Written Answers Nos. 562-76
562. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to follow the example set by certain German cities, such as Munich and Frankfurt, which have pledged to move to 100% renewable energy by 2025 and 2050, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3887/15]
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, 5.7% of heat demand and 2.8% of transport 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 MW and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target.
With regard to 2030, the October European Council endorsed a binding EU target of at least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990. In addition, an EU target of at least 27% is set for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU in 2030, and an indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy efficiency in 2030 compared to projections of future energy consumption.
Ireland intends to make a cost-effective, achievable and fair (in terms of effort sharing among Member States) contribution to these high level EU goals. My Department is overseeing detailed and rigorous energy system and economic modelling to identify the contribution which is appropriate for Ireland taking account of our specific economic circumstances. This analysis will address issues such as the quantum of additional renewable electricity we should seek to achieve by 2030, the technologies that should be supported in this regard, and the level at which any future supports should be set.
Furthermore, my Department participates fully in the whole of Government approach to addressing the challenges of climate change and the transition to a low carbon energy system by 2050. In this regard, my Department is fully engaged with the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, and all other relevant departments and agencies, in progressing work to produce a National Low Carbon Transition and Mitigation Plan for the purpose of achieving this transition by 2050.
563. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the residents of the Geesala and Bangor Erris area, County Mayo will receive access to adequate broadband as they have had inadequate service since August 2014. [3296/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan 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.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30 Mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State and includes Geesala and Bangor Erris, Co Mayo.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises/home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including County Mayo.
In tandem with the mapping consultation, intensive design and planning work is underway in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy. The strategy will address a range of issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership model for the infrastructure, intervention cost and likely market impact.
My Department has engaged external advisors to provide legal, economic, technical and financial advice on the various aspects of the Plan over the next two years. The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. The Intervention Strategy will be notified to the European Commission for State Aid clearance.
Following the public consultation, towards the end of this year a detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
564. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3395/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan 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.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. This consultation will close on 12 February next. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30 Mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises or home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands throughout the entire country.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30 Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
In tandem with the mapping consultation, intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy. The strategy will address a range of issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership model for the infrastructure, intervention cost and likely market impact.
My Department has engaged external advisors to provide legal, economic, technical and financial advice on the various aspects of the Plan over the next two years. The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. The Intervention Strategy will be notified to the European Commission for State Aid clearance.
Following the public consultation, towards the end of this year a detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
565. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update regarding the introduction of a broadcasting charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3396/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 6 of 11 December 2014, in which I set out the position in relation to consideration of the Public Service Broadcasting Charge, and that a number of administrative and operational amendments are also under consideration. This position has not changed.
566. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in respect of broadband for Killoe on the outskirts of Lonford town; if same will be rolled out as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3594/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan 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.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30 Mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State and includes Killoe, Co Longford.
The map allows all members of the public, be they business or residential, to see whether their premises/home will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 or whether they will be included in the Government's proposed intervention. It also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland including Co Longford.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30 Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
In tandem with the mapping consultation, intensive design and planning work is underway in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy. The strategy will address a range of issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership model for the infrastructure, intervention cost and likely market impact.
My Department has engaged external advisors to provide legal, economic, technical and financial advice on the various aspects of the Plan over the next two years. The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. The Intervention Strategy will be notified to the European Commission for State Aid clearance.
Following the public consultation, towards the end of this year a detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
567. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband services in the Rathcormac area (details supplied) in County Cork will be improved as it is affecting rural businesses. [3709/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan 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.
The commercial telecommunications sector is currently investing approximately €2.5 billion in network upgrades. Approximately 1.6 million of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland are expected to have access to commercial high speed broadband services over the next two years. These very significant investments represent a step-change in the quality of broadband services available.
On the 24 November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas on the map marked Blue will all have access to high speed broadband services of at least 30 Mbps from the commercial sector by end of 2016. The areas marked Amber will require the intervention of the State.
The area of Rathcormack, Co Cork falls mainly within a Blue area of the map and will therefore have access to high speed broadband services from the commercial sector by the end of 2016. Any premises or domestic residence in the general vicinity that is outside the blue area will be provided with high speed broadband services as part of the State led intervention. Members of the public are encouraged to access the map where they can ascertain whether their individual premises falls inside or outside the proposed intervention area. The map also provides detailed information on over 50,000 townlands in every county in Ireland, including County Cork.
