Written Answers Nos 577-591
577. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans he has for the provision of an effective broadband service for an area (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3872/15]
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 Orchardstown, Co Tipperary. It is anticipated that speeds of at least 30 Mbps will also be delivered through the Government’s intervention.
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.
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.
578. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the requests of local communities in the north east that in the event of the proposed North-South interconnector proceeding that cables will be put underground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3921/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the key concerns arising from public consultation processes on EirGrid’s Grid25 Strategy has been the extent to which undergrounding options have been explored, so as to allow ready comparison with overhead line solutions for individual projects.
In January 2014, an Independent Expert Panel (IEP) was established to oversee the integrity of the process being undertaken by EirGrid to report on comprehensive, route-specific studies of overhead and underground options for both the Grid Link and Grid West projects. The studies are required to take account of environmental (including visual amenity) impacts, technical efficacy and cost factors. The IEP will comment on the completeness, objectivity and comparability of the studies and reports.
The Panel was also asked to consider what work it might usefully undertake to establish whether or not there has been parity of treatment between the North South (N/S) project and the Grid West and Grid Link projects in terms of the work undertaken on the N/S project to date, including route-specific studies of overhead and underground options. Having considered and discussed all of the material provided by EirGrid, in July 2014, the Panel provided its unanimous opinion that, in all material respects, what has already been done on the N/S project is compatible with the methodologies now being employed on the Grid West and Grid Link projects.
The N/S project is part of an on-going process which is expected to be subjected to rigorous assessment as part of the planning processes in both jurisdictions (Ireland and Northern Ireland). It is expected that the planning application for the project will be submitted in April 2015.
579. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding grants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3922/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnergy efficiency is a key element of energy policy. Improving the efficiency with which we use our energy reduces costs and helps to make our energy system more environmentally sustainable. In addition, it is widely recognised that improving the thermal efficiency of our homes brings real benefits for health and well being.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) delivers a range of energy efficiency schemes, on behalf of my Department, of which older people can avail. The Deputy will find all the necessary information on the Better Energy section of the SEAI website. For older people, for whom funding may be difficult, I direct the Deputy to the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme, which delivers energy efficiency improvements free of charge. Since 2000 the scheme has upgraded 112,000 homes with Government funding of €136 million.
Support for home improvements for older people, which includes structural upgrades to aid energy efficiency, is also available from the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government. Details on the Housing Aid for Older People scheme can be found on that Department's website. I understand that more than 23,000 homes have benefitted under this scheme since 2010.
580. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding grants for boilers burning wood (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3923/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Draft Bioenergy Plan was published in October and will undergo Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments which will inform the content of the finalised Plan. These assessment processes will commence shortly.
Analysis underpinning the draft Plan is that an additional bioenergy-focussed measure in the heat sector would represent the most cost effective means of meeting a number of different policy goals. Therefore, the draft Plan recommends the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for larger heat users to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources, including wood pellets and other biomass. 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.
The uptake of renewable heat is also supported through Part L of the Building Regulations. Furthermore, the planned reviews of these regulations, for buildings other than dwellings, to achieve Nearly Zero Energy Buildings status, are also expected to result in increasing the uptake of renewable heat from a range of sources including biomass.
The Better Energy Homes scheme, operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), provides grants towards improving the energy efficiency of residential heating through upgrades of boilers, heating control upgrades and the installation of solar heating. The scheme does not provide grant support for biomass heating systems.
581. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the promotion of the broadband mapping consultation process that has been embarked on with local community groups and vested interest organisations. [3935/15]
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 the 12th February next. Submissions made in respect of this paper will feed in to the on-going work on developing a comprehensive intervention strategy which is scheduled to be completed by next summer. 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.
In the run up to and since the publication of the Map, my Department has had over 80 meetings with operators and stakeholder groups representing a wide range of rural interests. I was also pleased that both the Irish Farmers Association and the Clare Local Development Company participated with me in launching the Map in Doolin, Co. Clare. The on-line Map and associated information links created by my Department has received over 50,000 hits since launch, which I believe is a strong indicator of the public's interest in this project.
