Niall Collins
Ceist:1186. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date Polish coal can no longer be sold here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16090/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraBituminous Fuel Ban
Ceisteanna (1186)
Freagraí scríofa
The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal, or ‘the smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known, was first introduced in Dublin in 1990, and subsequently extended to our major cities. Following a public consultation process, it was further extended in 2012, and now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide. The ban has proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels and has had the effect of significantly improving public health. Research indicates, for example, that the ban has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths in Dublin alone.
Scientific understanding has evolved in the intervening years, however, and numerous studies now indicate that air pollution has impacts on human health at lower levels than was previously understood. Consequently, it is necessary to continue to strengthen policy to enhance air quality for the protection of people’s health and the environment.
Recent monitoring has also revealed that the air quality in some of our smaller towns in winter is worse than that in larger towns where the ban is in place. Given the clear human health benefits, I am committed to extending the ban nationwide.
This process necessarily involves discussion and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, including with the European Commission, relevant Government Departments and Agencies, the residential fuel industry, and the general public. Discussions with many of these stakeholders on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed nationwide ban are underway, and the next step will be the introduction of the specific legal measures to give effect to the ban over a twelve month period commencing in Autumn 2018. This period of 12 months' lead-in time will allow both the industry and householders to 'wash through' existing stock in preparation for the full ban on the marketing, sale, distribution and burning of bituminous coal coming into effect throughout the State from Autumn 2019. Further details on the specific dates will be available in due course.
For householders who rely on solid fuel for heating, there is now a range of innovative low smoke solid fuel products, including low smoke coal products, available on the market. Low smoke solid fuel is cleaner and more energy-efficient. It can deliver improved air quality as well as human health benefits. Consumers should contact their solid fuel provider to clarify which of their products are low smoke and which are not.
In relation to cost, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has published figures comparing the respective costs of domestic fuels. These are available online at https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Domestic-Fuel-Cost-Comparison-October-2017.pdf and show that while low smoke fuels are typically more expensive to buy on a weight-by-weight basis, they have a higher heat output than coal or lignite nuggets. Low smoke fuels, therefore, represent good value for money.
Recycling Policy
Ceisteanna (1187)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1187. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he is taking to promote the development of facilities here for the recycling of soft plastics; and the requirements set down in respect of the recycling industry to have such facilities or to have the option of subcontracting this type of material to companies in another country in which soft plastics can be recycled. [16095/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Waste Management Act 1996 and the Waste Management (Licensing) Regulations 2004 govern the process under which waste licence applications can be made to the EPA. This is an open and transparent process and aims to strike a balance between the interests of all stakeholders. I have no function in relation to the assessment of licence applications and under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.
A specific investment decision by a private company providing services in Ireland is a matter for that company and its board. Individual planning decisions are a matter for the relevant planning authority. Broader planning issues affecting the development of industry in Ireland are matters for my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
Question No. 1188 answered with Question No. 1166.
Recycling Policy
Ceisteanna (1189)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1189. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the basis on which companies are permitted to put a recyclable logo or emblem on the packaging of their goods; if there is a system to limit the use of this logo or emblem here to packaging that can be recycled here; and the way in which this is currently policed here. [16097/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Green Dot symbol is an internationally recognised trademark used on packaging and means that for such packaging a financial contribution has been paid to a compliance system legally licensed, and a company set up in accordance with the principles defined in European Directive 94/62 and the respective national law, which is responsible for the recovery of used packaging.
In effect, this means that the producer of the packaging has made a financial contribution to a waste packaging compliance scheme – such as Repak or a similar organisation in Europe – to fund the recovery of the packaging.
The Green Dot system is managed by PRO Europe (Packaging Recovery Organisation Europe) on behalf of the main packaging compliance schemes (“Green Dot organisations”) across Europe and in some other countries. Currently, producer responsibility organisations in 29 countries are using the Green Dot as a financing symbol to finance the collection, sorting and recovery of used (mainly household) packaging.
