Written Answers Nos. 725-740
725. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of agency and-or locum staff hired by his Department for each of the years 2011 to 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21663/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not engage agency staff. It does however, from time to time, engage external services providers when such proves to be more cost effective when Department staff are not available. Such expenditure is based on competitive tendering with extensive use of Central Government and Department specific frameworks which continue to drive costs down.
My Department engages locum staff to carry out essential frontline services pending recruitment of full-time staff and to cover temporary business needs i.e. maternity leave cover. During the financial crisis, the staffing complement in my Department reduced by 30% due to retirements and redeployment of staff. In order to continue to provide essential services, my Department was required to engage locum staff as required by legislation to carry out essential functions in Meat slaughter plants where increased activity also led to increased supervisory obligations on my Department. The locum staff also carry out essential public health functions in our laboratory network and allow us maintain our Herd Health status when temporary resource gaps arise. My Department is actively working with our recruitment partners, the Public Appointments Service to arrange recruitment campaigns with a view to reducing our need to engage locum staff.
No locum staff were engaged in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, 2014 and 2015 expenditure on locum staff was €33,077, €238,498 and €785,394 respectively.
726. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department's website is accessible to persons with a disability; if the accessibility of this website is regularly reviewed to take account of new and emerging technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21676/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn EU Directive on the accessibility of the public sector bodies' websites will come into force in the near future. My Department welcomes this Directive and is committed to meeting its obligations in respect of the Directive and is currently exploring how best to ensure that its website is accessible to all.
My Department is keenly aware of difficulties that persons with a disability can have in accessing information and aims to ensure that the needs of all of its customers, including people with disabilities, are met and that rights to equal treatment are upheld in the delivery of services. In this regard my Department has a number of measures in place including a “BrowseAloud” facility on its website which reads web pages aloud for people with literacy and/or visual impairments and Access Officers appointed in accordance with Section 26 (Access to Services) of the Disability Act, who are responsible for providing, arranging and/or co-ordinating assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities accessing services provided by the Department.
Practical ways in which my Department has responded to requests for assistance include:
- The provision of scheme Terms and Conditions in large print, and
- The production of an audio version of scheme Terms and Conditions.
My Department will continue to strive to meet the needs of persons with disabilities in accessing services and my Department officials are available at all times to assist persons with disabilities and to discuss or answer questions they may have on any of our farming schemes and services.
727. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide renewable energy feed-in tariffs to solar energy in 2016; what the tariff will be given Ireland's lower radiation levels which are about half of that experienced in southern Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21046/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects. This commitment builds on the Energy White Paper published in December 2015 and recognises that solar photo voltaic (PV) also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future.
It is widely recognised that solar photo voltaic (PV) technology has become more cost competitive for electricity generation over the last few years, not only compared with other renewable technologies but also compared with conventional forms of generation. With these significant changes in the cost of the technology, the deployment of solar PV in Ireland has only recently become a potential cost-effective option to increase energy security, contribute to our renewable energy targets, and support economic growth and jobs. It is also recognised, however, that while the cost competitiveness of solar PV has improved, it would still require a subsidy in order to be developed on a commercial basis.
In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the actual costings of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) scheme. While no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported - and the appropriate level of tariffs are still under consideration - the cost and technical viability of a range of renewable technologies is being assessed, including bioenergy and solar. The new scheme will also examine how communities can have a greater involvement than in previous schemes.
Designing and implementing a new scheme is a complex task and it is expected that the broad details of the new scheme will be available early next year. Before these details are announced, the Department will run a second public consultation, which will give all interested parties an opportunity to input into the development of the proposed support scheme. Ultimately, the introduction of any new scheme will be subject to Government and State aid approval from the European Commission.
728. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason wind energy enjoys preference over other more non-intrusive technologies, such as solar, even though the ongoing public dislike and planning objections to wind energy would appear to be preventing the Government from achieving its 2020 renewable targets and will likely lead to large infraction fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21047/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Provisional figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) show that in 2015, 9.2% of Ireland's energy requirements were met from renewable sources. More specifically, the SEAI has calculated that 25.3% of electricity, 6.8% of heat and 5.7% of transport were from renewable sources. The following table summarises the progress made in meeting these targets.
|
|
2020 |
2015 |
|
Overall Renewables Contribution |
16.0% |
9.2% |
|
RES-E |
40.0% |
25.3% (of which wind is 21.1%) |
|
RES-H |
12.0% |
6.8% |
|
RES-T |
10.0% |
5.7% |
A number of studies have been undertaken in recent years to assess the economic cost of integrating increasing amounts of renewable energy into the energy mix. The All-Island Grid Study, published in 2008, assessed the technical feasibility and the relative costs and benefits associated with various scenarios for increased shares of electricity sourced from renewable energy in the all island power system. The scenarios were informed by the resource available, technological readiness of the various generation technologies (including wind) and cost required per generated unit. This study informed the decision to move towards achieving 40% renewable electricity generation in Ireland by 2020. It concluded that - based on assumptions set out in the report - wind energy represented a cost effective source for electricity generation.