My Department is continuing to actively engage with a wide range of stakeholders and my officials are always available to meet with representative groups or bodies to explain the background to the mapping exercise and the NBP in general. I would encourage all stakeholders, be they individuals or representative groups, to engage with the consultation process.
582. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has read the document Investing in Our Transport Future: A Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport; his views that it will be in line with the objectives laid out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill, in particular in relation to our commitment to lowering our carbon emissions by 80% on 1990 levels by 2050 across the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3884/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra613. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that his Department's document Investing in Our Transport Future: A Strategic Framework for Investment in Land Transport effectively addresses the need for carbon emission mitigation, as outlined in our commitments to the 2020 and 2050 EU carbon emissions climate legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3937/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 582 and 613 together.
My Department published a draft Framework “Investing in Our Transport Future” for public consultation in August last. The draft framework was drawn up by a steering group which set out to establish priorities and principles to guide future decisions around the level and focus of land transport investment.
Some 64 submissions were received from a wide range of stakeholders and interested parties. Having considered the submissions made, my Department is in the process of finalising a consultation report and resulting revisions that are proposed to the draft Framework.
Ireland has particularly challenging carbon emissions targets for 2020 and the Government has announced an ambition to radically reduce carbon emissions by 2050. The work undertaken by the Steering Group considered the role of land transport investment in carbon emissions mitigation.
The draft Framework highlighted the important role that improvements in the planning system and investment in public transport and cycling and walking can play in reducing emissions, particularly in urban areas.
However, for a significant proportion of car journeys in Ireland such modal shift is not a viable option. A significant change in the carbon emitting profile of the Irish vehicle fleet will be needed, and this is outside of the scope of the funding framework. Similarly, any measures promoting or marketing modal shift or behavioural change to sustainable transport require current funding. They are therefore also outside of the scope of this particular document, which relates to the capital investment framework, although they are of course an important part of my Department's work more generally.
Revisions are being made to the draft Framework in light of the consultation responses which will put greater emphasis on the interaction between transport investment decisions and mitigation of carbon emissions and the revised Framework will be published in due course.
583. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the role of clean light rail transport in tackling carbon emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3885/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully support the development of light rail projects in areas of appropriate existing or predicted population levels which have a sound business case and are affordable. I recognise the importance of light rail as part of a range of sustainable travel options in our efforts to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse emissions and mitigate against the impacts of climate change. However the development of any new project is subject to the availability of funding once the priority of maintaining existing assets to an appropriate standard is met.
Despite funding constraints the Luas Cross City, which is currently underway, was selected as a priority public transport project to be funded under the current capital plan. In creating a Luas network between the existing Green and Red lines the provision of Luas Cross City will be a critical element in reducing traffic congestion in Dublin City Centre. By reducing dependency on car travel it will also reduce CO2 and other greenhouse emissions.
A number of large public transport projects for the Dublin area are currently under review. These are covered by the Fingal/North Dublin Transport Study, the updated business case for DART Underground and a preliminary Business Case for the BRT to Swords. This Study is examining all existing proposals (heavy rail, metro, Luas extensions) as well as other options for a rail-based transport solution to meet the area’s needs in the long term.
I will consider the outcome of all these reports having regard to the costs and benefits of each project and to available Exchequer funding as well as other possible sources of funds. I expect to finalise this review by mid-2015.
584. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason driving test facilities in County Galway do not have public toilet facilities and designated parking for the centre in view of the fact that such facilities are available at other test centres and are important for persons undertaking the driving test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3926/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
585. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason driving tests for larger vehicles are not available in County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applicants have to travel to Athlone, County Westmeath, which is a considerable distance for persons residing west of Galway city; if in the interests of fairness a suitable venue in Galway city for carrying out such categories of testing will be sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3927/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation of the driver testing service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. I have therefore referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response has not been received within ten days.
586. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will expand pay and display facilities for car parking at train stations nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3298/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue raised is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
587. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if submissions made towards the public consultation on the north Dublin transport strategy will be made public. [3299/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public consultation process in relation to the Fingal / North Dublin Transport Study is being undertaken by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the NTA is the recipient of the submissions associated with that consultation. Accordingly, a decision on the publication of those submissions will be a matter for the NTA.
