Written Answers Nos. 501-520
501. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the reducing number of lambs in scanned ewes resulting in a drop in sheep farmers' incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4451/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sheep sector makes a very important contribution to the Irish agri-food sector with the value of exports increasing by 12% to €274 million in 2017 from 2016. It is also encouraging to see the continued growth in the national flock over the last number of years with results of the 2016 Census showing the national flock at its highest level since 2005.
In recognising the both the impact the sheep sector has on the wider rural economy and also the continued need for ongoing development supports to the sector in January 2017 I opened the Sheep Welfare Scheme for applications, which provided funding of some €25 million for sheep farmers with breeding flocks.
The scheme provides for additional funds along with the existing supports available to sheep farmers under the BPS, GLAS, ANC and TAMS schemes, and is making an important contribution to ensuring the continuing viability and health and welfare, of the sheep sector in Ireland. The scheme provides support of €10 per ewe to farmers for undertaking actions which make a positive contribution to flock welfare.
In designing the scheme, I was aware of the different challenges facing sheep farmers in which different areas of sheep farming are carried out in Ireland including the differences faced by hill and lowland flocks. I believe that this scheme provides a lasting benefit to sheep farming and makes an important contribution to the profitability and general health and welfare of the national flock through providing supports for a range of actions including scanning which will allow farmers to manage their flocks in late pregnancy in accordance with litter size. Sheep farmers throughout Ireland are scanning flocks at this time of year and whilst anecdotal reports of variable scanning results have been reported, a better picture will emerge when all flocks including hill flocks that carry out scanning have completed scanning for their 2018 lamb crop.
502. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend the existing suckler cow scheme to incentivise farmers and consolidate herds with a payment similar to the French subsidy of €200 per cow. [4503/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am keenly aware of the significance of the suckler sector to Ireland's rural economy and the wider agri-food industry. My Department currently provides a range of supports to the suckler herd. A number of direct payment and grant schemes provide vital income and investment support to the suckler sector, including BPS, ANC, GLAS and TAMS.
The Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) is the main support specifically targeted for the suckler sector, which provides Irish beef farmers with some €300 million in funding over the current Rural Development Programme period. Responding to significant demand, last year I reopened the BDGP programme for new entrants, reflecting the success of this programme, which targets both the environmental footprint and the profitability of the suckler herd through improving the genetic merit in participating herds. There are currently approximately 25,000 herds covered between the two schemes.
Whilst France retained a coupled suckler payment from 2005, Ireland chose the option of decoupling Pillar I direct payments from production to allow producers respond appropriately to changing markets. This approach and the range of supports as currently configured represents a balance between direct income support for the sector and rural development measures designed to improve its competitiveness and sustainability.
Any introduction of a coupled suckler cow payment under Pillar I would necessitate a linear reduction in all farmer's existing BPS of approximately €175 million, based on the number of suckler cows in the most recent AIM statistics, to fund such a scheme.
503. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of persons at assistant principal level under the aegis of his Department due to retire in the next six months due to age in counties Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4968/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that no staff at Assistant Principal level in my department based in the counties mentioned are due to retire on age grounds in the next six months.
It should be noted that, following the Government Decision of December 2017 to increase the compulsory retirement age to 70 for public service employees recruited before 1 April 2004, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform published Circular 21/2017 effective from 5th December 2017. This Circular allows Civil Servants to apply for retention beyond their compulsory retirement age of 65, until they reach the age of eligibility for the Contributory State Pension, currently age 66. Applications for retention are considered by individual Government Departments in line with their Business needs.
504. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans of the Office for Emergency Planning for the creation of an emergency alert text messaging system for users of mobile phones in order that text message alerts can be received in cases of emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3999/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of ongoing engagement between my Department and the Government Taskforce on Emergency Planning, my officials are currently exploring options in order to identify a potential mechanism for private mobile phone operators in Ireland to convey text messages to mobile phone users, in order to provide real time information on developments in respect of large scale emergencies such as severe weather events or terrorist incidents requiring a fast response. This work will continue over the coming months.
505. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures his Department is involved in regarding the maintenance of the weir on the Munster Blackwater, Fermoy, County Cork. [4243/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCork County Council is the authority responsible for carrying out and funding works to the weir in Fermoy. I understand that both a project to ensure a permanent solution to fish passage and a project to ensure temporary repairs, while the permanent solution is awaited, are required.
My Department and Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) have been liaising with the Council, on an ongoing basis, to advise how any proposed works can be consistent with fisheries and environmental obligations, particularly the EU Habitats Directive. The engineering advisors of the Council and the Department also agreed the essential details of the permanent proposals and the Department agreed with the Council's temporary repair proposals.
On 6 October 2017, the Council stated its intention to prepare an application to seek approval from An Bord Pleanála for the construction of a new fish bypass channel at the weir in order to comply with its obligations under the EU Habitats Directive.
At a meeting on 29 November 2017 with senior officials of my Department and IFI, the Council confirmed it is involved in land acquisition in respect of its permanent project proposals and a time-line for the commencement and completion of works was requested by my Department.
Funding is entirely a matter for the Council, and funds for this and similar projects are not provided for within my Department's Vote. The Council have been consistently advised of this fact at meetings and in correspondence. They have also been advised that my Department is open to assist and advise from a fisheries and environmental perspective should the Council wish to make a case for a central funding provision to service the requirement for a permanent solution.
Concerns remain about the delay in the required remedial work to be carried out by the Council, and IFI are currently preparing to go to public consultation on a proposed bye-law to limit angling at the weir as a conservation measure. The bye-law will offer some protection for migrating salmon but cannot offer a permanent solution or address the obligation to provide free passage of fish species under the Habitats Directive. I understand that the issues will not be satisfactorily resolved until the required permanent bypass channel and other works are completed by the Council.
506. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Aire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil cé mhéad duine atá ar Bhoird TG4; an mó folúntas atá ann faoi láthair; cad é an plean agus an clár ama atá ag an Aire chun aon fholúntas a líonadh; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [4489/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá dhá dhuine déag ar an mBord agus níl aon fholúntas ann.
507. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to ban hybrid cars by 2030; if research has been carried out on the way in which this will affect those persons who have been encouraged by his Department to buy hybrid cars as an environmentally prudent option; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3955/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2017, my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and I committed to working together to ensure that all new passenger cars sold in Ireland from 2030 onwards will be zero emission vehicles. This statement followed on from the ambitious target that had been previously outlined in May 2017 with the publication of Ireland’s National Policy Framework on Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport: 2017-2030 that by 2030 all new cars and vans sold in Ireland will be zero emissions capable.
The reason for such action followed both domestic and international developments. Considering that transport is currently the largest energy consuming sector in Ireland, with the consumption of diesel accounting for 60% of overall energy use in transport, cars and vans have an enormous role to play in the decarbonisation of transport. Therefore, it is imperative that we reduce our dependence on the use of conventional fossil fuels for transport. Internationally, a number of countries have made similar pledges.
Hybrid vehicles have considerably lower carbon and other emissions in comparison with conventional vehicles and, in this regard, I recognise the positive role that hybrid vehicles can play as we transition to a low carbon energy system. However, advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology are delivering increasing battery ranges, better vehicle choice and falling costs. It is expected that in the coming years EVs will be as affordable as equivalent fossil fuel vehicles. Once this point has been reached, electric and other zero emission vehicles will represent the best environmental solution in the long term for passenger and small goods vehicles.
508. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the planned renewable energy types that will be used to generate electricity to 2020, 2025 and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3958/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Government is fully committed to transitioning to a low carbon energy future and the 2015 Energy White Paper sets out a clear policy framework for this. This transition will not be delivered by any one single event or technology – it will be a societal transformation influenced by many different elements and marked by important milestones.
