Wednesday, 6 Apr 2016

Written Answers Nos. 768-797

Water Services

Ceisteanna (768)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

768. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the ongoing work in his Department to deal with the problem of residents who live in an end-of-terrace home where the private sewage line for a group of houses ends and such residents are continually faced with the problem and expense of having blockages in the line dealt with; if he is aware of the considerable burden the lack of legislation in this area places upon such persons, including the tensions this causes between neighbours, and the frequent public health risks that arise; the grants that are available to residents to deal with such expenses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6053/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water is responsible for water services infrastructure including water supply pipes or sewers extending from a waterworks or waste water works to the curtilage of a private property.

Under sections 43 and 54 of the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems which are located within the boundary of a private property rests with the owner. This was the position that pertained prior to the establishment of Irish Water when individual local authorities held responsibility for public water services and infrastructure.

While the legal position is set out in the 2007 Act, my Department will be engaging with Irish Water to set out clearly the responsibilities of Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and wastewater infrastructure.

Homeless Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (769)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

769. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the planned or indicative tenancy period for persons who are allocated modular housing; the planned period for the use of such homes as emergency accommodation; and his plans to wind down these schemes once the housing crisis has abated. [6054/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.

With regard to rapid-delivery housing, Government has approved the delivery of 500 units of rapid-delivery housing for homeless households across Dublin. This programme of rapid-delivery housing provision is being implemented to mitigate the issues associated with an increasing volume of homeless households accommodated in inappropriate commercial hotel arrangements. The units will provide emergency accommodation for those families currently in hotels in the first instance, offering a greater level of stability while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning for access to all required services, including welfare, health and housing services. The temporary assignment of these units to homeless households, and the duration of occupancy by them, is a matter for housing authorities. Given that the units will have a 50 to 60 year lifespan, it is intended that they will be available to local authorities for social housing use when they’re no longer required to facilitate homeless families moving from hotels.

Development Contributions

Ceisteanna (770)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

770. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the information available to him on the extent of the exposure of local authorities to the loss of development levies arising from the purchase by voluntary housing associations of entire new housing estates. [6055/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Development contributions are a key part of securing investment in enabling infrastructure required to facilitate future development. A planning authority may, when granting a permission under section 34 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), include conditions requiring the payment of a contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefiting development in the area of the planning authority.

Development contributions are levied by planning authorities on the basis of a development contribution scheme approved by the elected members which sets out how contributions are to be applied in their respective functional areas. The level of contribution, and the types of development to which development contributions should apply, is therefore determined at local authority level in accordance with the powers vested in elected members in this connection. My role as Minister with regard to development contributions is to provide the necessary overarching legislative and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority. The adoption of these schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members of each planning authority and it is a matter for the members to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply in their respective functional areas. In effect, local authorities set their own policies in relation to their development contribution schemes, including exemptions from charging in specific circumstances if that is deemed appropriate.

The practice adopted by Dublin City Council since the introduction of development contribution schemes pursuant to Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, has always been to exempt social housing from such charges. The current development contribution scheme adopted by Dublin City Council covering the period 2016-2020 which was adopted by the Elected Members on 7 December 2015 provides an exemption for development contributions for ‘Social housing units, including those which are provided in accordance with an agreement made under Part V of the Planning and Development Act (as amended) or which are provided by a voluntary or co-operative housing body, which is recognised as such by the Council’. Therefore, the non-application by Dublin City Council of development contributions in respect of houses purchased by recognised housing bodies for social housing purposes is in accordance with the terms of its development contribution scheme as adopted by its elected members.

Social and Affordable Housing

Ceisteanna (771)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

771. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the basis of his decision to fund the full purchase by a voluntary housing association of two new housing estates (details supplied) in Dublin 9 and Dublin 11, given his guidelines as set out in the 2007 publication, Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities and specifically section 3.3.2 thereof. [6058/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have a key role to play in the provision of high quality sustainable social housing and this is recognised in the Government’s Social Housing Strategy 2020. In this way, the Strategy recognises the record of steady achievement by AHBs over the past 20 years in providing in excess of 28,000 units of quality accommodation.

Under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP), my Department, together with local authorities, can support AHBs to construct, purchase or lease housing units and make them available for social housing. The housing units are secured under long-term leases/availability arrangements between local authorities and AHBs.

In addition, capital support is made available to AHBs through the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF), which provides an up-front capital payment of up to 30% of the relevant construction or acquisition cost of a project, facilitating AHBs in raising private finance, including from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA), to acquire or build new social housing units. The capital advance is repayable by the AHB to the local authority at the end of a payment and availability agreement, usually 30 years. All proposals for CALF are submitted to my Department by AHBs for review and to ensure that the project complies with the terms of the CALF and that there are sufficient funds available. The local authority is also required to examine the proposal and report to my Department that it is suitable to meet housing need in the local area; that the properties comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements; and that the objectives of sustainable communities are being met (for example, that there is not already an over-concentration of social housing in the area). A detailed independent financial appraisal of the proposal is then conducted by the Housing Agency on my Department’s behalf, including a review of the acquisition or construction costs and details relating to the market rents and availability payments sought by the AHB, in order to ensure that the project is sustainable in the long-term and represents value for money.

Subject to my Department’s approval to the proposal, the local authority then enters into a Capital Advance Agreement (CAA) and a payment and availability agreement with the AHB concerned whereby the properties in question are provided for social housing support purposes for a specified period between 10 and 30 years. Monies paid by the local authority to the AHB for these units are recouped to the local authority from my Department.

The projects specifically referred to by the Deputy, both of which involve the acquisition of units by an AHB in new residential developments, were assessed by my Department and the relevant local authorities, including from the sustainable communities point of view. The relevant AHB has received approval for CALF assistance in both cases, subject to the normal terms and conditions of the scheme. I understand that the balance of loan finance required to meet the purchase price of the units is being acquired by the AHB from the HFA. The units secured in both developments represent good value for money and will provide secure high quality social housing for around 115 households, including many families currently living in emergency accommodation, in areas of high social housing demand.

