Written Answers Nos. 240-260
240. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if adequate broadband options are available for a property (details supplied) to support working from home, homeschooling and third level study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14789/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 17 March 2021, nearly 194,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Donegal in the areas of Milford, Letterkenny, Ramelton, Termon, Ballymacool, Kilmacrennan, Mullaghfin and Tommyscroft. Further details are available on specific areas within County Donegal through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 17 March, 289 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are connected at Ray Community Centre, Leghowney Community Centre, Dunree Military Museum, Cranford Coole Community Centre, the Gweedore Theatre (1.1 Kilometres from the premises mentioned in the Question) and Meenreagh Hostel. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Some 42 schools in Donegal will be connected by 2022. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
241. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to the formation of a youth climate corps similar to that which has recently been enacted by the US Government. [14893/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a number of initiatives, programmes and activities already underway which support activation of young people at local, regional and national levels.
My Department is currently consulting in relation to the forthcoming Climate Action Plan under the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA), and the consultation has a very strong citizen-focused component which can be accessed at: https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/5bd95-climate-conversation-climate-action-plan-2021/ Raising the voice of children and young people has been central to the design of this consultation, including facilitating online input from individuals over 16 years of age and youth groups in relation to key climate issues; local level conversations via Comhairle na nÓg to enable climate awareness, engagement and activation at local level; and a series of in-depth youth conversations which will encourage creative input and garner deeper feedback.
My Department is collaborating with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on the development of a Youth Climate Council as part of a new engagement model, which will draw together various stakeholders and support the generation of ideas, with an emphasis on their translation into appropriate cost-effective actions. The Council will be designed in collaboration with a youth advisory group to ensure the model is relevant and effective in how it engages with young people. Feedback from the public consultation will be used to design a set of priorities which will feed into topics for discussion.
In addition, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth launched a Youth Climate Justice Fund in 2020 to encourage youth-led action at community, regional and national level and to help build and leverage youth sector capacity to support such activities. Since the launch of the Fund, young people, youth workers and volunteers have innovated and collaborated to advance a range of initiatives within the areas of network-building and communications, research, awareness raising, influencing policy-makers, and introducing practical climate justice changes within their communities.
242. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the timeframe for areas that have been surveyed for the national broadband plan to be connected to fibre broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14903/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. The deployment plan forecasts construction commenced in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
Design work is complete or ongoing under the National Broadband Plan in target townlands across every county in Ireland with nearly 194,000 premises surveyed as of 17 March 2021. Surveying is the first step towards delivering the new fibre network and involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This informs design solutions for provision of the fibre network to each and every premises in the surveyed area and leads to detailed designs. The detailed designs are then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with Open eir for the area, where Open eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose and the make ready of other required infrastructure. This step also informs decisions on equipment ordering. Survey data is also needed to initiate pre-works which pave the way for the deploying of fibre. Pre-works involve construction of new duct routes, erection of poles, building chambers, and tree trimming. On completion of these pre-works, the main construction works can commence. This involves deploying fibre overhead on poles and in underground ducts, splicing of fibre, and unblocking of ducts. Once the main construction works are completed and the appropriate level of testing has been undertaken, the fibre network can be commissioned and end users can order their connection. I am advised that the build cycle can take up to 15 months on average.
The first fibre to the home connections have been made in Carrigaline, Co Cork and in Cavan. Technical testing and validation continues prior to a wider release of the area. Since 25 January 2021 retailers are able to resell the service and householders in these areas can order high speed broadband provided via the NBI network
Further details are available on specific areas through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises when works are due to commence. I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of information available on the deployment of the NBI network and I am advised that NBI are working to provide greater functionality and more detail on their website with a rolling update of network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
243. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration will be given to reviewing the current Eircode acquirement process, by which a new build premises cannot obtain a connection to fibre broadband until it has an Eircode for the premises and the procurement of same can often take a number of months given the system is updated quarterly per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14922/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode".
