Tuesday, 6 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 807-830

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Ceisteanna (807)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

807. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a report (details supplied) recently published which outlines a policy trajectory in which Ireland could achieve a 70% renewable electricity share by 2030, which includes offshore wind and solar; his views on whether the wind energy guidelines are a potential barrier to the achievement of this goal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45619/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

My Department has the lead role in developing Ireland’s first National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), covering the period 2021-2030. The NECP will include trajectories for renewable energy (including renewable electricity ambitions), energy efficiency, and national emissions, as well as the measures required to achieve these trajectories. The Plan will contain the policies and measures proposed to reach our 2030 energy and climate goals. The first draft is due for submission to the European Commission by 31 December 2018, with the final version due by 31 December 2019. Energy and Climate Change modelling work to look at energy and climate policy options out to 2030 will underpin the development of the draft NECP, in particular on identifying cost effective, yet realistic solutions that will contribute to realising our national greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency ambitions.

The high level design of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) was approved by Government in July 2018 and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place under RESS in 2019. The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of up to a maximum of 55% by 2030 subject to determining the cost effective level which will be set out in the NECP.

Technology diversity, including solar PV and offshore wind, will occur naturally as the scheme matures and certain intervention levers may be used within each auction round to promote certain policy objectives such as community participation, community ownership and diversifying the renewable energy mix.

In developing and expanding renewable energy support schemes, a careful balance must be struck between the subsidy to renewable generators and the additional costs to pay for these schemes that are transferred to electricity bill payers.

My officials are aware of the report referenced and the assumptions behind reaching a 70% RES-E share . It is particularly relevant to consider this report in the context of private sector funding of renewable energy. In addition to the RESS, my Department has been working closely with industry to encourage corporate contracting for renewable electricity, which is expected to play a critical role in delivering on  Ireland’s renewable electricity future and driving down consumer costs.

It is critical that the revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines are adopted in advance of the first RESS auction taking place. The revised Guidelines, which are subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment, will provide greater clarity and certainty in relation to wind energy development and to strengthen public acceptance of further construction of onshore wind projects, protect local communities and address their genuine concerns particularly around noise, setback distances and shadow flicker. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has the lead on the Guidelines and I understand they aim to go to public consultation before the end of the year.

Environmental Protection Agency Licences

Ceisteanna (808)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

808. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason there are no time limits for the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, to process environmental licence applications; and his plans to change this and introduce strict time limits. [45687/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The time taken by the EPA to process an application for a license varies depending on a range of circumstances and factors, including the nature and complexity of the activity/installation and the quality of the information submitted. In respect of Industrial Emissions (IE) and Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licence applications, which are issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1992 (as amended), once the Agency has received an application that fully complies with statutory requirements, it has a statutory period of 8 weeks to issue a Proposed Determination (PD). Following the publication of the PD, there is further period of 28 days within which objections may be made.  If there are no objections, the Agency can issue a Final Determination (FD).  If objections are received, or a request for an oral hearing is made, the Agency has a further maximum 4 months statutory deadline before a FD must be issued. 

In respect of waste licence applications, which are issued under the Waste Management Act 1996 (as amended), the licensing procedure is a necessarily detailed process. Once an application is made to the EPA, the Agency completes an assessment of the application and submissions on the application. Once the Agency has acknowledged the application as complete, the inspector assessing the application prepares a report detailing all relevant aspects of the application, and also prepares a proposed licence, taking into account any written submissions received. The Board of the Agency then makes a PD on the licence application. It is vital, to ensure statutory compliance, that  each application is subject to the appropriate analysis, scrutiny and appraisal. This is essential to maintain the appropriate levels of control to ensure that waste is disposed of without endangering human health and also without using environmentally harmful processes and methods.

Further information on the licensing processes can be found on the EPA website at:

http://www.epa.ie/licensing/ and https://www.epa.ie/radiation/lic/needtoknow/

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (809)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

809. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason 0.4 miles along a route was left without fibre during a recent installation by a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44612/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

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 State intervention network is now at the final stage, with evaluation ongoing of the final tender submission received on 18 September. The Taoiseach has asked Mr Peter Smyth, the independent process auditor to the NBP procurement to review the process. Mr. Smyth will submit a report to the Taoiseach and to me as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. This review is taking place in parallel with the evaluation being carried out by the Department’s procurement team on the final tender.

The premises referenced in the Deputy's question lie close to an ongoing private commercial rollout of high speed broadband.  eir’s rural investment in high speed broadband is an entirely commercial undertaking, and not part of the planned State Intervention network. Although the deployment is monitored under the terms of a Commitment Agreement signed between the company and my Department, it is not funded by the State and it is not planned, designed or directed by my Department in any capacity.  

The selection of what premises are to be served under eir’s deployment is an internal and commercial decision for that company. My Department has no statutory authority or function to intervene in the company’s commercial decisions, nor in any decisions relating to the roll out and siting of infrastructure throughout Ireland by service providers operating in a liberalised market. 

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.