It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30 Mbps will be also delivered through the Government's intervention and the network will be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business.
In tandem with the mapping consultation, intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy. The strategy will address a range of issues in relation to the intervention including the optimum procurement model, ownership model for the infrastructure, intervention cost and likely market impact.
My Department has engaged external advisors to provide legal, economic, technical and financial advice on the various aspects of the Plan over the next two years. The next steps in this process will see a further public consultation on a detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015. The Intervention Strategy will be notified to the European Commission for State Aid clearance.
Following the public consultation, towards the end of this year a detailed procurement process will be undertaken in order to select a preferred bidder or bidders. The Department will design a tender in a way that maximises efficiencies and keeps the cost of the network build as low as possible. It is expected that the physical build of this network will commence from 2016.
This complex and ambitious project is a key priority for Government. It aims to conclusively address current connectivity challenges in Ireland.
568. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide details of licences which were issued for oil exploration, both onshore and offshore in Irish territories during 2012, 2013 and 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3769/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe tables below includes details of all petroleum exploration authorisations awarded in respect of areas of the Irish offshore during the period 2012 to 2014. No petroleum exploration authorisation was awarded in respect of any onshore area in those years.
EXPLORATION LICENCES
|
Licence Number |
Location |
Participants *operator |
Commencement Date |
Expirations Date |
|
Frontier Exploration Licence (FEL) 1/13 |
Southern Moling Sub Basin |
*Kosmos Energy Ireland 75% Antrim Exploration (Ireland) Ltd 25% |
05/07/2013 |
04/07/2028 |
|
FEL 2/13 |
Porcupine |
*Kosmos Energy Ireland 85%, Europa 15% |
05/07/2013 |
04/07/2028 |
|
FEL 3/13 |
Porcupine |
*Kosmos Energy Ireland 85%, Europa 15% |
05/07/2013 |
04/07/2028 |
|
FEL 4/13 |
Rockall |
*Serica Energy Rockall BV (100%) |
01/12/2013 |
30/11/2028 |
|
FEL5/13 |
Porcupine |
*Woodside Energy (Ireland) 90%, Bluestack Energy 10% |
13/12/2013 |
12/12/2028 |
|
FEL 1/14 |
Porcupine |
*Capricorn Ireland Ltd 38% Providence Resources 32% Chrysaor 26% Sosina 4% |
01/01/2014 |
31/12/2028 |
|
FEL 2/14 |
Porcupine |
*Providence 80% Sosina 20% |
01/01/2014 |
31/12/2028 |
|
FEL 3/14 |
Porcupine |
*Providence 80% Petrel 20% |
01/03/2014 |
28/02/2029 |
|
FEL 4/14 |
Porcupine |
*Woodside Energy (Ireland) 85% Petrel 15% |
01/03/2014 |
28/02/2029 |
|
FEL 5/14 |
Porcupine |
*Woodside Energy (Ireland) 60% Strike Oil 40% |
01/03/2014 |
28/02/2029 |
|
FEL 6/14 |
Goban Spur |
*Providence 80% Sosina 20% |
01/04/2014 |
31/03/2029 |
LICENSING OPTIONS
|
Licence Number |
Location |
Participants *operator |
Commencement Date |
Expiration Date |
Duration (years) |
|
Licensing Option (LO) 12/1 |
Celtic Sea |
*Fastnet Petroleum Ltd, 50% Excalibur Exploration Ltd 50% |
01/05/2012 |
30/04/2015 |
3 |
|
LO 12/2 |
Celtic Sea |
Fastnet Oil & Gas (Ireland) Ltd 100% |
01/06/2012 |
31/05/2015 |
3 |
|
LO 12/3 |
Celtic Sea |
Fastnet Oil & Gas (Ireland) Ltd 100% |
01/06/2012 |
31/05/2015 |
3 |
|
LO 12/4 |
Celtic Sea, Barryroe N |