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licenced businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 139,000 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
Once the Eircode database is updated on a quarterly basis it is then a matter for individual Eircode database providers to release updates to commercial businesses in accordance with the terms of their licence agreements.
Early assignment of Eircodes is contingent on An Post facilitating the increased frequency of new and changed addresses from quarterly to monthly to Eircode through their subsidiary An Post GeoDirectory. My officials are working with An Post, Ordnance Survey Ireland, An Post GeoDirectory and Eircode to expedite the process of assigning Eircodes for new properties with postal addresses and geo-locations.
244. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of SEAI warmer homes grants that were approved in 2019, by county; the waiting time in 2019 for a surveyor to be allocated; the subsequent waiting time for work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15008/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date, over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme. There are currently over 8,000 homes on the scheme work programme. This includes homes that: are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor or are awaiting an initial survey.
3,142 homes were completed under the scheme in 2019, with the majority of these relating to applications made in 2018. The average time from application date to a surveyor to be allocated over this period was 4 months and the average time from surveyor allocated to works allocated was 2 months. The average value of works carried out in 2019 was €12,000. In comparison to 2020 a greater proportion of homes were receiving shallower works in 2019, which contributed to the shorter application cycle time and lower average cost.
Funding for the SEAI energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased to over €109 million in 2021 - an increase of €47 million on last year. In addition, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.
The table below sets out the number of applications approved and completed homes per county in 2019.
2019 Warmer Homes Scheme work programme
|
County |
Applications approved |
Homes completed* |
|
Carlow |
58 |
67 |
|
Cavan |
85 |
44 |
|
Clare |
90 |
68 |
|
Cork |
575 |
223 |
|
Donegal |
307 |
162 |
|
Dublin |
1605 |
651 |
|
Galway |
289 |
172 |
|
Kerry |
183 |
84 |
|
Kildare |
193 |
103 |
|
Kilkenny |
64 |
59 |
|
Laois |
69 |
63 |
|
Leitrim |
93 |
41 |
|
Limerick |
170 |
121 |
|
Longford |
67 |
37 |
|
Louth |
129 |
115 |
|
Mayo |
258 |
196 |
|
Meath |
195 |
90 |
|
Monaghan |
63 |
42 |
|
Offaly |
102 |
51 |
|
Roscommon |
113 |
56 |
|
Sligo |
104 |
59 |
|
Tipperary |
165 |
85 |
|
Waterford |
156 |
179 |
|
Westmeath |
129 |
78 |
|
Wexford |
245 |
178 |
|
Wicklow |
175 |
118 |
|
Total |
5682 |
3,142 |
*The majority of homes completed in 2019 were from applications made in 2018.
245. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has engaged with the SEAI on the current backlog of applications for the SEAI warmer homes grant; his plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15009/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date, the Government has provided funding for free upgrades to over 142,000 homes under the scheme and in 2020 the average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was over €14,800. There are currently over 7,800 homes on the scheme work programme. This includes homes that: are currently undergoing works; have been allocated to contractors for works; completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor or are awaiting initial survey. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2020, the average time from application to completion was approximately 18 months. The scheme operates nationally on a first come first served basis and the wait times have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
My Department regularly engages with the SEAI in relation to the operation of the Scheme. Funding for the SEAI energy poverty retrofit schemes has increased to over €109 million in 2021 – an increase of €47 million on last year. In addition, delivery capacity has increased due to a new, broader contractor panel that commenced at the end of 2020. I have also secured additional resources this year to expand the capacity of the SEAI to deliver the scheme.
246. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has contacted or plans to contact the UK authorities to raise concerns about the commissioning of a new coalmine in Cumbria in view of the UK's leadership role at COP26 in Glasgow and the recent call by the UN Secretary General on all states to decommission all proposed coal plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15112/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is committed to concerted global effort to address the climate challenge and engages in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Paris Agreement through its membership of the European Union (EU). Ireland, together with its EU partners, is currently preparing for the 26th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from 1 to 12 November 2021.
While the Paris Agreement is delivering on raising global climate ambition, it is acknowledged that further effort is required. I therefore welcome the recent call made by the UN Secretary General for all States to decommission proposed coal plants.
