Written Answers Nos. 1475-1495
1475. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 703 of 29 November 2016, if he will address the matter (details supplied). [41433/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI undertook in my reply to Question No. 703 of 29 November 2016 to ask all the agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the requested information directly to the Deputy. I understand that the agencies, including EirGrid who replied on 14 December 2016, have responded directly to the Deputy regarding this matter.
1476. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a person (details supplied) will be able to access broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41490/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government considers the NBP to be one of the most significant investments in rural Ireland for decades, and one which will transform society, akin to rural electrification in the last century. The strategy for broadband rollout, the National Broadband Plan (NBP), aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State Intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
Currently, approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband from commercial service providers and investment by the telecoms sector is continuing to expand this footprint.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the current extent of the State Intervention area:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications 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, which are the subject of the current procurement process. It is intended that premises within this area will have access to services of at least 30 megabits per second when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The Department is actively monitoring the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE areas to ensure that all premises can get access to services. In this regard, direct feedback from consumers is important and if customers in these areas cannot access high speed broadband services, I would encourage them to contact my Department directly at broadband@dccae.gov.ie, quoting their address and Eircode and giving details of providers they have contacted with a view to obtaining services.
The area referred to by the Deputy falls within an AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State Intervention procurement process under the NBP. Individuals can check whether their premises is in a BLUE or an AMBER area by accessing the High Speed Broadband Map and entering their Eircode.
A formal procurement process is now in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. The Department will also shortly update the High Speed Broadband map and finalise this Intervention Area for bidders, taking into account any industry investments that have not materialised and potential other new investments.
The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders, during the procurement process. During the Department's extensive stakeholder consultations in 2015, telecommunications service providers indicated a 3-5 year timeline to rollout a network of the scale envisaged under the NBP. 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, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout 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 and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In a further positive initiative, last July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with my colleague Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. The Taskforce report is available at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
I have signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 auction of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, to provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country, including County Limerick.
1477. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the National Digital Research Centre, NDRC, whose budget is paid entirely from State funds, refused to support an initiative to assist the fledgling start-up ecosystem in Palestine citing NDRC’s purported politically neutral status in view of the fact that it has provided support and sponsorship to a programme of engagement with the start-up ecosystem of Israel (details supplied); his plans to influence the NDRC to co-operate in extending support to the Palestine start-up ecosystem or to cease support for the Israeli start-up ecosystem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41592/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe NDRC is a not-for-profit company which operates the National Digital Research Centre under a Concession Agreement with my Department. The matters referred to in the Deputy's question are a day-to-day operational matter for the company and I, as Minister, have no role in this regard. I have, however, asked NDRC to correspond directly with the Deputy in the matter.
1478. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will amend the address associated with a new Eircode (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41600/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement and maintain the National Postcode System "Eircode".
Eircode does not change existing addresses and can simply be added to the address normally used for the property. This address can be the most commonly used address, postal address or/and the geographical address. The free to use online Eircode Finder (www.eircode.ie/) app provides both the geographical and postal addresses for properties in the state. In addition, the Eircode address database includes multiple common variations of addresses used for properties with the Eircode appended.
My Department referred the issue raised in the Question to Eircode who have stated that the Eircode database does not contain an address which displays as “Cloneyhague, Ballynagore, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath”.
Residents who have queries relating to Eircodes can contact Eircode by phone on 0818 300 005, email hello@eircode.ie or by post to Capita Business Support Services Ireland Ltd, Block C, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 F854.
1479. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will examine the way in which broadband service providers can advertise the availability of speeds within an area which may not be achievable at all; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41637/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI share the concerns about advertised speeds versus those that are experienced by consumers. I note however that much of the current significant investment being made by commercial operators involves emphasis on fibre and fibre-powered connectivity. I am confident that these fibre-based investments, together with the State-led investment planned under the National Broadband Plan will significantly enhance the overall level of service quality for customers.