Social and Affordable Housing

Ceisteanna (772)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

772. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the housing list (details supplied) in Kerry County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6060/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department does not routinely collate the information sought on the number of, or reasons for, refusals by households of offers of social housing tenancies.

However, following my interaction with local authority Chief Executives, over the course of 2015, I requested feedback from them on the level of refusals of offers of social housing across the local authority system and the various reasons put forward for such refusals. Kerry County Council indicated that its refusal rate is 11.3% and the reasons given for refusals are generally location related.

In order to address the refusals issue on a sectoral basis, every local authority has been requested to consider the introduction of a Choice Based Letting (CBL) allocation system to allow social housing applicants to choose properties themselves from those available from the Council’s stock. This regime operates very effectively in some local authorities already. Local authority Chief Executives are currently considering the optimum approach to the introduction of CBL across the entire local authority system.

Information on the number of households currently on local authorities’ housing transfer lists is not held by my Department. The management of transfer lists is a matter for individual housing authorities and the numbers fluctuate continually as, for example, households are granted transfers in accordance with an authority’s allocation scheme to take up other accommodation options.

Social and Affordable Housing

Ceisteanna (773, 774)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

773. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding he will provide to Cavan County Council in respect of its housing programme for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6067/16]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

774. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding he will provide to Monaghan County Council in respect of its housing programme for 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6068/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 773 and 774 together.

The Social Housing Strategy 2020 targets the provision of over 110,000 new social housing units out to 2020, with 35,000 new units to be delivered by local authorities and approved housing bodies, and 75,000 households to be supported mainly through the Housing Assistance Payment.

In April 2015, individual targets for the delivery of new social housing units out to 2017 under the Social Housing Strategy were set out for all local authorities in respect of the main building, buying and leasing schemes for social housing; further information is available at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/minsters-kelly-coffey-announce-%E2%82%AC15-billion-social-housing-targets-local.

The targets issued included those for Monaghan County Council, with funding of €11.5 million available, and for Cavan County Council with funding of €12.5 million. To support these targets I have also announced substantial new social housing projects, details of which are available at the following links and include Counties Monaghan and Cavan: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm

http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,42225,en.htm

http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-further-1000-social-housing-units.

Given the targets that have issued out to 2017 and the new social housing projects I have sanctioned, the funding to be provided to both authorities in 2016 will be determined by the scale of advancement they make in respect of their projects.

My Department also supports local authorities under a range of specific exchequer-funded programmes to improve the quality and availability of social housing stock. These programmes include the return of vacant properties to productive use, improving the energy efficiency of social housing stock and providing funding towards the cost of adaptations and extensions to meet the needs of tenants with a disability or to address serious overcrowding. Allocations for 2016 in respect of these programmes will be formally notified to local authorities shortly and in the meantime, local authorities are progressing the implementation of these services.

My Department also provides funding for the adaptation of privately owned homes under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. These grants have the objective of facilitating the continued independent occupancy of their own homes by older people and people with a disability by supporting necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works to make accommodation more suitable to the needs of such persons.  In February of this year, I announced details of the 2016 capital allocations for these grants, details of which are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/grantsfinancial-assistance/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-eu5625-million-improve-homes.

Irish Water

Ceisteanna (775)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

775. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government why Irish Water is essentially charging a property tax on vacant properties (details supplied). [6074/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water shall collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.

Section 3 of the Water Services Act 2014 provides that where a dwelling in receipt of services from Irish Water is unoccupied that the dwelling shall be liable to a charge of not more than €260 for receipt of both water and wastewater services, i.e. the supply of water to a dwelling and the removal of wastewater from it. The Water Charges Plan approved by the CER sets the minimum rate at €125 per annum and the maximum rate at €260 per annum for both water and waste water services where a not permanently occupied dwelling has been registered with Irish Water. A lower minimum charge of €62.50 and maximum charge of €125 applies if the dwelling is in receipt of a single service.

Registered Irish Water customers who have an unresolved dispute with Irish Water can log a complaint with the Commission for Energy Regulation’s (CER) customer care team. Following investigation, the CER has the power to direct Irish Water to pay compensation and resolve a complaint.

Local Authority Members

Ceisteanna (776)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

776. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the guidelines in place to ensure that there are consistent and adequate supports to assist members of local authorities carry out their representations effectively given that they do not receive an allowance for an office and there are inconsistencies between councils in terms of the supports they receive regarding a broadband connection, basic computer and printer facilities to do their representations from their homes. [6099/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The allowances and expenses payable to elected members of local authorities to assist them in carrying out their statutory functions are as provided for under the Local Government (Expenses of Local Authority Members) Regulations 2014, other secondary legislation and associated guidelines/directions (including Circular LG 5/2015 of 25 June 2015). Other supports are provided by individual local authorities in accordance with local circumstances. An Advisory Group, on which both elected members and local authority chief executives as well as my Department are represented, is examining a range of issues affecting the sector, including the workload of elected members and related supports.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (777)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

777. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the new initiative and funds for expediting the taking-in-charge of estates that he announced in February 2016, including details regarding the criteria that must be met before a local authority can have an estate included in the initiative; if mixed commercial and residential estates which have not been taken in charge are eligible under the initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6144/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

As the Deputy is aware, I have made €10m available from the proposed carry-over of capital savings in 2015 to be used in 2016 to fund a new initiative to accelerate the taking in charge of estates irrespective of the wider development context that they are located within.

The National Taking in Charge Initiative will assist local authorities in developing new approaches to addressing housing estates that, for various reasons, have not taken in charge to date.

The initiative will involve the following.

(1) Provision by my Department of an indicative level of funding for local authorities to assist in developing demonstration projects and new working methods in tackling legacy estates.

(2) Funding will reflect both (a) the scale of estates not taken in charge and (b) the extent of developer provided water services infrastructure to be addressed, on the understanding that the Exchequer support is for 2016 only and will not create Exchequer liabilities beyond 2016.

