Written Answers Nos. 187-213
187. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the efforts being made at European level to reduce dependency on Russian oil and gas; and the role Ireland is playing in the matter. [16097/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Council conclusions of 24-25 March 2022 set out that the European Union will phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible (as set out in the Versailles Declaration) and that the European Commission will develop a comprehensive and ambitious plan, on a phased basis, by end of May 2022. In the immediate term, Ireland is continuing to monitor international energy (gas and oil) markets and to consult with its EU and international partners on appropriate measures, if necessary, to ensure energy security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission is engaging with other countries to ensure sufficient and timely supply of natural gas to the EU from diverse sources across the globe to avoid supply shocks, including those that could result from disruptions.
This crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU and Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel imports. We must continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, focussing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030.
In addition, my Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. This 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 mitigating options for such risks.
188. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to support research into development of a green hydrogen economy and other energy storage technologies, which will support the Government ambition in and the acceleration of offshore wind energy development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraClimate Action Plan 2021 establishes a target to carry out a work programme to identify a route to deliver 1-3 TWh of zero emissions gas (including green hydrogen) by 2030. The Climate Action Plan 2021 identifies green hydrogen as having the potential to support decarbonisation across several sectors and, in particular, as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity. The Plan contains a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen in the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors and includes: - testing the technical feasibility of safely injecting green hydrogen blends in the gas grid;
- assessing the potential for system integration between the electricity and gas networks, which will include the production, storage and use of green hydrogen;
- progressing research and pilot studies regarding the use of hydrogen in the transport sector.
In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is developing a number of initiatives on the role of green hydrogen in decarbonisation. The 2021 SEAI National Energy Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme Call included a number of projects relating to green hydrogen, and the development of floating offshore wind foundations coupled with hydrogen storage. The SEAI's National Heat Study, published in February 2022, examines options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in Ireland to 2050, including options for green hydrogen.
My Department is currently preparing a public consultation on a hydrogen strategy for Ireland. I expect this strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022.
189. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to gas and electricity providers substantially increasing standing charges in recent weeks; if he will intervene with these companies with a view to having these standing charges reduced given that the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities has no role to play in respect of these standing charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18919/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which it can be found possible in the short-term to ensure that the ESB and other energy providers do not pass price inflation to the consumer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19114/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra205. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he can protect energy users from price hikes which are not directly related to such issues as the war in Ukraine or other difficulties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19115/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he expects to be in a position to protect the consumer from rising energy prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19123/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra220. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when further financial support will be provided to consumers in respect of the increase in energy costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Nos. 189, 204, 205, 206, 213 and 204 together.Government is acutely aware of rising electricity and gas prices and its affects on households. The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within a European Union regulatory regime wherein electricity and gas markets are commercial, liberalised, and competitive. Operating within this overall EU framework, responsibility for the regulation of the electricity and gas markets, is solely a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity and gas markets following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), 1999. The CRU is an independent statutory regulator and is accountable for the performance of its functions to the Oireachtas, and not to me as Minister.In line with long standing policy on deregulating price setting, CRU ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. The position of successive Governments, for almost twenty years, has been that competitive energy markets result in greater choice for consumers and businesses, in terms of suppliers, products and prices and to support competition to drive down prices.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 at historically high levels. The increase in international wholesale gas prices, have continued to be driven by the volatility in the international gas market linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the on-going war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.Government’s response to the current surge in international gas prices has been to utilise the tax and social welfare system in Budget 22 to counter rising costs of living for households. Additionally, and in recognition of the ongoing inflationary pressures on households, the Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 provides for a credit payment to each domestic electricity account amounting to €200 (including VAT). Approximately 2.25 million accounts will benefit from the payment in the coming weeks. This was one of a range of new measures as part of a €505m package of measures to mitigate the wider cost of living increases announced by Government on the 10th February.
190. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the interest rates for loans as part of the national home retrofitting scheme will be decided; when the one stop shops will be launched; if the locations of each have been determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18929/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recently launched National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops will provide an end-to-end service for homeowners. This includes surveying; designing the upgrades; managing the grant process; helping with access to finance; engaging contractors; and quality assurance. The Scheme offers unprecedented grant levels, increased from around 30% to 50% of the cost of a typical B2 home energy upgrade with a heat pump.
Following Government approval, the SEAI registration portal opened for companies to apply to be a One-Stop-Shop. The SEAI advise that the first One Stop Shops have now been registered and more are working through the process.
