Written Answers Nos. 445-469
445. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of staff assigned in his Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11695/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra446. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a panel has been established in his Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in his Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; his plans to make such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11711/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.
The Press and Information Office in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine consists of the Press Officer and six support staff members.
The breakdown of staff is: 1 Press Officer, appointed internally at Assistant Principal Officer level, 1 Higher Executive Officer, 1 Administrative Officer, 2 Executive Officers and 2 Clerical Officers. Since 2015, the only additional position to the Press Office was the appointment of an Administrative Officer in April 2017, who deals with the key emerging functions of social media and communications, as distinct from traditional media queries.
The Press and Information Office is part of the Corporate Affairs Division and is headed by the Press Officer, who typically reports to the Principal Officer who is head of division in the area. The head of division in turn reports to the Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Human Resources and Corporate Affairs. These positions exist within previously existing structures within the Department. No panel for communications officers has been established in my Department. A Head of Communications has not been appointed to my Department. However, there is an option for the Department to make such an appointment at Principal Officer level on foot of a competition being run by the Public Appointments Service, which is currently in train.
The Press and Information Office is the primary point of contact between the Department and members of the media, as well as members of the general public. The office is responsible for communicating with media and members of the public regarding the work of the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
447. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the requirements in place for properties that are rented out in the private rented sector in respect of minimum BER ratings and the penalties for non-compliance. [10832/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra449. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the commitment in the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty 2016-2019 to introduce minimum thermal efficiency standards in rental properties. [10833/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 447 and 449 together.
A Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate indicates a building's energy performance, on a scale of A to G. A-rated properties are the most energy efficient, and G-rated properties are the least energy efficient. A higher BER rating can indicate lower energy bills and higher levels of warmth and comfort. A BER is calculated through energy use for space and hot water heating, ventilation and lighting.
Under S.I. No. 243 of 2012 (ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS REGULATIONS) any person who is selling or letting a property must “ensure that the energy performance indicator of the current BER certificate for the building is stated in any advertisements, where such advertisements are taken relating to the sale or letting of that building.” The penalty for non-compliance with this regulation is a class A fine of up to €5,000.
There is currently no minimum BER rating that properties in the private rental sector must achieve. However, The Government's Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty 2016-2019, contains an action to examine the impact of introducing minimum thermal efficiency standards for rental properties with a view to introducing such standards post 2020.
Previous research indicated that people living in rented accommodation are twice as likely to live in a home that is E, F or G rated on the Building Energy Rating (BER) scale, and spend €160-€419 per annum more on energy than households in a home rated with a BER of B. However there is currently under-investment in improving the energy performance of rental properties. The typical residential tenancy in Ireland is short and hence tenants do not tend to invest significant sums in the property they are living in. At the same time, landlords under-invest in energy efficiency works as the tenants are the ones who benefit from the consequent energy bill savings and in a constrained rental market there appears to be little value placed on the energy efficiency of a rented property. These diverging incentives mean that energy efficiency investment is much lower in the private rented sector than among homeowners, even though Government grant schemes such as the Better Energy Homes scheme are open to landlords.
In 2015 my Department procured external experts to examine the impact of introducing minimum energy efficiency standards for rented properties for the post 2020 period. These research findings are now being updated with new data from the 2016 census which showed an increase in the number of people renting accommodation across the State. When this is complete my Department will present the findings, with a view to publishing the research and engaging in a full public consultation.
448. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a catch and release scheme in an area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11440/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland manages salmon stocks on an individual river basis. This management is carried out by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the State Agency with statutory responsibility for inland fisheries. The management policy is based on the fact that each of Ireland’s 147 salmon rivers, river sections, estuaries, etc., has its own genetically unique stock of salmon, which migrates to sea as juveniles and returns to the same river in adulthood to spawn and create the next generation of fish exclusive to that river. IFI is supported in its management role by Ireland’s Standing Scientific Committee. IFI also draws on international advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
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, harvest fisheries are now only allowed on individual river stocks which are shown to have a surplus and in estuaries where the stocks from individual rivers entering the estuary are each meeting their individual conservation limits.