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (810)

Martin Kenny

Ceist:

810. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when phone lines will be upgraded for the roll-out of high-speed broadband in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44650/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

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 State intervention network is now at the final stage, with evaluation ongoing of the final tender submission received on 18 September. The Taoiseach has asked Mr Peter Smyth, the independent process auditor to the NBP procurement to review the process. Mr. Smyth will submit a report to the Taoiseach and to me as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. This review is taking place in parallel with the evaluation being carried out by the Department’s procurement team on the final tender.

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.

 

Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

Ceisteanna (811)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

811. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the extension of the concession agreement for the metropolitan area networks was discussed by his predecessor with representatives of a company (details supplied) in the context of discussions surrounding the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44698/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

A detailed review of the MAN’s was undertaken in 2016 to consider whether to extend the existing agreements or retender for a new concessionaire at the end of the term of the Concession Agreements.  Subsequently, an external review by Norcontel proposed that the preferred option, based on the analysis, was to extend the current concession agreements.  In 2017, in compliance with EU and national procurement regulations and informed by legal advice and the advice of Norcontel, both Concession Agreements were extended to 2030 in line with the provisions of the Concession Agreements. The Concession Agreements each provided for an option to extend the term of the agreements for up to a maximum period of 10 years.  The extension provides certainty to service providers in the market, and ensures that the MANs fibre networks will continue to play a key role in the delivery of telecommunications services in the regions during a dynamic period in the wider market.

I am informed that my Department has no record of discussions between former Minister Naughten and representatives of the company referred to by the Deputy in relation to the extension of the concession agreement for the Metropolitan Area Networks in the context of discussions surrounding the National Broadband Plan.

Metropolitan Area Networks Programme

Ceisteanna (812, 824, 856, 863)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

812. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the process by which the extension of the concession agreement for the metropolitan area networks, MANs, was decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44699/18]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

824. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the date on which the next review of the agreements will be undertaken in view of the fact that in March 2017, following detailed consideration of the available options, both concession agreements regarding MANs were extended to 2030; if there is an optional extension to the agreement and-or contract by either party to extend the existing agreement beyond 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45002/18]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

856. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the concession agreements that will co-terminate in 2030 in line with the relevant contractual provisions regarding the management of the MANs; the cost involved in the extension of the concession agreements; the amount that the agreements are worth from the date on which they came into existence until they expire; if there are options by either party to extend the agreements beyond 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45543/18]

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

863. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated net benefit to the State from the reduction of the clawback period from ten to five years regarding clawback provisions due at the expiry of the management services entity, MSE, concession agreements I and II in 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45784/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 812, 824, 856 and 863 together.

In considering whether to extend the existing agreements or retender for a new concessionaire at the end of the term of the Concession Agreements, a detailed review of the MAN’s was undertaken in 2016.  Subsequently, an external review by Norcontel proposed that the preferred option, based on the analysis, was to extend the current concession agreements to co-terminate in 2030.  In March 2017, in compliance with EU and national procurement regulations and informed by legal advice and the advice of Norcontel, both Concession Agreements were extended to 2030 in line with the provisions of the Concession Agreements which provided for an option to extend the term of the agreements for up to a maximum period of 10 years.  The extension provides certainty to telecommunications service providers in the market, and ensures that the MANs fibre networks will continue to play a key role in the delivery of telecommunications services in the regions during a dynamic period in the wider market.

The Concession Agreements have been extended to co-terminate in 2030, as recommended by Norcontel and a decision will be taken in advance of this date on the State’s future role in the MAN’s. The current Agreements cannot be extended beyond March 2030. The costs of the extension of the concession agreements amounted to €28,228 in respect of the external consultant’s report in addition to internal departmental costs.

Enet do not receive any payments in respect of the 28 Phase I MANs.  In recognition of the challenges posed in terms of commercialising and maintaining the MANs located in Phase II towns, Enet received €1.2million in management fees per annum up to June 2018. Enet will not receive any further management fees with effect from June 2018. However, the company is compensated for the cost of care and maintenance of a number of the Phase II MANs and this will continue up until 2024.

Enet has invested over €31million of its own funds to date in maintaining, commercialising and enhancing the MANs assets. The MANs and enhancements to the MAN’s remain in the ownership of the State. The overall fibre footprint of the MANs has increased by over 30% and the State has received approximately €8.5 million to date in revenue share payments under the Concession Agreements.

New clawback arrangements in respect of enhancements to the MANs under the MSE I Concession Agreement were agreed with the concessionaire on 15 March 2017.  The clawback period was reduced from the final ten years to the final five years of the Concession Agreement which is due to expire in March 2030.  There were no changes made to clawback provisions in the MSE II Concession Agreement. The purpose of the clawback arrangements is to incentivise ongoing enhancement of the MANs infrastructure by the concessionaire in the final years of the MSE Agreement.  Payments under the clawback provisions will fall due at the expiry of the MSE I Agreement in 2030, and it is expected there will be a benefit to the State from the reduction of the clawback period from ten to five years. The actual net benefit to the State will be determined by the actual enhancement expenditure by enet in the last 5 years of the contract as agreed by the Department under the terms of the MSE II Concession Agreement.  It would not be appropriate to give an estimated monetary figure as this is commercially sensitive. 