*EXOLA Ltd 80% Lansdowne Oil and gas 20% |
01/08/2012 |
31/07/2015 |
3 |
|
LO 12/5 |
Celtic Sea |
*Fastnet Oil & Gas (Ireland) 82.35% Adriatic Oil plc 15.5% Carob Ltd 1.08% Petro-Celtic Consultancy Ltd 1.08% |
01/12/2012 |
31/05/2014 |
1.5 |
|
LO 12/6 |
Celtic Sea |
*Fastnet Oil & Gas (Ireland) 85% Carob Ltd 7.5% Petro-Celtic Consultancy Ltd 7.5% |
15/11/2012 |
14/05/2014 |
1.5 |
|
LO 13/1 |
North Celtic sea |
Charge Oil Ltd |
01/05/2013 |
30/04/2016 |
3 |
|
LO 13/2 |
Fastnet Basin |
Charge Oil Ltd |
01/05/2013 |
30/04/2016 |
3 |
|
LO 13/3 |
Mizen Basin |
Fastnet Oil and gas (Ireland) Ltd |
01/05/2013 |
31/10/2014 |
1.5 |
|
LO 13/4 |
South Celtic Sea |
Providence Resources plc |
01/12/2013 |
31/05/2015 |
1.5 |
|
LO 13/5 |
North Celtic Sea |
*Excalibur Exploration Ltd 90% Theseus Ltd 10% |
01/12/2013 |
31/05/2015 |
1.5 |
|
LO 14/1 |
North Celtic Sea |
Faroe Petroleum 100% |
01/10/2014 |
30/09/2016 |
2 |
|
LO 14/2 |
North Celtic Sea |
Faroe Petroleum 100% |
01/10/2014 |
30/09/2016 |
2 |
|
LO 14/3 |
North Celtic Sea |
Faroe Petroleum 100% |
01/10/2014 |
30/09/2016 |
2 |
|
LO 14/4 |
North Celtic Sea |
Trans International Oil Exploration 100% |
15/10/2014 |
14/10/2015 |
1 |
PETROLEUM PROSPECTING LICENCES
|
Licence Number |
Owner |
Commencement Date |
Expiry Date |
Duration (Years) |
|
Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) 1/12 |
Shell E&P Ireland Limited |
28/5/2012 |
27/5/2014 |
2 |
|
PPL 1/13 |
ENI Ireland BV |
01/02/2013 |
31/01/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 2/13 |
PGS Exploration (UK) Ltd |
01/04/2013 |
31/03/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 3/13 |
Providence Resources |
23/04/2013 |
22/04/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 4/13 |
Fastnet Petroleum Ltd |
01/04/2013 |
31/03/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 5/13 |
Terra Energy Ltd |
01/04/2013 |
31/03/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 6/13 |
Spectrum Geo Ltd |
01/06/2013 |
31/05/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 7/13 |
Charge Oil Ltd |
01/07/2013 |
31/06/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 8/13 |
Kosmos Energy Ireland |
01/07/2013 |
31/06/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 9/13 |
TGS NOPEC |
01/07/2013 |
31/06/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 1/14 |
Excalibur |
01/12/2013 |
31/05/2015 |
1.5 |
|
PPL 2/14 |
Polarcus |
01/04/2014 |
31/03/2016 |
2 |
|
PPL 3/14 |
Capricorn |
01/07/2014 |
30/06/2017 |
3 |
|
PPL 4/14 |
Seabird Exploration |
01/07/2014 |
30/06/2016 |
3 |
|
PPL 5/14 |
Searcher Seismic |
01/07/2014 |
30/06/2017 |
3 |
Details of all authorisations are updated on a quarterly basis on the Department's website and can also be found in the six monthly reports to the Oireachtas, which I am obliged to lay before the Houses under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960.
569. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views that an adjustment to the public service obligation, PSO, levy should be made considering the changing market forces (details supplied). [3799/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy has been in place since 2001 and is the overall support mechanism for generation constructed for security of supply purposes, including peat generation, and for the development of renewable electricity. It is designed to compensate electricity suppliers for the additional costs they incur by purchasing electricity generated by these producers. The PSO levy is vital to enable Ireland to meet its 40% target for electricity generated from renewable sources by 2020, which in turn is important for the achievement of Ireland's 16% EU 2020 target for renewable energy.