(3) Submission by the local authorities of implementation proposals for the approval of my Department, to utilise the funding, establish demonstration projects, identify longer term funding sources and address the backlog of applications for taking in charge on hand.

(4) Publication of a national database of residential estates not taken in charge as a baseline for future action.

(5) Taking account of the experience gained from the 2016 initiative, to issue guidance to authorities on their further development of prioritised plans for taking in charge of estates from 2017 onwards, taking account of resources available through the initiative in the short term as supplemented by other funding sources in the medium to longer term.

The experience gained through the initiative in 2016 and associated demonstration projects is intended to establish a co-ordinated taking in charge programme to progressively address the issue on a multi-annual basis, in the light of available local authority, Irish Water, bond and other funding sources and the general government financial position.

I intend to advise each local authority of the indicative level of funding proposed to be made available to them in the very near future, after which they will be invited to submit proposals to be assessed by an advisory steering group.

Consideration of the submissions put forward by the local authorities on the basis of the provisional funding levels available will be weighted towards those local authorities that demonstrate a high level of collaborative problem solving and leveraging of complimentary funding from developer, bond provider, receiver or other sources.

Homeless Persons Data

Ceisteanna (778)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

778. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of children in primary school who are officially recorded as homeless or residing in emergency accommodation; if he is aware of the impact and disruption homelessness has on school-going children’s studies; his plans to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6225/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department does not collect information regarding the number of children at primary school level included in families accessing emergency accommodation. Monthly reports are provided to my Department regarding the number of individuals accommodated through housing authorities in State-funded emergency accommodation facilities; these monthly reports are made available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.

A significant number of measures are being taken to address homelessness by securing a supply of accommodation to house homeless households and mobilise the necessary supports. These measures have been identified in the Government's Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness (May 2014) and in the Action Plan to Address Homelessness (December 2014). Substantial progress has been made in implementing these plans. Progress in implementing these plans is reported through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plans and progress reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/homelessness/policy/homelessness.

These Plans represent a whole-of-Government approach to dealing with homelessness and the implementation of measures identified in these plans is being overseen by a group of senior officials drawn from key State agencies concerned including my Department, the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Health, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Health Service Executive, Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), the Irish Prison Service and housing authorities.

I am very aware that living in emergency accommodation in the medium to long-term causes stress for family life, and is particularly inappropriate for children. Local authorities, the HSE and Tusla try to practically support families in emergency accommodation as much as possible so as to minimise any detrimental effects. Also, an additional 25 staff have recently been added to Focus Ireland’s Families Homeless Action Team. With specific regard to children in school, I understand that Tusla has provided guidance to Home School Community Liaison and School Completion staff on helping children and families experiencing homelessness to maintain regular school attendance while School Completion Programmes have been asked to prioritise homeless children for services such as breakfast and homeless clubs.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (779)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

779. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the planned pay-by-weight refuse collection programme due to commence on 1 July, including the level of engagement from refuse collection companies; if data will be supplied to support his statement that the new system will result in savings for 90% of households; the supply costings involved, comparing the old and new systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6226/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Government waste policy is predicated on the waste hierarchy as set out in the EU’s Waste Framework Directive. A number of specific measures have been, and will continue to be, introduced to reduce the amount of waste generated in the State and increase the segregation of waste which cannot be prevented, in line with Government policy. The introduction of pay-by- weight (PBW) charges for the collection of household waste is one such measure.

From 1 July 2015, the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2015 required that household kerbside waste collected in approved reusable receptacles (such as bins or caddies) must be weighed by appropriate weighing systems and that this weight is reported to the householder at a frequency of at least once a month.

Roll-out of those requirements was very positive, with local authorities and industry engaging on an extensive compliance assistance programme. By end July 2015, over 80% of all household waste collectors were compliant with the 2015 legislation. The majority of those not fully compliant at that time had either equipped their fleet but not had the weighing mechanism calibrated or had ordered but not yet installed the technology.

Amendments to the Waste Management Act 1996, introduced through the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015, provide the necessary enabling powers to facilitate mandatory charging for household waste collection on a PBW basis and the new charging regime will come into operation on 1 July 2016. The Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2016 provide, inter alia, for the introduction of new permit conditions for collectors of household waste, including the obligation to charge on a PBW basis. Local authorities and industry have already begun engaging on a second compliance assistance programme ahead of the 1 July 2016 deadline.

It is important to note that some households are already being charged on a PBW basis.

This charging mechanism gives households more control over their waste costs. Data from county Leitrim, where PBW was introduced in December 2014, has estimated an overall saving of approximately 20% under PBW when compared with pay per lift or flat charge schemes that operated in that local authority area.

However, it is important that all households prevent waste where possible and ensure that they correctly use the food waste and recycling bins to minimise costs. The less waste you generate and the more you recycle, the less you will pay under PBW. An awareness and education campaign will be rolled out shortly which will assist householders in this regard.

It is also important to note that waste management costs may vary over time due to market factors such as fluctuations in labour, fuel, treatment or export costs, regardless of the charging mechanism used to collect waste. As set out above, under PBW, householders will now have more control over their costs and will have an opportunity and incentive to minimise such costs.

Social and Affordable Housing Data

Ceisteanna (780)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

780. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of social housing units built, by each local authority, in each of the past five years; the number of these now occupied; the number of social housing units that will be built in each of the years 2016 to 2018, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6227/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Information on social housing units constructed and acquired in respect of all local authorities and approved housing bodies and funded by direct capital investment by my Department, is published on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.

Data up to Quarter 3 of 2015 are currently published, including a breakdown across the different categories of delivery for all local authorities. Data for the full 2015 calendar year will be published shortly.

Overall, in excess of 13,000 social housing units have been delivered across all programmes in 2015. This represents an 86% increase on the 7,000 units delivered in 2014. Further ambitious targets have been set under the Social Housing Strategy 2020 including for 2016, for which the target is to deliver 17,000 units.