My Department has been working with the SEAI, EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation on a further study to assess the costs and value of choosing the path towards 40% renewable electricity generation in 2020. This work and the related findings will form the basis of a report which, it is envisaged, will be published later this year.
The abundant wind resource in Ireland means that each unit of installed wind generation capacity generates more units of electricity when compared with other countries and hence needs a lower rate per generated unit of electricity in order to recover the overall costs of the project. The existing feed-in tariff, REFIT, which is funded from the Public Service Obligation levy on consumer bills, is a very cost effective support for onshore wind development. This was the finding of a report published by the Council of European Energy Regulators in 2015.
The White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources, including solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The Programme for Government also commits to facilitating the development of solar energy projects.
My Department is currently undertaking in-depth economic analysis to inform the cost of a new scheme and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) - both roof-top and utility-scale - is being examined as part of the assessment process.
Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme. The details of this will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie. The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be supported - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. It is expected that a new scheme will become available in 2017.
While Ireland has a distance to go to reach its 2020 energy targets, it is too early to ascribe any precise cost in the vent that these are not achieved. The Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future, published in December 2015, sets out a vision for transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050, while the Programme for Government includes a range of commitments on energy efficiency and renewable energy. The clear focus of my Department is on implementing the range of actions set out in the White Paper and Programme for Government that are aimed at meeting our energy and climate change targets.
729. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the proportion of renewable energy that will come from wind, solar, marine, anaerobic digestion combined heat and power, biomass combined heat and power and biomass combustion in the Government's plan to achieve its 2020 renewable targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21048/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand from renewable sources by 2020. The Government has a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) schemes support the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind. Work is also ongoing in my Department on the development of a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) to encourage the development of Ireland’s, diverse, indigenous renewable energy resources.
Good progress has been made towards meeting the 2020 40% renewable electricity generation target predominantly through onshore wind, which has proved to be the most commercial renewable energy technology in the Irish electricity market. Provisional figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicate that in 2015, 21.1% of Ireland’s electricity demand was met by wind generation. It is expected that approximately 35% of the 40% electricity target for 2020 will be met by wind generation.
Diversification of the renewable generation portfolio in the longer term will be important for creating a sustainable, carbon free, electricity system and biomass will have a role to play in this regard. Electricity generated from biomass, including cofiring of biomass in peat powered plants, is already supported through the REFIT scheme. In addition, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to support the transition of peat power plants to greater amounts of biomass. Depending on electricity demand, the full implementation of current policies could mean that up to 5% of electricity may be generated from biomass in 2020.
Ocean energy is not expected to make any significant contribution to the 2020 target. Globally, wave and tidal energy are not yet fully commercialised. However, nine North Seas region countries, including Ireland, recently signed a political declaration to further strengthen their energy cooperation. The aim is to create good conditions for the development of offshore wind energy in order to ensure a sustainable, stable and affordable energy supply in the North Seas countries.
Each year my Department publishes a list of renewable energy technologies supported under REFIT and the associated tariff for each. For convenience, the 2015-2016 list is outlined in the following table.
|
Tariff per MW (€) |
2015/2016 |
|
REFIT 1 |
|
|
Large Wind (above 5MW) |
69.72 |
|
Small wind (equal to or less than 5MW |
72.167 |
|
Hydro |
88.068 |
|
Biomass Landfill Gas |
85.622 |
|
Other Biomass |
88.068 |
|
REFIT 2 |
|
|
Large Wind (above 5MW) |
69.72 |
|
Small Wind (equal to or less than 5MW |
72.167 |
|
Hydro |
88.068 |
|
Biomass Landfill Gas |
85.622 |
|
REFIT 3 |
|
|
Biomass Combustion |
89.314 |
|
Biomass Combustion – Energy Crops |
99.822 |
|
Large Biomass CHP (above 1,500 kW) |
126.091 |
|
Small Biomass CHP (equal to or less than 1,500 kW) |
147.106 |
|
Large Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Non CHP (above 500kW) |
105.076 |
|
Small AD Non CHP (equal to or less than 500kW) |
115.583 |
|
Large AD CHP (above 500kW) |
136.598 |
|
Small AD CHP (equal to or less than 500kW) |
157.613 |
In the heating sector, my Department is working on the introduction of a new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) to support the deployment of renewable energy for commercial and industrial users of heat in the non-ETS sector. The primary aim of the RHI is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heat sector and help to reach Ireland's 12% renewable heat target by 2020. In 2015 it is estimated that 6.8% of heat was derived from renewable sources. The new RHI scheme is expected to become available in 2017.
