Written Answers Nos. 461-481
461. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost of providing external coaching and-or training services for staff development in his Department over the past five years and to date in 2017, by cost per year, in tabular form; the company which delivered the training courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48801/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
462. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated annual fines that Ireland will incur due to missing renewable energy targets by 2020; the way in which he plans to fund these fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48815/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy demand 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, with the latter transport target also being legally binding.
While good progress has been made to date, with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) advising that 9.5% of Ireland's overall energy requirements in 2016 were met from renewable sources, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. The SEAI's most recent assessment is that Ireland will achieve between 13.2% and 15.4% of its 16% renewable energy target by 2020, indicating that Ireland should be between 82% to 96% to its target. However, while the focus of my Department remains firmly on meeting our 2020 target and on implementation of renewable energy measures, including a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) and Renewal Heat Incentive (RHI), contingency planning has commenced in the Department to explore the potential extent, mechanisms and cost of addressing our target within the framework of the Directive.
The Renewable Energy Directive provides a comprehensive framework for Member States to work towards achieving individual and EU renewable energy targets, including mechanisms for countries to work together such as statistical transfers, which allow Member States to meet their targets by purchasing credits from Member States that overachieve on their renewable targets.
In the absence of an established market mechanism, estimates of the cost of using instruments such as Statistical Transfers are necessarily tentative. Work undertaken by the SEAI in 2016 indicated that the cost to Ireland of not meeting our overall renewable energy targets may be in the range of €65 million to €130 million for each percentage point Ireland falls short of the overall 16% renewable energy target. However, the European Commission's EU Reference Scenario, Energy, transport and GHG Emissions Trends to 2050, which is available at the following link, https://ec.europa.eu/clima/sites/clima/files/strategies/analysis/models/docs/full_referencescenario2016report_en.pdf, states that modelling indicates that the overall EU level target of 20% will be met, underlining the difficulty in any market estimate process and the vulnerability to a range of cost assumptions and the level of transfers that might be required in a market where the overall target at EU level is met. Costs per percentage point for statistical transfers could be below the lower end of the range suggested by SEAI but this will depend on market conditions when and if purchases are made.
Any requirement for statistical transfers to meet compliance would be undertaken against a background of discussions by the Irish authorities with the EU Commission and relevant Member States. As any purchases arising would be made over a period, the costs to the Exchequer of acquiring statistical transfers to meet any potential shortfall would be spread over a period of more than one year and in any event the cumulative costs would not be known until 2021, the deadline for completion of all purchases.
463. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of proposed prospecting (details supplied) in the Kilbricken-Quin area of County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48920/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are two Prospecting Licence Areas (PLAs) in the Kilbricken/Quin area of Co. Clare – PLA 3679 and PLA 3787. The licences for these areas are two of ten Prospecting Licences (PLs) currently held by Hannan Metals Ltd. A Prospecting Licence relates to prospecting only and does not give the licence holder permission to mine. The status of the two licences is as follows:
|
PL Area |
Start Date |
Expiry Date |
Status |
|
3679 |
19-12-2005 |
18-12-2017 |
Licence Active |
|
3787 |
08-06-1994 |
07-06-2018 |
Licence Active
|
In 2017, the Exploration and Mining Division of my Department granted permission to Hannan Metals Ltd. for exploration drilling in PLA 3679. Permission was also granted for seismic and road-based geophysical surveys in both PLAs. In addition, the activities permitted under these licences include data compilation and review, prospecting and geological mapping.
The company continues to prospect in both PLAs in line with the licences issued and permissions granted by the Exploration and Mining Division.
464. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the domain names registered to or owned by his Department or through a third party company. [48949/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department maintains the 32 domains and 11 sub domains that are listed as follows. Apart from the main Departmental website it is necessary in the interests of customer service to have some dedicated websites related to specific areas of Departmental responsibility.