Following from the substantial announcements for new social housing projects that I made in May 2015, July 2015 and January 2016, we now have a strong pipeline of new social housing construction, acquisition and turnkey approvals in place.  Between these three announcements, almost €680 million has been allocated for over 3,900 social housing new builds and acquisitions. Details of these approvals are available on my Department’s website at the following links:

http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm

http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,42225,en.htm

http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-further-1000-social-housing-units.

It is these projects that will form the vast majority of the social housing units to be constructed between now and 2018, as all projects must proceed through the planning process and this and other factors can have a direct impact on the timing for the advancement of construction projects.

In addition, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) social housing programme will deliver 1,500 social housing units with a capital value of €300million.  To enable delivery to commence as quickly as possible, the PPP programme is being rolled-out in three bundles. The first bundle of PPP sites - which is to provide over 500 units in the greater Dublin area - was announced in late 2015.  Site selection for the second bundle is currently being finalised.  A third bundle will be finalised by the end of 2016.

Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have a key role to play in the provision of high quality sustainable social housing and this is recognised in the Social Housing Strategy. The Strategy recognises the record of steady achievement by AHBs over the past 20 years in providing in excess of 28,000 units of quality accommodation. Under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP), my Department together with local authorities, can support AHBs to construct, purchase or lease housing units and make them available for social housing. The housing units are secured under long-term leases/availability arrangements between local authorities and AHBs.

To date, 149 units have been constructed by AHBs (31 in 2015 alone) and are available for social housing under long-term lease/availability agreements with local authorities and are being funded through SHCEP. In addition, funding approval for an additional 591 units to be constructed by AHBs is also in place. The majority of these units are expected to be constructed and made available for social housing by the end of 2017.

Social and Affordable Housing Funding

Ceisteanna (781)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

781. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for capping the refurbishment grant on boarded up houses, given the housing and homelessness crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6228/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Since my Department introduced the current programme to support local authorities to return vacant social houses to productive use in 2014, exchequer funding has been provided for some 5,000 such housing units at a cost of almost €60 million. This funding is provided to compliment the efforts that local authorities make from within their own resources to repair and re-let vacant social houses. The latter activity has always been part of the ongoing work that local authorities carry out on their social housing stock as part of their responsibilities as housing authorities under Section 58 of the Housing Act, 1966.

The exchequer funding provided by my Department under the current programme for the return of vacant social houses to productive use is up to €30,000 per unit, which is a strong level of funding support for the repair of a social housing unit. In fact the average amount claimed under this programme is €12,000 per unit. Alongside the latter programme, my Department has also recently implemented a new exchequer funding programme to support local authorities in remediating more seriously derelict social houses. Allocations to local authorities in respect of their proposals under this programme will be made shortly and it is expected that the average cost of remediation per unit will be in the region of €50,000.

I am satisfied that the backlog of vacant social housing units that had built up has been strongly addressed as a result of the actions taken by local authorities under their own resources, alongside the two funding programmes my Department supports, both the main programme to support local authorities in addressing vacant social units at up to €30,000 per unit and the programme to remediate more seriously derelict units.

While these programmes deliver support for the span of repairs, ranging from those units requiring minimal repair before re-letting, up to units that are derelict but repairable and lettable, it is also vital that local authorities continue to play their part in avoiding any future build-up of vacancies through proactive maintenance and repair programmes and the early re-letting of vacated units to those on the waiting list.

Water Services Data

Ceisteanna (782)

Joan Collins

Ceist:

782. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of public moneys allocated to local authority water and sewerage departments and Irish Water, as appropriate, from either motor tax or local property tax in each of the years 2009 to 31 March 2016. [6231/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

All Motor Tax income accrues to the Local Government Fund. The Fund has historically provided local authorities with finance for funding some of their day-to-day activities, including elements of water services costs, through General Purpose Grant allocations; for non-national roads; and funding for certain local government initiatives. Details of the General Purpose Grant allocations to local authorities for the period 2009 to 2014 are available on my Department's website at: http://www.environ.ie/search/archived/archived/archived/current?query=Local%20Government%20Fund.

As a result of the introduction of Local Property Tax (LPT) and the establishment of Irish Water, the local government funding model changed considerably in 2014. Since 2014, the Minister for Finance pays an amount equivalent to the Local Property Tax that was collected in the particular year, from the Central Fund to the Local Government Fund. Local Property Tax allocations replaced General Purpose Grants in 2015; the full amount of LPT is paid to local authorities to fund vital local services. The 2015 LPT allocations are published on my Department’s website at:

http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Administration/FileDownLoad%2C43580%2Cen.pdf.

Similarly, the 2016 allocations are at:

http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Administration/FileDownLoad%2C43581%2Cen.pdf.

Details of other funding provided to local authorities to date in respect of water and sewerage from both the Exchequer (Exch.) and the Local Government Fund (LGF) are set out in the following table. Local authorities also received Exchequer funding in respect of water quality and environmental related costs.

Funding provided to local authorities in respect of:	2009 - €m	2010 - €m	2011 - €m	2012 - €m	2013 - €m	2014 - €m	2015 - €m
Water Services Investment Programme (Exch.)*	412	406	350	266	233
Rural Water Programme including Group Water and Sewerage Schemes as well as Small Schemes (Exch.)	100	88	79	40	34	16	17
Operational costs of Group Water Schemes (LGF)	18	17	23	25	19	22	20
Compensation for lost rates income (LGF)							46
Servicing of water related loans held by local authorities (LGF)						16	15
Water Sector Reform Costs (Exch.)					1	4	4

* The WSIP included some funding for projects and infrastructure on activities not transferred to Irish Water such as river basin management plans and other water quality and environmental related costs.