Good progress has been made to date regarding renewable electricity. Latest available data indicates that at end 2016, 27.2% of Ireland’s electricity consumption came from renewable energy sources, and a detailed breakdown by technology is presented below. Wind accounted for 82% of all renewable electricity generation by the end of 2016.
|
Renewable Technology |
% of final Electricity consumption |
|
Hydro |
2.5% |
|
Wind |
22.3% |
|
Biomass |
1.6% |
|
Landfill Gas |
0.6% |
|
Biogas |
0.1% |
|
Solar PV |
0.01% |
|
Total |
27.2% |
Regarding 2030, Ireland's National Mitigation Plan acknowledges the role played by onshore wind to date, and its critical importance out to 2030 and beyond. It also recognises that bioenergy, solar PV, offshore wind and other technologies can play a role in Ireland's renewable energy mix. There is an ambition to diversify, having due regard to cost efficiency and effectiveness criteria, Ireland's renewable generation portfolio over the period between 2020 and 2030.
EirGrid's 2017 ‘Tomorrow's Energy Scenarios’ also identifies opportunities for ocean energy, bioenergy, hydro, offshore and onshore wind and solar PV expansion under 4 distinct scenarios. These scenarios each suggest different levels of generation capacity for each technology, however these figures are highly dependent upon policy decisions taken over the coming decade.
The recast Renewable Energy Directive, establishes an EU wide binding target of 27% renewable energy for 2030 (rather than a binding national target). The European Parliament recently voted to increase this target to 35% and this EU wide level of ambition is now subject to further negotiations at EU level. My Department is currently developing a Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will incentivise sufficient investment in the renewable electricity sector to deliver Ireland’s contribution to the final EU wide target out to 2030. Work undertaken to date has appraised the cost effectiveness and viability of a wide range of renewable energy technologies and this work included appraising the cost impact of deploying these technologies against a range of renewable electricity ambitions in 2020, 2025 and 2030.
At this point no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies will be supported under the new RESS and subject to Government approval and a formal EU State Aid approval process, the new scheme is expected to open in 2019.
509. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the plans which have been put in place following the Commission for Regulation of Utilities decision in October 2017 for the ownership of the public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3959/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities, following a public consultation process, published its independent regulatory decision in relation to electric vehicle charging infrastructure in October 2017, providing clarity regarding the ownership, operation, maintenance and investment required in the public EV charging network.
A key outcome of the decision is that the charging network should not form part of the regulated asset base and expansions of the network should not be funded from network charges. This is in keeping with the proposals set out by the European Commission in the Clean Energy for All Europeans package which was published in 2016. While the regulatory decision envisages the sale of the infrastructure by ESB Networks in the long-term, the continued ownership of the charging network by ESB Networks for a transitional period of up to ten years is provided for in order to safeguard those who rely on public electric vehicle charging infrastructure and result in as little impact to the network as possible in the short to medium term.
In terms of developing public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in the future, the decision sets out the need for charging infrastructure to operate on a commercial basis. Currently, recharging electric vehicles at public charge points is free and unlimited. This provision of free fuel for electric vehicles, funded by electricity consumers, is not sustainable in the longer term particularly as the number of EVs increases. At the same time, it is important that if payments for use of public charge points are introduced in the future, they are at a level which does not disincentivise the uptake of electric vehicles.
A key focus of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, which is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is examining options for charging infrastructure, regulation and pricing. The Taskforce held a stakeholder workshop in November 2017 to explore issues related to the future requirements for the public charging infrastructure. This workshop included representatives of EV owners, the motor industry, local authorities and other key stakeholders. Invaluable feedback was provided which will assist the Taskforce in devising a sustainable policy framework for effective and efficient electric vehicle charging including fast charging.
510. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the grants available for businesses for heating and window insulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3969/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of incentives and supports for businesses to become more energy efficient, thereby controlling their cost base, supporting them to become more energy efficient and act on climate change. These are operated through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and include the supports below.