Repak, the packaging compliance scheme, is the sole licensee for Ireland. Repak licences the use of the Green Dot to packaging producers in Ireland. All members of Repak are entitled to use the Green Dot. Nonmembers can apply to Repak for a license. Under the licence agreements, packaging producers are required to adhere to the core requirements of the trademark.
Additional background information is available at https://www.repak.ie/for-business/members/become-a-repak-member/the-green-dot/. Details on Green Dot in Europe are available at http://www.pro-e.org/.
Mobile Telephony Use
Ceisteanna (1190)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:1190. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to safety concerns from being constantly exposed to mobile phones or Wi-Fi; if studies have been undertaken here or at EU level regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16100/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of safety concerns in relation to exposure to non-ionising radiation (NIR) from mobile phones and WiFi. Extensive research in this area has been undertaken at national and international level by a number of organisations, including the European Union and the World Health Organization.
The International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which is a body of independent scientists with extensive experience in researching the possible health effects of exposure to NIR, has published guidelines in this area which are widely accepted internationally, including in Ireland. All available evidence to date indicates that no adverse short- or long-term health effects have been demonstrated to arise from exposure to NIR at levels below the limits recommended by the ICNIRP. WiFi systems transmit at low power levels and are in widespread use. All modern short range radio systems such as WiFi, Bluetooth or Ultra-wide Band are assessed for safety by the strength and frequency of their radio emissions. These emissions are then compared with the ICNIRP limits, and are considered safe if below the specified limits. The advantage of having adopted international exposure limits is that they provide manufacturers with information on the required levels of electromagnetic field exposure within which they must manufacture their devices. Within the European Union, devices having the “CE” mark are considered to be safe for their intended purpose. In the Irish context, two major reports have been published on NIR, the 2007 Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields available at:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Health%20Effects%20of%20Electromagnetic%20Fields.pdf. and a 2016 report by the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) Electromagnetic Fields in the Irish Context available at:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Electromagnetic%20Fields%20in%20the%20Irish%20Context%202015.pdf. The main findings of both these reports substantiate the view of the World Health Organization and ICNIRP that there is insufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields and cancer.
Question No. 1191 answered with Question No. 1163.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (1192)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1192. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of clerical officers and clerical assistants in his Department on temporary contracts by years of service; if these officers will be offered permanent positions in the Civil Service when they have served a fixed period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16425/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not currently employ any Clerical Officers or Clerical Assistants on a temporary contract basis.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (1193)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1193. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of broadband for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16460/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 this rollout by year end. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/. My Department's High Speed Broadband Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows that the premises referenced by the Deputy (depicted Light Blue on the Map) falls within eir's planned rural deployment.
As at the end of December 2017, a total of 121,000 premises of the 300,000 premises planned rural deployment were passed by eir including 9,797 premises in Co Kerry. A further 15,790 premises in Co. Kerry are due to be passed by eir as part of its planned rural deployment. Officials from my Department have queried the status of the referenced premises with eir, who have confirmed that the premises has been passed and that a connection request was received. I understand, however, that eir has encountered an issue with a blocked duct on public land preventing the completion of the connection request. An application for a road opening licence has been made to Kerry County Council as of March 2018 and is pending approval. I further understand that eir has escalated the licence application. Following resolution of this issue, the premises will be able to access high speed broadband.
Telecommunications Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1194)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:1194. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when Eir's broadband and landline services will be available at an address (details supplied). [16472/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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. 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 (BLUE or LIGHT BLUE) and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the NBP (AMBER).
Eir is in the process of delivering high speed fibre broadband as part of its ongoing investment in its network. This includes some 300,000 rural premises on a commercial basis in accordance with a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017. The premises referred to by the Deputy is a new build and officials from my Department have queried the status of this premises under eir’s high speed fibre broadband deployment plans. eir has confirmed to my Department that the premises in question will be included in that plan.
Waste Management Data
Ceisteanna (1195)
Niall Collins
Ceist:1195. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if each residential dwelling here has a refuse account and bin collection service; the number that do not have a service by county; the way in which compliance is monitored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16608/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The latest figures produced by the CSO on how households manage their waste, including the percentage of households which use a collection service for general and recycling waste, are available to view at http://cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/q-env/qnhsenvironmentmoduleq22014/.
