Written Answers Nos 257-267
257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received positive results from ongoing onshore or offshore exploration for oil, gas or other minerals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16638/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been no commercial discoveries of oil or gas within the territory of the State in recent years. There has however, been a positive increase in the level of petroleum exploration activity, in particular acquisition of new seismic data and the award of 28 new Licensing Options under the 2015 Atlantic Margin Licensing Round. It is important that this activity translate into an increased level of exploration drilling in the coming years, if Ireland’s true petroleum potential is to be realised.
In a similar manner, while the number of active mineral prospecting licences, currently in excess of 500, indicates the positive prevailing state of mineral exploration in Ireland, no new commercially viable deposits of minerals have been discovered in recent years. While there have been some encouraging results, particularly in County Limerick, it is too early to determine whether these results will lead to identification of commercially viable deposits.
258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of applications for exploration licences his Department received, granted and refused in each of the years 2008 to 2016 to date; the number still pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16639/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of all petroleum and mineral exploration authorisations granted are published on my Department's website www.dcenr.gov.ie on a quarterly basis. In addition I am required to lay before the Oireachtas under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, and the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999, respectively half yearly reports detailing all petroleum and mineral exploration authorisations granted during the period of the report. The last such reports were in respect of the six-month period ending 31 December 2015 and are also available on my Department’s website.
The following tables outline, in respect of both petroleum exploration licences and mineral prospecting licences, the number of applications received by my Department, the number of licences granted and the number of applications for licences refused over the last nine calendar years. They also show the number of applications currently pending.
Petroleum Exploration Licences
|
Year |
Applications for Petroleum Exploration Licences Received in year |
Petroleum Exploration Licences Granted in year |
Applications for Petroleum Exploration Licences Refused in year |
Applications for Petroleum Exploration Licences Pending |
|
2008 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
|
|
2009 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|
|
2010 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2011 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
|
2012 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2013 |
13 |
5 |
0 |
|
|
2014 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
|
|
2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
2016 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Mineral Prospecting Licences
|
Year |
Applications for Mineral Prospecting Licences Received in year |
Mineral Prospecting Licences Granted in year |
Applications for Mineral Prospecting Licences Refused in year |
Applications for Mineral Prospecting Licences Pending |
|
2008 |
128 |
91 |
0 |
|
|
2009 |
29 |
66 |
0 |
|
|
2010 |
76 |
93 |
0 |
|
|
2011 |
148 |
98 |
9 |
|
|
2012 |
115 |
102 |
0 |
|
|
2013 |
138 |
142 |
2 |
|
|
2014 |
81 |
71 |
7 |
|
|
2015 |
60 |
90 |
11 |
|
|
2016 |
71 |
2 |
0 |
79 |
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals for developing the bioenergy sector and for promoting the use of electric motor cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16640/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. The Government has adopted a range of support measures designed to meet our binding target, and although good progress towards our target has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. Provisional data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicates we had reached 9.2% of the overall 16% target at the end of 2015.
The potential of the bioenergy sector to make a significant contribution in this regard is well recognised. My Department is in the process of finalising a bioenergy plan to capture this potential through the development and introduction of measures to encourage the growth of Ireland’s biomass and bioenergy sectors.
In relation to Electric Vehicles (EVs), the Electric Vehicle grant support scheme, introduced in April 2011, provides supports of up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new EV. Electric vehicles are also exempt from Vehicle Registration Tax of up to €5,000 and, where technically feasible, customers who qualify for the grant also qualify for a free domestic charge point installed by the ESB. To date, grant support has been provided for the purchase of 1438 new vehicles. In addition, work is underway to establish a task force, as set out in the Programme for Government, involving relevant government departments, agencies, industry and representative groups, to further examine the potential for the take-up of electric and other low emission vehicles.
261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the broadband service will improve on a monthly or on a yearly basis over the next two years; if its quality and availability will be comparable to that available in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16642/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority. This is being achieved through private investment by commercial telecommunications companies and through a State intervention in areas where commercial investment is not forthcoming.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the extent of the State Intervention area, which is the subject of procurement.