Ireland's Climate Action Plan sets out that the burning of coal at Ireland's only coal-fired power station in Moneypoint will cease not later than 2025. A significant expansion in the amount of renewables on our power grid will also support our ambition to further decarbonise power generation in order to achieve a target of 70% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030. Ireland is also a member of the Powering Past Coal Alliance, a coalition of governments, businesses and organisations working together to advance and accelerate the transition from coal to clean energy, which is committed to mobilising further action towards this objective in the coming months ahead of COP26.
A positive outcome at COP26 is critical to secure accelerated action to avoid irreversible climate change. As COP Presidency, the UK will have a key role in bringing forward this agenda.
247. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of vehicles owned or leased and operated by his Department and agencies and semi-State companies under his remit broken down by the number of ICE and non-ICE vehicles and fuel category, that is, petrol, diesel, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15118/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Geological Survey of Ireland, a division of my Department, operates 35 vehicles to support fieldwork and operations. The vehicles in the fleet on average are 4 years old. Most are small vans, but the fleet also includes two drilling rigs, two trucks, four pick-up trucks, two 4WD SUVs and two cars. The fleet includes an electric Hyundai Kona acquired in 2019 and the policy is to purchase hybrid or electric vehicles where suitable options exist and as replacement arises.
The information requested in relation to the bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each body. The Department will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisations.
248. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the options available to a household (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15226/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that, as of 17 March 2021, nearly 194,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Cork in Midelton, Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, Kilpatrick, Ballydesmond, Kiskeam, Umeraboy, Knocknagree, Rineen, Cullen, Coolinarna, Millstreet, Hollymount and Caherbarnagh. Main build works are ongoing in Carrigaline, Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown and Upper Rochestown, with pre-build works underway in Midleton. I understand that build works have commenced in the area where the premises referred to in the Question is located and NBI anticipates that high speed broadband will be available between November 2021 and January 2022.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 17 March, 289 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are connected at Ballindangan Community Centre, Aghabullogue Community Centre, Castletownkenneigh Community Centre, Lissavard Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre and T.O. Park Labbamollaga. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Clogagh and Ballycroneen National School are planned as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
249. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the assistance available to primary schools under the green agenda initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15247/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the role of primary schools in sustainable development.
The An Taisce Green Schools initiative (www.greenschoolsireland.org) is a whole-school programme and award scheme comprising seven steps and which takes a thematic approach to environmental education. Key themes include Litter and Waste, Energy, Water, Travel, and Biodiversity. Currently, approximately 4,000 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland are participating in the programme. Schools are supported by Green Schools and Local Authority staff, who actively engage with schools to support implementation of the seven steps. There are extensive information resources available, including teacher and student training seminars and workshops, all of which have moved online during on-going COVID-19 restrictions. The programme allows for national and international best practice exchange, learning opportunities and conferences, as well as Green Schools awards and specialist training and ambassador programmes. It is supported by a number of Government Departments, Agencies and corporate funders, including funding of €145,000 in 2020 from my own Department.
To focus on the important issue of Climate Change, my Department supported the development of the National Climate Change Action and Awareness Programme (NCCAAP) and provided funding of €222,000 towards this programme in 2020. This school based Programme is delivered by An Taisce to raise awareness of climate change among young people. Key elements of the NCCAAP include teacher training courses, the development of teacher resources, engagement events, and an annual schools Climate Action week.
An Taisce Green-Schools also deliver the SEAI's Schools Energy Workshop programme. These workshops are directly linked to the curricula and are a great way to inform and involve pupils and teachers in ways to save energy and help schools to achieve the Energy Green Flag award. Workshops are delivered free of charge and involve inquiry based learning through experiments, videos, games and talks. There are specific workshops for primary teachers.
250. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises that have been connected to the national broadband high-speed fibre network by county and month in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15382/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. The deployment plan forecasts construction commenced in all counties within the first 2 years and over 90% of premises in the State having access to high speed broadband within the next four years.
Despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the NBP. I am advised by NBI that, as of 17 March 2021, nearly 194,000 premises across 26 counties have been surveyed. Surveying is the first step towards delivering the new fibre network and involves physically walking the routes and documenting images, notes and measurements of the poles, cables and underground ducts in each area. This informs design solutions for provision of the fibre network to each and every premises in the surveyed area and leads to detailed designs. The detailed designs are then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with Open eir for the area, where Open eir ensure any poles and ducts being reused are fit for purpose and the make ready of other required infrastructure. This step also informs decisions on equipment ordering. Survey data is also needed to initiate pre-works which pave the way for the deploying of fibre. Pre-works involve construction of new duct routes, erection of poles, building chambers, and tree trimming. On completion of these pre-works, the main construction works can commence. This involves deploying fibre overhead on poles and in underground ducts, splicing of fibre, and unblocking of ducts. Once the main construction works are completed and the appropriate level of testing has been undertaken, the fibre network can be commissioned and end users can order their connection.
The first fibre to the home connections are successfully connected and in a test and trial phase in Carrigaline, Co Cork and Cavan. Technical testing and validation will be undertaken prior to a wider release of the areas. I am advised that almost 1,000 homes are passed and available for connection in both Counties Cork and Cavan. I understand build works are continuing across the country in 9 Deployment Areas which cover some 34,000 premises. Pre build works are also underway in 18 Deployment Areas that cover 64,000 premises.
251. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the concrete measures he plans to take to actively oppose proposals for floating LNG terminals in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15402/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government sets out that as Ireland moves towards carbon neutrality, it does not make sense to develop LNG projects importing fracked gas. It further commits to ensuring the Shannon LNG project is not included in the EU Projects of Common Interest list in 2021.
I have previously confirmed that if any LNG project were to apply for inclusion on the 2021 list of EU Projects of Common Interest, Ireland would not provide the required Member State approval and accordingly such a project would not be included on the list. I would note that no LNG projects in Ireland have applied for inclusion on the 2021 list. Furthermore, the European Commission has proposed an update to the relevant regulation, which Ireland has supported, that will ensure no LNG projects would be eligible to be Projects of Common Interest in future.
The Programme for Government also sets out that the Government does not support the importation of fracked gas and commits to developing a policy statement to establish that approach. My Department is in the process of developing the policy statement, which includes the 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.
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. The outcome of this review, which will be subject to Government approval, will consider if it would be appropriate, or not, to develop LNG terminals in Ireland and, if any such terminals were to be developed, if they should only be in order to provide an emergency backup to existing supply infrastructure.
Pending the outcome of this review, it is my position as Minister that it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. My Department has made, and will continue to make, this position clear to developers of potential LNG projects that contact my Department and in response to any consultations with my Department that are required as part of planning and permitting processes.
252. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the preparations made with respect to taking part in the 26th annual session of the Conference of the Parties to be held in Glasgow in November 2021; the size and composition of the Irish delegation that will attend; the ways in which interested members of the public can attend and be involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15448/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is committed to concerted global action to address the climate challenge and engages in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement through its membership of the European Union (EU). Ireland, together with its EU partners, is currently preparing for the 26th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP26) in Glasgow, United Kingdom, which takes place from 1 to 12 November 2021.
The EU and its Member States support further climate ambition from all Parties to the Paris Agreement. A positive outcome at COP26 is critical to secure accelerated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to avoid irreversible climate change. Ireland, together with its EU partners, is committed to engaging in a productive and transparent process with other countries over the coming months in order to facilitate progress on the work required to fully prepare for COP26. This work must also uphold the principles of inclusivity and transparency for party, as well as for non-party, participants. Ireland will champion such an approach in our ongoing engagement with the United Kingdom in its role as COP26 Presidency.
Given ongoing travel and other restrictions associated with the Covid19 pandemic, it is premature for me to provide any indications of the size and composition of the Irish delegation for the COP.
253. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the interactions he has with the Commissioner for Energy Regulation; if the challenges caused by Covid-19 have been discussed in these engagements; and if the particular point of fixed energy charges for businesses that have been closed has been discussed. [15473/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is the independent regulator. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
In May 2020 CRU introduced the Temporary Supply Suspension Scheme for certain small and medium size business customers impacted by Covid 19 restrictions to apply to have their fixed network charges suspended, with details at https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CRU20054-Decision-Paper-on-Temporary-Covid-19-Supply-Suspension-Scheme-003.pdf. The scheme ran from the 1st of May until the 31st of July. Section 35(2) of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 specifically provides that CRU may give directions to the System operator in relation to those specific charges.
Accordingly, the matter of any schemes for the deferral of SME energy and network charges in the Covid context is for the CRU in the performance of its functions as the independent regulator under the regulatory framework. EU Member States must guarantee the independence of their respective energy regulators, which are expressly forbidden from taking direct instructions from a government, or any public body, when performing their regulatory functions. The CRU is, under statute, accountable for the performance of its functions to a Committee of the Oireachtas. It provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, oireachtas@cru.ie, which enables them raise questions on electricity and gas regulatory matters such that raised in the question, with CRU, for timely direct reply.
As Minister I meet on an ongoing basis with a range of energy stakeholders. As part of those engagements, in September last, I met with senior management of CRU to discuss a range of issues relevant to my portfolio. There are also regylar engagements between my officials and the CRU.
254. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an interdepartmental group has been established within his Department to examine energy security issues in Ireland; if so, the membership, terms of reference and reporting timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15492/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department works closely with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, the electricity transmission system operator, EirGrid, the electricity distribution system operator, ESB Networks and the natural gas transmission and distribution system operator, Gas Networks Ireland to ensure continued secure supplies of electricity and natural gas.
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. 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.
255. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the concerns among Irish fishing communities at the growing number of planning applications and expressions of interest for offshore wind farms; his views on the calls for adequate distances from the shoreline for wind turbines to be introduced and the minimalisation of loss of access to fishing grounds for those fishing communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15497/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the development of the Maritime Area Planning Bill, which will provide a modern, up-to-date regulatory and marine planning framework for offshore renewable energy developments. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is also in the process of finalising Ireland’s first marine spatial plan, the National Marine Planning Framework. The Department has been guided by a Marine Spatial Planning Advisory Group throughout this process made up of a large number of stakeholders representing social, economic and environment groups, including fisheries representatives, as well as relevant public sector organisations. The new regime under the Maritime Area Planning Bill and the National Marine Planning Framework will ensure that there is public consultation throughout the various stages of offshore wind development, particularly the development consent stage.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will develop offshore wind statutory planning guidelines, which will inform decisions made by planning authorities concerning developments in Ireland's maritime area, and will aim to support best practice throughout the planning process for offshore renewable energy developments. My Department will be a primary stakeholder in the development of the offshore guidelines.
As is the case with onshore energy developments supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), all offshore wind energy developments will be required to establish Community Benefit Funds prior to project operation. In order to ensure good governance and effective marine and coastal community involvement in the sustainable use of these funds, a Good Practice Principles Handbook will be published by the Minister or a nominated body.
Officials from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and my Department are actively examining further opportunities for engagement with the fisheries sector, having identified and recognised a need for effective engagement between the seafood and offshore renewable energy industries. We are currently evaluating a proposal for the establishment of a seafood industry and offshore renewable energy working group, one of the primary goals of which will be to develop a communications protocol between these two industries. The intention with this is to increase levels of understanding and facilitate constructive engagement between both of these important sectors, in addition to considering relevant issues such as co-existence opportunities, displacement considerations and safety at sea.
256. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the allocation of an Eircode postcode will be expedited to ensure broadband provision in the case of persons (details supplied). [15506/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, was awarded a 10 year contract in December 2013 to develop, implement, maintain and promote the National Postcode System "Eircode".
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland, issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licenced businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my Department that over 139,000 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
Once the Eircode database is updated on a quarterly basis it is then a matter for individual Eircode database providers to release updates to commercial businesses in accordance with the terms of their licence agreements.
