Written Answers Nos. 452-472
452. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times Ireland has availed of Commission Regulation 702/2014, the agriculture block exemption regulation, in each of the years from 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [53650/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommission Regulation (EU) No 702/2014 – the Agriculture Block Exemption Regulation applies to micro, small and medium sized enterprises active in primary agricultural production and the processing and marketing of agricultural products.
Aid granted under this Regulation must be notified to the European Commission, through a simplified notification procedure.
Details of the schemes notified under this Regulation between 2014 and 2018 are included in the following table.
|
State Aid number |
Name of scheme |
Year of notification |
|
SA.39084 |
Provision of support (knowledge transfer and information) actions to SME’s active in the primary production of agricultural products (horticulture & livestock sectors) |
2014 |
|
SA.39085 |
Aid for the participation of producers of agricultural products in quality schemes |
2014 |
|
SA.41206 |
Equine Breeding and Disease Research Scheme (Irish Equine Centre) |
2015 |
|
SA.42964 |
National Parks and Wildlife Service Farm Plan Scheme |
2015 |
|
SA.40369 |
Fallen Animal Scheme - TSE Subsidy |
2015 |
|
SA.40771 |
Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland – Agriculture Investment Loan Scheme 2015 |
2015 |
|
SA.42010 |
Scheme of Grant Aid for the Development of the Organic Sector – Off-Farm |
2015 |
|
SA.40367 |
Teagasc Advisory Service. |
2015 |
|
SA.40368 |
Teagasc knowledge transfer and information actions. |
2015 |
|
SA.41376 |
Third level non-degree courses in Equine Science at the International Equine Institute (IEI), University of Limerick (UL) |
2015 |
|
SA.41378 |
Equine Technical Support and Equine Breeding Schemes |
2015 |
|
SA.41237 |
Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association |
2015 |
|
SA.40092 |
Capital Gains Tax Relief for Farm Restructuring |
2015 |
|
SA.42636 |
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine competitive Research schemes |
2016 |
|
SA.45951 |
Succession Partnership |
2016 |
|
SA.44640 |
Annual Grants to Irish Beekeepers Associations. |
2016 |
|
SA.44795 |
Hardship Grant |
2016 |
|
SA.44794 |
Depopulation Grant |
2016 |
|
SA.44796 |
Scheme of Payment to Haulier companies for removing diseased animals direct to slaughter |
2016 |
|
SA.44798 |
Income Supplement |
2016 |
|
SA.44799 |
On Farm Market Valuation Scheme |
2016 |
|
SA.44800 |
Scheme of Payment to Private Veterinary Practitioners (PVP’s) for testing of animals |
2016 |
|
SA.48352 |
Cattle Breeding Infrastructures Programme |
2017 |
|
SA.48353 |
Provision of Consultancy Services and Technical Expertise to the Sheep Industry |
2017 |
|
SA.48343 |
Fallen Animal Scheme - TSE Subsidy |
2017 |
|
SA.48716 |
Stock Relief for Young Trained Farmers |
2017 |
|
SA.50909 |
Stamp Duty Relief on Farm Consolidation |
2018 |
|
SA.51452 |
Energy Efficiency in Dairy Sector Grants |
2018 |
|
SA.51641 |
ICBF Greenbreed Project |
2018 |
|
SA.49468 |
Teagasc Joint Pig Programme |
2018 |
|
SA.51927 |
Stamp Duty Relief for Young Trained Farmers |
2018 |
|
SA.51928 |
Stock Relief for Young Trained Farmers |
2018 |
|
SA.52161 |
Pilot Cross-border Land Incentive Scheme 2018 |
2018 |
453. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding renewing live trade exports to Egypt; the status of the outstanding certification required before final access is granted; and when these are expected to be granted. [53651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLive exports are a critical part of the infrastructure of our livestock industry. They play a significant role in stimulating price competition and provide an alternative market outlet for farmers.