Noting this I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
588. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the sports capital programme will next be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3400/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetailed preparations are being made at present in my Department for the next round of the Sports Capital Programme. I expect to make an announcement in the near future.
589. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the legislation under which the National Roads Authority proposes to compulsory purchase order lands for the Dublin to Galway greenway, as that land can only be purchased under CPO for critical infrastructure projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3404/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that both the National Roads Authority and Westmeath County Council both received similar legal advice that the appropriate legislation to compulsorily purchase land required for the purpose of the Dublin to Galway Greenway from Athlone to Galway is section 213 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. This section makes no reference to critical infrastructure but does to the Local Authority having the power "for the purposes of performing any of its functions".
What is critical is the ability of the Government to protect the significant expenditure that will be incurred for the provision of this wonderful amenity between Dublin and Galway and the rights of cyclist and pedestrians to have permanent access to it for generations to come.
590. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the road testing of vintage vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3413/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Government's 2013-2020 Road Safety Strategy, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) was tasked with conducting a review of the roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles to determine the safety case and cost benefits, if any, for inclusion in roadworthiness testing.
The RSA has now completed this review which included a public consultation exercise that attracted in the region of 2,000 submissions. The scope of the RSA's review covered those vehicle types for which roadworthiness testing regimes currently exist namely, passenger cars, ambulances, motor caravans, buses, goods vehicles and their trailers.
My Department received the RSA's review findings and proposals recently and these will be examined by my officials with a view to submitting early recommendations to me which I will consider in due course.
591. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to expand bicycle lanes here; the projects ongoing or planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3490/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll funding available to my Department for the development of the National Cycle Network is now fully committed up to the end of 2016.
Under the National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016 three projects shared in €6.3m. for the delivery of three greenways in Kerry, Galway and Waterford. A further 11 greenway/cycleway projects were awarded funding under the €200m Government Stimulus Package for infrastructural development, €10m of which was earmarked for the development of greenways. Details of the projects funded are contained in the tables under.
It is likely, given the popularity and success of greenways already delivered, that funding may become available from other sources over the coming years. The EU Structural Funds Programme 2014-2020 is currently being finalised and there may be significant opportunities for cycle infrastructure development under INTERREG and the Rural Development Programme. I understand that a number of local authorities are positioning themselves to benefit from such opportunities
The delivery of a world class National Cycle Network for Ireland continues to be a priority for my Department.
National Cycle Network Funding Programme 2014-2016
|
County |
Project |
km |
Grant amount |
|
Kerry |
Glenbeigh-Reenard Trail (Phase 2 and Phase 3) |
26 |
3,458,281 |
|
Galway |
Galway to Moycullen Greenway |
12.4 |
2,000,000 |
|
Waterford |
Clonea to Durrow Greenway (Phase 1) |
7.2 |
897,739 |
Stimulus Funding 2014
|
County |
Project |
km |
Grant amount |
|
Clare |
West Clare Greenway -Phase 1 - Ennis to Balllymacquiggan |
5 |
400,000 |
|
Kerry |
Cahersiveen to Reenard Point (Phase 1 Fertha Greenway) |
5.75 |
450,000 |
|
Kerry |
Tralee Fenit Trail - Phase 1 Rock Street to Casement Station |
0.42 |
345,000 |
|
Kildare |
Arthur's Way Greenway |
25 |
311,000 |
|
Limerick |
Patrickswell to Limerick City cycleway |
4.14 |
420,000 |
|
Mayo |
Monasteries of the Moy - part funding for project |
14 |
250,000 |
|
Roscommon |
Boyle to Lough Key Forest Park |
24 |
400,000 |
|
Tipperary |
Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir Greenway |
20 |
1,900,000 |
|
Waterford |
Kilmeaden to Bilberry Greenway |
9.6 |
1,100,000 |
|
Westmeath |
Athlone to Mullingar Greenway |
40 |
4,000,000 |
|
Westmeath |
Coolnahay to the County Boundary |
14.4 |
700,000 |
