Wednesday, 4 Oct 2017

Written Answers Nos. 1-56

Rural Broadband Scheme

Ceisteanna (30, 33, 48, 65)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

30. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has satisfied himself that the broadband task force recently established by his Department will sufficiently identify gaps in the provision of rural broadband, particularly in areas in which only a small number of homes have not been connected by private providers; and the envisaged timeframe for identifying those anomalies and successfully providing high speed broadband to all of those homes. [41855/17]

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

33. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of times he has met with the mobile broadband taskforce since June 2017. [41961/17]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

48. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the terms of reference for the broadband task force recently established by his department; if there will be a published report; and the timeframe for such a report. [41854/17]

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

65. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the work of the mobile phone and broadband task force since the publication of its report in December 2016; the progress which has been made in the implementation of its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41889/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten)

I propose to take Questions Nos 30, 33, 48 and 65 together.

Recognising the frustration experienced across Ireland where telecommunications networks are not always delivering the services people expect, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce.

I established the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce (the "Taskforce") in July 2016, arising from that commitment, to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention.

The Taskforce which I co-chaired, consulted and engaged with telecoms industry representatives to identify short and medium term solutions to alleviate telecommunications deficits, particularly in rural Ireland. The Terms of Reference of the Taskforce is available on my Department's website.

The Taskforce worked with Departments, local authorities, ComReg, State agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders to publish a final report in December 2016 which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland. The report is also available on my Department's website.

Key measures among the 40 actions contained in the Taskforce Report included measures to streamline and prioritise planning procedures for telecoms infrastructure, a licensing regime to allow people to boost their home signals using repeaters, the build out of new ducting along the M7/M8, measures to help stakeholders make informed choices in relation to their network provider and handsets, and general network improvements.

To maintain momentum, I established an Implementation Group together to drive progress on implementing the measures recommended by the Taskforce. The establishment of the Implementation Group is a commitment in the Action Plan for Rural Development. I co-chair the Implementation Group with Minister of State Sean Kyne.

The Group comprises key stakeholders identified in the Taskforce report with responsibility for delivery of actions. Officials in both Departments are working closely together to oversee delivery of the actions.

The membership comprises the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, and the City and County Managers’ Association. ComReg, the independent regulator for the telecommunications sector, also sits on the Group in an advisory role and also in respect of its ownership of a number of key actions. This key stakeholder interaction will ensure that strong momentum and timely delivery is maintained over the coming months, and will enable early identification and proactive management of any emerging challenges to the delivery of actions. In addition to overseeing the delivery of actions by the State entities, the Group will monitor and track progress made on actions owned by telecommunications operators. Quarterly progress reports are being produced and published on the status of Taskforce actions, the second quarterly report having been published in July 2017. The first two quarterly progress reports are accessible on the DCCAE website. These demonstrate that good progress has been made in delivering the actions. I am also pleased at the sustained level of engagement between action owners and industry. In addition, a comprehensive annual review of progress will be undertaken at the end of 2017. 

 A National Stakeholder Forum will also be held on Friday, 6 October 2017 in Athlone, to take stock of progress made in implementing the Taskforce actions and to enable discussion on all the issues impacting on the roll-out of telecoms infrastructure. This work will also assist local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the new NBP network once contracts are in place.

The Forum will be hosted by myself and by Minster Kyne, and it will feature a range of stakeholders from across the telecoms sector, including action owners, Government Departments, the independent regulator, industry representatives, as well as consumer representatives. The event will afford an opportunity to review progress made, and to identify potential new actions. Feedback from this event will be incorporated into the annual review, in order to inform the Year 1 Annual Report of the Implementation Group.     

In addition, following regulations which I signed last year, ComReg’s announcement earlier this year of the results of its auction for the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, will mean an 86% increase in spectrum capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile and wireless broadband services across rural and urban areas. The award of 15-year licences for the rights of use in this band will provide stability and create future investment certainty. Spectrum was also awarded in lots covering nine urban and rural regions across Ireland.

The very significant commercial investment by mobile operators has resulted in improved services, with at least one operator now having in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.

These initiatives should assist in enhancing the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.

Questions Nos. 31 and 32 answered orally.

Question No. 33 answered with Question No. 30.

Question No. 34 answered orally.