During 1 January to 1 December 2018 live exports totalled 235,000 head of cattle, up 32% from 179,000 for the same period in 2017. This change was driven by a significant increase in exports to other EU countries.
Exports to third countries decreased in 2018 – due in part to currency fluctuations in the Turkish Lira. Nevertheless, nearly 13, 000 head of cattle were exported to Turkey to date this year.
The on-going search for new markets is a priority for my Department. In November my Department reached agreement with the Libyan authorities on veterinary health certificates for the export of breeding, fattening and slaughter cattle. A new certificate for breeding cattle and an amended veterinary certificate for the export of fattening and slaughter cattle were agreed. Having an agreed health cert for breeding cattle provides much more clarity for exporters, as previously exports of breeding cattle to Libya had to be agreed on a load by load basis. The age of cattle that can be exported to Libya increased, from 24 to 30 months – this increases opportunities for exporters to export a wider range of cattle. Live exports to Libya more than doubled this year to date compared to last year (from 1, 830 to 4,489).
Earlier this month, Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD, discussed the issue of animal health certificates with the Egyptian Deputy Minister for Agriculture. The Egyptian authorities indicated willingness to consider amending existing health certificates and putting a new certificate for breeding stock in place. My Department will continue to work with the Egyptian authorities on re-establishing live exports as soon as possible.
The prospects for live cattle exports remain good and my Department continues to engage with third countries and to seek out new markets for live exports.
Live Cattle Exports
Irish Live Cattle Exports, By Selected Country
|
Week Ending |
% Change |
Overall To Date |
% Change |
Change (Head) |
||||
|
Country |
02.12.2017 |
01.12.2018 |
Prev. Week |
Prev. Year |
2017 |
2018 |
||
|
Northern Ireland |
229 |
628 |
-11.9 |
174.2 |
25,254 |
22,454 |
-11.1 |
-2,800 |
|
Netherlands |
45 |
212 |
17.8 |
371.1 |
41,806 |
48,832 |
16.8 |
7,026 |
|
Spain |
113 |
1,077 |
14 |
853.1 |
49,593 |
87,302 |
76 |
37,709 |
|
Italy |
60 |
129 |
-56.3 |
115 |
18,814 |
23,237 |
23.5 |
4,423 |
|
Belgium |
42 |
100 |
-100 |
5,517 |
13,459 |
144 |
7,942 |
|
|
Great Britain |
181 |
91 |
250 |
-49.7 |
5,657 |
5,109 |
-9.7 |
-548 |
|
France |
110 |
100 |
100 |
2,754 |
9,055 |
228.8 |
6,301 |
|
|
Other Countries |
172 |
181 |
-33.5 |
5.2 |
29,676 |
26,014 |
-12.3 |
-3,662 |
|
Total |
842 |
2,428 |
-0.1 |
188.4 |
179,071 |
235,462 |
31.5 |
56,391 |
Source: DAFM
Irish Live Cattle Exports, Jan to 1 December (head)
|
2017 |
2018 |
Change - head |
% Ch |
|
|
Total United Kingdom |
30,911 |
27,563 |
-3,348 |
-10.8 |
|
Great Britain |
5,657 |
5,109 |
-548 |
-9.7 |
|
Northern Ireland |
25,254 |
22,454 |
-2,800 |
-11.1 |
|
Total Continental EU |
120,936 |
189,260 |
68,324 |
56.5 |
|
Belgium |
5,517 |
13,459 |
7,942 |
144 |
|
Bulgaria |
57 |
-57 |
-100 |
|
|
Cech Republic |
9 |
711 |
702 |
7800 |
|
Denmark |
100 |
|||
|
Finland |
100 |
|||
|
France |
2,754 |
9,055 |
6,301 |
228.8 |
|
Germany |
469 |
219 |
-250 |
-53.3 |
|
Greece |
882 |
1,396 |
514 |
58.3 |
|
Hungary |
80 |
24 |
-56 |
-70 |
|
Italy |
18,814 |
23,237 |
4,423 |
23.5 |
|
Lithuania |
100 |
|||
|
Luxemburg |
100 |
|||
|
Malta |
100 |
|||
|
Netherlands |
41,806 |
48,832 |
7,026 |
16.8 |
|
Poland |
2,431 |
2,431 |
100 |
|
|
Portugal |
136 |
136 |
100 |
|
|
Romania |
810 |
757 |
-53 |
-6.5 |
|
Slovakia |
145 |
1,440 |
1,295 |
893.1 |
|
Slovenia |
100 |
|||
|
Spain |
49,593 |
87,302 |
37,709 |
76 |
|
Sweden |