The conservation limit for any river is the number of adult spawning fish required to maintain a viable and sustainable salmon population. The river referred to is not open to harvest as it is not meeting its conservation limit but is above the threshold (50% of the limit) to justify catch and release angling. This permits people to engage in and enjoy angling activity while having a negligible impact of vulnerable fish stocks and encouraging the shared responsibility to contribute to conservation and the potential rebuilding of these stocks.
There are 39 rivers nationally which have catch and release status in 2018. It is considered preferable, from an angling perspective, to have a river open on this basis as opposed to the river being closed to all angling.
The conservation imperative demands that current salmon stocks are not further eroded by mismanagement or inappropriate exploitation, whether via angling or commercial fisheries.
IFI operates a confidential 24 hour hotline to which incidents of poaching and pollution and other activity can be reported. The number is 1890 34 74 24. I would encourage anglers and members of the public to immediately make a report if they suspect any illegal activity.
450. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he is taking to support, preserve and protect the principle of net neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10991/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I fully support the principle of an open Internet that ensures equal access to all content and applications, free from discriminatory practices based on price. Regulation (EU) No 2015/2120, inter alia , lays down measures concerning open internet access and amending Directive 2002/22/EC on universal service and users’ rights relating to electronic communications networks and services (the EU Regulation). These measures apply in all Member States from 30 April 2016.
The EU Regulation is directly applicable and binding on all providers of internet access services. Nevertheless, it imposes a number of requirements on the State, including a requirement for national regulatory authorities to closely monitor and ensure compliance with the Regulation and to promote the continued availability of non-discriminatory internet access services at levels of quality that reflect advances in technology, and related rules on penalties.
Draft Regulations to put into effect the obligations on the State which arise under the EU Regulation are currently under discussion with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel with a view to finalising them in the coming weeks.
451. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the EU directives not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; the estimated date for transposition into law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11081/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU Directives which fall under the remit of my Department for transposition into law is outlined in the following table:
|
Directive |
Title |
Deadline |
|
2013/59
|
Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom of 5 December 2013 laying down basic safety standards for protection against the dangers arising from exposure to ionising radiation, and repealing Directives 89/618/Euratom, 90/641/Euratom, 96/29/Euratom, 97/43/Euratom and 2003/122/Euratom. |
06/02/2018 Primary legislation is required to enable transposition of the Directive. The primary legislation was published on 20 February with a view to early enactment. |
|
2016/2284
|
DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/2284 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 14 December 2016 on the reduction of national emissions of certain atmospheric pollutants, amending Directive 2003/35/EC and repealing Directive 2001/81/EC. |
01/07/2018
|
|
2015/1513
|
Directive (EU) 2015/1513 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 September 2015 amending Directive 98/70/EC relating to the quality of petrol and diesel fuels and amending Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources. |
10/09/2017 - transposing legislation will be finalised shortly. |
|
2015/996
|
Commission Directive (EU) 2015/996 of 19 May 2015 establishing common noise assessment methods according to Directive 2002/49/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council. |
31/12/2018
|
|
2016/1148 |
Directive (EU) 2016/1148 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union |
06/05/2018 - transposing legislation will be finalised shortly. |
|
2014/910 |
Regulation (EU) 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions. |
May 2018 |
|
2016/2102 |
DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/2102 of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies |
23/09/2018 |
|
2017/2096 |
COMMISSION DIRECTIVE (EU) 2017/2096 of 15 November 2017 amending Annex II to Directive 2000/53/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on end-of life vehicles |
6 June 2018 |
|
2014/52 |
DIRECTIVE 2014/52/EU of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment.
|
Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is the lead Department, but a number of other Departments, including my Department, have transposition responsibilities. |
452. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of his plans to provide access to high-speed broadband to all persons living on the R130 Ashbourne to Garristown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11101/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. Since this Government came into office almost 400,000 additional premises have access to high speed broadband. This will increase to nearly 8 out of 10 premises by the end of this year and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. 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 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 this year as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April.