In the transport sector Ireland aims to meet our 10% renewable target mainly through the increased use of sustainable biofuels, with electric vehicles also making a small contribution out to 2020. SEAI provisional figures for 2015 indicate 5.7% of our energy needs in the transport sector were met from renewable sources.
The SEAI publication Energy in Ireland 1990 – 2014 provides further information on progress made in relation of the use of renewable energy in Ireland and is available at the following link:
http://www.seai.ie/Publications/Statistics_Publications/Energy_in_Ireland/Energy-in-Ireland-1990-2014.pdf.
730. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the broadband strategy for County Carlow (details supplied). [20545/16]
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 Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
The following table details the percentage of premises to be covered by the State Intervention and through commercial investment as listed by the Deputy.
|
County Name |
Location |
Townland |
% Premises within the NBP Intervention Area |
% Premises within Telecoms Operators' Area |
|
Carlow |
Ballinabrannagh |
Ballinabrannagh |
100% |
|
|
|
Ballymurphy |
Ballymurphy (St Mullins Lr By) |
100% |
|
|
|
Bilboa |
Clogrenan |
100% |
|
|
|
Clonmore |
Clonmore (Rathvilly By) |
100% |
|
|
|
Corries Cross |
Corries or Corry More |
100% |
|
|
|
Hacketstown |
Hacketstown Lr |
100% |
|
|
|
Hacketstown |
Hacketstown Upr |
100% |
|
|
|
Kernastown |
Kernanstown |
3% |
97% |
|
|
Kilbride |
Kilbride |
100% |
|
|
|
Myshall |
Myshall |
100% |
|
|
|
Nurney |
Nurney |
100% |
|
|
|
Palatine |
Knockbane |
100% |
|
|
|
Rathtoe |
Rathtoe |
100% |
|
|
|
St Mullins |
Glebe (St Mullins Lr By) |
100% |
|
|
|
The Ridge |
The Ridge |
100% |
|
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. On 5 July 2016, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. The intention is to undertake further analysis on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This means that some premises previously categorised as being in the BLUE area, will be part of the AMBER area.
On 5 July I also announced that the Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, three qualifying bidders have been invited to meet with the Department to commence the formal dialogue process. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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) prior to awarding a contract.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out 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 roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
731. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when a satisfactory broadband speed will be available to a community (details supplied.) [20546/16]
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 formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
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 areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention and includes the townland of Ballinkillen, Bagnelstown, Co Carlow. The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Carlow.
Members of the public can view whether their premises in County Carlow are in the BLUE or AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Currently, 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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. The intention is to undertake further analysis on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process.
I also announced that the Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, three qualifying bidders have been invited to meet with the Department to commence the formal dialogue process. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s).
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out 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 roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government also commits to measures to assist in the roll out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups, 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.
732. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of pre-financing by programme his Department has applied for with regard to the current phase of EU funding programmes; the amount that is likely to be reimbursed to the EU Commission; the reasons this money will be reimbursed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20575/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of programmes which are part financed from the European Regional Development Fund. Estimates for these receipts were published in Appendix 3 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2016, a copy of which follows.
My Department does not receive pre-financing in relation to EU funding programmes, therefore the question of reimbursement does not arise.
