Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist: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. [4094/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraGLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (457)
Freagraí scríofa
The person named was approved into GLAS 2 with a contract commencement date of 1 January 2016 and has received all payments in respect of scheme year 2016.
In relation to payment for 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.
An issue arose in this case for 2017 in relation to GLAS claims on a LPIS parcel without a reference/MEA area. The applicant has been advised, through the applicant's adviser, to contact the Department's Basic Payment Section directly in relation to this issue.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (458)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:458. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a person (details supplied) will receive a GLAS payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4095/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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, 2016 and 2017.
In relation to the 2018 advance payment, an issue arose in relation to a GLAS claim on a LPIS land parcel without a reference/MEA area. My Department has been in contact with the applicant and the applicant's adviser in relation to this issue. Once this case clears all validations, the 2018 advance payment will be processed. GLAS payments continue to be made on a weekly basis.
GLAS Payments
Ceisteanna (459)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:459. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a payment in the case of a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4236/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy would be aware from previous recent PQs, a review by the Director of Agriculture Appeals Office of the decision of the Appeals Officer has been requested in this case in accordance with the provisions of the Agriculture Appeals Act, 2001. The Agriculture Appeals Office has indicated that requests for reviews are generally dealt with in order of receipt and that both the Department and the person named will be advised, in writing, of the outcome when the review has been completed.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (460)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:460. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the legislation, including heads of Bills, from his Department which has been sent to EU institutions before publication for the period of the Thirty-second Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4241/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has no input in the Miscellaneous Provisions (Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union on 29 March 2019) Bill as, based on current considerations, there is no requirement to alter primary legislation under my Department's remit for Brexit at this time. As a result, no heads for the Bill have been sent to EU institutions.
We will, however, be amending Statutory Instruments setting the time limits for pre-notification for imports to arrive in the State for the purposes of carrying out of documentary, identity and physical checks on imports of animals, plants, and products of animal and plant origin, as set out in EU legislation and will also have a separate Statutory Instrument dealing with movements of pets including movement from the UK post-Brexit.
Throughout this work, the focus of the Department will continue to be on the need to discharge its legal responsibilities while ensuring the minimum possible disruption to trade and animal movements.
Harbours and Piers Development
Ceisteanna (461)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:461. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4267/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute.
In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
The responsibility for the development, and maintenance of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways rests with each Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government thereafter.
However, as part of its annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, my Department has provided limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small-scale projects for the development and repair of piers, harbours and slipways in its ownership.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved funding of €2 million for the Local Authority element of my Department's 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
My Department has written to Coastal Local Authorities, inviting them to submit prioritised lists of projects for consideration. Following this, detailed applications will be requested from Local Authorities for short-listing and the finalised suite of projects will be prepared. Should an application be submitted by Kerry County Council in relation to The Glen Pier, Ballinskelligs, under this programme, it will be given due consideration taking account of the terms and conditions of the scheme, the priority attached by the Council and available funds.
Harbours and Piers Development
Ceisteanna (462)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:462. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when works will commence on capital works at Killybegs Harbour Centre which were delayed in 2018; the budget allocated for these works in 2019; the scale and extent of works involved in the project; the timeline for the completion of the project on Killybegs Harbour Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4270/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the 1902 ex-congested Districts Board piers, lights and Beacons Act.
Between the years 2010 to 2018, as part of my Department’s Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, in excess of €20 million has been invested in maintenance, development and upgrading works at Killybegs Fishery Centre.
The Harbour has been attracting increasing levels of fishing, commercial cargo and cruise liner activity and the need for additional berthage has been recognised. The Smooth Point project, when complete, will provide a much-needed additional 120 metres quay space.
Because some of the material to be dredged was contaminated, the project was divided into two phases. Work on phase 1 of the project, which entailed the dredging and removal of the contaminated material, commenced in 2017 and was completed in 2018; the total cost of this phase including preparation, permitting and design costs stands at €6.5 million.
I have just announced the details of a €35.7 million Fishery Harbour and Coastal Development Capital Programme for 2019. Killybegs has been allocated in excess of €5 million this year, of which €4 million is earmarked for phase 2 of the Smooth Point project.
Phase 2 involves the dredging of the remaining uncontaminated material and construction of the 120 metres of berthing space. My Department's engineers are presently finalising tender documents with a view to initiating a public tender exercise. Following completion of the tender process and awarding of contract, works are expected to commence over the summer months with an estimated project duration of 12 months.
