Written Answers Nos 792-808
792. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps a person can take that is of the view that the noise levels emanating from their neighbour's residential property is excessive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12163/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere a number of options available to a person to deal with perceived excessive noise. For example, the person can engage with the individual causing the noise to come to some mutually acceptable accommodation, or can contact their Local Authority, which may initiate proceedings on grounds of noise nuisance under section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992. In addition, section 108 of that Act also provides for any person to seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated.
My Department has produced an information leaflet, A Guide to the Noise Regulations, on the legal remedies open to a person experiencing nuisance noise. The guide can be downloaded from the following link:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/noise-pollution/appropriate-action/Pages/default.aspx
Finally, a National Protocol for Dealing with Noise Complaints for Local Authorities has been developed as a cooperative project between my Department, Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency. The Protocol provides guidance to Local Authorities, given existing legislation, as to what is considered best practice for dealing with noise complaints. The protocol can be accessed through the following link:
http://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/noise-pollution/typical-noise-pollution/Pages/default.aspx
793. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when high speed broadband will be available to businesses in an area (details supplied); the alternative options available to these businesses before they receive high speed broadband under the NBP to allow them to continue to operate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12213/18]
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. 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 through a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
The premises referred to in the question 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 NBP and one of the approximately c12,000 premises in County Westmeath that will receive access to high speed broadband under this State led Intervention.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company that 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.
My Department’s technical team carried out a desktop cellular path study which shows that there is a clear line of sight from the premises referred to by the Deputy to a mast site located 3.7km from the premises. This mast is utilised by 3 retail mobile service operators. The various antennae on the mast should be capable of providing 4G (LTE) from one or all of the mobile service providers. Individuals should check with mobile operators regarding services on offer.
In addition to this 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 local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
794. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on whether it is appropriate to support new investment in natural gas pipelines, fuelling facilities, liquified natural gas terminals, power stations and so on here to facilitate the use of natural gas as a bridge fuel towards full energy system decarbonisation; the scientific advice sought as to the bridging process; and if no advice has been sought, the reason therefor. [12313/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraNatural Gas, the lowest carbon-emitting fossil fuel, is an important transition fuel on the pathway to decarbonisation. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2017 recognises the role which gas will play in the transition to 2050, including where seasonal flexibility is required to integrate high shares of variable renewables. In Ireland gas powered generation provides an important back-up for intermittent renewable wind generation.
Our Energy Policy White Paper commits to radically reducing our GHG emissions by 2050. As the policy paper states, we have embarked on a firm course to sustainability, mindful of the need to balance competitiveness and security of suppl. While gas will contribute to security of supply through the period of transition, it will be curtailed and eventually eliminated in our energy mix through a range of reduction and substitution measures using more sustainable alternatives.
Ireland’s energy policy is fully aligned with the EU’s climate and energy objectives on the transition to decarbonisation, which includes continuous and ongoing review of policies to reduce harmful emissions, improve energy efficiency, incentivise efficient and sustainable infrastructure investment, integrate markets, and promote research and innovation while ensuring our energy security of supply is maintained and enhanced.
The National Mitigation Plan, which I published last July, restates the Government’s commitment to move from a fossil fuel-based electricity system to a low-carbon power system. Investment in further renewable generation will be incentivised. Natural gas will continue to play a key role as a transition fuel.
The National Development Plan 2018-2027 sets out clear measures towards decarbonisation, including the upgrading of 45,000 homes every year from 2021 to make them energy efficient, up to 4,500MW of renewable electricity generation, roll-out of the support scheme for renewable heat, and commitments on electric vehicles and low-emission public transport. However, in the transition, the lowest CO2 emitting fossil fuel is still required to ensure a safe, secure and competitive path towards sustainability.
In line with the Energy Policy White Paper 2015-2030, and with the National Development Plan 2018-2027, investment in the gas network will continue so as to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.
I have commissioned a high-level study into the gas network to examine issues relating to the wider economic costs and benefits of potential extensions to the network, including decarbonisation, air quality, climate and emissions and regional and rural development benefits. The study is being undertaken for the purpose of technical evaluation, analysis and information-gathering, which will inform and feed into future policy development.
795. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the development of the action plan on internet safety; the timeframe for same; the processes that will be involved; if there will be a public consultation; the stakeholders that will be involved in its production; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12363/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 21 November 2017, I convened a meeting with my colleagues the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to progress the subject of digital safety for all citizens, especially children. It was agreed at that meeting that an Open Policy Debate would be the most appropriate way to progress the issue and ensure a coherent cross departmental Government approach.