While there is no legislation specific to the marketing of broadband services in Ireland, such marketing is governed by the law generally applicable to the sale of goods and services. Businesses are not allowed to make statements that are incorrect or likely to create a false impression. This applies to their advertising, their product packaging, and any information provided by their staff or online shopping services to consumers. It also applies to any statements made by businesses in the media or online, such as testimonials on their websites or social media pages.
I understand that while ComReg does not have a specific role in respect of advertising, the regulator liaised with the Advertisement Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI), resulting in the ASAI issuing an Advice Note on Broadband Advertising available at www.asai.ie/wp-content/uploads/ASAI-ADVICE-NOTE-ON-BROADBAND.pdf.
More recently, the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, which I and Minister Humphreys established last July, also considered this issue of advertising and in its report, published on our Departments’ websites last December, recommended that the Advertising Standards Authority (ASAI) review advertising in this area. The Taskforce also recommends that operators review their own advertising to ensure they are not creating a false or misleading impression, and also that any consumer who feels they have been misled contact Advertising Standards Authority to enable them to investigate.
I would add that any regulatory issues surrounding quality of service are the responsibility of ComReg. If, after having exhausted the services provider’s complaint handling procedures, a customer is not happy they may contact ComReg Consumer line on 01 8049668 email at consumerline@comreg.ie, or through ComReg complaints handling online form www.comreg.ie/queries-complaints/internet/query-complaint-form/ detailing their complaint and providing their contact details.
1480. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the establishment of a dedicated task force involving relevant Government Departments and all stakeholders to report on the use of electric vehicles here. [41638/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have established and are co-chairing a Low Emissions Vehicles (LEV) Task Force involving relevant Government Departments and agencies. A key task will be to examine as a matter of priority what further actions are necessary to further stimulate electric vehicle (EV) sales and other low emission vehicles to 2020 and beyond. The first meeting of this taskforce was held last month.
The work of the task force will be divided into two phases and will include stakeholder engagement. The first phase will focus solely on EVs and the second phase will focus on all other alternative fuels. The Task Force will report on an interim basis to Government on the first phase by June 2017, with associated recommendations. These recommendations will suggest a range of options for facilitating greater uptake of EVs between now and 2020.
1481. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will prioritise the introduction of high-speed broadband in an area (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41677/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government considers the NBP to be one of the most significant investments in rural Ireland for decades, and one which will transform society, akin to rural electrification in the last century. The strategy for broadband rollout, the National Broadband Plan (NBP), aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment by the telecommunications sector and a State Intervention in those areas where commercial investment has not been fully demonstrated.
The High Speed Broadband Map, 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 telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services. To date, 1.4 million premises in the BLUE area can get access to high Speed Broadband.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, the subject of the current procurement process.
The map provides information on a county by county basis with a breakdown of coverage across the townlands in every county including County Longford. The business referred to by the Deputy falls within the AMBER area and will therefore be included in the State Intervention procurement process, which is now underway.
The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years.
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, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout 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 and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In the meantime, my Department continues to liaise closely with industry and relevant other Departments and agencies to assist in the commercial deployment of telecommunications networks. The commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country, including County Longford.
1482. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for introducing a licensing regime for repeaters in 2017 that will allow householders and businesses to install high-quality signal repeaters on their buildings to boost in-house signals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41697/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am critically aware of the frustrations being felt across Ireland, where mobile networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Recognising this challenge, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to establish a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. This Taskforce was established in July 2016 and published its final report in December 2016. The Taskforce included representatives from across Government and agencies as well as engagement with the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) and the telecoms industry.
On December 20 2016, Minister Humphreys and I published the Final Report of the Taskforce, which identifies 40 such actions, 19 of which were singled out for immediate implementation in the accompanying Implementation Programme on Mobile Phone and Broadband Access. These documents are publically available on my Department’s website.
In its consideration, the Taskforce acknowledged that there is a requirement to investigate the use of mobile phone repeaters, mainly in rural areas, to enhance signal quality. It recognised the clear need for a transparent regime that would allow for the orderly installation of suitable mobile phone repeaters in order to address the problem of indoor coverage issues.
