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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 9 Oct 2018

Written Answers Nos. 419-436

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (419, 420)

John Brassil

Ceist:

419. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the measures in place to rectify the outage of fast charging points for electric vehicles; the number of these charging points out of service; the timeframe in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41200/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Brassil

Ceist:

420. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the issue with the fast charging point for EV vehicles in Killarney, County Kerry will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41249/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 420 together.

The majority of the existing network of publicly accessible charge points was rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme. This network includes circa 80 fast chargers, mainly on national routes. A map showing the charge points, including the status and availability of the charge points, is available on the ESB's website at www.esb.ie/ecars.

The maintenance and repair of these charge points is an operational matter for the ESB. In relation to the out-of-service charge point in Killarney, the ESB has informed my Department that the manufacturer is due to come to Ireland in the coming weeks to visit the charge point. At this point it is expected that the issue will be resolved.

The provision of charging infrastructure is a necessity for the uptake of electric vehicles. In this regard I welcome the publication last month by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities of their approval of ESB Networks' proposal on the future operation and maintenance of the charging network.  This development ensures the continued operation and maintenance of the public charging network by the ESB and provides the certainty electric vehicle users need when purchasing an electric vehicle.

I understand that the ESB has commenced work to resolve the maintenance issues with the public charging network. This includes upgrades and, in the case of those with the highest reliability issues, replacement of public chargers. I am informed that it has replaced 15 standard chargers, constituting 30 charge points as well upgrading seven older fast chargers with newer chargers that can accommodate all three charging types that are in active use in Ireland. The ESB advises me that the uptime of the fleet of fast chargers is in excess of 98% which is very high by international standards.

I would also highlight the role of the Climate Action Fund. The first Call for Applications, which I launched in July, includes provision for supporting electric vehicle charging networks along with a range of other project types. The deadline for applications has now passed and I can confirm that almost 100 applications have been received. An assessment process of these applications is currently underway.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (421)

Billy Kelleher

Ceist:

421. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date for the roll-out of high-speed broadband for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40642/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the LIGHT BLUE area on the High Speed Broadband Map, available on my Department's website, www.broadband.gov.ie. The LIGHT BLUE areas are where eir is in the process of deploying high speed broadband to 300,000 premises on a commercial basis.

Under a Commitment Agreement signed with me in April 2017, eir is in the process of passing 300,000 predominantly rural homes with high speed broadband. Approximately 175,000 of the committed premises have been passed as of Q2 2018.

More recent information received from eir on its overall fibre deployment indicates close to 200,000 premises have been passed throughout the country.

Further information on eir's planned rural deployment is available at http://fibrerollout.ie/eircode-lookup/.

Charities Regulation

Ceisteanna (422)

Thomas Byrne

Ceist:

422. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the rules and guidelines for registered charity clothing bins and non-registered clothing bins in public areas. [40736/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Clothes which have been donated for reuse fall outside the regulatory regime which controls the collection, sorting, storing or treatment of waste, regardless of whether the collection receptacle is owned by a charity or a non-charity.

I have no role or remit in terms of regulating charities. However, one way to check if a clothing collection receptacle is for a genuine charity is to check whether that charity is registered. The following link provides a list of registered charities in Ireland: www.charitiesregulator.ie/en/information-for-the-public/search-the-charities-register.

I understand that the placing of clothing receptacles in public areas may be subject to planning legislation, depending on the circumstances. However, you will be aware that, as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, I have no role or remit in relation to planning policy or planning legislation.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (423)

Shane Cassells

Ceist:

423. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the geothermal energy development Bill; when it is likely to be advanced further; the reasons for the delay in advancing this Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40759/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An initial draft scheme of the Geothermal Energy Development Bill was developed in 2010 with the aim of providing a legislative framework for the vesting, licensing and regulation of the development of geothermal energy. Work on developing the draft Bill has been postponed since then until other legislative priorities have been dealt with, including the drafting, publication and enactment of the Minerals Development Act 2017.  The focus of my Department’s work in this area is now on developing the necessary regulation to enable the commencement of the 2017 Act and on the transposition of the Environmental Impact Directive into Minerals Development legislation. 

Once these priorities have been achieved, the proposed geothermal regulatory framework will be reviewed to ensure its compatibility with the Minerals Development legislation and underlying energy policy in the context of the 2015 Energy White Paper.

At the same time, my Department has been involved in a number of other developments in the area of deep geothermal energy. The economic assessment that underpinned the development of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat examined a range of potential heating technologies, including deep geothermal.  The results of this assessment are published on my Department’s website.