The final costs and timeline for phase 2 will only be determined following the competitive tendering process.
Felling Licences
Ceisteanna (463)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:463. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the criteria to seek an extension to a felling licence; the appeals mechanism based on hardship grounds in cases in which the person to whom the licence was granted dies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4308/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The tree felling licence referred to issued to the land owner in September 2016 and as such comes under the Forestry Act, 1946, which does not allow for the granting of extensions of general felling licences. Officials in my Department have already replied to representations in this matter advising that an extension is not possible, that as the licence has expired a new application must be made and included a form for that purpose.
Agriculture Scheme Penalties
Ceisteanna (464)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:464. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of administrative and on-farm inspection penalties issued under the ANC and BPS in each of the years 2015 to 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4362/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Clarification has been sought from the Deputy regarding the detail of the data being requested. On receipt of this information, the Department will prepare a reply and forward it to the Deputy.
Carbon Budget
Ceisteanna (465)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:465. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to produce a five-year carbon budget for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4321/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The regulation of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland is currently determined through two different mechanisms.
Emissions from power generation and large industrial installations are regulated by the EU Emissions Trading System, ETS, which imposes an overall emissions target at EU level rather than Member State level.
Emissions from other sectors of the economy, including agriculture, transport, buildings, waste, and other industrial sectors are subject to targets at Member State level. The 2009 Effort Sharing Decision, ESD, 406/2009/EC established binding annual greenhouse gas emissions targets for EU Member States for the period 2013 to 2020 for these non-ETS sectors. For the year 2020 itself, the target set for Ireland is that emissions should be 20% below their levels in 2005.
For the period to 2030, the recently agreed EU Effort Sharing Regulation sets out binding annual emission targets for each Member State for the period 2021 to 2030. Ireland’s target under this regulation will require a 30% reduction in 2005 levels of emissions by 2030. In addition to the specific target for 2030, the Effort Sharing Regulation also imposes annual emissions ceilings for each Member State over the period 2021-30. These annual ceilings, therefore, determine the Member State's carbon budget for the period.
l have recently received a mandate from Government to begin the preparation of a new All of Government Plan to bring about a step change in our climate ambition over the next decade, and beyond. My vision is that this new plan will set out the actions, which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. It will have a strong focus on implementation, including actions with timelines and steps needed to achieve each action, assigning clear lines of responsibility for delivery.
I am currently working with my officials to develop proposals for the new plan, and I am engaging with my colleagues across Government in this regard. These actions will cover:
- regulatory framework;
- adoption of known technologies;
- addressing market failure;
- driving change in business models;
- the public sector leading by example; and
- engaging with citizens and communities.
In the context of this ongoing work, I am considering possible approaches to the allocation of sectoral targets within the overall framework of the EU Effort Sharing Regulation.
Warmer Homes Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (466)
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:466. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if an anomaly will be addressed by which persons who have previously had their attics insulated by the SEAI under the Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme do not qualify for exterior insulation which is now available under the scheme in view of the fact an address under current rules can only be visited once; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3879/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI. The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date, over 135,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme, leaving the occupants better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level.
The aim of the scheme is to deliver a range of energy efficiency measures in a way which represents the best possible use of Exchequer funding, focusing eligibility to those in receipt of certain payments from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, such as the Fuel Allowance, and limiting each home to one visit for an energy efficiency upgrade. Last year, the scheme was expanded. Subject to survey by SEAI and assessment of potential for improved energy performance, the scheme can, in certain circumstances, include internal or external wall insulation. This will permit the upgrade of more property types such as homes with solid walls, and also increase the energy savings and emissions reductions that the scheme can achieve and will also enable future fuel switching.
Demand for the scheme is extremely high, reflecting the shift to deeper measures, and is impacted by longer delivery times associated with these type of works and the delivery capacity of SEAI’s contractor panel. The construction market is currently under pressure to deliver new homes as well.
The measures offered under the scheme are currently being reviewed again in light of new Building Regulations coming into force later this year. Any works carried out under the scheme will need to comply with the requirements set out under those regulations, while also taking account of the budget available to the scheme.
While homes that previously received works under the scheme are not currently eligible for a second visit, consideration will be given to revisiting these properties later in 2019, where feasible and appropriate.