The development of the licensing scheme is a matter for the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), which is independent from Government in the exercise of its functions. I do, however, understand that ComReg intends to commence work on the scheme this year.
1483. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason additional waste is being put into a dump (details supplied) that is non-compliant with a waste licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41753/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaste management planning, including infrastructure provision, is the responsibility of local authorities under Part II of the Waste Management Act, 1996. I am precluded under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act, 1996 from the exercise of any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it under the Act.
Notwithstanding the above, I am aware that in November 2016 an emergency situation arose where there was insufficient capacity to dispose of residual waste. To prevent or limit potential environmental pollution, both Meath and Wicklow County Councils activated the available landfill capacity in Knockharley and Ballynagran under Section 56 of the Waste Management Act 1996 for the period to end-December 2016. Dublin City Council, as Lead Authority for the Eastern and Midlands Waste Management Planning Region, also invoked this legislative provision, which gives a local authority broad powers to take measures in order to prevent or limit environmental pollution.
My Department is working with the three Regional Waste Management Planning Lead Authorities and other regulatory bodies to ensure such emergency measures are not required going forward.
1484. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the value of capital investment projects and grants under way or approved for funding by his Department for County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41775/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe value of capital investment projects and grants under way or approved for funding by my Department for County Wexford since 6th May 2016 is over €960,000. This funding is being provided across a number of areas such as Energy, Communications and Inland Fisheries.
1485. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide information on the formation of a task force or oversight committee to monitor mobile phone coverage in rural Ireland; when this will come into operation; the persons and bodies that will comprise the membership of this task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41842/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government gave a commitment to establish a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to broadband/mobile phone coverage deficits and to investigate how better services could be provided to consumers prior to full build and rollout of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention (NBP). The Taskforce, which I co-chaired with my colleague, Minister Humphreys, was established in July last year and published its report in December.
In producing this report, the Taskforce worked with Government Departments, Local Authorities, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), State Agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders. The membership of the group included:
- the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment;
- the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural, and Gaeltacht Affairs;
- the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government;
- the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport;
- the Office of Public Works;
- NewERA;
- Transport Infrastructure Ireland;
- Teagasc;
- Trinity College CTVR (Telecommunications Research Centre);
- The County and City Management Association (CCMA);
- Irish Rural Link;
- the Irish Country Women's Association;
- Businesses based in rural Ireland;
- the National Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; and
- an Independent Planning Adviser.
ComReg participated on the Taskforce as an observer in order to provide advice and guidance in its capacity as the independent regulator of the telecommunications market.
The work of the Taskforce will also assist Local Authorities in preparing for the rollout of the new NBP network once contract(s) are in place.
The report has been published on both my and Minister's Humphrey's Departments' websites, together with the Implementation Programme on Mobile Phone and Broadband Access, which identifies 19 of the 40 actions contained in the Report of the Taskforce as areas where immediate and direct action by Government Departments and State Agencies can ensure accelerated benefits to consumers.
1486. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to designate the blue areas, commercial providers, identified in the high-speed broadband map into the amber areas, State intervention, to ensure that all parts of the country can benefit from similar speeds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1020/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1487. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the 170,000 premises which were added to the amber area of the high-speed broadband map in July 2016; the way in which this figure was arrived at; if he will provide supporting details regarding the premises, including locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1021/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1488. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of premises expected to be covered under the national broadband plan; the criteria used to determine which areas are designated blue or amber in the high-speed broadband map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1022/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1490. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied that, taking into consideration the revisions of July 2016, there will be no further changes to the designated blue and amber areas in the high-speed broadband map; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1024/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1486 to 1488, inclusive, and 1490 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 will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and a State led intervention in areas where commercial services will not be provided.
EU State Aid Guidelines requires Member States to assess the plans of telecoms operators, so that the State only intervenes in areas where plans for commercial investment are not forthcoming.
