Tuesday, 10 Feb 2015

Written Answers Nos. 597-614

Water Services Provision

Ceisteanna (597)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

597. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm, that in order to comply with the water framework directive, legislation is required for the registration and licensing of all private wells; the charge that will be applied for private well registration and licensing, if water charges are applied to water extracted from registered and licensed private wells; is the forthcoming registration and licensing of private wells the reason Irish Water insists in retaining account records for those whose sole water supply is from a private well and who are not now and never intend to be, Irish Water customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6028/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Water Framework Directive requires that abstractions of surface water or ground water which are likely to have a significant impact on water status must be regulated. As such, Ireland must develop a register of, and a regulatory control system for, water abstraction points. My Department is currently examining how best to address this requirement in a proportionate and efficient way and it has convened a working group to consider the issues arising and to make recommendations. While no decisions will be made on this matter until extensive research and public consultation is undertaken, it would be my intention that a proportionate abstraction control regime will effectively manage abstraction risks and pressures without imposing unnecessary regulatory burden. Recognising the relatively low abstraction pressures in Ireland it is expected that a regime would focus on the most significant abstraction volumes and pressures recognising that the Directive does not require the registration and licencing of private wells serving individual domestic dwellings. The initial research phase, which will take up much of 2015, will provide a basis for my Department to engage in extensive consultation with the key sectors and with the wider public.

Irish Water has sent out customer application packs and letters to all households to enable customers to confirm their details and to ensure that a correct and up-to-date database of customers exists. As part of this process, households who are not customers of Irish Water, such as owners of private wells and waste water treatment systems, are requested to confirm this to the company so that they are not charged as customers in error. Furthermore, by registering these details, such households become eligible for the water conservation grant if it is their primary residence. These are the only purposes for which such information will be used.

Local Authority Housing

Ceisteanna (598)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

598. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if discretion is being left to voluntary housing associations to allocate tenancies to returning emigrants under the safe home programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6031/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Under my Department’s Capital Assistance Scheme, funding of up to 100% of the approved cost of a social housing development can be provided where all prospective tenancies are taken from the local authority housing waiting list. Allocations are made by the approved housing body in consultation with the local authority. Where an approved housing body retains 25% of tenancy nomination rights, funding of up to 95% of the approved cost of a development is available. These tenancy allocations are made at the discretion of the approved housing bodies. This can allow flexibility within a housing project in order to accommodate those persons who may not qualify for the local authority waiting list but would be in need of housing. Tenancies can also be allocated to elderly returning emigrants who are taken off a list of persons assessed as in need of housing by the Safe Home organisation who carry out an assessment of applications for housing from such emigrants.

Full details in relation to the Capital Assistance Scheme including the lettings policy are available on my Department’s website at the following link:

http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,2082,en.pdf.

Severe Weather Events Expenditure

Ceisteanna (599)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

599. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of funds that will be allocated this year for the continuing programme of storm damage remediation and prevention work in 2015; the amount of this that relates to work sanctioned in 2014, but not completed; if he will provide details of these projects; when details of the projects to be approved in 2015 will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6032/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Government decided on 11 February 2014 to allocate funding of up to €69.5 million to local authorities in the areas worst affected by the first phase of severe weather in respect of the damage caused between 13 December 2013 and 6 January 2014. This was intended to support communities by restoring roads, coastal protection, amenities/facilities and other public infrastructure which had been damaged. It was agreed that the funding would be made available via the Votes of the appropriate Departments, viz, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, the Office of Public Works and my own Department. While my Department had an initial role in collating details and costs of damage in the immediate aftermath of the severe weather based on returns and estimates provided by local authorities, the other Departments and Offices listed above liaise directly with the local authorities on funding which falls under their remit. In the case of funding requirements which fall under the remit of my Department, viz, tourism infrastructure funded by the local authorities, certain piers, harbours and other facilities in the charge of the local authorities, current costs totalling €4 million and capital costs totalling €13.1 million were estimated initially for the first phase of severe weather. For the 2nd phase of severe weather, from 27 January to 17 February 2014, local authorities estimated current costs of €3.5 million and €8.5 million in capital costs. Some additional works beyond the original €7.5 m initially estimated were identified under the current costs heading covering clean-up and necessary immediate repairs and by the end of 2014 €7.859 m was disbursed by my Department. A further €5.994 million has been paid by my Department in respect of capital costs in 2014. Provision has been made in my Department’s Vote for a further €10 million in respect of capital costs to be incurred by local authorities in 2015 on repair and remediation projects.