|
Domain |
Registrar |
Registration date |
Intended Purpose |
|
aarhusconvention.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
10-Jan-13 |
Redirect to http://www.housing.gov.ie/environment/aarhus-convention/aarhus-convention |
|
Broadband.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirect to http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Broadband/Pages/Connecting-Communities.aspx# |
|
dcenr.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
15-Jun-07 |
Redirect to DCENR.gov.ie(previous Department Name) |
|
dccae.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
30-Jun-16 |
Redirect to DCCAE.gov.ie |
|
dcmnr.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
03-Jul-02 |
Redirect to DCENR.gov.ie (previous Department Name) |
|
Dccae.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Department Website |
|
Dcenr.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirect to DCCAE.gov.ie (previous Department Name) |
|
Dcmnr.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirect to DCCAE.gov.ie (previous Department Name) |
|
earthscienceireland.org |
www.123-reg.co.uk |
28-Aug-12 |
GSI |
|
EGOVERNANCE.IE |
GOV. NETWORKS |
02-Mar-06 |
Site to Manage Boards under the aegis of the department |
|
eInclusion.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
28-Feb-07 |
Redirect to Digital Inclusion (Communications) section of the department |
|
EPBD.IE |
GOV. NETWORKS |
09-Nov-04 |
Energy Performance of Buildings DirectiveRedirect to Energy Efficiency Legislation (Energy) section of the departments website |
|
explorationandmining.com |
Webhost.ie |
31-Jan-08 |
All Ireland Exploration and Mining Division and GSINI providing Licencing and Geology information |
|
geoscienceireland.ie |
irishdomains.com |
20-May-11 |
Redirect to Geoscience.ie |
|
Geoscience.ie |
irishdomains.com |
13-Aug-12 |
Geoscience Ireland, is an integrated natural resources organisation, supported by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI). |
|
Gic2016.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirect to http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Broadband/Pages/Connecting-Communities.aspx# |
|
Goingdigital.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirect to www.goingdigital.ie |
|
gsi.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
14-Jul-00 |
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF IRELAND (GSI) providing geological advice and information, and for the acquisition of data for this purpose. GSI produces a range of products including maps, reports and databases and acts as a knowledge centre and project partner in all aspects of Irish geology. It is a division of the and has about 50 multi-disciplinary staff. |
|
gsiseabed.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
30-Aug-00 |
This website has been the home of the Irish National Seabed Survey (INSS) for six truly important years in the evolution of Irish marine science. The remainder of 2006 and future years will see INFOMAR building on the achievements and coverage delivery of INSS to date |
|
gsishop.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
27-Sep-07 |
As the National Earth Science Agency GSI is responsible for gathering, storing and disseminating geological information. This involves field mapping and recording of data as well as compilation and interpretation of geological data gathered by others. The geological information held by the GSI is used by staff to answer queries, produce reports and compile special or series maps. The Public may also access these data, either by purchasing paper maps and reports or using free digital data. |
|
islesproject.eu |
Webhost.ie |
05-Oct-17 |
Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study Transferred from Scottish Government October 2017 |
|
makeitsecure.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
12-Oct-04 |
It is the intention of the makeITsecure initiative to provide a focal point and guide to users on the importance of the safe use of the internet. |
|
makeitsecure.org |
register.com |
12-Oct-04 |
|
|
mineralsireland.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
16-Oct-07 |
Exploration and Mining Division (EMD) siteRegulation and permitting of exploration for and extraction of minerals (excluding petroleum, stone, sand, gravel and clay); Promoting inward investment; Policy development; Representing and protecting the State’s interests as mineral owner of an estimated 60% of all minerals; The exclusive right to work all minerals regardless of ownership (with a few minor exceptions); Rehabilitation of former mine sites where the Minister has an identified role; |
|
ncsc.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
08-Jul-16 |
National Cyber Security Centre
|
|
pad.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
27-Jun-02 |
Redirect to Petroleum Affairs Division (Natural Resources) section of www.dcenr.gov.ie |
|
Pad.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirect to Petroleum Affairs Division (Natural Resources) section of www.dcenr.gov.ie |
|
pip.ie |
17-Aug-01 |
The Petroleum Infrastructure Programme (PIP) was set up by the Petroleum Affairs Division (PAD) in 1997. PIP presently comprises two sub-programmes:- the active Petroleum Exploration and Production Promotion and Support (PEPPS) and the now completed PIP (1997 - 2002) sub-programmes. |
|
|
PlanetEarth.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
08-Dec-06 |
Redirects to the Events Diary of www.gsi.ie |
|
rcfan.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
12-Nov-07 |
Irish translation of www.dcenr.ie Redirects to www.dcenr.gov.ie |
|
rcgac.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
30-Jun-16 |
Irish translation of www.dccae.ie Redirects to www.dccae.gov.ie |
|
Rcgac.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Irish translation of www.dccae.gov.ie |
|
Rcfan.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Irish translation of www.dcenr.gov.ie |
|
rx3.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
30-Sep-09 |
Resource Efficiency section of Waste Policy |
|
Schooldigitalchampion.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirects to http://www.dccae.gov.ie/communications/en-ie/Digital-Strategy/Pages/School-Digital-Champion-National-Programme.aspx |