In October 2015 the Department published the process it proposed to adopt in order to assess commercial high speed broadband investment plans available at mapping assessment criteria. Plans received from commercial operators were subsequently assessed under technical, deployment and financial criteria, in line with the EU State Aid requirements. This resulted in the publication of the High Speed Broadband Map in December 2015.
The Map is a critical aspect of EU State Aid compliance and the mapping process remains open, in accordance with terms that have been published on the Department's website (www.broadband.gov.ie) so as to ensure that existing plans are realised and that any new developments can be managed.
A key principle of the NBP is to support and stimulate commercial investment through policy and regulatory measures. Commercial investment since the publication of the NBP has considerably exceeded expectations. To date, the commercial telecommunications sector has invested over €2.5bn in upgrading and modernising networks which support the provision of high speed broadband and mobile telecoms services.
Currently, approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland can access high speed broadband of at least 30 Megabits per second from commercial service providers and investment by the telecoms sector is continuing to expand this footprint.
A formal procurement process is now in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second. The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the current extent of the State Intervention Area:
- The areas marked BLUE represent those areas where commercial telecommunications providers are either currently delivering or have previously indicated plans to deliver high speed broadband services of at least 30 Megabits per second.
- The areas marked AMBER on the High Speed Broadband Map represent the target areas for the State Intervention, which are the subject of the current procurement process. It is intended that premises within this area will have access to services of at least 30 megabits per second when the procurement process is completed and the network rolled out.
The Department is actively monitoring the commercial deployment plans in the BLUE areas to ensure that all premises can get access to services. In this regard, direct feedback from consumers is important and if customers in these areas cannot access high speed broadband services, I would encourage them to contact my Department directly at broadband@dccae.gov.ie, quoting their address and Eircode and giving details of providers they have contacted with a view to obtaining services.
The Department will also shortly update the High Speed Broadband map and finalise this intervention area for bidders, taking into account industry investments that have not materialised and potential other new investments.
1489. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated costs which will be incurred for utilising the existing infrastructure of national networks to roll out fibre to the home; the body which will fund any costs associated with upgrading this infrastructure to enable fibre to the home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1023/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) represents a very significant capital investment project for the State and aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of the NBP as a matter of priority.
In July last the Government selected the Commercial Stimulus Model as the optimum ownership model for the network that will be part-funded by the Exchequer. My Department has completed detailed costings, down to every individual premises in the Intervention Area and, on that basis, has modelled the likely cost of various technologies and ownership models. It is expected that existing infrastructure will be used as far as possible to deliver the new network, thus reducing build costs. It would not be appropriate to publish the expected costs or the likely cost to the State while a major public procurement process is underway. I do not intend therefore to indicate the overall estimated Exchequer funding parameters. Ultimately, the costs will depend on the price that bidder(s) quote in the tender process.
On 29 September 2015, the Government's 6 year Capital Plan, Building on Recovery, was published. It includes an allocation of €275m for the National Broadband Plan (NBP). This allocation provides the initial stimulus required to deliver the Government's intervention and it is expected that further funding will be available over the lifetime of any contract(s).
A formal procurement process is now in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. The Department will also shortly update the High Speed Broadband map and finalise this Intervention Area for bidders, taking into account any industry investments that have not materialised and potential other new investments.
The procurement process is being intensively managed, to ensure an outcome that delivers a future-proofed network that serves homes and businesses across Ireland, for at least 25 years. Intensive dialogue with bidders is continuing and the three bidders have indicated that they are proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the-home solution. This provides for a future proofed solution for the 25 years of the contract and beyond. A fibre-to-the-home solution means that householders and businesses may get speeds not just of 30 Megabits per second but much higher, potentially up to 1000 Megabits per second.
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, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. A detailed rollout plan for the network will be published once contract(s) are in place.
The Programme for Government also commits to measures to assist in the rollout 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 and other relevant agencies to help accelerate the broadband network build in rural Ireland, once a contract(s) has been awarded.
In a further positive initiative, last July, I established a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce with my colleague Minister Humphreys to address immediate issues in relation to the quality of mobile phone and broadband coverage. The Taskforce report is available at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
I recently signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with an early 2017 auction of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, to provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. I have also secured €8m for RTE which will allow it to free up the 700MHz spectrum band, to provide enhanced mobile services.