My Department is also actively engaged in projects evaluating deep geothermal potential in Ireland through the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), and is part funding an EU initiative called GeoThermica in this area. GSI also recently hosted a workshop on developments and recent research in the area of deep geothermal which attracted over 50 attendees including participants from overseas.

In addition the GSI and Enterprise Ireland business cluster, Geoscience Ireland, is a partner with agencies from France, Germany, Hungary, Spain and Turkey in an EU project on the supply of geothermal expertise to international markets.  This project is being done under the EU COSME programme which is designed to enhance the competiveness of European Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. 

 

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (424)

James Lawless

Ceist:

424. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress expected in 2018 in the upgrade of the broadband telecommunications infrastructure for homes along the R157 from Maynooth, County Kildare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40890/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Premises along the R157 fall into the AMBER and BLUE categories on the High Speed Broadband Map, available at www.broadband.gov.ie. The specific premises referenced by eircode in the Deputy's question falls into the AMBER area on this Map. The BLUE areas represent those premises where commercial operators are already delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband.

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. My Department received the Final Tender submission from the bidding consortium on 18 September 2018. This is a significant milestone as the NBP procurement process enters its final stage. 

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 www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.

North-South Interconnector

Ceisteanna (425)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

425. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 511 of 2 October 2018, when Eirgrid was given sight of the final reports relating to the North-South interconnector; the reason this information was not disclosed previously; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40967/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Eirgrid is a commercial State company which holds the licence, from the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, as transmission system operator (TSO) in Ireland, in accordance with EU and Irish law. CRU issued the licence to Eirgrid under S.14(1)(e) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 on 20th June 2001. In this role as transmission system operator, EirGrid, as the national authority, is responsible for the operation, development and maintenance of Ireland’s electricity transmission system. Eirgrid’s role is to deliver connection, transmission, and market services to generators, suppliers and customers utilising the high voltage electricity system and to put in place the grid infrastructure to support the development of Ireland’s Economy. The International Expert Commission which conducted the technical study, that was published last week on the department’s website, met with a number of bodies, including the CRU and EirGrid, during the course of their work. In their capacities as the national regulator and the transmission system operator, the final reports relating to the North South Interconnector were provided to both bodies in May of this year after the reports were finalised in March and April, and in advance of the request to both organisations for reports on the implications for the electricity market in Ireland in the event of a hard "Brexit", including for the SEM, for timelines for the delivery of programmes such as DS3 and the NSIC and for continued secure cross-border electricity trading across interconnectors. It was only after this additional Brexit analysis was completed in September that I brought the two independent reports to Government prior to their publication last week.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (426)

Aindrias Moynihan

Ceist:

426. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when high-speed fibre broadband will be rolled out in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41036/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.  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 procurement process to appoint a bidder for the National Broadband Plan State intervention network is now at the final stage. Evaluation of the final tender submission is ongoing and will be allowed the time required.  On conclusion of the evaluation, my Department will make a recommendation to me on whether to appoint the bidder as preferred bidder and I will bring the matter to Government for decision.  

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 www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/communications/topics/Broadband/national-broadband-plan/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (427)

John Curran

Ceist:

427. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has examined a recommendation (details supplied); his views on the recommendations; the steps he has taken to establish a climate change independent body; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41080/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The report of the Citizens’ Assembly was submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas in April of this year, and the Houses subsequently established the Joint Committee on Climate Action to further consider the recommendations and report by the end of January 2019.

In the context of the consideration of each of the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly it is now a matter for the Joint Committee to consider whether and how each recommendation might be taken up by Government.  In this context, the Committee is engaging with all relevant Government Departments on their respective policies in place and their position in response to the Citizens’ Assembly recommendations.

As I have previously indicated, I was pleased to note that many of the recommendations adopted by the Citizens' Assembly are already being addressed through the implementation of National Development Plan, the National Mitigation Plan and the Energy White Paper.

Addressing climate change and our targets to 2030 and beyond is one of the key policy priorities for this Government. Reflecting this priority, Ireland has established a very ambitious long-term decarbonisation objective through the National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development for 2050, and has already put in place robust governance arrangements to secure a strong co-ordinated approach to delivery of our ambition on climate action across all relevant Government Departments and Agencies.

The National Mitigation Plan published in July 2017 is a whole-of-Government Plan, reflecting, 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.

I subsequently published Ireland’s first statutory National Adaptation Framework in January 2018. Under the Framework, seven Government Departments and Agencies, with responsibility for the twelve priority sectors identified in the Framework, are required to submit sectoral adaptation plans to Government for approval by 30 September 2019.

Recognising the significant obligation which has been placed on the Local Authority sector to develop and implement its own climate action measures, I provided funding to establish and develop four Local Authority Climate Action Regional Offices. These offices will ensure links between sectors and provide expertise and capacity at local and regional level to contribute effectively to the national transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy.

