Written Answers Nos. 26-50
26. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the policy of his Department with regard to the production and use of green hydrogen in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43930/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government recognises the need for research and development of hydrogen from renewable sources, known as ‘green hydrogen’, for use in power generation and as a zero-emission energy source in difficult-to-decarbonise sectors such as transport and industry.In July 2020, the European Commission published a hydrogen strategy for a carbon-neutral Europe. Ireland supported the hydrogen strategy, including the need to deploy green hydrogen in line with the Programme for Government. Ireland also supported the publication of the Council Conclusions on a hydrogen market for Europe in October 2020. In the development of these conclusions, Ireland strongly supported the need to focus on green hydrogen.My Department is working with relevant Departments, agencies and stakeholders to inform Ireland's future policies in relation to the production and use of green hydrogen. The role of green hydrogen, and the polices and measures needed for its development, are being considered as part of the development of the 2021 Climate Action Plan.
27. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate the role played by data centres in relation to recent shortfalls in electricity availability; the extent to which data centres add to greenhouse gas emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44064/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system. The CRU has advised me that they have identified specific challenges to ensuring continued electricity security of supply, which they are currently in the process of addressing.
These challenges include lower than expected availability of some existing power stations; anticipated new power stations not being developed as planned; expected growth in demand for electricity including due to the growth of data centres; and the expected closure of power stations that make up approximately 25% of conventional electricity generation capacity over the coming years.
There is a range of actions being taken by the CRU and EirGrid to ensure security of electricity supply over the coming winter and years ahead. The actions being progressed include maximising the availability of existing generators; development of new generation capacity – including temporary generation capacity in advance of winter 2022; making changes to the grid connection rules for data centres; and working with large energy consumers to, where possible, reduce their electricity demand during peak periods.
In June 2018 the ‘Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland’s Enterprise Policy’ was published, which sets out the strategic importance of data centres to Ireland’s overarching enterprise policy and attracting foreign investment in the ICT sector. The statement acknowledges that, as large consumers of electricity, data centres also pose challenges to the capacity of our electricity grid and the future planning and operation of a sustainable power system.
In June, the CRU published a proposed direction to EirGrid and ESB Networks that would require each of the system operators to prioritise data centre connections based on location, the availability of on-site generation and flexibility in reducing demand when required. The consultation process is now closed and the CRU is considering the responses received.
28. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the shortfall to some homes on scope of works being provided under the warmer homes scheme free energy upgrades; if he is satisfied that all upgrades available are being provided to homes under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44086/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme is funded by my Department and administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to lower income households vulnerable to energy poverty. To date over 143,000 homes have received free upgrades under the scheme leaving them better able to afford to heat their homes to an adequate level. The approximate average value of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was €17,100 at the end of July 2021. A range of home energy improvements can be funded under this scheme. The upgrades that are recommended for any given property depend on many factors including age, size, type and condition of the property. Each eligible home is assessed on a case-by-case basis by SEAI’s managing agent. This involves a survey of the home which determines the upgrades that can be installed and funded. The home is subsequently allocated to a contractor which carries out a further assessment of the property to confirm the initial recommendation. A programme of work is then agreed between the contractor and SEAI. Decisions in relation to the recommended upgrades made by both SEAI’s managing agent and contractors are informed by a technical operations manual.
The broad conditions for recommending works are set out in the scheme Guidelines which are available on the SEAI’s website: www.seai.ie/publications/Scheme-and-Application-Guidelines.pdf
29. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a review into the north-south interconnector. [43527/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Government review on the north-south interconnector; the number of times the review group has met; when its report will be finalised and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44098/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 35 together.
The North-South interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the all-island single electricity market and increasing security of electricity supply in Ireland and Northern Ireland. It will also help Ireland to move towards our 70% renewable electricity target by 2030. A resilient and well-connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland's economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers.
The option of undergrounding the North-South interconnector has been comprehensively assessed on several occasions. Most recently, the key finding from the International Expert Commission's report of October 2018 was that an overhead line remains the most appropriate option for this critical electricity infrastructure.
