Written Answers Nos. 605-623
605. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide in tabular form the number of post offices that closed in the past ten years on a yearly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13091/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer to the reply to Question No. 319 [12182/14] on 11th March 2014. The position is unchanged.
606. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding fracking here; and if persons' concerns have been taken into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13122/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have made it clear on a number of occasions that any application for an exploration licence proposing the use of hydraulic fracturing as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme would be subject to a full environmental impact assessment. An environmental impact assessment, which requires public consultation as well as consultation with prescribed bodies, entails consideration of the potential impacts of a project on population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors. Under the EIA Directive, it is not possible to permit a project unless it can be determined following assessment that it would not have an unacceptable environmental or social impact.
In this context, in December of last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a call for tenders to engage the relevant expertise to carry out scientific research into the potential impacts of hydraulic fracking. As part of the development of this process, the terms of reference for this study were the subject of a public consultation process and the submissions received were considered in finalising the procurment documents advertised. It is expected that a report from this study will not be published before 2016.
I wish to confirm that no applications have been made to my Department to date proposing the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling. Furthermore, until there has been time to consider the findings of the EPA research, the use of this technology in Ireland will not be authorised.
607. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps being taken to achieve 100Mbps connectivity to 272 secondary schools, as outlined in action 102 of the Action Plan for Jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13176/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll post-primary schools will have a 100Mbps broadband connection installed by the end of 2014 under a project jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills. Building on the 516 schools connected under phases 1 and 2 of the national rollout programme, the third and final phase will provide 100 Mbps connectivity to some 269 schools located in Counties Carlow, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow. A tender competition has issued under an existing framework agreement for connections to each school and is scheduled for evaluation and contract award during April 2014. It is expected that all schools will be completed by the beginning of the 2014/2015 academic year.
608. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the report study on the viability and cost-benefit analysis for Ireland of exporting renewable electricity (RES-E) using the Co-operation Mechanism in Directive 2009/28/EC has not been made public; his views that under the Aarhus Convention this report should be made available to the public and to the groups opposing the building of large windmills in the midlands and other parts of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13287/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraA full cost benefit analysis (CBA) is on-going to determine if it is mutually beneficial for Ireland and the United Kingdom to enter an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to facilitate trade in renewable energy. The potential for investment, jobs and growth, are among the matters under consideration. In parallel with the CBA my Department is also developing a Renewable Energy Export Policy and Development Framework. I have stated on a number of occasions that transparency in the development of the framework is crucial and that the views of local communities must be at the heart of the transition to renewable energy. The Stage 1 consultation on the framework, which involved the publication of Stage 1 information and summary documents, ran late last year, and gave all interested parties an opportunity, at the outset, to present their views on how the Government should develop national policy to realise the opportunity to trade renewable energy with other EU Member States including the United Kingdom. The process is moving to Stage 2 with the publication of the scoping report for public consultation in the coming weeks. National press advertisements and updates on my Department's website will inform all stakeholders of the commencement of the Stage 2 consultation. During Stage 3 the draft policy, the Environmental Report (on which the Strategic Environmental Assessment will be based) and Natura Impact Statement (on which the Appropriate Assessment will be based) will all be published and a public consultation will provide all stakeholders a further opportunity to contribute to make observations on the development of the framework.
Discussions with the UK on a proposed IGA are continuing. Given the commercially sensitive nature of the CBA it would not be appropriate to publish the details of the CBA at this stage of the discussions.
609. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to improve broadband services in County Westmeath through the national broadband scheme, and in particular for the geographical area of Ballymore, County Westmeath, as opportunities for businesses are severely curtailed due to the major deficit being experienced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13312/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s telecommunications market has been fully liberalised since 1999. The market has since developed into a well-regulated market, supporting a multiplicity of commercial operators, providing services over a diverse range of technology platforms. The commercial sector is responsible for the provision of broadband services in the first instance and the State only intervenes in cases of clear market failure. The current National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is one such intervention. This scheme was designed to provide basic broadband connectivity to largely rural areas of the country that were not in receipt of commercial services.The Government’s National Broadband Plan, which I published in August 2012, aims to radically change the broadband landscape in Ireland by ensuring that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses including those in County Westmeath. This will be achieved by providing: - a policy and regulatory framework that assists in accelerating and incentivising commercial investment, and a State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest.