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) determines the PSO levy which is a charge on all electricity customers without exception. The legal basis for the PSO levy and its method of calculation are set out in Regulations made under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (S.I. 217 of 2002). The annual PSO levy amount for 2014/2015 is €335.4 million. This equates to €64.37 per annum for residential customers, €221.66 per annum for small to medium sized business customers and €34.20/kVA for medium and large customers.
Tynagh Energy was one of two plants awarded a 10 year contract as a result of a competition run by the CER to provide urgently required capacity to the electricity system. The purpose of the scheme was to ensure security of supply in the framework of continuous electricity demand growth. The 10 year contract ends in 2016 and the plant will not receive compensation from the PSO levy for electricity generated after this date. Having been awarded 15 year contracts to ensure security of supply, the peat plants are also transitioning out of subsidy. Edenderry Power will be out of subsidy from the end of this year and Lough Ree and West Offaly power plants will be out of subsidy at the end of their contracts in December 2019.
570. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will examine an application to the national digital strategy, Knowledge Society Division in Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, in his Department, by a committee (details supplied) in County Kerry as the recently closed primary school is now a focal point of the local community for various activities and the requested computers are vital for the various classes and activities developed by the community organisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3826/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Government’s National Digital Strategy, my Department, through its BenefIT Programme, supports community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations in the provision of basic digital literacy training for citizens. It does not, however, directly fund the purchase of computers as requested in the correspondence from the Committee referred to in the Question.
The latest call for grant applications under the BenefIT programme closed in August 2014. All funds available under the programme have since been allocated with my announcement in December last that 29 additional organisations had secured funding, following the conclusion of the competitive evaluation process.
Internet training will be taking place throughout 2015 and is now available at some 700 locations nationwide. Further details can be found on my Department’s website at National Digital Strategy - Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
My officials will respond directly to the Committee to advise them of the training opportunities and offer any advice available in relation to alternative approaches to obtaining the computers they wish to acquire.
571. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of persons who applied under the public application process for each of the vacant positions on the board of Ervia; the number selected from the public application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3835/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Appointments Service (PAS), in conjunction with NewERA, managed the recent selection process for the filling of vacancies on the Board of Ervia in accordance with the "Guidelines on appointments to State Boards" published by the Government in November 2014. Four vacancies were advertised on the stateboards website on 20 November 2014 and candidates were required to submit their application by the deadline of 3 December 2014.
I am advised by the PAS that there was a significant level of interest in the posts advertised with 88 applications received. On conclusion of a rigorous selection process, involving NewERA's assistance, I made four appointments to the Ervia Board. All nine Ervia Board positions are now filled.
572. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the effectiveness of the current system for counting on Irish waterways; his further views that it is providing incorrect estimates of salmon and eel stock levels; if the process of a once annual count needs to be addressed as it only takes in rod line catches and the number of anglers are down across the country; his plans to introduce a system of scientific counting to ensure a more accurate reading and which would also cause no harm to the fish as catch and release is widely believed to be harmful to the fish and in some cases result in death; his plans to introduce the use of scientific counting on the main south east waterways the Nore, the Barrow and the Suir; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3847/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s inland fishery authorities are committed to using the most accurate available data and internationally accepted methodologies to inform decision making. In this regard, while Inland Fisheries Ireland is the Statutory body responsible for the protection, management and conservation of the inland fisheries resource, it is supported in Salmon fisheries assessment by the Standing Scientific Committee on Salmon (SSCS) which includes fisheries scientists from IFI, the Marine Institute, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Loughs Agency, and the Agriculture, Food and Biosciences Institute for Northern Ireland (AFBINI). Although the scientists are drawn from these agencies, the advice from the SSCS is independent of the parent agencies.
The SSCS annually carry out an assessment of salmon stocks on a catchment by catchment basis using internationally accepted best scientific practice to ascertain whether conservation limits are being or likely to be attained on an individual river basis. The SSCS provide advice to IFI, who are responsible for the management and conservation of these stocks.
I am advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland that fish counter data and rod/net catch data (in-river or estuarine measures) of salmon abundance are used by the SSCS to provide a primary measure of spawning stocks and attainment of individual river conservation limits.
