Written Answers Nos. 170-190
170. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to protect Irish businesses at risk of cyber attacks in view of the fact that the US and UK are offering training to major public bodies and businesses in this area. [24192/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's remit includes the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which contains a Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT-IE). The CSIRT-IE received international accreditation in 2017 and is actively engaged in a number of European and international organisations. The NCSC is responsible for acting as a conduit for information to constituents including operators of Critical National Infrastructure, businesses, Government Departments and Agencies, and also for providing expert advice and analysis on cyber security issues and for coordinating significant incidents. The NCSC acts as a central contact point in the event of a government or nation-wide cyber security incident affecting the State and continues to work with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and the Departments and Agencies that own these systems to mitigate and manage these risks. The expertise contained within the NCSC covers a broad range of capabilities including computer science, software engineering, malware analysis and information technology forensics. The unit also participates in international exercises. The NCSC is also engaged in a series of other actions to support organisations of different types and scales. For example, the unit has been heavily engaged in work to prepare for the EU Network and Information Security Directive, which will place binding security requirements on critical infrastructure operators and certain key Digital Service Providers. The Directive also places obligations on the State itself, in terms of ensuring that States can cooperate and share information in the event of a large scale incident affecting several countries and to ensure that every State has significant capacity of its own. Taken together, this will mean that the State will have coordinated system for the management of cyber related risk to Critical National Infrastructure, and for the assessment and response to incidents. Also, a new website for the NCSC has been launched – www.ncsc.gov.ie - and this will shortly be updated with information to assist individuals and small and medium sized businesses to protect their information systems.
171. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on the concerns of communities in counties Cavan and Monaghan in relation to the North-South Interconnector particularly in relation to health, tourism, heritage and land and property devaluation; if the project will be undergrounded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24037/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North South Interconnector, as proposed as an overhead line, now has full planning permission in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. I have listened carefully to the issues raised in relation to this project, particularly those living in close proximity to the proposed project. In February and March 2017, two motions calling for an updated independent study into the north-south interconnector were passed by Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann. I met with the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and North East Pylon Pressure Campaign, together with Oireachtas members from Cavan, Monaghan and Meath in February 2017. I subsequently met with Oireachtas members in May 2017 and most recently again in January of this year. In addition, my officials have held separate meetings with the Monaghan Anti-Pylon Committee and North East Pylon Pressure Campaign in March and April last year.
All of these engagements – together with the motions - were important in my decision to commission two independent studies into the project. The studies were 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. Some impacts such as environmental and health concerns were not assessed since the statutory planning process is the appropriate method by which such impacts are assessed and evaluated.
The Consultants undertaking the two studies have finalised their reports and once considered in my department and submitted to me it is my intention that these will be brought to Government and made publicly available. This process will take some time to complete.
172. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeframe for broadband services to be made available in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the status of fibre installation; and his views on the national broadband plan. [24038/18]
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, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. 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 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 as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017.
There are approximately 42,0000 premises in Cavan. Some 17,000 (40%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention. More than 20,000 (49%) of premises are in a BLUE area and are, or will be, served by commercial providers, while nearly 5,000 (11%) are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be served by eir's planned rural deployment.
There are approximately 33,000 premises in Monaghan. More than 15,500 (48%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention. Just over 15,500 (47%) of premises are in a BLUE area and are or will be served by commercial providers, while some 2,000 (5%) are LIGHT BLUE and fall to be served by eir's planned rural deployment.
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 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. Information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie. 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. Figures for Q1 2018 are now available.
Data for Q1 2018 recently submitted by eir to my Department indicates that the company has passed some 145,000 premises nationwide as part of its ongoing deployment. Eir has signalled that there would be likely knock-on effects to the 2018 milestone targets due to the severe weather impacts of both storms Ophelia and Emma. I have met with the senior management in eir and expressed to them the importance of implementing measures to catch up with milestone targets as a priority.
For those premises currently awaiting access to high speed broadband, 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. The Department of Rural and Community Development maintain a list of Broadband Officers, a link to which is available on my Department's website at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/latest-news/Pages/Broadband-Officers-Workshop.aspx.
173. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps he is taking to help county councils deal with incidents of illegal dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24039/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIllegal dumping is first and foremost a matter of individual responsibility and compliance with the law. While enforcement action in this area is a matter in the first instance for local authorities, the Department encourages a multi-facetted approach to tackling the problem, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education. Last 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 and the successful 200 projects nationwide is available on my Department’s website at:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/waste/enforcement/anti-dumping-initiative/Pages/default.aspx.
This year, I announced an increased allocation of €2 million to build on the momentum that has now been created and to provide for an increased focus on identifying and prosecuting those who choose to dump illegally.
In April, I announced the projects nationwide that have been approved for funding as part of the 2018 ADI programme with the full list available on my Department's website at:
https://www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/environment/topics/waste/enforcement/anti-dumping-initiative/Pages/default.aspx.
The scope of the projects include:
- clean-up operations - removing illegal waste from across the country;
- household bulky waste initiatives – mattress/couch amnesties;
- awareness campaigns – social media campaigns & radio;
- preventative measures – installation of signage and fencing;
- surveillance operations – CCTV, drone and trail surveillance;
- SMART enforcement equipment and resources for waste enforcement officers.
In addition to the 200 plus projects that will receive funding from my Department, this year's Anti-Dumping Initiative includes a national pilot project undertaken by Sligo County Council aimed at tackling and addressing the source of illegal dumping through an Eircodes investigation. Funding is also being made available to support the Connaught/Ulster Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authority in undertaking research on crime in the waste sector including an overview of the scale, cost and impact of waste crime in Ireland, and an assessment of illegal dumping identifying the socio-economic and other factors leading to such activities.
174. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures in the national broadband plan which will ensure social inclusion on the basis of pricing for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24064/18]
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, 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. 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 for those areas where commercial operators are unlikely to invest. The National Broadband Plan Intervention Strategy outlines various aspects of the proposed State led intervention. This document is available at https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Updated%20Strategy%20December%202015.pdf.
The Strategy recognises that access to quality high speed broadband enables people to access information, services and opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. To that end, the company appointed to build and operate the State led intervention network must deliver a wholesale high speed broadband network that is open on an equal access basis to retail service providers, with benchmarked and transparent pricing and conditions for access. It must also ensure that services are affordable, competitive and comparable to prices charged in areas outside the intervention area.
It is the intention that the wholesale prices charged by the company operating the network within the intervention area will be in line with the average published wholesale prices that prevail for comparable services in more competitive areas of the country or, in the absence of such published prices, prices already set or approved by the industry regulator, ComReg.
My Department is in a formal procurement process to select a company who will roll-out the new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now in its final stages.
175. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the upcoming renewable energy support scheme will prioritise wholly owned community projects above community led projects which may have up to 50% private ownership in the ringfenced community auction. [24092/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the upcoming renewable energy support scheme will ensure that communities are provided adequate opportunity to invest in community led projects which may have up to 50% private ownership. [24093/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra177. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which the upcoming renewable energy support scheme will ensure community led projects with greater levels of community ownership are prioritised over those with lower levels of community ownership. [24094/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra178. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if landowners with equity shares within a development will be considered as community investors or developers when evaluating the requirement for community led projects to have at least 50% community investors in the upcoming renewable energy support scheme. [24095/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra179. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if wholly owned community projects will be processed for a grid connection under the non-GPA process rather than being forced to compete with developer led projects in the ECP process. [24096/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 to 179, inclusive, together.
The 2015 Energy White Paper presents a long-term strategic vision that is intended to guide the direction of Irish energy policy from now until 2030. It identifies the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050.
To deliver on this ambition, my Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which is being designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030.
A cornerstone of the new scheme will be the provision of pathways for increased community ownership, participation in and benefit from renewable electricity projects. The new scheme will deliver capacity building supports for community-led projects, including financial, technical and legal assistance, along with community benefit obligations, for projects looking for support under RESS. This approach will deliver on the 2015 Energy White Paper commitment to ensure communities and citizens are at the centre of the future energy transition in Ireland.