Although local authorities were asked to give priority to works which are significant for economic activity and support for the tourism industry in particular, it is a matter for the local authorities to decide which projects are to be progressed and in which timescales. My Department does not have a role with regard to the sanctioning or ongoing monitoring of individual projects and local authorities recoup funding for these projects from my Department on the basis of the submission of certification that expenditure has been incurred within the overall expenditure ceilings allocated.

No funding has been drawn down from my Department by local authorities to date in 2015.

Question No. 600 answered with Question No. 590.

Questions Nos. 601 and 602 answered with Question No. 596.

Question No. 603 answered with Question No. 578.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (604)

Andrew Doyle

Ceist:

604. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the provision of a specific class designation for the development of large scale studio infrastructure under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, as there currently is no specific class of development that relates to the film industry, or exemption from fees under these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6051/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Paudie Coffey)

Section 2 of Schedule 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended, prescribes the scale of fees for planning applications. Class 4 of section 2 provides that the fee for the provision of a building, other than a house, the alteration of an existing house, the construction of a structure within the curtilage of an existing house, or an agricultural building, shall be €80 for each building, or €3.60 for each square metre of gross floor space to be provided, whichever is greater.

While the Planning Regulations are generally kept under review in my Department, I have no plans to amend the planning fees at this time.

Irish Water Funding

Ceisteanna (605)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

605. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the purposes the €200 million supplementary capital grant from his Department to Irish Water will be used for in 2015. [6091/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The establishment of Irish Water is an integral component of the Government’s water sector reform strategy and will lead to lower costs and improved services in the future, providing much better outcomes for customers and the environment. Irish Water is being funded by a combination of domestic and non-domestic water charges, Government subvention and the raising of debt.

Government funding in respect of 2015 is made up of €399 million in respect of operational subvention and €222 million in respect of capital expenditure. This funding, provided by the Minister for Finance, is for the purpose of supporting increased investment in public water services infrastructure by Irish Water.

EU Directives

Ceisteanna (606)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

606. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the derogation under Section 9.4 of the European Union Water Directive came to an end; and if it will be re-applied for. [6092/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos 185 and 197 of 11 December 2014, which sets out the position in this matter.

Regional Assemblies

Ceisteanna (607)

Seán Kyne

Ceist:

607. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress to date in establishing three new regional assemblies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6133/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Northern and Western, Southern and Eastern and Midland Regional Assemblies were established with effect from 1 January 2015 in accordance with the Local Government Act 1991 (Regional Assemblies) (Establishment) Order 2014.

Noise Pollution

Ceisteanna (608)

Finian McGrath

Ceist:

608. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on noise pollution (details supplied) caused by flights from Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6148/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Environmental Noise Directive (END) 2002/49/EC sets out certain requirements for the assessment and management of environmental noise from transport sources, including from major airports with more than 50,000 aircraft take-off or landing movements per year.

The END was transposed into national law by the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006, which set out a two-stage process for addressing environmental noise. Firstly, environmental noise must be assessed through the preparation of strategic noise maps for areas and infrastructure falling within defined criteria. This is undertaken by prescribed noise mapping bodies, which includes Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and local authorities. Secondly, based on the results of the mapping process, the Regulations require the preparation of noise action plans for each area concerned, which is undertaken by the relevant local authority, the prescribed noise action planning body. The fundamental objective of action plans is the prevention and reduction of environmental noise.

The Regulations require the review and revision of strategic noise maps and noise action plans on a five year cycle. A new round of noise mapping was conducted during 2012. Following the noise mapping exercise, the four Dublin local authorities prepared a new Noise Action Plan for the period 2013 – 2018. This plan sets out an approach to the strategic management and control of environmental noise. The plan is available on the Dublin City Council website at the following link -

www.dublincity.ie/WaterWasteEnvironment/NoiseMapsandActionPlans/Documents/DublinNoiseActionPlan2013-2018Final.pdf.

The most recent noise mapping exercise found that 200 people are exposed to undesirable night-time levels above 55 dB(A) from aircraft using Dublin Airport. As compared to the previous mapping exercise in 2007, there has been an overall reduction in the number of people exposed to undesirable night-time noise levels.