Telecommunications Services Provision
Ceisteanna (467)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:467. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the options open to secure landline, mobile telephone and broadband services for a property (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3884/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan, NBP, 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. This intervention is 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. My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible, and I will bring a recommendation to Government in this regard in the coming weeks.
The provision of telecommunications services in Ireland is undertaken by private companies operating on a commercial basis in a liberalised market. As such, my Department is not in a position to advise on the specific telecommunications packages(landline, mobile telephone and broadband) open to specific areas or premises.
The Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, has designated eir as the universal service provider of basic fixed line telephone services, which includes, among other things, an obligation to provide a telephone service in response to any reasonable request at any fixed location in the State.
Comreg also operates a price comparison website at: https://www.comreg.ie/compare. This site informs consumers on prices and packages of a variety of telecommunications services, including landline, mobile phone and broadband services.
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. 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.
National Broadband Plan Implementation
Ceisteanna (468)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:468. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the national broadband plan; when an area (details supplied) will have full broadband cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3885/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Broadband Plan, NBP, aims to ensure high-speed broadband access to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State-led intervention.
The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. In 2012, fewer 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.
The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan, NBP, 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. This intervention is 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. My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible, and I will bring a recommendation to Government in this regard in the coming weeks.
I note that there is some deployment of infrastructure by eir in the area of the premises referred to by the Deputy. This is part of that company’s ongoing rural fibre roll-out.
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 a 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. 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 (469)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:469. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when broadband will be made available to a location (details supplied) in County Cork; if the location will benefit from State intervention; if not, if reliance is being placed on the private sector to deliver same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3930/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the BLUE area on the National Broadband Plan, NBP, High-Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at: www.broadband.gov.ie. The BLUE areas are where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
Where a citizen living in a Blue area is unable to obtain a high-speed broadband service, I would encourage he or she to email my Department at: broadband@dccae.gov.ie with his or her Eircode and details of the service providers contacted and the issues encountered in respect of accessing high-speed broadband.
Where commercial operators' plans for providing high-speed broadband in BLUE areas do not materialise, premises may be included as part of the State-led intervention in order to achieve the Government's commitment to deliver access to high-speed broadband to every premises in Ireland.
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. 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.
Renewable Heat Incentive
Ceisteanna (470)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:470. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the position regarding the opening of the second phase of the renewable heat support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4004/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat, SSRH, has been developed to financially support the adoption of renewable heating systems by commercial, industrial, agricultural, district heating and other non-domestic heat users not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System. Under Project Ireland 2040, the National Development Plan published earlier this year sets out an allocation of €300 million for the roll-out of the scheme for the period 2018 to 2027.
The first phase of the scheme, an installation grant for heat pumps, opened for applications on 12 September 2018. This phase of the scheme will support ground, air and water source electric heat pump installations providing grant-aid of up to 30% of the installation cost. The first phase of the scheme was implemented under the State aid General Block Exemption Regulation, GBER, and did not require prior approval from the European Commission.
The second phase of the scheme, an operational support for biomass boilers and anaerobic digestion heating systems, cannot be accommodated within the provisions of the GBER and, therefore, must follow the full State aid notification process. It is intended to open the second phase of the SSRH for applications early this year, subject to the State aid process. My Department is engaging with the European Commission in order to obtain this approval.
The Scheme Overview is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Scheme%20for%20Renewable%20Heat%20Scheme%20Overview.pdf.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, as scheme administrator of the SSRH, is currently finalising the detailed Terms and Conditions for the operation support element of the scheme. In order to assist stakeholders, the SEAI has published a working draft of the Terms and Conditions for the scheme on its website. This can be found at: https://www.seai.ie/resources/publications/Support-Scheme-Renewable-Heat-Draft-Terms-and-Conditions-.pdf.
National Broadband Plan Administration
Ceisteanna (471)
John McGuinness
Ceist:471. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the property at a location (details supplied) is included as part of the national broadband plan; the timeframe for the delivery of broadband to this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4113/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The premises referred to by the Deputy is in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan, NBP, 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. This intervention is 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. My priority is to bring the procurement process to a fair and impartial conclusion as quickly as possible, and I will bring a recommendation to Government in this regard in the coming weeks.
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. 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.
