Written Answers Nos. 1234-1253
1234. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers in each county who have suckler cows, broken down by herd size, zero to ten, 11 to 20, and so on, in tabular form; the number of farmers on the same basis who have applied for the beef data and genomics scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36696/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought is currently being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.
The deferred reply under Standing Order 42A was forwarded to the Deputy.
1235. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who participated in the suckler herds welfare scheme 2008 to 2012; the annual expenditure for the scheme in each year; the maximum payment made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Animal Welfare, Recording and Breeding Scheme for Suckler Herds was operated between 2008-2012. Its objectives were to improve breeding by recording animal events data and make better use of genetic evaluation. It also aimed to improve husbandry and weaning to reduce illness and mortality.
Details of scheme participants and payments are set out in the following table.
|
Scheme year |
Total paid per scheme year |
No of participants |
|
2008 |
64,443,888 |
43744 |
|
2009 |
25,633,818 |
36267 |
|
2010 |
24,002,165 |
33950 |
|
2011 |
23,440,874 |
31231 |
|
2012 |
23,082,969 |
29558 |
|
Total paid |
160,603,714 |
The annual rate of payment was €82 per qualifying animal in 2008 and €41 per qualifying animal in the period 2009 to 2013 for online applicants and €80 and €40 respectively for paper applicants.
The number of animals payable was capped at 100.
Therefore, the maximum possible payable was €8,200 in respect of animals born in 2008 and €4,100 for animals born thereafter.
1236. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of hectares currently eligible under the BPS and greening scheme, by county; the total percentage of eligible land by county covered by the scheme out of total national land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36698/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs requested please see in the table the number of hectares currently eligible under the BPS and greening scheme, by county. These figures are based on the total digitised area per county and the maximum eligible area per county i.e the area before the deduction of any ineligible areas such as roadways, inaccessible areas, rivers, dense scrub etc and the remaining eligible area. The figure of total national land is not held on the departments LPIS (land parcel identification system).
|
COUNTY |
DIGITISED AREA |
TOTAL MEA |
% of Elgible Land |
|
CARLOW |
80,081.17 |
76,001.23 |
94.91% |
|
CAVAN |
153,853.45 |
141,461.65 |
91.95% |
|
CLARE |
237,384.09 |
209,373.14 |
88.20% |
|
CORK |
604,980.93 |
557,977.89 |
92.23% |
|
DONEGAL |
323,239.68 |
303,387.94 |
93.86% |
|
DUBLIN |
41,603.93 |
40,151.17 |
96.51% |
|
GALWAY |
420,701.79 |
380,351.70 |
90.41% |
|
KERRY |
364,568.32 |
336,857.03 |
92.40% |
|
KILDARE |
121,979.39 |
115,588.06 |
94.76% |
|
KILKENNY |
172,327.61 |
162,099.35 |
94.06% |
|
LAOIS |
132,754.83 |
125,042.76 |
94.19% |
|
LEITRIM |
113,307.82 |
105,334.90 |
92.96% |
|
LIMERICK |
210,764.37 |
197,253.70 |
93.59% |
|
LONGFORD |
78,098.53 |
72,002.16 |
92.19% |
|
LOUTH |
67,376.14 |
64,461.38 |
95.67% |
|
MAYO |
399,273.05 |
361,519.19 |
90.54% |
|
MEATH |
185,490.78 |
177,872.25 |
95.89% |
|
MONAGHAN |
108,430.24 |
100,953.78 |
93.10% |
|
OFFALY |
136,398.05 |
124,925.64 |
91.59% |
|
ROSCOMMON |
181,313.46 |
164,976.34 |
90.99% |
|
SLIGO |
133,980.19 |
123,176.30 |
91.94% |
|
TIPPERARY |
342,987.36 |
321,449.28 |
93.72% |
|
WATERFORD |
141,649.16 |
130,777.06 |
92.32% |
|
WESTMEATH |
130,228.55 |
121,634.24 |
93.40% |
|
WEXFORD |
197,668.99 |
187,216.57 |
94.71% |
|
WICKLOW |
128,951.80 |
119,504.61 |
92.67% |
|
TOTAL |
5,209,393.68 |
4,821,349.32 |
92.55% |
1237. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of knowledge transfer group participants who have completed their farm improvement plans, by county; and the number per county who have not completed their farm improvement plans. [36699/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Knowledge Transfer Programme aims to address identified knowledge gaps in six agriculture sectors contributing to increased efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness which benefit not just the individual farmers involved but also the agriculture sector as a whole.