Each local authority is responsible for the supervision and the enforcement of the relevant provisions of the Waste Management Act 1996 in relation to the holding, recovery and disposal of waste within its functional area. Local authorities have specific powers under the Act to require measures to be taken, or to take measures directly, to prevent or limit environmental pollution caused or likely to be caused by the holding, recovery or disposal of waste, and to mitigate or remedy the effects on the environment of such activity.
My role, as Minister, is to provide the legislative and policy framework under which both local authority and Environmental Protection Agency enforcement action is initiated. Enforcement action against illegal waste activity is a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement of the EPA as appropriate.
Underpinning waste enforcement is state funding for waste enforcement officers. I have made €9 million available from the Environment Fund this year to support the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities and the recruitment and continued employment of a network of local authority waste enforcement officers. This investment is critical in providing an enhanced response on the ground to other infractions of the waste code.
In terms of monitoring how households manage their waste, certain local authorities have already introduced bye-laws which require householders to sign up to a household waste collection service.
The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices are also currently preparing a template to help standardise bye-laws on the presentation of waste. The draft template bye-laws aim to place the onus of proof on the householder to prove that they are managing their waste correctly by signing up to a waste collection service or providing receipts for the deposit of waste in authorised facilities.
In addition, the Regional Waste Management Plans contain further measures to identify areas of low collection and to work with communities and collectors to address this issue.
Environmental Regulations
Ceisteanna (1196)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:1196. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if An Bord Pleanála is required to assess potential breaches of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants when considering a company's (details supplied) application to burn waste at its plant in County Limerick. [16639/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Matters pertaining to planning legislation and policy, including the role of An Bord Pleanála, do not fall under my remit as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. Queries should be directed to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government or to An Bord Pleanála as appropriate.
Environmental Regulations
Ceisteanna (1197)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:1197. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the consequences if industrial plants are found to be in breach of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. [16640/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for granting and enforcing licences for industrial plants. Whether or not an installation needs a licence depends on the activities being carried out on the site and the scale of those activities. These activities and thresholds are defined in legislation. Industrial licences are enforced by the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) of the EPA who conduct environmental inspections which cover all aspects of the environmental effects from the installations licensed by the Agency. Such operations are required to operate to Best Available Techniques (BAT) and are required to comply with BAT reference documents (BREFs) and BAT Conclusions which address certain aspects of the EU’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Where a breach of a licence condition occurs, it is a matter for the Agency to ensure that licensed facilities address any non-compliances and take the necessary corrective actions. Enforcement actions may be escalated up to and including legal proceedings if necessary. All monitoring and site inspection reports are published on the EPA website.
Environmental Protection Agency Remit
Ceisteanna (1198)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:1198. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the EPA is compelled to monitor and assess risks to health from carcinogenic dioxins that may be emitted from industrial plants. [16641/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The EPA is responsible for the licence and enforcement of large industrial plants listed in the First Schedule of the EPA Act 1992 (as amended). This includes incineration and co-incineration plants.
The Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU) specifies the emission limit values for dioxins that apply to incineration and co-incineration facilities. This Directive also stipulates the frequency at which licensees must monitor dioxins. Conditions implementing the Directive’s requirements are written into Industrial Emissions Licences granted by the EPA. The reports of all monitoring conducted by licensed facilities are submitted to the EPA for assessment, and are available on the EPA’s website.
In addition, the EPA carries out a programme of independent air emissions monitoring at industrial licensed sites to check compliance with the emission limit values specified in the licence. If dioxin monitoring is specified in the Industrial Emissions Licence, then the facility is monitored by the EPA on at least an annual basis. Monitoring visits are typically unannounced, and the reports of the monitoring are available on the EPA’s website.
Separately, the EPA conducts an annual milk survey to assess dioxin exposure in the air. The latest report available is the 2016 dioxin survey, the results of which are available online and which form part of the EPA Air Quality in Ireland 2016 report. This report shows that concentrations of dioxins remain at a consistently low level in the Irish environment, and is available at http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/air/quality.
