Written Answers Nos. 198-218
198. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of broadband roll-out to Adelaide Street, Dún Laoghaire (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37361/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe location referred to in the question is located in the BLUE area on the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie. BLUE areas are not included in the State Intervention Area covered by the NBP 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.
Complaints about service provision are a matter to be dealt with between the consumer and the service provider in the first instance. If this avenue has been exhausted without a satisfactory resolution, the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) may be able to assist further. ComReg is the independent body that issues licences to broadband service providers and investigates complaints to make sure that companies are delivering services in line with their licence obligations.
Notwithstanding this, my Department has raised the matter with the service provider operating in the area and my Department will revert to the Deputy as soon as a response is received.
199. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the electricity demand, current and projected has been factored into critical infrastructure planning; the assessments and reports that have been prepared and published in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37379/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 38 of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 provides that the transmission system operator (i.e. Eirgrid) shall prepare, inter alia, a forecast for the demand for electricity, which Eirgrid publish as the 'All-Island Generation Capacity Statement'. The section also provides that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) may direct the TSO to prepare such forecasts from time to time. Part 10 of SI 60/2005 similarly provides for publication on forecast information by Eirgrid. As CRU is an independent regulatory authority and Eirgrid is the independent transmission system operator I have no function in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy.
200. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects grants under the circular economy innovation grant scheme to be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37381/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme (CEIGS) closed for applications on 28 May 2021. The purpose of CEIGS is to provide support to circular economy projects and raise awareness of the circular economy in Ireland. The applications for CEIGS funding received by my Department cover a wide range of circular economy themes, and demonstrate the breadth of interest in the circular economy from communities across the country. Officials from my Department are currently in the final evaluation phase, and I expect to make an announcement regarding notification to successful applicants within the coming weeks.
201. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 15 June 2021, the amount allocated to each local authority from the €5 million additional funding for litter prevention and cleaning announced on 5 May 2021. [37416/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOf the €5 million announced on 5 May 2021, €4 million has been directly allocated to local authorities under the Litter Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme as set out in the table below, in order to assist with the provision of new litter infrastructure, the replacement of existing litter infrastructure and the servicing of infrastructure in their functional areas. Under the scheme, at least 50% of the funds allocated to each local authority must be invested in infrastructure in order to ensure that the impact of the funding, while being of particular assistance during the peak summer season, will also provide longer term benefits.
The remaining €1m has been set aside to fund measures which are being delivered centrally including a national anti-litter and anti-dumping awareness campaign and a GIS mapping project which will aim to geo-tag bin locations across the country. It is noted that the centrally procured awareness assets will be made available to the local authorities to use in their own awareness raising activities.
|
Local Authority |
2021 Allocations |
|
Carlow |
€50,000 |
|
Cavan |
€50,000 |
|
Clare |
€125,000 |
|
Cork County |
€300,000 |
|
Donegal |
€150,000 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€200,000 |
|
Fingal |
€200,000 |
|
Galway County |
€150,000 |
|
Kerry |
€150,000 |
|
Kildare |
€150,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
€75,000 |
|
Laois |
€50,000 |
|
Leitrim |
€50,000 |
|
Longford |
€50,000 |
|
Louth |
€125,000 |
|
Mayo |
€125,000 |
|
Meath |
€150,000 |
|
Monaghan |
€50,000 |
|
Offaly |
€50,000 |
|
Roscommon |
€50,000 |
|
Sligo |
€50,000 |
|
South County Dublin |
€200,000 |
|
Tipperary |
€150,000 |
|
Westmeath |
€50,000 |
|
Wexford |
€125,000 |
|
Wicklow |
€125,000 |
|
Cork City |
€150,000 |
|
Dublin City |
€400,000 |
|
Galway City |
€100,000 |
|
Limerick City and County |
€200,000 |
|
Waterford City and County |
€150,000 |
|
Total |
€4,000,000 |
202. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost of missing the target for the roll-out of high-speed rural broadband in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37417/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract with National Broadband Ireland (NBI) contains a number of targets and milestones to be completed by NBI in order to deliver the rollout of high-speed broadband services to all premises in the Intervention Area by 2026. NBI is only entitled to claim the payment of relevant subsidy when the targets and milestones have been met. Subsidy payments are therefore held until NBI meets the milestones set out in the NBP contract.
I stated recently that NBI has informed me that the target for homes passed in 2021 as part of the NBP rollout will be less than originally envisaged. This will have a financial impact in that less subsidy will be paid to NBI this year; the precise amount has yet to be determined. This will not impact the overall level of subsidy required for the NBP intervention.
203. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Climate Action Advisory Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37419/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 8 of the Climate and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 established the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC). The CCAC, which is independent in the performance of its functions, provides advice to Government in respect of climate matters.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021 provides for a number of changes to the structure and functions of the CCAC:
- CCAC membership will have expertise in at least one of a number of areas relevant to its role and functions. This list includes climate science, transport policy, energy policy, agricultural policy, behavioural and communication services, biodiversity and ecosystems, climate adaptation, economics, finance, political sociology or ethics in relation to climate, as such matters
- The CCAC membership is to be increased to a maximum of 13 members in acknowledgement of the broad range of expertise and competences required to support its enhanced role
- The CCAC will provide advice and recommendations to relevant Ministers and the Government on the making and approval of Climate Action Plans and proposing carbon budgets and amendments to a provisional budget
- The CCAC annual report will include a review of compliance with the carbon budget and each sectoral emissions ceiling for that period, and any recommendations the CCAC consider necessary to comply with the sectoral emissions ceilings.
- The matters to be contained in a Periodic Review, which the CCAC may prepare from time to time, have also been expanded to include consideration of the carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings, in addition to the climate plans, strategies and frameworks. In view of the statutory five-year term of the current CCAC expiring; the need to facilitate the smooth functioning of the Council, including its intended mandate to propose carbon budgets under the Bill; and the need to ensure relevant deadlines relating to the development of carbon budgets as set out in the Bill are met I have made certain appointments and reappointments to the Council. The current members of the Climate Change Advisory Council are:
- Ms. Marie Donnelly, (Chairperson)
- Professor John FitzGerald,
- Professor Ottmar Edenhofer,
- Professor Peter Thorne,
- Professor Alan Barrett,
- Professor Gerry Boyle,
- Laura Burke,
- Patricia King,
- Andrew Murphy,
- Julie Sinnamon,
- William Walsh. Under the new Bill, three ex-officio members will be included in the Council: the Director of the EPA, the Director of Teagasc – The Agriculture and Food Development Authority; and the Director of the Irish National Meteorological Service, Met Éireann. Recent appointments have been made in advance of the Bill but I also intend to appoint additional members shortly, taking account of the aforementioned provisions of the Bill. Further appointments may include experts in relation to biodiversity, just transition and climate communications, amongst other areas of experience set out under the provisions of the Bill.
204. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the 2020 annual transition statement will be published as required by section 14(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37420/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Annual Transition Statement (ATS), established under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, serves an important function in providing an overview of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures adopted to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the effects of climate change in order to enable the achievement of the national transition objective. In this regard, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021, which will amend the 2015 Act, will significantly strengthen the statutory framework for governance of the climate challenge, and ensure delivery of successive Climate Action Plans and Long-term Climate Strategies, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and a new Climate Change Advisory Council. The Bill will introduce greater accountability arrangements with an enhanced role for the Oireachtas – Ministers will have to give account for their performance towards sectoral targets and actions before an Oireachtas Committee each year replacing the current Annual Transition Statement process. In accordance with the 2015 Act, I propose to prepare an Annual Transition Statement for 2020 which I intend to publish later this year.
205. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will commission an independent regulatory impact assessment that considers the return to retail model alongside the digital deposit and return scheme model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37493/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Use Plastics Directive, sets a collection target of 90% for plastic bottles by 2029 with an interim target of 77% by 2025. A report prepared for my Department concluded that a deposit and return scheme (DRS) is considered to be the only feasible way to achieve this obligation. I am working towards the introduction of a DRS based on the return to retailer model by the third quarter of 2022. This model has a proven track record over many years in other jurisdictions. I am aware that digital schemes are being trialed in some locations at present and may have a role here in future in complimenting the return to retailer model. I expect to approve the appointment of a system operator for our DRS in the coming months and this operator will be tasked with reviewing new technologies in this area to ensure that the most efficient collection methods are deployed.
206. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts that have been undertaken by his Department to accelerate the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in a location (details supplied); the engagement that has taken place with National Broadband Ireland on accelerating the roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37498/21]
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 8 July, over 233,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Mayo including in the areas of Aghagower, Ballyhean, Breaghwy, Burren, Castlebar, Clogher, Cloonkeen, Croaghmoyle, Islandeady, Killavally, Manulla, Pontoon, Strade, Tawnynagry, Turlough, Drumsheen, Bunnyconnellan, Ballina Town, Carrowntreila, Ardagh, Campbells Crossroads, Rosserk, Shanvoley, Derryhick, Kilhale, Tawnylaheen, Turlough, Ballyvary, Keeloges, Castlebar Town, Rinnaseer, Bellaburke, Killawullaun Mountain, Carn, Carnacon, Ballyglass, Belcarra, Balla and Ringarraun. Surveys are commencing in the areas of Newport, Carrowbeg, Inishgort, Inishcottle, Myna, Fahy, Ashbridge, Glenisland, Srahmore, Glenhest, Comploon, Slogger and Tawnameeltoge. I am advised that pre-build works have commenced in areas around Castlebar and Ballina.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Mayo 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. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays to aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors, restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays (both nationally and internationally). Covid-19 has affected the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. Inevitably, like many other organisations, NBI and contractor staff are at risk of contracting Covid 19 or may have to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact posing further challenges. The full extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in so far as possible.
The Programme for Government commits to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. The Department is currently engaging with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of the NBP rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Exploring the potential to accelerate the network rollout is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19. As part of that work NBI is engaging with all current build partners (eir and enet) to bring forward build activities and is also actively reviewing other possible build partners where such options could also speed up the build process. I am advised that these discussions are progressing well.
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 8 July, 335 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 Belderrig Community and Research Centre, Bofeenaun Community Centre, Taugheen Community Centre, Kilmovee Community Centre, Belderrig Community and Research Centre, Clare Island Community Centre, Keel Community Centre, Killaser Community Centre, Islandeady Community Centre, Finny Community Centre, Cushlough Community Centre, Carrowkennedy and The Black Tom Freeman Sport and Community Amenities Centre, Aghamore (located 10.8km from the premises referred to). Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Saint Coleman's National School, Scoil Néifinn, Rathbane National School, Midfield National School, Meelick More National School, Kinaffe National School, Gortskehy National School, Facefield National School, Errew National School, Cloghans National School, Shraigh National School, Rathnamagh National School, Dooagh National School, The Brae Valley National School, Dookinella National School and Tavraun Central National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. 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/.
207. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when fibre connection for broadband will be available for a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37647/21]
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 8 July, over 233,000 premises across all counties have been surveyed. Surveys are complete or underway in County Cork including in the areas of Midleton, Cullen, Templebreedy, Carrigaline, Ballyfoyle, Douglas, Ballyphehane, Glasheen, Mahon, Kilpatrick. Surveys have started Ballydesmond, Kiskeam, Umeraboy, Knocknagree, Rineen, Cullen, Coolinarna, Millstreet, Hollymount and Caherbarnagh. I understand that surveying is underway in the area where the premises referred to in the Question is located. Main build works are ongoing in Carrigaline, Fountainstown, Ballinhassig, Monkstown and Upper Rochestown. Pre-build works are ongoing in Midleton.
The first fibre to the home connections are successfully connected in Carrigaline, Co Cork and Cavan. I am advised by NBI that, as of 8 July over 6,600 premises are passed in Counties Cork, Cavan and Galway and available for order and pre-order. As the programme continues to build momentum this figure is expected to grow month on month. In total over 19,000 premises can pre-order via retail service providers (RSPs) in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway and Limerick.
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 as works commence. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie , which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays to aspects of the programme. The full extent of this impact is currently being assessed and NBI has committed to put in place measures to mitigate the impact in so far as possible.
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 8 July, 335 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 Laharn Heritage Centre, Ballindangan Community Centre, Whitechurch Community Centre, Clogagh Community Hall, T.O. Park Labbamollaga, Bere Island Heritage Centre, Sherkin Island Community Hall, Glash Community Centre, Ballydaly Community Hall, Aubane Community Centre, Mealagh Valley Community Centre, Coláiste Phobal Cléire, Lissavard Community Centre, Aghabullogue Community Centre (14.7km from the premises) and Castletownkenneigh Community Centre (9.1km from the premises). Further details can be found at https://nbi.ie/bcp-locations/.
Ballycroneen National School and Clogagh National School have been installed by NBI for educational access. 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/.
208. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan. [37767/21]
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 over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, National Broadband Ireland has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan. I am advised by National Broadband Ireland that as of 8 July over 233,000 premises have been surveyed across all counties. This survey work has enabled detailed designs to be developed for each deployment area. The detailed designs are then used to initiate the ‘make ready’ project with Open eir, where Open eir ensures 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.