In 2008, Dublin Airport Stakeholders Forum set up an Environmental Working Group that works closely with Fingal County Council. This group provides an effective forum for the discussion of all environment matters concerning the development and operation of the airport that have an impact on users, customers of the airport and on people living and working in the surrounding communities.

The management of noise abatement of operational procedures at Dublin Airport is shared by the airport operator, the DAA, and the airlines operating at the airport. Under the European Communities (Air Navigation and Transport Rules and Procedures for Noise Related Operating Restrictions at Airports) Regulations 2003, the Irish Aviation Authority has the responsibility of ensuring that the airport operator has in place a system of noise monitoring.

I am informed by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, that, in recognition of its responsibilities in this area, the DAA has introduced, and continues to evaluate, a number of initiatives to monitor aircraft noise levels and to mitigate their impact. A flight tracking system is now operated that allows aircraft movements to be analysed and to respond to any complaints relating to aircraft noise. The primary objective of the Noise & Flight Track Department of the DAA is to gather information on aircraft approach and departure routes and resultant noise levels at a number of key locations.

Hydraulic Fracturing

Ceisteanna (609)

Ciaran Lynch

Ceist:

609. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding fracking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5899/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Joe McHugh)

As has been outlined on a number of occasions, no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of an unconventional gas exploration or extraction project, until there has been time to consider the outcome of a major research programme, directed at examining the potential environmental impacts of hydraulic fracturing, which was commissioned by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The key questions that this research programme, which is to be carried out over a minimum period of two years, needs to answer are:

- Can unconventional gas exploration and extraction projects and operations be carried out in the island of Ireland whilst also protecting the environment and human health; and

- What is ‘best environmental practice’ in relation to such projects and operations?

To this end this scientific research programme is based on the consideration of existing baseline data with respect to groundwater, air and seismicity and the potential implications and mitigations that are required to be considered in order to understand the possible environmental impacts of using this technology and whether or not it can be undertaken in an environmentally protective manner in accordance with the requirements of environmental law.

I can once again confirm that no decision will be made on any proposal for the use of hydraulic fracturing, as part of any unconventional gas exploration and extraction programme, until there has been time to consider the outcome of this EPA research.

Legislative Programme

Ceisteanna (610)

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

610. Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has contacted the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources concerning the pre-legislative consideration of the minerals development Bill; when he is likely to refer the Bill to the committee for pre-legislative scrutiny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5628/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Joe McHugh)

As reported to the Deputy on the 20th January I have asked the Joint Oireachtas Committee to consider the Minerals Development Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny in advance of its submission to Government for approval to publish. I understand that the Committee expects to be in a position shortly to decide whether it can proceed with pre-legislative scrutiny in this case in the context of its work programme for 2015 and I await the Chairman's response.

Public Service Obligation Levy

Ceisteanna (611)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

611. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the purpose of the public service obligation levy on electricity bills; the rate at which it is levied; the reason for the recent increase in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5694/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The 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 also vital to enable Ireland to meet its 2020 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.

The biggest driver for the levy rise for this year is the lower predicted wholesale market electricity price, which is estimated to be around 10% lower than last year. This results in lower predicted market income for the PSO plants and, therefore, a higher levy is required to cover their allowed costs. The lower wholesale electricity price is currently being driven by lower international gas prices in evidence since mid-2013. This drives up the proposed PSO levy. However, if these lower gas and wholesale prices are sustained, the lower wholesale prices would reduce the wholesale cost of electricity that suppliers pay. In turn, suppliers would be in a position to reduce their retail prices and potentially offset the PSO levy increase. Increased competition in the retail electricity has led to some suppliers reducing their retail prices. The CER is tasked with retail market monitoring and executes this role vigorously to ensure competition leads to the fairest prices for customers.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (612)

Michael Colreavy

Ceist:

612. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a guarantee for the extension of the fibre optic cable (details supplied) from Ballinaboy, County Roscommon to Belmullet, County Mayo. [5956/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The State can only become active in the telecommunications market in cases of clear market failure. The provision of telecommunications services, including broadband and fibre optic backhaul cables are a matter, in the first instance, for the commercial players who operate in the Irish market.