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (813)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

813. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to achieve carbon emissions targets for 2020 and 2030 following the publication of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report; his preferred level of carbon tax over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44713/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Addressing climate change, whether through decarbonisation of our economy, or preparing to adapt to the impacts of climate change, is one of the most significant challenges facing this country. The publication on 8 October of the Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C confirms the absolute urgency of achieving deep cuts in our greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades. The Government has responded to this challenge by putting in place a strong policy framework underpinned by significant investment plans in climate action. Ireland's own long-term vision of a low-carbon and climate resilient economy, set out in the 2014 National Policy Position on Climate Action and Low Carbon Development, commits to:

- an aggregate reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of at least 80% (compared to 1990 levels) by 2050 across the electricity generation, built environment and transport sectors, and

- in parallel, an approach to carbon neutrality in the agriculture and land-use sector, including forestry, which does not compromise capacity for sustainable food production.

The National Policy Position will be further elaborated in a new long-term low emissions strategy which must be prepared by the start of 2020, addressing long-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions to 2050. I intend that this long-term strategy will further elaborate sectoral pathways for Ireland to meet its long-term decarbonisation objectives to 2050, as set out in the National Policy Position. In light of the IPCC's conclusions, our current 2050 decarbonisation objectives must now be seen as the absolute minimum necessary for Ireland to contribute effectively to the Paris Agreement objectives.

Ireland's National Mitigation Plan (NMP), published in 2017, sets out the sectoral policy measures required in order to manage Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions at a level appropriate for making progress towards our long-term national transition objective, as well as taking into account our EU and international obligations. Although this first Plan does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve our national transition objective to 2050, it begins the process of development of medium- to long-term options to ensure that we are well positioned to take the necessary actions in the next and future decades.

Building on the National Mitigation Plan, the publication in February 2018 of the National Development Plan 2018 - 2027 (NDP), 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 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 (NDP) will be on climate action and this capital investment will enable us to deliver a significant reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions over the period to 2030.

My Department is also working closely with other relevant Departments and Agencies on the preparation of a National Energy and Climate Plan.

Finally, I welcome the commitment shown by my colleague the Minister for Finance in his Budget statement that he intends to put in place a long-term trajectory for Carbon Tax increases out to 2030 in line with the recommendations of both the Climate Change Advisory Council and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Ceisteanna (814, 815)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

814. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his priorities for the full roll-out of broadband under the national broadband plan; the stake in a company (details supplied) held by national agencies and the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44714/18]

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

815. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the tendering process for the roll-out of high-speed broadband to more than 540,000 rural homes and businesses; if State agencies will be tasked with delivering this vital national infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44715/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 814 and 815 together.

The 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.  In 2012, less than 700,000, or 30% of all 2.3 million Irish premises had access to high speed broadband.  When this Government came into office this had risen to 52%.  Today, 74% of premises can access high speed broadband. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.

The State led intervention will bring high speed broadband to some 540,000 premises around Ireland.

The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage, with evaluation ongoing of the final tender submission received on 18 September. The Taoiseach has asked Mr Peter Smyth, the independent process auditor to the NBP procurement to review the process. Mr. Smyth will submit a report to the Taoiseach and to me as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. This review is taking place in parallel with the evaluation being carried out by the Department’s procurement team on the final tender.

The State does not own a shareholding in enet.  I understand that the Irish Infrastructure Fund controls enet through a special purpose investment vehicle ‘Speed Fibre DAC’.  The Irish Infrastructure Fund was established by Irish Life Investment Managers (ILIM) as an investment fund to provide long term investors with a financial return  by investing in infrastructure assets which underpin the Irish economy.  The Irish Infrastructure Fund has a number of investors one of which is the Irish Strategic Investment Fund (“ISIF”) (previously the National Pensions Reserve Fund).

Broadband Service Provision

Ceisteanna (816, 821)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

816. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a number of residences (details supplied) will be connected under the fibre optic roll-out plan in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44732/18]

David Cullinane

Ceist:

821. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to households on the L7031 in Stradbally, County Waterford, that have been excluded from the fibre optic roll-out scheme which is under contract from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44903/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 816 and 821 together.

The premises referred to by the Deputies are in an 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 State intervention network is now at the final stage, with evaluation ongoing of the final tender submission received on 18 September. The Taoiseach has asked Mr Peter Smyth, the independent process auditor to the NBP procurement to review the process. Mr. Smyth will submit a report to the Taoiseach and to me as Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. This review is taking place in parallel with the evaluation being carried out by the Department’s procurement team on the final tender.

The premises referenced in the Questions lie close to an ongoing private commercial roll out of high speed broadband.  eir’s rural investment in high speed broadband is an entirely commercial undertaking, and not part of the planned State Intervention network. Although the deployment is monitored under the terms of a Commitment Agreement signed between the company and my Department, it is not funded by the State and it is not planned or directed by my Department in any capacity.  

