Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
583. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the breakdown of the allocation for the Climate Action Fund for 2019; the date in 2019 the fund will be rolled out; if this will be impacted by the cost overrun with the national children's hospital; if he has been consulted by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 November 2018, I announced the seven successful projects from the first Call for Applications under the Climate Action Fund. Having completed the assessment stage, the seven projects must now undergo the project validation process. The validation process will include more detailed examination of the projects, agreement of project outputs and payment timelines.
The total investment by these projects will exceed €300 million. The capital support for these seven projects will be up to €77m with €15m allocated for 2019.
The Climate Action Fund will have an allocation of at least €500 million over the period to 2027. This will be financed primarily through repurposing part of the existing petroleum products levy (also known as the NORA levy). This levy is collected by the National Oil Reserves Agency from fuel suppliers at a rate of 2 cents per litre.
The scope, structure and timeframe of future calls for applications have not yet been determined. To assist development of future calls, my Department held a workshop on 30 January 2019 with all those who applied under the first call. Feedback gathered at this workshop will help shape future calls.
The Climate Action Fund will not be impacted by the re-profiling of capital expenditure arising from funding pressures at the National Children's Hospital.