Communities are effectively being designed into the fabric of the new scheme and a comprehensive assessment of polices and support measures to increase community ownership from renewable electricity projects has been undertaken. This study was carried out in parallel with the economic analysis to underpin the new RESS, and it examined which policies and support measures would work best in an Irish context, to deliver these ambitions. The assessment looked at international best practice, and a renewable energy – community workshop was held, where barriers and opportunities related to renewable electricity projects were identified for further analysis. The study also looked at how these policies and support measures could be best applied across a range of project archetypes, including developer-led, community-led and wholly owned community projects
Examples of support measures identified include a mandatory requirement for all projects supported under RESS to offer ownership or investment opportunities to the local population, facilitating grid access for community-led renewable projects, ring fencing dedicated capacity for community-led projects and putting in place structures which will support community groups overcome legal, financial and technical barriers to renewable electricity generation.
The Community Report as it is known, along with the Economic Appraisal to underpin the new RESS were both published by my Department last year for public consultation and are available on my Departments website at www.dccae.ie.
A final design proposal on RESS will shortly be brought to Government for approval, and subsequent to this a formal application for State Aid clearance with the European Commission will commence in line with 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines. The new scheme is expected to open in 2019. Over the coming months, my Department will work closely with all relevant stakeholder groups to ensure the delivery of the community commitments as far as possible as the scheme is developed.
Finally, the regulation of the electricity network, including the management of the grid connection process and related matters, is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), under the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999. The CRU is an independent statutory body, solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas, and I therefore have no function in the matter.
180. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he has taken in respect of each of the recommendations relevant to his Department made by the Law Reform Commission’s Report on Harmful Communications and Digital Safety. [24116/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recommendations contained in the Law Reform Commission's report on Harmful Communications and Digital Safety, which was published in 2016 can be divided into two parts. The first part concerns the reform of criminal law to provide for a range of new offences including "revenge porn", "upskirting" and "downblousing". My colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality is preparing legislation to address this aspect of the LRC report.
The second part of the report concerns the establishment of an Office of a Digital Safety Commissioner. As the Deputy is aware, the Government did not oppose the Private Members' Bill introduced by Deputy Ó Laoghaire in February of this year, which sought to establish such an Office. The Dáil referred that Bill to the Select Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment for further consideration.
Earlier this year, I hosted an Open Policy Debate on Online Safety which was organised in cooperation with six other Government Departments. In opening that event, the Taoiseach announced that it was Government's intention to publish an action plan on Online Safety. My Department, along with all other Departments involved in the organisation of the Open Policy Debate are actively involved in the preparation of that plan.
181. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his permission will be required for the proposed sale by Inland Fisheries Ireland of Ashleigh Lodge in south County Mayo; the reason for the proposed sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24134/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAasleagh Lodge and the Erriff Fishery came into State ownership in 1982. The lodge and fishery were initially managed and developed by the Central Fisheries Board and then by the Western Regional Fisheries Board (predecessors of Inland Fisheries Ireland – IFI). The Lodge was used to accommodate visiting anglers (both domestic and overseas) availing of the fishery and other local amenities. Accommodation was on a B&B or half-board basis. IFI succeeded the fishery boards in 2010 and as part of a strategic review of both operations and property it was considered that operating a guesthouse was not part of the organisation’s core business. A tender process was undertaken for the accommodation facility to be operated on a commercial licence basis.
Following the tender process, IFI entered into a licence arrangement with a private company from 2015. It was intended that the income derived would contribute to fisheries conservation, protection and development. The Lodge (and the Erriff fishery) remained in State ownership. IFI retook possession of the Lodge in 2016 due to non-compliance with the licence terms by the licensee.
The Board of IFI then considered a number of options in relation to the property and communicated its preferred choice to sell the property and retain the Erriff fishery in State ownership. An examination by my Department of the options presented concurred with the Boards view. I indicated my support for the proposed sale in June 2017.
I would emphasise that retention of the Fishery as a State asset is, in my view, essential in view of the following:
- the Fishery is the National Sea Trout Index Catchment on which significant National and International scientific research is based;
- retention facilitates the provision of angling for Salmon and Sea Trout to domestic and visiting anglers at economic rates; and
- the scientific, amenity and community value of the Fishery.