The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband services. This investment is expected to continue with further services being rolled out over the coming years, in the BLUE area on the High Speed Broadband Map. These services include fibre-to-the-cabinet, fibre-to-the-home, cable and fixed wireless services, which are comparable to services offered in other jurisdictions. The Department continues to monitor this commercial deployment
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention. The procurement process to build a network in this area commenced in December 2015 and is ongoing.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county. Members of the public can scroll through the map, enter their Eircode and see whether there premises is in a BLUE or AMBER area. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox for queries in relation to the map - broadband@dcenr.gov.ie
The Intervention Strategy available at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Ireland's-Broadband-Intervention-Strategy-update.aspx sets out a detailed service specification including a requirement that the State-funded network must be capable of delivering high-quality, high speed broadband of at least 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload, available 99.95% of the time. Together with other detailed technical specifications, these will ensure that a reliable fast service is available to consumers. In addition to these requirements, bidder(s) will be asked to put forward:
- Minimum speeds for businesses;
- Proposals to future-proof the network to meet ongoing demand for bandwidth. To this end, the winning bidder(s) will be subject to period reviews on a 3-5 year basis.
- Minimum speeds for businesses;
I am satisfied that the speeds are sufficiently high to meet consumer demand, and any network build will have to be capable of scaling up to meet future demand. The 30mbps target will be minimum speed rather than a ceiling for consumers.
Over 750,000 premises are the focus for the procurement process, which formally commenced in December 2015 with the publication of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire ( 'PQQ') 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 2016. The second stage in the procurement process will be a formal invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) to qualifying bidders. I expect that my Department will move to this stage in the next month. The third stage of the procurement process involves the issue of final tender documentation which follows the dialogue process. Following the submission of final tenders by bidders, a winning bidder(s) will be selected for the contract which will comprise one or two lots as set out in the NBP Intervention Strategy. The Department will then enter into formal contract negotiations with the winning bidder(s). It is expected that contract(s) will be awarded by June 2017.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best rollout strategy, in order to target areas of particularly poor service, business needs and-or high demand. This will need to be balanced with the most efficient network rollout plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits also to measures to assist in the rollout of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys will lead on the establishment of county or regional broadband taskforces, working with Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Offices, LEADER Groups and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the poor quality of coverage of the mobile telephone communications system; his views on leaving the development of such services to the Commission for Communications Regulator and the service providers; if he has evaluated the reasons for better quality services in adjoining jurisdictions and the competitive disadvantage for the domestic and business sector in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16643/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources how the provision of broadband and mobile telephone services compares with other jurisdictions almost all of which have a better quality and coverage of service; if he will review the provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16644/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.
The provision of mobile telephony services is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). It is subject to a requirement to secure access to the required radio spectrum by way of licence. The management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of ComReg.
I am aware that licences issued by ComReg apply terms and conditions on Mobile Network Operators, such as quality of service and minimum population coverage obligations. The design of the network is a matter entirely for the operator concerned although operators tend to exceed their minimum coverage requirements for commercial reasons. ComReg monitors compliance with licence requirements by means of bi-annual drive tests. I understand that current testing is designed to cover all primary and secondary national routes, with measurements being performed on all Mobile Networks.
Neither I nor my Department has any role or responsibility in the monitoring of coverage or the quality of service being provided by licenced operators. With respect to the status of mobile telephony in other countries, comparisons between Member States, including neighbouring jurisdictions, can be problematic due to the unique national characteristics of individual markets, including topography, population density, frequencies used etc. In terms of improving the quality and coverage of mobile services and broadband in all areas throughout the country, there are however various initiatives underway.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to the establishment within 100 days of a mobile phone and broadband taskforce which will consider immediate measures to address telecommunications deficits in rural Ireland. My Department is engaging with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in relation to the terms of reference for the Taskforce to ensure delivery of the Programme for Government commitment within the timelines set out. It is likely that the taskforce will involve a number of Government Departments and agencies, as well as engagement with telecommunications operators. My Department has already conducted a number of meetings with vendors and mobile operators to help inform the process and identify what tangible measures can be taken.