As part of the Programme requirements participants must complete a Farm Improvement Plan with their chosen facilitator and also complete an Animal Health Measure with a DAFM approved KT Private Veterinary Practitioner.
The detailed data requested by the Deputy is not readily available and it will take some time to retrieve it. Officials in my Department will collate the data and forward it directly to the Deputy.
1238. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to assist farmers with the costs associated with the establishment and ongoing running costs of producer organisations. [36700/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the Beef RoundTable in 2015, a commitment was made to legislate for the recognition of Producer Organisations (POs) in the beef sector. This initiative was supported by all sectoral stakeholders and in February of 2016 a Statutory Instrument (The European Union (Beef Producer Organisations) Regulations 2016 S.I. No 49 of 2016 was signed into law to give a legal basis for my Department to maintain a register of recognised POs in the beef sector.
The recognition of POs will encourage primary beef producers to form Producer Organisations and allow farmers to engage collectively with processors. The ultimate aim is to ensure the viable development of production by strengthening farmers' bargaining power with downstream operators.
In order to assist groups of primary producers who wish to become recognised Producer Organisations, an application to the European Commission as part of the second amendment to Ireland’s RDP has been submitted, which provides for the funding of start-up activities for Producer Organisations in the Beef Sector. Funding will be provided for prospective POs to engage a facilitator to help with recruitment and start-up activities. Advisors will fall into one of two categories; giving advice on setup of the PO’s statutes, fulfilling Department requirements etc, or advice on business planning and membership recruitment. Payment for advice in each of these areas will be capped at €1,500 in accordance with the provisions of the RDP regulation. My officials are currently in the process of finalising a Request For Tender which will be published shortly, to provide these services.
1239. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of participants enrolled in the sheep welfare scheme; the amount of expenditure expected to be drawn down in year one of the scheme; and the amount expended to date. [36701/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 22,263 applications were received for participation in the Sheep Welfare Scheme. No payments have issued to date on the Scheme. Advance payment, expected to amount to an estimated €20 million, will issue in Q4 2017. The final figure is subject to change following the outcome of appeals currently under consideration by my Department.
1240. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans for allocating funding for an integrated biomass mobilisation programme to support farmers to invest in farm based infrastructure, such as specialised machinery, storage and drying units. [36705/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBiomass boilers are currently grant aided under the Pig and Poultry Specialised Investment Scheme of TAMS II. Within the horticulture sector growers can apply for grant aid on investments in biomass boilers through the Scheme of Aid for Producer Organisations in the Fruit and Vegetables Sector or through the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector.
In addition grain dryers powered by Biomass are also grant aided under the Tillage Scheme of TAMS II.
1241. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost to the Exchequer of proposals by an organisation (details supplied). [36706/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has primary responsibility for farm safety. However I am particularly supportive of improving the safety record on farms. The rate of accidents on farms remains far too high and it is important that a focus on safety becomes an integral part of farming culture. While there are many risks in farming, farming does not have to be a dangerous occupation. Behavioural change is what is required to prevent many accidents. It is a case of being aware of the dangers and taking the time to do what is necessary to minimise the risk.
There are a wide range of farm safety elements available for farmers under the TAMS II. The funding of any additional items will come from within the current funding envelope for the TAMS II schemes.
