Written Answers Nos. 111-120
111. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the discussions he has had regarding the European green deal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34997/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, I have welcomed and strongly support the objectives of the European Green Deal, which aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, while boosting the competitiveness of European industry and ensuring a just transition for the regions and workers affected. It includes a number of legislative proposals, new strategies and action plans, financing instruments and non-legislative initiatives, which span all sectors. In recognition of the investment required to decarbonise our economies, the EU’s €750 billion Next Generation EU recovery package and €1 trillion budget require that money can only be spent on projects that meet certain green criteria, with 30% of all funding to go on climate change mitigation. Ireland will seek to maximise the drawdown of its share of this funding. I have supported increased climate ambition at EU level through the European Green Deal, while asserting the importance of cost-effectiveness and fairness across Member States in pursuit of increased ambition. The Programme for Government has a Green New Deal for Ireland as a core mission. It commits to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 - a 51% reduction over the decade - and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the latter being consistent with EU 2050 ambition. The Climate Action (Amendment) Bill, currently in pre-legislative scrutiny, will strengthen the governance structure in supporting Ireland’s response to climate breakdown, and will set the 2050 decarbonisation target in law.
The Programme for Government commits to far-reaching policy changes across every sector to deliver this expanded and deepened climate ambition including: delivering a National Aggregated Model of Retrofitting reaching over 500,000 homes by 2030 in line with the EU Renovation Wave; a major drive to realise the immense potential of Ireland’s offshore renewables as part of the EU’s clean energy transition; and implementing a major Waste and Circular Economy Action Plan also supporting EU ambition in these areas under the European Green Deal. The measures required to achieve this ambition will be set out in an updated Climate Action Plan in 2021.
The need for a socially just transition must be reflected in policies at EU and national level. We are committed to ensuring that no sector of society or community is left behind in the movement to a low-carbon future. The Just Transition Fund is a key pillar of the Government’s just transition plan for the Midlands region. A 2020 fund of €11 million is available for projects focusing on retraining workers and proposals to generate sustainable employment in green enterprise in the region, and supporting communities to transition to a low carbon economy.
In terms of national financing more generally, €30.4 billion is allocated for investment in climate action over the lifetime of Ireland's National Development Plan 2018 – 2027. As part of the July Jobs Stimulus Plan, to help businesses adapt to the green economy, €10 million will be provided to support businesses engaging in green research, development and innovation, capital investment, and capacity building, through the first phase of a new Green Enterprise Fund. Budget 2021 funding reflects this Government’s ambition for a green, jobs-led recovery. In total, across Government, €286.5 million has been committed to retrofit activity, and €1.8 billion funding was announced for sustainable transport, cycling, walking, and greenways. The Government has announced review of the National Development Plan, which will look at the appropriate amounts of funding across various areas such as climate action, housing and transport, and will be consistent with the Programme for Government.
In addition, Ireland is preparing a National Recovery and Resilience Plan to be submitted to the European Commission by 30 April 2021 in order to receive funding under the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. Our plan will set out a coherent package of reforms and public investment projects to be implemented up to 2026 and will include measures aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the green and digital transition.
I am fully committed to engaging with the European process to deliver on the European Green Deal Programme and my Department will continue to work with the European Commission so that Ireland contributes appropriately, while ensuring that our national circumstances are well reflected in the outcome.
112. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the status work within his Department to identify land and facilities which could be of interest for alternative green enterprises in the midlands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27381/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first progress report of the Just Transition Commissioner, Mr Kieran Mulvey, published on 22 May, reflects a comprehensive engagement with relevant stakeholders in the Midlands, setting out the analysis of the challenges facing the region, and for Bord na Móna workers, their families and communities, arising from an accelerated exit from peat harvesting. The report contains important recommendations. The Government is already acting on a number of these and is committed to preparing an implementation plan to address the remainder, which I intend to publish in the coming weeks. The recommendations and associated actions will support job creation efforts and create new opportunities for Bord na Móna workers in the Midlands. In relation to the recommendation that relevant public bodies with a presence in the region identify land and facilities which could be of interest for alternative green enterprises, the Government’s initial response to the Commissioner’s report noted the extensive range of green energy projects underway or proposed in the Midlands, including the Lumcloon battery storage project, the Rhode Energy Business Park, and several other developments by Bord na Mona, the ESB and others. This initial response committed to further engagement with State agencies and enterprises to identify land and facilities which could be used for further such projects.