|
srd.ie |
DigiHost |
27-May-16 |
For National Broadband Scheme |
|
tellus.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
12-Jun-14 |
Tellus Border is an EU INTERREG IVA-funded regional mapping project collecting geo-environmental data on soils, water and rocks across six border counties The project is a cross-border initiative between the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, the Geological Survey of Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology |
|
tellusborder.eu |
Tucows.com Co. |
21-Nov-10 |
Tellus Border is an EU INTERREG IVA-funded regional mapping project collecting geo-environmental data on soils, water and rocks across six border counties The project is a cross-border initiative between the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, the Geological Survey of Ireland, Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology |
|
Tellus.gov.ie |
GOV. NETWORKS |
Sub- Domain |
Redirects to http://www.tellus.ie |
|
INFOMAR.IE |
blacknight |
22-May-06 |
The INFOMAR programme is a joint venture between the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute and is the successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey |
|
ISDE.IE |
heanet |
19-Jan-06 |
Redirect to Infomar.ie |
|
SEABEDSURVEY.IE |
heanet |
16-Jul-04 |
Redirect to Infomar.ie |
|
SMARTBAY.IE |
heanet |
15-May-07 |
In conjunction with GSI , SmartBay Ireland supports; the collection of marine data for the National and International R&D communities, the trial, demonstration and validation of novel marine sensors and equipment |
465. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to protect and promote small coastal fishing communities, in particular those fishermen who did not avail of the salmon hardship scheme in 2007 and instead waited for salmon stocks to recover so that they could return to fishing; if he has given consideration to subsidies for polyvalent licences for these fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49050/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe substantive elements of the Deputy's question, relating to licences in the polyvalent segment of the Irish fishing fleet and the protection and promotion of coastal fishing communities, are within the remit of the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and its Agency, Board Iascaigh Mhara (BIM).
The remit of my Department is largely confined to the management of salmon stocks both inland and at sea. Management of salmon stocks is carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and is supported by scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and Ireland’s independent Standing Scientific Committee. Salmon 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. Stock assessments are carried out on the individual genetic stock in each of Ireland's 147 salmon rivers, river sections and estuaries
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, the Irish Government closed mixed stock salmon fisheries in 2007 including coastal and offshore fishing. Harvest fisheries are now only allowed on individual river stocks which are shown to have a surplus of fish over their individual conservation limit and in estuaries where the stocks from individual rivers entering the estuaries are each meeting their individual conservation limits.
The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced in 2007 under which fishermen active in the commercial salmon fishery could opt to voluntarily cease fishing and undertake not to seek a licence in the future. 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. It is considered that individual river stocks would be in a far more perilous state if the closure of mixed stock fisheries had not been implemented.
466. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the average costs associated with processing and answering written and oral parliamentary questions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49119/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department answered 2,365 written and oral parliamentary questions in the last 12 months. It is not possible to isolate the administrative cost of processing parliamentary questions from the overall administrative costs of my Department as this work is carried out as part of the normal day-to-day running of business areas.
467. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the role his Department has in the implementation of the sustainable development goals. [43768/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have lead responsibility for promoting and overseeing the coherent implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on a whole-of-Government basis, and for the establishment of a robust SDG implementation and reporting framework. I will also present Ireland’s first Voluntary National Review to the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2018.
Given the broad scope and cross-cutting nature of the SDGs, the Government recognises that strong and effective governance arrangements are essential to ensure high-level engagement with the 2030 Agenda and effective interdepartmental cooperation on the implementation of the Goals.
Therefore, a Senior Officials Group (SOG) has been established to co-ordinate and monitor SDG implementation and to report, as required, to Government. The SOG is chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with support provided by my Department. To further support the work of the SOG, my Department has also established an Interdepartmental SDG Working Group, comprised of representatives from all Departments with responsibilities for the SDGs.
In addition, a Sustainable Development Unit has been established within my Department. This Unit is currently preparing Ireland's first National SDG Implementation Plan, in consultation with other Departments through the SDG Interdepartmental Working Group. The National SDG implementation Plan will, inter alia, set out arrangements for SDG-related stakeholder engagement and reporting.
In line with the whole-of-Government approach to implementing the SDGs, all Ministers retain responsibility for implementing the individual SDGs relating to issues under their aegis.
470. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the calls for higher European renewable energy targets and higher efficiency targets in the new clean energy package being negotiated in the EU. [49173/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast July I published Ireland’s first statutory National Mitigation Plan. This Plan lays the foundations for transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy and includes actions being taken in the electricity sector to achieve a low carbon energy sector by 2050. This Plan follows on from the December 2015 publication of Ireland’s latest Energy White Paper.
The adoption of the Clean Energy for All Europeans Package will be a critical milestone on the path to achievement of Ireland’s national transition objective to 2050.
Ireland remains committed to fulfilling the European Council Conclusions of October 2014, which set a binding EU target for renewable energy of at least 27% for 2030 and an indicative target at EU level of at least 27% in energy efficiency. In fact, Ireland has consistently called for ambitious targets on energy efficiency to be reflected in the Clean Energy Package. It is important that our contribution to the overall goals can be met in a cost efficient way, that is fair and technically achievable, and takes account of our specific economic circumstances and geographical position on the periphery of Europe.
471. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans, in terms of infrastructure and timescale, for rolling out high speed broadband to Boyle and its rural hinterland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49194/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The Map is searchable by eircode.
Premises in and around Boyle fall into the below areas:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to roll out high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of an Agreement signed with me in April.
The following table details percentage of premises, with the approximate number of premises in brackets, to be covered by the State led Intervention and through commercial investment in the area identified by the Deputy. Individuals can access the High Speed Broadband Map www.broadband.gov.ie using their eircode to ascertain the colour code (BLUE/Light BLUE or AMBER) status for their specific home or business.
|
Townland |
% Premises within the NBP Intervention Area |
% Premises within Commercial Operator’s Area |
% of premises of eir planned rural deployment |
|
Aghnagrange |
68% (15) |
32% (7) |
0%(0) |
|
Greatmeadow |
0% (0) |
100% (158) |
0% (0) |
|
Termon |
3% (14) |
97% (404 |
0%(0) |
|
Mocmoyne |
9% (18) |
91% (174) |
0%(0) |
|
Lowparks |
44% (7) |
56% (9) |
0%(0) |
|
Knocknashee |
0% (0) |
100% (145) |
0%(0) |
|
Deerpark |
100% (142) |
0% (0) |
0%(0) |
|
Warren Or Drum |
21% (159) |
79% (583) |
0%(0) |
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. The “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. The next stage in the procurement process is the receipt of final tenders followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature.
As part of this procurement process, the bidder(s) will be required to submit their strategies, including timescales, for the network build and rollout. Delivering connectivity to the 542,000 premises that fall within the State led intervention under the NBP remains a Government priority and my Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
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, in July 2016, a Taskforce to identify solutions which can be implemented in the short, medium and long term to alleviate mobile phone and broadband coverage deficits, to identify priority areas for rollout and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers. These solutions will enhance the existing services prior to the full build and rollout of the network planned under the NBP State led 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 is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
472. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to bring forward the cyber security Bill 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49213/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2015 National Cyber Strategy set out the priorities for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) for the period 2015-2017, as the being the protection of Government ICT Infrastructure while building capacity in other areas, particularly around preparing for the implementation of the EU Network and Information Security Directive.
This Directive, which has a transposition date of May 2018 has a complex series of measures associated with it. These include the creation of an entirely new process around the protection of critical national infrastructure and separate measures around the security of Digital Service Providers. These are all being designed and delivered by my Department at present. Significant progress has been made in both of these areas; for example, last week Minister of State Kyne launched a public consultation on the draft security measures that will be required of Critical National Infrastructure operators in the State under this Directive. The legal components of the Directive will be put into place by Statutory Instrument, early in 2018.
The dynamic and challenging nature of this issue, and the risks posed to citizens and the State, are clearly significant. The NCSC will likely require further statutory powers beyond those required under the Directive, and that Heads of Bill in this regard will be brought before Government in due course. Priority is currently being given to the drafting of the secondary legislation to facilitate the transposition of the Network and Information Security Directive.
473. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the recycling charge paid when purchasing a new vehicle covers car tyres; if not, the items covered in this recycling charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49252/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra474. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the person or body that pays towards the costs incurred by car dismantlers for disposal of end-of-life tyres whereby the cost of disposal per tyre is approximately €5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49253/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra475. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the net value for end-of-life tyres, per tyre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49254/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra476. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the environmental management cost on new tyres is cashed in on end-of-life tyres; if so, the way in which this is administered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49255/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 473 to 476, inclusive, together.
