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Thursday, 11 Jul 2019

Written Answers Nos. 743-766

Brexit Issues

Ceisteanna (743)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

743. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the way in which a no-deal Brexit may impact on mobile phone charges on the island of Ireland; if he has had discussions with the relevant operators in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30736/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department has engaged with industry specifically on the issue of mobile roaming between Ireland and the UK, and in particular on the island of Ireland, in the context of Brexit. The three main mobile operators in Ireland, Vodafone, Three and Eir, which represent over 88% of mobile subscriptions in Ireland, have indicated to the Department that there will be no changes to the current roaming arrangements for their customers as a consequence of Brexit. The Department continues to engage with industry on this issue on an ongoing basis. This is fully consistent with the Government's Updated Brexit Contingency Action Plan, published on 9 July. All operators must make customers aware of any roaming charges they could incur, if and when, they use mobile devices outside of the EU.

ComReg (http://www.comreg.ie ), the independent telecoms regulator, will continue to ensure that all providers meet relevant obligations in areas such as roaming alerts. ComReg also has information for customers in relation to roaming on their website:( https://www.comreg.ie/consumer-information/roaming ), including tips on how to avoid inadvertent roaming.

Living Wage

Ceisteanna (744)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

744. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the estimated cost of implementing a living wage €12.30 for all employees directly employed and or in agencies under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30766/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department currently has 26 staff members who earn less than €12.30 gross per hour. The additional cost to my Department of implementing a wage of €12.30 per hour would be approximately €87,885 per annum inclusive of employers pay related social insurance (PRSI).

The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.

National Broadband Plan Implementation

Ceisteanna (745)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

745. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in south County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30820/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Every home, farm, school and business in Ireland will have access to high speed broadband – no matter where they are located – following the Government’s decision to approve the appointment of a preferred bidder to the National Broadband Plan. Under this plan, Ireland will become one of the first countries in the world to ensure that those in rural areas have the same digital opportunities as those in urban areas.  The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. In 2012, less than 700,000, or 30% of Irish premises had access to high speed broadband. Today, 75% of the 2.4 million premises in Ireland can access high speed broadband.

Since December 2015, the number of premises with access to high-speed broadband in South Kildare has increased by 5,665, a 22% increase. There are approximately 39,140 premises in total in South Kildare, of which 31,103 (79%) have access to high speed broadband. A further 307 premises (1%) will be served by eir under that company’s ongoing rural deployment.

The remaining 7,730 (20%) homes, schools, farms and businesses in South Kildare will receive access to a high speed broadband service under the Government’s State intervention under the NBP.

This intervention is the subject of the procurement process to engage a company to build, operate and maintain the NBP State intervention network. Following rigorous evaluation by my Department, I recently brought a recommendation to Government to confer Preferred Bidder status on Granahan McCourt, the remaining bidder in the NBP procurement process and Government agreed to this at its meeting on 7 May. 

The Government decision on 7 May 2019 means that it is intended to award the State Intervention contract to National Broadband Ireland, subject to contract close, including the finalisation of financial and legal documents. Deployment of the NBP State Intervention network will commence shortly after that.

The Bidder has indicated that the NBP State intervention will take an estimated 7 years from the beginning of deployment.  A deployment plan will be made available by the Bidder once the contract is signed.

In the first year of roll out, the Bidder will deploy approximately 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) across all counties.  It is anticipated that between 7 and 23 BCPs will be deployed in each county. BCPs will provide a community based high speed broadband service, enhancing online participation and allowing for the establishment of digital work hubs in these locations.

The Bidder is aiming to pass 133,000 premises by the end of the second year, with 70-100,000 passed each year thereafter until roll out is completed.

Electric Vehicles

Ceisteanna (746)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

746. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the capital support to local authorities for the development of on-street public charges will be introduced; when it will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30834/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Climate Action Plan sets out a range of actions to support the delivery of charging infrastructure. This includes introducing a capital support that will be provided to local authorities for the development of up to 200 on-street chargers per annum. My Department is currently working with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to develop this scheme which is expected to be in place later this year. This scheme will also provide a route to charging for electric vehicle owners who rely on on-street parking as their primary means of parking near their homes.

Waste Management

Ceisteanna (747)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

747. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when the public consultation on waste policy will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30835/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is intended to commence a consultation on Ireland's current waste policy, A Resource Opportunity, in September 2019, with a view to publishing an updated policy during 2020.