On 8 March 2018, I hosted this debate at the Royal Hospital Kilmainhan which was opened by An Taoiseach. Over 120 representatives from a range of stakeholders participated, including NGOs, industry, parents' groups and young people. The event was supported by five other Ministers and organised in conjunction with the Department of Justice and Equality; Education and Skills; Health; Business Enterprise and Innovation; Children and Youth Affairs.
An Taoiseach announced that the Government would, by June of this year, prepare an action plan on online safety. My Department will actively contribute to the preparation of that plan, and a report on the Open Policy Debate will form one of the inputs to the plan.
796. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband service will be available under the national broadband plan at a location (details supplied). [12439/18]
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.
Of the approximately 134,400 premises in Galway, already 79,000 have access to high speed broadband, with a further 16,000 to gain access by the end of 2018 as part of eir's 300k rural deployment.
The premises referred to in the question 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) and one of the approximately 39,000 premises in Galway that will receive access to high speed broadband under this 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 in order to provide access to high speed broadband to households such as the premises in question. 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. Broadband Officers may also be able to provide information on local wifi access, hot desks and other local authority initiatives that may improve access to high speed broadband in the interim period before roll out of the State led intervention.
797. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at least one waste collector (details supplied) is now charging per lift and per kilo on green bins; his views on whether recycled waste should be subject to pay per lift and pay per weight charge structure; the way in which this charge structure will encourage persons to recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12445/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe charges applied by waste management companies are matters for those companies and their customers, subject to compliance with all applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, including contract and consumer legislation.
In terms of environmental legislation, the charges applied should encourage householders to divert waste from the residual or general waste bin. For example, it would be expected that charges for the general waste bin would be higher than charges, if any, applied to the recycle bin.
The Government has funded a range measures to support better recycling and reduce contamination of waste, including:
- a national, standardised list of items that can go into the recycle bin, available at http://recyclinglistireland.ie/ ; this initiative has been supported through a campaign run by the regional waste management authorities comprising radio advertisements, social media, billboards/posters, etc., to promote the new list;
- a ‘master recycling’ programme, also run by the regional waste management authorities, in partnership with environmental NGOs, to roll out 650 workshops across the country training recycling ambassadors to bring the recycling message and understanding to a wide variety of communities;
Almost all paper and plastic packaging is governed by EU internal market and packaging legislation. In that context, as Minister, I have called on the European Union to urgently consider collectively banning single-use plastic items on foot of the EU Plastic Strategy to further protect the environment and to help alleviate the impact of the decision by China to restrict its intake of recyclable waste.
In addition, I have also provided Government funding to support and encourage better separation of waste through a number of initiatives such as:
- the Stop Food Waste programme www.stopfoodwaste.ie, which is implemented under the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Waste Prevention Programme and is aimed at both householders and businesses, providing comprehensive information about the food that is wasted and how to prevent this, and,
- the development of a website www.brownbin.ie to provide the public with the information required to use the organic bin appropriately, including advice on the optimal methods for effective collection and storage of food waste.
799. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the better energy grants scheme no longer provides assistance for boiler upgrades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12563/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015, the Energy White Paper, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, presented a long-term strategic vision to guide the direction of Irish energy policy from now until 2030. At its heart is a commitment to transform Ireland into a low carbon society and economy by 2050 and reduce the country’s fossil fuel dependency. This ambitious vision for Ireland’s energy system envisages a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from that sector by 80-95% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. In 2016, imported fossil fuels accounted for 69% of our energy needs at a cost of €3.4 billion. The White Paper identified the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050. This vision was further developed in the National Mitigation Plan (NMP) which I published in 2017.
Achievement of the commitments set out in the Energy White Paper and the NMP will require a significant transformation of Ireland’s energy system from being predominantly fossil-fuel based to a clean, low carbon energy system, including actions such as ending grant support for fossil fuels under the Better Energy Homes (BEH) scheme.
The BEH scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme provides grant aid to homeowners who wish to improve the energy performance of their homes. Fixed grants are provided towards the cost of a range of measures including attic insulation, wall insulation, heating controls upgrades, solar thermal panels and accompanying Building Energy Rating (BER). In 2017, over €16m was spent providing upgrades to 14,616 homes across Ireland. So far this year €2.2m has been spent on energy efficiency upgrades to 2,050 homes.
