Written Answers Nos. 487-504
489. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which gas or other mineral exploration licences have issued in each of the past five years to date in 2017; the number of such licences activated; and the results of analysis arising therefrom. [30154/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of all petroleum exploration and mineral prospecting authorisations granted are published on my Department's website www.dccae.gov.ie on a quarterly basis. In addition, I am required to lay before the Oireachtas under the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, and the Minerals Development Acts, 1940 to 1999, respectively half yearly reports detailing all petroleum and mineral exploration authorisations granted during the period of the report. The last such reports under both of these Acts were in respect of the six-month period ending 31 December 2016.
The following tables outline, in respect of both petroleum exploration licences and mineral prospecting licences, the number of licences granted over the last five years to date.
Exploration Licences granted 2012 to 2017
|
Year |
Petroleum Exploration Licences granted |
Mineral Exploration Licences granted |
|
2012 |
0 |
102 |
|
2013 |
5 |
142 |
|
2014 |
6 |
71 |
|
2015 |
0 |
90 |
|
2016 |
0 |
94 |
|
2017 |
0 |
81 |
|
Total |
11 |
580 |
When an exploration licence is granted, whether relating to petroleum or minerals, it is granted subject to an agreed work programme, the progress of which is monitored by my Department. All exploration licences granted in the past five years have been activated as such.
There have been no commercial discoveries of oil or gas within the territory of the State in the last five years. Ireland, however, has witnessed a positive upswing in the level of petroleum exploration activity in recent years, in particular acquisition of new seismic data. It is anticipated that this will translate into an increased level of exploration drilling in the coming years.
In a similar manner, while the number of active minerals prospecting licences indicate the buoyant state of mineral exploration in Ireland, no new commercially viable deposits of minerals have been discovered in the last five years, although there have been some encouraging results. It is too early to determine however whether these results will lead to identification of commercially viable deposits.
490. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent of gas production from the Corrib gas field; the economic benefit to the economy from the product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30155/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Corrib gas field commenced production on 30 December 2015. Prior to the advent of Corrib, over 95% of the State's natural gas needs were imported, via the two gas interconnectors, from Great Britain. In 2016, indigenous gas production met over 55% of the State’s gas demand. The introduction of Corrib was a key contributor to Ireland’s total energy import dependence falling from 88% in 2015 to 70% in 2016.
The direct financial return to the State from the Corrib gas field will be through the 25% tax on profits. The level of profits from the Corrib gas field will depend on a combination of factors including, the volume of recoverable gas, the cost of developing and operating the infrastructure, the price of gas over the life of the field, together with the timing and profile of production.
491. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which his Department continues to have plans to utilise existing natural resources and invest for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30156/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn respect of mineral resources, successive Governments have pursued the policy of encouraging exploration for and development of national mineral resources in the public interest. This has mainly been undertaken by the private sector. As a global industry, the level of exploration activity in Ireland reflects worldwide market trends, in particular prevailing metal prices. Ireland is particularly dependent on the zinc market as this is the primary exploration target. Whilst the main exploration focus is on zinc and lead, there is interest also in gold and other base metals. My Department's strategy in this area aims to encourage further exploration, while maximising the value added to the economy.
In respect of indigenous oil and gas resources, four commercial gas discoveries and no commercial oil discoveries have been made since exploration began in the Irish offshore. The Irish Atlantic Margin remains substantively underexplored and its actual potential will not be known without a significant increase in the level of exploration. Ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy future will involve progressively moving to lower emission fuels, e.g. moving initially from peat and coal to natural gas, and ultimately towards an even greater reliance on renewable energy. The 2015 White Paper on Energy recognises that oil and natural gas will remain significant elements of Ireland’s energy supply in the transition period. Taking this into account my Department's efforts in this area have focussed on deepening scientific and technical knowledge of Ireland’s oil and gas potential, in particular through data acquisition and supporting key research projects; ensuring that the regulatory regime is fit for purpose; and offering innovative and attractive licensing opportunities.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has statutory responsibility for the conservation, protection and management of Ireland’s inland fisheries resource, including sea angling. The angling sector is estimated to contribute €836 million to the Irish economy every year supporting 11,000 Irish jobs, often in rural and peripheral communities where fewer job opportunities are available. The National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) is the first comprehensive national framework for the development of our angling resource. The NSAD aims to increase economic contribution of angling to €932 million per year and increase employment by over 1,800 jobs. IFI is already investigating the full array of potential funding sources. I announced approval for the first €500,000 of investment for 50 community-based projects nationwide in December last. I have also secured an additional €1.5 million for NSAD investment for 2017 and further tranches of project funding will be announced.
