Written Answers Nos. 351-362
351. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the grants available to a community organisation to construct a children's playground and community centre for the local area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39312/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe only possible funding available from my Department for this type of infrastructure is under the LEADER programme. However, funding under the LEADER element of the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme is now fully committed. I expect however that the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme will commence during 2015 and there is potential under this Programme to fund playgrounds if it is identified as a priority in the Local Development Strategy for the area.
352. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the number of persons who are on public or Civil Service pensions who have been recruited for work on any basis, permanent or temporary, under the remit of his Department in 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39548/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraRetired public and civil servants are engaged from time to time by my Department in areas where specific expertise is required for a short fixed period and these people provide a level of knowledge, experience and background compatible with such temporary and periodic requirements. The abatement principle, which ensures that the fee or salary paid plus pension does not exceed the rate of pay the pensioner would receive if he/she had continued service in their former post, applies to payments where appropriate.
The information requested in respect of persons on public service pensions who have been recruited for work in my Department since January 2012 is set out in the following tables:
|
Year |
Role |
No |
|
2012 |
Internal Audit Committee Member |
2 |
|
- |
Chair Management Board Meetings of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
1 |
|
- |
Process Auditor on Waterford Grouped Towns & Villages Sewerage Scheme |
1 |
|
- |
Service Indicators Independent Assessment Panel |
1 |
|
- |
Chair for the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
1 |
|
- |
Examination of Final Accounts of Water Services Capital Projects |
2 |
|
- |
27th Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum of the United Nations Environment Programme Nairobi (3 months contract over 2012/2013) |
1 |
|
Year |
Role |
No |
|
2013 |
Internal Audit Committee Member |
2 |
|
- |
Chair Management Board Meetings of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
1 |
|
- |
Process Auditor on Waterford Grouped Towns & Villages Sewerage Scheme |
1 |
|
- |
Service Indicators Independent Assessment Panel |
1 |
|
- |
Chair for the National Traveller Accommodation consultative Committee |
1 |
|
- |
Examination of Final Accounts of Water Services Capital Projects |
2 |
|
- |
Parliamentary Drafting Expertise for Department's Legislative Programme (temporary contract) |
1 |
|
- |
24th General Council Meeting of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme Nairobi (2 months) |
1 |
|
- |
24th General Council Meeting of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme Nairobi (15 days) |
1 |
|
- |
Preparation of EIA Guidelines. |
1 |
|
Year |
Role |
No |
|
2014 |
Internal Audit Committee Member |
2 |
|
- |
Chair Management Board Meetings of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management |
1 |
|
- |
Service Indicators Independent Assessment Panel |
1 |
|
- |
Parliamentary Drafting Expertise for Department's Legislative Programme (temporary contract) |
1 |
|
- |
Independent Review of Draft Directions under section 31 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in relation to Westmeath |
1 |
|
- |
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
3 |
My Department occasionally avails of the services of a number of retired public and civil servants for limited adjudication purposes.
In addition to the above, a number of retired public and civil servants carry out work for my Department from time to time on a pro bono basis.
In respect of the Agencies/Bodies under the aegis of my Department, An Bord Pleanála has engaged four retired individuals, the Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency engaged two such persons, the Local Government Management Agency has engaged one person, as has the Pyrite Resolution Board. The Private Residential Tenancies Board has engaged the services of 4, 4 and 6 persons in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively.
353. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if an Inland Fisheries Ireland operational manager has a trout fishing lodge on Lough Corrib, while, at the same time, using gillnets to fish for pike on SAC 297, Lough Corrib. [39173/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra354. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if gillnets are allowed to be used during pike spawning season on all west of Ireland lakes. [39174/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra355. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Inland Fisheries Ireland allows Waterways Ireland to cut and remove weed from canals during pike spawning season. [39175/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 353 to 355, inclusive, together.