Premises along the R130 from Ashbourne to Garristown fall into all of these categories. Individuals can check which category their premises falls into by going to my Department’s website www.broadband.gov.ie and entering their eircode into the High Speed Broadband Map.
In April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide High speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. eir has committed to completing the rollout by the end of this year. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website, www.dccae.gov.ie .
Quarterly updates on eir's rural deployment are published on this website. eir has passed a total of 121,000 premises as of December 2017.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
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.
453. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Cumarsáide, Gníomhaithe ar son na hAeráide agus Comhshaoil an féidir leis poist ina Roinn féin a aistriú go ceantar Bhaile na hAbhann i bhfianaise an chinnidh atá déanta ag RTÉ seirbhís Nuachta RTÉ a bhogadh ó cheannáras TG4 i mBaile na hAbhann i gConamara go Domhnach Broc i mBaile Átha Cliath, ionas nach n-ísleofar an líon daoine atá fostaithe sa cheantar sin, ceantar a bhfuil tábhacht le gach post ann chun an pobal a choimeád; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [11108/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs craoltóir náisiúnta seirbhíse poiblí é RTÉ a bhfuil a shainchúram agus a chuid oibleagáidí leagtha amach dó in Acht Craolacháin, 2009. Is ábhar oibríochtúil é a tharraing an Teachta Dála anuas agus, dá bhrí sin, ní ábhar é a bhfuil feidhm agam ann, mar Aire. Sa chomhthéacs seo, ní bheadh sé iomchuí dom poist na Roinne a aistriú go láthair eile cionn is go raibh cinneadh tráchtála déanta ag comhlacht stáit neamhspleách.
454. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when his Department will set a tariff for solar power in respect of the new Renewable Energy Support Scheme, RESS; if this figure will be higher for up to 500KW as was the case in the REFIT 3 scheme; and his views on whether those that may require a generator's grid connection in respect of rooftop solar panels, small scale anaerobic digestion and biomass heating developments will need at least 11 or 12 cent per unit to justify the capital expenditure involved in purchasing and installing solar panels and to cover the cost of connection to the grid. [11162/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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 range of commercial renewable technologies, at various scales, 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. The 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines set the framework and extent of financial support options for national renewable electricity (RES-E) support schemes. In general and except for small scale and demonstration projects, RES-E support levels must be set through competitive bidding processes (renewable electricity auctions) and all new RES-E schemes should provide support in the form of a premium in addition to the market price.
Following on from the RESS public consultation and review, a final design proposal will be brought to Government for approval in the coming months, including the overall costs and technologies to be supported. Subsequent to a Government decision, a formal application for State Aid clearance from the European Commission will commence. The new scheme is expected to open in 2019.
At this stage no final decisions have been made as regards which technologies or scales will be supported under the new RESS.
The regulation of the electricity network (including the management of the grid connection process) is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is an independent statutory body and I have no function in the matter.
455. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the possibility of integrating a system (details supplied) into his Department's work, for example, with broadband delivery and-or the energy market and of using the system to support the Eircode system. [11199/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2013 a ten year licence was awarded to Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode". Eircode have informed my Department that since launch in July 2015, Eircode usage, as part of an address, continues to grow and is used widely among the public, businesses and public sector. This, in part, can be seen by use of the free Eircode Finder app having to-date over 20 million free look-ups, with an average daily look-up of 38,000 in November 2017. Google have integrated Eircodes into Google Maps and TomTom and other satnav providers are currently in the process of integrating Eircodes into their satnav apps for use by consumers and businesses.