It is expected that the One-Stop-Shops will be distributed across Ireland, with a considerable number offering services nationwide through their network of contractors throughout the country. Other One-Stop-Shops will likely work within geographic regions. This will ensure that every home can benefit from the One-Stop-Shop service on offer over time.
My Department is engaging with Department of Finance and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland in relation to the development of a residential retrofit loan guarantee scheme. The loan guarantee scheme is part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and will be co-financed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility and Exchequer funding. The specific features of the scheme, including its risk model, pricing and the level of discount achievable, are still under development. The interest rates under the loan guarantee will be decided in the coming months, in time for the introduction of the scheme scheduled for Q3 2022.
The loan guarantee will enable credit institutions to offer loans with reduced interest rates to private homeowners and non-corporate landlords and make comprehensive home energy efficiency upgrades even more affordable and accessible to more consumers. This approach will signal to the banking sector new, sustainable business opportunities associated with retrofit and the transition to a low carbon economy as well as increasing the volume of retrofit activity within the State.
191. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current waiting times for each of the retrofitting schemes available in the State by county; the number waiting on each waiting list and scheme in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18930/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) administers a range of grant schemes to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. Grants of up to 50% are now available for individuals who can afford to contribute to the cost of upgrades as well as free energy efficiency retrofits for people at risk of energy poverty. A total of €267 million in capital funding has been provided this year for SEAI residential and community schemes.
Of the total budget, €118 million has been allocated to the energy poverty schemes which are directly provided by contractors procured by SEAI. There are currently just over 6,900 homeowners on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme. The number of homes on the Warmer Homes Scheme by county at the end of February 2022 is set out in the table below.
|
County |
2022 |
|
Carlow |
90 |
|
Cavan |
74 |
|
Clare |
123 |
|
Cork |
746 |
|
Donegal |
268 |
|
Dublin |
2,054 |
|
Galway |
355 |
|
Kerry |
199 |
|
Kildare |
237 |
|
Kilkenny |
84 |
|
Laois |
92 |
|
Leitrim |
71 |
|
Limerick |
236 |
|
Longford |
59 |
|
Louth |
118 |
|
Mayo |
367 |
|
Meath |
242 |
|
Monaghan |
65 |
|
Offaly |
122 |
|
Roscommon |
124 |
|
Sligo |
119 |
|
Tipperary |
272 |
|
Waterford |
146 |
|
Westmeath |
149 |
|
Wexford |
241 |
|
Wicklow |
249 |
|
Total |
6,902 |
SEAI data indicates that, for homes completed last year, the average cycle time from application to completion was 26 months for the Warmer Homes Scheme and 27 months for the Warmth and Wellbeing Scheme. It is important to note that COVID-19 related restrictions in 2020 and 2021 negatively impacted wait times under these schemes.
Addressing this issue is a key priority for my Department and the SEAI. This year’s budget allocation will support an increase in the number of homes retrofitted from 177 per month in 2021 to 400 per month this year. This level of activity will reduce waiting times and enable the homes currently on the Warmer Homes Scheme list to be cleared in approximately 18 months. The SEAI is also allocating additional staff to the Warmer Homes Scheme and is working to increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management.
Other SEAI schemes require homeowners to procure their own contractor or one-stop-shops secure approval from SEAI and draw down a grant once the works are completed.
SEAI approval for Better Energy Homes and Solar PV Schemes is automatic once the conditions are met and completion times are within the control of the homeowner. However, works must be completed within an 8-month period, starting from the date of grant approval. Under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, homeowners will engage a registered One Stop Shop to manage the grant application process and oversee delivery of the retrofit on their behalf. Works must be completed under this scheme within 12 months.
192. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the roll-out of solar panels for farmers; the supports and access that farmers currently have to access solar panels; if farmers will be able to access the microgeneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18931/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available for new and existing micro-and small-scale generators, including farm-based, so that they can 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 which outlines the interim arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. The phased introduction of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) has already begun with the commencement of the MSS domestic solar PV grant on 16 February last, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is due to extend the MSS solar PV grant scheme to the non-domestic sector, including farms, 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. My Department is also developing a support scheme for small-scale generators, i.e., above 50kW but smaller than those supported by the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which will be progressed in 2022 and is expected to become available in 2023. This scheme will enable larger businesses, farms and community projects to maximise their participation in the energy transition.
193. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of his permission on the banning of the development of future LNG terminals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18932/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.
It is planned to complete the review in the coming months and the results will be submitted to Government.
194. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will commit to looking at the role data centres play in rising energy demand in Ireland in view of recent commitments to curb energy demand in response to energy security concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18933/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is a popular location for data centres which securely store and manage the data that supports the digital and communications infrastructure for many sectors of our economy. Data centres also create employment and attract foreign direct investment. However, the expansion of data centres, particularly in the Dublin region, is projected to lead to a large increase in electricity demand which raises challenges for the energy system.Under the Climate Action Plan 2021, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has committed to reviewing the 2018 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' to ensure alignment with Ireland’s renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions and climate priorities. This statement is due for publication later this year and is part of a suite of actions included in CAP 21 to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, while facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector.My Department is working with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and relevant state agencies to ensure that there is a plan-led, regionally balanced approach to large developments such as data centres, taking into account congestion, existing grid availability and the opportunity to co-locate significant renewable energy opportunities.In addition, the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act provides, inter alia, for a maximum amount of emissions to be permitted in different sectors of the economy during a carbon budget period, referred to as ‘sectoral emissions ceilings’. All sectors of the economy will have sectoral emissions ceilings and emissions from data centres will be accounted for within the relevant sectoral emissions ceiling.
195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the requirement for natural gas will cease; the expected cost of a hydrogen future compared to other energy generation possibilities such as nuclear or battery storage; if there are plans for hydrogen in the economy or an economy totally run by hydrogen (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18946/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’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 reach 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 the roll-out of renewable energy. The Climate Action Plan 2021
identifies green hydrogen as having the potential to support decarbonisation across several sectors and, in particular, as a source for high-temperature heat in industry and flexible generation in electricity. The Plan contains a suite of actions relating to green hydrogen in the electricity, enterprise and transport sectors and includes:
testing the technical feasibility of safely injecting green hydrogen blends in the gas grid;
assessing the potential for system integration between the electricity and gas networks, which will include the production, storage and use of green hydrogen;
progressing research and pilot studies regarding the use of hydrogen in the transport sector.
In addition, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is developing a number of initiatives on the role of green hydrogen in decarbonisation. The 2021 SEAI National Energy Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Programme Call included a number of projects relating to green hydrogen, and the development of floating offshore wind foundations coupled with hydrogen storage. The SEAI's National Heat Study, published in February 2022, examines options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in Ireland to 2050, including options for green hydrogen.
My Department is currently preparing a public consultation on a hydrogen strategy for Ireland. I expect this strategy focussing on the development of green hydrogen to be included in Climate Action Plan 2022. The role of green hydrogen in Ireland's energy mix, alongside alternative technologies such as batteries, is under consideration. Nuclear powered electricity generation plants are prohibited in Ireland and the Government has no plans to revisit the prohibition on, or explore the development of, nuclear powered electricity generation in Ireland.
196. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an Eircode will be expedited for a family (details supplied). [18997/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapita Business Support Services Ireland, trading as Eircode, assigns Eircodes to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings. An Post GeoDirectory, a subsidiary company of An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi), issue a new release of the GeoDirectory database file on a quarterly basis to Eircode in accordance with their licence agreement. An Post have informed my officials that the individual's address data has been recorded in the latest An Post database which An Post GeoDirectory release to Eircode on a quarterly basis. OSi have also advised my officials that the property has verified co-ordinates. Meanwhile, Capita have advised my officials that they have been in direct contact with the individual in question and will continue to liaise directly with them until an Eircode has been assigned.
Each new postal address assigned an Eircode is published on the free to use Eircode Finder website, a notification letter is issued to the property occupant containing the Eircode of that address and an updated Eircode Database is provided to licenced businesses for their use. Eircode have informed my officials that 173,000 property addresses have been assigned an Eircode since the launch in 2015.
197. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff within his Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels; their present roles and responsibilities; the posts and responsibilities that are presently vacant; the corresponding figures on 23 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19032/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are currently 5 staff from my Department who are based and working with the European Union in Brussels.
Four of these are on secondment to the Department of Foreign Affairs and are serving in attaché posts with responsibility for a specific area in the Permanent Representation to the European Union. The attaché posts are as follows: Telecommunications, Energy, Environment and Climate.
In addition, currently one employee is on secondment to the European Commission as a Seconded National Expert for Environment.On the 23 June 2016 my Department had two staff based in Brussels on secondment to the Permanent Representation to the European Union as attachés. These attaché posts were for Communications and Energy.There are no current posts and responsibilities associated with working with the European Union in Brussels on behalf of my Department which are vacant.
198. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 29 March 2022, the status of the existing authorisations of the lease undertaking application (details supplied) at the present time given that it is now 11 months into the lease undertaking period; when the lease undertaking will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19058/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application referred to in teh Question is under consideration by my Department. All applications for petroleum authorisations are assessed against a number of criteria in accordance with Section 9A(1) of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960 and Section 3 of the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production. This includes the technical competence of the applicant and the financial resources available to it in order to undertake the work programme and any other commitments pursuant to the relevant petroleum authorisation.
My Department does not publish information on individual applications for authorisations whilst they are under consideration.
199. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to issues (details supplied) in relation to ESB Networks; the action that he plans to take to rectify same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2018, when the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme transitioned from shallow to deeper measures, there has been a significant increase in the need for service alterations where a home is recommended for external wall insulation. Where this scenario applies, the contractor must request ESB networks (ESBN) to unclip the cable from its permanent position to an ESBN-assessed safe temporary location, to facilitate the works. When the insulation works are complete, the contractor must request ESBN to re-clip the cables. Following this process, a Building Energy Rating (BER) assessment is carried out on the property.
The issue of serious delays in the past twelve months in clipping and unclipping ESB cables on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme has recently been brought to my attention. My Department has raised this issue directly with ESBN and I am advised that ESBN are increasing the resources it has deployed to this activity to reduce the backlog and speed up its unclip timelines.
The free upgrade targeted at those at risk of energy poverty under Warmer Home Scheme will be the initial priority. My Department will keep this matter under review with SEAI and ESBN.
200. Deputy Cathal Berry asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that he has taken to enhance Ireland’s cyber-security for the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19072/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe measures to be taken by my Department to protect and mitigate against cyber security incidents are guided by the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019-2024. The Strategy is a whole-of-Government strategy to address the growing threat of cyber security incidents, to ensure Ireland can benefit fully from the digital transformation. The Strategy includes 20 separate measures to safeguard public sector networks and essential services, to support the development of Ireland's cyber security industry, and to ensure we play our part in defending a free, open, secure and stable cyberspace. Over the coming year, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will continue to work with Government departments, critical national infrastructure, and other relevant stakeholders to implement these measures in line with the timelines set out in the Strategy. Progress on delivery is monitored by an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) which meets quarterly. As part of the implementation of the Strategy, in 2021 external consultants were commissioned to conduct a Capacity Review and to benchmark the NCSC with similar agencies in Europe and internationally. On foot of the Review, in July the Government agreed a number of measures to support the continued development of the NCSC over the coming five years. The measures agreed include increasing the overall fulltime staffing complement of the NCSC to at least 70 over the next 5 years, with a first tranche of an additional 20 staff recruited by the end of the year bringing the serving complement to 45. A dedicated HQ facility will also be developed at my Department’s future HQ in Dublin 4. In addition, the General Scheme of a Bill will be prepared for Government approval to establish the NCSC on a statutory basis and provide for related matters including clarity around its mandate. A set of priority actions have been identified for 2022 and progress will be monitored by the IDC on the National Cyber Security Strategy.
The Government has also identified the need to implement new measures to enhance the security of digital communications networks such as 5G networks. Following a public consultation on a set of Electronic Security Control Measures (ECSMs) earlier this year, legislation is being drafted to establish a legal framework for these vital controls. In addition, my Department is engaging with partners across Government to draft legislation to address the challenge of High Risk Vendors supplying 5G technology which I expect to be published later this year.
Recognising the priority which the EU and its institutions affords to cyber security, Ireland will continue to play an active role in European Council discussions on EU cyber security strategy and legislation. The ongoing review of the Network and Information Security Directive is a major pillar of the EU’s cyber security strategy and will have far-reaching implications for public bodies, essential infrastructure, and businesses, including digital service providers. My Department will continue to coordinate Irish policy positions on this and other matters including the Joint Cyber Unit initiative and the European Commission’s forthcoming proposal for a Cyber Resilience Act. My officials will also continue to engage and share information with counterparts across the EU through the NIS Cooperation Group, the CSIRTs Network, and the CyCLONe Network.
Finally, building on the success of recent campaigns, the NCSC will roll out a public awareness programme in October to coincide with European Cyber Security Month. The NCSC will work with the EU cybersecurity agency ENISA, partner organisations across the Union, as well as national partners including the Garda Cyber Crime Bureau to deliver an impactful and informative campaign to raise awareness of cyber security in businesses, educational institutions and at home.
201. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 171 and 173 of 10 March 2022, when the Inter-Departmental Group Report on the Post Office Network will be submitted to Government for decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19075/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to a sustainable An Post and post office network as a key component of the economic and social infrastructure throughout Ireland and is committed to ensuring that An Post continues to play a strong role in delivering services to citizens. My Department is engaging with the company, other Government Departments and agencies and key stakeholders in line with this commitment.