Notwithstanding this, I decided to commission a further short review to assess if the overall finding from the 2018 report remains valid. Terms of reference for this study were published on my Department's website on 21 April. On 7 May, my Department initiated a procurement process to appoint an independent expert to undertake the review. International consultants have now been appointed subject to final contract compliance requirements being fulfilled. My officials are in regular contact with the selected consultants. I therefore expect that the review will commence shortly and will be completed later this year.
30. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the working group established to examine national end-of-waste applications backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42527/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the importance of the End of Waste in the transition to a more circular economy, in particular in relation to the construction sector. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy which was launched by Minister Ryan in September 2020, has a dedicated chapter on End of Waste, and commits to a number of measures including to the establishment of a working group to develop national end-of-waste applications for identified priority waste streams. This working group has now been established with the first meeting taking place in March 2021. My officials, in conjunction with the members of the working group, are currently considering what waste streams should be prioritised for the first national end-of-waste applications.
31. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he plans to establish on a statutory footing a just transition commission with a remit that covers all relevant sectors and areas across Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44124/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government appointed Mr Kieran Mulvey as Just Transition Commissioner in November 2019 to facilitate discussions and work with stakeholders to develop, mobilise and deliver opportunities for the Midlands for both the workers directly affected and the wider community. The Commissioner is undertaking his work with administrative support provided by my Department. The Commissioner is also being supported in his engagements with stakeholders in the Midlands, as required, by the Secretariat to the Midlands Regional Transition Team.
The Commissioner, through his three progress reports, has made a number of recommendations to help achieve a just transition in the Midlands. These recommendations have been taken forward through a number of strands, including the Just Transition Fund call for proposals, the Bord na Móna Enhanced Peatlands Rehabilitation Scheme, and the re-configuration of the Midlands Regional Transition Team.
It has been agreed that the Just Transition Commissioner’s work will reach its natural conclusion at the end of 2021. By this time the Government’s just transition response in the Midlands will have been well advanced with the finalisation of the Territorial Just Transition Plan, the publication of the Climate Action Plan 2021, and the Just Transition Fund projects under implementation.
Although the Commissioner’s mandate expires at the end of 2021, this would not prevent me or indeed any other Minister of the Government from taking a similar approach in future should the circumstances warrant it in a given sector or region.
The forthcoming Climate Action Plan 2021 will set out specific commitments on just transition, including elaborating key principles, which the design and implementation of our climate action policies should follow. This approach will seek to fully integrate a just transition approach into the overall architecture of our climate policy provided by the new Climate Act, rather than establishing a stand-alone statutory commission.
32. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the latest date by which it is expected that all premises private and business will have a fibre telecommunications connection available to them; the steps he is taking to expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43878/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraExtensive investment plans are in place by a range of commercial operators with further investment plans recently announced. These plans will see improved high speed broadband access across the country. Of the 2.4 million premises across Ireland, 77% of premises now have access to high-speed broadband of more than 30 Mbps. National Broadband Ireland (NBI), through the Government's State led intervention, will address the remaining premises to ensure no premises is left behind. Despite the 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 NBI that, as of 3 September 2021, over 251,000 premises across 26 counties have been surveyed with almost 14,500 premises passed and available for connection. In line with the NBP Contract, the deployment plan is a 7 year build programme which is due to be completed by the end of 2026.
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 for 2021. The impact on future years continues to be assessed. NBI is putting in place mitigation measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the programme to date. These include
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month
- Bringing in more resources to NBI
- Purchasing more materials earlier
- Bringing in more subcontractors
In line with the Programme for Government, NBI and my Department are also engaged in a review of potential measures that can be taken to accelerate the network rollout in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19. My Department continues to engage 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. However, the primary focus must be on addressing the delays which have arisen and ensuring that National Broadband Ireland's build programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
The most recent Quarterly Key Data Report Q2, 2021 published by ComReg reported that fixed broadband subscriptions increased to 1.55 million, a 0.8% increase this quarter and an increase of 4.0% when compared to Q2 2020. Of these, over 308,000 were fibre-to the-premises (FTTP) subscriptions representing 19.9% of total fixed broadband subscriptions in Q2 2021, up from 13.5% in Q2 2020.
33. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the unprecedented number of scam phone calls and texts that are being received by persons at present; the efforts being made by his Department to address these scams; his views on the actions that can be taken by the phone and communications companies to address this disruption; the discussions that he has had with the companies concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44222/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra43. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he is taking to address the increasing number of scam and nuisance phone calls and texts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44102/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 43 together.
The telecommunications market is regulated by the Commission for Communications Regulation. It is not possible to identify scam call numbers in advance, which can resemble normal, familiar geographical, or international numbers encountered on a daily basis.
The Regulator has published information for consumers in relation to this issue (https://www.comreg.ie/consumer-information/mobile-phone/scam-calls-2/). This provides advice urging vigilance at all times on the part of consumers and listing suggestions for the proactive steps to be taken by those receiving scam calls, and in particular, advising people not to answer, or to call back, any number which they do not recognise, or where no voicemail is left.
The notice also provides a phone number for consumers to contact and the Regulator also offers a text call back service and other facilities to assist consumers. In the meantime, ComReg continues to monitor the situation closely.
In addition I understand that An Garda Síochána has also raised public awareness to warn phone users on the need to remain continually alert with respect to calls and text messages.
34. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports for local authorities in terms of litter awareness and anti-dumping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43991/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe two grant schemes of direct relevance are the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) and the Anti Litter & Anti Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme (ALAGS). The annual ADI, was introduced in 2017 to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, communities and other State Agencies to tackling the problem of illegal dumping. Details regarding projects supported and funding for the years 2017 - 2020 are available at the link below. €3m has been allocated to local authorities under the Anti-Dumping Initiative in 2021.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e27ac-anti-dumping-initiative/
The anti-litter and anti-graffiti awareness grants provided to city and county councils are utilised to fund a wide range of measures aimed at raising public awareness of litter issues and promoting anti-litter and anti-graffiti activity at a local level. €750,000 has been allocated to local authorities under the scheme in 2021.
My Department is also providing an additional €4m to local authorities in 2021 under the Litter Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme. This scheme was designed to support the provision of additional litter infrastructure by local authorities in the context of the Government's emphasis on an outdoor summer.
36. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress made to date with the roll-out of offshore wind, wave and tidal renewable energy harnessing; the amount of energy being generated at present in this way; the projected amount that will be generated in this way by 2030 by type of generation; the steps being taken to expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43877/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has considerable offshore renewable energy generation potential, and a number of steps are underway across Government to realise our ambition of 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030 and a plan to take advantage of up to 30GW of floating wind potential thereafter.
Currently, one small-scale offshore wind farm is currently in commercial operation in Ireland, at Arklow Bank. It is a 25MW installation, commissioned in 2004 and produces approximately 70GWh of electricity in a typical year. While there are no wave or tidal renewable generators currently in commercial operation in Ireland, there are a number of prototype generators under development and supported by the SEAI ocean energy programme.
Since this Government came into office, a number of significant steps have been taken to progress the development of our offshore energy resource including:
- publication of the National Marine Planning Framework,
- the development of a strategic framework for Ireland's Offshore Electricity Transmission System; and
- publication of the Maritime Area Planning Bill.
My Department will shortly publish a consultation on the terms and conditions of the first offshore auction, ORESS 1, which will provide a critical route to market for offshore energy and establish Ireland on a pathway to achieving our 2030 ambition.
37. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way in which he plans to enforce the new standards for all domestic solid fuels which he plans to introduce across the State; the way in which he plans to prevent suppliers from Northern Ireland from selling non-compliant fuels; the body which will be responsible for enforcing these new regulations; if he plans to increase the funding and resources to the body responsible for enforcing these new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44146/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authorities will be responsible for enforcing the provisions of the new enhanced solid fuel regulations within their functional areas, and will have significant powers available to enable them do so effectively. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality enforcement and an increase in multi-agency operations in order to clamp down on the sale of high-sulphur content fuel imported from the UK, with Local Authorities and the Revenue Commissioners involved. Given the links between burning of solid fuels and the health effects of air pollution, as well as the potential for market distortion for businesses properly adhering to the regulations, increased multi-agency enforcement and inspections of cross-border fuel movements will be required.