The EXEED (excellence in energy efficiency and design) scheme provides advice and grant support for businesses to improve their approach to the design, construction and commissioning processes for new investments and upgrades to existing assets. I have increased the funding allocation for this flagship initiative from €2.5m last year to €10m for this year.
Advice, training and supports are available from SEAI on the steps businesses can take to improve their energy management, on energy audits to identify opportunities and supports to achieve continued improvement and/or certification. These supports include free information, best practice guides and online energy management strategies tailored to different sectors and online self–assessment and training. Project assistance grants are available to help businesses developing energy performance contract (EPC) solutions to finance the delivery of energy efficiency projects.
The Better Energy Communities (BEC) scheme administered by the SEAI is a community programme where business can access funding for energy efficiency and building fabric improvement as part of an integrated project in the local community. The 2018 call for proposals closed on 26 January but interested businesses should contact SEAI to see how they can start preparing for next year’s fund.
I recently announced the planned introduction of a Support Scheme for Renewable Heat. The scheme is designed to financially support the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with renewable energy for commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating, public sector and other non-domestic businesses. The scheme will consist of two types of support mechanism – an operational support (paid for up to 15 years) for biomass heating systems or anaerobic digestion heating systems; and a grant to support investment in renewable heating systems that use heat pumps. Further information on this scheme is available on the Renewable Energy section of my Department's website.
Further information on the Energy Efficiency opportunities is available on the SEAI website. You may also like to note that SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members: oireachtas@seai.ie and these queries will be dealt with promptly.
511. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on each recommendation (details supplied) as contained in the latest National Competitiveness Council report, Ireland’s Competitiveness Challenge 2017; his plans to implement the policy recommendations which he has statutory remit for; and the timeframe for implementation. [4053/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Competitiveness Council annually publishes its recommendations on policy actions required to enhance Ireland's competitiveness position. My Department contributed to the report for 2017, which contained a number of recommendations. Implementation of these recommendations is underway and is described below:
Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce the December 2016 report available on my Department’s website, which contains 40 actions to alleviate some of the telecommunications deficits across Ireland. I have published three Quarterly Progress Reports so far which demonstrate that good progress has been made in delivering the actions, and I plan to publish an Annual Report shortly. This Report will give an update on progress made on each of the 40 actions and will also contain a work programme for 2018.
Some examples of the Taskforce’s achievements to date include funding of all local authorities to assign a Broadband Officer; most local authorities applying waivers in respect of development contributions for telecoms development and; facilitation of telecommunications ducting on Ireland's roads and motorways such as the M7/M8 with more expected in the coming months.
National Broadband Plan
Ireland's National Broadband Plan has acted as a catalyst to the telecoms sector so that today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland now have access to high speed broadband. This is expected to rise to 77% by the end of this year and 90% by 2020. My Department remains committed to delivering high speed broadband to all premises in the country. The procurement process to select a bidder(s) who will roll out the NBP state intervention network is now at an advanced stage. “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September 2017 are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage, which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature. Network build will commence once a contract(s) are in place. Notification of the rollout programme will also be announced at that time. Ensuring that the Intervention delivers communications infrastructure that is future-proofed and can take into account the expected emergence of new services and applications is a crucial aspect of the procurement.
Moneypoint
Moneypoint continues to contribute to Ireland’s security of supply by diversifying the fuel mix, provide generation storage capacity on site and provides competitively priced electricity. While Moneypoint is an important element of Ireland’s power generation mix, before it comes to the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025 the most suitable low carbon generation technology will be identified, as committed to in the Programme for Government. Key decisions on the future of Moneypoint will be taken before 2020.
Provision of assistance to Brexit-exposed enterprise sectors reliant on diesel vehicles
There are a number of supports currently in place to support the increased deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). Some examples, in the case of enterprises, include an EV Purchase Grant which provides grant aid of up to €3,800 towards the purchase of a new Battery EV (BEV) or new Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV); VRT reliefs of up to €5,000 for BEVs and PHEVs; and 0% Benefit in Kind without mileage conditions for Battery Electric Vehicles.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is currently developing an Electric Vehicle Public Engagement Programme which will include commercial fleet trials as well as an awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of electric vehicles and the supports that are available.
In accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport are co-chairing a Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) Task Force to consider further measures and options available to accelerate the deployment of low emission vehicles. The work of this Task Force has been divided into two phases with the first phase focusing solely on electric vehicles. The second phase will examine other low emission technologies.
Energy Infrastructure in the context of climate and renewable energy targets
Over the last decade EirGrid has placed a key emphasis in ensuring that the national electricity transmission grid is adaptable and flexible and also contributes to helping Ireland achieve our 2020 and 2030 targets. As a country, we are now able to integrate over 60% of our renewable electricity onto the grid, meaning that Ireland has become a world leader in the integration of renewables onto the electricity grid. This has been recently recognised by the European Commission who have awarded an EirGrid-led consortium €20m in Horizon 2020 funding for the “Sysflex” project, that seeks to explore how the successful integration of renewables in Ireland might be transferred to the wider European electricity grid. EirGrid’s stated aim is to increase renewables penetration to at least 75% by end of 2020. In addition, proposals for enhanced electricity interconnection to the UK and France are actively being pursued by project promoters.
512. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the recently announced energy efficiency scheme for those in receipt of turf-cutting compensation; the way in which interested parties can submit an application; the types of work covered on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4061/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is making progress on improving the energy efficiency of our residential sector, with a view to maximising progress towards our national target to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. Up to now there has been a focus on shallow energy efficiency measures in the residential sector. Such measures deliver energy efficiency savings for the lowest cost, and have helped build public awareness of energy efficiency in the residential sector. However, as stated in the National Mitigation Plan, to realise our potential for energy efficiency up to and beyond 2020 we must effect a change in both the level of activity and the depth of the measures undertaken in the residential sector.
The new Deep Retrofit Pilot scheme is funded by my Department and operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. It will investigate the challenges and opportunities for providing deeper retrofits to the residential sector. I have allocated €5 million to the scheme for 2018. This funding will be used to support projects that achieve an A3 Building Energy Rating, and covers works such as insulation, window replacement, ventilation and renewable heating technologies. SEAI will fund up to 50% of the total capital and project management costs. The Deep Retrofit pilot will inform a model that can make deep retrofit available to individual homeowners on a larger scale, and critically will help Ireland move away from fossil fuels to clean renewable heating systems. Applications are currently open to community groups, local authorities, energy agencies or other organisations with the capacity to deliver successful projects. In order to maximise learnings from the pilot, successful applications should incorporate works to 5 or more homes.
The grant scheme for those in receipt payments under the Turf Cutting Compensation Scheme, referred to by the deputy will be delivered as a strand of the Deep Retrofit Pilot scheme. This is a great opportunity to support households, previously reliant on fossil fuels, to switch to clean renewable heating, make their homes warmer and improve air quality in their communities. SEAI are in the process of procuring community engagement expertise for this dedicated strand of the Deep Retrofit Pilot. Details will be announced shortly. In the meantime interested parties can contact SEAI directly, at info@seai.ie or 1850 376 666.
513. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps being taken to ensure that illegal dumping of vehicle tyres, particularly the persistence of cross-Border dumping of tyres, is stopped (details supplied); if a review of current legislation has been carried out; if there are measures to co-ordinate efforts between agencies north and south of the Border to halt this activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4117/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI signed the Waste Management (Tyres and Waste Tyres) Regulations 2017 on 14 September 2017.
These regulations enabled me to put in place a full compliance scheme for tyre operators, operated by Repak End of Life Tyres (ELT) with a registration and reporting role for the Producer Register Limited. Under the new regulations, all operators are obliged to provide data on the numbers of tyres coming on and off the market. This will be the first time that there will be clarity in this regard. It is mandatory for anyone placing tyres on the market in Ireland to join the compliance scheme.