There are several ways in which improved wireless broadband and mobile voice services can be achieved. This includes the Government and Local Authorities working to reduce barriers to the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure through better planning laws and processes; and working with telecommunications operators to improve information on various aspects of their activities, including upgrades and changes to their networks.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and other relevant Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband services including acquiring spectrum under ComReg's 2012 Multi-Band Spectrum Auction for rollout of 3G and 4G mobile services. These investments will further improve the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country although I understand that some temporary disruptions to service have been encountered when upgrades are taking place. ComReg is also planning the further release of spectrum to assist in the rollout of mobile services, particularly in rural areas.
264. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he supports the development of bio-diesel, bio-ethanol continues and other bio-fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16645/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2009 Renewable Energy Directive sets all Member States a binding target that at least 10% of the energy used in the transport sector must come from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland aims to meet this target mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels with electric vehicles also making a small contribution. In 2015, 5.7% of our energy needs in the transport sector were met from renewable sources.
The Biofuels Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 as the primary means through which Ireland would meet the transport target and is the principal support for the uptake of biofuels in Ireland. The scheme works by obligating road transport fuel suppliers to bring increasing amounts of biofuel to the transport fuel market. Currently, the obligation rate is set at 6% by volume and will increase to 8% from 2017. The question of further increases to the biofuels obligation rate on a phased basis will be considered in due course. The Biofuels Obligation Scheme has seen increased amounts of biofuel used in Ireland and, in 2015, over 184 million litres of biofuels were placed on the Irish transport fuel market, of which over 15% was produced indigenously.
265. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he examines energy requirements in respect of home heating and reducing dependency on fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16646/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, published in December last, sets out a vision and a framework to guide Irish energy policy up to 2030, aimed at transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050. The White Paper envisages the increased use of electricity and bioenergy to heat homes and contains commitments to develop a comprehensive heating strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of the sector and a policy framework for district heating. In addition, the Programme for Government sets out a range of priority climate actions and interventions, a number of which have a direct bearing on the energy sector. In combination, these will help to increase and diversify Ireland’s renewable energy mix across the electricity, heating and transport sectors.
Currently, there are a range of grant offerings available to householders who wish to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes and therefore reduce use of fossil fuels. The Better Energy Homes scheme provides fixed grants towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating systems upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme provides energy efficiency upgrades provided free of charge to those households who are in energy poverty and meet the application criteria. Measures are provided under the scheme on an as needed basis and include draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation. Finally, the Better Energy Communities scheme is open to applications from communities who want to improve the energy efficiency of a range of buildings in their community from homes, to business and shared community facilities.
266. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he encourages the retention of the post office network and the adoption of compatible add-on services which would ensure its long-term viability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16647/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to provide a high quality postal service and maintain a nationwide network of customer focused post offices in the community.
The Final Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group, published in January, clearly sets out the challenges that An Post and Postmasters face as they ensure that the network remains relevant in the context of an ongoing shift in consumer preferences, including the trend towards digital transactions.
The Report recommended that An Post should, following appropriate consultation with Postmasters and others, review and amend the five-year strategy for the Post Office Network. A number of working groups have been established, including a Network Renewal Implementation Group, which is being independently Chaired by Mr Bobby Kerr. This Group is examining the number and spatial distribution of branches, branch modernisation, the streamlining of products and services, postmaster payments and contracts, and training and qualifications for post office employees. An Post and the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) are members of the Group, which is of fundamental importance to the long term future of the Network. I understand that good progress has been made and in a collaborative environment and that work remains ongoing in the Group.
The Programme for Government commits to acting on all of the recommendations of the Final Report including supporting the implementation of a Basic Payment Account and enabling the payment of motor tax through the post office network. My officials have been actively engaging with other Departments and agencies on these issues over the past six months.
Responsibility for implementation of the recommendations in the Final Report will shortly transfer to the Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht.
267. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of rural and urban post offices closed in each of the years 2008 to 2016 to date; the number of closures pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16648/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatters relating to the post office network, including the opening and closing of post offices, are an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. I will request An Post to issue a reply directly to the Deputy regarding the matter referred to in the Question.