Engagement between the wider public and central and local Government will be underpinned by a structured process of dialogue and engagement under the National Dialogue on Climate Action, with the first, very successful, regional dialogue event taking place last June in Athlone.

The Climate Action High Level Steering Group, which I chair and which includes representation from all relevant Government Departments and Agencies, meets at least quarterly to drive progress by sectors and agencies on the implementation of both the National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Framework. This group, in turn, reports to the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure, Environment and Climate Action, chaired by An Taoiseach.

Technical capacity for climate action policy development and implementation is provided through the Technical Research and Modelling Group (TRAM), which was established by Government Decision in 2015 and is chaired by my Department. TRAM is a high level cross-departmental technical group, with representation from relevant Government Departments and Agencies, supported by a number of academic institutions. TRAM reports to the Climate Action High Level Steering Group.

The Climate Change Advisory Council, an independent body established under Section 8 of the 2015 Act, is mandated to provide advice and recommendations to me, to relevant sectoral Ministers and to the Government in relation to the development and implementation of the National Mitigation Plan and National Adaptation Framework. The Council is also tasked with advising on matters relating to the achievement of Ireland’s objective to transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and sustainable economy by 2050. Reports of the Advisory Council are available on its website at www.climatecouncil.ie  

In accordance with the framework provided by the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, the Government must prepare and submit to the Oireachtas an Annual Transition Statement. In support of this written Statement I, as well as other relevant Ministers, provide an oral report to each House. This process ensures that responsible Ministers are directly accountable to the Oireachtas to ensure real progress is made in reducing emissions in their respective sectors. I expect to be in a position to lay the 2018 Annual Transition Statement before the Houses in the coming weeks.

My Department is also working closely with other relevant Departments and Agencies on the preparation of the National Energy and Climate Plan through the structures described above. Preparation of this Plan has been in turn informed by work undertaken to prepare the Energy White Paper, the National Mitigation Plan, the National Adaptation Framework, and the National Development Plan.

In conclusion, I am satisfied that robust institutional and oversight arrangements, accompanied by significant resources, have already been put in place in recent years and are designed to ensure that delivery of Ireland’s climate policy and integration of climate action is at the core of Government policy making.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (428)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

428. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of broadband to a village (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41154/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In April 2017 I published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the National Broadband Plan.

There are 289 premises in the townland of Monkstown, Co. Cork. Approximately 116 (40%) fall within the AMBER area and will be served under the State led Intervention. 173 (60%) of premises are in a BLUE area and are or will be served by commercial providers.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the National Broadband Plan State intervention is now at the final stage. Evaluation of the final tender submission is ongoing and will be allowed the time required.  On conclusion of the evaluation, my Department will make a recommendation to me on whether to appoint the bidder as preferred bidder and I will bring the matter to Government for decision.  

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/Pages/NBP-Information-Leaflets.aspx.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (429)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

429. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or officials in his Department met or corresponded with a company and or persons (details supplied) in the context of an aspect of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41189/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Neither I nor officials from my Department have met or corresponded directly with the individuals named by the Deputy. I understand that officials from my Department have corresponded and met with the Head of Operations of a company which I am informed is owned by the individuals named by the Deputy.

I am informed that the meeting, which took place on 4 July 2017, was in the context of that company selling retail services on eir’s 300k rural fibre network, the deployment of which is subject to a Commitment Agreement I signed with eir.

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (430, 436)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

430. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the context to his meeting in New York with a person (details supplied); the number of officials that attended the meeting with him; the reason the meeting was convened; the venue of the meeting; the persons that arranged the meeting; if minutes were taken of the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41198/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

436. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a member of the NBP tender evaluation team in his Department accompanied him to a meeting with a person (details supplied) in New York in July 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41247/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 436 together.  

While visiting New York from 16 to 18 July 2018, to address the United Nations on Ireland’s progress towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the Irish delegation, including myself, was invited to attend a dinner hosted by the McCourt family.

I attended this dinner accompanied by my Private Secretary, by an Official from the Sustainable Development Division of my Department (Principal Officer) and my two Special Advisers. No official from the National Broadband Plan Division was in attendance as this was not an arranged meeting to discuss the National Broadband Plan.

The minutes of this meeting have been released by my Department under Freedom of Information and are available here: www.dccae.gov.ie/en-ie/about-us/compliance/freedom-of-information-(foi)/published-foi-requests/Pages/Disclosure-Log-2018.aspx.