I am advised that the relevant local authority is aware of tyres having been dumped at the location referred to by the Deputy. The dumping is predominantly on Coillte owned lands. To date, Coillte has removed approximately 1100 tyres from their lands in addition to 200 removed by the County Council from commonage lands. The Council has been in contact with Coillte on measures both to curtail the dumping and to obtain evidence to enable those responsible be prosecuted.
The National Transfrontier Shipment Office (NTFS) liaise closely with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) on a regular basis on all issues in relation to waste enforcement and in particular cross border movements. They meet with the NIEA once a quarter and also have monthly discussions to discuss issues of concern. Routine coordinated road checks are carried on both sides of the border on a regular basis. The NTFSO continuously monitor cross border activity from a waste enforcement perspective and work closely with border Local Authorities and the NIEA.
514. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the moneys spent on dealing with litter, fly tipping and illegal dumping annually by each local authority in 2016 and 2017, in tabular form. [4168/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraData in relation to litter expenditure by each Local Authority on street/road cleaning, litter warden services, and litter public awareness initiatives, for the years 2010 to 2016 is publically available on the Department's website at the following link:
https://dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/waste/litter/Pages/Local-Authority-Litter-Fines-and-Expenditure-Statistics.aspx.
Details for 2017, which are not yet available, will also be published on the Department’s website once collated.
In addition to the above, the Department made a contribution of €89,147 in 2016, and €114,800 in 2017, to Wicklow County Council to fund the operation of the Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments (PURE) Initiative.
The cost of illegal dumping is not collated by my Department as it includes local authority enforcement, disposal and legal costs and also involves costs for other State agencies such as An Garda Síochána.
In recognition of the impact of illegal dumping on communities across the country, I launched an anti-dumping initiative in 2017 to provide funding for projects tackling illegal dumping including the provision of support for the clean-up, monitoring and surveillance of dumping black-spots. These funds have been used to support 229 clean-up and restorative projects led by community, environmental and sporting groups across the country. The 2017 anti-dumping initiative allocations made to each local authority are detailed in the table below.
In addition and in recognition of the particular difficulties border counties have experienced in dealing with diesel laundering waste dumping, my Department has also fully reimbursed the clean-up costs associated with this nefarious practice with payments of €922,518 (2016) and €174,906 (2017) and €98,044 (2016) and €49,307 (2017) being made to Louth and Monaghan County Councils respectively.
|
2017 Anti-Dumping Initiative |
|
|
LOCAL AUTHORITY |
€ |
|
CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL |
40,333 |
|
CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL |
68,975 |
|
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL |
39,455 |
|
CORK CITY COUNCIL |
29,500 |
|
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL |
40,229 |
|
DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL |
68,728 |
|
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL |
20,000 |
|
DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL |
19,031 |
|
FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL |
16,728 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL |
67,663 |
|
GALWAY CITY COUNCIL |
44,579 |
|
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL |
35,720 |
|
KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL |
41,198 |
|
KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL |
25,741 |
|
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL |
40,691 |
|
LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL |
81,438 |
|
LIMERICK CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL |
39,893 |
|
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL |
18,892 |
|
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL |
44,619 |
|
MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL |
29,946 |
|
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL |
34,219 |
|
MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL |
40,124 |
|
OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL |
40,000 |
|
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL |
54,659 |
|
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL |
34,035 |
|
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL |
28,559 |
|
TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL |
53,449 |
|
WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL |
29,739 |
|
WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL |
66,360 |
|
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL |
38,192 |
|
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL |
24,012 |
|
Total |
1,256,705 |
515. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to install an electric car charging point at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4217/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is fundamental in encouraging the growth of electric vehicles (EVs). As the EV market matures, it is vital that the charging infrastructure develops alongside it and I recognise that a range of charging options is necessary in providing the convenience and reliability that EV drivers require.