These investments should assist in significantly improving the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile voice and data services throughout the country.
1491. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason his Department did not issue a policy directive under sections 12 and 13 of the Broadcasting Act 2009; his views on whether the failure by his Department to issue a directive since 2003 has impeded investment and the roll-out of competitive alternative high-speed next generation access, NGA, services in the past three years; his further views on whether this lack of direction by his Department could be considered a breach of the State’s obligation to promote competition in the provision of NGA services under the State aid guidelines governing the national broadband plan, NBP intervention and the impact of this on the NBP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1025/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1492. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether ComReg, which is obliged to implement Government policy directives issued to it by him in regulating the market, is doing so in the absence of a current directive on the national broadband plan, NBP, and is relying on an expired 2003 directive; his further views on whether the current award process is in line with the NBP and the State’s obligations to protect and promote competition in the market for next generation access services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1491 and 1492 together.
The provision of telecommunications services, including Next Generation Access Services, is undertaken by telecommunications service providers operating in a fully liberalised market under licences provided by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). The regulation of telecommunications operators is the statutory responsibility of the ComReg, which is independent in its functions.
Both policy and regulation have contributed substantially to the rollout of high speed broadband networks in the last number of years. ComReg's NGA decisions in 2013 created the framework to drive accelerated investment in high speed broadband, which is now available to approximately 1.4m premises in Ireland. ComReg's multiband spectrum auction in 2012 has also allowed the extensive rollout of 4G networks with at least one operator now having in excess of 90% population coverage. From a policy perspective the National Broadband Plan is also driving investment, and legislation passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas to allow ESB to use its network to deliver high speed broadband services, has resulted in fibre-to-the-home services being rolled out currently in 17 regional towns.
In October 2016, I signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to allocate spectrum in the 3.6GHz band (Wireless telegraphy (3.6GHz Band Licences) Regulations, 2016 (S.I. 532 of 2016)). The liberalisation of this band is an EU requirement and the adoption of the 3.6 GHz EC Decision is mandatory for all EU Member States, including Ireland. This Decision is service-neutral, technology-neutral and expressly obliges Member States to allow the use of the entire 3.6GHz band fixed and mobile services. The release of spectrum in this band will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and/or fixed wireless services, leading to better quality voice and data services to customers across Ireland.
ComReg is independent in its functions and I have no role in the process for allocating the spectrum which is now underway. Having regard to the independence of ComReg in the matter and the fact that a process is underway, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter at this time. I would note however that the allocation process followed extensive public consultation by ComReg over almost a two year period. I have no reason to believe that the process being currently undertaken by ComReg will not result in the fair allocation of any future spectrum assignment and I expect the outcome of the process to provide a level of certainty and transparency for all stakeholders. A policy direction is neither necessary nor appropriate in the circumstances.
Investment decisions by the commercial telecommunications networks providers in the electronic communications market, including investment decisions on the rollout of Next Generation Access (NGA) are taken purely on commercial grounds by each network operator, having regard to the predicted investment cost and the anticipated revenue returns from any such investment. The State can only intervene in this market in cases of clear market failure. In this regard the National Broadband Plan aims to bring competitively priced quality services to rural areas, through a State intervention to build a new high speed broadband network. It is envisaged that this network will offer wholesale services to multiple retailers, who can in turn offer competitive, affordable and high speed broadband to users.
The Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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 has not been fully demonstrated.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State Intervention Area. The procurement process is technology neutral. All three bidders involved in the competitive dialogue process are however proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the–home network solution to connect rural Ireland. Wireless technology may also play a role in part of the overall solution. It is a matter for the bidders in the process to put forward the technologies they believe are most appropriate to meet the NBP objectives.
Accordingly, I do not propose, nor do I see any necessity, to issue any policy direction to ComReg in this regard.