IFI intends, in line with its property rationalisation plans, to establish a new operational base and updated scientific facilities, for the strategically important Erriff Fishery and the immediate area, on adjacent lands which it owns and are also being retained.
182. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the assistance available to small scale developers to access the national grid for the production and sale of solar power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24141/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to exploring opportunities for micro generation further, as I believe micro generation not only offers customers protection from rising energy costs, but also because micro generation could enhance broader social engagement with renewable energy projects across Ireland and enable the transition to a low carbon economy. Furthermore, micro generation will be required given the scale of our climate and energy ambition as laid out in the National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040. While solar power is not supported by REFIT, my Department supports the deployment of Solar PV through the SEAI led Better Energy Communities and pilot Deep Retrofit schemes. Last year, my Department assessed micro generation, across a number of renewable electricity generating technologies (including solar PV), as part of the economic analysis to underpin the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The assessment identified technical and financial challenges which may need to be addressed before a broader support scheme for micro generation can be introduced. This is in line with international experience, including across the EU, where many member states who have introduced supports for micro generation have had to reform them or cancel them altogether.
The reality is that bringing micro generation on to a system designed for large generators is complicated. It impacts how we pay for the network, how we manage regulation and how we technically manage the system. My Department is continuing to work closely with the micro generation sector and the SEAI to better understand how to validate and further develop these policies in a fair and cost effective manner.
Solar PV and self-consumption among domestic customers will be supported under a pilot scheme to promote micro generation, due to be launched later this year. It is important that before a scheme like this is introduced, the likely demand for the scheme is understood and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are currently undertaking a study which will inform the final design of this pilot. It is equally important that safety, technical and training requirements are established in advance of this pilot scheme being rolled out.
The data gathered during the pilot scheme will inform potential future phases of support for micro generation in Ireland that may be appropriate, as we align with the ambition of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers. This pilot scheme will deliver on ambitions and commitments made in the Energy White Paper and the Programme for Government.
184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which his Department has identified and proposed action on the issue of climate change and the need to accelerate a programme to address the issues concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24163/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraClimate change presents a very significant challenge, the scale and complexity of which is not underestimated by this Government. The 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development sets out an ambitious long-term commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland by at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors; and in parallel, to pursue an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.
Under the Paris Agreement, the EU has committed, on behalf of its Member States, to a reduction of at least 30% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, to be achieved by reductions in the Emission Trading System (ETS) sector of 43% and in the non-ETS sector of 30%. The recently agreed EU Effort Sharing Regulation sets out binding annual greenhouse gas emission targets for each Member State for the period 2021 to 2030. Ireland’s target under this Regulation will be for a 30% reduction in 2005 levels of non-ETS emissions by 2030.
Closing the gap on Ireland's EU targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 and 2030 will be extremely challenging. The latest projections of greenhouse gas emissions, published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today, indicate that emissions from those sectors of the economy covered by Ireland's 2020 targets could be between 0% and 1% below 2005 levels by 2020, in the context of a target that emissions should be 20% below their 2005 levels. While this is very disappointing, it is not surprising given the recent pace of economic growth, and the consequent increases in emissions from the agriculture and transport sectors in particular.
The projected shortfall to our target is further exacerbated by both the constrained investment capacity over the past decade due to the economic crisis, and the extremely challenging nature of the target itself. In fact, it is now accepted that Ireland’s 2020 target was not consistent with what would be achievable on an EU wide cost-effective basis. With this in mind it is crucial that the focus of our efforts must now be to ensure that we, at the absolute very least, meet our 2030 target.
As a means to addressing Ireland’s emissions reduction challenge, I published Ireland’s first statutory National Mitigation Plan in July 2017. It has established the framework for the development and implementation of medium-to-long-term policy options so as to achieve progressive emissions reductions in each of its four key sectors with the most significant contribution to national emissions (Electricity Generation; the Built Environment; Transport; and Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use). The Plan is a living document that will be updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more cost-effective sectoral mitigation options.