100 |
|||
|
Total Non-EU |
27,224 |
18,900 |
-8,324 |
-30.6 |
|
Albania |
100 |
|||
|
Egypt |
100 |
|||
|
Israel |
100 |
|||
|
Kazakhstan |
100 |
|||
|
Kosovo |
35 |
61 |
26 |
74.3 |
|
Lebanon |
355 |
355 |
100 |
|
|
Libya |
1,830 |
4,489 |
2,659 |
145.3 |
|
Montenegro |
100 |
|||
|
Morocco |
620 |
620 |
100 |
|
|
Russia |
451 |
291 |
-160 |
-35.5 |
|
Rwanda |
54 |
50 |
-4 |
-7.4 |
|
S.Arabia |
100 |
|||
|
Tunisia |
164 |
164 |
100 |
|
|
Turkey |
24,854 |
12,870 |
-11,984 |
-48.2 |
|
Total |
179,071 |
235,462 |
56,391 |
31.5 |
Source: DAFM
Irish Live Cattle Exports, Jan to 1 December (head)
|
2017 |
2018 |
Change - head |
% Ch |
|
|
Weanlings |
26,829 |
30,559 |
3,730 |
13.9 |
|
Stores |
24,859 |
26,364 |
1,505 |
6.1 |
|
Calves |
101,268 |
157,138 |
55,870 |
55.2 |
|
Finished |
26,115 |
21,401 |
-4,714 |
-18.1 |
|
Total |
179,071 |
235,462 |
56,391 |
31.5 |
Source: DAFM
454. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times in each of the years from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018, that beef processing factories have been fined for breaching EU carcase trimming rules; the range of fines imposed in each year; the number of inspections by officials in each of the years from 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018 to check grading and trimming is in compliance with regulations; the names of factories fined in this period, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53652/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarcase classification and carcase presentation controls in slaughter plants are carried out by a dedicated team of specialist staff in the Beef Carcase Classification Section within my Department.
To date in 2018 there have been 521 inspections carried out by inspectors across 32 slaughter plants and 44,332 carcasses have been inspected. A total of 19 carcases were fined for non compliance with the EU reference carcase trimming specification. In 2016 there were 616 inspections carried out and 28 carcases fined. In 2015 there were 561 inspections. Under legislation (SI 363/2010), non-compliance with the carcase trim specification attracts a maximum on the spot fine of €200 per carcase.
Meat Industry Ireland has agreed that from the 1st January 2019 processors will introduce a payment to the farmer supplier to reflect any loss in each case where my Department has applied a trim fine on a particular carcase. Such payment will be identified on the payment remittance docket, so that farmers will be aware of the penalty.
In addition, my department will publish the names of plants in which on the spot fines have been applied with effect from 1st January 2019. I also intend to publish the names of plants in which such fines were levied in 2018 and 2016 before year end, subject to the completion of a number of formalities.
455. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the annual budget allocation over the 2019 to 2021 period following the signing of a three-year strategic partnership agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme; if this is being funded exclusively by his Department; and, if not, if other Departments are providing funding. [53653/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 5th December, I signed a three year Strategic Partnership Agreement with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP). The Agreement was co-signed by David Beasley, Executive Director of the WFP, and Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon TD. This is the third such agreement, and pledges €70m in funding from my Department to the World Food Programme for the period 2019 – 2021. The allocation of this funding is subject to annual budget appropriations by Dáil Éireann.