The Farm safety Partnership Advisory Committee is a sub-committee of the Board of the Health and Safety Authority and is funded by the HSA. A mid-term review of the Farm Safety Action Plan 2016-2018 is being undertaken to ensure that all elements within the plan will be achieved. Funding of the Farm Safety Partnership has not been an issue to date and it is expected that the actions under the Farm Safety Action Plan 206-2018 will be achieved.
A new PTO, including cover, costs approximately €180, while a new cover costs approximately €100 - the actual cost depends upon length and required power throughput. If a PTO shaft becomes damaged it will need to be replaced immediately, to enable the farmer to continue working safely. Grant-aid schemes are not suitable for supporting the purchase of replacement PTO shafts, as under the schemes it is necessary to have written approval in place before undertaking any works.
The use of the hydraulic drive system is a possible alternative for machines that have a low power requirement to drive them. These systems remove the need for PTO drives which revolve at high revolutions per minute. However, such systems are not suitable for machines that have a high power requirement such as balers, forage harvesters etc.
My Department continuously reviews the potential for machinery improvements that provide safer working environments.
1242. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount expended on the scheme of investment aid for commercial horticulture in 2016; and the 2017 budget allocation. [36707/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has contributed significantly to the support of the Horticulture sector through its grant aid Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. In 2016, €3.865 million in grant aid was paid to approved horticultural applicants which supported some €9.7 million in investment into the Horticulture industry.
Under the 2017 Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector, the budget has been increased to €5 million. I have also provided a commitment to ensure that payments under this scheme are made as early as possible.
The scheme assists capital investments on farms to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products and facilitate environmentally friendly practices and improve working conditions on farms. The scheme has made an immense contribution to the growth and development of the horticulture sector across all areas – protected crops, field vegetables, nursery crops, mushrooms, soft fruit, apples and beekeeping.
1243. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff in his Department who are suspended from work on full pay; the reason in each case; the length of time in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36723/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has a single employee suspended from work without prejudice, on full pay. Given that the requested information relates to a single individual, it has the potential to either identify that individual or to make information specific to that individual known to his/her colleagues or to others who may be aware of his/her suspension. As a result I am not in a position to provide any of the requested information at this time other than to say that no replacement salary costs have been incurred.
1244. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be an underspend in his Department's current or capital budget for 2017; if so, the subheads that are now below profile and those that may come in below profile at the end of the calendar year; if underspends in his Department will be available to the central Exchequer at year end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36739/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLooking at the projected outturn for the year it is difficult to assess the full year expenditure for the Department at this stage as we are only just over half way through the year.
My Department keeps expenditure trends under review and provides details on monthly Exchequer Issues to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform that are reported in the Expenditure Reports published with the monthly Exchequer Statement.
As the year progresses my Department will continue to manage expenditure within the allocation agreed by the Dáil in the 2017 Estimates in order to deliver my Department’s agreed objectives.
1245. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of protected disclosures received from staff in his Department in 2016 and to date in 2017; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36755/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received four protected disclosures under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, in the period in question. Three of the cases have been considered under the Department's Protected Disclosures Policy and Procedures. One was considered not to constitute a protected disclosure and two were dealt with in accordance with the Department's Protected Disclosures Policy and Procedures. The fourth case is currently under consideration.
A fifth protected disclosure, by a Department employee, was made to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) seeking adjudication by them under the Protected Disclosures Act. The discloser did not avail of any of the arrangements in place in my Department for making a formal disclosure. The WRC adjudicated and did not uphold the complaint.
1246. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of actuaries working in the Civil Service under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36850/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently has no actuaries working under its aegis.
1247. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the level of funding that has been provided by his Department or agencies under its remit to individual local authorities for the provision of electric vehicle charging points; his plans for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35043/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1265. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the level of funding that has been provided by his Department or agencies under its remit to local authorities for the provision of electric vehicle charging points; his plans for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35024/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1282. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans and provisions in place to increase the accessibility to fast charge units for electric cars across the country; his plans to provide incentives to private enterprises to install electric vehicle charge points; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35357/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos. 1247, 1265 and 1282 together.