Better Energy Homes Scheme Data

Ceisteanna (748)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

748. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the reason the allocation of homes for retrofitting to community-based organisations under the SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme has now ceased; if this is as a result of reaching the allocated budget; if so, the measures he plans to take to ensure that skilled staff are not made redundant or CBOs forced to close down; his views on whether such actions would have a detrimental impact on building capacity within the sector to achieve the Project Ireland 2040 objective of 45,000 domestic retrofits per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30837/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Better Energy Warmer Homes (BEWH) Scheme provides free energy efficiency upgrades to the homes of people living in or at risk of energy poverty. The scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department. In June 2018 the range of energy efficiency measures available under the BEWH Scheme was expanded to include ‘deeper’ measures. Under the expanded scheme, in certain circumstances, external or internal wall insulation, central heating and replacement windows, can be provided where a technical assessment (by SEAI contractors) considers them necessary. These additional measures brought the level of retrofit into alignment with that envisaged by the National Development Plan, but changed the relative attractiveness of availing of other 'shallower' interventions. Managing the enhanced package of measures has required careful monitoring and programme management by SEAI within available resources and I am pleased to tell the Deputy that the SEAI will be in communication with the CBOs and contractors in relation to further allocations in the coming days .

The BEWH Scheme is delivered through a panel of contractors, appointed through a competitive tendering process. Since the introduction of ‘deeper’ measures some CBO’s that are only contracted to carry out ‘shallow’ measures under the BEWH Scheme, have seen their allocation volumes reduce. While the expansion of the scheme has been positive for the energy poor homeowners involved and for building capacity in the supply chain in general, it has had some negative impacts for contractors that are unable to deliver deeper works.

SEAI will be renewing its contract with BEWH contractors in 2020, which will require all contractors to be able to deliver all measures, deeper and shallow. SEAI is encouraging all CBOs to apply for this contract and has been working with CBOs over the past year supporting them in upskilling and gaining experience to help ensure they can compete for the 2020 contract and that their organisations remain viable.

Building capacity in the sector is a top priority. However it is critical that we build capacity sustainably, ensuring that all contractors delivering these ever increasingly complex retrofit projects are adequately skilled and resourced. The new Climate Action Plan includes a number of measures which will build the supply chain for energy efficiency retrofits required to meet our 2030 targets including support for the development of necessary skills across the education and training system.

Offshore Exploration Licences

Ceisteanna (749)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

749. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details or copies of all annual reports since 2010 sent to his Department by holders of a lease undertaking in respect of their efforts to establish commerciality of the relevant discovery. [30839/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Article 47 of the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production provides for the confidentiality periods that apply in respect of returns and data furnished under the provisions of a petroleum authorisation. Two lease undertakings have been granted since 2010. The confidentiality periods applying to returns and data furnished to my Department in respect of these lease undertakings has not expired, as such I am not in a position to supply the information sought by the Deputy.

Exploration Licences

Ceisteanna (750)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

750. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 20 June 2019, if the application for a lease undertaken for a licence (details supplied) has been with his Department since October 2012; and the reason for the delay in deciding on this application. [30840/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Applications received for a petroleum authorisation must demonstrate that the work programme proposed in their application will progress understanding of the petroleum prospectivity of the Irish Offshore and that the applicant has the financial and technical capability to undertake the proposed work programme. In that regard the consideration of applications is a complex process, which as in the case of some applications such as the application referenced by the Deputy can take some time to bring to conclusion.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (751)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

751. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the different income streams directly paid by persons to his Department or agencies under his remit, such as motor tax; the number of persons making annual payments; the value of same; the number of payments made through staged or increment payments; the value of same; the additional income generated as a result of payments being made on an incremental basis; if incremental payments are not available, the reason for same; the corresponding figures for 1999 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30849/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under the Broadcasting Act, 2009, An Post is the designated agent, acting on my behalf, for the collection of the Television Licence fee. The number of annual payments and staged/incremental payments, including the value of each, is set out below in relation to 2018 and 2009. No additional income is generated through these incremental payments.

 

Number of licences from annual payments

Value

Number of licences from staged/incremental payments (Direct Debits)

Value of Direct Debits

2018

885,385

€141,661,600

153,601

€23,021,800

2009

1,015,073

€162,410,023

44,828

€5,939,517

Information in relation to 1999 is not available as my Department was not responsible for the management of the licence fee at that time.