1493. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether the upcoming 3.6 GHz spectrum award could result in the reduction of competition in the next generation access, NGA, market while increasing the scale and cost to the State of the proposed National Broadband Plan, NBP, intervention; his plans to ensure effective competition in the NGA market post the spectrum award process, ensuring continuation and investment in competitive NGA fixed wireless services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1027/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of the radio spectrum is a statutory function of the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) under the Communications Regulation Act 2002, as amended. This role includes the allocation of radio spectrum, the award of spectrum licences and the associated application of terms and conditions and obligations. ComReg is independent in the exercise of this spectrum management function.
In October 2016, I signed Regulations which will allow ComReg to allocate spectrum in the 3.6GHz band. The allocation will provide an 86% increase in total spectrum available for mobile and fixed wireless services. The liberalisation of this band is in accordance with EU rules, and will allow the band to be used for a combination of mobile and wireless services, providing better quality voice and data services to customers across Ireland.
I have no role or function in the delivery of the allocation process, which is a matter for ComReg. I am aware that ComReg has recently concluded its consultation process on the award process for the 3.6GHz spectrum band, including from parties who may wish to provide fixed broadband services and others who may see this band as an opportunity to provide new services. ComReg has considered the views of all respondents and its decisions on this band must accord with its own statutory functions, objectives powers and duties.
The aim of the National Broadband Plan is to bring competitively priced quality services to rural areas, through a State intervention to build a new high speed broadband network. It is envisaged that this network will offer wholesale services to multiple retailers, who can in turn offer competitive and affordable and high speed broadband to users.
The Plan aims to deliver high speed services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland. The Programme for 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 has not been fully demonstrated.
The Department is now in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State Intervention Area.
The procurement process is technology neutral. All three bidders involved in the competitive dialogue process are however proposing a predominantly fibre-to-the–home network solution to connect rural Ireland. This is their choice of technology. It is possible that wireless technology may be part of the solutions proposed and this is a matter for bidders. Furthermore, as the network to be built will offer wholesale services, on an open-access basis, it will be open to existing wireless retailers to offer services on the new network. Wireless operators can also connect their technologies to the network if they can meet the high speed broadband specifications set out in the Plan, which includes a minimum of 30 megabit per second download speed and 6 megabit per second upload speed.
1494. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of biomethane within the RHI market; the reason biomethane does not have a greater presence in the SEAI studies, in view of the fact that approximately 60% of industry is using gas and approximately 50% of residences are using gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1045/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2015 Energy White Paper sets out a vision and a framework to guide Irish energy policy and the actions that Government intends to take in the energy sector from now up to 2030 to transform Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system. The White Paper recognised that biogas has an important role to play in contributing to this transition.
Biogas, which is produced by anaerobic digestion (AD), can be utilised to generate electricity and/or heat or used as a transport fuel. In addition, biomethane, produced by removing impurities from biogas, can be used as a substitute for natural gas and can be injected directly into the gas network. An assessment of the specific costs and benefits of biogas and biomethane is currently being undertaken by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with a view to developing new policy options and recommendations for the use of biogas and biomethane.
These options may include the introduction of a tariff to support the injection of biomethane into the national gas grid which is being considered in the development of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme. Before a final decision is taken on the technologies to be supported under the RHI scheme, there will be a public consultation phase on the design of the scheme. Details of the consultation, when they become available, will be posted to my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie.
1495. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will outline all funding announcements made by him or by his Department for projects in County Mayo since January 2015, in tabular form; the details of each project; the status of the project at 31 December 2016; the amount of funding drawn down at 31 December 2016; and the reason for the delay in the project or funding draw down. [1055/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the time available it has not been possible to gather the information sought. My Department is compiling the information requested and I will write to the Deputy with the information sought as a matter of urgency.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A
I refer to the above mentioned Parliamentary Question (PQ) which was put down by you for written answer on Tuesday, 17th January 2017. In the response given to you it was indicated that my Department was compiling the information sought which would be forwarded to you when available. I am now in a position to provide you with a substantive response to the PQ.
