, sustainable planning policies, etc.).
The Climate and Low Carbon Development Acts 2015 to 2021 requires that the NAF be reviewed at least every five years. Following a 2022 review of the 2018 NAF, I approved the review report which recommended the development of a new NAF. My Department engaged with key adaptation sectors, the EPA and the Climate Change Advisory Council to develop the new NAF which I approved for a statutory consultation in January 2024.
A statutory public consultation on the draft NAF took place between 19 January 2024 and 19 February 2024. Submissions received from the public consultation and from the Climate Change Advisory Council are now being considered ahead of a new NAF being submitted to Government for approval.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which projects that fall within the aegis of his Department and are within the revised National Development Plan are at an advanced stage at present or are in course thereof; the extent to which preliminary work has taken place or on-site works are in hand or proposed; the expected delivery date of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11496/24]
View answerMy Department’s NDP 2021-30 capital allocation is €12.9 billion, of which €2.34 billion is set for the period 2021-25.
The majority of my department’s capital expenditure relates to the delivery of infrastructure through programmes designed to drive the achievement of my ministerial sectoral ceiling targets and delivery of my department's strategic objectives of:
• Be a recognised leader in climate action
• Transform our energy system to a net zero emissions future
• Transition to a circular economy - protecting and restoring our environment through sustainable resource use
• Deliver world class connectivity and communications
• Ensuring best in class governance and regulation
Set out in the table below are the programmes that are under the aegis of my Department and fall within the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 that have advanced to implementation stage where the programmes are operational and are being managed and monitored to ensure satisfactory delivery.
|
Name of Project / Programme |
Brief Description of Programme |
Expected Delivery Date |
|
National Broadband Plan |
This programme provides investment to deliver a new high-speed broadband network in the State Intervention area. |
25-year contract, with the network build due to be completed in 2027 |
|
Climate Initiatives and Research |
Funding for climate action initiatives, including international climate commitments, the purchase of carbon units, and research relating to national mitigation and adaptation frameworks. |
On-Going |
|
Energy Efficiency - Commercial & Public Sector |
Capital support schemes for commercial and public sector organisations to support investments in energy efficiency in the commercial and public building stock. These supports focus on advice services, education and, in some cases, capital supports. |
Achievement of 2030 Sectoral Ceiling Targets |
|
Energy Efficiency - Residential |
Residential energy efficiency programmes provide grant supports to homeowners, community groups and households at risk of energy poverty towards the cost of a range of home energy efficiency measures, such as insulation and renewable heating systems, to reduce energy consumption and support the transition away from fossil fuels. |
Achievement of 2030 Sectoral Ceiling Targets |
|
Energy Research and Development |
This programme provides funding for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology, including ocean energy. |
Achievement of 2030 Sectoral Ceiling Targets |
|
Just Transition |
The EU Just Transition Fund is a newly established fund under the 2021-2027 programming round, operating under Regulation (EU) 2021/1056) within the framework of EU Cohesion policy. |
2027 |
|
Renewable Energy Compliance |
Purchase of compliance under the 2009 Renewable Energy Directive. |
As required |
|
Geoscience |
This programme provides investment to strengthen Geoscience including: INFOMAR and Tellus mapping programmes and the Geoscience Research Programme. |
On going |
|
Waste management initiatives |
The programme funds grant scheme to address remediation works at landfill and historic mining sites and other waste management initiatives. |
On going |
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which progress is being made towards achieving climate action targets as set out; the degree to which efforts continue to be made to encourage full participation in achieving such targets while at the same time ensuring the continuation of the agrifood sector which in the past has proven to be the main stay of the economy; if efforts continue to be made to ensure that hedgerows, boglands and Ireland’s existing natural sequesters of carbons are fully included in climate change alleviation calculations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11497/24]
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.
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. 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 agrifood industries, as 90% of our production is exported.
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.
In relation to the accounting for emissions from land use and natural features, the Environmental Protection Agency - in its annual reporting under the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 - is responsible assessing the reporting categories for inclusion. The latest reports have incorporated recent research on the land use categories including wetlands. The estimates were submitted to the EU on the 15th January with final data to be submitted on March 15th. The submission is accompanied by the National Inventory Report (NIR) which details the methodological approach. Copies of the NIRs can be found on the EPA website.
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of Ireland’s electricity produced from renewable sources; if this is in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11498/24]
View answerIreland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, with a major reason for this being the construction of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the electricity grid.
2023 was another successful year for renewable electricity in Ireland. According to figures published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) renewable sources accounted for an average of 46.1% of the electricity generated in Ireland in 2023, an increase of over 9% on the 2022 figure.
Ireland now has over 6 GW of renewable electricity generation capacity. Wind, particularly onshore, remains our largest source of renewable electricity and accounted for 39% of all electricity generated in 2023. With approximately 4.8 GW of wind generation, Ireland is a world leader in levels of installed wind energy capacity per capita, as well as in the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid.
Solar generation is rapidly growing with over 1 GW now installed, which is an enormous increase on the previous year. Solar generation is highly complementary to wind generation and increased solar capacity will help Ireland to generate clean electricity all year round.
The recently published Climate Action Plan 2024 (CAP 24) reaffirms the ambitious targets of 9 GW of onshore wind capacity, 8 GW of solar capacity and at least 5 GW of offshore wind capacity connected to the grid by 2030 to support the achievement of the electricity sectoral emissions ceilings. This will require a major acceleration of renewable energy over the coming years.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the quality of mobile telephone services can be improved nationwide in both urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11499/24]
View answerIn relation to concerns around mobile phone coverage, the roll-out of infrastructure for mobile telecommunications services in Ireland is primarily a matter for private mobile network operators, operating on a commercial basis in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). ComReg is statutorily independent in the exercise of its functions in accordance with section 11 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002.
To assist consumers to choose the network provider that best meets their needs, ComReg continually updates and enhances its online national outdoor mobile coverage map (available at: Service Coverage - Commission for Communications Regulation (comreg.ie), which provides clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G , 4G and 5G coverage.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January 2023 to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award will represent a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and will include significant coverage obligations for operators.