I subsequently published Ireland’s first statutory National Adaptation Framework in January 2018. The Framework sets out the national strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the country to the negative effects of climate change and to avail of positive impacts. Under the Framework, seven Government Departments and Agencies, with responsibility for the twelve priority sectors identified in the Framework, will be required to prepare sectoral adaptation plans in line with the requirements of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 and the Framework itself.
Implementation of both the National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Framework is overseen by a High Level Climate Action Steering Group, which I chair and which reports, in turn, to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action.
Building on these strategies, the publication in February of the National Development Plan, reaffirms the Government’s commitment to transitioning Ireland to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society. It will lead to a significant step change in funding available for climate action over the next decade. This funding commitment provides a clear opportunity for significant up-scaling in our investments to deliver deep emissions reductions in the coming decade and to further develop and implement the National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Framework.
Reflecting the strong commitment of Government on this issue, almost €22 billion will be directed, between Exchequer and non-Exchequer resources, to addressing the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient society. In addition, the National Development Plan allocated a further €8.6 billion for investments in sustainable mobility. This means that well over €1 in €5 spent under the National Development Plan will be on climate mitigation, and this capital investment will enable us to deliver a significant reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.
Both the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan explicitly recognise that reliance solely on Exchequer expenditure schemes is neither affordable nor adequate to the scale of the challenge to be addressed, and climate mitigation action will require a targeted balance between Exchequer-supported expenditure, taxation measures, regulation and behavioural change. In certain cases, taxation policy may have a stronger role to play in changing individual or business behaviour and investment decisions, including harnessing non-Exchequer finance.
I will also shortly publish an update on climate mitigation policy to coincide with the Empowering Communities for Climate Action event on 20 June, which will reflect the significant policy developments since the National Mitigation Plan, in particular with the publication of the National Development Plan.
In terms of on-going climate mitigation policy development, the EU requires that we produce a draft National Energy and Climate Plan by end 2018, with the final plan to be developed by end 2019. This represents a further opportunity to build on the National Mitigation Plan and the National Development Plan to ensure Ireland moves to a pathway of long-term decarbonisation. Finally, I am required, under the 2015 Act, to bring forward a new National Mitigation Plan at least once every five years. The latest date by which this must happen is, therefore, July 2022.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he is in contact with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine with a view to identifying positive actions that can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agrifood sector without damaging the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24164/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has identified the most likely and realistic actions to be taken to reduce carbon emissions in line with EU targets and without negatively affecting the agrifood sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24165/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which he in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has identified substantial means of carbon sequestration with a view to ensuring compliance ith EU carbon reduction targets without negatively affecting the agrifood business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24166/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 to 187, inclusive, together.
The extent of the challenge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in line with our EU and international commitments, is well understood by the Government, as reflected in the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, published in April 2014, and now underpinned by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015.
I published Ireland's first statutory National Mitigation Plan in July 2017. The objective of the National Mitigation Plan is to set out, on a whole-of-Government basis, what Ireland is doing and is planning to do to further our transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by 2050. The Plan reflects, in particular, the central roles of the Ministers responsible for the four key sectors with the most significant contribution to national emissions (Electricity Generation; the Built Environment; Transport; and Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use), and draws on the perspectives of a range of other Departments.
Furthermore, each Minister is responsible for implementing the sectoral mitigation measures within their own sectors and for taking forward the actions to further develop those measures. Each Minister is also directly accountable and must report to the Oireachtas, under the 2015 Act, on progress in their respective sectors.
The most recent list of measures currently in place in the context of National Mitigation Plan is set out in the 2017 Annual Transition Statement, which I laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas on 8 December last. This Statement details the key measures in place in the respective sectors, the objective for each measure, estimated mitigation potential and funding information, where appropriate.
It is important to note that the National Mitigation Plan is a living document that will be updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more cost-effective sectoral mitigation options. This continuous review process reflects the broad and evolving nature of the sectoral challenges outlined in the Plan, coupled with the continued development and deployment of emerging low carbon and cost effective technologies across different sectors of the economy. This process will enable it to be amended, refined and strengthened over time and assist in keeping Ireland on target to meet our obligations.