There were a number of funding announcements made either directly by my Department, or on behalf of my Department by the agencies under its aegis, for County Mayo since January 2015. The funding was provided across a number of areas such as Energy, Communications, Environment and Inland Fisheries.
In the Energy area, the Better Energy Programme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department, includes the Better Energy Homes Scheme, the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme and Better Energy Communities.
Brief descriptions of these programmes, along with programmes in other areas of my Department, are outlined in the following table. I trust this clarifies the position for you.
AS PER WORD DOC
Funding announcements made by the Minister or the Department for projects in County Mayo since January 2015
|
Project/Funding details |
Status |
Amount of funding drawn down at 31 st December 2016 |
Reason for delay in project or funding drawn down (if applicable) |
|
ENERGY |
|||
|
Better Energy Warmer Homes provides funding for energy efficiency improvements in the homes of the elderly and vulnerable. |
|||
|
Funding was provided to 577 individual households in Mayo. |
Completed |
€1,538,055 |
N/A |
|
Better Energy Homes (BEH) Scheme provides grant aid to private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their home. Fixed grants are provided 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). |
|||
|
Funding was provided to 724 individual households in Mayo. |
Ongoing |
€818,626 |
N/A |
|
Better Energy Communities (BEC) Programme - aims to encourage community based partnerships to improve the thermal and electrical efficiency of the building stock and energy poor homes and facilities. |
|||
|
Fuinneamh Inmhaireanta Iorras 2015 Lead Applicant: Mayo Co Council 7 homes and 8 community buildings had energy saving measures installed. |
Completed |
€ 125,090 |
N/A |
|
Donate as You Save Energy Lead Applicant: Ard Aoibheann Community Initiatives Ltd (28 partners). |
Completed |
€ 15,915 |
N/A |
|
Fuinneamh na Gaeltachta Lead Applicant: Udaras na Gaeltachta (4 partners - 14 buildings) Mayo Building Upgraded: Warner Building, Belmullet , Co Mayo |
Completed |
€ 22,913 |
N/A |
|
EPS – CIC (Collaboration of Industries and Communities) Lead Applicant: Electrical & Pump Services (3 partners – 68 buildings) - installed energy saving measures to 42 homes in Erris, Co Mayo. |
In progress |
€ 298,350 |
Works Completed – inspections outstanding. |
|
Fuinneamh na Gaeltachta 2 Lead Applicant: Udaras na Gaeltacha (10 partners – 33 buildings) Mayo Building Upgraded: Warner Building, Belmullet , Mayo One Stop Shop, Achill |
In progress |
€10,046 |
Works completed – inspections outstanding. |
|
Lead Applicant: Clár ICH Ltd. Belcarra Community Centre and 43 local authority and private homes had energy saving measures installed. |
In progress |
€ 204,848 |
Works completed – inspections outstanding. |
|
Lead Applicant: Mayo Co Council 3 partners – 10 buildings and 43 housing agency homes had energy saving measures installed. |
In progress |
€ 271,472 |
Works completed – inspections outstanding. |
|
Tourmakeady, Co Mayo BEC Lead Applicant: Energywise Construction 28 homes and 7 community buildings had energy saving measures installed. |
In progress |
€ 431,136 |
Works completed – inspections outstanding. |
|
Ocean Energy provides funding for wave energy harnessing projects. |
|||
|
Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site Deepwater full scale testing site for wave energy. |
In progress |
€505,865 |
N/A |
|
Sea Energies Design, research and testing of Wave Energy Conversion (WEC) device |
Partially Completed |
€62,800 |
N/A |
|
Upgrade of Frenchport Pier as part of Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS) development. |
In progress |
€133,610 |
N/A |
|
Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Programme provides funding for Smart Grid demonstration projects utilising Photovoltiac (PV) and Battery Storage. |
|||
|
Applied research project to develop a smart microgrid demo centre in County Mayo. |
Completed |
€15,750 |
N/A |
|