In addition the Geological Survey of Ireland received €13,085.34 in sales of maps and reports in 2018. The corresponding figure for 2009 was €60,381. These figures cover sales to individuals and others. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of the sales only to individuals.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (752)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

752. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of each of the actions outlined in the strategy to combat energy poverty 2016-2019; and if a progress report will be published before the strategy comes to an end later in 2019. [30867/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty sets out a number of actions to be taken between 2016 and 2019 to alleviate the burden of energy poverty on the most vulnerable in society.  The strategy focuses on high impact actions which aim to make a real difference to the lives of those in energy poverty. Examples of the good progress made under the strategy include:

- €26.3m funding for the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme which targets those suffering from chronic health conditions.  To date, this funding has supported over 1,100 energy efficiency upgrades.

- The eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme was expanded to capture more people suffering deprivation.  Deeper measures are also now provided under the scheme.  A total of €99.2m has been provided for this scheme between 2016 and 2019 supporting over 20,500 energy efficiency upgrades during that period. 

- €82.3m in funding has been provided to the Better Energy Community Scheme which has supported innovative, community-led initiatives, some of which have helped to address energy poverty.

- The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has ensured that competitive energy markets are working for all consumers, including those in, or at risk of, energy poverty.

The recently published Climate Action Plan also commits to reviewing ways to improve energy poverty schemes to target those most in need and to examine options to further increase funding for those schemes.

A review of the implementation of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty will be completed when it comes to an end later this year.

Project Ireland 2040

Ceisteanna (753, 754, 755)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

753. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the capital projects which have been delayed under Project Ireland 2040 under the remit of his Department and agencies in tabular form; when these projects will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30878/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

754. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the capital projects which have commenced under Project Ireland 2040 under the remit of his Department and agencies in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30914/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

755. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if expenditure estimates for capital projects under Project Ireland 2040 under the remit of his Department and agencies match projected cost requirements in tabular from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30960/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 753 to 755, inclusive, together.

Project Ireland 2040 provides Exchequer funding of €7.6 billion, together with investment of €13.7 billion by commercial State bodies under National Strategic Outcome 8 - Transition to a Low-Carbon and Climate-Resilient Society. A copy of Project Ireland 2040 is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/580a9d-project-2040-documents/

During the period of the Plan, key capital investments to be progressed with grant support from my Department include:

Energy efficiency upgrades in the residential, commercial and public sectors Support Scheme for Renewable Heat Electric Vehicle Incentives Energy research funding Boiler replacement

The vast majority of capital funding provided to my Department under Project Ireland 2040, comprises grant funding for the ongoing sustainable energy, and energy research programmes administered by SEAI on behalf of my Department.

The National Development Plan as part of Project Ireland 2040 also provides for the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan State intervention, the contract for which is currently being finalised.

The €500m Climate Action Fund is one of four funds established under the National Development Plan 2018-2027. The Fund will support the delivery of innovative projects from the public and private sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under the first call for applications, seven projects were approved and the validation process on these projects is currently underway. The successful projects will be provided with up to €77 million in support and will leverage a total investment of €300 million.

The information requested in relation to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Ceisteanna (756)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

756. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the responsibilities delegated to the Minister of State in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30978/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Sean Canney TD was appointed Minister of State for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources on 16 October 2018. The statutory functions delegated to the Minister of State in my Department are outlined in S.I. No. 472/2018 - Communications, Climate Action and Environment (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2018 which was approved by Government on 13th November 2018. A copy has been attached for information.

North-South Interconnector

Ceisteanna (757, 758, 768)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

757. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he or the Minister of State in his Department has responsibility for the proposed North-South interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30979/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

758. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if EirGrid needed ministerial approval to commence the procurement process for the proposed North-South interconnector; if so, when approval issued; the conditions attached to such approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30980/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

768. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if EirGrid or ESB Networks has awarded the contract for design, test and supply of pylons and all related materials for the proposed North-South interconnector for both the section of the line here and in Northern Ireland; if so, when this contract was awarded; the basis on which this use of taxpayers’ moneys can be justified when the project has not received full planning approval; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ministerial statements were made in Dáil Éireann that no critical contracts would be awarded prior to full approval of the project in Northern Ireland; his views on the fact that design, test and supply are absolutely critical components of a procurement process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31190/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 757, 758 and 768 together.