National Digital Strategy

Ceisteanna (35)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

35. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on the progress of the trading online voucher scheme, which is part of the national digital strategy; the take-up of the scheme; and his plans to expand or further develop the scheme. [41789/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My Department's Trading Online Voucher Scheme is specifically designed to support small and micro enterprises to trade online. Through training and mentoring, coupled with financial support of up to €2,500, subject to matched funding, the scheme is helping small businesses to grow and diversify their markets.  

This is a demand-led scheme, funded by my Department and delivered on a nationwide basis by the Local Enterprise Offices, LEOs.  I have allocated €3 million in 2017 to deliver 1,000 more businesses trading online by the end of the year. By the end of June, 600 businesses had successfully applied to the Scheme this year, bringing to over 3,500 the number of businesses who have availed of grant assistance under the Scheme. Approximately 9,000 businesses have benefited from the training. The latest figures available show that 44 businesses in County Laois and 53 businesses in County Offaly have successfully applied for a trading online voucher since the scheme was introduced in 2014.

My Department has measured the impacts on the businesses who have participated. According to our surveys, businesses grow on average by 21%, employ 35% more people and 60% export for the first time.  The Scheme is helping to revitalise small businesses, including sole traders, from across a wide range of sectors including retail, arts, crafts and design, manufacturing, food, and professional services.  Digital trade is contributing to sustainable regional economic development, with urban and rural based businesses benefitting equally from the online opportunity.

My Department is currently scoping initiatives to build on the success of the scheme, putting Ireland further ahead of our European counterparts in realising the benefits of selling goods and services online.  This will include the development of a national website and centralised web-based infrastructure.

In collaboration with the LEOs, my Department is delivering a series of regional events to showcase the benefits of trading online, provide training and increase awareness of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme. Events have been held in Ballinasloe, Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny and Roscommon. Details of the next event, to take place in Cavan on 9 October, are available on my Department's website: www.dccae.gov.ie/tradingonlinevoucher.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (36)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

36. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he remains satisfied that the provisions in place and proposed are adequate to meet the target of the provision of broadband in all areas, urban and rural without exception; if there will be a need for extra initiatives to meet shortfalls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41879/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

As I have already indicated to the House, last week my Department received, "Detailed Solutions", from two bidders as part of the ongoing procurement process to select a company, or companies, who will roll-out a new high-speed broadband network for those areas that will not be served by commercial operators acting alone. This was a significant milestone in the procurement process which is now entering into its final stages.  Early in 2018, it is expected that bidders will be invited to submit their final tenders.  

The facts are that the National Broadband Plan has been a catalyst in driving commercial operators in their deployment of high speed broadband to the extent that today almost seven out of ten premises now have access to high-speed broadband.  This figure will rise to nearly eight out of ten premises by 2018 and nine out of ten by 2020. In the last six months, there has been a 150% increase in the number of pure fibre connections albeit from a low base.

Eir has passed 101,000 premises as at the end of September and are on track to honour its commitment to provide 300,000 premises in rural Ireland with high-speed broadband by the end of 2018, as agreed with me in April of this year.  Other players in the market have also ramped up the speed of their roll-out. For example, SIRO is investing €450 million to provide fibre broadband to 500,000 premises across 51 towns on an open access basis, while enet and SSE are investing €100 milliion in pure fibre broadband to 115,000 premises in the west and north west.

For the information of the Deputy, there are over 90,000 premises in County Kildare, 77,000 of which fall within a BLUE area and will be covered by commercial operators. Of these 77,000, circa 7,000 premises form part of eir's planned rural deployment. The remaining 13,000 premises in County Kildare fall within an AMBER area and will be part of the State led Intervention under the National Broadband Plan.

The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce (the "Taskforce") was established in July 2016 to consult and engage with telecoms industry representatives in order to identify solutions which can be implemented in the short, medium and long term to alleviate telecommunications deficits, particularly in rural Ireland, prior to full build and rollout of the network planned under the State Intervention.  Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen.  These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities.  The appointment of these officers are already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to infrastructure. Contact details for the local Kildare Broadband Officer can be accessed on the link to the list of broadband officers on my Department's website.

Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan

Ceisteanna (37)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

37. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to develop offshore wind energy in Irish waters; and the way in which he plans to integrate the transmission of connectors to such wind farms with additional electricity interconnectors to other electricity markets. [41905/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan 2014, OREDP, sets out the Government’s plan for the sustainable development of our abundant offshore renewable energy resources.  The Strategic Environmental Assessment carried out for the OREDP found that it would be environmentally sustainable for 4,500 MW of offshore wind and 1,500 MW of wave and tidal devices to be developed in Irish waters in the period to 2030.

Separately, and as the Deputy will already be aware, the Government has a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy and a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, RESS, scheme is being developed under which all forms of renewable energy technology, including offshore wind, are being considered. A public consultation on the development and design of the new scheme was launched earlier this month and will close on 3 November.  The new scheme will then be designed to take account of the findings of this public consultation, and subject to Government and State aid approval, should be open in 2018.

Enhanced energy connectivity however has the potential to help energy consumers benefit from a fully integrated European Internal Energy Market, as well as increasing the contribution that renewable energy can make to meeting our energy requirements.

On a wider front, Ireland is one of a number of countries who signed a political declaration in 2016 on closer energy cooperation in the North Seas area.  One objective of this cooperation is to facilitate the further cost effective deployment of offshore renewable energy, particularly wind, through voluntary cooperation, with the aim of ensuring a sustainable, secure and affordable energy supply in the North Seas Countries.  Officials from my Department and relevant agencies are actively engaged in this project.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (38)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

38. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the impact that the reduction to two bidders will have on the national broadband plan; the way in which the agreement with a company (details supplied) has impacted on the plan; the timeframe for roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41890/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I have given a detailed outline on the current status of the procurement process in my responses to the priority questions on today's order paper.  The Deputy will be aware that this procurement process will select a bidder, or bidders, who will roll out a new high-speed broadband network to remote and rural areas not served by commercial operators.  The successful bidder, or bidders, will build, maintain and operate this State intervention network for the next 25 years.

Last Tuesday, 26 September, 2017 was the closing date for bidders to submit their, "Detailed Solutions", in the procurement process and I can confirm that my Department received submissions from two bidders.  These bidders were Eircom Limited and the Granahan McCourt, enet, SSE, John Laing Group plc consortium.  This is a significant and positive milestone in the process and the path to a digitally equal Ireland. The submissions received means that we are at the final stages of this procurement process. My Department's specialist NBP team are now evaluating these two submissions over the coming weeks, with the expectation that very early in 2018 bidders will be invited to submit final tenders

As I have already informed the House, just ahead of the closing date for, "Detailed Solutions", SIRO formally communicated its withdrawal from the National Broadband Plan procurement process. In doing so however, SIRO remains strongly committed to its original commitment to invest €450 million to provide pure fibre broadband to 51 towns across Ireland on an open access basis.  As of the end of last week, some 100,000 premises have been passed by SIRO. 

Notwithstanding SIRO's withdrawal, the fact remains that this procurement process is still competitive involving two strong operators in the telecommunications field.

Renewable Energy Incentives

Ceisteanna (39)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

39. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has read the research carried out by an organisation (details supplied) calling for an incentive scheme for solar photovoltaic, PV, electricity; if his Department will include solar PV in any new renewable electricity support scheme to replace the existing REFIT scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41704/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I am aware of the research referred to in the Question and my officials will review it the context of all submissions made through the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, RESS, public consultation process. The new RESS is being designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting Solar PV (both rooftop and ground-mounted) and a range of other commercial renewable technologies, at various scales including micro-generation, 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 included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State aid guidelines.

By way of a comparison, at the end of 2016, in Ireland 27.2% of electricity demand was met by renewable sources, which is very close to the EU average and represents one of the highest asynchronous renewable electricity penetration levels in Europe or the rest of the world. Other EU Member States renewable electricity figures for the end of 2015 can be found in the following table:

Country	2015 (% electricity from renewable sources)
Belgium	15.4
Bulgaria	19.1
Denmark	51.3
Greece	22.1
France	18.8
Italy	33.5
Luxembourg	6.2
Netherlands	11.1
Austria	70.3
EU-28	28.8

Micro-generation, including the use of solar PV panels on domestic rooftops, was also appraised as part of the RESS economic assessment. The analysis identified a number of challenges that may need to be addressed before the introduction of a tariff for exported electricity from solar PV rooftop installations. These include, among others, a reform of electricity network charges, an assessment of the distributional impact of such a policy decision on the PSO (cost burden sharing between those who can afford to participate and those that can not), and development of a fair tariff for exported electricity taking the benefits of self-consumption into account.