I introduced new structures for tyres and waste tyres on 1 October 2017 to address the chronic problem of waste tyres in Ireland, including a lack of consistent and accurate data on tyres and a significant rate of non-compliance with Tyres Regulations.
The new structures will be funded by a visible Environmental Management Cost (vEMC) of €2.80 ex VAT for car tyres and €1.50 ex VAT for motorcycle tyres. Under the new Regulations anyone who places a tyre on the market in the State for the first time, including the sale of new vehicles, is obliged to charge the vEMC on these tyres.
The market share of a producer who places tyres on the market in Ireland is determined by an independent body (Producer Registration Limited) which collects this confidential data. PRL determine the level of the vEMC to be paid by a producer and, in turn, advise the compliance scheme (Repak ELT) of this amount. The compliance scheme collects the vEMC and uses these funds to treat all waste tyres in an environmentally sound management manner.
Tyre operators, including car dismantlers, will have their waste tyres that have incurred a vEMC collected, free of charge, by waste collectors registered with Repak ELT.
The value of a waste tyre is determined by the means by which it is treated at end of life and is determined by the market for collection and recovery or recycling.
The scheme will, for the first time ever, record data on the numbers of tyres coming on and off the Irish market.
477. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he has examined the feasibility of putting in place a contract to supply those areas currently excluded from the broadband services with particular reference to the possibility of extending the service to within specific distances from the existing facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49393/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra478. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of households and businesses throughout the country unable to access high speed broadband; if it will be possible in the short term to extend the services outward from the existing lines for a specific distance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49394/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra489. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timetable for the provision of high speed, high quality broadband in all areas throughout the country; the areas already provided with such service; the timeframe for each area in the future with particular reference to past experiences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49444/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 477, 478 and 489 together.
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) will ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector so that to date approximately 1.5m or 65% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland can get access to high speed broadband and this footprint is expanding.
In April I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The Light BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of 2018 as part of an Agreement signed with me in April.
There are over 2.3 million premises in the State. Approximately 540,000 fall within the AMBER area and will be covered under the State led Intervention. Just under 1.5 million premises are in a BLUE area and are or will be covered by commercial providers, while approximately 300,000 are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be covered by eir's planned rural deployment.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. The “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. The next stage in the procurement process is the receipt of final tenders followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature.
As part of this procurement process, the bidder(s) will be required to submit their strategies, including timescales, for the network build and rollout. Delivering connectivity to the premises in the State led intervention under the NBP remains a Government priority and my Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
In April, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide broadband to an additional 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis by the end of 2018. My Department will be monitoring this rollout to ensure that eir meets its obligations under the Agreement. A copy of the Agreement is available on my Department's website, www.dccae.gov.ie.
To improve both mobile and broadband services in rural Ireland in advance of the rollout of the high speed broadband network to be built in the State intervention area I established, in July 2016, a Taskforce to identify solutions which can be implemented in the short, medium and long term to alleviate mobile phone and broadband coverage deficits, to identify priority areas for rollout and investigate how better services could be provided to consumers. These solutions will enhance the existing services prior to the full build and rollout of the network planned under the NBP State led 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 is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
479. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which various alternatives for generation of electricity can contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gases with particular reference to solar and wind energy; the extent to which these two sources can provide uninterrupted supply in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49395/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Change and 2015 Energy White Paper include ambitious long-term commitments, respectively, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 80% compared to 1990 levels and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the sector by between 80% and 95% by 2050. Moreover, the Programme for Government sets out that Ireland’s long-term interests are best supported by further decreasing our dependence on fossil fuels through the continued development of renewable electricity generation.
As energy use and greenhouse gas emissions are inextricably linked, meeting this objective will require a radical transformation of Ireland’s energy system from being predominantly fossil-fuel based to a clean, low carbon energy system. It is recognised that certain renewable technologies such as wind and solar may have complementary generation profiles however both solar and wind remain intermittent renewables and therefore the DS3 programme managed by Eirgrid is critical to upping the non-synchronous limit of renewable electricity on the system.
My Department is 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 wide range of commercial renewable technologies, including solar photovoltaics (Solar PV) and both onshore and offshore wind, 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 included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines.
A public consultation on the emerging principles of the proposed RESS closed on 10 November. Over 1,250 submissions were received and these will now be reviewed and considered and will inform the final design of the RESS. Following on from this public consultation and review, a final proposal will be brought to Government for approval in early 2018, including the overall costs and technologies to be supported.
