Written Answers Nos. 151-159
151. Deputy Paudie Coffey asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his plans to ensure the roll out of SaorView to black spot areas in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43560/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraRTÉ has built, owns and controls the SAORVIEW TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This includes information on transmitter sites being used. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ.
Section 130 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides that RTÉ must roll out a national digital TV network to the same extent as its existing analogue network. In this regard, I understand from RTÉ that their analogue network covers 98% of the population and the Saorview network will also provide 98% population coverage. It is impossible to cover 100% of the population by terrestrial means.
The SAORVIEW network is largely completed. Regarding Waterford, I have been informed by RTÉ Networks Limited that as well as having five of the sixty four SAORVIEW transmission sites located in County Waterford (Dungarvan, Kilmacthomas, Ferrypoint, Clonmel (the transmitter site is just inside County Waterford) and Gallows Hill) large parts of County Waterford are covered by transmission sites in other counties (Mount Leinster – Carlow, Suir Valley – Kilkenny, Mullaghanish, Spur Hill and Mitchelstown – Cork and Cahir - Tipperary).
Analogue Terrestrial Television Coverage in County Waterford was as follows: RTÉ One c. 88%; RTÉ Two c. 88%; TG4 c. 82%; TV3 c. 60%.
SAORVIEW coverage in County Waterford gives the following improvements over the old analogue network - an improvement in terrestrial availability of 10% for RTÉ One and RTÉ Two; an improvement in terrestrial availability of 16% for TG4; an improvement in terrestrial availability of 38% for TV3.
In addition to SAORVIEW, RTÉ has developed SAORSAT, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. SAORSAT launched in March 2012. Currently, SAORSAT provides access to the RTÉ channels including the new RTÉ channels developed for SAORVIEW and TG4. TV3 has not yet made a decision regarding SAORSAT. SAORVIEW and SAORSAT coverage and reception information is available on www.saorview.ie and www.rtenl.ie
152. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources in view of the fact that large areas of County Kerry will lose television reception after 24 October 2012 if he will ensure that existing TV transmission masts will be upgraded to ensure that some technical solution will be found for the problems that are continuing to exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43579/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraRTÉ has built, owns and controls the SAORVIEW TV network and is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of that network. This includes information on transmitter sites being used. This is in accordance with Part 8 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, which provides that the development of the RTÉ network is an operational matter for RTÉ.
Section 130 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 Act provides that RTÉ must roll out a national digital TV network to the same extent as its existing analogue network. In this regard, I understand from RTÉ that its analogue network covers 98% of the population and the SAORVIEW network will also provide 98% population coverage.
The SAORVIEW network is largely completed. The remaining thirteen sites, including Dingle in Kerry have been on air since 1 October and will provide increased coverage in the relevant areas. It must be understood that it is simply not possible to provide 100% coverage by terrestrial means. Reasons for this include, for example, local topography.
In addition to SAORVIEW, RTÉ has developed SAORSAT, a new free-to-air satellite service unique to Ireland to ensure the RTÉ television services are available to the remaining 2% of the population. SAORSAT launched in March 2012. Currently, SAORSAT provides access to the RTÉ channels, including the new RTÉ channels developed for SAORVIEW, and TG4. TV3 has not yet made a decision regarding carriage on SAORSAT. SAORVIEW and SAORSAT coverage and reception information is available on www.saorview.ie and www.rtenl.ie.
Specifically in relation to Kerry, as I explained to the Deputy in a parliamentary question reply of 26 September, according to RTÉ Networks Limited (RTÉNL) six of the sixty four SAORVIEW transmission sites are located in County Kerry (Mullaghanish – Cork/Kerry border, Kilkeaveragh, Maamclasagh, Dingle, Knockmoyle, Cnoc An Oir). Additionally, parts of County Kerry are covered by transmission sites in other counties (Castletownbere, Bantry – Cork, Maghera – Clare).
Furthermore, as also explained to the Deputy, I have been informed by RTÉNL that SAORVIEW has delivered a significant improvement in terrestrial coverage in both geographical and population coverage in County Kerry as set out in the following tables:
Geographical
|
Channel |
Analogue Coverage |
SAORVIEW Coverage |
Increase |
|
RTÉ One |
75 % area |
87% |
12% |
|
RTÉ Two |
75% area |
87% |
12% |
|
TV3 |
40% area |
87% |
47% |
|
TG4 |
64% area |
87% |
23% |
Population
|
Channel |
Analogue Coverage |
SAORVIEW Coverage |
Increase |
|
RTÉ One |
90% population |
95% |
5% |
|
RTÉ Two |
90% population |
95% |
5% |
|
TV3 |
44% population |
95% |
51% |
|
TG4 |
75% population |
95% |
20% |
153. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources the actions, if any, he has taken on foot of the recommendations in the report by the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht entitled Eight proposals urgently required to tackle flooding on the River Shannon, it's tributaries and the waters feeding into it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43611/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have received the Report of the Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht entitled, ‘Eight proposals urgently required to tackle flooding on the river Shannon, its tributaries and the waters feeding into it’.
