Written Answers Nos. 98-119
98. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the Government’s position on liquefied natural gas terminals in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18850/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting on 24 and 25 March 2022, the European Council agreed to phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible, as set out in the Versailles Declaration. The Versailles Declaration is clear that Europe needs to phase out or dependency on Russian energy imports by amongst other things accelerating the reduction of our overall reliance on fossil fuels, developing a hydrogen market, speeding up renewables and diversifying supplies and routes including through the use of LNG and development of biogas. In playing its role to deliver upon these commitments, Ireland must ensure we meet our climate ambitions, deliver affordable energy and ensure secure supplies of energy. Ireland has been very clear in its support for the accelerated reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels, particularly through the roll-out of energy efficiency and renewable energies.
In respect of LNG in Ireland, the Government Policy Statement on importing fracked gas was approved by Government and published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems that is currently being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. This review being conducted is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigating options for such risks. My Department is working to ensure that the implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are reflected in the analysis as well as the broader energy security framework.
99. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18856/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA combination of commercial investment and the State led intervention under the National Broadband will ensure access to high speed broadband in every part of Ireland. At the end of 2021 ComReg reported that total broadband subscriptions stood at 1.93m subscriptions, 87% of which had speeds equal to or greater than 30Mbps. The data clearly demonstrates the demand for high speed broadband services where these are available. A number of commercial operators have also announced further investment plans in fibre broadband networks. Eir has said it will roll out fibre to 1.9 million premises by the end of 2026, while SIRO has announced a €620 million upgrade and expansion of its fibre to the home network to reach 770,000 homes and business. Virgin Media has announced a €200 million investment to upgrade its network for 1 million premises over the next three years. Many other network operators and telecom service providers across the State also continue to invest in their networks.
As outlined in my reply to today's Priority Question from Deputy O’Rourke, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) continues to make steady progress on the rollout of the NBP State led intervention, with almost 316,000 premises surveyed, almost 166,000 premises under construction or complete across 26 counties and over 62,000 premises now available to order or pre-order across 22 counties. NBI has also confirmed that over 41,000 premises are now passed across 19 counties and are available for immediate connection.
The Department has worked with NBI to agree an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) which recalibrates the targets for 2022 to take account of the knock-on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays to the Programme, with a revised target of 102,000 premises to be passed by the end of January 2023 (Contract Year 3).
101. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree of Ireland's energy dependence by country in tabular form; and the estimated timeline it would take for Ireland to achieve energy independence. [18422/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Eurostat figures show that the average import dependency rates of EU Member States is 61%, with Ireland's import dependency higher than the average at 69%. A full table of import dependency figures by Member State is published by Eurostat. Ireland imports all its oil. It accounts for 45% of Ireland’s primary energy requirement, which is one of the highest rates of oil dependency in the EU. Of this, the majority is used in transport. There is also significant oil use in residential and business heating and in industry.
Ireland sources roughly one-quarter of its natural gas from the Corrib gas field. Three-quarters is sourced via the interconnector from the UK, which has diverse sources of supply. Natural gas accounts for 34% of Ireland’s primary energy requirement and is used in electricity generation, the industrial sector and heating homes.
The third largest primary energy source for Ireland is from renewables, which makes up 13% of our total requirement. The share of renewable energy in Ireland's primary supply has increased from 2.3% to 13% since 2005, just under a factor of 6 increase. Wind is the second largest source of generated electricity, after natural gas. In 2020, wind generation accounted for 36.1% of all electricity generated in Ireland, which is one of the highest rates in the EU.
The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Ireland’s 2021 Climate Action Plan sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030, in the context of reaching net-zero emission by 2050. However, as set out in the November 2021 Government Policy Statement on Security of Electricity of Supply, there will be a continued need beyond 2030 for gas-fired conventional generation to support and back-up high levels of renewable electricity.
103. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts that the Government is undertaking both unilaterally and with colleagues in the European Union to address the current fuel crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15349/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt its meeting on 24 and 25 March 2022, the European Council agreed to phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible, as set out in the Versailles Declaration. The Versailles Declaration is clear that Europe needs to phase out our dependency on Russian energy imports.In playing its role to deliver upon these commitments, Ireland must ensure we meet our climate ambitions, deliver affordable energy and ensure secure supplies of energy. Ireland has been very clear in its support for the accelerated reduction of our reliance on fossil fuels, particularly through the roll-out of energy efficiency and renewable energies. In terms of Oil, markets rose steeply in response to the war in Ukraine and this fed quickly into higher pump prices. Acknowledging the impact on transport fuels, the Government introduced an Excise reduction on March 8 which led to a 20 cent per litre reduction in petrol and a 15 cent per litre reduction in diesel.
Since the onset of the conflict, I have been in regular contact with EU and International counterparts through the IEA and EU structures to monitor the fast moving situation and to agree co-ordinated responses. My Department is also in daily contact with the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) and the oil industry, represented by Fuels for Ireland (FFI), in order to monitor supplies into the State.
Ireland’s policy of holding a Strategic Oil Reserve equivalent to 90 days supply is required by both its membership of the EU and the International Energy Agency (IEA) and this role is performed by NORA. These reserves are ready to be deployed as necessary.
In order to help alleviate global supply concerns that emerged immediately on foot of the war in Ukraine, member countries of the IEA, including Ireland, participated in a co-ordinated release of strategic reserves that amounted to 60 million barrels. Ireland’s share of this release amounted to 222,000 barrels.
107. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if consideration has been given to the establishment of a nationwide dumping taskforce; and his views on whether County Cork could be considered for a pilot for a localised taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18774/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Waste Enforcement Steering Committee, which is chaired by my Department and includes representatives from a wide range of regulatory and law enforcement authorities, provides for a coordinated, strategic approach to all waste enforcement priorities, including illegal dumping. The Steering Committee oversees the work of the Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities which were established to position the local authority sector to better respond to emerging and priority waste enforcement challenges. Under the Waste Management Act, primary responsibility for waste management and enforcement lies with the Local Authorities and it is a matter for each Local Authority to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle illegal dumping locally within the legislation provided. I am satisfied that the appropriate national, regional and local structures are in place to support strong enforcement action by local authorities with significant funding provided by my Department through, inter alia, the Waste Enforcement Measures Grants Scheme and the Anti-Dumping Initiative.
The Circular Economy Bill, currently progressing through the Oireachtas, will facilitate the use of CCTV and other Audio Visual Recording equipment in order to further assist local authorities in their efforts to combat illegal dumping.
108. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is satisfied that all works needed for homes under the free energy upgrades, warmer homes scheme are being considered to ensure increase in BER ratings for these homes; if homes that require window replacement can be considered under the scheme albeit the type of build does not currently recommend insulation being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18743/22]
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 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. In 2021, the average cost of the energy efficiency measures provided per household had increased significantly to €17,100. A budget allocation of €109 million has been provided for this Scheme this year. This will support an increase in the number of free home upgrades, from an average of 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This is a top priority in SEAI’s work programme.Following a review of the Scheme a number of improvements were announced in February this year including a decision to commence the collection of both pre and post works Building Energy Ratings (BER) under the scheme.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 and are informed by a property survey. The home is subsequently allocated to a contractor. The conditions for recommending replacement windows under the Scheme have not changed. Replacement windows are considered on a cases by case basis. Replacement doors are not included.
109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which emergency steps can be taken to ensure the provision of locally-based electricity generation to offset growing shortages and increased electricity costs to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18767/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is working closely with the Commission for Regulation of Utilites and EirGrid to support them in monitoring and taking measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply. This includes increasing the supply of renewable energy sources, including at local level, in line with the target of up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. There is an overriding public need to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy projects in the context of energy price increases and energy market volatility resulting from Russia's war on Ukraine. The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver up to 80% renewable electricity by 2030. The RESS supports communities in a variety of ways including through a separate category for community projects and a community enabling framework to assist development of community projects. The Climate Action Plan includes a target for at least 500MW of renewable electricity to be supplied by local community-based projects; to reach this target, at least 100 community projects will be needed.