Since the publication of the Plan, investments by the commercial sector are underway and in some instances have been accelerated in both fixed line and wireless high speed broadband services. In the fixed line segment of the market, eircom has announced plans to pass 1.4m addresses with its next generation broadband service, with speeds of up to 100Mbps, while UPC has increased its entry level and maximum speeds to 120Mbps and 200Mbps respectively. Mobile operators have also made announcements regarding network upgrades and are rolling out enhanced product offerings. In addition, the recent enactment of legislation to facilitate the ESB's entry into the telecommunications market, either alone or in partnership with another operator, will also facilitate the roll-out of high speed broadband as well as facilitating greater competition in the Irish market.
Many of these developments have been facilitated through the implementation of measures in the National Broadband Plan, including the conclusion of ComReg's multiband spectrum auction, and the regulatory regime for fixed line Next Generation Access and service bundles. Both of these measures are designed to incentivise the rollout of services by operators.
In tandem with these developments, intensive work, including a comprehensive mapping exercise, continues in my Department in relation to the State-led investment to secure the countrywide introduction of next generation broadband access. In order to progress the State-led investment for areas where it is not commercial for the market to invest, a full procurement process must be designed and EU State Aids approval must be obtained.
Under the national mapping exercise, information has been sought from all undertakings authorised by ComReg in relation to current and planned broadband services, both basic and next generation access (NGA). Mapping data has been submitted to my Department by a total of 23 operators and the process of analysing the data and supporting information is continuing. The mapping data is being assessed on a case-by-case basis, having regard to the EU State Aid Guidelines. When all of the information has been analysed, a clear picture should emerge of coverage throughout all of the country. I expect that this process will be completed later this year, after which it is my intention to publish a map showing existing and planned NGA broadband coverage, along with the Government’s proposals for a State-led intervention to roll out high speed broadband across the country.
The procurement process for the approved intervention will be carried out in accordance with EU and Irish procurement rules and it is expected that it will be launched later in 2014.
Through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, I am committed to ensuring that all parts of Ireland have access to high speed broadband, with a view to ensuring that all citizens and businesses can participate fully in, and maximise the benefits of, a digitally enabled economy and society.
610. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of times his Department received requests by Philanthropy Ireland to meet in 2011, 2012 and 2013; the number of times his Department met Philanthropy Ireland in those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13384/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of any meeting requests from, or meetings held with, Philantrophy Ireland.
611. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to significant difficulties being experienced due to lack of broadband at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare following recent installations of services at the school; the steps that will be taken to rectify this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13404/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that the broadband connection to the school referred to in the Question, which was installed as part of the 100Mbps to post-primary schools national rollout, has experienced difficulties since the link was installed. I understand that these unforeseen difficulties arose as a result of interference affecting the licensed spectrum allocated to deliver backhaul services from the local high site and are not related to any problem at the school. My Department has been in ongoing contact with the school and has, in recent days, advised them that a resolution to the issue is currently in the process of being implemented. I expect the school to be in a position to avail of the 100Mbps broadband service by the end of the week.
612. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 240 and 24 of 4 March 2014, his views that research carried out, using taxpayers' money to fund it as recently as 2010 cannot be listed and made available as requested; if he will provide a list of research carried out but not published; and the reasons it was not published. [13412/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in my response to Questions Nos. 240 and 241 of 4 March 2014, all research completed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), since its establishment in 2010, is publicly available on the organisation's website www.fisheriesireland.ie. While the information sought prior to IFI’s establishment is not as readily available, I understand that, following my request outlined in my response to the Questions above, the Chief Executive of IFI has liaised directly with the Deputy. I am advised that matters are in hand in IFI to provide him with a list of research identified as a result of that dialogue.
613. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 343 of 11 February 2014, if he will provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13475/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outlined in my reply to Question No. 343 of 11 February, the ownership of the telecommunications mast in this case and any legal issues therein are primarily matters for RTÉ and other parties to the case. Section 98 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 provides that RTÉ shall be independent in the pursuance of its objects and as such, I, as Minister, have no function in this matter. However, as undertaken in my previous statement, a response on this issue from 2RN will issue to the Deputy shortly.
614. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent on EirGrid's Grid25 project to date; if he will provide in tabular form the cost of public relations, consultancy costs and advertising costs since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13528/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra615. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way the Grid25 project is being financed; if this will increase the cost of electricity to consumers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13529/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra616. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the Grid25 project is a point to point project; his views that this will best serve the regions of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13530/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 614 to 616, inclusive, together.
EirGrid’s Grid25 strategy to upgrade the national transmission system between now and 2025 is a major initiative, involving an investment of €3.2 billion, which will put in place the safe, secure and affordable electricity system that the State requires. It will involve extensive work throughout the country, including building 800km of new transmission and upgrading 2,000 km of existing lines.
Grid25 will reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels by putting the infrastructure in place to enable us use our own natural resources, help us create less carbon waste and enable us to reach our 40% targets for the generation of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. It will also provide capacity to facilitate regional economic development, together with jobs creation and growth, alongside the development of renewable energy sources. It will allow for long term growth in the demand for electricity and ensure the efficient operation of the All Island Single Electricity Market.
The Government does not direct EirGrid to particular sites, routes or technologies. However, the July 2012 “Government Statement on Transmission and other Electricity Infrastructure” does require EirGrid to take account of all relevant national and international standards, and to follow best practice and ensure value for money. Decisions on both siting and technologies for energy infrastructure are matters for the developers and for the forward planning process, through regional and local development plans and at project level through the development management process.
The issue of how the various projects under the Grid 25 Strategy will be financed, and the breakdown of associated expenditure by the company on public relations, consultancy and advertising are all matters for EirGrid and not matters in which I have a function. However, in relation to network investment costs, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) undertakes reviews of such costs incurred by both EirGrid and ESB every five years with additional monitoring carried out annually. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the significant network investment needed is efficient and delivered at the lowest possible cost to electricity consumers, while also ensuring that the grid investment necessary to enable greater fuel diversity (i.e. renewables) and security of supply is achieved.
617. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress in the sale of Bord Gáis Energy; if a decision has been made as to where the revenue raised form this sale will be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13531/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord Gáis Éireann is currently finalising a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Brookfield, Centrica and iCon, the consortium selected as the preferred bidder in the transaction process on the sale of Bord Gáis Energy. With regard to the revenue raised from the sale of Bord Gáis Energy, the Government's consistent position is that the funds released from asset disposals, to include the proceeds from the sale of Bord Gáis Energy, should be used to support job creating initiatives in the economy. At Budget time, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform factored a total of €110m into the Estimates for 2014 in respect of projects supported from the sale of State assets. €45m of this will fund part of the advance works associated with the new PPP Programme. Specifically, €25m will be spent on the Grangegorman project and €20m on road PPPs. The remaining €65m will be spent on the continued roll-out of the additional Exchequer investment projects announced in 2013 (€25m on Energy and €40m on Schools). Additional elements of this Stimulus Plan will be rolled out as the various asset sale transactions are completed and moneys are available.
618. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if similar to the EirGrid proximity allowance, he will ensure that wind turbine developers introduce a similar payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13586/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the main issues with regard to wind farms that gives cause for concern to local communities tends to be setback distance. Setback distance is addressed by the Wind Energy Development Guidelines published by the Department of Environment and Local Government, a review of which is currently being undertaken by that Department, in conjunction with my Department and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. The review addresses the key issues of separation distance, noise and shadow flicker. Draft revised guidelines, which are available at www.environ.ie, were the subject of a public consultation with a view to finalising guidelines by mid–2014, The revised guidelines will apply to all wind farm development in Ireland. It is also important to note that a Renewable Energy Policy and Development Framework is currently being developed by my Department and will address the issue of appropriate benefits to local communities where wind turbines are proposed to be erected. The Framework is being developed in stages with each stage being subject to public consultation. The second stage public consultation will commence in the coming weeks and will be advertised appropriately to ensure maximum consultation.
619. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of civil servants engaged in constituency work on his behalf; and the salaries, accommodation costs and expenses involved or associated with these duties. [13680/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two civil servants engaged on constituency matters within my Department at a cumulative salary cost of €79,122 per annum. Constituency staff working on constituency matters share office space with other staff in my Department's building on Adelaide Road. Its is not possible to seperate out accomodation costs for a small number of staff in one area as these are invoiced and recorded for the building in its entirety. There are no additional expenses involved or associated with these duties.
620. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his agency Inland Fisheries Ireland has at any time taken actions necessary to recapture any stock escaped from a facility for salmon farming operated under a licence as they are empowered to do under the legislation (details supplied). [13702/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra621. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the point in time at which he was notified of any possible escapes from licensed fish farms during the recent stormy weather; and if he was notified of any possible escapes from the storm damage on 1 February at Gerahies County Cork. [13703/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 620 and 621 together.
I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that they received communication on 14 February from the company (licensee), in the location referred to by the Deputy, that it was likely that an escape of farmed salmon from their marine salmon aquaculture site had occurred as a consequence of very poor weather conditions which had persisted over an extended period of days.
I am also advised that, following IFI’s request for clarification, the company in question confirmed on 4 March that an escape had occurred on 1 February 2014. The confirmation indicated that there had been a substantial number of fish in the cages affected by this weather event.
An assessment of the number of escapee fish involved is a matter for the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine and confirmation is awaited.
IFI were not advised of any other potential escapes.
Taking action for the recovery of escaped salmon from an aquaculture facility is dependent on several key issues:
1. Immediate notification of the escape occurring - preferably within 24 hours as set out in licence conditions;
2. Early mobilisation of personnel and assets in the particular area;
3. Favourable sea conditions to ensure the recovery operation is safe. The presence of other cages and mooring ropes etc. in the vicinity of an aquaculture facility can make working conditions hazardous;
4. Wide dispersal of escapee fish - once an escape occurs fish can disperse very quickly and within a very short time it would be virtually impossible to recover in any significant numbers. Depending on the time escapee fish have been loose, they can spread out to sea or enter local rivers. In such cases IFI’s primary concerns are that escapee salmon enter wild salmon rivers and attempt to spawn either in the year of escape or possibly the following year due to the potential impact of weakening wild stocks which are genetically unique to each river. The success of recovery operations have always been dependent on the factors outlined above.
622. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will attend the oral hearing into the Government's latest energy project for north Mayo, the proposed Owenniny and Cluddaun wind farms which proposes 160 turbines larger than any existing onshore in Ireland, or the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13707/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe consideration of planning applications for wind farms is a matter for the relevant planning authority and not one in which I, as Minister, have any role or function.
623. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 39 of 11 March 2014, in view of the fact that he has previously requested ComReg to undertake certain investigations, if he will ask ComReg the reason for the steps they have taken, or intend to take, to investigate the unlicensed transmission identified by the reported broadcast of a UK GSM cellular ID in the Middle Abbey Street area near the GSOC headquarters in the Verimus report. [13785/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the management of spectrum in Ireland. Comreg is independent in the exercise of its functions and is accountable directly to the Oireachtas in accordance with Section 34 of the Communications Regulation Act 2002. The investigation of any alleged unlicensed radio transmissions including any subsequent remedial actions is a function of ComReg and I have no function in this matter.
The Government has appointed retired High Court Judge John Cooke to conduct an Independent Inquiry into Reports of Unlawful Surveillance of the Garda Ombudsman Commission and to report within eight weeks or as soon as may be thereafter. The Terms of Reference, which were agreed by Government on the advice of the Attorney General, are in the public domain, and include a review and assessment of any evidence of a security breach or attempted security breach at the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.