I am advised that Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has recently launched detailed policy documents in respect of Pike and Brown Trout. During the preparation of these policies IFI liaised with relevant angling federations and reviewed the scientific advice on the two species. The management requirement for predator control measures and their efficiency is based on data from scientific fish surveys. However, work has commenced on examining the feasibility of managing juvenile populations as against gill netting for adults.
IFI was established following the amalgamation of the Central & Regional Fisheries Board on July 1st 2010. In that regard the new agency adopted many of the policies and procedures in place by the various fisheries Boards prior to its establishment.
The Head of Operations in IFI is involved in all aspects of these programmes. Lough Corrib and a number of other lakes in the western region have been managed as wild brown trout fisheries since the establishment of the Inland Fisheries Trust (IFT) in the 1950’s, and the Trusts development in to the Regional Fisheries Boards in the 1980’s. It is in this context that predator management programmes have been carried out in line with scientific advice. The western lakes are unique in Europe in being the only large lakes with underlying limestone geology which supports and promotes a unique habitat for the production and development of brown trout.
While IFI liaise closely with Waterways Ireland on fisheries and environmental matters, statutory responsibility in respect of canals lies with Waterways Ireland and the cutting and removal of weed is a day to day matter for that organisation.
356. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will expedite the national broadband plan in view of the financial hardship being caused to families in rural areas as a result of the drastic hike in broadband prices and further to the abolition of funding under the national broadband scheme by the Government earlier this year (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38871/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter, in the first instance, for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas in cases of clear market failure, as was the case with the National Broadband Scheme, which commenced in 2008. Through this scheme my Department, with the support of the European Union, invested significantly to ensure that infrastructure and services were made available to redress the deficit in basic broadband connectivity which existed at the time in certain designated rural areas. Under EU rules, the Scheme was required to be limited in its duration and therefore it expired on 25th August following a 68 month operational period.
“3”, the NBS service provider, has confirmed that, following the expiry of the Scheme, they will continue to provide coverage throughout NBS areas on a commercial basis, offering consumers the same choice of broadband plans and tariffs as those offered to consumers outside of the NBS areas. Furthermore, they plan to extend 4G coverage across all of the NBS areas, offering significantly enhanced mobile broadband speeds within the next 3 years. This rollout is already underway, with a number of NBS sites now 4G enabled.
The details provided in the Question refer to customers previously served by the NBS satellite service, which was utilised in a small number of cases for technical reasons associated with the location of the premises. Digiweb, which provided the NBS satellite service on behalf of “3”, continue to offer broadband services on a commercial basis to these customers. I understand that Digiweb have recently contacted customers regarding an increase in tariff to rates similar to those charged by the company outside of NBS areas. For this increase the majority of customers will receive increased download and upload speeds and a 37% increase in data allowance. A very limited number of customers affected by this tariff increase cannot receive the upgrade in speeds and data allowance as the technology deployed does not allow for an upgrade to their service. Digiweb have advised my Department that they are investigating a plan to transfer these customers to the newer technology.
With basic broadband services now available throughout Ireland, the next phase of Ireland’s broadband evolution is focused on the delivery of high speed broadband under the Government’s National Broadband Plan.
The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines, Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial list of areas has already been identified and includes 78 areas in County Tipperary, including Upperchurch. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in County Tipperary by at least one commercial operator.
As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published over the coming weeks.
I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. The maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.
A further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.
Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.
357. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if Ireland is on target to meet its EU renewable targets by 2020; the obstacles to achieving same; the implications of failing to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38924/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2009 Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a target of meeting 16% of total energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. To meet this obligation Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewables. Provisional figures indicate that, at the end of 2013, 7.7% of Ireland’s energy came from renewable sources. There is currently over 2,400 MW of renewable generation connected to the Irish grid, with an estimated total required by 2020 of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW. Over 3,000 MW of new generation, mainly renewable, has accepted grid connection offers, reflecting the abundance of Ireland's renewable energy resources. However, to achieve 40% renewable electricity by 2020, we must increase the rate of build of both renewable generation and the electricity transmission network. Comprehensive engagement with local communities, and communicating the benefits for citizens of realising the potential of our indigenous renewable electricity resources, will be essential in the rollout of renewable energy and grid infrastructure.