Discussions with the Local Authority sector have commenced with the intention of establishing dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent enforcement of the new regulations across the country. My Department is fully committed to supporting Local Authorities in this regard, including through the provision of additional supports for the most effective model of enforcement.
38. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the changes he plans to make to current Government policy on climate action in light of the recent IPCC report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43674/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, ‘Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis’ reconfirms the limited window in which there is to act to prevent more devastating impacts of climate change and underlines the increasing urgency needed to tackle the climate crisis. Recognising this urgency, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and provide a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels). It also establishes a significantly strengthened climate governance framework to support delivery of these targets.
My objective over the coming weeks is to agree an ambitious and comprehensive set of climate actions, through the Climate Action Plan 2021, that will position us to meet our new climate targets. This will mean more renewable energy, decreased transport emissions, changes in how we heat our homes and how we grow our food and look after our land. These steps will be challenging, but they will also create new opportunities.International cooperation and coordination is also needed to limit global temperature rises. In this context, I will lead Ireland’s Climate Delegation for COP26. Ireland is committed to engaging constructively in the finalisation of the Paris Rulebook and will also continue to advocate for climate action to be informed by the best available science.
39. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the anticipated impact of the upcoming new solid fuel standards on persons on lower incomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44135/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year, some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short, and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. It is in this context that I have decided to introduce new standards for all solid fuels, which will serve to remove the most polluting from the Irish market I am also conscious that some householders face the risk of fuel poverty, and burning solid fuel is the main or only way they have of heating their homes. However, it should be noted that better quality fuel burns more efficiently, and actually represents better value for money. The Domestic Fuels Comparison of Energy Costs report, published quarterly by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, consistently shows that low smoke coal is the most efficient type of coal in terms of cost per units of heat produced, and the second most cost-efficient overall.
Lowest income households are often impacted the most from the health impacts of burning smoky fuels. The highest pollution levels recorded on cold, still evenings are regularly concentrated in areas dependent on solid fuels. The goal over the lifetime of this government is to provide support to retrofit these homes, and in the interim, to ensure they can be heated in a way that improves public health.
40. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes and businesses connected to high-speed broadband in 2021 under the National Broadband Plan; the number of homes and businesses passed under the scheme; the reasons for delays to date; his plans to ramp up the scheme in the time ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44100/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra63. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied with the pace of roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; the number of homes expected to have the service available; the actual number achieved at the end of 2020 and to date in 2021; the steps he plans to take to increase the pace of roll-out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44085/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 63 together.
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 on delivery of aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors with restrictions on operations, supply chain and logistic delays (both nationally and internationally). In addition , there have been challenges with 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. 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 for 2021. The impact on future years continues to be assessed. NBI is putting in place mitigation measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the programme to date. These include
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month
- Bringing in more resources to NBI
- Purchasing more materials earlier
- Bringing in more subcontractors
In line with the Programme for Government, NBI and my Department are also engaged in a review of potential measures that can be taken to accelerate the network rollout in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19. My Department continues to engage 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. However, the primary focus must be on addressing the delays which have arisen and ensuring that the build programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
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 3 September over 251,000 premises have been surveyed across all counties. Main Fibre Build works are underway in 25 Deployment Areas covering over 105,000 premises.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 3 September over 14,500 homes are passed and available for connection in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan. In addition, over 7,000 premises can also pre-order via retail service providers (RSPs) in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan and get a connection in the coming months. As the programme continues to build momentum this figure is expected to grow month on month.
NBI is a wholesale provider which means they make the network available to Retail Service Providers to connect and provide the service to end users. It is understood that as of 3 September over 2,300 orders have been made with almost 1,500 actually connected.
41. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises connected, not surveyed, to broadband by National Broadband Ireland in counties Roscommon and Galway to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44112/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDespite 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 NBI that, as of 3 September, over 14,500 homes are passed and available for connection in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan. In addition, over 7,000 premises can also pre-order via retail service providers in those counties and get a connection in the coming months. I am advised that main fibre build works are currently underway in 25 Deployment Areas covering over 105,000 premises. As the programme continues to build momentum these figures are expected to grow month on month. County Galway was one of the first counties to see premises passed and I am advised that to date over 4,000 premises have been passed and are available for connection through retail service providers operating in the area. Build works are also well advanced in other areas of Co Roscommon and I am advised that almost 3,000 premises will be available for connection early next year. In addition, some 460 premises can currently pre-order a connection in Co Roscommon.
42. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 78 of 1 June 2021, if he will provide an update on the engagement he has had to date with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to supporting and promoting efforts at local government level on climate action, particularly in relation to County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43966/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when funding for climate action staff and for the development of local authority climate action plans will be provided; if this funding will result in more staff at local council level or through the CARO offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44123/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 62 together.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act, 2021 strengthens the role of Local Authorities for effective climate action. It sets out legislative requirements for each Local Authority to prepare a Climate Action Plan, which will include both mitigation and adaptation measures, and be updated every five years. These plans will have to be consistent with national climate plans and strategies, and Local Authorities will have to liaise with each other in the preparation of these plans. My Department is working with the Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs), the EPA, and other stakeholders to develop appropriate guidelines for the making of these plans.
My Department engages with all four CAROs and stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, on a regular basis, in particular through participation in the National Local Authority Climate Action Steering Group. Each CARO, including the Atlantic Seaboard North, which includes the Local Authorities for counties Mayo, Sligo, Donegal and Galway, in addition to Galway City, is working with the Local Authorities to both facilitate and monitor implementation of local climate actions undertaken under local adaptation strategies and the Climate Charter developed under the 2019 Climate Action Plan.
My Department is also funding for the implementation of the new Local Authority climate action training programme. This programme is increasing knowledge of climate change and the need for action among all Local Authority staff, and will facilitate both climate mitigation and adaptation at local level.
In addition, my Department is currently considering bids for additional resources for the CAROs and for Local Authorities to support climate action.
44. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the implementation of the National Broadband Plan is on schedule for 2021; if not, the measures which can be taken in order to expedite it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44060/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra45. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position in relation to the national broadband roll-out; the delays encountered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44217/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra47. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; the advances that have been made following Covid-19 delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44229/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra48. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress in the past year towards the extension of high-speed, high-quality broadband to all areas throughout the country; the degree to which the infill of gaps in the services is being tended to; the extent to which the programme continues in line with expectations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44154/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 45, 47 and 48 together.
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 on delivery of aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors with restrictions on operations and supply chain and logistic delays both nationally and internationally. In addition, there have been challenges with 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 had to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact.
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 for 2021. The impact on future years continues to be assessed. NBI is putting in place mitigation measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the programme to date. These include
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month
- Bringing in more resources to NBI
- Purchasing more materials earlier
- Bringing in more subcontractors
In line with the Programme for Government, NBI and my Department are also engaged in a review of potential measures that can be taken to accelerate the network rollout in parallel with the measures required to mitigate delays arising as a result of Covid-19. My Department continues to engage 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. However, the primary focus must be on addressing the delays which have arisen and ensuring that the National Broadband Ireland build programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
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 3 September over 251,000 premises have been surveyed across all counties. Main Fibre Build works are underway in 25 Deployment Areas covering over 105,000 premises.
I am advised by NBI that, as of 3 September over 14,500 homes are passed and available for connection in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan. In addition, over 7,000 premises can also pre-order via retail service providers (RSPs) in Counties Cork, Cavan, Galway, Limerick and Monaghan and get a connection in the coming months. As the programme continues to build momentum this figure is expected to grow month on month.