I have, as requested, forwarded copies to the relevant agencies under my remit and asked them to respond directly to the Joint Committee itself. I am aware that those agencies have responded. I would hope that those responses will be of use to deliberations on this issue and will contribute to future plans to alleviate the recurring problem of flooding on the Shannon.
154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his view regarding expanding the role of post offices (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43625/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to the post office network, including the development of commercial strategies, are an operational matter for the management and Board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function.
Nonetheless, it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable State company, providing high quality services on a nationwide basis. In this context, the Government supports the maintenance of the maximum number of economically viable post offices.
An Post has many strengths and has the largest retail presence in the country. I have impressed on the Company the need to further exploit its unique position in this regard.
In the context of public sector transformation, I have stressed to my Government colleagues that the increased use of the post office network should be considered by public sector bodies where this is appropriate, and An Post has met public sector bodies in connection with the outsourcing element of the public sector transformation agenda.
As a commercial State body An Post may bid for business from both public and private organisations in a competitive market. The nature and volume of business that An Post conducts with Government Departments and Public Sector Agencies is, however, in the first instance, a matter for the company and the respective Government Departments and Agencies.
155. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if the State plans to auction the analog band after the State makes the digital switchover; and if he will estimate what this auction could achieve. [43757/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act, 2002 as amended.
I am advised by ComReg that the 800MHz spectrum currently allocated for use in broadcasting analogue television signals, until 24 October 2012, is included in ComReg’s current Multi-Band Spectrum Award.
The level of spectrum fees that will be generated by the Multi-Band Spectrum Award process will be determined by the eventual level of demand expressed in the auction.
I would, however, draw attention to section 2.2.5 of the ComReg’s Information Memorandum (Document 12/52) which provides, amongst other things, for the following reserve prices for spectrum lots being made available in the auction:
€10.81 million for each lot in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands across both “time slices” (noting that 13 such lots are being made available); and
€5.4 million for each lot in the 1800 MHz band across both time slices (noting that 15 such lots are being made available).
156. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources noting Irelands potential deliverable renewable energy resource identified by Sustainable Energy Ireland and referred to again by the private sector Irish Wind Energy Association in the context of the potential for the creation of 30,000 jobs in this sector, his views on whether this resource did not require prospecting or drilling costs with associated tax concessions and other surrender of publicly owned resources to attract private sector companies; and his plans to enable the State sector including the ESB to develop the offshore wind industry using European Investment Bank funding. [43801/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of long-term sustainable jobs that new renewable energy projects can deliver depends on a variety of factors. The figures quoted are estimates based on a variety of assumptions. A 2009 report by the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) entitled “Jobs and Investment in Irish wind energy” estimated that the wind energy sector in Ireland can support 1.5 jobs per MW installed. At the end of 2011, 17.6% of Ireland’s electricity was from renewable sources, with approximately 1900MW installed.
At an EU level, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) analysis found that there are 15 jobs created per MW - wind turbine and component manufacturing provide the majority of employment opportunities at circa 59% of direct employment. These elements represent 12.5 of the 15.1 jobs created in the EU for every MW installed. Ireland’s ability to harness a high level of employment from renewable energy projects would depend, to a large extent, on related industry such as turbine and cable manufacturing industry relocating to Ireland.
The development of renewable energy in Ireland is being pursued in line with our obligations under the Renewable Energy Directive, that 16% of all energy consumed in the State must be from renewable sources by 2020.
This is a legally binding obligation introduced by the EU to ensure that our climate and energy goals of reducing CO2 emissions and increasing security of energy supply can be achieved by 2020. In the event that Member States fall short of their national renewable targets, the Directive provides that they will be obliged to purchase renewable energy credits from other Member States that have exceeded their targets, at a price that is not yet known.
In the electricity sector, 17.6% of electricity consumed was from renewables in 2011, in the transport sector 3.6% of energy consumed was biofuels and in the heating sector 5% of energy consumed was from renewable sources (mainly biomass and shallow geothermal.) The total of the renewable energy consumed in 2011 across the three sectors amounted to 6.5% of all energy. The objectives, in order to meet our 2020 binding targets are to increase renewable energy consumption in those sectors to 40% in the electricity sector, 10% in the transport sector and 12% in the heating sector, which together will mean the 16% overall target can be reached.
Onshore wind rather than offshore wind will be the major mechanism towards the meeting of our 2020 target. This is because the cost per MW for offshore wind is significantly higher than onshore wind and a higher feed in tariff (REFIT) for offshore wind would have had to be provided, funded through the PSO levy.