A number of other actions, already underway, will also support the objective of this recommendation.
Following a commitment in the Programme for Government, a feasibility study into the establishment of a Green Energy Hub, using the existing infrastructure in the West Offaly and Lough Ree power plants, has now commenced. This is being overseen by a Steering Group chaired by the ESB, and includes representatives of my Department, relevant Local Authorities, and the Just Transition Commissioner. I expect that this work will be concluded by the end of this year.
The Government has committed €15 million, as part of the July Stimulus Plan, in order to commence a multi-year programme to rehabilitate 33,000 hectares of Bord na Móna peatlands. This funding will support a just transition by maintaining jobs in the Midlands, as well as laying the foundation for more substantial and sustainable job creation into the future. The enhanced rehabilitation scheme will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by significantly increasing the area of wetland habitats in post-production peatlands. Further additional benefits include increasing biodiversity, improving water quality and supporting bog eco-system services.
My Department’s call for proposals under the Just Transition Fund for innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Wider Midlands region, and which have employment and enterprise potential, has identified a number of possible opportunities for collaboration between public bodies and private enterprises. My Department published an initial list of sixteen successful projects on 9 September and additional projects will be approved shortly. The outcome of this project evaluation process will inform my Department’s approach to further engagement with relevant state bodies and the future roles for relevant Local Authorities and for the Midlands Regional Transition Team in this context.
113. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if a scheme will be put in place to support SMEs to install e-car charging points for customers and employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35126/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure over the coming years. We have committed €10 million from the Climate Action Fund to promote further public charging, in particular fast charging, and this has leveraged a further €10 million investment from ESB. My Department also provides support through the SEAI for an EV Public Charge Point Grant to Local Authorities to install charge points on public streets or public car parks which provide overnight car parking for local residents. A total of 75% of the capital costs is provided through the grant, up to a maximum of €5,000 per charge point.
As part of Budget 2021, my Department has allocated €2 million to the SEAI to facilitate the introduction of a new support scheme for destination chargers to support the installation of chargers in locations such as hotels, shopping centres, visitor attractions or places of employment.
In addition, it should be noted that businesses can also avail of accelerated capital allowances for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This enables businesses to invest in energy efficient equipment, including electric charging infrastructure, and write down the cost of such equipment in the year of purchase rather than over 8 years.
The Low Emissions Vehicle Task Force Phase 1 report made recommendations to issue guidance to planning authorities to ensure a consistent and future-proofed approach to the rollout of EV charging infrastructure through planning decisions, such as ensuring that traditional filling stations provide charging for EVs. In supporting future development and the installation of charge points it should also be noted that the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2018/844/EU) requires Member States to ensure that appropriate infrastructure is installed in all new residential buildings and non-residential buildings, as well as those buildings with more than 10 parking spaces, for the purpose of enabling the installation at a later stage of charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) in such developments. It is intended that this EU requirement will be transposed into Irish law by end 2020.
In addition to the schemes outlined above, the Department of Transport is also undertaking an EV SPSV Charger Project which will see the installation of SPSV-dedicated EV chargers at Dublin and Cork Airports and train stations in Dublin (Heuston), Limerick (Colbert) and Cork (Kent). In Budget 2021 additional funding has been allocated to extend this dedicated infrastructure network further. A dedicated SPSV recharging network is key to supporting the sector in making the switch to greener, cleaner alternatives.
In rolling out the public network of EV charging infrastructure it is important to note that home charging accounts for around 80% of electric vehicle (EV) charging in Ireland and it is best practice, internationally, to promote home charging as the most common and cheapest form of charging. Government policy is to promote home charging and to maintain the current high level of home charging.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers an EV Home Charger Grant of up to €600 towards the purchase and installation of an EV home charger unit for those with access to an off-street parking space which can be connected to their domestic supply.