Main Fibre Build works are underway in 12 Counties covering a total of 43,000 premises and “Make Ready” Works which involves works by openeir to prepare their existing poles and ducts for re-use by NBI and also tree-trimming of the route for new poles and overhead cabling are underway in a further 6 Counties, covering an additional 52,000 premises.
The first fibre to the home connections are successfully connected in Carrigaline, Co Cork and Cavan. I am advised by NBI that, as of 8 July over 6,600 premises are passed in Counties Cork, Cavan and Galway and available for order and pre-order. As the programme continues to build momentum this figure is expected to grow month on month. In total over 19,000 premises can pre-order via retail service providers (RSPs) in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway and Limerick.
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 as works commence. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays to aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors, restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays (both nationally and internationally). Covid 19 has affected the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. Inevitably, like many other organisations, NBI and contractor staffs are at risk of contracting Covid 19 or may have to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact posing further challenges. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract to address the impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on the project.
The Programme for Government commits to seek to accelerate the roll out of the National Broadband Plan. The Department is currently engaging with NBI to explore the feasibility of accelerating aspects of the NBP rollout to establish the possibility of bringing forward premises which are currently scheduled in years 6 and 7 of the current plan to an earlier date. Exploring the potential to accelerate the network rollout is being undertaken in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19. As part of that work NBI is engaging with all current build partners (eir and enet) to bring forward build activities and is also actively reviewing other possible build partners where such options could also speed up the build process. I am advised that these discussions are progressing well.
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 8 July, 335 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. Of the 335 sites, some 116 schools have been installed with high speed broadband by NBI as part of this initiative, for educational access only.
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/
209. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will respond to correspondence issued to him on 22 February 2021 in relation to a matter (details supplied) given that it relates to a community awaiting his response. [37785/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na Móna is a commercial State company, as set out in the Turf Development Acts. The Minister has no function in the operational decisions of the company, which are a matter for the board and management. Bord na Móna has advised that it is aware of the concerns of local residents and has investigated the issues concerned. The company also advises that it has been in contact with the new residents association in relation to their attempts to deal with these outstanding issues. Bord na Móna has confirmed to the new residents association that it no longer has any legal interest in the property and has provided the association with Bord na Móna view on the next steps for the association.
210. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of legal cases brought against his Department in each of the past five years and to date in 2021; and if he will provide details on the nature of these cases. [37809/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been 21 legal cases brought against my Department since 2016 broken down as follows:
|
Year |
Number of Legal Cases |
|
2016 |
5 |
|
2017 |
4 |
|
2018 |
4 |
|
2019 |
3 |
|
2020 |
3 |
|
To date in 2021 |
2 |
I am advised that it would not be appropriate to provide details on the nature of the specific cases as to do so would encroach on matters presently before the courts.
211. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will restore the membership of the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland to its full membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37824/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently no vacancies on the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Current Board membership can be viewed at Stateboards.ie. Appointments, when vacancies arise, are made in accordance with Section 12 of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010 and with due regard for the Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
212. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the plans of Inland Fisheries Ireland to promote Ireland as an angling destination for anglers abroad in 2021 and in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37825/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraInland Fisheries Ireland's Corporate Plan 2015 – 2020, recognises the importance of promoting angling related tourism and commits to actively promoting Ireland as an angling tourism destination. The Plan acknowledged that having pristine waters and healthy fish stocks is part of the overall unique selling point for Ireland as a tourist destination and there is an indirect linkage between protecting the resource and the continued growth of our tourism product.
It is anticipated that IFI’s new Corporate Plan 2021-2025, which is currently being finalised, will also place strong emphasis on promoting tourism angling through IFI activities. I also anticipate that the National Inland Fisheries Forum will be reactivated soon and will include representatives from the hospitality / tourism sector.
213. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will lift the restrictions on peat harvesting for 2021 to avoid a shortage of supply in 2021 and reduce the further importation of peat from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37986/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is no restriction on peat extraction other than the requirement that operators have the necessary consents in place. For peat extraction, in the first instance this involves gaining the necessary permissions under the Planning system, in relation to which I have no function.
214. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will introduce a fair and workable licensing system to allow for the phasing out of horticultural peat harvesting while ensuring there is a secure supply of growing media in order that the sustainable horticultural sector is not jeopardised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37987/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI consider the current consent system for peat extraction to be both fair and workable. Commercial peat extraction is subject to a dual consent process requiring planning permission and, for sites over 50 hectares, an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, there has been a history of widespread non-compliance with this dual consent process, with many operators in the sector lacking planning permission and / or an IPC licence.