Irish Water received a subvention of some €439 million in 2014 for operational expenditure, to fund water-related expenditure incurred heretofore by local authorities and which would, historically, have been met by local authorities from their own resources, non-domestic water charge revenues and general purpose grants from the LGF. In 2015, €399m was provided to Irish Water in respect of the operational subvention. This funding from the Local Government Fund is in respect of the child allowance (21,000 litres per child per annum), a product subsidy and the cost of capping domestic water charges. A working capital loan of €96m was provided to Irish Water in 2015. In addition, a capital contribution of €645m has been provided to Irish Water to date (2014 - €239m; 2015 - €222m; and 2016 - €184m).

Land Transfers

Ceisteanna (783)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

783. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of residential zoned land transferred from various local authorities under the land aggregation scheme, by local authority; the dates of completion of the transfers; the number of transfers awaiting completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6257/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Land Aggregation Scheme was introduced in 2010 as part of revised arrangements for the funding of land for social housing purposes. The primary purpose of the Scheme was to assist in the gradual unwinding of loans taken out by housing authorities to purchase land for the social and affordable housing investment programme.

Applications to the value of some €163 million in loans were accepted into the Land Aggregation Scheme. In respect of €111 million, the loans were fully redeemed by local authorities with funding recouped from my Department, under the original terms of the Scheme. The remaining €52 million is in the form of annuity loans, for which local authorities are making repayments to the Housing Finance Agency. Such annuity repayments are recoupable from my Department subject to the local authority complying with the terms of the Scheme.

In 2013, following a review of the Scheme carried out in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, it became evident that further expenditure on the Land Aggregation Scheme, in terms of accepting new applications, was no longer a sustainable option. The review concluded with the issuance of Circular 35/2013 on 11 December 2013, notifying Local Authorities of the discontinuance of the Scheme in respect of new applications.

The focus of the Scheme has now shifted to the management and future utilisation of the lands included in the Scheme. The Housing Agency is the primary body with responsibility for bringing forward recommendations for the optimum utilisation of LAGS lands in consultation with relevant local authorities and subject to Ministerial approval. Details of the sites accepted into the Land Aggregation Scheme are set out in the tables below.

The Housing Agency, in consultation with my Department and local authorities, is updating data and developing a detailed database and GIS map of local authority owned lands, as well as the Land Aggregation Scheme lands, showing their location, size, boundaries and other information.

The Housing Agency is also responsible for managing the transfer process including technical and legal aspects. Of the 73 sites accepted into the Scheme, 67 have now fully transferred to the ownership of the Agency. The remaining 6 sites are at an advanced stage in the transfer process.

It is a matter for the relevant local authority and the Housing Agency to resolve all outstanding matters affecting the transfer. In particular, each local authority must ensure that transfer conditions are met. The Housing Agency must satisfy itself that any required actions have been satisfactorily undertaken prior to any land transfer taking place.

My Department maintains regular contact with the Agency regarding progress made on land transfers and the potential development of such lands. I have asked the Agency to continue to prioritise the transfer of lands and to work with the local authorities concerned in finalising outstanding transfers.

Table 1: Sites accepted under the first phase of the Scheme (Loan capital & interest fully redeemed).

No	Previous Owner	Location	Value of Loan accepted into the scheme (Capital & Interest)	Size of Site
			[€]	[ha]
1	Carlow County Council	Tinryland	499,835	1.9
2	Carlow County Council	Slate Row, Hacketstown	611,677	3.2
3	Clare County Council	Lisdoonvarna	2,189,982	4.4
4	Cork County Council	Meelin	115,032	1.6
5	Cork County Council	Oakwood, Macroom	1,126,472	2.3
6	Cork County Council	Colleras, Goleen	348,337	0.5
7	Cork County Council	Knocknagree	241,595	1.3
8	Cork County Council	Lombardstown	152,184	1.3
9	Cork County Council	The Slip, Bantry, #	2,788,750	13.5
10	Cork County Council	Carrigtwohill	1,474,014	2
11	Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council	Enniskerry Road, Sandyford	10,257,875	2.8
12	Fingal County Council	Hampton, Balbriggan	26,479,174	24.2
13	Galway City Council	Ballymoneen Road, Ballyburke	7,006,412	2.5
14	Kildare County Council	Kildare, Brallistown	1,929,294	4.0
15	Kildare County Council	Nurney	829,896	4.2
16	Kildare County Council	Clane	3,595,901	8.5
17	Kildare County Council	Naas, Craddockstown	4,750,580	7.9
18	Laois County Council	Castletown	111,392	1.5
19	Laois County Council	Portlaoise Road, Mountrath	849,818	3.1
20	Laois County Council	Golflinks Road Rathdowney	342,669	2
21	Laois County Council	Adj. to Cemetery Ballinakill	178,188	1.3
22	Laois County Council	Woodbrook, Mountrath	370,383	1.7
23	Limerick County Council	Glin	124,123	0.5
24	Limerick County Council	Ballyhahill	54,466	1.2
25	Limerick County Council	Mountcollins	135,694	1.5
26	Limerick County Council	Knocklong	434,019	3.5
27	Limerick County Council	Bruff	229,899	2.1
28	Mallow Town Council	St Joseph's Road, Mallow	3,877,077	5.3
29	Meath County Council	Townparks Kells #	2,516,242	4.4
30	Naas Town Council	Naas Devoy Barracks	11,522,100	5.6
31and 32	National Building Agency	Cartontroy-Kilnafaddoge & Lissywollen, Athlone	4,167,544	5.5
33	National Building Agency	Tullow Road, Carlow #	3,327,875	2
34	Offaly County Council	Shinrone	371,847	2.9
35	Sligo County Council	Ballintogher	274,344	1.3
36	Sligo County Council	Tubbercurry	34,062	0.2
37	Sligo County Council	Lisnalurg	4,828,276	11.8
38	Tralee Town Council	Ballyard, Tralee	5,585,790	8.3
39	Waterford County Council	Townpark East, Tallow	871,053	4.3
40	Waterford City Council	Gibbet Hill	1,620,215	2.9
41	Wexford County Council	Creagh B Demesne, Gorey	270,933	0.7
42	Wexford County Council	Ballyowen, Ramsfort Park Gorey	701,448	1
43	Wexford County Council	Hospital Hill, Bunclody	1,252,881	4.4
44	Wexford County Council	Parish Field, Bunclody	283,233	0.7
45	Wexford County Council	Taghmon, Wexford	829,214	3.4
46	Wexford County Council	Carrick on Bannow	111,339	0.5
47	Wicklow Town Council	Hillview, Ballynerrin, Wicklow Town	1,390,145	2.9
		Total	€ 111,063,279	172.6 ha

Table 2: Sites accepted under the second phase of the Scheme (Annuity repayments recoupable from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government).