The potential for export of renewable electricity was outlined in the Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020 which I published earlier in the year. The mechanisms by which renewable energy can be exported or traded with another country are provided for under the Renewable Energy Directive in Articles 6-12 on co-operation mechanisms. Countries can agree statistical transfer, which involves the purchase of renewable credits by the importing country in order to meet their target or they can agree joint projects which involves identifying specific projects for the purpose of renewable trading and agreeing how the projects will be financed and how the renewable value will be counted towards each country’s renewable target under the Directive.
The use of these co-operation mechanisms under the Directive requires formal agreement between two or more Governments. I have had a number of bilateral discussions with my UK counterpart in this regard as well as some discussion under the auspices of the British Irish Council. We are actively exploring the possibility of trade in renewable energy between the two jurisdictions, with a view to reaching an agreement that would provide for that.
It will be necessary to ensure that Irish consumers do not have to foot the bill for renewable electricity that is exported to the UK and that there are real benefits from renewable trade accruing to the Irish State and Irish consumers. Renewable developers will only pursue an investment if they can finance the investment and usually this involves a guaranteed minimum price for 15 or 20 years over which time they can repay the loan for the capital outlay.
In the event that renewable power was being exported to the UK, for example, it would be necessary to ensure that the costs associated with new transmission infrastructure to export the power and the cost of a support scheme for renewable developers is paid for by UK consumers, rather than Irish consumers who would not be benefitting from either the power or the renewable value of the electricity.
The current market price for electricity in the SEM is approximately €65MWh. The capital costs of offshore wind are high. Offshore wind developers would need a significantly higher guaranteed price more than the current market price for electricity in order to finance an offshore wind project and to finance new transmission infrastructure to transport the electricity generated by such a project to the marketplace.
A loan to finance a project is only helpful insofar as the project has a reasonable prospect of earning sufficient revenue from the project to pay off the loan over time. The current market prices in Ireland and the UK would be insufficient in the case of an offshore wind project. If the UK or another market wanted to import power from an offshore wind project under the cooperation mechanisms in the Directive, so that they could count some or all of the output towards their target, they would need to be willing to offer a sufficient support price to the project developer over a defined period to make the investment viable. This is an area that the UK Government is currently examining as part of their market reform.
If the Irish Government decides to enter an Inter-Governmental agreement under the Directive with the UK or another Government, it will have to ensure sufficient return to the State from such projects. This might include a share of the renewable value or the imposition of a royalty of some type.
The Irish State Companies, notably ESB and BGE already have a significant presence in the onshore wind energy sector. Further investment in wind energy would be a matter for the companies themselves, taking full account of their commercial remit.
157. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the basis for the development of our renewable energy resource has been funded by the Irish State through the Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Department of the Marine, the Marine Institute, the HMRC in UCC and the ESB; his views on whether his Departments present plans for the development of the resources will enable multinational energy corporations including those based in Ireland to extract large profits from the development of this resource with no payback to the Irish taxpayer for their investment in this resource over decades. [43802/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy use comprises electricity, heating and transport. In 2011, 6.5% of all energy we consumed in the State was from renewable sources. The development of renewable energy in Ireland is being pursued in line with our obligations under the Renewable Energy Directive, to have 16% of all energy consumed in the State to be from renewable sources by 2020. This is a legally binding obligation introduced by the EU to ensure that our climate and energy goals of reducing CO2 emissions and increasing security of energy supply can be achieved by 2020. In the event that Member States fall short of their national renewable targets, the Directive provides that they will be obliged to purchase renewable energy credits from other Member States that have exceeded their targets, at a price that is not yet known.
In the electricity sector, 17.6% of electricity consumed was from renewables in 2011, in the transport sector 3.6% of energy consumed was biofuels and in the heating sector 5% of energy consumed was from renewable sources (mainly biomass and shallow geothermal). The total of the renewable energy consumed in 2011 across the three sectors amounted to 6.5% of all energy. Our intention, in order to meet our 2020 binding targets is to increase renewable energy consumption in those sectors to 40% in the electricity sector, 10% in the transport sector and 12% in the heating sector, which together will mean our 16% overall target can be reached.
In the electricity sector, which makes the greatest contribution to our renewable energy consumption, Ireland has approximately 1900MW of renewable generation connected to the electricity grid. This consists of existing large hydro plants such as Ardnacrusha, as well as wind and biomass sourced generation. Six tender competitions were run from the mid 1990s to the mid 2000s through a scheme known as AER (Alternative Energy Requirement) to incentivise renewable generation across different technologies. This guaranteed the winning tenders 10 or 15 years of support at the winning price. Under the AER schemes, 532MW of renewable generation was built out.