The selection of what premises are to be served under eir’s deployment is an internal and commercial decision for that company. My Department has no statutory authority or function to intervene in the company’s commercial decisions, nor in any decisions relating to the roll out and siting of infrastructure throughout Ireland by service providers operating in a liberalised market

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.

Biofuel Obligation Scheme Implementation

Ceisteanna (817)

Tom Neville

Ceist:

817. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the introduction of incentives to encourage the use of biofuels will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44764/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Biofuels Obligation Scheme, administered by the National Oil Reserves Agency, is the principal support for the uptake of biofuels in Ireland. The scheme was introduced in 2010 and requires suppliers of road transport fuel to ensure that biofuels make up a certain percentage of annual fuel sales.  It is a certificate based scheme with two certificates awarded per litre of sustainable biofuel if that biofuel is produced from wastes or residues and one certificate per litre for all other sustainable biofuels. For each calendar year, a fuel supplier must hold sufficient biofuel obligation certificates to demonstrate compliance.  The number of certificates required is determined by the biofuel obligation rate, which is currently set at 8%.  This means that at the end of 2018, a fuel supplier must hold 8 biofuel certificates for every 92 litres of fossil fuel they place on the road transport fuel market this year. 

In 2017 the Biofuels Obligation Scheme resulted in over 225 million litres of biofuel being placed on the market in Ireland leading to over 7% renewable energy use in the transport sector compared to the 10% target for 2020 under the Renewable Energy Directive.

In April 2018, a Policy Statement on the Biofuel Obligation Scheme was published which set out six key actions that will be undertaken in the development of the scheme. This included an increase in the biofuel obligation rate to 10% by volume from 1 January 2019 and 11% by volume from 1 January 2020.

The first of these changes has been enacted by S.I. No. 169 of 2018. A draft Statutory Instrument will be published on my Department's website in relation to the increase to 11% from 2020. It is my intention that this legislation will be enacted early next year.

Departmental Meetings

Ceisteanna (818)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

818. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he, his departmental officials or his ministerial predecessors have met companies and an organisation (details supplied) and-or representatives of same in the past three years to date; if so, if a schedule of those meetings and the associated minutes will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44771/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

In reply to Question No. 248 of 18 October 2018, I provided a schedule of meetings between my Department and enet dating from October 2016 which included meetings relating to the NBP and the Metropolitan Area Networks. The Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has a broad remit and is responsible for communications, broadcasting, postal services, energy, natural resources, climate change, waste management, air quality and environmental policy.  The day-to-day functions of the Department in carrying out its remit, therefore, involve engagement with a broad range of stakeholders.

The NBP procurement process is being conducted as a “Competitive Dialogue” process which, by its nature, has involved a significant level of interaction with each of the bidders that participated in that process. This includes more than 230 meetings between the NBP Procurement Team and representatives of the Granahan McCourt led consortium, which includes representatives of enet, since the Competitive Dialogue process commenced in July 2016. As these meetings form part of an ongoing procurement process it is not proposed to publish further details at this time. I have not been involved in any of those meetings nor, my Department informs me, was former Minister Naughten.

enet is also the Management Services Entity for the State owned Metropolitan Area Networks. As the Contracting Authority’s Representative and in accordance with best practice in Contract Governance, my Department meets with enet on a routine basis on operational and administrative matters affecting the MANs as they arise. I will provide a schedule to the Deputy as soon as possible, of meetings between enet and senior officials in my Department, covering the period November 2015 to October 2016. I can confirm at this time that my predecessor Deputy Naughten and officials met with enet representatives on one occasion during that period, with the meeting taking place on 20 July 2016.

My Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development hold quarterly meetings with each of the organisations responsible for the delivery of actions arising out of the 2016 Report of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, in order to obtain an update and prepare quarterly progress reports on the actions. enet is also part of the industry group Telecommunications Internet Federation (TIF) that meets collectively with the Departmental officials in relation to their specific commitments under the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce report.  The type of actions for delivery by the telecommunications operators include identifying, in consultation with Local Authorities, optimal locations for additional infrastructure to improve coverage; providing greater transparency of mobile phone contract costs for customers; and reporting on activities undertaken to optimise the performance of their networks. Discussions arising at such meetings between the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce and TIF inform regular quarterly progress reports, which are published on my Department’s website and that of DRCD. The minutes of meetings of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Implementation Group are also published on both Departments’ websites.

With regards to the Irish Infrastructure Fund, officials from my Department advise of two meetings in August of this year with a representative of AMP Capital (subsidiary of AMP Limited, a company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange) who acts as the investment advisor to the Irish Infrastructure Fund (IIF) and manages it’s investment portfolio) . 

Departmental Consultations

Ceisteanna (819, 820)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

819. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the location of the submissions made to the consultations undertaken by his Department in each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44854/18]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

820. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the consultations undertaken by his Department in each of the past ten years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44872/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 819 and 820 together.