Progress towards the renewable heat target is proving challenging. Estimates by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) show that current policies will not deliver fully on our target of 12% renewable energy in the heat sector by 2020. In this regard, the analysis underpinning the draft Bioenergy Plan, published last week, sets out how an additional bioenergy focussed measure in the heat sector would be a cost effective means of meeting Ireland's renewable energy targets. The Plan, therefore, recommends, subject to State Aid clearance and further Government approval, that a scheme would be introduced that would incentivise larger heat users to convert to biomass heating solutions.
Though the increased deployment of electric vehicles will contribute towards the target of 10% of the energy in transport from renewables, the deployment of sustainable biofuels through the Biofuels Obligation Scheme will be the main mechanism through which Ireland will aim to support renewable energy in transport.
Although biofuels from waste accounted for over 62% of the biofuel placed on the Irish market in 2013, a proposed amendment by the European Commission to the Renewable Energy Directive would require that, in addition to the current requirement that biofuels must meet certain sustainability criteria, a limit would apply to the contribution that certain crop-based biofuels could make towards renewable energy targets. This would result in Ireland and other Member States encountering challenges with regard to the availability of sufficient quantities of sustainable biofuel.
Ireland's 16% renewables target for 2020 is a legally binding obligation, as is the case for all Member States. While the EU Renewables Directive makes provision for the purchase of compliance with targets, the costs associated with this are not yet known. In any event, it is critical that we maintain our focus on taking the range of actions available to us to overcome the challenges we face in meeting our 2020 target, and to making our energy system more sustainable, and more secure, for the future.
358. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when publication of the sectoral adaptation plan for energy envisaged under the national policy position for tackling climate change will take place; to set out the preparations and progress his Department has made towards the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38950/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department participates in the climate adaptation process through the steering committee for sectoral adaptation plans, which is chaired by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. A key factor in the timing and progress of sectoral adaptation planning was the publication in April 2013 of an EU Strategy on adaptation. Action 1 of that Strategy states that by 2014, the European Commission will develop an adaptation preparedness scoreboard. The scoreboard is directly relevant to sectoral adaptation planning in Ireland. Discussions which involve the European Commission and all Member States are ongoing. An update on progress will be provided at the next steering committee meeting in November.
In parallel with these discussions I have formed a steering group to look specifically at the challenges facing the energy sector in dealing with climate change. This group comprises officials from my Department, the Commission for Energy Regulation, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and EirGird, along with representatives from the electricity and gas network operators.
I anticipate receiving a draft climate adaptation plan for the energy sector by the end of this year and publishing it soon thereafter.
359. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to set out his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39106/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast week I published a Draft Bioenergy Plan which is available on my Department’s website (www.dcenr.gov.ie). The draft Plan is to be subject to Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessment, including public consultation, which will inform the shape of the finalised Plan. These assessment processes will commence shortly. The draft Plan sets out the broader context for the development of Ireland’s bioenergy sector, and the current status with regard to the range of policy areas that must be coordinated in order to create the conditions necessary to support the development of this sector. The Plan recognises that improved coordination will allow the sector to contribute to a number of policy objectives in the areas of renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and economic activity. The Plan also identifies the next steps that must be taken to support the sustainable development of the sector.
In terms of bioenergy's role in meeting Ireland's renewable energy targets, the draft Plan recommends the continuation of the REFIT schemes and the Biofuels Obligation Scheme. Furthermore, the analysis underpinning the Plan is that an additional bioenergy-focused measure in the heat sector represents the most cost effective means of meeting a number of different policy goals. Therefore, the Plan also recommends the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for larger heat users to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources. The RHI scheme, once designed, will require State Aid approval from the European Commission and further Government approval. It is proposed to have the scheme in place in 2016.
360. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will directly intervene to ensure that a company (details supplied) will continue to provide national broadband scheme customers with the same coverage and broadband plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39115/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is a matter, in the first instance, for private sector service providers operating in a liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The State can only intervene to ensure access to broadband services in areas in cases of clear market failure, as was the case with the National Broadband Scheme, which commenced in 2008. Through this scheme my Department, with the support of the European Union, invested significantly to ensure that infrastructure and services were made available to redress the deficit in basic broadband connectivity which existed at the time in certain designated rural areas. Under EU State Aid approval for the Scheme, it was required to be limited in its duration. As a consequence, following a 68 month operational period, the Scheme expired on 25th August 2014.
“3”, the NBS service provider, has confirmed that, following the expiry of the Scheme, they will continue to provide coverage throughout NBS areas on a commercial basis, offering consumers the same choice of broadband plans and tariffs as those offered to consumers outside of the NBS areas. Furthermore, they plan to extend 4G coverage across all of the NBS areas, offering significantly enhanced mobile broadband speeds within the next 3 years. This rollout is already underway, with a number of NBS sites now 4G enabled.
The NBS, combined with private sector investment in the broadband market over recent years, means that there is now a choice of commercial operators offering basic broadband services over a diverse range of technology platforms throughout rural Ireland. Accordingly, continued State intervention in the provision of basic broadband where such commercial services already exist, is precluded under State Aid rules.
The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan, the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.
As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September last. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published by my Department over the coming weeks.
I expect to publish the maps for public consultation later this year. These will include details of the areas requiring State intervention. The maps will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.
A further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.
Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.
361. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to detail his plans to improve the broadband telecommunications infrastructure throughout parts of County Cavan, where such infrastructure is inadequate; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of households, schools and business in general in respect of the standard of service available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39217/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra362. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to detail his plans to improve the broadband telecommunications infrastructure in areas (details supplied) in County Leitrim; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of households, schools and business in respect of the inadequate service provided at present in those areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39218/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 361 and 362 together.
The Government’s Statement of Priorities for the period 2014 to 2016 reaffirms our commitment to delivering a State-led broadband intervention in rural areas. Through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) the Government aims to ensure that high speed broadband is available to all citizens and businesses in Ireland. This is being achieved through measures designed to accelerate commercial investment and the development of a State-led intervention for non-commercial areas.
Under EU State Aid Guidelines Member States cannot intervene where commercial investors have plans to roll out services. A comprehensive mapping exercise is underway in my Department to identify those areas that require a State intervention. An initial list of areas has already identified and includes 37 areas in County Cavan and 33 areas in County Leitrim including Aughavas. I am also aware of extensive rollout of high speed broadband services in Counties Cavan and Leitrim, including Cloone, by at least one commercial operator.
As part of the mapping process, an initial stakeholder consultation on certain technical aspects of the proposed Plan was launched in June with a deadline of 15th September last. 31 submissions were received as part of this process and non-commercially sensitive versions of these responses will be published by my Department over the coming weeks.
I expect to publish a map later this year which will allow members of the public to see the precise areas of the country where, based on current information provided by the various commercial operators, it is intended that the proposed Government intervention will cover. Those accessing this map will be able to identify their own house or premises and see whether or not it is in the proposed national intervention footprint. Where a house or premise is excluded from the proposed intervention it means it either currently, or will in the near future, have access to commercial NGA services. The map will be dynamic and will be subject to change if new commercial investments are announced in the future.
A further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy will be launched in mid-2015.
EU State Aid clearance will be required for the State intervention. My Department will be working closely with the European Commission on this important aspect of the programme.
Finally, a detailed procurement process will have to be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) prior to commencing the roll out of high speed broadband services.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government and for my Department. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in a sustainable and meaningful way. Our goal is to ensure that quality broadband services are available to all citizens regardless of where they are located.
