Written Answers Nos. 567-591
567. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to reopen the knowledge transfer programme in 2017; if so, when this scheme is likely to commence and when persons will be in a position to apply for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8731/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt present no decision has been made in relation to a possible reopening of the Knowledge Transfer Programme in 2017. However, in common with other measures under the Rural Development Programme, monitoring of targets and associated budgets is ongoing over the life of the Programme, in conjunction with the annual estimates process.
568. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8734/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named submitted an application under the 2016 Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme on 03 May 2016 and returned his Sheep/Goat Census return on 19 May 2016.
The Terms and Conditions of the scheme set out that, under EU Regulation 21/2004, all flock owners’ and sheep keepers are obliged to count the sheep in their flock, record this number in the flock register and thereafter are legally obliged to return this number to my Department via the annual Sheep/Goat Census return. The closing date for the receipt of Census Returns for acceptance under the ANC scheme was 16 May 2016.
The person named was notified of this finding on 26 January 2017 and of their right to seek a review of the decision within 90 days to the Agriculture Appeals Office, enclosing any supporting documentation they may consider relevant to the matter.
569. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a GLAS application from a person (details supplied); the status of the application; if all necessary documentation has been received; if he will accept any additional information required to complete the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8740/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a GLAS 3 application for the person named being submitted.
A draft GLAS 3 application was commenced on the dedicated GLAS online application system on 1 December 2016 but was not submitted before the deadline for submission of applications of 15 December 2016.
570. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a GLAS application from a person (details supplied); the status of the application; if all necessary documentation has been received; if he will accept any additional information required to complete the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8741/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a GLAS 3 application for the person named being submitted.
A draft GLAS 3 application was commenced on the dedicated GLAS online application system on 3 November 2016 but was not submitted before the deadline for submission of applications of 15 December 2016.
571. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a GLAS application from a person (details supplied); the status of the application; if all necessary documentation has been received; if he will accept any additional information required to complete the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8742/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a GLAS 3 application for the person named being submitted.
A draft GLAS 3 application was commenced on the dedicated GLAS online application system on 27 November 2016 but was not submitted before the deadline for submission of applications of 15 December 2016.
572. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a GLAS application from a person (details supplied); the status of the application; if all necessary documentation has been received; if he will accept any additional information required to complete the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8743/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a GLAS 3 application for the person named being submitted.
A draft GLAS 3 application was commenced on the dedicated GLAS online application system on 15 December 2016 but was not submitted before the deadline for submission of applications of 15 December 2016.
573. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a GLAS application from a person (details supplied); the status of the application; if all necessary documentation has been received; if he will accept any additional information required to complete the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8744/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a GLAS 3 application for the person named being submitted.
A draft GLAS 3 application was commenced on the dedicated GLAS online application system on 27 November 2016 but was not submitted before the deadline for submission of applications of 15 December 2016.
574. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a GLAS application from a person (details supplied); the status of the application; if all necessary documentation has been received; and if he will accept any additional information required to complete the application. [8745/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a GLAS 3 application for the person named being submitted.
A draft GLAS 3 application was commenced on the dedicated GLAS online application system on 3 November 2016 but was not submitted before the deadline for submission of applications of 15 December 2016.
575. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has received a GLAS application from a person (details supplied); the status of the application; if all necessary documentation has been received; if he will accept any additional information required to complete the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8746/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of a GLAS 3 application for the person named being submitted.
A draft GLAS 3 application was commenced on the dedicated GLAS online application system on 6 December 2016 but was not submitted before the deadline for submission of applications of 15 December 2016.
576. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when payments will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8747/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of the 1 October 2015 and has received full entitlements in respect of the 2015 scheme year.
During the 2016 prepayment checking process an issue was identified in relation to crosschecks with other Department databases. Department officials are actively working to resolve this issue with a view to further processing the application for 2016 payment as soon as possible.
577. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has sought an exemption from the European Commission for the use of imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, which are neo-nicitinoids and the use of which is currently restricted in the EU; if so, the reason in view of the fact that the European Food Safety Authority has confirmed that neo-nicitinoids are harmful to pollinators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8750/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department has not sought any “exemptions” or derogations as provided for under Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 to allow the use of neonicotinoids in crops which are already covered under the existing restrictions of Regulation (EU) No 485/2013.
578. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a recent publication on the impact of Brexit on the agrifood sector (details supplied); his further views on the need to implement some specific measures as advocated in this publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8752/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the publication of the report referred to by the Deputy, which I think makes a further important contribution to the range of analysis that has been carried out by my Department and by other bodies on the implications of Brexit for Ireland's agri-food and fisheries sectors, and will be considered in that context.
I note the points made in the report in relation to the all-island character of the drinks industry, its contribution to the economy and the importance of the UK market for the industry. I note also the concerns expressed in relation to both the short-term impacts of Brexit arising from the decline in the value of Sterling, and in relation to the medium- and long-term implications. These concerns echo in large part those expressed by other sectors of the agri-food industry, and are also consistent with those that I and my Department have been highlighting as priorities from an Irish perspective.
The Deputy will be aware of the range of measures that I have already implemented in the context of Budget 2017 to help deal with exchange rate difficulties, including additional funding for Bord Bia and BIM, agri-taxation measures, increased funding under the Rural Development Programme and Seafood Development Programme, and the new €150m low-cost loan scheme. On the longer-term implications, my Department continues to deepen its analysis, to consult with the sector and to engage with other EU Member States and the European Commission, with a view to ensuring that agri-food concerns are adequately reflected in the negotiations.
579. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he will take to ensure that a GLAS payment to a person (details supplied) is granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8783/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of the 1 October 2015 and has received full entitlements in respect of the 2015 scheme year.
The prepayment checking process in respect of the 2016 scheme year identified that issues with the planting of hedgerow and planting a grove of native trees actions on the application. The Department is reviewing these issues with a view to resolving them and processing the application for payment.
580. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the EU funds his Department accesses; the plans he is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if he will outline initiatives he is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8799/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main EU funds that are available to the agri-food and fisheries sectors include the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (finances direct payments to farmers and certain market support measures), the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (finances support for the achievement of economic, social and environmental objectives through measures co-funded by Member States), and the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (finances the implementation of the EU's maritime and fisheries policies through measures co-funded by Member States). The latter two funds are deployed in Ireland through the Rural Development Programme and the Seafood Development Programme.
I have already announced increased spending under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) and Seafood Development Programme (SDP) as part of the suite of measures in Budget 2017 designed to financially underpin my Department's Brexit mitigation efforts. RDP expenditure will increase to €601 million in 2017 from €494 million in 2016, while investment under the SDP will increase by €43 million in 2017.
In addition, I recently launched the new low-cost loan fund of €150 million for the agri-food sector which was announced in Budget 2017, and this included €11m in funding from the EAGF.
My Department will continue to maximise its drawdown from available EU funds as the Brexit negotiating process unfolds.
581. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied there is sufficient regulation for the large-scale storage of sludge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8471/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra582. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he is satisfied there are sufficient regulations for the transfer of large-scale sludge from one county to another; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8472/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 581 and 582 together.
Sewage sludge is subject to a range of regulatory controls under national legislation across a number of Departments. In terms of waste legislation under my remit as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, those who wish to store sewage sludge must:
- satisfy themselves as to whether a Licence (under the Waste Management Act 1996 or the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992), a Waste Facility Permit (under the Waste Management (Facility Permit and Registration) Regulations 2007) or a Certificate of Registration (under the Waste Management (Registration of Sewage Sludge Facility) Regulations 2010 is required for the facility and apply to the relevant authority (Environmental Protection Agency or local authority), where necessary; and
- ensure that vehicles transporting sewage sludge hold a Waste Collection Permit as required under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007.