National Broadband Plan Administration

Ceisteanna (431)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

431. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if all expressions of interest in relation to the national broadband plan that did not submit a final bid in the tender process will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41199/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I understand that 87 expressions of interest were received on the etenders portal from entities interested in the competition. The closing date for expressions of interest was 31 March 2016.  In keeping with normal procurement practice it is not intended to publish details of those expressions of interest. Once a supplier expressed an interest, it could then access further documentation in relation to the procurement process. The fact that expressions of interest were made by entities interested in the project does not necessarily indicate that there was an intention to bid.  For example, expressions of interest were received from a number of law firms, along with research and marketing agencies.

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (432)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

432. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide a copy of his ministerial diary for the June, July, August and to month end September 2018 and a schedule of all meetings he has had during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41201/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

A copy of my diary for the period 1 June to 30 September is set out in the following table.

Date

CLINIC

01/06/2018

CONNECT THE DOTS WORKSHOP

01/06/2018

OFFICIAL OPENING OF ASH PARK RECREATIONAL PARK

01/06/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

04/06/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

04/06/2018

PRE-CABINET

05/06/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

05/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

05/06/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

05/06/2018

Physio

05/06/2018

DINNER WITH MICHAEL BLOOMBERG

05/06/2018

ONLINE SAFETY ACTION PLAN BRIEF

06/06/2018

BRIEF IN ADVANCE OF ENERGY COUNCIL

06/06/2018

Physio

06/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

06/06/2018

MEETING ON GREENWAYS

06/06/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

06/06/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

06/06/2018

CONSTITUENCY

06/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

07/06/2018

VOTING TIME

07/06/2018

CLOONAKILLA NS OPENING

07/06/2018

CABINET COMMITTEE B

07/06/2018

CLINIC

07/06/2018

ANNE CRAUGHWELL

07/06/2018

CLINIC

08/06/2018

CPR TRAINING

09/06/2018

WEEK IN POLITICS

10/06/2018

FLIGHT LUXAIR - LG4884

10/06/2018

ENERGY COUNCIL

11/06/2018

EPP ENERGY MINISTERS MEETING

11/06/2018

FLIGHT LUXAIR - LG4883

11/06/2018

Physio

11/06/2018

PRE-CABINET

12/06/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

12/06/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

12/06/2018

DIARY

12/06/2018

RESS UPDATE

12/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

12/06/2018

PAUL LYNAM & ENERGY UK

12/06/2018

BRIEF RE: NORTH SOUTH INTERCONNECTOR

12/06/2018

MICROSOFT

12/06/2018

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OPENHYDRO TIDAL TURBINE ASSEMBLY FACILITY

13/06/2018

Min MB

13/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

13/06/2018

FLIGHT DUBLIN - CHARLES DE GAULLE AIRPORT

13/06/2018

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OPENHYDRO TIDAL TURBINE ASSEMBLY FACILITY

14/06/2018

BILATERAL WITH CEO LAURENT SCHNEIDER MAUMOURY

14/06/2018

FLIGHT CHARLES DE GAULLE - DUBLIN

14/06/2018

CLINIC

15/06/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

18/06/2018

GUM LITTER TASKFORCE LAUNCH

18/06/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

18/06/2018

PHOTO CALL IN ADVANCE OF PROJECT IRELAND 2040

19/06/2018

PRE-CABINET

19/06/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

19/06/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

19/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

19/06/2018

ENERGY IRELAND 2018

19/06/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

19/06/2018

DIARY

19/06/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

19/06/2018

PROJECT IRELAND 2040 EVENT

20/06/2018

Physio

20/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

20/06/2018

BRIEFING IN ADVANCE OF NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON CLIMATE ACTION