No	Local Authority	Location	Value of Loan accepted into the scheme (Capital and Interest)	Size of Site
			[€]	[ha]
48	Carlow County Council	Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown #	50,484*	0.11
49	Carlow County Council	Paupish	960,510	2.2
50	Cork County Council	Dripsey	708,517	1.295
51	Cork County Council	Cloughmacsimon, Bandon	3,006,467	3.63
52	Cork County Council	Duntahane Rd, Fermoy	3,535,156	3.98
53	Cork County Council	The Miles. Clonakilty	1,066,686	2.464
54	Cork County Council	Stag Park, Mitchelstown	3,781,435	8.59
55	Cork County Council	Barrack Rd, Youghal #	1,136,077	1.16
56	Cork County Council	Townsend St, Skibbereen	253,467	0.13
57	Cork County Council	Union Hall #	622,233	1.403
58	Dundalk Town Council	Mount Avenue	4,158,868	3.09
59	Fingal County Council	Garristown	1,554,333	2.77
60	Fingal County Council	Hackettstown	7,285,629	7.3
61	Laois County Council	Abbeyleix Rd	1,383,355	1.491
62	Laois County Council	Derry Rd Durrow	554,089	1.0281
63	Laois County Council	Old Knockmay Rd Portlaoise	2,067,744	1.031
64	Laois County Council	Bride St Ballinakill	340,360	0.92
65	Laois County Council	Doonane	123,158	0.7405
66	Laois County Council	Golflinks Rd (2)	1,243,534	2.132
67	Limerick County Council	Cappamore	99,397	1.25
68	Offaly County Council	Kilcormac	622,331	1.2165
69	Sligo Borough Council	Ballindoe	8,830,267	15.1753
70	Tullamore Town Council	Collins Lane	4,836,978	4.34
71	Wexford County Council	Campile Ballykerogue	236,635	0.76
72 and 73	Wexford County Council	Castlemoyle A&B & Hewittsland - New Ross	3,744,513	5.96 1.39
		Total	€ 52,202,222	75.5564ha

*Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown was accepted under the second phase of the scheme. However given the loan amount involved, €50,484, it was decided that it would be more efficient and effective to redeem the loan in full. Accordingly no interest payment arises in relation to that site.

#Indicates site in the process of being transferred.

Homeless Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (784)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

784. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the tenancy type he proposes in respect of rapid-build and modular housing; if these will be temporary tenancies; the position when tenants reach the end of their tenancy; the location these tenants will then move to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6265/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.

With regard to rapid-delivery housing, Government has approved the delivery of 500 units of rapid-delivery housing for homeless households across Dublin. This programme of rapid-delivery housing provision is being implemented to mitigate the issues associated with an increasing volume of homeless households accommodated in inappropriate commercial hotel arrangements. The units will provide emergency accommodation for those families currently in hotels in the first instance, offering a greater level of stability while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning for access to all required services, including welfare, health and housing services. The temporary assignment of these units to homeless households, and the duration of occupancy by them, is a matter for housing authorities.

Social and Affordable Housing

Ceisteanna (785)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

785. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the proposed public-private partnership model of housing provision at a site (details supplied) in Dublin 11; the cost-benefit analysis that has been carried out on this proposal; if the rents to be paid will be differential rents; the steps he is taking to ensure taxpayers get value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6266/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Social Housing Strategy 2020, launched in November 2014, provides for an investment with a capital value of €300 million in social housing through the public private partnership model.  In total the programme is expected to deliver 1,500 social housing units. To enable delivery to commence as quickly as possible, the PPP programme is being rolled-out in three bundles.

The identified site is one of six locations in the greater Dublin area and in the east of the country that were announced as part of the first bundle of sites on 13 October 2015.  The social housing is being developed at these six sites in co-operation with the local authorities in each area.  Two of the sites are located in Dublin city with one each in south Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Louth.

In accordance with guidance, which is published by the Central PPP Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, there are four specific value for money, or VFM, tests that are applied in the case of PPPs over the course of the planning and procurement process.  These tests focus on assessing whether or not the PPP approach compares favourably with the alternative cost of using traditional procurement to achieve the same result as the PPP.  The purpose, sequence and format of the four VFM tests in the PPP approval process are set out clearly in the central PPP guidance in order to ensure that all PPPs are regularly assessed and do, indeed, offer value for money.  These VFM tests apply in respect of the social housing PPP programme.

In order to assess the suitability of social housing to be delivered as part of a PPP programme, in 2014 the National Development Finance Agency prepared a Provisional PPP Assessment Report on behalf of the Department of Finance, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department.  This report provided a provisional version of the first of the four VFM tests that are required for all PPP projects.  The other VFM tests are being/will be undertaken as part of the process of assessment and planning involved in the further development of the bundles of sites identified for the programme.

The units to be delivered under the programme will use what is termed an ‘availability-based’ PPP model, in which a private sector company designs, builds, finances and maintains the social housing units in return for a ‘unitary payment’.  Principally the new model is purely to facilitate the delivery of social housing units for the State.  It does not include private housing.  The ‘availability based’ model being applied has been used successfully in Ireland for over 15 years to deliver roads, schools and courthouses.  It involves the procurement of a consortium to design, build, finance and maintain, for 25 years, social housing units on sites provided by the State.  During the 25-year contract period the sites remain in State ownership, as distinct from previous housing PPP projects.  The housing units are then handed over to the State after 25 years in a predefined, good quality condition.