My role as Minister is to provide a comprehensive legislative and policy framework through which the relevant regulatory bodies, such as local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency, operate. In terms of waste legislation governing the storage and transport of sewage sludge, I am satisfied that this is the case. Compliance with, and enforcement of, the conditions attached to a waste authorisation, or indeed the enforcement of the provisions of waste legislation in general (such as the general duty of a holder of waste under section 32 of the Waste Management Act, 1996), are the responsibility of the relevant regulatory body.
583. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of negotiations on the new tyre compliance scheme which will replace the TRACS system in the new year; the new charge per tyre; if he will address the concerns of retailers here that this will drive business north of the Border and not allow retailers here to be competitive (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8565/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is my intention to introduce new regulations as soon as possible this year to ensure the environmentally sound management of waste tyres in Ireland.
These regulations will enable me to put in place a full compliance scheme for tyre operators, which will be financed by a visible Environmental Management Charge (vEMC). Similar compliance schemes have operated very successfully across other waste streams, including packaging, waste electrical and electronic goods, batteries and farm plastics.
The Compliance Scheme will be operated by Repak End of Life Tyres (ELT) with a registration and reporting role for the Producer Register Limited. The scheme will carry out regulatory functions on behalf of its members. All operators will be obliged to provide data on the numbers of tyres coming on and off the market. This will be the first time that there will be clarity in this regard. It will be mandatory for anyone placing tyres on the market in Ireland to join the compliance scheme.
The vEMC for car tyres has been set at €2.80 per tyre. There is currently insufficient market data to enable me to set the vEMC for agricultural tyres. However, this will not delay the establishment of the scheme. The vEMC for agricultural tyres will be set at zero in the new regulations. Producers of agricultural tyres will still have reporting obligations and the collection of this data will inform my decision on the level of fee to be set at a future date. I am awaiting a recommendation from the Tyres Working Group before I further consider what level of vEMC I will set for truck tyres.
I met with tyre industry representatives. I listened to their concerns and I have done my best to address as many of them as possible. Tyres will be a priority area for enforcement in 2017 for the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities and I will be asking them to give particular attention to the border regions.
584. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the provision of bulk liquefied petroleum gas, LPG, remains the sole energy utility not under scrutiny of the Commission for Energy Regulation; and if he has satisfied himself that with only two providers servicing the bulk LPG market, adequate competition exists in the supply of this utility. [8167/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe supply and retail price of LPG is not a matter in which I, as Minister, have any role or function.
Liquid Petroleum Gas, or LPG, is a by-product of oil. The Irish oil industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated and there is no price control on petroleum products in Ireland. The Deputy will be aware that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has specific responsibilities for protecting the rights of consumers.
Responsibility for the regulation of the natural gas market is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), which is an independent statutory body.
585. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the intended date of publication of the first annual update of the energy White Paper, as undertaken at paragraph 14 thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8221/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy White Paper – Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030 – 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, aimed at transforming Ireland's fossil-fuel based energy sector into a clean, low carbon system by 2050.
In accordance with the Energy White Paper, my department will publish an annual update on the progress of the actions taken so far. This is to ensure that our long term energy policy is transparent, robust and coherent. I intend the first annual update to be published in the first quarter of this year.
586. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a business (details supplied) can expect the upgrade works to the broadband line which were promised in September 2016 to be completed in view of the fact that the area in question comprises at least seven businesses employing in the region of 150 persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8342/17]
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.
There has been significant progress in relation to broadband rollout so that today, approximately 1.4m or 61% of premises in Ireland can get high speed broadband of a minimum of 30 Megabits per second. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector, which 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 company referred to by the Deputy is in the Blue area that will be served by commercial operators.
Approximately 71,000 of the circa 133,000 premises in County Galway are located in the BLUE area and will be served by commercial operators while the remaining 62,000 premises represent the target areas for the State Intervention.