Appendix 3 - ESTIMATED EU RECEIPTS IN 2016
|
Exchequer Contribution |
|||||||
|
of which relates to |
Gross |
Net |
|||||
|
Vote and Subhead |
Total Estimated EU Receipts in 2016 |
2016 |
2015 |
prior to 2015 |
2016 |
2016 |
|
|
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
€000 |
|||
|
29. |
Communications, Energy and Natural Resources |
||||||
|
A - |
Regional Operational Programme (Broadband) |
4,654 |
- |
- |
4,654 |
- |
- |
|
C.4,C.5- |
Regional Operational Programme (Energy) |
8,811 |
5,611 |
1,000 |
2,200 |
- |
- |
|
D.5 - |
INTEREG / DG Mare / FP7 GSI Services |
200 |
100 |
100 |
- |
- |
- |
|
D.6 - |
INTEREG TELLus Border GSI Initiatives |
50 |
- |
- |
50 |
- |
- |
|
E - |
Inland Fisheries Ireland (ERDF) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
E - |
INTERREG IVa Marine Tourism and Angling Dev (Loughs Agency) |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Total Receipts (ERDF) - Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (b) (Capital) |
13,715 |
5,711 |
1,100 |
6,904 |
- |
- |
733. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delay in an area (details supplied) receiving a postcode; when it will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20661/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop and implement the National Postcode System "Eircode".
My Department referred the issue to the Eircode contractor but the information provided in the Question is insufficient to resolve the case. The person concerned can contact Eircode by e-mailing hello@eircode.ie, by post to Block C, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F854 or by phone at 0818 300 005.
734. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the name of the company that was awarded the contract for supplying postcodes and the basis upon which the contract was awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20662/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government approved the award of a contract to Capita Business Support Services Ireland Limited in 2013 for the development, roll out and operation of the National Postcode System under licence for an initial ten year period extendable at the discretion of the Minister by a further five years. The contract was awarded following a procurement process that was conducted in accordance with Irish and EU procurement law.
735. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of positions on the boards of bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the number of vacant positions; when each vacancy occurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20680/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 155 positions on Boards of State bodies under the aegis of my Department. These include Ministerial and Government appointments, ex-offico appointments, appointments of employee directors chosen by election and appointments made on foot of nominations by an Oireachtas Committee.
As at 30 June 2016 there are 19 vacancies on those Boards. The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the following table.
|
Body |
Number of vacancies |
Date vacancy occurred |
|
An Post |
1 (Ministerial nominee) |
7 March 2016 |
|
ESB |
2 (Ministerial nominees) |
13 July 2015 2 May 2016 |
|
IFI |
2 (one Ministerial nominee and one on the nomination of the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) |
1 July 2015 2 November 2015 |
|
SEAI |
3 (Ministerial nominees) |
1 May 2016 |
|
EirGrid |
1 (Ministerial nominee) |
28 May 2016 |
|
RTÉ |
1 (nominee of Joint Oireachtas Committee) 1 (ex-officio member (Director General)) |
3 March 2016 17 June 2016
|
|
TG4 |
1 (Ministerial nominee) 1 (ex-officio member (Director General)) |
9 May 2016 31 March 2014 |
|
DHDA |
5 (Ministerial nominees) |
1 x 27 January 2009 2 x 23 October 2009 1 x 10 November 2009 1 x 23 October 2013 |
|
NORA
|
1 (Ministerial nominee) |
15 April 2015 |
|
BAI Compliance Committee |
1 (Ministerial nominee) |
11 January 2016 |
In light of the merger of the DHDA with Dublin City Council, I do not propose to make further appointments to that Board at this time. The remaining vacancies will be filled in accordance with the relevant statutory provisions and the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards.
736. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the national broadband plan with reference to the Newcastle West area of County Limerick and with particular reference to Beechwood Avenue, Newcastle West, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20869/16]
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 formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
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 areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
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 check whether their premises in Co. Limerick are in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode to
broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
Based on information provided by commercial operators, Beechwood Ave in the townland of Rathnaneane will be covered by commercial operators.
While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to a particular premise, the NBP Intervention aims to deliver a State-funded service to those premises which will not be provided with services from the commercial telecoms sector. In this context, my Department continues to actively monitor the deployment plans in the BLUE area where commercial operators are delivering or have previously committed to providing services.
Currently, 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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. The intention is to undertake further analysis on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process.
I also announced that the Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, three qualifying bidders have been invited to meet with the Department to commence the formal dialogue process. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s).
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out 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 roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. 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 roll out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups 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.
737. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received an indication of a timeframe from An Bord Pleanála for the oral hearing ruling for the North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21041/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid made a formal application for the North-South 400kV Interconnector project to An Bord Pleanála on 9 June 2015. This is the subject matter of a statutory independent planning process currently before An Bord Pleanála.
The latest update provided on the website of An Bord Pleanála states that the planning decision is due to be made by 20 September 2016.
As the planning process is still ongoing it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
738. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals to upgrade the broadband telecommunications infrastructure in an area (details supplied); if he will give consideration to the requests of local residents and local business to have an adequate and modern broadband service provided in that area without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21057/16]
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 formal procurement process for the State Intervention commenced in December 2015.