To date there are over 800 business organisations who licence and use Eircodes within their business operations across a wide spectrum of sectors. A number of these organisations deliver broadband to their customers such as Eir, Vodafone, Virgin Media, SKY, BT, Westnet and Imagine. Other organisations operating in the energy market such as Bord Gáis Energy and Electric Ireland utilise Eircodes to deliver services to their customers. Also, I understand that OpenEir and Gas Networks Ireland have integrated Eircode into their interactive online mapping tools that enables home and business owners to view the availability of fibre broadband and gas connections in their area.
As part of the National Broadband Plan, my Department has undertaken a comprehensive analysis and mapping process of high speed broadband availability across the country. My Department developed an interactive map (available at www.broadband.gov.ie ) which identifies locations and premises as being either served by the commercial sector (BLUE/LIGHT BLUE) or requiring State intervention (AMBER) under the NBP. This map, finalised for procurement in April 2017, is updated quarterly using the latest version of GeoDirectory and is searchable by both address and Eircode. I am satisfied that the combination of Eircode and Ordnance Survey Ireland mapping is sufficient for current NBP requirements.
The integration of the system referred to by the Deputy is an operational matter for the various commercial organisations and not one in which I as Minister have a role.
456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of an application for an Eircode by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEircodes 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 published on the free to use Eircode Finder website and a notification letter issued to the occupant containing the Eircode of that address.
My Department has requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual regarding the assignment of an Eircode to this property.
457. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of revenue that his Department has generated through the sale of gas and oil prospecting licences in each year since 1992. [11377/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra458. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of revenue that his Department has generated through the sale of gas and oil exploration licences in each year since 1992. [11378/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 457 and 458 together.
The criteria that are taken into account in considering an application for a petroleum authorisation are set out in Article 3 of the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production 2007, which is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie . These criteria include, inter alia, the work programme proposed by the applicant, and the technical competence, offshore experience and financial resources available to the applicant to undertake the proposed work programme. As such, petroleum authorisations are not sold.
In addition to income from Corporation Tax, and royalty payments where applicable, in respect of production from the four commercial gas fields (Kinsale Head, Ballycotton, Seven Heads and Corrib), the State derives income from petroleum exploration and production authorisation acreage rental fees, together with application fees. The aim of these fees is to help meet costs incurred by my Department in discharging its regulatory functions whilst encouraging effective and timely exploration. The details of these fees are set out in Appendix 1 to the Licensing Terms.
Under Section 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 half yearly reports detailing all petroleum authorisations granted during the period of the report are required to be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Part Two of the report details the total amount collected by my Department in respect of petroleum authorisation acreage rental fees and application fees during the period of the report. These reports are also made available on my Department’s website. The last such report published was in respect of the six-month period ending 31 December 2017.
The following table sets out the combined acreage rental fees and application fees received in respect of petroleum authorisations by the Department from 1992 to 2001. The figures also incorporate data sales received by the Department:
|
Year |
All Receipts |
|
1992 |
€1,606,598 |
|
1993 |
€2,335,687 |
|
1994 |
€2,415,611 |
|
1995 |
€2,780,538 |
|
1996 |
€2,229,150 |
|
1997 |
€2,219,013 |
|
1998 |
€2,905,299 |
|
1999 |
€1,894,919 |
|
2000 |
€1,827,608 |
|
2001 |
€2,040,017 |
The following table sets out the acreage rental fees and application fees received in respect of petroleum authorisations by the Department from 2002 to February 2018.
