Written Answers Nos. 1496-1513
1496. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost per year for the past three years for the storage and archiving of his Department's files and records at off-site locations by third-party companies and at State-owned storage facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1117/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOff-site storage facilities used by my Department are provided by the OPW who manage the bulk of the associated costs. The costs advised to my Department by the OPW are detailed in the table below.
|
Year |
Costs |
|
2014 |
€39,151.30 |
|
2015 |
€41,796.77 |
|
2016 (Jan to Nov) |
€40,199.18 |
Lodgement and retrieval costs associated with the movement of files in an out of the facility are met by my Department and these costs for the years 2014 to 2016 are detailed in the table below.
|
Year |
Lodgement and retrieval costs |
|
2014 |
€3,674.61 |
|
2015 |
€17,736.74 |
|
2016 |
€3,612.47 |
In 2015 my Department undertook a major project to catalogue and lodge files in storage. The costs associated with this project were €8,127.78 included in the overall figure for 2015 in the above table. This explains the high costs for that year.
1497. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amounts paid in subsidies to wind farms and wind energy projects for each of the past four years; his plans to end the subsidising of this form of renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1147/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy, including the Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff schemes, which support the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind.
The overall cost of renewable energy supports, funded through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy, is published in the annual PSO decision by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). The information published by the CER is not broken down by technology. However, to date, wind has proved to be the most cost-effective renewable energy technology in the electricity sector and makes up the largest share of the renewable generation portfolio which receives financial support.
In 2015, wind generation accounted for 22.8% of the electricity generated and was the second largest source of electricity generation after natural gas. Moreover, the use of renewables in electricity generation in 2015 reduced CO2 emissions by 3.2 Mt and avoided €286 million in fossil fuel imports.
The following table presents the total costs for both the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) support scheme and REFIT schemes since 2013:
|
Year |
AER €m |
REFIT €m |
|
2016/17 |
7.9 |
270 |
|
2015/16 |
6.3 |
150 |
|
2014/15 |
2.6 |
90.5 |
|
2013/14 |
-8.0 |
51.1 |
Prior to the introduction of REFIT, a tender scheme, called the Alternative Energy Requirement was used to support renewable energy in Ireland. Under AER, there were six calls for tenders (AER I – AER VI) between the mid-1990s and 2003. The AER scheme is now closed to new applications, but will continue to be funded through the PSO mechanism to 2021.
The REFIT schemes closed to new applications on 31 December 2015 but funding for compliant wind energy projects under the REFIT schemes will continue to be funded through the PSO mechanism to 2032.
The development of renewable energy in Ireland via a range of technology specific supports is one of the best ways to encourage the transition to a low carbon economy and diversify our energy generation portfolio. This is why my Department introduced REFIT support schemes across a range of different renewable electricity technologies. A new renewable electricity support scheme which is currently under development will seek to further diversify this technology mix and ensure on-going value for money for consumers.
1498. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the roll-out of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1148/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 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 also 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.
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 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.
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 was published in December and is available at the following link: www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Pages/Publication/Report-of-the-Mobile-Phone-and-Broadband-Taskforce.aspx.
Last year, I also signed Regulations allowing ComReg to proceed with the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band in early 2017. This will 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.
1499. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the maximum financial cost in fines which Ireland may incur if it does not meet the European Commission requirement to reduce its emissions by 30% by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1149/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1500. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount that Ireland has paid in fines to the European Commission for failure to reach emissions targets over the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1499 and 1500 together.
The Paris Agreement, which entered into force in November 2016, aims to limit global average temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-Industrial levels, with an ambition of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Agreement is designed to meet this objective through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by all Parties to the agreement. In this regard, the European Union submitted an NDC committing to a reduction of at least 40% in EU-wide emissions by 2030 compared with 1990 levels which will be met through reductions of 43% in the Emission Trading System (ETS) and 30% in the non-ETS sector compared with 2005 levels. A proposal on the non-ETS targets for individual Member States (i.e. the effort sharing regulation) was published by the European Commission in July 2016. Targets have been proposed for Member States based on GDP which have then been adjusted to reflect cost effectiveness. Flexibilities have also been included in the Commission proposal to cover Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) and the ETS. In the case of Ireland a target of 39% has been proposed, which has been adjusted down to 30% to reflect cost-effectiveness. The Commission proposal continues to be negotiated at EU level with Member states yet to agree on final targets that will apply for the non-ETS sectors in 2030.
In relation to the amount of fines paid to the European Commission for failure to reach emission targets over the last four years, for each year between 2013 and 2020, Ireland has a Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) emissions reduction target under the 2009 Effort Sharing Decision (ESD) No. 406/2009/EC. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their value in 2005. This is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated under the ESD, and one shared only by Denmark and Luxembourg. The 2013 target is based on the average of emissions for the years 2008 -2010. The target for each of the years 2014 through 2019 is on a straight-line trajectory between the targets for 2013 and 2020, and surpluses in one year can be used to cover deficits in any subsequent year. The average incidence of these targets is a 12% reduction relative to 2005.