20/06/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

20/06/2018

CONSTITUENCY

20/06/2018

ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL BRIEF

20/06/2018

MEETING WITH CPL FUELS

21/06/2018

NBP STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

21/06/2018

JEAN CLAUDE JUNCKER IN CHAMBER

21/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

21/06/2018

VOTING TIME

21/06/2018

DERMOT DIVILLY

21/06/2018

CABINET COMMITTEE C

21/06/2018

OFFICIAL OPENING OF STONEHAMS LAKE ANGLING PLATFORM

21/06/2018

CLINIC

21/06/2018

CLINIC

22/06/2018

LAUNCH OF REGIONAL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN - ANTI DUMPING INITIATIVE

22/06/2018

SCHOOL TOUR

22/06/2018

PILOT REGIONAL GATHERINGS UNDER THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE ON CLIMATE ACTION

23/06/2018

ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL

25/06/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

25/06/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

25/06/2018

PRE-CABINET

26/06/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

26/06/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

26/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

26/06/2018

TV LICENCE MEMO BRIEF

26/06/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

26/06/2018

TAOISEACH'S PQS

26/06/2018

BRIEF IN ADVANCE OF SPONSOR MEETING

26/06/2018

ENET/SSE SPONSOR MEETING

26/06/2018

Noel Grealish

26/06/2018

PMB

26/06/2018

LIVE IRELAND AM

27/06/2018

VIRGIN MEDIA PROJECT LIGHTNING EVENT

27/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

27/06/2018

Physio

27/06/2018

TOUR GROUP

27/06/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

27/06/2018

NATIONAL ECONOMIC DIALOGUE

27/06/2018

CONSTITUENCY

27/06/2018

TOUR GROUP - FCA

27/06/2018

NDRC 'A DECADE OF INVESTING' DINNER

27/06/2018

DIARY

28/06/2018

Physio

28/06/2018

RESS MEMO BRIEF

28/06/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

28/06/2018

VOTING TIME

28/06/2018

SEA FEST

28/06/2018

CLINIC

28/06/2018

CLINIC

29/06/2018

MEETING RE: ROSALIE UNIT AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

29/06/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

02/07/2018

LUNCH WITH RICHARD PINTO

02/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

02/07/2018

PRE-CABINET

03/07/2018

ENERGY EFFICIENCY BRIEF

03/07/2018

INCORPOREAL GOV MEETING

03/07/2018

DIARY

03/07/2018

COMMENCEMENT MATTER

03/07/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

03/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

03/07/2018

IEN DIRECTORS & ENVIRONMENTAL PILLAR

03/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

03/07/2018

MOTION RE. ESTABLISHMENT OF A SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE ACTION;

03/07/2018

TID

03/07/2018

MEETING RE MAYO RENEWABLE POWER PLANT

03/07/2018

MOBILE PHONE AND BROADBAND TASKFORCE IMPLEMENTATION MEETING Q2

04/07/2018

Physio

04/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

04/07/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

04/07/2018

CLIMATE ACTION HIGH LEVEL STEERING GROUP

04/07/2018

CONSTITUENCY

04/07/2018

Physio

04/07/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

05/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

05/07/2018

VOTING TIME

05/07/2018

ROSALIE UNIT

05/07/2018

BRIEF IN ADVANCE OF HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM

05/07/2018

OFFICIAL OPENING OF LONDIS, CIRCLE K & SUPERMACS

05/07/2018

CLINIC

05/07/2018

ELPHIN GAA 3 YEAR PLAN LAUNCH

05/07/2018

DIGITAL SKILLS FOR SME'S

06/07/2018

CLINIC

06/07/2018

ST HILDA'S SERVICES ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION

06/07/2018

NATIONAL DAY OF COMMEMORATION CEREMONY

08/07/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

09/07/2018

Job Announcement Event - Heather Humphreys

09/07/2018

WORKING LUNCH ON TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONSHIP

09/07/2018

PRE-BRIEF

09/07/2018

NBP BRIEF

09/07/2018

CABINET COMMITTEE A

09/07/2018

PUBLIC MEETING RE: ROSALIE CARE HOME

09/07/2018

PRE-CABINET

10/07/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

10/07/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

10/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

10/07/2018

IRISH HEART FOUNDATION

10/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

10/07/2018

IMMIGRANT COUNCIL OF IRELAND

10/07/2018

NOEL GREALISH

10/07/2018

MEMBERS RESTAURANT

10/07/2018

ACTION PLAN FOR ONLINE SAFETY LAUNCH

11/07/2018

COMMENCEMENT MATTER

11/07/2018

Physio

11/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

11/07/2018

DIARY

11/07/2018

LUNCH

11/07/2018

ARTS COUNCIL PHOTO CALL

11/07/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

11/07/2018

CONSTITUENCY

11/07/2018

Min MB

11/07/2018

CONSTITUENCY

11/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

11/07/2018

Physio

11/07/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

12/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

12/07/2018

VOTING TIME

12/07/2018

LUNCH

12/07/2018

BRIEF WITH SEAI RE: SOLAR MICRO-GEN SCHEME

12/07/2018

BRENDAN TUOHY

12/07/2018

DEPARTMENT BBQ

12/07/2018

CLINIC

12/07/2018

CLINIC

13/07/2018

UN HLPF

15/07/2018

FLIGHT DUBLIN - JFK

15/07/2018

Opening of the Ministerial Segment of the HLPF 2018

16/07/2018

Bilateral with Laos, Indonesian Lounge.

16/07/2018

First set of VNRs Ecuador, Lithuania, and Mali

16/07/2018

Meeting with Monique Barbut and announcement of Ireland’s contribution to Great Green Wall Project.

