Written Answers Nos. 83-104
83. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if their Department has had the need to contact An Garda Síochána due to verbal, written (including electronically) or physical threats being addressed to staff or Ministers, at any level, working within their Department during the period 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11593/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has no record of a need to contact An Garda Síochána due to verbal, written (including electronically) or physical threats being addressed to staff or Ministers within my Department for the period 2020 to date.
84. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of windfarms; the related installed capacity of these windfarms which have exited their support scheme contracts under the alternative energy requirement support scheme and, separately, the renewable energy feed-in tariff support scheme, in the years 2000 to 2023, in tabular form. [11609/24]
View answerUnder the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) scheme, support was provided under a 15-year power purchase agreement, with support under the last scheme beginning in 2006. Support for the last remaining AER project finished in December 2021.The table below details the total number of Wind Farm projects that were supported under AER and their total capacity, given in MW.
|
Number of Wind Farms in AER |
Maximum Capacity in AER, MW |
|
26 |
194 |
Support under the first Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) scheme began in 2008 with the maximum length of support for a project being 15 years.
Under the REFIT 2 and 3 schemes support is also provided for 15 years, with support for the last REFIT project due to cease in December 2032.
The table below details the number of wind farm projects supported under the REFIT schemes and their capacity, in MW, for every year from 2008 to 2023.
|
Year |
No. of Wind Farms |
Installed capacity, MW |
|
2008 |
87 |
1196 |
|
2009 |
119 |
1639 |
|
2010 |
109 |
1513 |
|
2011 |
112 |
713 |
|
2012 |
122 |
710 |
|
2013 |
126 |
1751 |
|
2014 |
128 |
1840 |
|
2015 |
137 |
2005 |
|
2016 |
169 |
2601 |
|
2017 |
197 |
3111 |
|
2018 |
209 |
3503 |
|
2019 |
219 |
3670 |
|
2020 |
218 |
3664 |
|
2021 |
217 |
3632 |
|
2022 |
212 |
3527 |
|
2023 |
209 |
3384 |
Further information on individual projects supported by REFIT is listed on an annual basis in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) Statutory Instrument, available at the following link:
www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/ResultsTitle.html?q=Electricity+Regulation+Act+1999+(Public+Service+Obligations).
85. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he intends to legislate for a ban on disposable e-cigarettes; and if so, whether he intends this to be a standalone Bill or whether it will form part of a broader package of measures to regulate flavours and packaging as part of proposed further regulation of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11633/24]
View answerIn June 2023, I launched a public consultation to help inform Ireland’s environmental response to disposable vaping devices. Disposable vaping devices present several challenges to our current waste collection and recycling system, and they can and should be recycled in a responsible manner.
Over 3,000 submissions were made by individuals and organisations, including retailers, and around 85% of respondents supported the banning of disposable vaping devices.
In addition to a potential ban on disposable vapes under the Waste Management Act, 1996, Section 28(4)(i), other policy options under consideration include:
• Establish a deposit and return system for the devices.
• Enhance the producer responsibility scheme to ensure that all producers placing disposable vaping devices on the market are registered with the Producer Register Limited and complying fully in producer responsibility.
• Increase public awareness around the return of devices for responsible recycling.
On 25 November 2023, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, and Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, launched a public consultation to help inform future regulation of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes or “vapes”. The public consultation closed on 5 January 2024. I understand the Minister for Health is now considering those responses.
I continue to engage with stakeholders regarding the most appropriate course of action to address these devices, and the need for a consistent approach across government departments, regarding this issue.
86. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a noise abatement order under Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 is granted; what responsibility does a local authority have to enforce it; what actions it can take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11671/24]
View answer87. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a noise abatement order under Section 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 is granted; what responsibility does the EPA have to enforce it; and what actions it can take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11672/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
Under Section 108 (1) of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992, a person experiencing noise nuisance may contact their local authority or the EPA, which may initiate proceedings on the grounds of noise nuisance at any sitting of the District Court wherein the source of the noise is located. This course of action is usually undertaken only where a public nuisance is being alleged. The Act also provides for any person, or group of persons, to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated.The District Court may order the person or body making, causing or responsible for the noise to take the measures necessary to reduce the noise to a specified level or to take specified measures for the prevention or limitation of the noise and the person or body concerned shall comply with such order. Neither I, a local authority, nor the EPA have any role in relation to the enforcement of a Court Order.
90. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update and report on the return deposit scheme; the number of stores that are up and running; and the uptake by consumers. [11836/24]
View answer91. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in a case where bottles or cans are rejected by the return deposit scheme machine, but have the valid logo, if stores are obliged to take these items manually and issue a refund to the consumer. [11837/24]
View answer92. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications in the case where abottle or can is not accepted or not returned, if the deposit stays with the retailer. [11838/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 to 92, inclusive, together.