My Department has carried out a number of public and industry/stakeholder consultations in the last 10 years from 2009 to date this year in line with statutory and other requirements.

Details of the consultations are outlined in tabular form below:

Name of Consultation	Year (2009 to 2018 to date)	Location of submission
To invite interested parties to submit their views on the Interim Report of the Post Office Network Business Development Group. The consultation assisted the Group in identifying opportunities that could benefit the post office network and inform the Group’s final report which was subsequently published in January 2016.	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
National Energy & Climate Plan	2018	No – consultation on-going
Clean Energy Package	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Energy White Paper	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
2nd National Implementation Report of the UNECE Aarhus Convention	2016	Stored electronically in DCCAE
2nd Pollutant Release and Transfer Register  (PRTR) National Implementation Report	2016	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Access to Justice & Implementation of Article 9 of the Aarhus Convention	2014	Stored electronically in DCCAE
1st National Implementation Report of the UNECE Aarhus Convention	2013	Stored electronically in DCCAE
1st Pollutant Release and Transfer Register  (PRTR) National Implementation Report	2013	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Industrial Emissions Directive	2012	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Transposition of Basic Safety Standards Directive	2017	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Clean Air Strategy	2017	Stored electronically or in hard copy in DCCAE depending on the format of the submission.
Medium Combustion Plants	2018	Stored electronically or in hard copy in DCCAE depending on the format of the submission.
Consultation on development of National Adaptation Framework	2016	Published on the D/Housing website but since archived
Consultation on draft National Adaptation Framework	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft order - Increase to Biofuel Obligation rate consultation	2018	Stored electronically or in hard copy in DCCAE depending on the format of the submission.
Public Consultation on the Biofuel Obligation Rate Scheme	2017/2018	Published on the DCCAE website
Public Consultation on the Biofuel Obligation Rate Scheme	2016	Published on the DCCAE website
Public Consultation Regarding a Proposed Increase of the Biofuel Obligation Rate	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft order - Biofuel Obligation Rate Increase	2012	Stored electronically or in hard copy in DCCAE depending on the format of the submission.
Consultation Regarding a Proposed Increase of the Biofuel Obligation Rate	2012	Stored electronically or in hard copy in DCCAE depending on the format of the submission.
Stakeholder Consultation on the national BioEnergy Strategy	2013	Stored electronically or in hard copy in DCCAE depending on the format of the submission.

Name of Consultation	Year (2009 to 2018 to date)	Location of submission
Public Consultation on the Network and Information Security Directive	2016	Published on the DCCAE website
Public Service Broadcasting Charge review	2013	Published on the DCCAE website
Review of Events Designated as Events of Major Importance 2009	2009	Published on the DCCAE website
Review of Events Designated as Events of Major Importance 2010	2010	Published on the DCCAE website
Review of the list of Events Designated as Events of Major Importance 2014	2014	Published on the DCCAE website
Notice of Events intended for Designation as Events of Major Importance 2015	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
Public Consultation: Draft National Mitigation Plan, Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and Appropriate Assessment Natura Impact Statement	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Renewable electricity support scheme technology review	2015	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Renewable electricity support scheme final stage	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Renewable Heat Incentive technology review	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
Renewable Heat Incentive final stage	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework	2016	Published on the DCCAE website
Electricity Support Schemes Transitioning to I-SEM	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft Guidance on EIS and NIS Preparation for Offshore Renewable Energy Projects	2016	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Draft Guidance on Marine Baseline Assessments and Monitoring Activities for Offshore Renewable Energy Projects	2016	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT 3)	2015	Stored electronically in DCCAE
The Mid-Term review of the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP)	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft National Policy on Electricity Interconnection in Ireland: Public Consultation	2018	Published on the DCCAE website
Recommendations For Open Access Fibre Ducting and Interior Cabling for New Residential Buildings Making Homes Fibre Ready	2011	Stored electronically in DCCAE
National Broadband Plan Call for Input	2014	Published on the DCCAE website
National Broadband Plan High Speed Map Public Consultation	2014	Published on the DCCAE website
National Broadband Plan Intervention Strategy Public Consultation	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on the Process for updating the High Speed Broadband Map - pre, during and post procurement	2015	Published on the DCCAE website