Building on the National Mitigation Plan, the publication in February of the National Development Plan will lead to a significant step change in funding available for climate action over the next decade. Almost €22 billion will be directed, between Exchequer and non-Exchequer resources, to addressing the transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient society. In addition, the NDP allocates a further €8.6 billion for investments in sustainable mobility. This capital investment will enable us to deliver a significant reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.
I will shortly publish an update on climate mitigation policy to coincide with the Empowering Communities for Climate Action event on 20 June, which will reflect the significant policy developments since the National Mitigation Plan, in particular with the publication of the National Development Plan.
In terms of oversight and implementation, both the National Mitigation Plan and the National Adaptation Framework are overseen by a High Level Climate Action Steering Group, which I chair and which includes representation from relevant Government Departments and Agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. This Steering Group reports, in turn, to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action.
In relation to the potential of carbon sequestration to contribute to compliance with our greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, the recently-agreed EU Effort Sharing Regulation includes provision for net removals and emissions from deforested land, afforested land, managed cropland and managed grassland to be taken into account for a country’s compliance with its targets, under certain conditions. On the basis of current estimates, under this provision, Ireland is expected to be able to account for up to 22 million tonnes in net removals over the 2021-2030 period in partial compliance with our targets under the Effort Sharing Regulation.
188. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the steps that continue to be taken to ensure an improvement in mobile phone telephone coverage nationally with particular reference to the areas experiencing a low level of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24168/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which his Department directly or through the telecoms regulator has identified the areas throughout the country experiencing less than half the maximum signal in respect of their mobile telephone service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24169/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has issued an instruction or received communication from the telecoms regulator in regard to the extent and quality of mobile telephone service available nationally; the steps he will take to ensure a dramatic improvement in the areas enduring the poorest service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24170/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 188 to 190, inclusive, together.
I recognise the frustration felt by Irish consumers where telecommunications networks are not always delivering the services people expect. Accordingly, I specifically included in the Programme for Government a commitment to a Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. The Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce a report in December 2016, available on my Department’s website, which contained 40 actions to alleviate some of the deficits. The Implementation Group which I co-chair with Minister Kyne is overseeing implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. This includes ComReg, which attends as both an action owner, and in an observer capacity in its role as the independent Regulator.
Minister Kyne and I published the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Implementation Review 2017 on 21 February 2018, which comprehensively outlines the progress made in 2017 on the actions identified by the Taskforce. Of the 40 actions, 29 have been completed, with work on the remaining 11 carrying into the 2018 Work Programme. Following close engagement with stakeholders at the National Stakeholder Forum, an additional 23 new measures have been identified for delivery in 2018, that will lead to improvements for consumers across Ireland.
The fifth meeting of the Taskforce Implementation Group was held on 25 April 2018, and the Quarter 1 2018 Progress Report has since been published on my Department’s website. This report offers progress updates on all Q1 actions.
In terms of addressing mobile coverage blackspots, various initiatives are under way:
- My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development have worked to achieve a greater consensus around site selection for deployment of telecoms infrastructure and therefore improve mobile phone coverage.
- Both Departments also worked with a pilot group of local authorities to identify the issues associated with mapping local blackspots. This pilot exercise has been completed, with all local authorities having been asked to map local blackspots and identify infrastructure that could potentially be used to provide additional coverage on an economic basis. This exercise is ongoing under the 2018 Taskforce Work Programme. It is planned to have dedicated Geographic Information System (GIS) resources in place to support this.
- A review was conducted to identify recommendations to address blackspots. A focus group is continuing this work in 2018, to inform future policy development and initiatives. The work of this focus group will provide guidance on location categories where high quality mobile phone coverage should be made available as a priority, taking account of customer expectations.
- ComReg is also developing a composite national coverage map, which will, in tandem with its work on handset testing and awareness raising activities, allow people across Ireland to optimise the services available to them.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for 5G rollout, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage. Mobile operators’ commercial investment has also resulted in improved services, following ComReg's 2012 multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.
All of these initiatives should help enhance the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas.
Providing telecommunications services, including mobile phone services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to rollout services and make specific investments in particular locations. The ComReg consumer helpline is accessible at consumerline@comreg.ie and I would urge consumers who feel they have not received an appropriate response from service providers to make contact with the Regulator.