|
Year |
Rental Fees |
Application Fees |
Total |
|
2002 |
€1,121,084 |
€33,412 |
€1,154,496 |
|
2003 |
€1,315,548 |
€20.880 |
€1,315,569 |
|
2004 |
€2,120,332 |
€37,586 |
€2,157,918 |
|
2005 |
€2,185,168 |
€82,134 |
€2,267,302 |
|
2006 |
€2,556,734 |
€98,850 |
€2,655,584 |
|
2007 |
€1,973,457 |
€90,478 |
€2,063,935 |
|
2008 |
€3,282,206 |
€45,976 |
€3,328,182 |
|
2009 |
€1,762,334 |
€43,544 |
€1,805,878 |
|
2010 |
€1,407,812 |
€10,700 |
€1,418,512 |
|
2011 |
€2,420,485 |
€97,284 |
€2,517,769 |
|
2012 |
€2,476,499 |
€66,880 |
€2,543,379 |
|
2013 |
€1,805,709 |
€180.902 |
€1,805,890 |
|
2014 |
€2,568,065 |
€34,960 |
€2,603,025 |
|
2015 |
€2,992,211 |
€121,042 |
€3,113,253 |
|
2016 |
€1,942,775 |
€39,520 |
€1,982,295 |
|
2017 |
€2,443,439 |
€159,624 |
€2,603,063 |
|
To 28 February 2018 |
€488,866 |
€22,802 |
€511,668 |
459. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the poor broadband connection available at a centre (details supplied) and the considerable impact that this has on the centre's ability to run its business despite bringing some 16,000 visitors into the area. [11380/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. Since this Government came into office almost 400,000 additional premises have access to high speed broadband. This will increase to nearly 8 out of 10 premises by the end of this year and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. The premises referred to by the Deputy is in an AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. It is therefore included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
I recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland and fully appreciate the frustration felt by people, such as those in the townland of Tonnagh, Co Monaghan and in the premises referred to by the Deputy, who do not currently have access to this vital level of connectivity. Delivery of the State led Intervention under the NBP will ensure that the opportunities presented by the digital economy are available to every citizen, business and community in Ireland.
In the interim, there may be some connection options available to premises in the area referred to by the Deputy. According to my Department's technical team there appears to be at least 1 fixed wireless access provider providing coverage in the area. There is also a mast located approximately 2.2 kilometres from Tonnagh. This mast is utilised by all retail mobile operators. It has clear line of sight to Tonnagh and should be capable of providing a good quality signal level and download speeds to premises. Individuals can check with mobile operators on capability of providing 4G LTE services.
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 which is available at http://www.ruralireland.ie/policies/national-broadband-plan/
460. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a company (details supplied) will provide the design for the 300,000 premises included in the agreement with his Department for the roll-out of broadband; his views on whether the commitment will be met on the date agreed; if a delay in providing the detailed design will cause a delay in awarding the contract for the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11409/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn April 2017, I signed a Commitment Agreement with eir in relation to its plans to provide high speed broadband to 300,000 premises in rural areas on a commercial basis. eir has recently reconfirmed their commitment to this programme both publicly and via direct correspondence to myself. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/ . A copy of the Commitment Agreement is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. Quarterly updates on eir's rural deployment are published on this website. eir has passed a total of 121,000 premises as of 31 December 2017.
Officials from my Department meet with eir on a monthly basis to review the company’s performance on the on-going rollout by a number of sub-milestones. One of these sub-milestones is the number of premises for which a detailed design has been completed which is an on-going process for eir.
Figures for the number of premises for which detailed designs have been completed are submitted to officials from my Department at the monthly meetings described above. As of December 2017 eir had completed detailed designs for over 197,000 premises.
As mentioned previously my Department is in regular contact with eir in relation to their ongoing deployment and the Commitment Agreement and will continue this engagement with the aim of ensuring the requirements of the Commitment Agreement are met.
The detailed design process for eir’s on-going rural deployment is entirely separate from the National Broadband Plan procurement process and will have no impact on the awarding of a contract for the NBP State Led Intervention Network.
461. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the county councils (detail supplied) that have applied for funding under the anti-dumping initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11459/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year my Department developed the anti-dumping initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations in identifying high risk or problem areas, developing appropriate enforcement responses and carrying out clean-up operations. Overall, funding of €1.3 million was provided to local authorities under the 2017 anti-dumping initiative and further details of the funding provided to each local authority is available on my Department’s website at
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/news-and-media/press-releases/Pages/Naugthen-increases-funds-to-.aspx .