The recently published National Mitigation Plan recognises how central the development of a sustainable and extensive supporting infrastructure is for the future success of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Ireland.
To date, the funding and rollout of electric vehicle charging points has been supported by a Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) decision to allow ESB Networks to invest and install electric vehicle infrastructure up to a maximum of €25 million and recover these costs from the Distribution Use of System network charges. This decision has allowed ESB eCars to deliver an extensive public network of both normal and fast charging points across Ireland, and there are now approximately 900 EV charge points installed across Ireland. Of these, over 70 are fast charging points. At present, ESB also provide the installation of free home charging points to the owners of EVs.
The CER decision to facilitate the delivery of EV public and domestic charging points through ESB Networks was taken on a pilot basis and, in October 2016, the CER published a consultation paper (CER/16/286), seeking views on the future ownership of the EV infrastructure. The outcome of the CER process will determine to what extent the electricity consumer will continue to fund public and domestic charge points. A final decision on this is expected in the coming months.
The current direct funding available to support the purchase of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is managed by my Department and delivered through a range of financial grants provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
In May this year, my colleague the Minster for Transport, Tourism and Sport published the National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017 to 2030. This points out that with almost 900 publicly accessible charge points available, Ireland, for a country of its size, has one of the "more comprehensive charge point networks currently in place across Europe". Large car manufacturers are also expected to become involved in the provision of high-powered infrastructure. A number of providers are likely to emerge onto the Irish market in the coming years, providing infrastructure at the higher end of the performance capacity scale, i.e. between 120 kW and 350 kW. These chargers will support quicker charge times and longer travelling ranges depending on the model of car, i.e. more cars will be capable of travelling up to 500 km on one charge."
The Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) taskforce, which is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport is considering the range of measures and options available to Government for the purpose of accelerating the deployment of low carbon technologies, especially EVs, in line with its Programme for Government commitment. The provision of EV infrastructure particularly the installation of electric car charging points is currently being considered by a specific infrastructure Working Group of the Taskforce.
1248. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he has taken to bring to the European Council the proposal that Ireland, as a result of anticipated failure to meet the 2020 greenhouse gas emissions target for the non-traded sector, should have a higher target in subsequent years than it would if the target was met; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this will make the State a problem country for European climate policy. [35068/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question 1035 of 13 July 2017. 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.
Ireland will contribute to the Paris Agreement via the NDC tabled by the EU on behalf of its Member States. The specific details of Ireland's contribution to the overall 30% reduction in the non-ETS sector, as well as the contributions to be made by other Member States, is currently being negotiated between the EU and its Member States in the context of the European Commission's Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) Proposal which was published in July 2016. Targets have been proposed for Member States based on GDP per capita and the cost-effectiveness of domestic emissions reductions within individual Member States, with the starting point based on average emissions over the period 2016 to 2018. In the case of Ireland, a target of 39% has been proposed, which has been adjusted downwards to 30% to reflect the cost-effectiveness of measures within the Irish economy.
The Commission proposal recognises different Member States' circumstances and the need to provide flexibility to reduce emissions as cost-effectively as possible in the context of the overall EU target. Ireland has been actively engaged in negotiations in the Council of Ministers, and is working to ensure that these core principles are maintained in the final outcome to the negotiations. At the Environment Council meeting of Monday 19 June, my EU counterparts and I reviewed progress to date and emphasised the need to prioritise a successful conclusion to these negotiations which retains a high environmental ambition for the EU, but provides each Member State the capacity to contribute to that ambition in a cost-effective and fair manner.
The incoming Estonian Presidency has indicated a desire to reach agreement in the Council, allowing negotiations with the European Parliament to commence during its term.
1249. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to establish an eel hardship package for eel fishermen; if so, his further plans to ensure the heritage of eel fishermen will be preserved in co-operation between fishermen and Inland Fisheries Ireland heritage fisheries tourism to ensure the knowledge, history and methods are preserved for future generations and for scientific and tourism heritage programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35141/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 1022 on 13 July 2017.