Name of Consultation	Year (2009 to 2018 to date)	Location of submission
Consultation on Map and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA)	2018	Will be published shortly  on the DCCAE website
Emergency Call Answering Service – ECAS Calls from Persons with Disabilities	2009	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Stakeholder engagement with Telecommunications Service Providers as part of the internal Review of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).	End 2014/beginning 2015	Stored in hard copy in DCCAE
Emergency Call Answering Service (ECAS) Industry Consultation - Review of the ECAS provision.	2016	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Stakeholder Consultation on the Sustainable Development Goals  (SDGs) National Implementation Plan 2018-2020 1	2017	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Ireland’s Voluntary National Review on the SDGs 2	2018	Published on the DCCAE website
Collection of Stakeholder observations re the SDGs for transmission to the UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2018 3	2018	Published on the DCCAE website
Collection of  Stakeholders views on the National Stakeholder Forum on SDG’s held in June 2018 4	2018	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Asked for Feedback on the Terms of Reference for the Stakeholder Forum. 5	2018 (Currently on-going closing date 30 November 2018)	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Public Consultation on a Possible Packaging Levy	2011	Published on the DCCAE website
Public Consultation ‘Review of the Producer Responsibility Initiative Model in Ireland’	2012	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on the Report on Corporate Governance in the Producer Responsibility Initiative sector in Ireland	2013	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on the report on End of Life Vehicles (ELVs) in the Producer Responsibility Initiative sector in Ireland	2014	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on the report on Tyres & Waste Tyres in the Producer Responsibility Initiative sector in Ireland	2014	Published on the DCCAE website
Public Consultation on the Report on the Review of the PRI Model in Ireland	2014	Published on the DCCAE website
The Regulation of Household Waste collection	2013	Stored electronically in DCCAE. The consultation document is also available on the EPA website
Reorganising Household Waste Collection	2011	Published on the DCCAE website
Towards a new National Waste Policy	2011	Published on the DCCAE website
Exporting a Resource Opportunity – Measures to Maximise Resource Efficiency & Jobs in Ireland	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
WEEE Recast Directive Transposition in Ireland	2013	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations 2011 for 2012 season. Statutory public consultation.	2011	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations 2012 for 2013 season. Statutory public consultation.	2012	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations 2013 for 2014 season. Statutory public consultation.	2013	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Public Consultation on Inland Fisheries Legislation	2013	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations 2014 for 2015 season. Statutory public consultation.	2014	Stored electronically in DCCAE
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations 2015 for 2016 season. Statutory public consultation.	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations 2016 for 2017 season. Statutory public consultation.	2016	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Regulations 2017 for 2018 season. Statutory public consultation.	2017	Published on the DCCAE website
Draft Designated Salmonid Waters Bye-Law.	2018	Submissions being processed for publication
Language Scheme 2018-2021	2018	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on Amendments to the Gas Directive-2009-73	2018	Published on the DCCAE website
Regulation of Offshore Natural Gas Storage Consultation	2011	Published on the DCCAE website
Commercial Sector Survey Consultation	2018	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme	2016	Published on the DCCAE website
Affordable Energy Strategy Review Consultation	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on Implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive in Ireland	2013	Published on the DCCAE website
2050 Low Carbon Roadmap Consultation	2013	Published on the DCCAE website
Consultation on Ireland’s second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP 2)	2011	Published on the DCCAE website
Retrofit Consultation	2010	Published on the DCCAE website
Affordable Energy Consultation	2010	Published on the DCCAE website
Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment - IOSEA 5	2015	Published on the DCCAE website
IOSEA 4	2010	Yes - initially published on the old website and recently archived.
IOSEA 4	2011	Yes - initially published on the old website and recently archived.
IOSEA 4	2012	Yes - initially published on the old website and recently archived.
Consultation on Spectrum Policy Priorities	2014	Yes on the Department’s website.
Postcode Implementation Support	2010	Stored electronically and in hard copy in DCCAE

1 While this exercise was not a formal public consultation, the views of existing stakeholders were sought prior to the finalisation of the SDG National Implementation Plan 2018-2020.

2 While this exercise was not a formal public consultation, DCCAE did hold a consultation workshop in relation to the draft Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the SDGs, prior to its finalisation. The VNR was presented by Ireland at the 2018 session of the UN High Level Political Forum. The consultation workshop was conducted by DCCAE and hosted by the Department of the Taoiseach.

3 While this exercise was not public consultation, DCCAE provided the public with an opportunity to register their observations on the SDGs, and their importance to Ireland, through an online process on DCCAE’s website. DCCAE transmitted these observations from the public to the 2018 session of the UN High Level Political Forum. A copy of the Compendium of Stakeholders Inputs was available on the DCCAE website following the HLPF.

 4 This was not a formal Public Consultation but DCCAE asked all those who attended the Stakeholder Forum in June 2018 for feedback on the event. The feedback was analysed and the responses were presented at the next Stakeholder forum in October.

 5 This is not a formal Public Consultation but DCCAE asked the Stakeholders for their views on the proposed Terms Of Reference for the Stakeholder Forum. This process is currently on going as the closing date for replies is the 30th November 2018.

Question No. 821 answered with Question No. 816.

Renewable Energy Incentives

Ceisteanna (822)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

822. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if grants are available for a micro-hydro generator (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44905/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

In July 2018, a new pilot scheme to support micro generation, initially targeting domestic self-consumption through a grant scheme for solar PV installation and battery storage was announced. 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 and requirements of the recast Renewable Energy Directive (RED) that recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has structured this grant support based on detailed analysis of costs and willingness to pay research, and the grant level (30-35% overall installation costs) is in line with other grants offered by the SEAI.  The scheme will be subject to a six month review which will examine the uptake and the level of the grant, assess the costs associated with relevant technologies and explore opportunities for broadening the scheme as appropriate. The objective of the pilot scheme is to help build a sustainable, enduring micro generation sector in Ireland including setting appropriate safety and qualification standards for the industry.