In addition to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s core funding of WFP, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade also provide funding to WFP for crisis programmes in specific countries and regions.
456. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to investing the additional resources necessary for the programme to attempt to eradicate tuberculosis by 2030, both in terms of the additional measures identified as necessary to achieve eradication and to reduce the costs and losses experienced by farmers who have tuberculosis breakdowns, by improving the compensation schemes available. [53656/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs you are aware the Government, in May of this year, mandated the establishment of a TB Forum to bring forward proposals to me to eradicate TB by 2030. The Forum constitutes representatives from the various stakeholder groups.
I have informed the Forum that I will consider all evidence based policy proposals from the group that relate to the overall objective of eradication of TB by 2030. Any such proposals must respect the principles outlined in the National Farmed Animal Health Strategy, which includes reflecting costs and benefits.
457. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a GLAS payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53778/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received payments in respect of 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Administrative checks involving a number of sections within the Department take place on all GLAS claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. Department officials are working proactively to complete the checks. Once this case clears validations the 2018 advance payment will be made. GLAS payments are issuing on a weekly basis.
458. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when 2017 and 2018 GLAS payments will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53782/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved into GLAS 1 with a contract commencement date of 1 October 2015 and has received all payments in respect of scheme years 2015 and 2016 and the 2017 advance.
The 2017 balance payment was delayed due to an issue relating to the Low Input Permanent Pasture claim. This issue is expected to be resolved shortly. Once the 2017 balance payment is made the case will move forward for processing of the 2018 claim. GLAS payments issue on a weekly basis.
459. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a 2018 GLAS payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53859/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named is a participant in the AEOS3 scheme, not the GLAS scheme.
The AEOS contract commenced on 1 May 2013 and will be completed on 31 December 2018. All AEOS 3 payments have issued to the person named.
460. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the harbour charges in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a period in which a fishing boat was categorised as a pleasure boat will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53866/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDingle Fishery Harbour Centre is one of the six designated Fishery Harbour Centres which are owned, managed and maintained by my Department under Statute.
The Fishery Harbour Centres(Rates and Charges) Order 2012 (214 of 2012), which came into effect on the 1st July 2012, sets out the fee schedule for the use of the facilities at each of the six Fishery Harbour Centres.
The charges applied in the case specified are as set out in the legal instrument referred to above, and there is no basis for reviewing these charges.
461. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason no port inspector posts for Rosslare Europort have been advertised while applications are open for inspectors at Dublin Port and Cork Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53911/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department is seeking additional Portal Inspectors at our Dublin and Cork Port facilities to meet both current and future business needs.
In line with workforce planning processes, my Department continuously assesses business needs and will seek additional resources for Rosslare to complement our existing staff at the port as needs arise.
462. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on social media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53982/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that there was no money spent on social media by my Department in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and there is no projected funding allocated for 2019.
463. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount spent on marketing and media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53999/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Press and Communications Office in my Department is the primary point of contact between the Department and members of the media, as well as members of the general public. The office is responsible for communicating with media and members of the public regarding the work of the Minister, the Minister of State and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The Department's social media presence is also managed by the Press and Communications Office.
The vast bulk of my Department's media expenditure is in respect of press notices in the specialised farming press, provincial and national newspapers. This expenditure includes the publication of Statutory Notices that are required to comply with various national and EU legislative requirements. Decisions on the placement of notices are made on a case by case basis, depending on the nature of the advertisement and the target audience.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2016: |
€312,021 |
|
2017: |
€544,657 |
|
2018 (to date): |
€289,703 |
|
2019 (projected): |
€300,000 |
464. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of draft salmon licensing. [53833/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra465. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if consideration will be given to allowing draft salmon licence holders the option of transferring licences to family members or offer for public sale; and if consideration will be given to making a compensation package available for draft salmon licenceholders who previously declined a compensation package. [53834/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.
