Written Answers Nos. 137-162
137. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a comprehensive statement on the European Commission enforcement case (2012) 4028 regarding Ireland's alleged failure to transpose and apply the access to justice provisions of Directives 2010/75/EU and 2011/92/EU including a summary of the grounds of the complaint and the Government's response to the complaint. [14361/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission issued a Letter of Formal Notice (Case 2012/4228) on 31 May 2012. This Infringement remains open but has not been escalated to Reasoned Opinion stage by the Commission. The most recent written correspondence from the Commission relating to this infringement was dated 6 February 2019, to which Ireland responded on 26 April 2019. The infringement was also discussed with the Commission in November last year at a Package Meeting. As this case is still ongoing, it would not be appropriate to release details of it.
138. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the electricity rebate will be passed on to members of the Traveller community who pay electricity bills directly to local authorities; and if so, the way that this will be processed. [14437/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 has established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. This scheme is in addition to the Government’s ongoing measures to address energy poverty and the protection of vulnerable customers, and is in addition to the measures introduced in the Budget.Where a domestic electricity account is set up directly by a member of the Traveller community, with the provider of their choice, payment of utility bills are matters between the account holder and their suppliers. In the event that local authorities hold the domestic electricity accounts, but a member of the Traveller community pays their electricity through local authorities, this is a matter between them and the local authority. Should members of the Traveller community have a dispute with their local authority, they should bring that up with their local authority in the first instance. The Ombudsman can examine complaints relating to local authorities. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, is contacting local authorities to ensure that, electricity credit is being passed on to occupants of halting sites, as appropriately, in situations where tenants pay local authorities directly for energy.
139. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the figure collected from National Oil Reserves Agency levy annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14465/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe levy, charged on the sale of most petroleum products at the point of sale, is collected and paid by the oil companies on a monthly basis to the National Oil Reserves Agency, to fund the activities of NORA and the Climate Action Fund. The levy is currently set at the rate of 2 cent per litre. The levy income for the last 4 years is as follows:2021 - 120.2m2020 - 120.6m2019 - 133.4m2018 - 134.2m
140. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will publish the study on the potential use of the decommissioned Kinsale and Seven Heads gas fields for carbon capture and storage or the storage of natural gas; the conclusions drawn from the study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14530/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe carbon capture and storage (CCS) feasibility study, which is being carried out by Ervia, comprises a desktop study examining technical, economic, safety, regulatory, and environmental aspects of capturing, transporting and storing CO2 emissions. Ervia has provided regular updates to the Steering Group, established to examine the feasibility of CCS in Ireland under the 2019 Climate Action Plan, on the study’s progress. The latest update was in December 2021 when, as requested by the CCS steering group, Ervia submitted a report “Assessment of the Feasibility of CCS for Deployment in Ireland” to assess the feasibility of CCS deployment in Ireland against criteria developed by the steering group. In addition, as an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI), included on the 4th EU PCI List, project promoter, Ervia, successfully applied for €1 million in EU grant funding through the EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in May 2020. Using this grant funding, Ervia is carrying out a further detailed study regarding the transport of CO2 in the Cork and Dublin areas. This includes the network transport and conditioning of CO2 for storage in the Kinsale Head gas field or export via ship to CO2 storage facilities in other countries. Funding secured through the successful CEF application will cover approximately half of the study’s anticipated €2 million cost, with the study scheduled to conclude in 2022. In conjunction with this, Ervia is part of a Horizon 2020 project “Realise” which is developing a lower cost technology for capturing CO2 for industrial emitters. This involves testing the CO2 capture technology at Whitegate oil refinery and assessing how it could be integrated into a wider industrial carbon capture cluster.
141. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current waiting time for a survey to be done on a property regarding the warmer homes scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household was €17,100. There are currently just over 7,000 homes awaiting works on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are:
- Awaiting the initial survey of their home;
- Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor;- Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or
- Currently undergoing works.Activity under the scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic, when construction activity was paused for approximately 12 months in total, in line with Government guidelines. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed in 2021, the average time for a surveyor to be allocated was approximately 18 months. The average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 26 months, taking into account the increase in waiting times due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions and the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018.The following key actions have already been taken:
- The budget for this year, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;- The number of homes retrofitted under the scheme are to increase from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month in 2022;
- SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;- Increasing contractor output through contract management.Works under the scheme have now recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector and activity did ramp up again towards the end of last year. Based on the foregoing, SEAI target clearing the homes currently on the waiting list in approximately 18 months. This will be done by targeting those homes that are longest on the waiting list first, and then prioritising the worst performing properties, i.e. homes that were built before January 1993 and have a Building Energy Rating of E, F or G.
142. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Exchequer directly or indirectly funds an organisation (details supplied); if so, the cost to the Exchequer of funding the organisation in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14577/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Exchequer directly or indirectly funds an organisation (details supplied); if so, the cost to the Exchequer of funding the organisation in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14578/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together. 142 and 143 together.
My Department does not provide funding to either organisation directly. However my Department does provide funding to the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) who fund smaller member organisations. These national environmental NGOs are active on a broad range of environmental issues, including wildlife conservation, biodiversity and climate change.
In this context, I provided funding of €1,764,000 for the IEN and its constituent members in 2021 from the Environment Fund. This was an increase of €704,000 on the level of funding provided in 2020. This funding is granted subject to the recipients complying with the provisions of Department of Finance Circular 13 of 2014, “Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds”.
The IEN is an independent umbrella organisation for environmental NGOs with its own corporate governance structures. The distribution and allocation of funding to its members is decided by the IEN. Member organisations are requested by the IEN to submit funding proposals, and member applications for core funding are then evaluated by an independent panel of adjudicators.
144. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is any statutory impediment or conflict of interest for an officer of An Taisce becoming a trustee or director of organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither of the organisations referred to come under the aegis of my Department and I have no jurisdiction to comment on their administration or governance.
145. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the carryover of €57.9 million from 2021; the details of the programmes from which it came in tabular form; the details of the programmes it was proposed to be allocated prior to approval of the supplementary estimate in tabular form; and the details of the way it is now proposed to be allocated subsequent to the approval of the supplementary estimate in tabular form. [14639/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra146. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details of the carryover of €37.75 million from 2020; the details of the programmes from which it came in tabular form; the details of the way it was proposed to be allocated in 2021, in tabular form. [14640/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Question Nos. 145 and 146 together.
Capital Carryover is derived from the Department’s annual underspend up to a maximum 10% of the Capital Allocation in that year and the remainder is surrendered to the Exchequer.
A Capital Carryover of €57.9m was carried forward into 2022. This carryover allocation is a portion of the 2021 provisional underspend of €85.5m which arose across all Programmes in the Department. The final outturn for each Programme will be available in the 2021 Appropriation Account when published. The carryover was allocated on the basis of the maximum 10% limit for carryover and an assessment of the Department's funding requirements for 2022. On that basis the €57.9m was allocated to Programme B - Energy Transformation, details of which are in the table below.
|
Year |
Capital Carryover |
Subhead Allocation for Capital Carried forward to 2022 |
|
2021 |
€57.9m |
B.4 – Residential/Community Retrofit Programmes - €57.9m |
There was no change to the allocation of the Capital Carryover for 2022 as a result of the supplementary estimate earlier this month.
A Capital Carryover of €37.75m was carried forward into 2021. This carryover allocation was a portion of the 2020 underspend of €101.0m published in the 2020 Appropriation Account and occurred across all Programme areas. The carryover was allocated on the basis of the maximum 10% limit for carryover and an assessment of the Department's funding requirements for 2021. On that basis the carryover was allocated to Programmes A and B as set out in the table below.
|
Year |
Capital Carryover |
Subhead Allocation for Capital Carried forward to 2021 |
|
A.3 Information and Communications Technology Programme - €15.25m |
||
|
2020 |
€37.75m |
B.4 Sustainable Energy Programmes - €22.5m |
147. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the number of homeowners on the warmer homes scheme waiting list; and the average time from application to completion for homes in Q1. [14641/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 143,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased to €17,100. At the end of February, there are currently just over 6,900 homes awaiting works on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. This includes homes that are: Awaiting the initial survey of their home; Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor; Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or, Currently undergoing works. Activity under the Scheme, and the associated expenditure, were significantly impacted in both 2020 and 2021 by the COVID pandemic. SEAI data indicates that for homes completed so far in 2022, the average cycle time from application to completion was approximately 27 months. While this delay was largely driven by COVID related issues, the deeper measures being provided under the scheme since 2018, also involve more substantive works. In order to reduce this timeline to completion, the following key actions are being taken:
- The budget this year, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;
- The number of homes retrofitted under the scheme are due to increase from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month in 2022;- SEAI has allocated additional staff for the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme;- SEAI is working to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.Works under the Scheme recommenced in line with activity in the residential construction sector and activity did ramp up again towards the end of last year. Based on the foregoing, SEAI target clearing the homes currently on the waiting list in approximately 18 months.
148. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that residential customers consuming gas through a district heating system such as a person (details supplied) are being charged higher prices for their gas heating on the basis that communal district heating system purchasers have been categorised as commercial customers; the regulation or mechanism that is in place to enforce this; the number of residential consumers that are affected; the measures that can be taken to ensure such customers receive the same price protections as other residential customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14698/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development in question has not previously come to the attention of my Department. Gas prices are not capped in Ireland, and the position of successive Governments, for almost 20 years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses. Given recent international developments, however, the importance of moving away from our reliance on imported gas has been underpinned and, instead, we are accelerating the development of renewable energy generation across the country.
This Government recognises the potential to make use of renewable and waste energy to heat homes and businesses as part of a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions. The Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions that will provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the rollout of district heating and ensure that a robust governance framework is put in place. These actions will also ensure consumer protection, in accordance with legislation.
149. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will take action to ensure that apartment renters in district energy complexes can pay residential gas rates instead of more expensive commercial gas rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra150. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will urgently review the relevant legislation which classifies district energy users as commercial users rather than residential users given that the mechanism of gas supply to some residential apartment developments is through the district energy mechanism which is resulting in them paying a much higher price for gas due to recent global events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14738/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 149 and 150 together. Gas prices are not capped in Ireland, and the position of successive Governments, for almost 20 years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses. Given recent international developments, however, the importance of moving away from our reliance on imported gas has been underpinned and, instead, we are accelerating the development of renewable energy generation across the country.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 contains actions that will provide a solid basis for the appropriate expansion of district heating in Ireland, including the establishment of a Steering Group to oversee the rollout of district heating and ensure that a robust governance framework is put in place. These actions will also ensure consumer protection, in accordance with legislation.
151. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he is taking to safeguard charities and community groups from the debilitating increases in energy prices which will force many groups to close their services if supports are not put in place (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14762/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in energy prices is having across the economy including the sectors highlighted by the Deputy.The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. In Europe, wholesale natural gas prices have risen and remained high since the second half of 2020. Gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, with UK wholesale gas prices recently reaching record levels. This is a global phenomenon and expert bodies, including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the European Commission, have attributed this to a range of demand, supply and geopolitical events, particularly the invasion of Ukraine by Russia that has significantly exacerbated the tightening of the European gas market supplies and the consequent upward trend in wholesale gas prices we have witnessed since mid 2020. This feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlate strongly with the price of gas. This is an issue across all EU member states. The position of successive Governments, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses, in terms of suppliers, products and prices. The best long-term approach to insulate consumers from volatility on international wholesale energy markets is to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, the expansion of interconnection with our European and neighbouring markets and to deepen internal electricity market integration. Cutting our dependence on fossil fuels and generating power from our own renewable sources will ensure a cleaner, cheaper energy future in the long term. This is what Government is working toward. In relation to energy efficiency the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a number of schemes funded by my Department including the Communities Energy Grant (CEG) Scheme that may be particularly relevant in this instance. The Communities Energy Grant Scheme supports new approaches to achieving high quality improvements in energy efficiency. By bringing together groups of buildings under the same retrofit programme, these projects facilitate community-wide energy improvements more efficiently and cost effectively than might otherwise be possible. A new call for CEG projects for 2022 will issue from the SEAI shortly. More information on the Community Energy Grant Scheme, including details of Project Co-ordinators, is available on the SEAI website or SEAI may be contacted directly on 1850 927 000 or by e-mail at bec@seai.ie.
152. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected timeframe for the roll-out of district heating. [14766/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to Action 187 of the Climate Action Plan 2021, my Department has established a District Heating Steering Group. This Steering Group draws together the expertise of key stakeholder organisations in order to inform the setting of targets and other key elements for the rollout of district heating at far greater scale. A function of the Steering Group is to address barriers to the rollout of district heating in order to ensure that advantage can be taken of this technology to decarbonise the built environment and diversify energy supply for heat. The Steering Group will report to Government later this year and integral to its report will be recommendations for targets for the rollout of district heating that are both realistic and ambitious in scale.
153. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when feedback tariffs will be introduced for solar, micro-wind and micro-hydro energy projects; the reason for the delay in the introduction of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14798/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government in December 2021 and will be published shortly.On the 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that transpose Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which brings these Articles into force. These Regulations allow the Clean Export Guarantee tariff to become available for new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. Following a public consultation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG on 1 December 2021.This decision outlines the interim arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. I believe some suppliers have already published their tariffs. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is not setting a date or deadline for the timing of the first payment. However, initial payments or credits from suppliers are expected within a reasonable timeframe after June 2022. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision on when initial Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments will be made – at the earliest opportunity. Furthermore, the Minister for Finance introduced a tax disregard of €200 in Budget 2021 in respect of personal income received by households who sell residual renewable electricity, which they generate, back to the grid.
154. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are minimum standards laid down for the heat pumps to be installed to be eligible for grant aid for the purpose of the new retrofit scheme; if he is satisfied that these standards are adequate to ensure effective heating of premises as a result of their installation; the grant that is available for the installation of heat pumps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14799/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. The key measures include:
- a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently).
- One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- The grant available for an air to water heat pump installation has increased from €3,500 to €6,500. A grant of €4,500 is available for apartments.
- For homes undergoing a deeper energy upgrade on the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme or the Communities Energy Grant Scheme a bonus payment of €2,000 is available this year for those which achieve a post works BER of B2 or better and install a heat pump.
In addition, the year of construction has been amended to bring the relevant SEAI schemes into alignment:
|
|
Old Rule |
New Rule |
|
Fabric measures and deep retrofits |
pre 2006 |
pre 2011 |
|
Heat Pumps/Solar Thermal (as individual measures) |
pre 2011 |
pre 2021 |
Heat pump systems are at their most efficient and effective when generating heat at a lower temperature. Poor insulation, draughts and single glazing will affect the performance of a heat pump system. On this basis, one of the requirements for a dwelling to qualify for an SEAI grant for a heat pump system is that the dwelling has low heat loss. Some homes will already meet this requirement and other homes can achieve it through a package of upgrades. Grants are available for measures that can help a home achieve the required heat loss indicator, such as roof, wall and floor insulation, and window and door replacements.
Heat pumps supported through SEAI grant programmes are required to meet minimum heat pump product performance standards, be designed and sized correctly to meet the heat loads for that specific home, that the home meets minimum energy performance and they are designed and installed by competent installers or personnel.
To avail of a grant the heat pumps must meet the requirements specified in SEAI’s Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications which include:
- Meeting national requirements for domestic heating and building services and wiring regulations
- Fully comply with the EU Energy Label and Eco-design regulations
- Provide the data required for the Domestic BER assessment based on EN14825 and EN16147 testing standards
- Be CE marked and have the EC declaration of conformity
- Be listed on the SEAI Triple E register
- Satisfy the minimum Seasonal Performance Factor (Main Space Heating Efficiency) calculated according to the dwelling energy assessment procedure methodology
Heat pump systems must be installed by suitably qualified personnel. Personnel nominated to supervise and inspect the works, and to sign off the Declaration of Works must be competent in the different aspects of the works. This includes design, sizing and installation of the whole heat pump system. The minimum qualification and training requirements that must be met by personnel nominated to sign off the Declaration of Works for grant purposes are:
- Fetac/QQI Level 6 Advanced Craft in Plumbing, including a module on minor electrical works, or equivalent
- Certificate of competence from the specific manufacturer of the heat pumps installed, based on an adequate training programme
- Fetac/QQI Level 6 Heat Pump Systems (Course Code C30263) and supplemental Domestic Heat Pump Installation (Code 700606) or equivalent
A Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) is required to supervise and sign off the electrical installation of a heat pump system, in accordance with the definition of “Controlled Works and Restricted Works” by the CRU.
An F-Gas engineer is required to carry out and certify heat pump system installations involving refrigerant pipework and charging as per the F-Gas Regulation.
155. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if a national waste management strategy has been developed in conjunction with Ireland 2040 plans. [14926/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that the State will manage the additional waste expected by population growth under Ireland 2040, given the current need to export waste. [14927/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to the development of a public service for waste collection given that the current profit incentive is not effectively reducing waste production or creating proper recycling infrastructure.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14928/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 156 and 157 together.