EirGrid is the designated Transmission System Operator and its role includes the operation, maintenance and development of the electricity transmission network in Ireland. The construction of the North South Interconnector, and all related procurement activities, is an operational matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks and one in which I or the Minister of State have no function.

EirGrid therefore did not require Ministerial approval to commence the procurement process for the North South Interconnector.

I am advised that due to the very long lead times that can arise in relation to projects of this nature and the benefits of a single joint procurement process to be undertaken and managed by ESB Networks, EirGrid sought approval from the regulators in Ireland and Northern Ireland to commence procurement. Following this approval, in September 2017 ESB Networks commenced a number of procurement processes in relation to the project.

In June 2019 ESB Networks awarded a framework contract for the design, test and supply of steelwork in relation to the project. However under this framework there will be no supply of materials until the planning process in Northern Ireland is complete.

Illegal Dumping

Ceisteanna (759, 760, 761)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

759. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress or outcome of the tier 2 site investigation into an illegal dump (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31001/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

760. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the cost to date of funding under the landfill remediation program for a site (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if the funding has conditions attached to it. [31002/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

761. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will instruct or advise the EPA to conduct further investigations into a site (details supplied) including water and soil testing to ascertain if there is toxic leakage into the surrounding water courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31003/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 759 to 761, inclusive together.

The role of my Department is to provide a comprehensive legislative and policy framework through which waste enforcement authorities operate.  Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as Minister I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) or a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.

Notwithstanding this fact, I am aware of waste management issues in relation to this site and the response to these issues by Donegal County Council.

The Local Authority has had extensive involvement with various statutory stakeholders, landowners and other parties in relation to these matters. The Council continues to work with the EPA and the Waste Management Planning Authorities in order to determine any risk to the environment and to identify remedial measures that may need to be put in place at this location.

To support this, my Department has allocated €80,000 under the 2019 Landfill Remediation Programme with respect to this site. A total of €8,000 was allocated to complete the Tier 1 risk assessment in 2017.

The Tier 2 risk assessment is on-going and a tendering process for the site investigation works and associated laboratory analysis is nearing completion.  Following appointment of contractors, the site works and laboratory analysis are expected to be completed within 3 months and the final report is expected to be completed a month later.

Climate Change Adaptation Plans

Ceisteanna (762)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

762. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of each action point from the climate action plan 2019; the predicted cost of implementing each; if the cost of each is included in the national development plan 2018-2021; if so, the part of the plan that covers the cost; the departmental capital envelope under which each action point is assigned in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31062/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I published the Government's Climate Action Plan on 17 June. The plan sets out, for the first time, how Ireland can reach its 2030 targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also put Ireland on the right trajectory towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We have a great window of opportunity to reverse the current trend in emissions and secure a healthy more resilient future for the country. It means changing the way we heat our homes, the way we travel and the way we power the country. The step-up in ambition in each of the sectors covered by the plan will require investment across the entire economy. Overall, through the mix of technologies and measures identified, the plan sets out the pathway that represents the least-cost burden to the economy as a whole.

A significant portion of the technologies and measures set out in the plan will result also in net lifetime cost savings to the economy as a whole.

In terms of costs to the Exchequer and other public funding, the plan will be funded through Project Ireland 2040 which provides €30 billion for low carbon and sustainable mobility investments in the period to 2027.

Many of the actions in the plan do not require public funding. The actions contained in this plan fall broadly into four categories:

- public funding provided in the annual estimates process and in Project Ireland 2040

- measures such as setting a long-term trajectory for the carbon tax, in order to change long-term behaviour and decisions to encourage investment in more sustainable choices

- new regulations to end certain practices (e.g. phasing out oil and gas boilers in homes or introducing low emission zones in cities)

- actions to promote public and community engagement and participation in reducing our emissions

Under the Climate Action Plan, a system of carbon budgets is being developed. This will have a significant impact on the way in which the system of government works, with each relevant Minister being responsible for carbon emissions for their sector. Each Department will not just be required to stay within their fiscal budget, but also to stay within their carbon budget, which will be the total amount of emissions which their sector will be permitted to produce in a particular period. This new system of carbon budgets will be introduced into law by a new Climate Action (Amendment) Bill.