16/07/2018

Meeting with IE stakeholders (primarily NGOs) attending the HLPF

16/07/2018

Meeting with David McCourt

16/07/2018

bilateral with President of International Fund for Agriculture and Development (SECCO campaign-related).

17/07/2018

Ireland’s VNR, Ireland is one of 9 countries scheduled to deliver a VNR VITAL

17/07/2018

SDG Business Forum High-level Lunch - HEAD OF DELEGATION ONLY.

17/07/2018

Cabo Verde, Czech Republic, Greece and Kiribati.

17/07/2018

‘Ireland’s Innovative Use of Data to Monitor the SDGs’ –Minister Naughten to give opening remarks. VITAL

18/07/2018

Meeting with Secretary-General’s Special Representative for International Migration (SRSG), Ms Louise Arbour

18/07/2018

Bilateral meeting with Bhutan

18/07/2018

Bilateral Kiribati

18/07/2018

Bilateral with United Arab Emirates

18/07/2018

Bilateral with Turkmenistan

18/07/2018

Bilateral with Minister from Singapore

18/07/2018

Bilateral with Minister from Greece

18/07/2018

Bilateral with Minister from Egypt.

18/07/2018

Meeting with the President of the International Fund for Agriculture and Development

18/07/2018

Meeting with the High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States

18/07/2018

Meeting with the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

18/07/2018

General debate

18/07/2018

Keynote speech to HLPF by UN Secretary General, Mr António Guterres.

18/07/2018

Adoption of the Ministerial Declaration and the draft report of HLPF 2018, and Conclusion of HLPF 2018

18/07/2018

MEETING WITH FACEBOOK RE DISPATCHES PROGRAMME

19/07/2018

FLIGHT NEW YORK - DUBLIN

19/07/2018

CLINIC

20/07/2018

RETIREMENT FUNCTION

20/07/2018

LAUNCH OF ENERGY IN AGRICULTURE

21/07/2018

LAUNCH OF LANESBORO PUBLIC WIFI

21/07/2018

AUGHRIM REMEMBERED EVENT

21/07/2018

2ND ANNUAL INTERCULTURAL EVENT

22/07/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

23/07/2018

MEETING RE: BUDGET 2019 PROPOSED TAXATION MEASURES

23/07/2018

Date

FB UPDATE

23/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

23/07/2018

BRIEF WITH MM

23/07/2018

MINISTERIAL ROSTER

24/07/2018

PRE-CABINET

24/07/2018

DIARY

24/07/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

24/07/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

24/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

24/07/2018

ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT

24/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

24/07/2018

Physio

24/07/2018

KARL BOYLE

25/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

25/07/2018

LUNCH

25/07/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

25/07/2018

CONSTITUENCY

25/07/2018

ESTIMATES 2019 DISCUSSION

26/07/2018

NATIONAL LEARNING NETWORK CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION

26/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

26/07/2018

VOTING TIME

26/07/2018

LUNCH

26/07/2018

CLINIC

26/07/2018

CLINIC

27/07/2018

UPDATE ON NBP

27/07/2018

OFFICIAL OPENING OF SOMERS PARK

29/07/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

30/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

30/07/2018

PRE-CABINET

31/07/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

31/07/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

31/07/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

31/07/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

31/07/2018

JAPAN COMMUNICATIONS INC.

31/07/2018

MINISTERIAL ROSTER

01/08/2018

DIARY

01/08/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

01/08/2018

LUNCH

01/08/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

01/08/2018

CONSTITUENCY

01/08/2018

LUNCH

02/08/2018

CLINIC

02/08/2018

CLINIC

03/08/2018

Bank Holiday

06/08/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

06/08/2018

GREAT GREEN WALL LAUNCH EVENT

08/08/2018

HEATHER HUMPHREYS ANNOUNCEMENT

09/08/2018

CLINIC

09/08/2018

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF A BROADWAY CABARET ENCORE

09/08/2018

CLINIC

10/08/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

13/08/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

13/08/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

14/08/2018

CLINIC

16/08/2018

CLINIC

17/08/2018

LAUNCH OF VOLUME 1 OF THE HISTORY OF BALLINLOUGH

18/08/2018

NBP BRIEF

20/08/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

20/08/2018

ENERGY IN AGRICULTURE

21/08/2018

INTERVIEW WITH KEVIN O'SULLIVAN

21/08/2018

CLINIC

23/08/2018

CLINIC

24/08/2018

VITA HOUSE 25TH ANNIVERSARY

24/08/2018

Joint Venture-China.