At this point no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS. I welcome and have noted with interest the falling costs of some renewable technologies over the past year, most notably Solar PV and offshore wind. Increasing renewable technology diversity is one of several policy objectives the new RESS is trying to deliver and falling technology costs may lead to increased diversity of the renewable portfolio over the medium term.
480. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which Ireland compares with other EU countries in terms of meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets with specific reference to the extent to which each country currently contributes to such emissions; the extent of the sacrifices each has to make meeting the target reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49396/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the degree to which he expects to meet carbon and other emission requirements in the current year or thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49447/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 492 together.
The 2009 Effort Sharing Decision 406/2009/EC established binding annual greenhouse gas emissions targets for EU Member States for the period 2013 to 2020. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their level in 2005. This will be Ireland’s contribution to the overall EU objective to reduce its emissions by the order of 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. Ireland’s target is jointly the most demanding 2020 reduction target allocated to EU Member States under this Decision, which is shared only with Denmark and Luxembourg.
The Environmental Protection Agency produces detailed greenhouse gas emission projections on an annual basis for all key sectors of the economy in collaboration with relevant State and other bodies. The latest projections of greenhouse gas emissions by the EPA, published in April 2017, indicate that emissions from those sectors of the economy covered by Ireland's 2020 targets could be between 4% and 6% below 2005 levels by 2020. The projected shortfall to our targets in 2020 reflects both the constrained investment capacity over the past decade due to the economic crisis, and the extremely challenging nature of the target itself. In fact, it is now accepted that Ireland’s 2020 target was not consistent with what would be achievable on an EU wide cost-effective basis.
The legislative framework governing the EU’s 2020 emissions reductions targets includes a number of flexibility mechanisms to enable Member States to meet their annual emissions targets, including provisions to bank any excess allowances to future years and to trade allowances between Member States. Using banked allowances from the period to 2015, Ireland is projected to comply with its emissions reduction targets in each of the years 2013 to 2018. However, our cumulative emissions are expected to exceed targets for 2019 and 2020, which may result in a requirement to purchase additional allowances. While this purchasing requirement is not, at this stage, expected to be significant, further analysis will be required to quantify the likely costs involved, in light of the final amount and price of allowances required.
With regards to other Member States, a European Commission Communication published on 7 November 2017, Two years after Paris – Progress towards meeting the EU’s climate commitments (COM (2017) 646), indicated that in addition to Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg and Malta are also expected to miss their 2020 EU targets on the basis of current projections.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) report, Trends and projections in Europe 2017, published on 7 November 2017, provides an updated assessment of the progress of the European Union and its Member States towards their 2020 targets based on the latest available official projections at Member State level. This gives a detailed analysis of the position of each Member State relative to their respective targets and the extent to which each country currently contributes to total EU emissions. The report also includes analysis of progress towards EU and Member States’ renewable energy and energy efficiency targets. The report confirms that while the seven Member States referred to above are expected to miss their targets, the European Union as a whole is well on track to meet its 2020 obligations.
481. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he continues to put in place provisions to meet greenhouse gas reductions in line with agreements entered into; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49397/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra488. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his vision for the attainment of the various targets in respect of climate change such as reduction on dependency on fossil fuels, carbon reduction, encouragement of the alternative energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49443/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 481 and 488 together.
The 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development sets out an ambitious long-term commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland by at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors; and in parallel, to pursue an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.
Ireland’s first statutory National Mitigation Plan, which I published in July of this year, represents an important initial step to set us on a pathway to achieve these commitments by 2050. A key objective of the Plan is also to close the gap to Ireland's 2020 EU target 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 either Ireland’s proposed 2030 target or the 2050 transition objective, the Plan identifies over 70 mitigation measures and 106 related actions to address the immediate challenge to 2020 and begins the process of developing medium-to-long-term policy options to ensure that we are well positioned to take the necessary actions in the next and future decades.
Importantly, the National Mitigation Plan is a living document that will be updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more 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 through 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.
Ireland currently relies on imported fossil fuels to meet over 88% of our energy needs at an annual cost of approximately €4.6 billion. Given the inextricable link between energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, achievement of the commitments set out in the National Policy Position will require a significant transformation of Ireland’s energy system from being predominantly fossil-fuel based to a clean, low carbon energy system.
To support this ambition the Government has a range of policy measures and schemes in place or under development. These include the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff schemes, the Biofuels Obligation Scheme, a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, and a Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme. Together with a range of energy efficiency measures implemented through schemes managed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, these measures reflect the on-going Government commitment to, and investment in, decarbonisation of Ireland's energy system.