492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will set out the vision for the enhancement of the development of natural energy from solar, hydro, wind, wave or other sources over the next five years with particular reference to the need for a combination of energy sources to ensure continuity of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30157/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2015 Energy White Paper and the 2016 Programme for Government recognise that Ireland’s long-term interests are best supported by further decreasing our dependence on foreign fossil fuels through the continued development of indigenous renewable energy.
At the national level, the 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy. Good progress has been made to date, but the target remains challenging, particularly in light of economic growth and a growing demand for energy. Latest figures by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) for 2015 indicate that 9.1% of the overall 16% target was met by renewable sources. Ireland has made considerable progress in the decarbonisation of our electricity sector in recent years, with over 27% of our electricity coming from renewable sources in 2016. This progress, while welcome, will need to accelerate in pace in the coming years.
The Government has adopted a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy. The primary support mechanism is the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes, which currently support the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind.
With regard to future policy initiatives, my Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The design of the new scheme is underway, and includes an extensive independent economic appraisal of multiple renewable electricity technologies. This economic appraisal involves comparing the cost of supporting solar, offshore wind, onshore wind, hydro, ocean energy (including wave) and a range of other commercial renewable technologies, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment also includes analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
A public consultation on the new scheme is due to be published next month, and following this it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected that the new scheme will become operational in 2018.
Ireland has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world and offshore renewable energy will have an important role in Ireland’s future renewable energy mix. While offshore wind has had been developed successfully, globally, wave and tidal energy is still at the R&D stage. Notwithstanding the development of promising experimental devices, more research, development and trials are required to bring wave energy technology to commercial viability.
493. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he has studied the effect of various plastics on the environment with particular reference to the best way to deal with the situation in its various forms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30158/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the reply to PQ No. 599 of 9 May 2016, which outlines the current position in relation to plastics and the environment.
495. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment is his attention has been drawn to the large increase in the number of cars being left abandoned in housing estates across Dublin city; the person or body which has responsibility for removing abandoned cars; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30176/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 71 of the Waste Management Act 1996 prohibits the abandonment of vehicles on any land, creates an offence in this regard and enables local authorities to enter on any land upon which vehicles have been abandoned to remove and store such abandoned vehicles. These vehicles may subsequently become the property of the authority, if not reclaimed by the registered owner within a period of four weeks.
A local authority may also seek reimbursement of the costs for the removal and storage of abandoned vehicles from the registered owners of such vehicles.
In addition, the Waste Management (End-of-Life Vehicles) Regulations 2014 impose an obligation on the registered owner of a vehicle, which is an end-of-life vehicle, to dispose of that vehicle at an authorised treatment facility for appropriate treatment and recovery. Under these regulations, authorised treatment facilities are obliged to provide for the free take-back of end-of-life vehicles and to issue a certificate of destruction to the registered owners in respect of such vehicles.
496. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the funding for the renovation of a building (details supplied); the timeframe of works for its renovation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30038/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of the National Sports Campus at Abbotstown. This includes responsibility for the renovation of Abbotstown House.
As this question is a matter for Sport Ireland, I have referred it to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
497. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the qualifying criteria for Pobal's rural transport programme; if new applications are being accepted for the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30135/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my previous answer to him on this matter on 28 February 2017 - Reference No. 9641/17, Parliamentary Question No. 752.