Each of Ireland's 147 salmon rivers, river sections and estuaries has a genetically distinct salmon stock. Salmon stocks are, therefore, managed on an individual river basis with each river having a Conservation Limit (CL) which is scientifically assessed on an annual basis by the independent Standing Scientific Committee for Salmon.
River stocks can be harvested only where a sufficient surplus over the CL has been identified. where commercial fisheries exist, such surpluses are shared between stakeholders (anglers and commercial fishermen) via the representative District Fishery Committee. Commercial fishing in estuaries is only permitted where all rivers contributing to the estuary are exceeding their individual CL so as to avoid indiscriminate exploitation.
Commercial fishing for salmon is by way of public licence. Licences are applied for and issued annually. An annual public licence does not confer property or other rights on the holder and consequently licences are not transferable. In that regard also, the issue of compensation does not arise. The Commercial fishing season generally opens in May of each year and notice of statutory provisions governing the application for, and issue of, licences and other conditions for 2019 will be notified in the first quarter of next year.
The Salmon Hardship Scheme was introduced following the decision to cease, for conservation reasons, the commercial salmon mixed stock fishery in the sea. In excess of €25 million was allocated to the scheme to facilitate payments to fishermen with a further €5 million provided for community development projects. Under the scheme, fishermen active in the fishery could opt to voluntarily cease fishing in the commercial drift net and draft net sectors and undertake not to seek a licence in the future.
I am advised that the average payment under the scheme was almost €23,000. The scheme closed for applications on 31 December 2007 and ceased in 2008 and I understand that all funds were expended and there are currently no plans to revisit such a scheme.
The international dimension to the protection and conservation of Atlantic salmon is important. In that context, the Atlantic salmon resource is managed through the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) with which Ireland is aligned through the European Union.
Concerted international co-operation has ensured that restrictions in Greenland and Faroese waters, to where salmon from Irish rivers migrate to feed before returning in adulthood to their natal river, have been in place for a number of years. In June this year, my officials and those of IFI joined delegates from the EU, USA, Canada, Norway, the Russian Federation, Greenland and the Faroes in securing a continuation of restrictions in these waters to offer a level of protection to Irish and other stocks.
Ireland chaired the discussions on Faroese waters to where the majority of migrating fish originate in European, including Irish waters. Agreement was secured that there will be no commercial fishing in these waters. The challenge of asserting and securing the conservation and protection imperatives for salmon stocks when they are migrating in international waters would be significantly harder if we were not managing towards those imperatives at home.
466. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his policy on the importation of fracked shale gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53511/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Mitigation Plan, published in July 2017, restates the Government’s commitment to move from a fossil fuel-based electricity system to a low-carbon power system. Investment in further renewable generation will be incentivised.
The new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme, approved by government in July 2018, will provide for a renewable electricity ambition of 55% by 2030. Currently, 30% of our electricity is generated from renewables.
I have secured Government approval to develop an all of Government plan which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. This Plan will include the steps which we must take in order to reach this target. I will work with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport and heat, as well as a range of other sectors.
In all projected transitions to a low carbon economy by 2050, gas will continue to play a role. It plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the power generation, industrial and commercial, residential and transport sectors by replacing more Co2-intensive fossil fuels. In Ireland gas powered generation also provides an important back-up for intermittent renewable wind generation.
So while gas usage will reduce significantly in the years ahead, Ireland will still need secure sources of gas. At present this is provided by both gas piped on shore from Irish gas fields and imports through gas pipelines from the UK. I have no plans to impose a ban on the use of natural gas derived from any particular source.
Ireland’s energy policy is fully aligned with the EU’s climate and energy objectives on the transition to decarbonisation, which includes continuous and on-going review of policies to reduce harmful emissions, improve energy efficiency, incentivise efficient and sustainable infrastructure investment, integrate markets, and promote research and innovation while ensuring our energy security of supply is maintained and enhanced.
In relation to the production, sourcing, buying and selling of natural gas produced outside this jurisdiction, this is an operational matter for the undertakings involved. Any undertaking would be required to comply with EU law in this area.
467. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent by his Department on public advertising and the purchase of external communications and publicity in 2018, by advertising campaign, including specific amounts on social media campaigns (details supplied) or other digital platforms; the amount spent on public relations or other communications support, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53571/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra476. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent on social media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53985/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra477. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount spent on marketing and media by his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the projected spend in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54002/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 467, 476 and 477 together.
My Departmental remit includes complex policy areas, oversight of State regulation and service provision across key strategic services such as energy and public service broadcasting, as well as regulation of sectors such as mining and hydrocarbon exploration. Given the technical complexity, economic significance and community interest in these areas, there is a requirement to disseminate information and to address specific issues as they arise. My Department therefore necessarily incurs some expenditure on advertising campaigns to promote its policies / programmes from time to time.
In procuring these services, my Department always seeks to ensure value for money and the keeping of expenditure to the minimum necessary.
The information requested by the Deputies is outlined in the following table.
|
Campaign/Relevant Programme |
Public advertising/social media campaigns/public relations/other communications support |
2016 (€) |
2017 (€) |
to date 2018 (€) |
|
Waste Campaign - phase out of flat rate fees, awareness etc |
405,023 |
86,077 |
||
|
Tidy Towns |
2,521 |
|||
|
Anti-Dumping Initiative |
Figures relate to total cost as it is not possible to give breakdown |
1,205 |
||
|
ObSERVE |
Other consultancy or Production including Social Media (Facebook) |
4,889 |
||
|
Local Agenda 21 Scheme (Local Environmental Partnership Fund) |
Advertising in publications |
4,732 |
5,835 |
5,470 |
|
Advertisement of Order Designating Events of Major Importance to Society (S.I 465 of 2017) |
Broadcast advertising |
31 |
||
|
Ploughing Championship - Facebook adverts |
Advertising in publications |
369 |
||
|
Phone Book - Golden Pages (advertising non classified Directory |
Advertising in publications |
4,908 |
5,727 |
|
|
Irish Language Scheme - Advertising in Tuaraisc (Online magazine) |
Advertising in publications |
1,721 |
||
|
Clean Air Award, Sustainable Award and Climate Change Award |
Advertising in publications |
12,300 |
||
|
Geoscience Ireland |
Advertising in publications |
1,747 |
6,622 |
6,932 |
|
INFOMAR |
Advertising in publications |
12,970 |
12,970 |
12,970 |
|
Advertising in publications |
18,929 |
51,501 |
12,345 |
|
|
Tellus |
Broadcasting advertising |
865 |
||
|
Advertising in publications |
5,842 |
|||
|
Consultation on draft National Adaptation Framework in line with the requirements of Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 |
Other consultancy or Production |
10,745 |
||
|
National Adaptation Framework |
Other consultancy or Production |
7,699 |
||
|
Climate Mitigation Regional Gatherings in Athlone and Tralee |
Social Media (Facebook) |
1,096 |
||
|
Publicity for National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA) Athlone & Tralee (Newspapers, social media) |
Advertising in publications |
25,500 |
||
|
Project Ireland 2040 event |
Advertising in publications |
25,188 |
||
|
Tidy towns - Our community climate action award |
Advertising in publications |
1,210 |
3,628 |
|
|
Celebrating 30 Years of the IPCC - Communication, education and outreach on the IPCC and climate change |
Advertising in publications |
36,531 |
||
|
Advertising in publications |
6,738 |
|||
|
National Mitigation Plan |
Other consultancy or Production |
54,248 |
||
|
Advertising/External Communications/Public Relations/Publicity/Marketing/Media |
82,287 |
112,981 |
2,891 |
|
|
Trading Online Voucher Scheme |
Social media (Facebook and Google Adwords) |
1,438 |
||
|
Getting Citizens Online Programme |
Advertising in publications |
1,175 |
1,476 |
|
|
Promote EU LIFE Information day |
Advertising in publications |
1,947 |
||
|
Ireland's Renewable Energy Transformation |
Advertising in publications |
9,471 |
||
|
Publishing of notices in local newspapers, informing the public of the Minister's intention to grant Prospecting and Mining Licences |
Advertising in publications |
22,900 |
31,140 |
35,218 |
|
Statutory notice of publication of Statutory Instruments in Iris Oifigiuil. |
Advertising in publications |
84 |
||
|
Enactment of Inland Fisheries Secondary Legislation |