Mobile Telephony Services
Ceisteanna (472)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:472. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to rectify the 29 mobile telephone black spots as identified by Tipperary County Council in view of the negative impact on the economic development of the areas affected. [4153/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Providing telecommunications services, including mobile phone services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, as independent regulator. I do not have statutory authority to require commercial companies to roll out services and make specific investments in particular locations.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce worked with key stakeholders to produce a report in December 2016, available on my Department’s website, which contained 40 actions to alleviate some of the coverage deficits across the country. An Implementation Group is overseeing the implementation of the actions and comprises all key stakeholders responsible for delivery. The Implementation Group meets on a quarterly basis and publishes quarterly progress reports on the implementation status of actions.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Implementation Review 2017 published in February 2018, comprehensively outlines the progress made in 2017 on the actions identified by the Taskforce. Of the 40 actions, 29 had been completed, with work on the remaining 11 carrying into the 2018 Work Programme. Following close engagement with stakeholders at the inaugural National Stakeholder Forum 2017, an additional 23 new measures were identified for delivery in 2018.
The outcome of discussions at the second Annual National Stakeholder Forum held in October 2018 informed preparation of the 2018 Annual Review report, which will be published in Q1 2019 together with the 2019 Work Programme.
With respect to identifying local blackspots, both the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Department of Rural and Community Development worked with a pilot group of local authorities to identify the issues associated with mapping local blackspots. This pilot exercise has been completed, with all local authorities having been asked to map local blackspots and identify infrastructure that could potentially be used to provide additional coverage on an economic basis. This includes blackspots identified by Tipperary County Council under this action.
Various other initiatives are underway which will address blackspots around the country:
- Both Departments have worked to achieve a greater consensus around site selection for telecoms infrastructure and therefore improve mobile phone coverage.
- A focus group was established to provide guidance with respect to categories of location where high quality reliable mobile coverage should be made available as a priority. The report of the focus group was published on my Department’s website on 31 August 2018. It is anticipated that the output of the focus group should influence the actions of the mobile network operators in their work to reduce mobile phone blackspots. It will also inform future policy within the Department with regard to priorities for mobile phone services:
- A working group has been established with the remit of investigating the feasibility of developing standardised policy for accessing and utilising State and publicly-owned assets for the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure;
- ComReg is delivering a composite national coverage map, which will, in tandem with its work on handset testing and activities to raise consumer awareness, allow people across Ireland to optimise the services available to them;
- ComReg has developed a licensing scheme which will enable households and businesses to use mobile phone repeaters to boost signals into their premises and bring immediate improvements in mobile coverage.
In tandem with the work of the Taskforce, the release by ComReg of the 3.6GHz radio spectrum band, which has been identified at EU level as a primary band suitable for 5G rollout, will also contribute to addressing increasing mobile data demands and improve mobile coverage. Mobile operators’ commercial investment has also resulted in improved services, following ComReg's 2012 multi-band spectrum auction. At least one operator now has in excess of 90% 4G population coverage.
All of these initiatives should help enhance the quality of mobile phone and data services, particularly in rural areas, including in County Tipperary.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (473)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:473. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the legislation, including heads of Bills, from his Department which has been sent to EU institutions before publication for the period of the Thirty-second Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4244/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There has been no legislation or heads of Bills sent to EU institutions by my Department prior to publication in the period in question.
Illegal Dumping
Ceisteanna (474, 475)
John Curran
Ceist:474. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of funding spent to combat illegal dumping nationally in each of the years 2016 to 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4297/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Curran
Ceist:475. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of funding allocated to combat illegal dumping by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4298/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 474 and 475 together.
The total cost of illegal dumping is not collated by my Department as it includes local authority enforcement, disposal and legal costs and also involves costs for other State agencies such as An Garda Síochána. Illegal dumping is first and foremost a matter of individual responsibility and compliance with the law. While enforcement action in this area is a matter for local authorities, my Department encourages a multi-faceted approach to tackling the problem, incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education and, as such, provides funding to support the activities of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities of approximately €1 million per annum and of the network of local authority waste enforcement officers of approximately €7.4 million per annum.
In addition, my Department has developed the Anti-Dumping Initiative to work in partnership with local authorities and community organisations in identifying high-risk or problem areas, developing appropriate enforcement responses and carrying out clean-up operations. Since 2017, funding of €3.3 million has been made available from the Environment Fund in this regard, which has supported over 400 projects across all 31 local authority areas, remediating black spots and equipping local authority enforcement officers with the latest technologies available to support SMART enforcement of our waste laws.
A review of this initiative has been undertaken to inform a 2019 anti-dumping work programme, and the criteria for the selection of projects will be communicated to local authorities shortly.