In 2006 a new scheme known as REFIT was introduced. REFIT operates by guaranteeing a minimum floor price for renewable energy generation over a 15 year period. The original REFIT scheme was to cater for 1450MW of wind sourced generation, small hydro, landfill gas and biomass generated electricity. Two new REFIT schemes were introduced in 2012 – one to encourage biomass sourced generation including anaerobic digestion and combined heat and power and one to encourage wind sourced generation, small hydro and landfill gas. The REFIT and AER schemes are funded through the PSO levy that is funded by all electricity consumers.
The above is the basis for our renewable energy development to date. Separate to the above, there has been a certain level of public funding allocated to the wave and tidal energy sector in recent years. Ocean Energy was recently identified as a priority area in the research prioritisation exercise undertaken by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, given its potential for the development of a future industrial sector here. The development of ocean energy has been pursued in line with the 2006 Ocean Energy Strategy published by my Department.
This wave and tidal sector is still at the research and development phase and is not yet commercially viable. The Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC) in Cork has a wave test tank where early stage devices can be tested and has developed a systematic protocol for the scaling up and testing of wave technology. Certain third level institutions are engaged in ocean energy research across the Irish university system.
SEAI’s ocean energy development unit has been engaged in a series of tasks to encourage the ocean energy sector, including through the administration of a prototype development fund of grants whereby up to 50% co-funding for scale testing and other research in the ocean area has been provided to industry. ESB has been involved in the Westwave project, which has had as a goal to install and operate wave energy converters capable of generating 5MW of clean electricity by 2015. SEAI together with the Marine Institute has been involved in the development of a wave test site in Galway Bay, where quarter scale prototypes can be tested and the Marine Institute, together with IBM has been involved in the SmartBay project, creating ICT links with the development of ocean energy.
The public funding for ocean energy to date has been focussed on research, development and demonstration as technologies in this area are not commercially viable. The public funding in this area is in anticipation of potential for a future ocean energy industrial sector and the maximisation of benefits to the Irish State and citizens in that regard in the event that the sector becomes commercially viable.
158. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources if he will report on the progress of the better energy national upgrade programme in improving the energy efficiency of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43804/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Communications; Energy and Natural Resources his plans for a retrofit programme to be targeted at public buildings here which would not only reduce energy costs and increase efficiency but would also provide employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43805/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme, which includes Better Energy Homes, Warmer Homes and Workplaces.
Exchequer funding of €76.146 million has been allocated to the Better Energy Programme in 2012, which is projected to deliver 567GWh in energy savings this year, equivalent to energy spend of €34 million.
Better Energy Homes provides financial assistance to householders who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying BER. Since the scheme commenced in March 2009 the SEAI has disbursed almost €143m in grants and supported the installation of over 333,000 such measures in 131,850 homes.
Better Energy Warmer Homes delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to households that are vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is managed by the SEAI and delivered through a range of Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage. Since the commencement of the Programme in 2000 energy efficiency upgrades have been delivered to 86,302 homes amounting to €87 million in Exchequer funding.
Better Energy Workplaces evaluates new approaches for implementing sustainable energy upgrades to existing facilities in the public, commercial, industrial and community sectors. By accelerating the scale and depth of retrofit across these sectors the programme aims to create energy efficiency exemplar projects. The scheme disbursed €11 million in grants in 2011, co-financed 85 projects and supported 250 jobs. This year the Better Energy Workplaces Fund has offered support to 145 projects – 44 of which are in the public sector. This scheme has developed public sector and market competence and capacity for pay-as-you-save type models.
My Department and the SEAI have also established a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system whereby all energy usage in the Public Sector will be accounted for and progress will be systematically recorded. Last month I wrote to the head of each of the public bodies, reminding them of their obligation to report annually their energy usage to SEAI. Enclosed with each letter was the SEAI report: ‘Energy Use in the Public Sector’, which outlines savings achieved to date across the public sector to end-2010 amount to 650 GWh.
The public sector is estimated to spend more than €500 million per annum on energy. Achieving our 33% savings target for the public sector would save €150 million each year in expenditure. This Government remains firmly committed to meeting this target. This year SEAI has targeted the top 135 public bodies, which account for over 95% of public sector energy consumption. These organisations will submit detailed energy and activity data to SEAI. From this data detailed progress scorecards will be produced for each organisation. From 2013 on, an SEAI online energy data system will facilitate all public bodies and schools to report detailed energy data and allow SEAI to prepare detailed scorecards for all public bodies.
Finally, the recently adopted Energy Efficiency Directive will translate elements of the European Efficiency Plan into binding measures on Member States, including an annual rate of renovation for central Government buildings of 3%; an inventory of central Government buildings with a total useful floor area over certain thresholds; and an obligation on public bodies to procure products, services and buildings with high energy efficient performance. The 3% renovation target for central Government buildings represents a challenge for the Office of Public Works (OPW), however the energy savings will greatly outweigh the costs of renovation. We will work closely with the OPW over the coming months to prepare a plan for the realisation of this target.