This approach is in line with experience from other EU member states and other countries around the world for example, from America and from Australia and Germany, each of whom have attempted to introduce supports for micro-generation and whose failure to address these issues from the outset has led to regressive distributional impacts on the poorer in society.

I am committed to finding an appropriate mechanism for supporting micro-generation, but it must be achieved in a fair and balanced manner, as I believe that micro-generation will have an important role in Ireland’s transition to a carbon free economy, in assisting Ireland meet its renewable electricity targets, and increasing social acceptance of and promoting renewable energy projects.

I have asked the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to facilitate a workshop on micro-generation which will take place on the 17th of this month. Over 100 focused stakeholders have been invited including the main trade organisations, public representatives, financial exerts, community groups, grid and energy sectors, NGOs and certain external organisations such as the FAI. Some 38 have already committed to attend and participate with the end goal being the development of a policy position on how to best support micro-generation in Ireland.

Finally, a public consultation on the design principles of the proposed new RESS was launched on 4 September and submissions are invited from the public. All submissions will be considered and following on from this a design proposal will be brought to Government for approval. Full details of the consultation are available on my Department’s website at: www.dccae.gov.ie.

Waste Tyre Disposal

Ceisteanna (40)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

40. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to address concerns that the proposed environmental levy on tyres will push consumers to procure tyres from outside of the State; the level of engagement he has had with the tyre industry, particularly in the Border counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41901/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Over 20,000 farms have been affected by illegal dumping. The level of illegal dumping of various waste types is a major environmental problem that needs to be met head on. I have made €1.3 million available to support a major anti-dumping initiative by local authorities and communities. In addition, I have allocated €1 million to local authorities to remove stockpiles of waste tyres. The local authorities have indicated to me that there are more than 750,000 tyres randomly dumped in sites around the country, and this is a conservative estimate.

I have also taken actions to stem the problem of more waste tyres ruining rural areas. The new management scheme for waste tyres took effect on 1 October. Over 1,600 tyre retailer, producer and collector premises have already registered with the new scheme. This sign-up demonstrates to me that the overwhelming majority of tyre suppliers want to ensure that their products are managed properly as a waste. I welcome the efforts, as I am sure all Deputies do, that the compliant industry has made by joining the new scheme and working together to ensure that waste tyres do not continue to be a blight on our countryside.

A new compliance scheme for tyres will be operated by Repak End of Life Tyres, ELT, with a registration and reporting role for the Producer Register Limited, PRL. The scheme will carry out all regulatory functions on behalf of its members and will be funded by a visible Environmental Management Charge, vEMC. Currently the EU single market facilitates cross-border trade. Fees for the collection and management of waste tyres have previously been charged, but this has not always been transparent or effective, as suggested by the level of tyres being dumped around the country.  The flow of tyres from one jurisdiction to another has more to do with currency fluctuations than making an environmental cost on a tyre more visible.

I am very aware of the concerns of the tyre industry regarding the new structures. I have met with the tyre representative bodies. I listened to their concerns and I have done my best to address as many of them as possible. I have also received a lot of support during the extensive consultation that has taken place.

In order to support the compliant majority of the tyre industry, the new structures will be supported by a strong enforcement regime, which will be a priority for the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities, WERLAs. In addition, the EPA has a new enforcement role to ensure producers register with PRL and provide all relevant data. Tyres are one of the five priority areas for enforcement in 2017, as agreed by the National Waste Enforcement Steering Committee, and I have made €9 million available this year in relation to waste enforcement. I will be asking the EPA and Local Authorities to begin a visible enforcement campaign on tyres, particularly in border areas.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (41)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

41. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the procurement status of the national broadband plan; the date by which every premises in the country will have access to broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41900/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

As I indicated in my responses to questions higher up on today's order paper, last week the procurement process being managed by my Department reached a key milestone with the receipt of, "Detailed Submissions".  Two submissions were received from Eircom Limited and the Granahan McCourt, enet, SSE, John Laing Group plc consortium.  As the House is no doubt aware, SIRO formally communicated its withdrawal from the National Broadband Plan procurement process.  SIRO remains strongly committed to its planned investment of €450 million to provide fibre broadband in 51 towns across Ireland on an open access basis.  As of the end of last week, some 100,000 premises have been passed by SIRO.