Broadband Service Provision
Ceisteanna (1199)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1199. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the provision of broadband services in Ballymore, County Westmeath; if work is still scheduled to be carried out in this area during autumn 2018, as stated in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 516 of 30 January 2018. [16659/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 this rollout by the end of this year. Information on eir's ongoing 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 of the committed premises as of December 2017. This figure includes 2,750 premises in Westmeath passed to date, with a further 4,000 to follow this year.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's High Speed Broadband Map (www.broadband.gov.ie) shows that 99% (134 premises) of the townland of Ballymore, Co Westmeath are to receive access to a high speed broadband connection via eir’s ongoing rural fibre deployment. According to eir's own estimate, the premises in Ballymore within their deployment plan are due to be passed in the second half of 2018.
A further 1% (2 premises) of the townland will receive access to high speed broadband via the 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.
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.
Fisheries Protection
Ceisteanna (1200)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1200. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the eel fisherman compensation scheme. [16660/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s Eel Management Plan (EMP), including the closure of commercial fishing, was approved, in 2009, by the European Commission under EU Regulation 1100/2007. Fishing for eel was by way of public licence and therefore the issue of compensation does not arise.
However, I directed my officials to write to the European Commission in relation to Ireland's proposals to fund a support scheme for former eel fishermen. A response is awaited before the terms and conditions for, or the prospective number of participants in, any potential support measure can be elaborated on.
Consultation with the Revenue Commissioners may also be required.
Nuclear Plants
Ceisteanna (1201)
Catherine Martin
Ceist:1201. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland will support the findings and recommendations of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee, which found that both Germany and the UK were in breach of the public participation requirements of the Convention in respect of the transboundary consultations provided for in the decision to approve the development consent for the nuclear power project in the UK, Hinkley Point C (details supplied); if attempts by the UK, the EU, other parties to the Convention and the nuclear lobby to undermine and weaken these findings of non-compliance which may occur at the September 2018 meeting of the parties to the Convention will be resisted; if not, the basis for the State's decision; the person or body that will represent Ireland at the upcoming Aarhus meeting in Montenegro from 11 to 14 September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I would like to clarify at the outset that there is no meeting of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention scheduled to take place in September 2018. The meeting referred to in the question appears to be the 6th Meeting of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention, which took place in Budva, Montenegro from 11 to 14 September 2017. Ireland was represented by officials from my Department at this meeting. The record of the meeting is available at https://www.unece.org/env/pp/aarhusmop6&prtrmopp3/main.html. The next such Meeting of the Parties is scheduled to take place in 2021.
As regards the substantive issues raised by the Deputy, I can confirm that, in Budva, Ireland did not object to the findings and recommendations of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee regarding the compliance of the United Kingdom (reference ACCC/C/2013/91), which were duly endorsed by the Meeting of the Parties in September 2017.
As regards the findings and recommendations of the Compliance Committee with regard to Germany’s compliance with the Convention (reference ACCC/C/2013/92), it is recorded that Germany was not found to be in non-compliance.
I trust that I have clarified the position.
Television Licence Fee Collection
Ceisteanna (1202)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:1202. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if, under the current section 145 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, a statutory body can be appointed at his discretion as the collection agent of the television licence fee and continue to have the full powers of enforcement as currently utilised by An Post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16797/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 145 (1) of the Broadcasting Act 2009 defines 'issuing agent' as An Post "or another person designated by the Minister" under Section 145 (3) of the Act.
A statutory body designated as an issuing agent under Section 145 (3) of the Act would have the same powers of prosecution as An Post currently has under Section 151 of the Act.
The Act does not currently provide for the tendering of licence fee collection and I obtained Government approval in May 2017 for the drafting of the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill which includes an amendment to allow for tendering of licence fee collection by public procurement. The Bill was examined under pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action & Environment, who published their report on 8th March. My Department and Parliamentary Counsel will consider the Report in the drafting process.