An Post have informed my officials that the individual's address data is on their systems and this information should be issued from An Post GeoDirectory to Eircode in the next assignment. My officials have requested Eircode to contact and liaise directly with the individual in question regarding the assignment of an Eircode for this new property address.
Early assignment of Eircodes is contingent on An Post facilitating the increased frequency of new and changed addresses from quarterly to monthly to Eircode through their subsidiary An Post GeoDirectory. My officials are working with An Post, Ordnance Survey Ireland, An Post GeoDirectory and Eircode to expedite the process of assigning Eircodes for new properties with postal addresses and geo-locations.
257. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when a property (details supplied) will be able to avail of high-speed broadband. [15689/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website www.broadband.gov.ie. The AMBER area represents the area to be served by the network to be deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 17 March 2021, nearly 194,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Westmeath in Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown, and Athlone. Pre-works have commenced in the areas around Mullingar. I understand that build works have commenced in the area where the premises referred to in the Question is located and NBI anticipates that high speed broadband will be available between October 2021 and December 2021.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Westmeath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 17 March, 289 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Streete Parish Park and Community Hall, Whitehall Community Centre, Milltown Emper Community Centre and Ballycomoyle GAA Club. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride is connected as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
258. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the full-year additional yield generated from a 2 cent increase in the National Oil Reserves Agency levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15730/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020, the NORA levy of 2c per litre on most oil products placed on the market, yielded a levy income of approximately €120m. This income was reduced somewhat when compared to the 2019 income level of approximately €133m, caused by a decrease in petroleum product consumption due to Covid-19.
An increase in the rate of the levy from 2c to 4c, per litre of product placed on the market, would be expected to yield additional levy income in the region of €125-€130m per annum, depending on the level of petroleum product consumption in future years.
259. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made in extending broadband services to the home of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15734/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs previously stated in my reply of 10 February to a Parliamentary Question on this matter, the premises referred to in the Question is 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 are not included in the State intervention area covered by the National Broadband Plan as commercial operators are already providing high speed broadband or have 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.
My Department has, however, raised a query regarding the premises in question with the service provider to get the current status for this location. The service provider has since requested further information on the premises in order to investigate the matter fully and to ascertain the broadband speeds available to the premises. My Department has recently contacted the Deputy in this regard.
260. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ballyharney, Delvin, County Westmeath, is included in the recent announcement for areas receiving broadband by autumn 2021 (details supplied). [15742/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 546,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
I appreciate people's frustration when they are living so close to a fibre network but cannot get a connection to that network, particularly given the heightened importance of connectivity during the Covid-19 pandemic. The NBP will ensure that in all such cases a future proofed high speed broadband network will be built to serve these premises and work to deliver on this is underway.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 17 March 2021, nearly 194,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. There are 11,761 premises in the Intervention area in County Westmeath of which 8,658 (74%) premises have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Westmeath in Mullingar, Sonna, Stonehall, Taghmon, Jamestown, Hopestown, and Athlone. Pre-works have commenced in the areas around Mullingar. Ballyhandy, Dysart, Co Westmeath is located in the NBP State led Intervention Area. I am advised that build works have commenced in the area and NBI anticipates that high speed broadband will be available between October 2021 to December 2021. Ballyharney, Devlin, Co Westmeath is also included the NBP State led Intervention Area.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Westmeath through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. I am advised that NBI is working to provide more detail on its website, with a rolling update on network build plans. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 17 March, 289 BCP sites have been installed by NBI and the high speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. BCP’s are installed at Streete Parish Park and Community Hall, Whitehall Community Centre, Milltown Emper Community Centre and Ballycomoyle GAA Club. Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Scoil Náisiúnta Bhride is connected as part of this initiative. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area, for connection over the term of the NBP. In this regard, an acceleration of this aspect of the National Broadband Plan was announced in December which will see some 679 primary schools connected to high speed broadband by 2022, well ahead of the original target delivery timeframe of 2026. Further details are available on the NBI website at https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