The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) , which was published in September 2020, contains over 200 measures that will be delivered over a five-year period. Delivery of its objectives will be instrumental in meeting the challenges identified in the Ireland 2040 project, with a key focus on minimising waste generation and extending the productive life of the materials we use. Some measures have been delivered already, such as the inclusion of soft plastics in the household recycling bin. A large number of transformational measures, such as the introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme, are well-advanced and others will be introduced through the forthcoming Circular Economy Bill, such as provisions to improve segregation of waste in the commercial sector, and a national food waste prevention roadmap.
Local Authorities are statutorily responsible for the preparation of Waste Management plans. Regional Waste Management Planning Offices are currently preparing a new National Waste Management Plan, informed by, inter alia, the National Planning Framework. The plan will set out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) and support Ireland's circular economy transition.
The new National Plan will contain targets for reuse, repair, resource consumption and recycling through measures such as:
- the introduction of a Deposit and Return Scheme;
- the application of incentivised pricing to commercial waste;
- the enhanced use of civic amenity sites as circular economy hubs;
- supporting the development of indigenous treatment capacity to reduce reliance on export.
The National Waste Management Plan will be published in 2022.
158. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on post offices that was set up in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15011/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe work of the Inter-Departmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being provided through An Post and the post office network, is being considered by Minister Naughton and its report will be submitted to Government in due course.
159. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of a broadband connection for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15050/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBroadband 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. My Department has now prioritised primary schools with no high speed broadband and continues to work with the Department of Education in this regard. In late 2020, Government and NBI agreed to accelerate the rollout of high-speed broadband to some 679 schools across the State, ensuring that all schools in Ireland will have the necessary infrastructure to carry out their critical day to day educational activities unimpeded by poor broadband.In County Cork, 27 schools have been installed by NBI to date 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. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
The school referred to in the Question forms part of this initiative and the aim is for this school to be connected before the end of this year.
160. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if a matter regarding bus stops at a location (details supplied) in County Kildare will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13812/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
161. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he will allow those who have a pending status for their GNIB card to renew their driver licence. [13845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn applicant for a driving licence must provide evidence of normal residence. A certificate of registration such as the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) card fulfils this requirement. A person who has applied for a GNIB card may not make a driving licence application until the GNIB card is received.
An Irish driving licence can be renewed up to 10 years after its date of expiry.
162. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a group (details supplied) is calling on the National Transport Authority to act on behalf of its industry and introduce a temporary stopgap of one euro to all metered fares during an extremely difficult period for all taxi operators given the increase in fuel costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13848/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the support or assistance that will be provided to taxi drivers who are facing substantial increases in fuel costs at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13879/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra189. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport if there plans to permit a surcharge for taxi drivers given the rising fuel costs perhaps through an amendment of the maximum fares order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to assist taxi drivers that are providing an essential public transport service given the increase in fuel charges; if he is engaging with taxi driver representatives to discuss their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14435/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162, 164, 189 and 191 together.
The regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including the setting of maximum fares, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Under the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order which took effect on 1 February 2018, it is not possible to allow a surcharge to be applied by the SPSV industry to fares, as the Deputy suggests. The Deputy may be aware that work on the latest NTA Review of the National Maximum Fare is well underway and fuel costs are a major contributor in considering fare increases. The objective of the Review is to determine whether changes need to be made to the current level of maximum fares in response to market changes facing the taxi industry as well as changes in annual taxi operating costs. The NTA has confirmed that it is endeavouring to conclude the review process as quickly as possible in 2022 whilst still ensuring that all steps, including a consultation process, are appropriately completed.
In relation to the rising cost of fuel, the Government announced on March 9th last, a temporary reduction in the excise duties charged on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil. Excise duty is being reduced by 20 cent per litre of petrol and 15 cent per litre of diesel. These reductions are in place until 31 August 2022 and should help to reduce the operating costs of non-electric SPSVs.
Recognising that the replacement of a vehicle is the single largest cost faced by any SPSV operator, and in view of my commitment to support the transition of the SPSV fleet towards zero/low-emission vehicles, I announced on February 4th last, the re-opening of the eSPSV Grant Scheme with a further €15 million allocated to it for 2022. The take-up rate for this Scheme was exceptionally high in 2021: almost 600 drivers successfully applied for grants, with over €11 million paid out as well as €4 million in provisional grant offers. The operation of the Scheme is a matter for the NTA and details of the Scheme are available on the NTA’s website.