Micro generation, including micro hydro technology, was appraised as part of the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) economic assessment. The analysis identified a number of challenges that may need to be addressed before a financial support scheme (payment) for micro generation can be developed. These include a reform of network charges, an assessment of the distributional impact of such a policy decision on the PSO (cost burden sharing), and development of a fair tariff for exported electricity taking the benefits of self-consumption into account. This approach is in line with experience from other EU member states who have attempted to introduce supports for micro generation.

While I have no statutory function in the matter, I am aware that since February 2009 Electric Ireland had offered a feed-in tariff on a commercial basis to domestic micro generators, although they subsequently decided to close the scheme to new entrants from the end of 2014. More recently, Electric Ireland extended the tariff to their existing customers until the end of 2018. To date, no other electricity supplier has chosen to provide such a tariff, to either domestic or commercial customers, although they have been invited to do so by the  Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Data provided by Electric Ireland indicates that there are currently 8 micro hydro sites still contracted under this scheme.      

Finally, projects utilising micro hydro technology (as part of a wider project application)  are eligible to submit for funding under the SEAI-led Better Energy Communities scheme, details of which can be found here

Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan

Ceisteanna (823)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

823. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of funding received to date by all involved in a collaborative ocean energy project (details supplied); the amount of funding received from outside the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44929/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The WestWave project is a collaborative ocean energy project led by the ESB with the objective of accelerating the development of the ocean energy sector in Ireland. ESB is working with a number of wave energy project developers to realise this 5MW project. Since 2003, the project has received exchequer funding of almost €780,000 including funding provided since 2009 from the Prototype Development Fund. This main focus of the Prototype Development Fund is to stimulate the development and deployment of ocean energy devices and systems. This funding has supported the overall objective of the WestWave project to demonstrate that wave energy projects can be designed, consented, developed and operated in Ireland, ultimately producing electricity to the grid. The WestWave project has established a site for a generic pre-commercial wave project off the west coast of Ireland, in Killard, Co. Clare.

The Westwave project had previously secured a funding commitment in principle from the NER 300 programme in July 2014. The NER 300 programme was so-called because it is funded from the sale of 300 million emission allowances from the new entrants' reserve (NER) set up for the third phase of the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS). One of the conditions of the NER 300 programme was that projects must enter into operation within four years of the funding award. With the entry into operation they would start generating renewable energy. The date of entry into operation of individual projects was to take place between 2015 and 2018. However with wave and tidal energy being still at the research, development and demonstration stage globally the condition in relation to operational timelines has proved not appropriate for this project. Much more research is required to bring wave energy technology to commercial viability. Consequently it has not yet been possible to confirm a date for a final investment decision or operation. I am advised that the earliest date for operation based on the current view of technology is 2025. I am further advised that the project has to date received no funding from outside the state.

It is imperative that the technical solution chosen would be appropriate for the energetic wave conditions on the west coast of Ireland.

Question No. 824 answered with Question No. 812.

Inland Fisheries

Ceisteanna (825)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

825. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason a person (details supplied) is ineligible for the eel hardship fund; his plans for redress for this class of eel fisherman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45032/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

A Support Fund of €3 million has been established by the Government to address the hardship experienced by commercial eel fishermen and women in the light of the closure of the commercial eel fishery for conservation reasons. The fund is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).  The fund is available to all persons who were the holder of a commercial public eel licence or an eel fishing permit from the E.S.B. in the 2007 season (the base year). The 5 reckonable years for payments under the scheme are 2003-2007. In respect of former fishermen and women who were the holder of a licence or permit in the base year, payment will involve a tax free element for each of the 5 reckonable years for which the applicant was a licence or permit holder and a taxable element based on the average annual catch of the applicant during the reckonable years.

Based on the scheme criteria, the eligibility of the person referred to by the Deputy as having held a permit to fish for eels can be definitively established on receipt of an application and the submission of supporting documents.  

The scheme is currently open for applications which must be received by 5.00pm 30 November 2018. An application form and detailed information on the scheme can be obtained from any IFI Office or by downloading the relevant documentation from the IFI website www.fisheriesireland.ie.

Inland Fisheries

Ceisteanna (826, 827, 834)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

826. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to review the cessation of eel fishing here; if the matter will be revisited in the future on the basis of a review of increasing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45033/18]

Peter Burke

Ceist:

827. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to increase the budget for the eel hardship fund based on demand; if there is scope to increase funding in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45034/18]

Peter Burke

Ceist:

834. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will review the eel hardship fund administration to take into account that those with more than one licence were affected more detrimentally than those with just one licence in view of the fact that only one payment per fisher can be received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45309/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

I propose to take Questions Nos. 826, 827 and 834 together.