According to the latest data prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and as set out in its bulletin on Ireland’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2015 (November 2016), Ireland is in compliance with its annual targets under the ESD for the years 2013 and 2014. The provisional GHG emissions for 2015 indicate that Ireland will also be in compliance with its annual target under the ESD for that year. The corresponding data for 2016 is not yet available.
1501. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of full-time equivalent Civil Service workers in gross income ranges (details supplied) in his Department for each of the years 2007 to 2015. [1221/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Salary Band / FTE |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
1 - 25,000 |
30.33 |
15.90 |
12.30 |
15.09 |
18.43 |
14.73 |
14.40 |
13.40 |
21.90 |
26.20 |
|
25,001 - 30,000 |
44.90 |
19.30 |
20.10 |
17.60 |
17.10 |
14.90 |
15.45 |
14.90 |
20.10 |
24.80 |
|
30,001 - 35,000 |
18.43 |
37.63 |
31.13 |
29.34 |
25.34 |
23.44 |
18.33 |
15.84 |
14.64 |
23.44 |
|
35,001 - 40,000 |
24.20 |
20.40 |
18.80 |
20.55 |
22.73 |
21.53 |
23.70 |
29.38 |
27.60 |
28.59 |
|
40,001 - 45,000 |
29.31 |
16.80 |
6.40 |
23.59 |
22.08 |
22.66 |
22.86 |
16.40 |
21.06 |
12.13 |
|
45,001 - 50,000 |
34.40 |
29.98 |
31.99 |
25.60 |
22.20 |
29.00 |
29.50 |
33.50 |
20.80 |
41.60 |
|
50,001 - 55,000 |
25.60 |
21.80 |
27.00 |
22.00 |
23.00 |
18.00 |
17.00 |
15.00 |
12.80 |
11.80 |
|
55,001 - 60,000 |
20.50 |
22.00 |
21.80 |
18.80 |
20.80 |
22.00 |
23.60 |
26.60 |
28.60 |
37.60 |
|
60,001 - 65,000 |
12.80 |
12.60 |
12.80 |
9.60 |
7.60 |
9.80 |
14.90 |
18.70 |
18.90 |
26.90 |
|
65,001 - 70,000 |
10.00 |
13.00 |
9.00 |
11.00 |
14.00 |
10.00 |
10.00 |
11.00 |
11.00 |
13.00 |
|
70,001 - 75,000 |
25.00 |
14.00 |
11.00 |
15.00 |
7.00 |
7.00 |
17.00 |
11.00 |
12.90 |
15.90 |
|
75,001 - 80,000 |
10.00 |
9.00 |
7.00 |
13.00 |
18.00 |
16.00 |
14.00 |
15.00 |
12.00 |
18.00 |
|
80,001 - 85,000 |
6.00 |
19.00 |
18.00 |
8.00 |
12.00 |
13.00 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
5.00 |
6.00 |
|
85,001 - 90,000 |
5.00 |
9.00 |
10.00 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
4.00 |
7.00 |
5.00 |
4.00 |
5.00 |
|
90,001 - 95,000 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
7.00 |
5.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
5.00 |
7.00 |
8.00 |
8.00 |
|
95,001 - 100,000 |
6.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
7.00 |
9.00 |
8.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
5.00 |
9.00 |
|
100,001- 125,000 |
10.00 |
18.00 |
22.00 |
9.00 |
8.00 |
5.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
6.00 |
|
125,001- 150,000 |
3.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
4.00 |
3.00 |
3.00 |
2.00 |
3.00 |
|
Over 150,000 |
2.00 |
4.00 |
4.00 |
2.00 |
2.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Total FTE |
320.47 |
288.41 |
273.32 |
261.17 |
258.28 |
248.06 |
247.74 |
247.72 |
252.25 |
317.96 |
1502. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the origins of the foreign wood chips or pellets being burned in power stations in Ireland; and if these are from sustainable forests. [1307/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe fuel used in power stations is a matter for the operators involved and I have no role or function in this regard. However, I do understand that biomass, such as wood pellets and woodchips, imported into Ireland must meet the EU Timber Requirements which ensure that the timber was legally harvested in the country of origin.
Though sustainability criteria exist for biofuels used in the transport sector as set out the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), currently there are no equivalent sustainability criteria for solid biomass such as wood chips and wood pellets. The European Commission has published recommended sustainability criteria for solid biomass in its Communication SEC(2010)66. It is it is left up to each Member State whether or not to include these when introducing subsidies for bioenergy and this issues is being considered in the development of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme, which is to undergo public consultation.