As I explained, following a Government decision in 2012 the National Transport Authority (NTA) was assigned responsibility for the management of the Rural Transport Programme, taking over that responsibility from Pobal.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
498. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will review speed limits at a location (details supplied) in County Cork. [29489/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets default speed limits for various categories of roads, elected members of local authorities, have statutory responsibility for deciding on and making appropriate Special Speed Limit bye-laws for roads within their administrative area, and in the case of national roads, such as the N72 in this case, subject to the consent of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
To assist local authorities in the application of Special Speed Limits, my Department's updated Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland, which is available to all local authorities, reiterates the statutory responsibilities of elected members in relation to the making of such Special Speed Limit bye-laws, subject to following Department Guidelines.
Therefore, any decision as to whether to reduce the speed limit on the N72 in this location is a matter for Cork County Council in conjunction with TII.
499. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the facilities in Rosslare harbour for rail freight; the amount of freight which is transported by rail from Rosslare to other parts of the country; his plans for Rosslare harbour in the context of export diversification following Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29504/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues relating to facilities and the amount of rail freight handled at Rosslare Europort are operational matters for the port and I have therefore forwarded the question to Iarnród Éireann for direct reply.
In relation to Brexit, my Department held a Workshop in April on the impact of Brexit on maritime transport, regulation and on the sectors on which this impacts. Stakeholders, including Rosslare Europort, were invited from organisations across the broader maritime sector, such as merchant shipping, national shipping, fishing vessels, recreational craft, ports, equipment suppliers, service providers and training providers.
My Department is about to commence a study into the use of the UK Landbridge by Irish importers and exporters. The purpose of the research is to establish the volume of traffic using the UK Landbridge currently, the likely consequences that Brexit will have on Landbridge usage and the various options that may be viable. As one of our key RoRo ports, the impact of Brexit on the use of the UK landbridge is of obvious significant importance to Rosslare, all the more so given its advantageous location in terms of potential direct shipping to Continental Europe.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
500. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there has been marketing of the Dublin-Rosslare train route as a tourist product; the tourism initiatives which are under way to promote tourism in County Wexford and surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29505/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no direct role in this matter. These are decisions for Tourism Ireland Limited as the body responsible for promoting the island of Ireland as a visitor destination overseas and Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority, and are not subject to my approval. I have referred the Deputy's Questions to both agencies, Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
501. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider a review of the speed limit on the Ardboley Road L55393 near the village of Balla, Castlebar, County Mayo. [29514/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the Road Traffic Act 2004 sets default speed limits for various categories of roads, elected members of local authorities have statutory responsibility for deciding on and making appropriate Special Speed Limit bye-laws for local roads within their administrative area.
To assist local authorities in the application of Special Speed Limits, my Department's updated Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland, which is available to all local authorities, reiterates the statutory responsibilities of elected members in relation to the making of such Special Speed Limit bye-laws, subject to following Department Guidelines.
Therefore, any decision as to whether to reduce the speed limit on the L55393 Ardboley Road near the village of Balla, Castlebar, County Mayo is a matter for Mayo County Council.
502. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of a sports capital grant application by a club (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29556/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that an application has been submitted by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme.
All of the 2,320 applications received under the 2017 Sports Capital Programme are being assessed by officials in my Department. Given the number of applications received and the detailed information submitted, it will take a further number of weeks to complete this process. I expect that an announcement regarding allocations will be made in September.
503. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the staffing complement of his Department in whole-time equivalents as at the end of 2016. [29612/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing complement of my Department as at the end of 2016 was 459 whole time equivalents.
504. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the size of road signage in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29640/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to tourism lies in the area of national tourism policy. It is not directly involved in the management or development of individual tourism projects such as the Wild Atlantic Way. This is an operational matter for the Board and Management of Fáilte Ireland.
However, it is important to note that the purpose of the Wild Atlantic Way is to provide a clearly defined route for visitors to travel along the west coast. In that context, it is very important for the visitor that the signage for the Wild Atlantic Way is consistent and readily recognisable along the entire route while respecting the landscape and seascape that are integral to the Way. That is why Fáilte Ireland has worked closely with local authorities and local communities on the provision of signage along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a matter for the Local Authorities and the National Roads Authority, as appropriate, to sanction the erection of road signage.
In relation to the particular signs in question, I have personally raised this matter with the local authority and have now referred the Deputy's Question to Fáilte Ireland for further information and direct reply. Please contact my private office if you have not received a response within ten working days.
The referred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