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.
My Department is actively monitoring commercial deployment plans in the BLUE areas to ensure that all households and businesses can get access to the services. My Department is also actively monitoring developments of commercial operators that might impact the Intervention Area. This is being done in accordance with procedures set out by my Department in December 2015.
I should add, however, that the provision of telecommunications services, including broadband services, is primarily a matter for the service providers concerned who operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the independent regulator, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). I do not have a statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services to particular locations. The specific query on timelines for upgrade of commercial broadband services to specific premises is best targeted at the service provider.
A formal procurement process is in train to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area. My Department will shortly update the High Speed Broadband map to finalise the Intervention Area for the Procurement process, taking into account industry investments that have not materialised in Blue areas, together with new industry investments within the proposed State Intervention Area, along with concrete and credible commitments by industry for further new investments within the Intervention Area.
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.
587. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the practice of trolling in a lake (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe lake in question is open for Catch and Release angling under the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout (Catch and Release) Bye-law No. 945 of 2016. This Bye-law provides for catch and release in respect of salmon (and sea trout over 40 cm) and also provides for the use of hooks and baits which are conducive to survival of fish captured and released.
The concern arising with regards to trolling is the potential for fish targeted by this fishing method to be deeply hooked or injured, thereby hindering the potential survival of fish which are required, by law, to be released.
The public consultation process regarding the proposed Bye-law was advertised locally in the press and on IFI’s website www.fisheriesireland.ie and closed at 5pm on 22 July 2016.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) met with the local angling club, referred to by the Deputy, on 25 November 2016, to give the club an opportunity to discuss the proposal and highlight their written submissions to the consultation process.
The matter is currently under consideration by senior management at IFI and their advice is awaited prior to a final determination.
588. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of Departments, State bodies and-or agencies using the Eircode system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8609/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra589. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost of upgrading information technology systems and-or databases to incorporate the use of Eircode; if the use of Eircode is mandatory in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8628/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra590. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to encourage an increase in usage of the Eircode system; and if any consideration has been given to amending the current system for this purpose. [8647/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 588 to 590, inclusive, together.
Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the use of the National Postcode System "Eircode".
The contract provided for a programme of public sector database encoding with Eircodes for 15 public sector bodies who have frequent interaction with the public. Prior to the Eircode launch approximately 80 million public sector database records were encoded with Eircodes, costing €11.5m (VAT inclusive).
Public sector bodies have used their regular on-going ICT software upgrades to incorporate Eircodes as part of other changes to their systems. Therefore, public sector bodies with a large number of complex ICT systems have implemented Eircodes on an incremental basis as systems come up for change or renewal. This has resulted in no significant cost to those bodies.
Staff in my Department when communicating with households include Eircode on outgoing mail, on department publications, application forms, headed paper, e-mail signatures, complementary slips and on the website. In all correspondence with the Department, staff request and use Eircodes. My Department continues to identify opportunities to realise the benefits integrating Eircodes will bring within the various areas of the Department and agencies under our aegis.
Eircodes are being used by the large public sector bodies, including, Revenue, Department of Social Protection, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, and the Health Service Executive. Many other state bodies and agencies that have interaction with the public have also incorporated the Eircode into their systems. These include the Department Transport, Tourism & Sport; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Local Government Management Agency; Central Statistics Office; Department of Education & Skills; Residential Tenancies Board; Companies Registration Office; Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; Ordnance Survey Ireland; An Post; National Treasury Management Agency; Electric Ireland and ESB Networks.
