Written Answers Nos. 32-38
32. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the closure of rural post offices, which provide essential services to their communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47327/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy that An Post should remain a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high-quality postal service and maintain a nationwide customer-focused network of post offices in the community. The network stands well positioned to become the front-office provider of choice for Government and the financial services sector for both electronic transactions as well as the more traditional over-the-counter transactions.
It would be wrong to ignore the significant challenges facing the post office network in the current economic climate while also taking account of changes in technology and general retail behaviour. The future of the post office network will only be secured by its continuing to modernise and diversify in the provision of services that large numbers of people and business users want to use and that are sustainable in the long term.
Currently, there is a whole-of-government review under the auspices of the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy exploring the scope for providing additional public services and securing new lines of business through the post office network. The Minister has been engaged with both An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union concerning this review as and when appropriate.
33. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide assurances to Dáil Éireann that due to the serious risk associated with fracking that because of our dependence on tourism and agriculture and also the health implications for the population, that a company (details supplied) will not be granted an exploration licence; and that this matter of fracking will end. [47122/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI, Ministers and my predecessor as Minister of State at the Department of Communications Energy and Natural resources have outlined on a number of occasions that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration drilling as part of an unconventional gas exploration programme, until there has been time to complete and consider the outcome of a major research programme, directed at examining the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, which has been commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
34. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the White Paper on energy policy in Ireland will ensure that energy supply companies buy energy from microgeneration units. [47313/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe written consultation process on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland concluded on 31 July 2014. Over 1,240 submissions were received. The process of developing a definitive Energy Policy is continuing. Further engagement at stakeholder events at various Dublin and regional locations has been taking place over recent weeks.
My Department is focussed on ensuring that all issues of concern to citizens and other stakeholders are identified and understood. It is also important that all of the assumptions on which the final policy paper will be written are fully tested and accurate, so as to produce a dynamic and responsive evidence based framework which will allow us to steer an appropriate course as we seek to address sustainability, security and competitiveness challenges and opportunities.
The text of the policy paper will be progressed during the first half of 2015 with a view to publication of the final policy paper by September 2015. The new energy policy framework will be timely in that it will be guided by Ireland’s input to the EU’s 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy policies and the preparations for the UN’s COP21 (the 21 Conference of the Parties within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in Paris in December next year.
My Department is aware of the need to give further policy consideration to the place of microgeneration in our energy mix. Analysis of the potential of micro-generation technologies such as small scale wind, solar and small scale hydro, has been carried out for my Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI's findings, along with responses to the recent Green Paper consultation process, and the stakeholder engagements underway, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for micro-generation.
35. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which it is expected to confidently rely on adequate non-fossil fuel generated electricity in the future with particular reference to the short, medium and long term having due regard for current and projected economic growth and resultant energy requirements; the extent to which a determination has been made as to which family cars will convert to electricity over the next ten to 15 years; the extent to which he expects to rely on alternative and renewable energies with low carbon consequences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47309/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile it is acknowledged that fossil fuels will remain part of the energy mix over the long term, progress is being made towards increasing the share of renewable energy in our generation portfolio. The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020.
In order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. At the end of 2013, the total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid was 2,200 MW and the total contribution from renewable generation to gross electricity consumption during the year was 20.9%. It is estimated that a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to achieve 40% renewable electricity.
Looking beyond 2020, EU climate and energy proposals point to the need to expand the renewable generation portfolio. To that end, the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP), published earlier this year, identifies the sustainable economic opportunity for Ireland in the medium to long term of realising the potential of our indigenous offshore wind, wave and tidal energy resources. The Strategic Environmental Assessment carried out for the OREDP found that at least 4,500 MW of offshore wind and 1,500 MW of wave and tidal generation could be sustainably developed in Irish waters.
Ireland's third National Energy Efficiency Action Plan to 2020, which is available my Department’s website, estimates that approximately 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) could form part of the transport fleet in 2020. However, the extent to which electric vehicles are adopted in the short-to-medium term will depend on a range of factors including, inter alia, the strength of the economy, the overall numbers of new cars being purchased, the cost of purchasing and running electric vehicles compared to fossil fuel comparators, and the number of different electric vehicle models available to purchase. There are signs that these factors are improving and in 2014, thus far, there has been an increase in electric vehicle purchases through the grant scheme compared with previous years.
Furthermore, in terms of achieving the levels of ambition for reducing greenhouse gas emissions envisaged for 2030, a range of measures in the transport sector, including additional electrification of the transport fleet and the use of alternative, low-carbon fuels, will likely be required.
36. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress that has been made regarding research into the development of ocean wave energy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47350/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraBoth wave and tidal energy are still at the research, development and demonstration stage globally and, while promising experimental devices have been developed, much research, development and demonstration is required to bring wave energy technology to commercial viability. Policy action across a range of areas is required to support developers in bringing ocean energy devices from prototype to full scale commercial viability and relevant measures are now being taken forward in Ireland in the context of the implementation of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP).
The OREDP, which was published in February this year, is a significant milestone in the development of our offshore energy potential and sets out Government policy in relation to the sustainable development of this abundant resource. It identifies policy actions and enablers that are key to the development of the offshore renewable energy sector. These include increased Exchequer support for ocean research, development and demonstration.
My Department’s multiannual ocean energy development budget was increased by €16.8 million, covering the period 2013 to 2016, and brought the total cumulative funding to €26.3 million. This supports the development of the test sites in counties Mayo, Galway and Cork, the Integrated Maritime Energy Resource Cluster at Ringaskiddy, and the Prototype Development Fund operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
SEAI has to date invested or provided grant aid totalling just over €2.6m to ocean wave energy companies from this fund, helping projects progress up the technology readiness level chain. In line with the approach taken internationally, the emphasis is on industry led projects as the best way of supporting innovation.
Options for additional capital funding in the years 2016 to 2018 are also being discussed. This funding would facilitate innovative projects, like the ESB led Westwave project.
In addition, the OREDP further proposes, subject to State Aid clearance from the European Commission and further Government approval, an initial market support scheme for wave and tidal energy from 2016, limited to 30 MW, to unlock the economic growth and job creation opportunities offered by ocean energy development.
37. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a timetable of the objectives outlined by the broadband mapping project; the way he will ensure that all communities have a basic access to broadband by the timetable outlined; the costs surrounding this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47262/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State-led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
On the 24 November, the Minister launched a public consultation on the National High Speed Coverage Map 2016. This allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether or not their premises/home is included in the Government’s proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on a county by county basis as to which villages and townlands are to be included.
This map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie . There is a wealth of data and information available here to better inform citizens about the detail of the Government’s ambitious plan to ensure all parts of Ireland have access to high quality broadband services.
The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. A detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a potential preferred bidder(s) towards the end of 2015. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
Detailed technical, legal, regulatory, financial and economic evaluations are required to ensure that the tender will be designed in such a way that maximises efficiencies, meets deadlines and keeps the cost to taxpayers as low as possible.
The scale of the planned intervention means it is likely that the overall cost will be significant. However, given that this is a large-scale public procurement process, it would not be sensible to publicise the expected cost at this stage.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
38. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the supports provided through REFIT or otherwise by his Department, the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland and ESB to small scale hydro-microgeneration; and the supports provided through REFIT or otherwise to persons who install small-scale wind turbines including those turbines not requiring planning permission; and if the ESB will enable a grid connection and purchase the surplus electricity generated. [47121/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure, sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. As a State we have ambitious targets for 16% of our energy from renewable sources by 2020 through meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources, with 10% renewables in transport and 12% in heat. In 2013, 7.8% of Ireland’s overall energy requirement was met by renewable energy, equating to 20.9% of electricity demand. To date wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity. The total amount of wind generation connected to the grid is approximately 2,200 MW. It is estimated that a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target.
Currently the REFIT schemes are the primary means through which renewable electricity is supported in Ireland. These schemes support electricity generated from a range of renewable sources, including small scale hydro and wind. These REFIT schemes are designed to provide renewable electricity generators with the certainty required to finance their projects. Based around Power Purchase Agreements between generators and electricity suppliers, REFIT schemes assure a minimum price for each unit of electricity exported to the grid over a defined period.
Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market and the grid connection process is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER), which is an independent statutory body. It is necessary to notify ESB Networks in order to connect small scale hydro or wind electricity generation equipment to the distribution grid and a power purchase agreement with a supplier is required if surplus electricity is being sold.
On a day to day basis, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides a range of business supports to both industry and SME's, covering energy management, training and advice. Companies and groups wishing to develop renewable energy projects, and improve their energy efficiency, can avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations as a component of coordinated energy efficiency programmes under the Better Energy Communities schemes.
I am aware that Electric Ireland made a decision to close their scheme which had offered a microgeneration feed in tariff since February 2009. No other electricity supplier has chosen to provide such a tariff, to either domestic or commercial customers, though they have been invited to do so by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).
The Minister is aware of the need to give further policy consideration to the place of microgeneration in our energy mix. Analysis of the potential of micro-generation technologies such as small scale wind, solar and small scale hydro, has been carried out for the Department by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It shows that while microgeneration has the technical potential to make a significant contribution to Irish electricity consumption, careful consideration would have to be given to the design of any potential future support scheme to ensure it is cost-effective. The SEAI's findings, along with responses to the recent consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for micro-generation.