Work is currently being progressed to expand the EV Home Charger Grant to include shared parking (i.e. in apartment blocks) and my Department and the SEAI are working closely with other key stakeholders to ensure that a workable option for shared parking is available in 2021.
114. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the Digital Hub, Dublin 8 in view of the fact that for nearly ten years the official policy of Government has been to introduce legislation to transfer its operation and functions to Dublin City Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30087/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2015, under the programme to rationalise State agencies, the then Government approved a proposal for the transition of the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) into an independent company under the aegis of Dublin City Council (DCC). The legislative arrangements to provide for the dissolution of the DHDA and the transfer of its functions and responsibilities to DCC were progressed in consultation with DHDA, DCC and other Government departments and draft Heads of Bill were prepared. Since then there have been a number of developments in the wider policy and economic environment that would likely have a bearing on the original decision, including changes in the wider ecosystem for digital enterprises in Ireland and Dublin.
In that context, in late 2019 my Department initiated a strategic review of the DHDA in order to inform policy as to its future, including whether the DHDA continues to be required to meet a socio-economic need. This review was overseen by a cross departmental and agency steering group. The review has been completed and I will now consider it and then bring proposals to Government on the future of DHDA.
115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications when he will publish the clean air strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34523/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently working to finalise Ireland’s first National Clean Air Strategy which I intend to publish in the coming months. There are a number of national policy frameworks already in place which will also help to reduce pollutant emissions and improve air quality, such as the Climate Action Plan, the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the National Renewable Energy Plan. It is important that synergies are maximised between these plans and the Clean Air Strategy, with a view to achieving lasting reductions in the health and environmental impacts of air pollution in the most effective manner. In line with the Programme for Government, the Clean Air Strategy will also include the following measures:
- establishing a regional approach to air quality and noise enforcement;
- developing a multi-agency approach to clamping down on the sale of high-sulphur content fuel imported from the UK, with Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners;
- investing in our network of monitoring stations, to provide scientific evidence of air quality across different parts of the country, including real-time and localised air quality information; and
- moving towards a full nationwide solid fuel regulation in terms of residential burning.
The Strategy will provide the policy framework necessary to identify and promote the integrated measures and actions across Government that are required to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner air, while delivering on wider national objectives.
116. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the plans his Department has to engage with communities along the route of the proposed north-south interconnector in counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is strong and widespread opposition in these communities to the proposal to put the transmission cables overground in the event of the project proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35078/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe North-South Interconnector is vitally important to the development of our energy infrastructure and it is critical to improving the efficient operation of Single Electricity Market and increasing the security of supply across Ireland on an all island basis. Its delivery is also consistent with commitments made in the Programme for Government to move towards 70% renewable electricity. I do not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’. However, I do expect EirGrid & ESB Networks to engage openly and extensively with those living close to the route of the interconnector. In that regard I note that EirGrid has already set in place a variety of engagements locally including the appointment of Community Liaison Officers and a mobile information unit active in the area. The Department expects such engagements to intensify in the coming weeks and months, subject to Covid public health guidelines.
117. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he will take to ensure the provision of high-speed broadband connection in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35133/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe areas referred to are located in the BLUE area on the NBP High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas were not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators were either providing high speed broadband or had indicated future plans to do so. My Department defines high speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.On receipt of a number of queries, my officials investigated the position regarding provision of high speed broadband on Adelaide Street. These investigations found that eir are the only operator providing high speed broadband at this location. My officials are currently in communication with eir and are awaiting an update from them on the provision of high speed broadband at this location. I have asked my officials to contact the Deputy with an update as soon as the position has been established. With regard to Knapton/York Road and Elton Park, I am advised that this location will fall under the eir upgrade for the Dun Laoghaire area which is currently forecast to begin in April 2021. This upgrade is part of eir's fixed network investment which was launched in February 2019 and covers up to 1.4 million premises in predominantly urban and suburban areas where the legacy copper network will be replaced with fibre.
118. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to bring forward investments for accelerated delivery in the context of the national economic plan. [34559/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Economic Plan will set a high level framework for the Government's priorities and policy objectives for a sustainable recovery, while signalling pathways and further workstreams towards these medium-term goals. The approach to the Plan will be based on a number of key themes, one of which will focus on the profound changes arising from decarbonisation and technological advancement, priorities which are aligned to those of my own Department. Underpinning this is the reality that climate action will profoundly change how our society and economy operates in the coming decades. The process of developing the Plan has included stakeholder engagement with 200 stakeholders from business representative groups, social partners, environmental groups and non-governmental bodies taking part in a virtual event in October. Transitioning to a low carbon economy was dominant throughout all discussions, as was the issue of digitalisation. Both the July Stimulus and Budget 2021 have shown the Government's commitment to provide the investment necessary to reduce greenhouse emissions, capture the benefits of the green economy and provide for a jobs led recovery. Over €220 million has been allocated for residential and community retrofit programmes next year, the largest amount ever allocated for these schemes. This will help position our economy to exploit opportunities for sustainable growth, while supporting over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs.
My Department will input into the review of the National Development Plan which will look at the funding required to deliver on the priorities set out in Programme for Government and in the National Economic Plan.
119. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications if the written policy statement against fracked gas imports as promised in the programme for Government will include a ban on fracked gas via the interconnector from Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35009/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out that, as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG terminals that import fracked gas. The Programme for Government is clear that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and commits to developing a policy statement to establish that approach. This policy statement is being developed by my Department and includes consideration of any necessary legal and regulatory provisions. This includes detailed examination of the European energy and environmental frameworks, in which our national laws operate, to ensure the policy statement will be legally robust. Once finalised, I intend to bring the policy statement to Government for approval.
The gas pipeline connecting Ireland to Northern Ireland, to which the Deputy refers, will be considered as part of the work in developing the policy statement. However, I would note that the main function of this pipeline is to provide a route for natural gas to be supplied to Northern Ireland in the event of a disruption to gas flows through the direct pipeline from Scotland to Northern Ireland.
In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review will include a detailed technical analysis and a public consultation. A request for tender for the technical analysis has recently been published.
The review will inform future policy in relation to natural gas supplies, gas storage, electricity interconnection, emergency reserves and other measures that would enhance our security of supply. This will be done in the context of the doubling of the electricity generated from renewable sources to 70% of Ireland’s final consumption and the achievement of net zero emissions by 2050.
I expect that the review will be completed by the end of 2021.
120. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the additional skilled employment which will be required through the upscaling of retrofitting in budget 2021; if he is satisfied that the workforce currently available is sufficient to meet the scale of retrofitting planned; and if he will engage with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with a view to the provision of additional apprenticeships and training places in the midlands to support this increased ambition. [35084/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2/cost optimal and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. The Government is taking steps to create the environment for the retrofit supply chain to thrive and support the creation of jobs in the new green economy. Budget 2021 provided €221.5 million in capital funding for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes. This represents an 82% increase on the 2020 allocation and is the largest amount ever for the schemes. This allocation will kick-start the first phase of our retrofit programme and is giving companies the certainty that they need to take on workers and grow. It is estimated that this investment will support over 8,500 direct and indirect jobs in communities across the country.
In September, the SEAI launched a call for projects under the new National Retrofit (One-Stop-Shop Development) scheme which includes a strand dedicated to the Midlands. A further call for projects as part of the Communities Energy scheme is imminent. The decision was taken to launch the schemes as early as possible in order to facilitate a transition from what was a 6 month, seasonal industry, into a year-round industry which will increase capacity. However, it is clear that additional workers with the right skillset will be required in the years to come in order to achieve the planned ramp up in retrofit activity.
My Department continues to liaise with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in that regard. I very much welcome the decision of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to allocate €8 million to support retrofit specific courses in 2021. This will fund 1,500 training places across the country. Minister Harris’s Department is also developing a new Action Plan for Apprenticeship for the period 2021-2025 which will help to provide more workers with skillsets crucial to retrofit.