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 areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention. The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Cavan.
Based on information previously provided by commercial operators, Butlersbridge in the townland of Kilnaglare Upper may be covered by commercial operators and are therefore in a BLUE area. Members of the public can view whether their premises in County Cavan are in the BLUE or AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
While I cannot compel any operator to provide services to a particular premise, the NBP Intervention aims to deliver a State-funded service to those premises which will not be provided with services from the commercial telecoms sector. In this context, my Department continues to actively monitor the deployment plans in the BLUE area where commercial operators are delivering or have previously committed to providing services.
Currently, 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. On 5 July, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. The intention is to undertake further analysis on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process.
I also announced that the Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, three qualifying bidders have been invited to meet with the Department to commence the formal dialogue process. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract(s).
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out 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 roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed roll-out plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for a Partnership Government also commits to measures to assist in the roll out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading on the establishment of two regional action groups 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.
739. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the roll out of broadband in rural north County Dublin, specifically in the vicinity of the villages of Oldtown, Ballyboughal, Garristown and Naul; when broadband will be delivered to these areas as part of the national roll out plan; if he will provide maps showing these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21128/16]
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 Department continues to monitor the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE area to ensure that those services are delivered.
The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by scrolling through the map online or entering their Eircode. The Department also has a dedicated mailbox and anyone with a query in relation to the Map should email the Department, quoting their Eircode, to broadband@dcenr.gov.ie.
The following table details the percentage of premises to be covered by the State Intervention and through commercial investment in the areas identified by the Deputy.
|
County Name |
Location |
Townland |
% Premises within the NBP Intervention Area |
% Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area |
|
Dublin |
Oldtown |
Oldtown |
100% |
|
|
|
Balyboghil |
Grange |
100% |
|
|
|
Garristown |
Garristown |
20% |
80% |
|
|
Naul |
Naul |
100% |
|
The Government’s NBP intervention will ensure the availability of quality future proofed broadband services to all other parts of the country. 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. On 5 July 2016, I announced that my Department has also identified a further 170,000 premises which are currently marked BLUE on the High Speed Broadband Map and which are unlikely to get access to services. The intention is to undertake further analysis on these additional premises with a view to including them in the formal procurement process. This will in turn require an adjustment to the figures per townland for the BLUE and AMBER areas of the High Speed Broadband Map.
On 5 July, I also announced that the Department has now moved to the next stage in the procurement process. In this Invitation to Participate in Dialogue (ITPD) phase, three qualifying bidders have been invited to meet with the Department to commence the formal dialogue process. The qualifying bidders will shortly be furnished with a draft contract, with detailed specifications for a quality and affordable high speed broadband network.
Following the ITPD stage, which will take a number of months, the Department will issue final tender documentation to bidders. When final tenders have been submitted 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), prior to awarding a contract. The timing of each stage of the procurement is dependent on a number of factors, including the complexities that may be encountered during the process.
As part of the competitive process, the Department will engage with winning bidder(s) on the best roll-out 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 roll-out plan. A prioritisation programme will be put in place in this regard, in consultation with the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. 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 roll out of the network once a contract is awarded. In this regard, Minister Humphreys is leading 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.
740. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the legislation that governs the water level of the Shannon as controlled by the ESB; and if the ESB has discretion over the water level on the River Shannon between September and December, or if this is determined by legislation. [21134/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraESB’s statutory responsibilities in relation to the matters referred to by the Deputy are set out in the Shannon Electricity Act 1925, the Electricity Supply Act 1927 and the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act 1934. That legislation establishes the Shannon Scheme which consists of a power station and associated dam and headrace at Ardnacrusha, along the Parteen weir and associated embankments.
I am advised that other than an obligation to maintain a certain minimum level in Lough Ree there are no statutory levels set out in the above legislation.
We have committed under the Programme for Government to providing €430 million, as part of the Capital Plan, for flood mitigation initiatives to protect threatened localities from river and coastal flood risk. This investment means the new Government will spend more on flood relief over the next 5 years than has been spent in the last 20. The introduction of a new Flood Risk Management programme by the OPW will put in place a long-term plan of works to systematically identify and mitigate the risk of flooding across the country, providing a proactive plan for at-risk areas.
In addition, the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Implementation and Coordination Group, involving all relevant agencies, including the ESB, has published a work plan. The Group will oversee the implementation of viable flood management measures to respond to the 66 areas along the Shannon at risk of flooding.