Last month I announced that €2 million will be made available to local authorities and communities to continue the fight against illegal dumping in Ireland under the 2018 anti-dumping initiative. All local authorities were notified of the 2018 initiative via a Departmental circular which invited applications from Local Authorities for this year’s initiative with an extended deadline of Friday, 9 March 2018 to take account of the recent adverse weather conditions. The Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities (WERLA) are co-ordinating the initiative and WERLA Regional Steering Groups will be responsible for selecting suitable projects eligible for funding subject to the selection criteria set out in the circular and for determining the grant allocations in each individual case. The WERLAs will endeavour to notify successful applicants within one month of the closing date.
462. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a reply will issue to concerns raised in correspondence (details supplied); if he will address the issue that persons cannot access online services such as applying for college accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11465/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. Since this Government came into office almost 400,000 additional premises have access to high speed broadband. This will increase to nearly 8 out of 10 premises by the end of this year and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention. There are approximately 17 premises in the townland of Beltichburne. Of these 3 (18%) are or will be served by commercial providers. The remaining 14 (82%) will be addressed through the National Broadband Plan State led Intervention.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
I recognise the importance of availability of high speed connectivity for all premises in Ireland and fully appreciate the frustration felt by people who do not currently have access to this level of connectivity. Delivering connectivity under the NBP where commercial providers would not otherwise act remains a Government priority.
In the interim, there may be some connection options available to those in Beltichburne. According to my Department's technical team there is a mast located approximately 2.5 kilometres from Beltichburne. This mast is utilised by all retail mobile operators. It has clear line of sight to Beltichburne and should be capable of providing a good quality signal level and download speeds to premises. Individuals can check with mobile operators on capability of providing 4G LTE services.
In addition to that potential interim solution, 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.
463. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the storage capacity in the State for gas, oil and electricity respectively; the way in which this compares with weekly demand; and his plans for increasing this capacity including agreed budgets and timelines. [11565/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) holds 90 days of emergency oil stocks, in accordance with International Energy Agency (IEA) rules and EU legislation, to be used in the event of a supply disruption. 68% of these stocks are held on the island of Ireland with 32% stored abroad. NORA continues to maximise the level of stocks held on the island of Ireland, subject to storage availability and value for money considerations, in accordance with the Government’s Energy Policy Government’s Energy Policy Paper, “Ireland’s Transition to a Low-carbon Energy Future, 2015-2030”. For electricity, Ireland has a resilient diverse portfolio for power generation including traditional generation plants, renewable generation and electricity interconnection to allow for the import and export of electricity. Gas-fired generating stations are required to hold back-up secondary fuel supplies to cover 3-5 days in the event of a gas shortage. While technically electricity cannot be stored, two electricity generating plants in particular provide electricity security of supply –Turlough Hill and Moneypoint.
Turlough Hill in Wicklow is Ireland’s only pumped storage power station. It generates up to 292MW during peak demand periods and can go from standstill to full capacity in around 70 seconds by releasing water from the upper reservoir and allowing it to flow through four turbines into the lower reservoir. During periods of lower demand, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir, ready to be used again. This helps flatten the ‘demand curve’ for electricity over any given 24-hour period and so is invaluable to the grid.
Moneypoint provides coal storage capacity on its site in Co Clare. The 900MW plant can hold three months of stocks, providing secure supply of electricity for this period. However, both the Government’s Energy Policy Paper and the Programme for Government have committed to identifying a more sustainable replacement technology for Moneypoint before 2020.
In relation to gas, Ireland’s energy security has been greatly enhanced by the addition of Corrib gas. Before this, over 90% of our gas was imported via the two interconnectors with Scotland.
In 2006 Kinsale Energy’s Southwest Kinsale Gas Field was converted to an offshore storage facility with a storage capacity of 230 million cubic meters. However, in 2016 Kinsale Energy took the decision to close the storage facility. The last of the storage gas was withdrawn from the reservoir in March 2017.