In order to ensure such a pipeline of community projects, the SEAI are deploying a range of capacity-building supports including toolkit guides, trusted intermediary and advisory services, for expert financial, grid and planning advice, as well as financial enabling grant supports to aid the development of these projects.
As well as this, Government has recently approved a Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) which supports deployment of an expected 380 MW of new micro renewable generation by 2030. In addition, my Department is also working with the SEAI on a policy design for a small-scale generation support scheme for farmers, business, and communities to generate their own electricity and feed into the grid. This is being progressed in 2022 and will become available in 2023.
110. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he will take to ensure that liquid natural gas terminals cannot be built in Ireland given recent reports that large shipments of the gas will be made available from the United States of America to the European Union in view of the current crisis in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18781/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Joint Statement between the European Commission and the United States on Energy Security on 25 March 2022, commits to reducing Europe's dependency on Russian Energy. It reaffirms that both the United States and EU are committed to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement, including through a rapid clean energy transition, renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Statement commits the US and EU to establish a joint task force to execute its implementation on a number of urgent issues including LNG deliveries to Europe. The Government Policy Statement on importing fracked gas was approved by Government and published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems that is currently being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.
The review is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net-zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigation options to address these risks. My Department is working to ensure that the implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are reflected in the analysis and the broader energy security framework.
111. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that has been made to date with the roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme; if the roll-out is going to plan; the number of houses and businesses that have been passed to date by the service; the number that are projected to be passed by the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18764/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the progress of the National Broadband roll-out. [18486/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the provision of broadband throughout the country is adequately meeting the ongoing requirements with particular reference to providing high-speed, high-quality broadband in all areas throughout the country with particular reference to the needs of job retention and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18768/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the extension of broadband throughout the country continues as anticipated; the extent to which targets are not being met or are ahead of target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which modern high-speed broadband is readily available in all areas throughout the country or will be in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19121/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 111, 211, 209, 140 and 113 together. Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has made steady progress on delivery of the new high speed fibre broadband network under the National Broadband Plan (NBP). I am advised by NBI that as of 31 March 2022, over 312,000 premises have been surveyed and over 169,000 premises are under construction or complete across 26 counties. I am further advised that almost 60,000 premises are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 22 counties, with over 41,000 premises passed across 19 counties and available for immediate connection. In addition to the premises completed, build is underway on over 128,000 premises, demonstrating that the project is reaching scale.
In line with a remedial plan to address Covid-19 related delays which was agreed with my Department in April 2021, NBI had expected to have almost 60,000 premises passed and available for immediate connection by the end of January 2022 which is the end of Contract Year 2.
In addition to the challenges to the delivery of the NBP due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NBI has faced a range of other challenges due to the sheer scale and complexity of rolling out fibre to the home in a rural environment. These include significant tree trimming to ensure cable can be placed on overhead poles, remediation of ducting that has been in place for many decades, the co-ordination of hundreds of contracting crews and addressing the many issues arising week on week which could not have been foreseen until the build crews commenced work on the ground.
NBI has implemented a number of measures to help lessen the impact that these challenges have had on the rollout including:-
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month;
- Bringing in additional NBI resources;
- Earlier procurement of material used in the build stages; and
- Bringing in additional subcontractors
The Department has worked with NBI to agree an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) which recalibrates the targets for 2022 to take account of the knock on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays to the Programme, with a revised target of 102,000 premises passed by the end of January 2023 (Contract Year 3). The focus for 2022 is to continue to build momentum, and catch up on the delays experienced.
With regards to job creation, the NBP has delivered significant employment opportunities to date, with NBI providing direct and indirect employment to some 1,270 people, including some 293 direct employees and some 977 employees working with build/design contractors on foot of the NBP investment, with this number rising as the construction activity ramps up. The delivery of the NBP is seen as a key enabler of many aspects of the Programme for Government. It will allow policies around remote working and remote service delivery to be realised to their full potential throughout the country no matter how remote the location.
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 31 March 2022, 551 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.