Advertising in publications |
10,378 |
||
|
Public consultation on proposed Designated Waters Bye-law |
Advertising in publications |
3,023 |
||
|
Notice of Eel Support Scheme |
Advertising in publications |
1,260 |
||
|
Announcement of the successful projects under Round 1 of the Climate Action Fund |
Broadcast Advertising/Publicity |
13,940 |
||
|
National Broadband Plan |
Other consultancy or production |
24,584 |
||
|
Advertisement through the Public Appointments Service for the position of Director of the EPA |
Advertising costs |
4,945 |
||
|
Advertisement in Iris Oifigiúil - EPA Appointments |
Advertising in publications |
73 |
||
|
Clean Air Strategy Consultation public notices. |
Newspaper advertising |
6,337 |
||
|
Newspaper advertisement of Medium Combustion Plant public consultation |
Newspaper advertising |
3,029 |
In relation to the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, there is a projected spend in 2019 of €61,600 between advertising, publicity and Social Media costs.
In relation to projected spend for 2019 on other campaigns/schemes this information is not available as such issues are dealt with on a case by case basis.
468. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the health impact assessments that have taken place on the installation of smart meters, with particular reference to the analysis undertaken by the regulatory commission regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Smart Meter Programme is a meter replacement programme which will result in the upgrade of 2.4 million meters to modern, smart-ready technology. By 2020 it is expected that over 700 million smart meters will be installed globally. These new generation meters are being rolled out across Europe and internationally and when the upgrade completes in Ireland in 2024, all domestic and business premises will have a new, modern meter installed.
The Smart Meter Programme is being coordinated by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. ESB Networks are responsible for rolling out smart electricity meters and Gas Networks Ireland will be responsible for rolling out smart gas meters.
Smart meters are considered safe. Health authorities around the world, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), have assessed the scientific evidence and there are no established health effects from smart meters. In the delivery of smart meters, ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland are required to ensure that any meters procured would, at a minimum, meet Irish and EU product health and safety legislation and standards which require manufacturers to ensure that any product placed on the market is safe. ESB Networks are currently in the process of procuring the necessary technical solutions to deliver smart electricity metering and more information about the type of technology will be available when this process concludes. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities will be monitoring this to ensure full compliance.
469. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a postcode will issue to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53619/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Capita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, in accordance with their licence agreement.
Eircode have advised my officials that they will contact and liaise with the individual in question regarding an Eircode for their address and will raise a case with An Post. The next quarterly update of Eircodes will be in February 2019 when each new address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter with their Eircode is issued to the occupant and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licensed businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that 22,503 new addresses were assigned an Eircode in 2017.
My officials are working with An Post, Ordinance Survey Ireland, An Post GeoDirectory and Capita to improve and expedite the process of assigning Eircodes for new build properties.
470. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of high-speed broadband in County Kildare; the way in which he expects it to progress in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53762/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan aims to ensure that every home, school and business in Ireland - regardless of how remote or rural - has access to high speed broadband.
This is being achieved through a combination of commercial investment across Ireland; and a State intervention in those areas, mostly rural, where commercial operators acting alone are unlikely to invest.
There are just over 92,000 premises in County Kildare. Since December 2015, the number of premises with access to high-speed broadband in Kildare has increased by 9,470, a 7% increase. In total, the number of premises in Kildare with access to high speed broadband is now 77,481, 84% of the total premises in the county. Another 741 will be served by eir under that company’s ongoing rural deployment.