The NBP procurement process continues to be a competitive process, with two strong operators in the telecommunications field. The procurement process has now entered its final stages and as I've indicated to the House today, I expect that final tenders will be invited in early 2018.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (42)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

42. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of times he has met with the officials of a company (details supplied) since the signing of the agreement to provide 300,000 homes with broadband outside of the scope of the national broadband plan; the dates he met with the company; the officials which were present; and the nature of discussions. [41960/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

In April, eir signed a agreement with me committing it to follow through on its commercial plans to provide new high-speed broadband infrastructure to 300,000 premises in rural areas. Eir has committed to doing this work over a 90-week period. A copy of the commitment agreement is available on my Department's website: www.dccae.gov.ie. Quarterly updates on progress of the eir 300k roll-out are published on my Department's website.

In line with the published agreement there are regular review meetings between officials from my Department and eir, the purpose of which is to monitor this roll-out and ensure that eir meets its obligations under the agreement. I am not involved on a day-to-day basis in this detailed monitoring.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 31.

Telecommunications Services Provision

Ceisteanna (44, 59, 75)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

44. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason phone and mobile broadband signals in city suburbs of counties Waterford, Cork, Galway and Dublin are non-existent in certain areas; and the measures he is taking to force companies to increase their work capabilities. [41963/17]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

59. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the ongoing concerns in relation to poor mobile telephone coverage in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; if he has discussed with the communications regulator the need for the telecommunications companies to make the necessary investments to ensure that all areas have adequate mobile coverage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41852/17]

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

75. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the outcome of discussions he has had with the telecommunications regulator and with the telecoms providers in relation to inadequate mobile telephone coverage in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41853/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten)

I propose to take Questions  Nos. 44, 59 and 75 together.

The provision of telecommunications services, including mobile phone and broadband services, is a matter for the service providers concerned which operate in a fully liberalised market regulated by the independent regulator of the telecommunications sector, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg). I do not have a statutory authority to require commercial companies to roll out services to particular locations.

Any customer across Ireland who experiences service difficulties should raise the matter with the service provider in the first instance. If this fails to resolve matters, customers can and should refer a complaint to ComReg, which will investigate the service provider's compliance with its contractual obligations.

Notwithstanding the independence of ComReg, I recognise the frustration experienced across Ireland where telecommunications networks are not always delivering the services people expect. In that regard, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. In July 2016, I established the Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers, prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention. The December 2016 report of the Taskforce is available on my Department's website.

The Taskforce worked with Departments, local authorities, ComReg, State agencies, the telecoms industry and other key stakeholders to produce the report which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland. To maintain momentum, I established an Implementation Group to drive and monitor implementation of the actions, bringing together all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. This group will report on progress every 90 days. The Implementation Group has met twice this year, in March and July, and is due to meet again in October. Two quarterly progress reports have been published so far, which are available on my Department's website. These demonstrate that good progress has been made in delivering the actions. I am also pleased at the sustained level of engagement between action owners and industry.

A stakeholder forum is planned for later this month, to be held in Athlone, to take stock of progress made in implementing the Taskforce actions and to enable discussion on all the issues impacting on the rollout of telecoms infrastructure. It will also inform the review to be conducted prior to completion of an annual report by the Implementation Group at the end of 2017.

This work will also assist local authorities in preparing for the roll-out of the new NBP network once contracts are in place.

In addition, following regulations which I signed last year, ComReg’s announcement earlier this year of the results of its auction for the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band will mean an 86% increase in spectrum capacity to meet the growing demand for mobile and wireless broadband services across rural and urban areas. The award of 15-year licences for the rights of use in this band will provide stability and create future investment certainty. Spectrum was also awarded in lots covering nine urban and rural regions across Ireland.

The very significant commercial investment by mobile operators has resulted in improved services, with at least one operator now having in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.