The primary consideration of Inland Fisheries Ireland in the issue of public licences for eel fishing was the availability of an exploitable surplus of stock. The knowledge and methods used by fishermen are preserved to some extent by the trap and transport operation managed by ESB under Ireland's Eel Management Plan. Under this operation, a number of former eel fishermen are employed to catch eel and transport them around hydro-electric stations to mitigate their impact as barriers to escapement and migration.
1250. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the locations to which the brown waste that is collected by bin companies is brought; and the end use of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35187/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to maximise the resource potential and minimise disposal of our waste, the European Union (Household Food Waste and Bio-waste) Regulations 2015 build on the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009. These two sets of regulations place clear obligations on waste collectors, businesses and households to promote the segregation and recovery of food waste for purposes of producing energy, compost and digestate, thereby supporting job creation in the waste and bio-energy sectors. The Regulations also facilitate the achievement of the targets set out in the Landfill Directive (Directive 99/31/EC) for the diversion of bio-degradable municipal waste from landfill sites, by directing source-segregated household food waste to composting and to other forms of treatment.
There are positive indications that the implementation and enforcement of these Regulations are resulting in more food waste being diverted from landfill. The Environmental Protection Agency recently published Compost and Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Statistics for 2015 which highlighted the following trends:
- The quantity of waste accepted for treatment at composting and AD plants increased from 271 ktonnes in 2013 to 300 ktonnes in 2015 (11% increase);
- Composting was the dominant treatment activity (>80% of tonnage accepted);
- The quantity of brown bin waste accepted rose with 114 ktonnes in 2013 and 143 ktonnes in 2015 (25% increase) reflecting the implementation of the Household Food Waste Regulations.
The treatment and management of waste material, including food waste is subject to a registration and permitting system by local authorities or licensing by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as appropriate, and governed by the Waste Management (Facility Permit & Registration) Regulations 2007 or the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004. For a composting, biogas or similar site to be classed as an authorised facility under the Food Waste Regulations, it must be both authorised for the treatment of food waste and be subject to an EPA licence, waste facility permit or a certificate of registration as appropriate.
An inventory of such sites authorised by local authorities per region may be accessed at http://www.epa.ie/waste/policy/regional/ while details regarding authorised facilities operating under a waste licence are available on the EPA’s website at http://www.epa.ie/terminalfour/waste/.
1251. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a review of the salmon fishing drift net ban which was imposed on inshore fishermen in 2006 will occur (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35280/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1252. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will consider a pilot project in which a number of fishermen from each county would take part in a scheme overseen by the Marine Institute to ascertain sea stocks, the results of which would determine the need for a salmon fishing drift net ban on the inshore fishing community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35281/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1251 and 1252 together.
Ireland manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis. This management is carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the State Agency with statutory responsibility for inland fisheries. The management policy is based on the fact that each of Ireland’s 147 salmon rivers, river sections, estuaries etc. has its own genetically unique stock of salmon which migrates to sea as juveniles and returns to the same river in adulthood to spawn and create the next generation of fish exclusive to that river.
IFI is supported in its management role by scientific advice from Ireland’s Standing Scientific Committee. IFI also draws on international advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Research in coastal areas and in the marine environment concentrates on increasing knowledge of migratory patterns, marine based mortality and return rates to home rivers as stock assessments can only be carried out on the individual stock in each river.
The Atlantic salmon is a protected species under the EU Habitats Directive with which Ireland’s current salmon management regime complies. In order to align fully with the Directive and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) principles and in view of a sharp decline in salmon stocks, the Irish Government closed mixed stock fisheries in 2007 including coastal and offshore fishing for salmon. Harvest fisheries are now only allowed on individual river stocks which are shown to have a surplus and in estuaries where the stocks from individual rivers entering the estuary are each meeting their individual conservation limits.
A Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced in 2007 under which, fishermen active in the commercial salmon fishery could opt to permanently cease fishing. In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen, with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008 with all funds expended. It is considered that river stocks would be in a far more perilous state if the closure of mixed stock fisheries had not been implemented.
During migration from rivers to marine feeding grounds, salmon from both rivers in Ireland and rivers in other countries travel through Ireland’s coastal waters. These "mixed stocks" pose particular difficulties for management as they contain individual fish often from a wide range of rivers some of which are below sustainable reproductive capacity. Any deviation from current policy would be contrary to the international independent scientific advice as the “home river” of off-shore salmon cannot be identified and it is not possible to disaggregate the individuals or stock groups at sea.
Such a move could potentially lead to conflict with EU and international obligations on grounds of not protecting vulnerable Irish and international salmon stocks. The conservation imperative demands that current salmon stocks are not further eroded by mismanagement or inappropriate exploitation, whether via angling, commercial fisheries in rivers inland or through the operation of indiscriminate mixed stock fisheries at sea or in estuaries.
Ireland is committed to international agreements entered into at EU level and at NASCO and the prohibition of mixed stock fisheries is a key element of international best practice in salmon conservation and management.
1253. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grant schemes that exist for persons wishing to establish renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35812/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1299. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grant schemes that exist for persons or communities wishing to establish renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35814/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1253 and 1299 together.
Current financial supports for renewable electricity projects are provided via the Renewable Electricity Feed In Tariff (REFIT) schemes, which support renewable electricity generated and exported into the national grid. Details of technologies supported under each scheme and the costs associated with each technology are listed in the following table in €/MWh.
Typically, projects availing of support under the REFIT schemes are large-scale developer-led renewable electricity projects, and there are currently no grant or subsidy schemes available specifically for community-led or citizen led renewable electricity projects.
Tariff per MWh (€)
|
REFIT 1 |
2017 |
|
Large onshore wind (above 5MW) |
69.72 |
|
Small onshore wind (equal to or less than 5MW) |
72.167 |
|
Hydro |
88.068 |
|
Biomass Landfill Gas |
85.622 |
|
Other Biomass |
88.068 |
|
REFIT 2 |
|
|
Large onshore wind (above 5MW) |
69.72 |
|
Small onshore wind (equal to or less than 5MW) |
72.137 |
|
Hydro |
88.068 |
|
Biomass Landfill Gas |
85.622 |
|
REFIT 3 |
|
|
Biomass Combustion |
89.314 |
|
Biomass Combustion - Energy Crops |
99.822 |
|
Large Biomass CHP (above 1500kW) |
126.091 |
|
Small Biomass CHP (equal to or less than 1500kW) |
147.106 |
|
Large AD Non CHP (above 500 kW) |
105.076 |
|
Small AD Non CHP (equal to or less than 500 kW) |
115.583 |
|
Large AD CHP (above 500kW) |
136.598 |
|
Small AD CHP (equal to or less than 500kW) |
157.613 |
The 2016 Programme for Government recognises 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. To support the delivery of this ambition, my Department is developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030.
The new RESS will also provide pathways for delivering on the 2015 Energy White Paper commitment to ensure communities and citizens are at the centre of the future energy transition in Ireland. Communities are effectively being designed into the fabric of the new scheme with policy measures to incentivise community-led and developer-led community projects being identified.
The economic appraisal is being undertaken 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 appraisal also includes analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
My Department will publish a final public consultation on the design principles of the new RESS shortly. Following the outcome of this public consultation, and before any new scheme is introduced, 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.
Separately, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a number of schemes on behalf of my Department. The Better Energy Communities (BEC) Scheme aims to support and encourage community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area. To date the scheme has supported the upgrade of more than 14,000 homes and several hundred shared community facilities, from sports clubs to community centres and childcare facilities.
SEAI also administer the Better Energy Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. The scheme supports private homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their home. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating system upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER).