The relevant local authorities will retain responsibility for tenant management during the contract period.  Tenants allocated to PPP units are drawn, in the normal manner, from the local authority social housing waiting list in accordance with that local authority’s allocation scheme.  The tenants are subject to standard arrangements as apply to other social housing allocations, including in respect of the charging of differential rent.

Question No. 786 answered with Question No. 735.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (787)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

787. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the national policies in place with respect to solar panel farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5699/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The White Paper on Energy Policy, published in December 2015, identified the potential for solar technology in Ireland, including the development of solar photovoltaic (PV) farms.

It is widely recognised that solar PV technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation, not only compared with other renewables but also compared with conventional forms of generation. The deployment of solar PV in Ireland has the potential to contribute to our renewable energy targets and is one of the technologies being considered in the context of the new support scheme for renewable electricity generation which is expected to be available towards the end of 2016.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme. In addition, the current tax-based support incentives include the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme which allows individual investors to obtain income tax relief on investments in renewable energy in each tax year. Moreover, an Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme allows companies to offset the cost of investment in qualifying renewable energy generation technologies, against their tax liabilities in year 1 rather than over a more prolonged period, thus aiding their cash flow.

Before a final decision is taken on introducing a new support scheme - which may include support for solar PV - my Department will run a public consultation, which will give all interested parties an opportunity to participate in the development of the scheme.  Subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission, it is expected that a new scheme will be announced towards the end of 2016.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (788)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

788. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in replacing existing local authority public lighting sodium lamps with high efficiency light emitting diode, LED, units to reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5757/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Ireland has committed to improving energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 as part of our EU climate change obligations. The public sector has been set an even more challenging target of 33%. The strategic importance of public lighting for reaching this target was highlighted in the White Paper on Energy Policy, which I published in December last. Local Authorities are among the largest energy users in the public sector, and public lighting accounts for the largest part of their electricity use. Therefore, the upgrading of public lighting by Local Authorities, using proven energy efficient technologies, will be an important project in the forthcoming Public Sector Energy Efficiency Action Plan.

A National Public Lighting Steering Group was established in 2014 to provide strategic direction for the upgrading of public lighting in Ireland. The Group is chaired by the City & County Managers Association (CCMA) and includes representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and my Department.

The Group’s work programme includes completion of an inventory of public lighting assets, working with ESB Networks to ensure the timely implementation of the necessary supporting technical requirements, and the procurement of new, energy efficient, public lighting. This tender process is scheduled for quarter one of 2017.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (789)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

789. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to reduce emissions from Moneypoint, Ireland's largest coal-fired electricity generating station, given the phasing out of smokeless coal in larger towns and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5770/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The Energy White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030', published in December last, notes that Moneypoint, Ireland’s only coal burning power station, contributes to diversifying Ireland’s fuel mix and the provision of competitively priced electricity. The station is owned by the ESB and the White Paper recognised that key decisions on its future will have to be taken before 2020 as the station will reach the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025.

In addition, the White paper recognises that increasing ‘cost of carbon’ charges on Green House Gas emissions will drive up the cost of carbon-intensive energy sources and lead firms and consumers to adopt low carbon fuels and energy efficient technologies. It is anticipated therefore that the phasing out of higher carbon fuels will be achieved by a combination of sustainable policy measures and consumer reaction to the higher price of carbon intensive fuels.

Inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge sa Státseirbhís

Ceisteanna (790)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

790. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha cad é an líon iomlán foirne atá fostaithe ina Roinn faoi láthair; cé mhéad duine acu siúd atá ag feidhmiú i bpoist atá daingnithe i scéim teanga nó ar aon bhealach eile mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; an bhfuil sé i gceist aon phoist eile de chuid na Roinne a aithint mar phoist a bhfuil riachtanas Gaeilge ag baint leo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5819/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Seasann líon reatha na mball foirne i mo Roinn-se ar comhionann le 254 duine fostaithe go lán-aimseartha. Níl cumas Gaeilge inmhianaithe go sonrach in aon cheann de na bpoist seo. Mar sin féin, aithníonn mo Roinn an tábhacht a bhaineann le scileanna Gaeilge a bheith ar fáil don Roinn agus ceapadh beirt ball foirne le déanaí toisc Gaeilge a bheith ar a gcumas acu.

Inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge sa Státseirbhís

Ceisteanna (791)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

791. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Cumarsáide, Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha an bhfuil sé mar dhualgas oifigiúil ar bhaill foirne aonair ar leith de chuid a Roinne seirbhís a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge d’aon duine a lorgaíonn í nó an ar bhonn deonach amháin a thoilíonn baill foirne a Roinne seirbhís trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [5835/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Tá an Roinn tiomanta chun seirbhís i nGaeilge a sholáthar do chustaiméirí aon am a iarrtar í. Táthar tar éis cur lena hinniúlacht an tseirbhís seo a sholáthar le déanaí agus beirt bhall foirne le cumas Gaeilge acu earcaithe ag an Roinn. Tá sé mar ceann de na dualgais oifigiúla ag na baill foirne seo seirbhís i nGaeilge a soláthar d’aon duine a iarrann í.  

North-South Interconnector

Ceisteanna (792)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

792. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will instruct EirGrid to withdraw the planning application for the proposed North-South interconnector (details supplied). [5957/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

EirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. As detailed in the Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure, the Government does not seek to direct EirGrid in the development of energy infrastructure to particular sites or routes or technologies.

EirGrid made a formal application for the North-South 400kV Interconnector project to An Bord Pleanála on 9th June 2015. This is the subject matter of a statutory independent planning process currently before An Bord Pleanála.

For these reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to comment or intervene.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (793, 794, 795)

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

793. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to investigate the lack of high-speed broadband in locations (details supplied) in County Tipperary; his plans to expedite the installation of broadband in areas marked as "amber" across County Tipperary in the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6028/16]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

794. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to investigate the lack of high-speed broadband in a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; his plans to expedite the installation of broadband in areas marked as "amber" across County Tipperary in the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6029/16]

Michael Lowry

Ceist:

795. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to investigate the lack of high-speed broadband in a location (details supplied) in County Tipperary; his plans to expedite the installation of broadband in areas marked as "amber" across County Tipperary in the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6031/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I propose to take Questions Nos. 793 to 795, inclusive, together.