Additionally, the European Commission is proposing to reinforce the current sustainability criteria to include solid biomass through the proposed LULUCF (Land use, land-use change and forestry) Regulation and the proposed recasting of the Renewable Energy Directive. Both of these proposals were published in the second half of 2016.
1503. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the proposed pay by weight bin charges; the stage at which his Department is at in formulating a new system; when he expects to announce a revised system for waste collection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1369/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe mandatory pay-by-weight per kilogramme charging structure for household waste collection was due to be introduced in mid-2016. As the waste industry began releasing its proposed pay-by-weight prices in June 2016, the Government relayed to the industry its concern about the reported escalation of waste bills for customers of certain companies. As a result, on 30 June 2016, regulations were signed to remove the requirement to introduce a mandatory per kilogramme charging structure.
My Department is currently reviewing, together with the regulatory authorities and industry representatives, the introduction of an incentivised pricing system, such as pay by weight, for household waste collection. The review is due to be completed by July 2017. Incentivised pricing aims to encourage householders to prevent, reduce and segregate their waste, to reduce our reliance on landfill waste disposal in light of the landfill capacity emergencies that occurred in 2016, and also facilitates the industry in providing householders with a range of options to manage their waste costs.
1504. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on his Department's policies on monitoring health effects of electromagnetic radiation and microwave radiation; if there are any new initiatives evaluating these impacts and examining the way to minimise any impacts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1489/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016 a Government commissioned report entitled 'Electromagnetic Fields in the Irish Context' was published. This report, prepared by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands (RIVM), examined the most up to date, peer reviewed research on the possible health effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields. The report's conclusions are consistent with those of similar reviews on this subject, including a 2007 report commissioned by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, that there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and cancers.
Officials in my Department are currently examining the best way to proceed with the future management of policy in relation to the issue of the effects of electromagnetic fields on human health, and I expect to shortly receive recommendations in this regard.
1505. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the consideration he is giving in relation to the position of mobile phone networks and the effect that Brexit might have on existing mobile phone customers regarding their contracts and tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1502/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSubstantial work has been, and continues to be, undertaken across Government to identify the key strategic, policy and operational risks following the outcome of the Referendum on EU Membership in the UK in June 2016. While the UK Prime Minister has today provided greater clarity on the proposed approach of the British Government to the Brexit negotiating process, including seeking the closest possible future economic relationship with the EU, it is not yet possible to say what the detailed arrangements will be including in relation to mobile phones. However, this Government's preparation is extensive including contingency planning and stakeholder consultation. A Cabinet Committee, chaired by an Taoiseach, and which I am a member of, has been set up to consider all potential contingency planning issues arising for Ireland from the Referendum result. My Department also participates in a number of inter-departmental groups that ensure a whole of Government approach to this important matter.
The Deputy will appreciate that the provision of mobile phone services occurs within a fully liberalised market. It is therefore a matter for the mobile service providers and individual customers to agree terms and conditions of any contract including charges and tariffs.
1506. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans for a successor to the Moneypoint plant in terms of energy generation in view of the fact that it is within ten years of its end of life; and if it will be replaced from clean energy sources by 2025. [1503/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy White Paper, 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030', published in December 2015, notes that Moneypoint, Ireland’s only coal burning power station, contributes to diversifying Ireland’s fuel mix and the provision of competitively priced electricity. The station is owned by the ESB and the White Paper recognises that key decisions on its future will have to be taken before 2020 as the station will reach the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025.
In addition, the White Paper recognises that increasing ‘cost of carbon’ charges on Green House Gas emissions will drive up the cost of carbon-intensive energy sources and lead firms and consumers to adopt low carbon fuels and energy efficient technologies. It is anticipated therefore that the phasing out of higher carbon fuels will be achieved by a combination of sustainable policy measures and consumer reaction to the higher price of carbon intensive fuels.
The May 2016 Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to establish a National Dialogue on Climate Change, with one of its tasks to identify the most suitable replacement low-carbon generation technology for Moneypoint. This builds on the commitment in the Energy White Paper to establish a National Energy Forum to maximise and maintain consensus on the broad policy measures set out in the White Paper required to ensure the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
As part of the work being done by my Department, a Working Group has been established to look at the overall fuel mix in the energy sector, including the role of coal and possible replacement fuels, and the role Moneypoint plays in relation to security of supply and the operation and stability of the electricity grid.
1507. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the total amount of funding provided for renewable energy projects since 2011, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1554/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Renewable Energy Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for energy exported to the grid and are funded through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy. The REFIT schemes assure a minimum price for each unit of electricity exported to the grid over a 15 year period and cover a range of different renewable energy technologies, including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind.