A number of private sector commercial LNG projects have been proposed in Ireland recently. The location, development and final investment decisions for these projects are ultimately the responsibility of the project promoters.
In line with the Programme for Government and the Government’s Energy Policy Paper, my Department is carrying out, in conjunction with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, Gas Networks Ireland and EirGrid, a study on Ireland’s resilience to a long term gas disruption, which includes the possible need for gas storage and LNG. This study will inform the formulation of future policy measures to maintain the resilience of Ireland’s gas and electricity supply.
464. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of staff assigned in his Department to the press office, public relations or communications roles in each year since 2015; the positions by staffing grade and designated role; when each new position came into existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11698/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year since 2015 three staff members have been assigned to the press office of this Department consisting of one Press Officer at Assistant Principal level, one Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer. In accordance with the terms and conditions set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, one special advisor with responsibility for press and media has been employed at Principal Officer level during that period. In addition, following a capacity review of the Department in 2014, the Management Board of the Department decided to establish a Strategic Development and Communications Unit in the Department. The Unit focusses on internal communications; supporting Departmental engagement with external stakeholders; developing responses to the findings of the Civil Service Employee Engagement Surveys; development of brand guidelines; and the development and maintenance of a new Departmental website. In 2015 staffing levels in the SDCU consisted of one Assistant Principal, one Higher Executive Officer, one Executive Officer and one Clerical Officer. An additional Higher Executive Officer and Clerical officer have been added to the Unit since then.
465. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a panel has been established in his Department for communications officers; if a Civil Service position of head of communications or similar role or description has been appointed in his Department; if so, when the appointment occurred; the grade at which it occurred; the reason for same; the policy basis for same; the person that approved the appointment; his plans to make such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11714/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Appointments Service is currently undertaking a recruitment competition for a Head of Communications for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. As part of the Department's workforce planning, a Head of Communications role was deemed necessary by the Department's Management Board to develop and implement a comprehensive external communications strategy to support the delivery of the Department’s business priorities, encompassing stakeholder management, social media, public relations, media relations, etc. The individual appointed will also have responsibility for supporting internal staff communications and engagement initiatives including measures that may be required in this regard following the 2017 Civil Service Employee Engagement Survey, results of which are expected in the coming months. This appointment will be at Principal Officer level. It is expected that the Head of Communications will be appointed in Quarter 2 of 2018.
466. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the amount spent by the information office for Transport 21; the amount spent on public information and publicity campaigns regarding the Transport 21 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11645/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra487. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a high level group was established in 2005, 2006 to manage communications for Transport 21; the name of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11427/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 487 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that a high-level Transport 21 Monitoring Committee was set up by the then Department of Transport to oversee the Transport 21 investment programme announced in November 2005. A subgroup of that Committee, called the Communications Subgroup was formed to deal with communications issues. The Group was made up of Department officials and representatives from the various agencies involved in the implementation of the projects included in Transport 21.
Due to the passage of time the information requested by the Deputy in relation to costs is not readily available. It is being compiled and will be forwarded to him shortly in line with Standing Orders.
467. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the funding allocated here to a fund (details supplied) in each of the years 2014 to 2020; and the amount spent in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018 in tabular form including the breakdown between Exchequer funding and EU funding to same. [11684/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA total of 18 Irish transport projects have been selected under the 2014-2016 EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) calls for funding, with one further Irish project selected for funding in December 2017. This includes projects where Ireland has joined with other Member States for funding for multi-beneficiary actions.
Irish beneficiaries have to date received over €58 million for projects on Ireland's core Trans-European Transport Network. This figure does not include funding where Irish project promoters have successfully joined with project promoters across other EU Member States. These would include successful applications for the deployment of Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) and road transport projects with other Member States, which includes studies on the harmonisation of interoperable intelligent transport systems (ITS) and cooperative Intelligent transport systems (C-ITS).