The work of an Inter-Departmental Group established to consider the feasibility of new Government services is being considered at present and the report of the Group will be brought to Government when all options have been considered.
202. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has met with or sought to meet or contacted a company (details supplied) to query its recent price increases in view of its claim of fully renewable energy sources. [19079/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 24th of March officials from my Department met with the Managing Director of SSE Airtricity. It was an introductory meeting that covered a number of topics relevant to the retail electricity and gas markets including pricing, consumer impact and the services offered by SSE.Government is acutely aware of rising electricity and gas prices and its affects on households. 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 unprecedently high, with UK wholesale gas prices recently reaching record levels. The increase in international wholesale gas prices, have continued to be driven by the volatility in the international gas market linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and ongoing war. These gas increases feed directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas. These reasons have been cited by retail suppliers when announcing their price changes and have been confirmed in commentary for the EU and the International Energy Agency (IEA).Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. It is a function of the CRU to regulate the electricity market.
203. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is fully satisfied that the authorisation and regulation of the discharge to sea facility of trade and sewage effluent currently in operation at Ros a' Mhíl, Casla, Contae na Gaillimhe (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19083/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in relation to this issue.
207. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current position in regard to Ireland’s ability and progress in the matter of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19117/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland is expected to meet its targets in respect of climate change; the challenges or shortcomings in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.
The climate ambition in the Programme for Government has been placed on a statutory footing through the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. The Act commits Ireland to achieve a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels.
The significantly strengthened legally binding framework under the Act with clear targets and commitments set in law, including a process for setting carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings, will help ensure that Ireland achieves its climate goals and obligations. Establishing these requirements in legislation places a clear obligation on this and future governments for sustained climate action. In order to deliver on this ambition, the Government published the Climate Action Plan 2021 last November. It identifies actions necessary to achieve our emissions reductions targets. The Plan sets out indicative ranges of emissions reductions for each sector of the economy based on their respective starting points, and the relative difficulty, cost, speed, and benefits, of reducing emissions. All sectors will reduce emissions by an ambitious and achievable percentage, each playing a vital role in meeting our targets.
The 2021 Plan builds on the significant progress made since the 2019 Plan, in particular in the areas of climate governance, renewable electricity, just transition, the development of a National Residential Retrofit Plan and the increasing levels of bio-fuels in the transport sector. The National Development Plan has allocated significantly increased funding to climate action, including public transport and retrofitting.Failure to rapidly decarbonise our economic model will have far reaching negative impacts on the economy and the public finances; undermine the long-term, sustainable competitiveness of the economy; and lock Ireland into a redundant fossil-fuel based economic model. Embracing the transition will increase our energy security, as well as supporting further job creation through the development of new and emerging sectors.
210. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which modern high-speed broadband is available throughout the country with particular reference to the need to meet the demands of industry and employment-giving industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in the Programme for Government, ensuring access to high-quality internet connections for people across Ireland is essential to the development of all parts of our country, socially and economically. Facilitating remote working and innovation opportunities is key to addressing climate change, adapting in an evolving economy, and competing internationally. A combination of commercial investment and the State led National Broadband Plan intervention will ensure access to high speed broadband in every part of the country no matter how remote. According to the most recent Quarterly Report on the Electronic Communications market by ComReg, for the period (1 October to 31 December) Q4 2021 which is available at www.comreg.ie/publication/quarterly-key-data-report-q4-2021/, total broadband subscriptions stood at 1.93m subscriptions, 87% of which had speeds equal to or greater than 30Mbps, while 50% of subscriptions were equal to or greater than 100mbps, up from 48.3% in Q3 2021.
The National Broadband Plan 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 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 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 intends to 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 their network, delivering speeds of 10Gbps 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.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which domestic waste is currently referred for incineration or landfill sites; the intended progression in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19122/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEuropean, national and regional waste management policy is predicated on the waste hierarchy as set out in Article 4 of the 2008 Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), whereby the prevention, preparing for reuse, recycling and other recovery of waste are preferred options to the disposal or landfilling of waste. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy launched in September 2020 shifts the focus away from waste management to a fuller reconsideration of how we use resources and materials. The measures in the Plan are intended to minimise the amount of waste generated, eliminating waste before it can be created and diverting as much as possible to beneficial reuse or recovery and will help us deliver on our targets.
Significantly more residual waste is now used as a fuel (energy recovery) than disposed to landfill. Further information is available at www.epa.ie/nationalwastestatistics/municipal/