At the end of 2021, total broadband subscriptions in Ireland stood at 1.93m subscriptions, 87% of which had speeds equal to or greater than 30Mbps. The NBP will provide a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 554,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools. The NBP network will offer users a high speed broadband service with a minimum download speed of 500Mbps from the outset. A number of commercial operators have also announced further investment plans in high-speed broadband. Eir has said it will roll out fibre to 1.9 million premises by the end of 2026, while SIRO has announced a €620 million upgrade and expansion of its fibre to the home network to reach 770,000 homes and business. Virgin Media has announced a €200 million investment to upgrade its network for 1 million premises over the next three years. Many other network operators and telecom service providers across the State also continue to invest in their networks.
112. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the micro-generation support scheme; the progress that has been made on the roll-out of the scheme; the associated timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18822/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 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 mean the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now 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.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 phased introduction of the MSS supports has already begun with the commencement of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last, with grant levels up to €2,400, the removal of the minimum BER C requirement and increasing eligibility to homes built before 2021.The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is due to extend the domestic solar PV grant scheme to the non-domestic sector, including community enterprises, in July of this year. The CRU is due to consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff in Q3 of this year. The Clean Export Premium is a guaranteed export tariff which is fixed for 15 years and will be available to new non-domestic applicants between 6kW and 50kW in size. The tariff will be Eur13.5c/kWh in 2022 and 2023.The final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) was approved by Government in December 2021 and will be published shortly.
114. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that his Department proposes to deal with the abundant instances of untreated sewage from towns and villages flowing into inland waterways and coastal waters. [18483/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in relation to this issue. Policy responsibility for this issues rests with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with operational responsibility resting with Irish Water.
115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of companies prosecuted for violation of environmental regulations in Ireland since 2015, by year and county in tabular form. [18421/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe enforcement of environmental legislation is a matter for the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE) in the EPA and local authorities. As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the EPA or a local authority of a statutory function vested in it, including enforcement functions.
Information on enforcement actions taken by local authorities should be sought directly from individual local authorities. Information in relation to enforcement activities by the OEE are available at www.epa.ie.
116. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role that gas plays in setting the wholesale electricity price of other forms of generated electricity, particularly renewable energy; the way this has impacted the overall wholesale price of electricity over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18682/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Single Electricity Market (SEM) is the wholesale electricity market for the island of Ireland. The SEM is regulated by the SEM Committee and administration of the SEM is managed by the Single Electricity Market Operator. The SEM Committee comprises the two energy regulators, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) and Northern Ireland’s Utility Regulator and an independent member. In the SEM, all electricity generators, including gas and renewables, are obliged to sell their output into the “pool”. The wholesale price is based on the last bid by a generator that is accepted by the Market operator to meet the demand for electricity at that time. The market operator accepts all the available renewable power and any other power source that has priority and then accepts the lowest bid followed by the next lowest and so on until the demand is matched by supply. The last bid required to meet demand sets the wholesale price for electricity.
The CRU are responsible for the regulation of the electricity market is, which is an independent regulator. I have no statutory function in the matter of the regulation of electricity prices. The Electricity Regulation Act provides that the CRU shall account for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas.
117. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider introducing legislation to name and shame individuals in breach of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997. [18482/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Data Protection Commissioner has previously indicated to my Department that any actions taken by local authorities in publishing the names and addresses of persons fined as a result of littering or illegal dumping, whether by publication on their websites or by notices published in the local press and paid for by the local authority, would be in breach of the principles of data protection. Accordingly, there are no plans to introduce legislation in this area.
118. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the State investment to date in the National Broadband Plan; the projected final cost of this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18762/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) contract signed in 2019 provides that a future proofed high speed broadband network will be deployed by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) to people living and working in the intervention area. It is expected that over 600,000 premises will be served by the fibre network, including new builds. The cost to the State will be a maximum of €2.7 billion over 25 years. This includes €480m for contingency costs, which are only allowed in 14 specific circumstances.
€205.84 million has been paid to NBI to date under the NBP Contract.
119. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to update broadband for schools in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18873/22]
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. Government and NBI have agreed to accelerate the rollout of high-speed broadband to 679 schools across the State. This will ensure that by early next year all schools across the State will have the necessary infrastructure to carry out their critical day to day educational activities unimpeded by poor broadband. To date 269 schools have been installed by NBI and 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/.
