I propose to take Questions Nos. 314 to 319, inclusive, together.
The €256 million in capital funding allocated to my Department in Budget 2019 represents a 22% or €47 million increase over 2018, and is divided across the six programme areas as follows:
Programme Area
|
€m
|
Communications
|
74.4
|
Broadcasting
|
2.0
|
Energy
|
131.6
|
Natural Resources
|
13.3
|
Inland Fisheries
|
3.1
|
Environment and Waste Management
|
31.6
|
Detailed programme allocations are being finalised and will be published in the Revised Estimates Volume in December next.
In 2019, my Department will continue to progress projects in areas of strategic national importance, encompassing climate action, energy efficiency, communications, broadcasting, environment, waste management, natural resources and inland fisheries. Key investment measures within these sectors are outlined as follows.
In the Communications area, funding has been provided for the National Broadband Plan and continued support for digital adoption among businesses and citizens.
Focus will be maintained on advancing the critical climate action agenda, in line with the whole-of-Government National Mitigation Plan. Investment in energy efficiency upgrades in the residential, commercial and public sectors will deliver significant energy savings and reductions in emissions. Development of renewable energy across the electricity, heat and transport sectors is central to Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy. The rollout of the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat will promote the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with renewable energy technologies, while incentivising the uptake of electric vehicles will continue to be a priority for my Department.
In the Environmental area, funding will ensure the continued promotion of environmental protection and allow the EPA to deliver on its legislative mandate and research commitments in relation to ambient air quality, noise and non-ionising radiation monitoring, as well as the areas of climate mitigation and adaptation.
My Department will continue to provide grant funding for the remediation of landfill sites, as well as supports for the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy and protection of our natural environment. Continued investment in INFOMAR and TELLUS mapping projects will provide reliable geoscience support, underpinning the sustainable development of Ireland’s natural resources.