In December 2017 I announced changes to the grants available under this scheme. Previously a grant of €100 was available for the upgrade of a fossil fuel boiler when carried out along with the installation of heating controls, for which a grant of €600 was available. Heating controls are an excellent way to control a household's energy usage and improve comfort. The grant for heating controls has now been increased to €700 and no payment is now made for boiler upgrades. This grant is available regardless of the home's current heating system. At the same time I announced increased grant levels for external wall insulation and the introduction of a new grant for the installation of a heat pump, which is a renewable heating system. Taken together, all of this is a concrete demonstration of the Government's commitment to support householders to move away from fossil fuel technologies.
Further information is available on the SEAI website, www.seai.ie or by contacting SEAI on info@seai.ie or 1850 376 666.
800. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the uptake of the trading online voucher scheme both in 2017 and since the scheme’s introduction by county; if the scheme is being expanded; if so, if such an expansion will include data protection and cyber security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12664/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Trading Online Voucher Scheme is designed to support micro businesses (10 or less employees and less than €2 million turnover per annum) to develop their trading online capability. This is a demand-led scheme, which is funded by my Department, and delivered in every county by the Local Enterprise Office.
By the end of 2017, over 4,100 small businesses had successfully applied for a trading online voucher and over 10,600 businesses in total had benefited through participation in training sessions delivered by the Local Enterprise Offices under the scheme since it began in 2014.
This year I have provided funding to increase the target number of businesses supported from 1,000 per annum to 1,500 in 2018. My Department is currently scoping initiatives to build on the success of the scheme, including the development of a national website and centralised web-based infrastructure for online application to the scheme.
As part of this, my Department, in collaboration with our partners in the delivery of the scheme, will explore ways in which the scheme can promote awareness of the latest digital trends, including data protection and cyber security, in the context of its primary objectives. My Department has recently provided training to the LEO administrators of the scheme in respect of cyber security for potential applicants.
The following table provides information on the number of applications approved under the scheme by county, from its introduction in 2014 to December 2017:
|
County |
2014/2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
TOTAL |
|
Carlow |
47 |
22 |
12 |
81 |
|
Cavan |
18 |
14 |
20 |
52 |
|
Clare |
24 |
37 |
32 |
93 |
|
Cork City |
51 |
35 |
33 |
119 |
|
Cork North/West |
103 |
55 |
44 |
202 |
|
Cork South |
93 |
45 |
36 |
174 |
|
Donegal |
63 |
24 |
47 |
134 |
|
Dublin City |
137 |
98 |
140 |
375 |
|
Dublin South |
32 |
37 |
38 |
107 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown |
121 |
75 |
78 |
274 |
|
Fingal |
101 |
51 |
51 |
203 |
|
Galway |
26 |
58 |
43 |
127 |
|
Kerry |
85 |
85 |
60 |
230 |
|
Kildare |
73 |
24 |
42 |
139 |
|
Kilkenny |
68 |
27 |
28 |
123 |
|
Laois |
25 |
18 |
11 |
54 |
|
Leitrim |
37 |
18 |
12 |
67 |
|
Limerick |
77 |
58 |
49 |
184 |
|
Longford |
15 |
12 |
15 |
42 |
|
Louth |
42 |
39 |
55 |
136 |
|
Mayo |
34 |
22 |
29 |
85 |
|
Meath |
21 |
11 |
30 |
62 |
|
Monaghan |
23 |
23 |
17 |
63 |
|
Offaly |
30 |
14 |
15 |
59 |
|
Roscommon |
26 |
19 |
22 |
67 |
|
Sligo |
57 |
23 |
22 |
102 |
|
Tipperary |
63 |
33 |
37 |
133 |
|
Waterford |
61 |
49 |
42 |
152 |
|
Westmeath |
38 |
26 |
29 |
93 |
|
Wexford |
54 |
44 |
33 |
131 |
|
Wicklow |
132 |
58 |
67 |
257 |
|
TOTAL |
1,777 |
1,154 |
1,189 |
4,120 |
801. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for full implementation of the national broadband plan in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12665/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland now have access to high speed broadband. By the end of this year that number will rise to nearly 8 out of 10 premises and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises or 90% of premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This will be achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
The High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie shows the areas that will be included in the State Intervention and the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services under the NBP. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode.
There are c42,000 premises in County Cavan of which approximately 17,000 (40%) fall within the AMBER area and will be covered under the State led Intervention. Nearly 19,000 (45%) of premises are in a BLUE area and are or will be covered by commercial providers, while approximately 6,000 (15%) are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be covered by eir's planned rural deployment by the end of 2018.
There are approximately 33,000 premises in Monaghan. Just over 15,600 (47%) fall within the AMBER area and will be covered under the State led Intervention. Nearly 14,000 (42%) of premises are in a BLUE area and are or will be covered by commercial providers, while approximately 3,500 (11%) are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be covered by eir's planned rural deployment by the end of 2018.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to engage 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.