The ESB, through its eCars programme, has rolled out an extensive public charging infrastructure with approximately 900 charge points in Ireland, of which circa 70 are rapid chargers. The EV Home Charger Grant will assist eligible homeowners install an electric vehicle charge point on their property.
Employers, such as schools and businesses, can also play a role in encouraging the take-up of electric vehicles by their employees by installing charge points on their premises. While I encourage this, it is a matter for individual employers to decide whether to install a charge point based on their own circumstances, such as resources, availability and suitability of space etc.
I have supported a broad range of measures for the promotion of electric vehicles. Budget 2018 doubled the allocation of my Department from €5 million to €10 million to support their growth. In addition to the EV Home Charger Grant, supports include the continued EV purchase grant and a new Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) 0% rate without mileage conditions for at least three years. The BIK rules will ensure that there is no BIK liability associated with recharging EVs in workplaces.
I also secured additional funding in Budget 2018 to support the provision of public charging. The Low Emissions Vehicle Taskforce, which is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is considering a range of options for effective and efficient EV charging. The key objectives are supporting the operation of the existing charging network and facilitating the expansion of the network, with a particular focus on increasing the number of fast chargers.
516. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the roll-out of fibre broadband in an area (details supplied); and if this work will be carried out by October 2018 as previously stated. [4267/18]
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.
eir signed a Commitment Agreement (available at www.dccae.gov.ie) in April 2017 committing to deploy a new high speed broadband infrastructure to 300,000 premises in rural areas. eir has committed to completing the rollout by the end of 2018. My Department is monitoring this rollout to ensure that eir meets its obligations under the Agreement.
My Department's High Speed Broadband Map (www.broadband.gov.ie) shows that 99% (134 premises) of the townland of Ballymore, Co Westmeath fall within eir's 300k planned rural deployment. Updates on progress of the eir 300,000 rollout are published on a quarterly basis on this Map. eir has confirmed to my Department that over 101,000 premises have been passed nationally as at the end of September 2017. This figure includes 2,750 premises in Westmeath have been passed to date, with a further 4,000 to follow this year.
The remaining 1% (2 premises) of the townland of Ballymore falls within the State Intervention Area. Therefore, depending on the eircode of the address the constituent may either be covered commercially or be included in the State led Intervention under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. Citizens can access this website to determine the connectivity availability status for their premise using their eircode. The website also provides a list of retail service providers who offer services using high speed fibre network in the area.
Those premises within the State Intervention area form part of my Department's on-going procurement process to select a company or companies who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage, which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder(s) and contract signature.
517. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain telecommunications companies require an Eircode for a household to access their services and the considerable delay that this can cause for persons with new homes in accessing these services. [4377/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra518. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason Eircode receives an updated address file just four times per year (details supplied); and the steps he is planning to take to address this. [4378/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 518 together.
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new address assigned an Eircode is sent a notification letter to the occupant containing the Eircode of that address. In 2017, Eircode informed my Department that 22,503 new addresses were assigned an Eircode.
519. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the roll-out of at least 30 Mb broadband speeds to a location (details supplied) in County Donegal as part of the national broadband plan; if such areas with poor or no broadband coverage shall be prioritised during the roll-out phase as part of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4383/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra520. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for the roll-out of at least 30 Mb broadband speeds to a location (details supplied) in County Donegal as part of the national broadband plan; if such areas with poor or no broadband coverage shall be prioritised during the roll-out phase as part of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4384/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 519 and 520 together.
The Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to 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 today over 67% of the 2.3m premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. This is set to increase to 77% (1.8m premises) by the end of this year and to 90% (2.1m premises) by the end of 2020.
In April 2017 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 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 this year as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April.
The premises referred to by the Deputy are in an AMBER area.
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. “Detailed Solutions” submitted by two bidders on 26th September 2017 are being evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage, which will be 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. My Department will engage with the winning bidder(s) to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract.
I recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland. 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.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
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.