COMMUNICATIONS |
|||
|
Trading Online Voucher Scheme assists small businesses to trade online. |
|||
|
Funding provided to a number of small businesses (no breakdown available). |
Ongoing |
€59,029 |
N/A |
|
ENVIRONMENT |
|||
|
Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme promotes anti-litter activities and create awareness of litter issues amongst the general public. |
|||
|
The funding is paid to the local authorities who in turn pay the individual project promoters in Co Mayo. |
Completed |
€36,000 |
N/A |
|
Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale environmental projects at local level. |
|||
|
The funding is paid to the local authorities who in turn pay the individual promoters in Co Mayo. |
Completed |
€24,000 |
N/A |
|
INLAND FISHERIES IRELAND (IFI) PROJECTS – funding provided for various schemes relating to inland fisheries. |
|||
|
Altnabrocky River - protection of spawning areas - Bangor Erris Ballina, Co. Mayo -(Glenault Syndicate) River bank protection works to the Glenturk River to restore and protect important sections of salmon spawning areas. |
Completed |
€15,000 |
N/A |
|
Funding provided to Lower Owenmore Development Association for river bank protection works to Lower Owenmore river to restore and protect important sections of salmon spawning areas. |
Funding provisionally approved subject to receipt of outstanding info. |
€0 |
Application incomplete – requested outstanding information to complete file. |
|
Muingnakinkee River (Glencullen Tributary) Rehabilitation Works Phase 3 at Glencullen, Bangor Erris, Ballina, Co. Mayo - (Bangor Angling Club) Treatment and Removal of invasive Rhododendrons. |
Works ongoing. |
€0 |
Angling Club have commenced works - awaiting claims for expenditure. |
|
East Mayo Anglers Feasibility Study on River Moy at Swinford, Co. Mayo - (East Mayo Anglers Association) Develop a 5-year plan for East Mayo Anglers to identify areas in need of habitat restoration for salmon on those waters managed by East Mayo Anglers on the River Moy. |
Not yet commenced |
€0 |
Letter of offer sent out July 2016 not yet signed or returned by the angling club. |
|
Burrishoole River (Shramore) at Furnace, Newport, Co. Mayo Repair of the Mill Race Channel to re-establish fish passage on the Burrishoole River. |
Completed |
€15,000 |
N/A |
|
Lough Nanannagh, Claremorris, Co. Mayo Develop Lough Nanannagh as a managed Rainbow Trout fishery and to incorporate a recreation hub of a looped walk around the lake. |
On-hold |
€0 |
Landowner issue has put this project on hold. |
|
Curragh Car Park, River Moy, Co. Mayo Upgrade existing Curragh car park at popular angling spot along River Moy for local and visiting anglers. |
Letters of offer recently sent out |
€0 |
Funding allocated Dec 2016. Expected commencement early 2017. |
|
East Mayo Anglers Waters Bohola/Straide,Co. Mayo To improve access and safety for anglers through provision of new stiles and footbridges at specific angling pools. |
Letters of offer recently sent out |
€0 |
Funding allocated Dec 2016. Expected to commence in early 2017. |
|
Cuilbaun, Tawnaghbeg, Straide, Foxford, Co. Mayo Inland Fisheries Ireland is part funding a large project aimed at providing disabled anglers access to the River Moy. |
Letters of offer recently sent out |
€0 |
Funding allocated Dec 2016. Expected to commence in early 2017. |
|
Projects Under IFI Sponsorship Scheme |
|||
|
Newport Sea Angling Club National Junior Competition/Daniel Peacock Memorial. |
Completed |
€200 |
N/A |
|
Foxford Committee Foxford Riverfest. |
Completed |
€200 |
N/A |
|
Newport Sea Angling Club National Junior Sea Angling Club-Daniel Peacock Memorial/40th Annual Newport Sea Angling Festival. |
Completed |
€500 |
N/A |
Further details of these schemes are available through the following websites:
www.dccae.gov.ie
http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Salmon-Management/salmon-conservation-fund-application.html
http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/nsad-capital-grants-scheme-2016.html
http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/sponsorship-programme.html
www.seai.ie