While the Covid-19 pandemic has created many challenges, NBI has also faced many more complexities working with existing networks and subcontractors than initially envisaged. This is due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. This has included significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades and the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews while addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews are actually on the ground.
46. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans for future iterations of the warmer homes, better energy communities and SEAI schemes due to the need to ramp up retrofitting of homes, the need to fast-track current applications and delivery of such schemes; the current number of applications being processed by county and by the length of time for works to be carried out in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44225/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government and the Climate Action Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 or cost optimal and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings over the next 10 years. A new National Retrofit Plan will be published in quarter 4 of this year. The plan is designed to address barriers to energy efficiency investments in four key areas: customer proposition and demand generation, financing and affordability, supplier capacity, and governance.
SEAI grant schemes will be a central element of the Government's approach to achieving our retrofit targets. It is intended to launch a new National Retrofit Scheme focused on achieving B2 retrofits later this year. The existing SEAI grant schemes will be aligned with the National Retrofit Scheme as appropriate.
There are currently just over 7,000 homeowners on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. Information on waiting time by county is not held. However, SEAI data indicates that for homes completed to date in 2021, the average time from application to completion was approximately 26 months countrywide. The average wait times have increased significantly in 2021 due to the extensive COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity. Every effort is being made to maximise activity now that construction activity in the residential sector has recommenced.
The information requested in relation to applications currently being processed on a county basis across other SEAI schemes is not readily available. I have asked the SEAI to compile the available data and forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
49. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action he has taken in response to the findings of a report (details supplied) published in 2020 regarding the future of the post office network; the engagement he has had with a union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44113/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on introducing a public service obligation of approximately €17 million per annum for the post office network. [44131/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 59 together.
The Government is committed to working with An Post and Postmasters to ensure that the post office network continues to play a strong role in the delivery of postal and other services to their customers.
My officials and I have met with representatives of the Irish Postmasters' Union (IPU) in relation to the Grant Thornton Report and to discuss matters relating to the post office network in general. Further substantial engagement also took place with An Post in relation to the €8.5m initiative the company has introduced to provide support for the post office network as we emerge from the pandemic. The fund will benefit post offices over an 18 month period from 1 July.
There are no plans to bring forward a public service obligation at this time. An Post is a commercial semi-state company and it is longstanding Government policy that postal services will not be directly subsidised by the taxpayer. The Government remains fully committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland. A long-term low interest loan of €30m was provided to the company in December 2017, of which €15m was to support and protect the renewal of the post office network. As with any business An Post and individual post offices need to continue to develop commercial strategies to enable them to grow and maintain their relevance for current and future customers.
The Government continues to provide significant business to An Post through the Department of Social Protection’s Social Welfare contract and the National Treasury Management Agency business. Government efforts have been focussed on supporting An Post in the roll out of new services and the delivery of its strategic plan.
An Inter-Departmental Group, co-chaired by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, has been established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being provided through to An Post and the post office network. A Report will be submitted to Government in the near future.
All options will be considered fully to give effect to our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and viable post office network, while respecting the commercial mandate of An Post.
50. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the take-up of retrofitting grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44145/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of SEAI grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Since 2000, over 450,000 homeowners have upgraded their homes with support from these schemes, representing nearly one home in four across the country. This has resulted in warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes that are easier to heat and light. Some €221.5 million in capital funding has been provided this year for SEAI residential and community retrofit programmes. This represents an 82% increase on the 2020 allocation and is the largest amount ever for the schemes. This allocation has facilitated the expansion and improvement of existing SEAI grant schemes and the introduction of new initiatives.
To date in 2021, over 6,500 homes have been retrofitted with support from SEAI schemes. It is important to note that the number of retrofits was negatively impacted by the extensive COVID-19 related restrictions on construction activity between January and mid-April. In addition, the number of retrofits supported has also been negatively impacted by challenges associated with availability and longer lead times for materials. It is anticipated that SEAI initiatives aimed at driving demand for retrofits will encourage further uptake of retrofit grants for the remainder of the year and into 2022.