25/08/2018

TRANSPORT TO DUBLIN CASTLE

25/08/2018

ADDRESS BY POPE FRANCIS

25/08/2018

POPE FRANCIS VISIT

26/08/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

27/08/2018

ROSALIE UNIT MEETING

29/08/2018

NBP UPDATE

30/08/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

30/08/2018

DIARY

30/08/2018

Minerals Exploration Drilling / Screening for EIA

30/08/2018

NSIC MEMO BRIEF

30/08/2018

AG LEGAL ADVICE UPDATE

30/08/2018

Physio

30/08/2018

INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE

30/08/2018

CLINIC

30/08/2018

EAAE SEMINAR DINNER

30/08/2018

CLINIC

31/08/2018

Minister unavailable

31/08/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

03/09/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

03/09/2018

State dinner

03/09/2018

PRE-CABINET

04/09/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

04/09/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

04/09/2018

DAVID MCREDMOND

04/09/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

04/09/2018

JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING RE: AN POST

04/09/2018

MEETING WITH MINISTER ROSS AND ATHLONE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT

04/09/2018

BATTERY DIRECTIVE PHOTO CALL

04/09/2018

DIARY

05/09/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

05/09/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

05/09/2018

CONSTITUENCY

05/09/2018

Physio

05/09/2018

BORD NA MONA CEO & CHAIR

06/09/2018

DIARY

06/09/2018

NBP PROMOTIONAL VIDEO

06/09/2018

LAUNCH OF ROSCOMMON VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2018

06/09/2018

CLINIC

06/09/2018

CLINIC

07/09/2018

WILLIAMSTOWN HERITAGE WEEKEND

09/09/2018

SAN FRANCISCO

10/09/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

10/09/2018

FLIGHT EI 147 DUBLIN - SAN FRANCISCO

10/09/2018

World Affairs Council event on “Women's Role in Climate Justice” with Mary Robinson

10/09/2018

IDA Briefing over breakfast

11/09/2018

Meeting with Smart Wires, Inc.

11/09/2018

Meeting with Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI)

11/09/2018

Meeting with Google

11/09/2018

Meeting with Facebook, Inc.

11/09/2018

OECD Event: Empowering Cities and Regions for Low Carbon and Inclusive Growth

12/09/2018

Meeting with Paul Wheelhouse, Scottish Energy Minister

12/09/2018

High-Level Talanoa on “A Rapid Transition to a Net-Zero Emissions Society”

12/09/2018

Powering Past Coal Alliance

12/09/2018

Bilateral with Mr. John Roome, World Bank

12/09/2018

GCAS Opening Reception

12/09/2018

Opening Plenary & Opening of the Call to Action

13/09/2018

High-Level Lunch

13/09/2018

Minster to deliver key note address at the high level panel on: “The Investor Agenda: Accelerating Action for a Low-Carbon World”

13/09/2018

US Climate Alliance Event: “Raising Global Ambition through National and Local Cooperation - A Dialogue with the U.S. Climate Alliance Governors, Ministers and World Leaders”

13/09/2018

Salesforce Meeting

13/09/2018

VIP reception at the Global Climate Action Summit for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) leaders