Details of all of Ireland’s successful projects are available on the INEA website:
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/en/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport/projects-by-country/ireland
The following table gives a breakdown of the €58m from 2014 to date. It details the year in which each grant was agreed by the EU and the proposed implementation period for each project. The EU funding provided is not readily available by year.
Funding under the CEF is delivered in the form of grants allocated following competitive calls for proposals. There are at present two open calls for CEF funding (under SESAR and CEF Transport Blending) and I expect a number of Irish project promoters to submit applications under these calls. There may also be further calls for CEF funding between now and 2020.
The Department encourages operators in our transport sectors to explore all avenues of finance available for capital investment projects including domestic banks, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), as well as the European Investment Bank (EIB), Irish Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) in order to secure the most suitable funding instrument at the most favourable commercial rates. In many cases, a mix of funding instruments is used for capital projects by ports, roads aviation and public transport sectors.
|
Year of grant agreement
|
Name of Project |
Maximum EU CEF contribution |
Implementation Schedule |
Exchequer Funding |
Percentage of EU support |
|
Year of grant agreement
|
Name of Project |
Maximum EU CEF contribution |
Implementation Schedule |
Exchequer Funding |
Percentage of EU support |
|
2014 |
Irish Rail City centre re-signalling project |
€13,080,188 |
January 2014 to December 2018 |
€34.86 million (2012 – 2017) |
30% |
|
2014 |
Dublin Port Alexandra Basin Redevelopment |
€22,782,055 |
March 2015 to December 2019 |
n/a |
10% |
|
2014 |
Shannon Foynes Port Company Jetty Enhancement for Sea Port Infrastructure Connectivity |
€2,200,000 |
January 2014 to February 2017 |
n/a |
20% |
|
2014 |
Shannon Foynes Port Company Connecting International Sea Cargo to the Irish Rail Network (CISCIRN) |
€800,000 |
January 2014 to December 2017 |
n/a |
50% |
|
2014 |
Port of Cork Ringaskiddy Project |
€12,736,001 |
January 2015 to December 2019 |
|
17% |
|
2015 |
Gas Networks Ireland - The Causeway Study - Impact of CNG on the Irish Gas Network |
€6,546,224 |
February 2016 to December 2020 |
n/a |
41% |
|
December 2017* |
Shannon Foynes Port Company |
€4, 477,000 |
|
n/a |
|
*This grant agreement will be formally signed in 2018.
468. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has compiled a report on making breathalyser devices available to motorists. [10855/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may be aware that I have held meetings beginning last September with a wide range of rural stakeholders to examine the problems of rural social isolation and how they may be addressed. At the first such meeting, while it was not agreed that the Department would make such devices available to the public, the suggestion of people testing themselves for alcohol, particularly in the context of the morning after having consumed alcohol the previous night was raised and discussed in some detail.
The difficulty with the idea is that such self testing or 'over-the-counter' kits as are available are not always reliable, while devices such as those used for Garda tests are quite expensive, being in the realm of €550 each, and are tested, selected and approved by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. Consequently, it was agreed that this was not a realistic option to pursue at present.
469. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter regarding a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10917/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including traffic management.
As the Deputy is aware, the NTA's Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area provides the overarching framework for the planning and delivery of transport infrastructure and services for Dublin over the next two decades. Addressing urban congestion on both the strategic road network and locally in certain locations is an important theme in the Strategy. The measures proposed are linked to an analysis of current and projected levels of travel demand across the region.
Dublin City Council and the NTA jointly published the Dublin City Centre Transport Study in 2015 which sets out the various measures proposed for Dublin's city centre to ensure the efficient functioning of transport within the city centre. In preparing the 2015 Study, Dublin City Council and the NTA reviewed the current and future transportation needs of the City Centre, taking into account the Luas Cross City Project, the need to make the city more attractive and safer for walking and cycling and the move towards a more sustainable and accessible city for all. Those two bodies, in collaboration with Dublin Bus and TII, are progressively implementing the measures set out in that document to enable the continued development and growth of the city.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for further reply on the information sought and issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