Ireland's Eel Management Plan (EMP) was accepted by the EU in 2009 under the EU Eel Regulation 1100/2007. The measures in the Management Plan, including the cessation of commercial fishing, was comprehensively reviewed in 2012, 2015 and again this year.  The reviews included scientific assessments from the independent Standing Scientific Committee for eels comprising scientists from a range of organisations in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

My Department has also provided funding for IFI for a new collaborative research initiative involving IFI scientists and a number of former eel fishermen to further develop national knowledge of the species and its medium to longer term potential for recovery. This scientific fishery was commenced in 2016 for a period of three years.

The latest advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) is that “the status of eel remains critical and that all anthropogenic mortality (e.g. recreational and commercial fishing, hydropower, pumping stations, and pollution) affecting production and escapement of silver eels should be reduced to – or kept as close to – zero as possible".   The European Eel remains on the United Nations red list of critically endangered species

Against this background, the Government has introduced a scheme to provide a level of restitution payment to former eel fishermen and women following consultation with the European Commission and advice from the Revenue Commissioners.

Fishing for eel was by way of public licence and there is no property right attaching to such public licences. Consequently, the issue of “compensation” is not relevant or appropriate.

As part of the consultations, enquiries were made as regards the possibility of EU funding and it was made clear that EU funding for such a measure would not be made available.   In that context, and to provide some measure of support, Exchequer funding was secured, to be disbursed over a 3 year period, to qualifying former holders of a licence or permit to fish for eel.  It is important to note that this funding was secured against a background of a large number of competing interests for public funding from all sectors in the State.  Funding has been provided to my Department for each of the years 2018-2020 and can only be disbursed on this basis.

To qualify for the funding, former fishermen and women have to have held a State public licence or an ESB permit in the base year 2007.  The payment elements are calculated over the 5 reckonable years 2003 -2007.  Payments to those former fishermen and women who qualify on foot of being a licence or permit holder in the base year will be made in respect of two elements:

1. The first element is payment on the basis that a qualifying applicant was the holder of either a State fishing licence or an ESB permit.  It is not in respect of each licence or permit held.  This element is tax free and payment will be made in respect of each year in the period 2003-2007 that the applicant was a licence or permit holder.  Payments are weighted towards the earlier years to facilitate former fishermen and women with the longest track record of being a licensee or permit holder.

2. The second element is based on average annual catch over the period 2003-2007 based on the catches declared by each individual applicant in these years.

Energy Production

Ceisteanna (828)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

828. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the percentage of the ESB’s energy needs that come from peat; the way in which this will be replaced over the next year, five and ten years, respectively; the percentage of the ESB’s energy needs that comes from oil; the percentage that comes from other sources; the sources of same; the percentage of electricity nationally generated from renewable energy; the size of the subsidy for renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45177/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) develop and maintain comprehensive national and sectoral statistics for energy production. They have compiled the figures for overall share of electricity generated (in 2017) by energy source (across all generators) which is set out in Table 1 below:

Table

Fuel source	Electricity generated share
Coal	11.9%
Peat	7.1%
Oil	0.5%
Natural Gas	51.1%
Renewables	28.9% (30.1% normalised)
Wastes (NR)	0.5%

The renewable electricity generated was sourced mainly from wind, hydro, biomass, biogas with a small amount of solar. 

Details in relation to All-Island electricity system demand and fuel mix are publicly available on the EirGrid website at

http://www.eirgridgroup.com/. This includes information on the number, type and generating capacity of plants on the system.

EirGrid’s report titled “All-Island Generation Capacity Statement” (Pages 12 and 13) gives details of the fuel mix (2017) from different energy sources for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In regard to the projected electricity needed for the next five and ten years EirGrid have projected a number of scenarios in the publication titled “Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios 2017 – Planning our Energy Future” (July 2017).

The Public Service Obligation Levy (PSO) is calculated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and has been in place since 2001. The PSO levy consists of a set of support schemes designed to facilitate national electricity policy objectives for renewables, indigenous fuels and security of supply. 

Following publication of the CRU's proposed decision paper on the PSO levy for 2018/19 (CRU/18/106) (available at www.cru.ie), the Regulator has updated the benchmark price forecast and completed its review of PSO cost submissions. As a result, the CRU’s revised calculation is that a PSO levy of €209.19 million will be required for the 2018/19 PSO period, which represents a decrease of €262.71 million (56%) on the 2017/18 levy of €471.9 million. The renewable proportion of this is €144.79 million.

Departmental Projects

Ceisteanna (829)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

829. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if a company (details supplied) has undertaken work within his Department's remit to build or renovate projects over the past ten years; if so, the project name and location; the year in which it was built; if building fire safety inspections have been carried out on the projects since construction; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45195/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

There has been no work undertaken by my Department directly with the company referred to in the Deputy’s question over the past ten years. In relation to the agencies operating under the aegis of my Department, the information sought is an operational matter for each agency. As such, I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.

Energy Resources

Ceisteanna (830)

Michael Harty

Ceist:

830. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the situation in relation to coal supplies for Moneypoint power station originating in a mine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45211/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Matters relating to the procurement of fuel for the operation of ESB facilities are an operational matter for the Board and management of ESB and not ones in which I, as Minister, have any statutory function.