Fisheries Protection

Ceisteanna (45)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

45. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ensure the preservation and development of wild brown trout in lakes and rivers in which it is indigenous; his policy toward the threat posed by pike to wild brown trout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41702/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Inland Fisheries Ireland, IFI, launched policies on brown trout and pike in August 2014. These policies, approved by the Board of IFI, were developed by two working groups which included inter alia representatives from the main Trout and Pike Angling Federations.

A review of these policies was scheduled to commence in 2017. However, recognising the concerns of some stakeholders in relation to elements of the policies, the Board of IFI decided to bring forward the review period and commence the process in 2016 with a public consultation process. The public consultation process was held in November 2016, through which almost 300 submissions were received.

One of the most important issues considered in the previous policies relates to the management of pike in designated wild brown trout fisheries. In late 2016, a review group across all disciplines in IFI was established to specifically consider this issue.  The review group met with the Pike and Trout representative bodies in January 2017 following which representatives from a number of these organisations were invited to join the Group.

In May 2017, the Group, including the pike and trout angling representatives, met for two information gathering meetings at which a number of expert scientists made presentations. The review group adjourned after its meeting of 29 May to provide time to review and assimilate the data and information provided during the two information gathering meetings. The Group reconvened earlier this month.

The presentations delivered at the meetings, along with minutes of the previous meetings and the public consultation submissions are publically available on the IFI website: www.fisheriesireland.ie.

I want to emphasise that while the policy review is underway, delivery of the current IFI pike management practices have continued in line with the existing policy.  Therefore there has been no change to current policy or practice regarding the management of pike in designated wild brown trout fisheries.

It would not be appropriate, in these circumstances, to make any recommendations on policy change in advance of the report from the inclusive review group or to pre-empt its recommendations. IFI have advised that the report is expected to be finalised in early 2018. Decisions on any change in the management of Pike and Trout will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

I am advised by IFI that they recognise the diverse opinions of stakeholders and as a public authority are obliged to consider all viewpoints on this issue. I would encourage open and objective participation by all stakeholders in the review group in order to seek consensus on the main issues.

National Mitigation Plan

Ceisteanna (46, 50, 63)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

46. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will strengthen the national mitigation plan by including concrete actions and targets in line with Ireland's international emissions obligations and also end Ireland's reliance on purchasing emissions units further to criticisms (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41705/17]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

50. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he remains satisfied that greenhouse gas reductions over the next ten years can be met; if further provisions can be made to meet such targets without damaging industry or agriculture; the extent to which marginal lands can be used in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41880/17]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

63. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated annual funding required to enable the full implementation of the national mitigation plan published in July 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41701/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 46, 50 and 63 together.

The publication of Ireland’s first statutory National Mitigation Plan in July 2017 is an important initial step to enable the transition to a low carbon economy and society. The plan identifies over 70 mitigation measures and 106 related actions to address the immediate challenge to 2020 and to prepare for the EU targets that Ireland will take on for 2030.  Although the plan does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve the national transition objective to 2050, it begins the process of development of medium- to long-term options to ensure that we are well positioned to take the necessary actions in the next and future decades.

There is no doubt that delivery of the measures in the National Mitigation Plan will, in many cases, require significant investment. However, decisions on the funding of particular measures will be a matter for Government consideration in the context of expenditure planning in the Estimates and Budgetary processes, including decisions on capital expenditure following the mid-term review of the current Capital Plan and in the forthcoming National Investment Plan for 2018-2027.

Where relevant, the National Mitigation Plan already includes information on the expected Exchequer cost of implementing individual measures, either in the context of direct expenditure or in relation to tax foregone. The actual expenditure on a given measure will depend on progress in implementation of each measure, including its possible expansion as a result of additional funding, for which the relevant sectoral Minister retains direct responsibility.  I, and other sectoral Ministers with a role in the National Mitigation Plan, continue to engage with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of the Budget and Estimates process with a view to ensuring that the investment requirements arising from the National Mitigation Plan are appropriately reflected in Budget 2018.

In addition to measures in place, the National Mitigation Plan includes measures under consideration by Government. The potential costs for many of these measures have yet to be quantified and will depend on the basis on which a given measure is adopted for implementation.