The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure that every citizen and business, regardless of location, has access to a high quality, high speed broadband service. This is being 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 has invested over €2 billion in network upgrades and enhanced services in the last four years, and is continuing to invest.  These very significant investments represent a step change in the quality of broadband services available.

On 22 December 2015, I formally launched the procurement process for the State intervention to provide high quality, high speed broadband to all premises in Ireland that may not be served through commercial investment. The formal procurement process commenced with the publication of the Pre-qualification Questionnaire and Project Information Memorandum. Five responses were received from prospective bidders to this stage of the competitive procurement process by the deadline of 31 March.  The responses are now being assessed in line with criteria set down by the Department with a view to selecting qualified provider(s) to proceed to the next stage of the procurement i.e. Invitation to Tender (ITT).

The High Speed Broadband Map 2020, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area.  The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.  The areas marked AMBER represent the target areas for the proposed State intervention and includes the townland of Cornode, Portroe in the townland of Garrykennedy, Boherlahan in the townland of Nodstown South and the townland of Knockvilla, County Tipperary.

The intention is to build out the network in the AMBER area as quickly as possible. The procurement process is underway and it is proposed to engage with the winning bidder(s) in due course on the optimum roll-out strategy, and on the sequencing of the network deployment to maximise efficiencies during network build, having regard to business and consumer needs, and to areas of particularly poor service and areas of strong demand. All these factors will need to be balanced against the most efficient network roll-out and will be agreed during the procurement process.

Engagement with industry stakeholders as part of the pre-procurement consultations has indicated that the roll-out in the Amber area could be achieved within 3-5 years of the contract award. In this context, the NBP proposes that through the combination of commercial investment and State intervention, 85% of addresses in Ireland will have access to high speed services by 2018, with all addresses passed by 2020.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (796)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

796. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the rationale for current regulations, specifically Article 9(3)(e)(v) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (Public Service Obligations) Order 2002, that results in not-for-profit sports clubs with floodlights being placed in the same category as multinational companies; if he is aware of the enormous and disproportionate cost this places on such community organisations; and why a fixed charge cannot apply to such cases as with other categories. [6056/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. This policy is set out in the White Paper published in 2015, Ireland’s Transition to a Low Carbon Future 2015-2030. The Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy is a charge on all electricity consumers and is a support mechanism used for two very important objectives. Firstly, it supports electricity generation which was constructed for security of supply purposes, including peat generation. Secondly, it supports the development of renewable electricity, which is important for both security of supply and for reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation. 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 levy is designed to compensate electricity suppliers for the additional costs they incur by purchasing electricity generated by these producers. It has been in place since 2001. 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 Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) determines the PSO levy in accordance with the legislation, which is a charge on all electricity customers without exception. Electricity consumers are classified into the following three groups: i) households; ii) small users (maximum import capacity of less than 30 kVA); and iii) medium to large users (maximum import capacity of equal to or greater than 30 kVA). The annual PSO levy amount for 2015/2016 is €325.3 million compared with €335 million in 2014/2015. This equates to €60.09 per annum for residential customers, €214.50 per annum for small business consumers and €30.14/kVA for medium and large business users.

While I fully understand and appreciate concerns about the cost of the PSO levy to customers, it is the Government’s position that increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity generation in Ireland will enable Ireland to reduce its fossil fuel dependence and vulnerability to rises in international fossil fuel prices.  The PSO levy supports that development and increased security of supply in electricity generation.

Mobile Telephony Services

Ceisteanna (797)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

797. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the outcome of discussions he has had with the Commission for Communications Regulation or mobile telephone companies regarding the inadequate mobile telephone coverage particularly in County Cavan and in County Monaghan; if he has any proposals to improve coverage without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6073/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Conditions regarding levels of mobile telephony coverage to be delivered by Mobile Network Operators are attached to licences issued by ComReg.

Operators tend to exceed these coverage requirements for commercial reasons. However, as mobile services are a radio based technology, services can be affected by topography, quality of handsets, the capacity of the network and proximity to mobile telephone antennas.

Any customer, including those in Cavan and Monaghan, who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider, in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can refer a complaint to ComReg, who will investigate the service provider’s compliance with its contractual obligations.

My Department has contacted ComReg to seek an update on complaints about coverage in counties Cavan and Monaghan. Our understanding is that ComReg has been in contact with mobile operators regarding this issue and awaits the outcome of these deliberations.

Upgrades to mobile networks can cause temporary disruptions to coverage, as new equipment is installed and commissioned. The positive outcome of such disruption is, however, a deployment of an improved service. My Department has been advised by two mobile operators that they are in the process of upgrading their networks in the Monaghan and Cavan area. Further significant investment, particularly in 4G technology, is planned throughout 2016.

While investment in communications infrastructure and services is primarily a matter for the private sector, the National Broadband Plan commits to a range of actions that will facilitate the more efficient commercial investment in the roll-out of communications infrastructure. To this end, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is chairing a working group with the objective of addressing infrastructure access issues identified by industry. The group includes representatives from my Department, the Local Government Management Agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Local Authorities, and is currently consulting with industry on a range of issues relating to the siting of telecommunications infrastructure. My Department will continue to actively engage on this issue with a view to facilitating the removal of barriers and the improvement of mobile service nationwide.

Local Authorities also have an important role to play in terms of facilitating the siting of necessary infrastructure such as masts and antennae. The Telecoms and Internet Federation, part of IBEC, has been proactive in seeking to meet Local Authorities and public representatives to fully discuss the various issues around mobile coverage and the factors that can impact on the quality of service consumers’ experience. I would encourage all Local Authorities and public representatives to engage with the Telecoms and Internet Federation on these important issues.