The remaining 13,801 homes, schools and business in Kildare will be provided with access to this vital service under the Government’s National Broadband Plan.
In April 2017 my Department 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. The Map is colour coded and searchable by address or Eircode.
The procurement process to appoint a bidder for the State intervention network is now at the final stage. My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible. My Department will conclude its assessment of the final tender submission received from the bidder on 18 September 2018 and I will bring a recommendation to Government in the coming weeks.
471. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of electricity generated each year by each of the dams here; the percentage of the electricity requirement that comes from each of the dams operational here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53785/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of the installed capacity of electricity generation plant for each of the dams are listed on the websites of the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and the Distribution System Operator (DSO) available at: www.eirgridgroup.com/ and www.esbnetworks.ie/ respectively.
The installed capacity of the larger hydro plants is available in Appendix 2 (page 56) of the All-Island Generation Capacity Statement 20 18-2027 report published by EirGrid also.
In terms of 2017, the table below sets out the scale of generation, in Giga Watt hours, at a number of the electricity generation points:
|
2017 |
Hydro generation (GWh) |
|
Ardnacrusha |
304 |
|
Erne |
269 |
|
Liffey |
21 |
|
Lee |
49 |
|
Other Small Scale Hydro |
49 |
|
Total 2017 |
692 |
Eirgrid have estimated that there was a total of approximately 238 MW of hydroelectric power plant connected to the national grid in 2017.
In relation to the distribution grid, it is estimated that there is currently 22 MW of small-scale hydro capacity installed in rivers and streams across Ireland. Such plant made up 0.2% of total annual generation in 2017. While this is a mature technology, the lack of suitable new locations limits any increased contribution from this source.
The Energy in Ireland 2018 report published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland estimates that hydropower generated electricity made up 2.4% of total electricity generated in 2017. Furthermore, the report notes that a 21.1% increase in wind generation and a 1.6% increase in hydro generation in 2017 led to the carbon intensity of electricity falling to a new low of 437 g CO2/kWh.
472. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of public electric vehicle charging points in each local authority area or county. [53821/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe majority of the existing network of publicly accessible charge points was rolled out by the ESB through its eCars programme. A real-time 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 management of these charge points is an operational matter for the ESB.
The following table, provided to my Department by ESB eCars, sets out in tabular form the number of current publically available standard charge points and fast chargers available in each county. It should be noted that this list is limited to ESB eCars public charge points and may not include any installations on private sites such as hotels or chargers installed by other entities. For example, Tesla has multiple fast chargers installed at three locations in Louth, Laois and Tipperary which are not included.
Last month, I announced the successful projects under the first Call for Applications from the Climate Action Fund. I approved funding of up to €10 million to a project from ESB eCars that will develop a nationwide, state-of-the-art electric vehicle fast charging network capable of facilitating large-scale electric vehicle uptake over the next decade. Further details on this project, and the other projects approved from the fund, are available on my Department's website at www.dccae.gov.ie.
|
County |
No of on-street/public points |
No of fast stations |
|
Donegal |
26 |
3 |
|
Sligo |
10 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
1 |
|
Mayo |
20 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
20 |
3 |
|
Roscommon |
16 |
1 |
|
Galway |
28 |
4 |
|
Monaghan |
10 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
10 |
0 |
|
Longford |
10 |
1 |
|
Meath |
22 |
2 |
|
Louth |
24 |
3 |
|
Dublin |
160 |
18 |
|
Kildare |
28 |
4 |
|
Offaly |
14 |
0 |
|
Laois |
16 |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
26 |
3 |
|
Carlow |
12 |
1 |
|
Wexford |
26 |
4 |
|
Kilkenny |
14 |
3 |
|
Tipperary |
18 |
4 |
|
Waterford |
24 |
2 |
|
Clare |
16 |
2 |
|
Limerick |
26 |
4 |
|
Cork |
58 |
7 |
|
Kerry |
28 |
1 |
|
Total |
668 |
77 |