With the operation of fisheries restricted to estuaries and rivers, following the Government decision to close mixed stock fisheries at sea from 2007, the SSCS assessment is now focused primarily on estimating individual river returns from catch data, counter data and ranges of rod catch exploitation rates derived from observed values in Irish rivers in recent years. The catch statistics derived from estuarine commercial fisheries are an important source of quantitative information for the SSCS, particularly in determining the attainment of individual river Conservation Limits. Following implementation of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme which commenced in 2001, the catch data are derived from the logbook returns of commercial fishermen and recreational anglers.
Data are available to the SSCS from 32 fish counters for the 2014 – 2015 assessments, an increase of 11 counters on the 2011 – 2012 assessment. Information on juvenile abundance indices derived from electro-fishing surveys carried out annually by IFI is also examined to indicate stock status. Juvenile abundance data is used primarily where new information has not been available for rod catches where rivers may be closed to exploitation.
The information set out above is very comprehensive and is collected annually, where available, for all 143 salmon rivers in Ireland. The SSCS use the most recent five years of data and not a once annual count to forecast the run of salmon in the following year and to formulate advice to IFI on any surplus available over the conservation limit of each individual river. This is done to take account of any extremes in conditions such as droughts and floods, and to avoid large short-term fluctuations in predicted salmon returns in the annual scientific advice.
In circumstances where the number of anglers is reduced over recent years, for rivers where rod catch is the primary means of salmon stock assessment, a rod exploitation rate is applied to the reported rod catch for each river. If the number of anglers has reduced, for example, due to catch and release angling, a lower rod exploitation rate is applied in that instance.
For the majority of salmon rivers, the reported rod catch is used in conjunction with rod exploitation rates over the previous five years to estimate the size of salmon runs and predict the run in the following year. Rod exploitation rates used are derived from fish counters where the total salmon run is known and the also percentage of the run that is taken by anglers (i.e. the exploitation rate).
Ireland’s wild salmon management regime, including the work of the SSCS, is very well regarded internationally with delegations from a number of countries visiting in recent years to study and learn from our management system now regularly viewed as best international practice. The management structure is also well regarded within the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO).
With regard to the survival of salmon after catch and release, a recent study on three Irish rivers (Gargan et al. 2015) has shown that, when conducted using proper guidelines, survival of salmon after C&R can be high. Opening rivers to C&R angling provides an important tool to assist data collection on salmon stock status while not significantly impacting on salmon survival.
Currently, rod catches and commercial catches (if a commercial fishery operates) are used to determine the status of salmon stocks on the Barrow, Nore and Suir rivers. Use of rod catch, in conjunction with a range of exploitation rates, is the primary index of salmon stock status on the great majority of Irish rivers. IFI are currently investigating the possibility of installing a fish counter on the river Barrow for salmon stock assessment. This process will depend on locating a suitable site and securing the necessary planning and other relevant permissions.
Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP) was accepted by the EU in 2009 under the EC Regulation (EC No. 1100/2007). I am advised by IFI that a close link between the management actions in Ireland’s EMP and eel-stock targets has been established by implementing a comprehensive monitoring and stock assessment programme. This will allow for a direct feedback to management based on response of the stock to management actions.
Each year, eel stocks are assessed in a national monitoring programme. This involves assessment of juvenile eel (glass eels or elvers), maturing eel (yellow eels) and mature eels on their migration to sea (silver eels). Monitoring of recruitment is critical to evaluating the overall success of the eel regulation and is required by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) for international stock assessment. This information is also required to assess and model changes in the future eel stocks in Ireland.
The EMP was reviewed in 2012 with scientific advice from the statutorily independent Standing Scientific Committee on Eels (SSCE). This review included a robust public consultation during which many issues were raised and considered. Full details of the scientific assessment and outputs of the public consultation are available on the IFI web site.
The actions set out above under the National Eel Monitoring Programme constitute a comprehensive assessment of eel stock status in Ireland and are reported to the EU on a three yearly basis to comply with Ireland's obligations under the EC Regulation (EC No. 1100/2007) for the recovery of eel stocks.
573. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the most recent social impact study was completed in relation to the effect the closure of salmon and eel fishing is having on the families of the affected fishermen; if his attention has been drawn to the serious pressure being put on these families; his plans for a new social impact study to assess the risk to the loss of heritage in the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3848/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra574. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are funds reserved from the last salmon buy-out that could be allocated to a scheme where older fishermen could avail of retirement scheme; his plans to introduce a further set-aside scheme for those who wish to seek alternative employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3849/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 574 together.
Ireland's Eel Management Plan (EMP) was accepted by the EU in 2009 under the 2007 EU Eel regulation (1100/2007). The plan outlined the following main management actions aimed at reducing eel mortality and increasing silver eel escapement to the sea:
- a cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market,
- mitigation of the impact of hydropower installations,
- ensure upstream migration of juvenile eel at barriers,
- improvement of water quality.
The overall requirement and objective is to provide, with high probability, a long-term 40% escapement to the sea of the biomass of silver eel, relative to pristine conditions (i.e. if the stock had been completely free of man-made influences including commercial fishing).
Based on comprehensive scientific assessment of eel stocks nationally and a review of Ireland’s EMP in 2012 it was recommended that the closure of both the commercial and recreational eel fisheries be continued in line with the conservation imperative. The 2012 review included a robust public consultation during which many issues were raised and considered. Full details of the outputs of the public consultation are available on the Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) web site. Similar reviews were carried out across EU Member States as the eel stock has radically declined throughout Europe. The status of the European Eel has also been defined by the United Nations as critically endangered.
While I recognize fully the difficulty facing eel fishermen, the review of scientific and management advice and inputs from the public consultation informed the decision to continue with the cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market for the period from 2012 to 2015. Ireland’s EMP will be reviewed again this year and an opportunity for further consultation with, and submissions from, stakeholders will be advanced at that time.
I understand that a number of former eel fishermen have been contracted by the ESB to catch eel so as to contribute to "Trap and Transport" operations to mitigate the impact of hydropower schemes as part of the EMP.
The management regime for salmon is reviewed annually for each of Ireland's 143 salmon rivers and is set out via statutory Instrument at the end of each year in respect of the coming year. The process includes a statutory 30 day consultation period during which all stakeholders have the opportunity to make submissions on the proposals before they are finalised.
The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following a Government decision in 2006 to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery in the sea. The scheme targeted €25m towards commercial salmon fishermen who were active in the fishery at the time and funding was provided to fishermen for them to permanently cease fishing activity. A further €5m was directed towards community projects.
The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and was ceased in 2008 and I understand that all funds were expended.
In the current economic circumstances there is no prospect of funding being available for similar initiatives.
575. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to conduct a review of the composition of the two standing scientific committees with a view to having a fair and complete representation of all groups affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3850/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Standing Scientific Committees on Eel (SSCE) and Salmon (SSCS) are provided for under Section 7.5(a) of the 2010 Inland Fisheries Act. The purpose of the committees is to provide independent scientific advice to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) who are responsible for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the Ireland’s salmon and eel stocks.
In framing the 2010 legislation consideration was given to the need for these scientific committees to act independently of IFI Ireland and the relevant sectors in the exercise of their functions. The committees consist of leading fishery scientists from IFI, the Marine Institute, BIM, ESB, the Agri Food Bio-Sciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland, and third level institutes. The scientists involved act independently of their agencies to produce scientific advice to support the management of fisheries.
While the Committees are independent scientific committees, they are open to receiving and considering scientific inputs and data from parties or stakeholders. The independence and the scientific credentials of the membership of the SSCE and SSCS is an important element in facilitating the carrying out of their work in an impartial, objective manner based on best international scientific practice.
576. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department received feedback regarding the European initiative, FARNET, which covers more than 10,000 km. of inland fisheries in Europe; his views that this needs to be extended to areas where tidal water stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3851/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that FARNET is the community of people, including experts, civil servants and local citizens from across the EU, that are collectively engaged in implementing a particular strand (Axis 4) of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) aimed at promoting sustainable development in EU fisheries areas. Funding available under this strand is targeted primarily at creating alternative economic activity and improving the quality of life in areas affected by a decline in fishing activities.
I understand that the Competent Authority in relation to the implementation of the EFF is the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