Prior to the introduction of REFIT, a tender scheme, called the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) was used to support renewable energy in Ireland. The AER scheme also receives its funding via the PSO to support renewable energy projects, but to a lesser extent. There are currently only four renewable energy projects receiving support via the AER scheme.
The REFIT and AER schemes have proved successful at encouraging the uptake in the use of renewable energy. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has reported that renewable electricity generation, consisting of wind, hydro, landfill gas, biomass and biogas, increased to 27.3% of gross electricity consumption in 2015. Moreover, the use of renewables in electricity generation in 2015 reduced CO2 emissions by 3.2 Mt and avoided €286 million in fossil fuel imports.
The following table presents the total funding for renewable energy projects via the PSO since 2011:
|
Year |
PSO funding for Renewables (€ Million) |
|
2016/17 |
277.9 |
|
2015/16 |
156.3 |
|
2014/15 |
93.1 |
|
2013/14 |
43.1 |
|
2012/13 |
54.6 |
|
2011/12 |
36.5 |
|
2010/11 |
43.2 |
1508. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if registered political parties and their parliamentary and electoral activities are regarded as part of the critical infrastructure of the State and as therefore falling within the mandate of the National Cyber Security Centre, NCSC; if the NCSC has or proposes to develop a programme in co-operation with political parties, in government and in opposition, to assess and to reduce any vulnerability of their systems and networks to cyber attacks whether from activists, criminals, terrorists or foreign states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1586/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Network and Information Security Directive places a series of obligations on Member States on the security of both Operators of Essential Services and Digital Service Providers. In the case of the former, Member States must identify those services that are both dependent on network and information systems and which are essential to the maintenance of critical societal and/or economic activities. The identified operators will then be obliged to meet certain security requirements and to report incidents to a National Competent Authority.
A public consultation on the transposition of the Directive closed in late 2016, and the Department is presently working on the development of primary legislation to transpose this Directive, as well as engaging directly with relevant Departments and Agencies across Government. The Directive identifies a list of types of entities that must be considered, including operators in the energy, healthcare, transport and internet infrastructure sectors. Once complete, this process will result in an official list of identified operators of essential services. It is possible for Member States to add entities to their national list, outside of those sectors identified in the Directive, but it is unlikely that this will occur in the short term. Defining political parties as critical infrastructure is therefore unlikely, and in any case the responsibility for security would remain with those entities.
1509. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to the recent US intelligence assessment on the role of Russian hacking during the 2016 US presidential election, the steps he and the relevant State authorities have taken to prevent similar cyber attacks here. [1642/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date, the primary focus of the Cyber Security function in my Department, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), has been in assisting Government Departments and Agencies to secure their networks and information, and to begin the process of transposing the EU Network and Information Security Directive. The NCSC has at present no role in actively preventing attacks on private sector entities, not least because this would require active surveillance of network activity, something for which there is no legislative basis, and which would pose a number of data protection and other challenges.
The NCSC has become the national point of contact for cyber security matters, and receives notice of suspicious activity of networks in Ireland from similar bodies in other jurisdictions, and from the cyber security sector. In cases where this activity involves private sector operators, and where possible, the NCSC contacts them directly and warns them of issues arising, and of steps that might be taken to mitigate risks to their systems or data. If notice was received of activity around the networks of a political party, the same procedure would be followed.
1510. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timetable for the provision of high-speed, high quality broadband in all areas throughout County Kildare; the areas already provided with such service; the timescale for each area in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1658/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1511. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timetable for the provision of high-speed, high quality broadband in all areas throughout the country; the areas already provided with such service; the timescale for each area in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1659/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1510 and 1511 together.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 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.
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.
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.
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 the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band in early 2017. This will 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 Kildare.
1512. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband will be provided to a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1759/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver high speed broadband 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 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. 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 Eircode 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 premise 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 year. 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.
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 was published in December and 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 the allocation of spectrum in the 3.6GHz band, in early 2017. This will 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. 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.
1513. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the expected date for the release of the proposed renewable heat incentive for the final public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1765/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCleaner heat is part of Ireland's renewable energy policy objective and the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for Ireland is a commitment in White Paper on Energy and the Programme for Government. This will be the primary support mechanism in the heating sector designed to meet Ireland’s renewable energy obligations. The aim of the scheme is to build on the progress already made in the renewable heating sector and to help reach Ireland’s 12% target by 2020. In 2015, 6.5% of heat was derived from renewable sources in Ireland.
The proposed scheme is aimed at supporting larger industrial and commercial installations outside of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to change to heating solutions that produce heat from renewable sources.
Before any final decision is taken on the renewable heat technologies to be supported, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new support scheme. Details of this consultation will be available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. It is expected that the final consultation on the RHI will issue shortly.
The overall costs and technologies to be supported will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission before any scheme is introduced.