Each Government Department will have to determine the optimum approach to utilising the funding available to it to support the policies necessary to meet the targets proposed for each sector. The cost of delivering each target will depend on the mix of regulations, taxes, and subsidies which the Government may choose to deploy to achieve the target abatement range in each sector. The Climate Action Plan will be updated annually, which will allow us to take into account changing technologies and changing costs as we seek to meet 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Public funding will be required to deliver some of the actions which have been set out. However, the plan proposes to introduce reforms so we maximise the impact of the funding which is available. This is particularly so in the case of retrofitting. The Plan identifies a range of measures that will be needed to deliver the retrofit target. A central commitment in that regard is the development of a new retrofitting delivery model, which will group retrofits together to achieve economies of scale, leverage private finance, and ensure easy pay-back methods. The savings on electricity bills from using less energy can help fund this, while homes will be warmer and produce lower levels of emissions.

It should also be noted that there would also be a very significant cost to the Exchequer for not implementing any policies to achieve compliance with our 2030 targets, which would also lock Ireland into a high carbon trajectory that would be unsustainable in the long-run.

Question No. 763 answered with Question No. 732.

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (764)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

764. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of capital projects being undertaken by his Department; the final agreed tender price; the estimated cost of each capital project in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31070/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

There are currently three capital projects underway in my Department and the information requested by the Deputy in relation to these projects is shown in the following table.

Project

Project Dates

Estimated cost of project

Final agreed tender price

Notes

National Postcode System (Eircodes)

2013 – 2023

€38m

€33.5m

The estimated cost of this project includes the contract amount for the Eircodes licence holder (€33.5m), support services (€2.5m) and administrative costs (€2m).

Tellus, National Airborne Geophysical & Ground Geochemical Mapping Programme

2014 – 2028

€60m

€60m

This project is being managed directly by the Department’s Geological Survey.

INFOMAR, National Marine Mapping Programme

[Phase 2]

2016 – 2026

€40m

€20m

This project is being jointly managed by the Department’s Geological Survey and the Marine Institute. The estimated cost includes grant funding of €20m to be provided to the Marine Institute.

In May the Government approved the appointment of a Preferred Bidder for the National Broadband Plan. The procurement process has determined that the maximum cost to the State of this project will be €2.1bn (excluding VAT of €355m and contingency of €480m).

Capital Expenditure Programme

Ceisteanna (765)

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

765. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the capital projects completed since 2010; the final agreed tender price for each project; the actual cost of each project; if the actual cost exceeded the tender price; the reason therefore in each case in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31086/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information requested by the Deputy regarding capital projects completed by my Department since 2010 is set out in the following table.

Project

Project Dates

Estimated Project Cost

Final agreed tender price

Actual Project Cost

Notes

INFOMAR, National Marine Mapping Programme

[Phase 1]

2006 - 2016

€40m

€27m

€35.7m

This project was jointly managed by the Department’s Geological Survey and the Marine Institute. The estimated and actual costs include grant funding of €13m provided to the Marine Institute.

National Broadband Scheme

2008 – 2014

€79.8m

€79.8m

€79.5m

100 Mbps Schools Broadband

Pilot: 2009-2011

National Roll-out: 2012-2014

€14m

-

€13.3m

This was a joint project with the Department of Education and Skills to roll-out 100 mbps broadband connectivity to all second level schools. The figures across represent this Department’s contribution to the project.

Kelvin International Telecoms

2009 – 2010

€12m

-

€11.9m

This was a joint cross border project between the Department and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment. The estimated total project cost was €70m, which comprised €40m private investment and €30m public investment.

The figures across represent this Department’s contribution to the project.

Tuam Ducting

2010 – 2012

€1.2m

-

€1.08m

This project was managed by Galway County Council on behalf of the Department

Remediation works at Avoca Mine [Project Management & Advisory Services]

2013 – 2016

€3m

€3m

€3.7m

There were a number of changes to the works programme which resulted in additional costs. These changes were required due to the complexity of the site and delays caused by weather.

Broadcasting Legislation

Ceisteanna (766)

Martin Heydon

Ceist:

766. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of changes to the Broadcasting Acts to support independent radio stations; the timeline for such changes being implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31157/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill contains a provision to allocate funding to the BAI from TV Licence receipts. This would provide up to a maximum of 50% of the annual cost of the BAI levy, in turn reducing the levy on broadcasters by up to 50%. The proposed amendment is currently at an advanced drafting stage. My Department continues to work closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, with a view to having the Bill published in the coming weeks.

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