Some examples of how the Eircode has been successfully implemented in public sector bodies are described below:
- National Ambulance Service (NAS) have integrated Eircodes into their Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD). This means that the patient’s address and the position of the nearest available ambulance can be accurately pinpointed on a digital map, enabling an ambulance to be quickly and accurately routed to someone in need of medical help. This is of particular benefit to rural Ireland with 35% non-unique addresses which caused significant operational challenges in the past;
- Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) has integrated Eircodes into its educational grants award system which assists students apply for the correct rate of grant;
- Central Statistics Office (CSO) utilises Eircode as part of their core data and launched the new Residential Property Price Index covering all market purchases of houses and apartments, including in rural Ireland. Eircodes provide the necessary addition of better quality location information, allowing the register measure prices with greater accuracy by using the Eircode Routing Key;
- National Broadband Plan. Currently Eircodes are in use on the Department’s High Speed Broadband Map 2020. Users simply enter the Eircode of the residential or commercial premises and the map indicates whether the premises falls within the Blue area that is being served by commercial operators or within the Amber area which will be covered by the State intervention;
- National Transport Authority (NTA) has incorporated Eircodes within the National Journey Planner app for use by the public. The app provides journey planning, timetable and travel information from all licensed public transport providers across Ireland;
- Waterford City and County Council have incorporated the Eircode into customer management systems, used by members of the public to report incidents to the Council; and
- The HSE have incorporated Eircodes into the Individual Health Identifier (IHI) system. The IHI system is a key enabler for the Governments eHealth strategy.
Increasing numbers of the public are looking-up Eircodes on the free to use Eircode Finder website, which remains very popular, with just under 10m searches since the finder went live at launch. In addition, Capita provide regular updates to Google who have now integrated Eircodes within Google Maps.
Capita have run a number of national advertising campaigns on television, radio and online to raise public awareness of using Eircodes for deliveries and during emergency situations. Capita will continue to promote and market the use of Eircodes in the coming year to increase uptake and usage of the Eircode system among members of the public and businesses.
591. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the EU funds his Department accesses; the plans he is putting in place to access these funds to a greater degree in view of Brexit; if he will outline initiatives he is pursuing to establish access to new funds in view of the challenge of Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8802/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has a coordinated approach to Brexit managed centrally by the Department of An Taoiseach.
As outlined in An Taoiseach’s speech on 15 February, as a direct response to Brexit, the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform have been asked to prepare an ambitious multi-annual 10-year capital plan that will make Ireland a far better place in which to live and work.
That plan will make prudent and effective use of our own resources, as well as resources available to Ireland as a member of the European Union.
Discussions with the European Investment Bank, which recently opened an office in Dublin, have already taken place and are likely to lead to significant further investments in Ireland.
There are a number of streams of EU funding which my Department accesses.
In September 2015, the Government published its 6 year Capital Plan, Building on Recovery, which included an allocation of €275m for the National Broadband Plan. This will provide 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). Funding of €75m is committed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF); State expenditure of €150m is required before the €75m under the European Regional Development Fund can be drawn down.
In the energy sector the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme, which provides free energy efficiency upgrades to the homes of people in energy poverty, is already co-funded under the ERDF. My Department continues to explore, along with the Departments of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, the other European funding opportunities that may potentially support the development of energy efficiency incentive schemes in Ireland.
My Department promotes and facilitates the administration of the EU LIFE Programme in Ireland. In addition to traditional projects proposed by relevant bodies (Small and Medium Enterprises, Non-Government Organisations), the Department proposes, in the current 2014-2020 round of the Programme, to mobilise an integrated (State-sponsored) project on climate action.
The Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), which comes under the remit of my Department, receives EU funds principally through project participation, where the UK may or may not be a partner and may or may not be critical to the projects. The GSI also participate in specific InterReg Projects where only Ireland, UK, Northern IrelandI Scotland and/or Wales are specific partners. The GSI have just commenced an InterReg Ireland Wales Project CHERISH (Climate Heritage & Environments of Reefs, Islands & Headlands) mapping and recording onshore and offshore heritage in the context of potential Climate Change effects. The project has a total grant value of just over €4.1m, with about €1.3m coming to the GSI over the period 2017-2021. Funding from the UK side has been assured in the event of any Brexit changes and the GSI continue to deal with the InterReg funding bodies.