When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion and a subsidy level has been approved by Government, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence. Current estimates for rollout indicate the majority of premises in the State intervention area will have access to a high speed broadband connection within 3 years of the beginning of rollout. My Department will continue to engage with the bidder to ensure the most efficient deployment as part of the contract, both nationwide and in Cavan/Monaghan.
Delivering high speed broadband to citizens across Ireland including the c17,000 (40%) premises in Co Cavan and c15,600 (47%) premises in Co Monaghan that fall within the State led Intervention under the NBP remains a firm commitment of mine and this Government.
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.
802. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the North-South Interconnector project; if a constructive assessment has taken place in this regard; if public concerns on this matter will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12666/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North South Interconnector, as proposed as an overhead line, now has full planning permission in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. On 21 December 2016 An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the North-South Interconnector in Ireland. The decision concluded a lengthy planning process which included an Oral Hearing completed over eleven weeks from March to May of 2016. On 23 January 2018, full planning permission was also granted for the section of the line that lies in Northern Ireland.
Following the planning consents, and the conclusion of a number of judicial review proceedings relating to the planning decision in Ireland, the project is an operational matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks, and one in which I have no function.
However I fully respect that this project gives rise to concerns for a number of people, particularly those living in close proximity to the proposed project. Following engagements with representative groups and Oireachtas members in relation to the motions passed in Dáil and Seanad Éireann early last year I commissioned two independent studies into the project. The studies are designed to address the main points of the motions as well as key concerns expressed by those parties opposed to the development of an overhead line.
It is my intention that the two studies will provide some clarity to the concerned residents of the affected areas. The results of both studies are expected shortly and I will publish the reports and ensure they will be made available to all interested parties.
803. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when high speed broadband will be rolled out in a location (details supplies); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12711/18]
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.
Of the approximately 268,00 premises in Cork, already 174,000 have access to high speed broadband, with a further 19,000 to gain access by the end of 2018 as part of eir's 300k rural deployment.
All 12 premises within in the townland of Knockaneleigh are in the AMBER area on my Department’s High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. They are therefore included in the State Intervention Area under the 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 in order to provide access to high speed broadband to households such as the premises in question. 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. Broadband Officers may also be able to provide information on local wifi access, hot desks and other local authority initiatives that may improve access to high speed broadband in the interim period before roll out of the State led intervention.
804. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of premises within the blue areas of the national broadband map that cannot access a high speed broadband connection nationally; the number of premises within the blue areas of the national broadband map that cannot access a high speed broadband connection nationally on his Department's database; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12914/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra805. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of premises within the blue areas of the national broadband map that cannot access a high speed broadband connection in County Carlow; the number of premises within the blue areas of the national broadband map that cannot access a high speed broadband connection on his Department's database in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12915/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra806. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of premises within the blue areas of the national broadband map that cannot access a high speed broadband connection in County Kilkenny; the number of premises within the blue areas of the national broadband map that cannot access a high-speed broadband connection on his Department's database in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12916/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 804 to 806, inclusive, 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. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland 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<http://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.
When the Map was updated last year, 84,500 premises were moved from the BLUE to the AMBER area. This was done because commercial operator’s plans in those areas had not materialised. High speed broadband will be brought to them under the NBP State Intervention.
I am conscious that premises remain within BLUE areas which cannot access a high speed broadband connection for a variety of reasons. Should commercial operators’ plans for these premises not materialise it may become necessary for my Department to intervene; either by engaging with operators to seek a commercial resolution or, should this engagement be unsuccessful, to consider their inclusion as part of the State led intervention.
Officials from my Department are currently developing a process to identify the extent of these premises. When this process is finalised, the NBP team will be able to develop a strategy to address BLUE area connection issues in the manner outlined above. While this process is being finalised, the NBP communications team maintains a database of queries on broadband connection which have come from BLUE area premises that don’t have a high speed broadband connection.
As this database records only those who have contacted the NBP team it should not be taken to be indicative of the total number of premises in BLUE areas which lack a high speed broadband connection. Nor is the current database organised on a county by county basis. Currently there are just over 600 such queries.
Delivering connectivity under the NBP remains a Government priority. Ultimately the goal of the National Broadband Plan is that all premises will be able to access high speed broadband services as soon as possible.
807. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projects mentioned in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 that come under his Department's remit or bodies under its aegis; and the estimated completion dates for each project in tabular form. [12985/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraProject Ireland 2040 reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transition Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society. Exchequer funding of €7.6 billion, together with investment of €13.7 billion by commercial State bodies will ensure a step change in strategic climate change investments in the areas of transport, agriculture, energy and the built environment over the next decade. A new Climate Action Fund, with an allocation of €500m, will leverage additional investment by public or private entities in climate action measures. Addressing the climate challenge requires a whole-of-society and whole-of-Government approach.
The radical step change represented by the National Development Plan will need to be matched with efforts in all sectors, and public expenditure commitments will need to be complemented with taxation measures, regulation, and behavioural change. During the period of the Plan, key capital investments to be overseen by my Department will comprise some:
- €3.8 billion on upgrading the energy efficiency rating to achieve a minimum of BER Rating B in the existing residential, commercial and public building stock. Coupled with this, new buildings will be regulated to the highest standards and the rollout of digital connectivity will facilitate “smart buildings”;
- €1 billion on rolling out energy-efficient heating technologies under the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat aimed at large heat users, along with support for heat pumps and roof solar in at least 170,000 homes;
- €0.2 billion to incentivise the uptake of 500,000 electric vehicles by 2030, and provide additional charging infrastructure. Related support measures include a ban on new non-zero emission cars being sold in Ireland after 2030 and no NCT certificate for non-zero emission cars after 2045
- €0.1 billion on energy research funding to accelerate diversification away from fossil fuels to green energy.
In addition, the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme will support the installation by public and private entities of up to 4,500 MW of additional renewable electricity. Commercial State owned enterprises under my Department’s aegis will also play a crucial role in climate action initiatives. Major investment projects in excess of €13 billion by inter alia, ESB, EirGrid and Bord na Mona, include the decarbonisation of electricity generation involving the conversion of Moneypoint power station (by 2025) and the peat burning plants to more sustainable low-carbon technologies and the roll out of National Smart Energy Metering programme. Enhanced electricity interconnection, including the Celtic Interconnector, and ongoing grid reinforcement will increase energy security and facilitate more variable electricity generation.
The Government’s National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to deliver a high speed broadband connection of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload to all premises in Ireland. 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. 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. The NBP is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment and a State led Intervention in those areas where commercial investors acting alone will not provide this essential service. The formal procurement process to engage a company who will rollout a new high speed broadband network within the State Intervention Area is now in its final stages. The successful bidder, will build, maintain and operate this State intervention network for the next 25 years.
I have set out in the following table the list of priority projects to be progressed over the period of the NDP by my Department and its agencies:
|
National Development Plan 2018 to 2027 |
|
|
Name of project |
Completion date |
|
Landfill Remediation |
Ongoing |
|
National Broadband Plan (NBP) |
A 25 year contract to be awarded in 2018. |
|
INFOMAR ( Irish National Seabed Survey) |
2026 |
|
Tellus (National geological & environmental baseline) |
2028 (with airborne survey completed by 2024) |
|
Energy Efficiency - housing retrofit |
Ongoing |
|
Energy efficiency in public buildings |
Ongoing |
|
Boiler replacement |
Ongoing |
|
Support Scheme for Renewable Heat |
It is expected that the Scheme will commence operation in 2018, subject to State Aid approval. Operational support under the Scheme will be payable for a period of up to 15 years. |
|
Supports for Electric Vehicles |
Ongoing, subject to reviews of support levels. |
|
Moneypoint conversion |
2025 |
|
Celtic Interconnector |
2025/2026 |
|
Peat Power Plants conversion |
2030 |
|
Smart Metering Programme |
Commencing in 2019 |
808. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if section 11 of the Children First Act 2015 and the Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post Primary Schools 2017 and a risk assessment carried out regarding same would be a basis upon which an existing one hundred year old right of way could be lawfully extinguished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12371/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA local authority may extinguish a public right of way under section 73 of the Roads Act 1993, once it follows the procedures set down in that section.
Where it proposes to extinguish the public right of way, the local authority must publish notices, in a local newspaper or newspapers and at the right of way itself, informing the public that submissions may be made in relation to the proposed extinguishment, and must then consider any representations it receives on foot of these notices. The local authority may also arrange for an oral hearing in relation to the proposal, and consider the report and recommendation of the person appointed to conduct such a hearing.
Once this process has been completed, the local authority may then make an order extinguishing the right of way or part of the right of way specified in the public notice. The consideration of the results of the public consultation and the decision to make an order extinguishing the public right of way are reserved functions of the local authority.
Where the right of way it proposes to extinguish is located on a national or regional road, the order must be approved by the Minister for Transport before it has any effect.