Following a 2019 High Court judgment which re-affirmed, inter alia, that commercial peat extraction absent planning permission constitutes unauthorised development, the onus has been on operators to first regularise their activities via the planning system and then secure the necessary licenses before any recommencement can take place.
It is not open to the State to simply remove the requirement for operators to regularise their past unauthorised development, as this requirement is derived from EU law, and I believe the quickest route to regularisation is through engagement with the existing consent system rather than through the establishment of a new one.
Insofar as the availability of supplies for horticulture use is concerned, this matter is being considered by a multi-stakeholder working group established earlier this year by Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In addition, officials from my Department are engaging with their counterparts in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, to help identify all feasible options to support the supply of horticultural peat for the 2021 and 2022 seasons in particular.
215. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it will be ensured that peatlands are harvested in such a way that they are in the best possible condition for a planned and structured restoration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37988/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in relation to setting such development conditions for peat extraction. In the first instance the regulation of peat extraction takes place via the Planning system, in relation to which I have no function. Where a development additionally requires an Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) license, this is a matter for the Environmental Protection Agency. The Agency is an independent statutory body and I have no role in relation to the exercise of its licencing and/or enforcement functions.
216. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the energy security review of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems; when he expects the review to be completed; his plans to publish the final report and recommendations of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37990/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050.
It is planned that the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation undertaken in the second half of this year. The review, which I expect to complete in the first half of 2022, will be submitted to Government. While it is a matter for Government, I expect the outcome of the review would then be published.
217. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if energy generation projects which state that they intend to apply to the renewable energy support scheme have obligations to comply with the scheme in terms of community engagement and or support from the local community at the planning stage; if a partnership with a relevant sustainable energy community which is a key component of the definition of a community-led project should be identified at the planning stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38012/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) supports communities in a variety of ways including a separate category for community projects and a mandatory community benefit fund for every project supported in the scheme.
All projects seeking support in the scheme must have planning permission for their projects secured in advance of bidding into a RESS auction. The planning process is therefore separate but it is expected that project developers will have engaged positively with communities in the design of their projects with a view to ensuring a mutually beneficial delivery of the project through the national planning process.
Most renewable electricity generation in Ireland to date has been derived from onshore wind projects. Reflecting this, and the importance of community engagement in such projects, my Department published a voluntary Code of Practice for Wind Energy Development in 2016.
All RESS projects must have a Community Benefit Fund, which for the 68 projects successful in the first RESS auction means nearly €4 million per annum going into the communities in the vicinity of these projects. On 7 July last, my Department published a set of Good Practice Principles for the operation of these Funds which is available on www.gov.ie. One of the most important of these principles is that communities are placed at the heart of the decision making process.
Community renewable electricity projects that are applying for support through the RESS must make the application in conjunction with a Sustainable Energy Community, thereby ensuring a joined up approach to the development of community energy in Ireland. Last week I announced details of an enabling framework of supports available via the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to encourage community electricity generation, including a dedicated contact phoneline, an information warehouse and a variety of technical and financial supports.
218. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will give consideration to satellite broadband grants for those at the later stages of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38029/21]
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 ensuring no premises is left behind. The NBP contract was awarded following a detailed and comprehensive procurement process. In line with State Aid Guidelines, the procurement process was technology neutral meaning that the process did not specify a preferred technology. However, all bidders in the process proposed fibre as the best solution. National and international expertise points to a fibre based solution as being the most economical way to address all premises with a future proofed solution over the 25 year term of the NBP Contract.
In terms of whether the low earth orbit satellite technology could be used in the latterly scheduled regions of the National Broadband Plan intervention area, the NBP Contract allows NBI to explore alternative technologies, including satellite technology, if they are deemed necessary to assist delivery of the contract requirements. However, in doing so NBI must ensure that any alternative technologies utilised do not negatively impact on having a reliable and robust network available for all premises within the Intervention Area and that minimum contracted speeds are achieved. These considerations are a matter for NBI in the first instance.
It should be noted that under State Aid rules that subsidy cannot be awarded separately to an individual service provider, such as a satellite company, without a procurement process.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are a key element of the NBP and will provide high speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network and people in the later stages of the roll-out can avail of high speed broadband at a number of BCPs around the country. 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 publically available sites and by the Department of Education for schools. As of 8 July 335 BCPs have been installed by NBI including 116 primary schools. Further information is available in this regard at https://nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/.