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been in operation since the 1st of February. Both the Department and Re-turn, the DRS operator, are monitoring the scheme closely and I receive regular updates on its performance.
To date:
• There are currently 2,529 retail return points across the country. The vast majority of retailers (2,302) are using automated collection via Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) while 227 retailers have opted for a manual, over-the-counter collection system.
• To date almost 7 million empty containers have been returned. Of this, 3.4 million (49%) are plastic bottles and 3.6 million (51%) are cans.
• €1.2 million has been refunded.
A transition period will remain in place until 1st June 2024 to manage the selling off of old stock and the introduction of new, Re-turn logo-ed stock. During this transition period, some drinks containers will continue to be sold without a deposit charged. Only containers for which a deposit has been paid will be accepted at RVMs.
Customers who have been charged a deposit on a drinks container will get their deposit back when they return the empty container. Should a retailer refuse to take-back or refund a container on which a deposit has been paid, Re-turn, the DRS operator, has advised customers to contact it by email at info@re-turn.ie or by phone at (LoCall) 1800 852 752.
Deposits which are not refunded are referred to as unredeemed deposits. As set out in the DRS Regulations, unredeemed deposits are retained by Re-turn to be put back into the Scheme and used to fund the operations of the DRS.
93. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has had any policy discussions with ComReg to encourage telecommunications providers to introduce social broadband and phone tariffs similar to those that many of the same companies offer in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11905/24]
View answerThe Deputy might wish to note that the Department of Social Protection has a Telephone Support Allowance currently in place which provides a weekly payment for people who live alone and are already in receipt of certain other social welfare payments. That allowance assists with the cost of communications and home security solutions. More details are available from that Department, including how to apply, how to qualify, and relevant rates, etc.
Separately, under the regulatory framework for electronic communications, there is provision under the European Union (Electronic Communications Code) Regulations 2022, SI 444 of 2022 to consider whether measures are required to ensure consumers with low income or special social needs can access services at an affordable price. In considering this, engagement with stakeholders, including both the regulator and the Minister for Social Protection is required. Ireland, unlike the UK, is subject to the European regulatory framework for electronic communications.
Finally, ComReg has information on its website where consumers can compare communication services - upfront and total costs, including handset prices for mobile phone, broadband and TV price plans. This information can be found at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
94. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications what monies were allocated to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) residential and community retrofit scheme in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11912/24]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) manage a number of residential and community energy upgrade grant support schemes on behalf of my Department.
The 2023 capital funding allocation for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes was €348 million. This allocation was funded by Carbon Tax revenue, the Exchequer, the Energy Efficiency National Fund and funding from European Regional Development Fund.
Expenditure across SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes was almost €320million in 2023. This represents an increase of 70% on 2022 levels.
Through this funding, the Government supported almost 48,000 home energy upgrades, including Solar PV, in 2023. This was an increase of 76% on 2022 output levels. Of these, over 17,600 home energy upgrades were to a post works building energy rating of B2 or better - over double the 2022 levels.
Included in the overall figures for 2023 were almost 5,900 fully funded energy upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme for low-income households, up 33% on 2022 levels and the equivalent of over 100 free energy upgrades completed under this scheme every week last year. The average value of these fully funded upgrades was €25,000.
A more detailed overview of the SEAI performance against annual targets on the residential and community energy efficiency schemes can be found in their recently published “National Retrofit Plan Full Year Report 2023” - www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf.
A record capital budget of €437.2 million for SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes has been allocated for 2024. The overall allocation will mean that the progress made last year under the National Retrofit Plan will be further built on in 2024.
96. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the presence he or his Departmental officials will have at the Wind Europe annual event in Bilbao, Spain from 20-22 March 2024; his Department’s proposed contribution to the event; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12003/24]
View answerI and officials from my Department are attending the Wind Europe Annual Event 2024 in Bilbao. l will be presenting Ireland’s wind energy policies to the global wind energy sector and investors at a Ministerial Plenary Session on Offshore Wind, along with other European Ministers and senior figures from the world of business.
The conference one of the largest wind industry meetings in the world with an expect 12,000 people attending. This conference will be critical in helping us attract investment needed to meet Ireland's onshore and offshore wind targets and to maximise the economic and social benefits to Ireland as a result.
My Department will be joined by representatives from the all-of-Government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce. This will include representation from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Transport, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, SEAI, as well as those working in the Irish wind industry at an Ireland Pavilion at the conference. Our engagement at the conference will include specific ‘Ireland Markets Sessions’ to flag business opportunities for companies and investors interested in Irish market. Speakers for this session will include members from the Offshore Wind Deliver Taskforce.
97. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to the introduction of a public subsidy where an estate in a town or urban area for which it is uncommercial for operators to service high speed broadband due to infrastructure deficits, which operators can tender for, which provides funding to bridge the gap between the excess cost in rolling out to such estates and the commercial cut off point that is, the point at which it is uncommercial for an operator to serve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12044/24]
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
NBI reports that all 955 Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) sites have been installed before the end of 2023, of which 283 are publicly accessible Broadband Connection Point sites now connected with high-speed broadband service through a service provider contract with Vodafone. The remaining 672 installed SCPs are part of the SCP Schools Programme.
The remaining 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.
My Department is aware that, due to the age of some estates, there may be no ducting in place to individual premises and therefore the commercial operators such as Open eir and Siro may face additional connection challenges and therefore may not have immediate plans to upgrade the estate to full fibre broadband. The Department will continue to engage with commercial operators to clarify their plans in this regard.
98. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a response will issue to concerns raised by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12052/24]
View answerThe roll-out of infrastructure for 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.
NBI reports that all 955 Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) sites have been installed before the end of 2023. The remaining 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 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.
In regard to Ardee, please see some statistics below:
|
ARDEE |
Premises |
|
AMBER Intervention Area (IA) |
300 |
|
BLUE Commercial area |
2500 |
|
Total |
2800 |
For the Cherrybrook estate specifically, there are over 110 premises in the estate which are served from the open eir FTTC cabinet ARD1-004. The vast majority of these premises are getting greater than 30Mbps most are getting speeds of 60Mbps or greater.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the Department of Environment Climate and Communication (DECC) webform at secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and DECC will escalate with open eir to investigate this matter further.
In order to ensure that we are meeting the "Gigabit" targets as mentioned in the Digital Connectivity Strategy, my officials are continuously evaluating opportunities for adding premises to the Intervention Area, where appropriate. Alternatively, where it is not feasible for premises to be recategorised, we are addressing the issues through the Mobile Phone and Broadband Task Force (the Taskforce). The Taskforce comprises State actors and industry representatives and is tasked with identifying and overcoming barriers to improved connectivity.
Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 4 of 2023, saw a 7.51% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to Quarter 3 , 2023, and a 33.33% increase when compared to Quarter 4 of 2022. 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 (667,771) or cable (348,251) infrastructure.
99. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans regarding the transposition of the requirements of the Revised Renewable Energy Directive, with particular focus on the delivery of the specified planning and permitting timescales, in view of recommendation 7 in the recent European Commission assessment of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plan of Ireland for 2021-2030 (NECP); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12062/24]
View answerUnder the Renewable Energy Directive III (EU/2023/2413), Ireland is required to transpose the relevant planning and permitting articles by 1 July 2024.
The required work programmes for those elements of RED III relating to renewable permit granting targets are being considered as part of the work of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce established by my Department.
This Taskforce is identifying, coordinating, and prioritising the required policies to achieve targets and to ensure that matters related to the relevant planning and permitting articles, including implementation of changes to the permit-granting process, are considered in detail by all relevant Departments and authorities in a manner consistent with the timelines set down in the Directive.
100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to the issues outlined in correspondence concerning prices for broadband and mobile network services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12092/24]
View answerI refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 91 of 27 February 2024 which gives consideration to the correspondence concerning prices for broadband and mobile network services. My officials are examining the matter and will also be guided by legal advice on appropriate policy options.
101. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications where within the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 it stipulates the procedures for appointing a deputy or interim CEO; the date on which he was consulted regarding the appointment of a deputy CEO; the reason the current CEO requires a deputy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12094/24]
View answerSection 24(3) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 (2010 Act) provides for the appointment of a deputy chief executive by IFI.
The appointment of a deputy CEO is entirely a matter for the Board of IFI and there is no statutory requirement for the IFI Board to consult with the Minister in relation to such staff appointments.
The IFI Board have appointed a deputy CEO from time to time in accordance with Section 24(3) of the 2010 Act e.g. to cover leave periods.
102. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason Inland Fisheries Ireland needed to convene an emergency board meeting on 6 March 2024; if he will share the minutes from this meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12095/24]
View answerThe issues raised by the Deputy regarding the convening of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Board Meetings and the minutes related thereto are operational matters for IFI in which neither I nor my Department have any function.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
103. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the date on which IFI undertook a study of sea trout and salmon stocks that use the river systems of the Dargle, Vartry and Avoca; the plans that IFI has to replenish stocks and or provide conservation for stocks; and if he will outline any concerns IFI has in respect of stocks of those species in the named river systems. [12146/24]
View answerThe issues raised by the Deputy regarding the management of any species of fish in a particular river or fishery is an operational matter for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any function.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie.