13/09/2018

VIP Reception & Dinner

13/09/2018

FLIGHT EI 146 SAN FRANCISCO - DUBLIN

14/09/2018

OFFICIAL OPENING OF SARSFIELD GAA GROUNDS

16/09/2018

Frenchpark Fun Run

16/09/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

17/09/2018

ORAL PQ BRIEFING

17/09/2018

NBP UPDATE

17/09/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

17/09/2018

CLIMATE ACTION MEMO BRIEF

17/09/2018

BILATERAL WITH TAOISEACH

17/09/2018

MEETING WITH TAOISEACH RE: NBP

17/09/2018

PRE-CABINET

18/09/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

18/09/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

18/09/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

18/09/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

18/09/2018

ORAL PQS

18/09/2018

BRIAN KING

18/09/2018

PMB - SINN FEIN RE: FUTURE OF THE POST OFFICE NETWORK

18/09/2018

DATA SUMMIT OPENING ADDRESS

19/09/2018

DUBLIN REGIONAL ENTERPRISE AWARDS 2018

19/09/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

19/09/2018

DIARY

19/09/2018

BRIEF GOV SENATORS

19/09/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

19/09/2018

COMMENCEMENT MATTER

19/09/2018

AUDIOLOGY MEETING WITH MINISTER HARRIS

19/09/2018

FIANNA FÁIL PMB - POST OFFICES

19/09/2018

Physio

19/09/2018

10th CITIZENS' ENERGY FORUM

20/09/2018

COMMISSIONER CANETE BILATERAL

20/09/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

20/09/2018

VOTING TIME

20/09/2018

CLINIC

20/09/2018

CLINIC

21/09/2018

REUSE MONTH LAUNCH

21/09/2018

BALLINASLOE CLINIC

24/09/2018

CHINESE AMBASSADOR

24/09/2018

AVANTCARD SITE VISIT

24/09/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

24/09/2018

INCORPOREAL GOVERNMENT MEETING

25/09/2018

PRE-CABINET

25/09/2018

BRIEF IN ADVANCE OF BUDGET

25/09/2018

NWCI PRE-BUDGET BRIEFING DAY

25/09/2018

DIARY

25/09/2018

WEEKLY DEBRIEF AFTER CABINET

25/09/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

25/09/2018

SECRETARY GENERAL

25/09/2018

PMB - NO CONFIDENCE MOTION

25/09/2018

PHOTO CALL WITH AN POST ELECTRIC VEHICLES

26/09/2018

LYME DISEASE RALLY

26/09/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

26/09/2018

A FAIR BUDGET 2019 - A CONVERSATION WITH OLDER PEOPLE

26/09/2018

IFA OIREACHTAS BRIEFING

26/09/2018

CONSTITUENCY BRIEF

26/09/2018

CCPC MEETING

26/09/2018

Physio

26/09/2018

BRIEF IN ADVANCE OF BUDGET

27/09/2018

GOVERNMENT MEETING

27/09/2018

LEADERS QUESTIONS

27/09/2018

VOTING TIME

27/09/2018

IRISH RURAL LINK RURAL SERVICES INFORMATION DAY

27/09/2018

Staff Retirement

27/09/2018

CLINIC

27/09/2018

CLINIC

28/09/2018

CLIMATE CHANGE ADVISORY COUNCIL

28/09/2018

BILATERAL WITH MINISTER DONOHOE

28/09/2018

YPO TOUR

28/09/2018

DIGITAL ASSIST PHOTOCALL

28/09/2018

SEAI PUBLIC LIGHTING VIDEO

28/09/2018

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF SOUTH ROSCOMMON SINGERS FESTIVAL 2018

28/09/2018

OFFICIAL OPENING OF BALLINASLOE FAIR AND FESTIVAL 2018

30/09/2018

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (433)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

433. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the meetings he held with representatives of the remaining consortium for the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41220/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In my capacity as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment I regularly meet with a range of representatives from the telecommunications and other sectors. Details of my diary have been placed on the record of the House in response to Question No [41201/18] on today's Order Paper.

Mining Industry

Ceisteanna (434)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

434. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the assistance provided to date or planned to assist those affected by the recent subsidence in Magheracloone, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41244/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following the subsidence reported on September 24th in Magheracloone, County Monaghan, my officials have been liaising with the company and other relevant statutory authorities (Monaghan County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency) on an ongoing and regular basis and have continued to monitor the situation closely.

I understand that the family liaison office of Gyproc, the mine operator, has been in regular contact with the five affected families to provide support.  The priority is returning these families to their homes as quickly as possible, subject to the results of expert reports, and one of these families has already returned to their house on the 28th of September.  In the meantime, the company is continuing to provide the remaining affected families with alternative accommodation, transport and other needs to minimise disruption.

The company is also in contact with all local businesses in the affected area that are inconvenienced by the road closures while investigations into the incident are taking place.  They are continuing to work with Monaghan County Council to ensure the area in question is safe for road users in order to allow normal service to resume for businesses in these areas.

I understand that Gyproc are also fully committed to assisting Magheracloone GAA Club and Community Centre.  They remain in constant contact with the club and are committed to supporting them in securing new long-term facilities, as well as in sourcing short term facilities in the interim.

My officials will continue to provide assistance to Monaghan County Council, and the Environmental Protection Agency, until the matter has been fully resolved.

Mining Industry

Ceisteanna (435)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

435. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the assistance provided to date to statutory agencies in dealing with the issues arising from the subsidence in Magheracloone, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41245/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following the subsidence reported on September 24th in Magheracloone, senior geologists from my Department’s Exploration and Mining Division (EMD) and I visited the site on Tuesday 25th September. Since then, EMD officials have been liaising with the company and other relevant Statutory Authorities (Monaghan County Council and the Environmental Protection Agency) on an ongoing and regular basis and have continued to monitor the situation closely.

The Geological Survey of Ireland also responded to a request for information from Monaghan County Council and met with officials in Carrickmacross on Tuesday 25th September. Specifically GSI host historic maps and reports in the National Mine Records Database, and were able to offer advice and survey and drilling services if required. In addition, expertise and advice on Mine Engineering was provided via the Geoscience Ireland business cluster. 

I confirm that my officials will continue to provide all necessary assistance to Monaghan County Council, and the Environmental Protection Agency, until the matter has been fully resolved.

Question No. 436 answered with Question No. 430.
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