As already stated, given the complexity of the issues and time horizon involved, it is not be possible for the National Mitigation Plan to provide a complete roadmap to achieve our 2050 objective. Similarly, it does not yet provide a complete roadmap to meeting Ireland's expected targets between 2021 and 2030 under the draft EU Effort Sharing Regulation. Instead, the plan will be subject to formal review at least once every five years and will also become a living document, accessible on my Department's website, which will be updated on an on-going basis as analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate further cost-effective sectoral mitigation options.  This continuous review process reflects the broad and evolving nature of the sectoral challenges outlined in the plan, coupled with the continued development and deployment of emerging low carbon and cost-effective technologies across different sectors of the economy. As this first plan moves into the implementation phase, this process will enable it to be amended, refined and strengthened over time and assist in keeping Ireland on target to meet our obligations.

Renewable Energy Projects

Ceisteanna (47, 61, 79)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

47. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if micro or community led renewable energy projects will be given access to the national electricity grid in future Government legislation. [41840/17]

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

61. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the current RESS plan announced by him will encourage or facilitate disadvantaged or rural communities to participate in renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41842/17]

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

79. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the new RESS scheme will help local communities embrace renewable energy projects such as wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41838/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Deputy Denis Naughten)

I propose to take Questions Nos 47, 61 and 79 together.

My Department is currently developing a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, RESS, which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contribution to EU-wide targets out to 2030. The design of the new scheme has included an extensive independent economic appraisal. This appraisal compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable electricity technologies, at various scales, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users while also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment also included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State aid guidelines.

The new RESS will 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 and a comprehensive assessment of polices and support measures to increase community ownership from renewable electricity projects has been undertaken. International best practice has been examined, and the most effective policies to increase community ownership and participation in renewable electricity projects have been assessed and examined within an Irish context.

Examples of some of these policies include a mandatory requirement for all renewable electricity projects seeking financial support through the new scheme to offer investment and/or ownership opportunities to the local community; the facilitation of grid access for community-led projects; a ring fencing of capacity (MW) for community-led projects; and the establishment of a national community benefits register. Furthermore, the Scheme will establish a network of trusted intermediaries who will act as independent facilitators between communities and developers to support community participation in renewable energy projects.

These recommendations could have a profound effect, boosting community ownership of and involvement in the renewable energy transition in Ireland.

Micro generation, including the use of solar PV panels on domestic rooftops, was also appraised as part of the RESS economic assessment. The analysis identified a number of challenges that may need to be addressed before the introduction of a tariff for exported electricity from solar PV rooftop installations. These include, among others, a reform of network charges, an assessment of the distributional impact of such a policy decision on the PSO (cost burden sharing), and development of a fair tariff for exported electricity taking the benefits of self-consumption into account. This approach is in line with experience from other EU Member States who have attempted to introduce supports for micro-generation.

I am committed to finding an appropriate mechanism for supporting micro-generation, as I believe that micro-generation will have an important role in Ireland’s transition to a carbon free economy, in assisting Ireland meet its renewable electricity targets, and increasing social acceptance of and promoting renewable energy projects right across the country. I have asked the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, to facilitate a workshop on micro-generation, and this will take place later this month.  All relevant stakeholders will be invited to participate with the end goal being the development of a policy position on how best to support micro-generation in Ireland.

A public consultation on the design principles of the proposed new RESS was launched on 4 September and submissions are invited from the public. All submissions will be considered and following on from this final public consultation, a design proposal will be brought to Government for approval. Full details of the consultation are available on my Department’s website at: www.dccae.gov.ie.

Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 30.

Rural Broadband Scheme

Ceisteanna (49)

Maureen O'Sullivan

Ceist:

49. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress to date on the rural broadband scheme with particular reference to offshore islands, the populations of which rely heavily on suitable connectivity for future sustainability. [41882/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The National Broadband Plan, NBP, aims to deliver high speed broadband services to every city, town, village and individual premises in Ireland including those on our offshore islands. 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.

My Department is engaged in an ongoing procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high-speed broadband network for the State-led intervention. A significant milestone in that procurement process was reached last week with the submission of, "Detailed Solutions", by two bidders.  This is the last stage of the procurement process before receipt of final tenders, which is expected to occur in early 2018.

To improve both mobile and broadband services in rural Ireland in advance of the roll-out of the high speed broadband network to be built in the State intervention area, I established a Taskforce to identify immediate solutions to mobile phone and broadband coverage deficits and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers. These solutions will enhance the existing services prior to the full build and roll-out of the network planned under the National Broadband Plan State intervention.