The Government's intervention under the 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, including Erris and the West of Ireland. 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 24th November last, a public consultation on a national high speed coverage map 2016 was launched. This consultation will close on Thursday next, 12th February 2015. The map can be accessed at www.broadband.gov.ie. The areas marked BLUE represent those areas that will have access to commercial high speed broadband services by end 2016 and includes Belmullet. I understand that at least one operator has committed to bringing high speed broadband of 30mbps to 100mbps to Belmullet by mid-2016. The AMBER areas show the target areas for the State intervention.

In tandem with the mapping consultation, intensive design and planning work is under way in my Department to produce a detailed intervention strategy. I intend to launch a further public consultation on the detailed intervention strategy in mid-2015.

In relation to the telecommunications duct which was installed adjacent to the Galway Mayo Gas Pipeline, my Department has commenced a procurement process for the appointment of a Management Services Entity to operate the Galway-Mayo Telecommunications Duct.

The question of whether the duct should be extended to Belmullet will be considered in light of the anticipated commercial developments in the area and the proposed State intervention under the National Broadband Plan.

The State's intervention under the National Broadband Plan aims to deliver speeds of at least 30Mbps through a network that will also be designed to cater for future increased demand from consumers and business. This means that every premises in Ireland, including those in Belmullet and surrounding areas, will have access to high speed broadband provided through commercial operators or through the State's intervention strategy.

Better Energy Homes Scheme

Ceisteanna (613)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

613. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on a matter (details provided) regarding a Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6043/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

In October last year, I published a Draft Bioenergy Plan which is available on my Department’s website (www.dcenr.gov.ie). The draft Plan will undergo Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments, including public consultation, which will inform the content of the finalised Plan.

The analysis underpinning the draft Plan is that an additional bioenergy focused 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. There are no plans at this time to introduce such a scheme for domestic heat users.

However, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers the Better Energy Programme on my behalf. This includes the Better Energy Homes scheme, the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme and the Better Energy Warmer Homes Area based programme, which has subsequently been merged with the Better Communities programme.

Better Energy Homes provides a financial incentive to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households who meet the defined eligibility criteria and who are vulnerable to energy poverty. The Better Energy Areas scheme, which is free of charge to the customer, delivers energy upgrades to low income homeowners experiencing extreme energy poverty in all housing sectors including Local Authority houses, Housing Association houses and private homes. The Better Energy Communities programme supports sustainable energy upgrades to existing buildings, services, facilities and processes in the community sector. Under all of these schemes, high efficiency heating system upgrades are eligible for grant support. Any query regarding whether or not a particular technology is considered to be high efficiency should be addressed to the SEAI.

Natural Gas Grid

Ceisteanna (614)

Derek Nolan

Ceist:

614. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to make gas available at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; if he will agree to put all the necessary infrastructure in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6060/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is the statutory independent body charged with the assessment and licensing of prospective operators seeking to develop and operate a gas distribution system within the State. In 2006, the CER approved a new network connections policy which enabled assessment of the feasibility of connecting certain towns to the gas network. In order for any town to be connected to the network, certain economic criteria need to be met as a prerequisite. The policy allows for the appraisal of a town either on its own or as part of a regional group of towns.

The policy framework provides that, over a certain period, the costs of connecting a town or group of towns to the network are recouped through the actual economic consumption of gas and the associated tariffs. Uneconomic projects would increase costs for all energy consumers.

Under the connections policy framework, Bord Gáis Networks and more recently Gaslink carried out a comprehensive assessment of towns not already connected to the national gas network. A "New Towns Analysis Phase 1" report was published in 2006. The study included a review of the feasibility of connecting towns to the natural gas network in Galway/Mayo and the CER made the decision to allow Gaslink to extend the network to eleven of these towns, including Athenry. Prior to the roll out of gas to each town, a detailed analysis of the loads within the town and the revenues associated with them is carried out. There is also a requirement to secure a certain level of customers prior to the development commencing. The gas network has been extended to eight of these towns. Work is ongoing to secure economic loads in the three remaining towns, i.e. Athenry, Knock and Balyhaunis, prior to the commencement of construction. To date, the projected loads are insufficient to justify commencement of construction.

The CER is currently consulting on a submission received by it from the gas transmission system operator Gas Networks Ireland, the successor to Gaslink, on revisions to the existing connections policy as set out above.