It is intended that all premises will have access to services of at least 30 Megabits per second when the procurement process for the State led intervention is completed and the network rolled out.

Question No. 50 answered with Question No. 46.

National Mitigation Plan

Ceisteanna (51)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

51. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the national mitigation plan will be discussed in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41906/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The publication of Ireland’s first statutory National Mitigation Plan in July 2017 was an important initial step to enable the transition to a low-carbon economy and society. The governance and reporting arrangements that underpin the National Mitigation Plan will be critical to successfully delivering on the full range of over 70 measures and 106 related actions in the Plan. Under section 14 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment is required to present an Annual Transition Statement, ATS, to each House of the Oireachtas by 10 December each year.

The Annual Transition Statement for 2017 will have two main elements.  The, "Annual National Transition Statement", itself will set out an overview of both mitigation and adaptation policy measures adopted; a record of emissions of greenhouse gases set out in the most recent national greenhouse gas emissions inventory and a projection of future greenhouse gas emissions; and a report on compliance by the State with any existing or future obligations under EU law or international agreements referred to in Section 2 of the Act. 

In addition, each sectoral Minister designated under the 2015 Act for the purposes of the National Mitigation Plan (Communications, Climate Action and Environment; Housing, Planning and Local Government; Transport, Tourism and Sport; Agriculture, Food and the Marine) is required to include an, "Annual Sectoral Mitigation Transition Statement". Each Sectoral Mitigation Transition Statement must set out a record of the sectoral mitigation measures adopted by the Minister of the Government presenting the annual sectoral mitigation transition statement concerned, and an assessment of the effectiveness of the sectoral mitigation measures in the achievement of their purpose.  

Starting in 2018, it is my intention to produce an annual progress report on the implementation of the National Mitigation Plan. This annual progress report will incorporate the key provisions of the Annual Transition Statement and will also record progress in relation to each of the actions set out in the National Mitigation Plan. In order to align the Annual Transition Statement requirements under the 2015 legislation with the National Mitigation Plan annual progress report, I propose to incorporate these into a single document from 2018 onwards. This annual reporting process will facilitate debate on the implementation of the National Mitigation Plan in both Houses of the Oireachtas in each subsequent year.

Questions Nos. 52 and 53 answered with Question No. 27.

Waste Disposal Charges

Ceisteanna (54)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

54. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to increases in charges for household waste collection in recent weeks; and if his Department has considered in recent years an alternative permit charging structure for household waste collection. [41832/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

A Household Waste Collection Price Monitoring Group has been established and the first meeting of the Group was held on 13 September, 2017. A company has also begun the process of monitoring the rates charged by household waste collectors. They will report back to the Group on a monthly basis and the results will be published.  The results will be monitored and analysed, and they will provide an evidence base regarding future monitoring or additional regulation of the waste market. The Waste Management (Collection Permit) (Amendment) Regulations 2016, S.I. No. 24 of 2016, amended the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007, S.I. No. 820 of 2007, to provide a new charging structure for applications for waste collection permits, which includes permits which authorise household waste collection.

National Digital Strategy

Ceisteanna (55)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Ceist:

55. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of applications for and the number of businesses taking part in the trading online voucher scheme, which is part of the national digital strategy in County Offaly, by year since its introduction. [41788/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme, designed and funded by my Department, is delivered on a nationwide basis by the Local Enterprise Offices, LEO.  Applications are received directly by individual LEOs who award vouchers of up to €2,500 matched funding to qualifying businesses on a competitive basis, following evaluation by an expert panel. Successful applicants are expected to complete their trading online project within four months, subsequent to which grants can be drawn down, following standard verification procedures. My Department does not hold information on the number of applications to the scheme.

The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is a demand-led scheme. Prospective applicants must attend an information session organised by the LEO prior to application to the scheme.  This is designed to equip the business with some expert advice on how to think digitally for its business and to support the development of its trading online proposal.

The following table provides information on the number of attendees at information sessions and the number of applications approved under the scheme in Offaly from 2014 to date. 

Year	2014 (July to Dec)	2015	2016	2017 to date
No. of attendees at information sessions/one-to-one mentoring	25	3	36	23
No. of applications approved (businesses which have completed or are in the process of completing their trading online project).	6	24	14	12

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 31.