Thursday, 2 Jun 2022

Written Answers Nos. 101-120

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (101)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

101. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on a recent report (details supplied) which suggests that fossil fuel industrial lobbyists in the United States have used the war in Ukraine to push for new oil and gas infrastructure and expansion given that such expansion is incompatible with Paris treaty targets similar pressure is being applied to build new liquefied natural gas terminals in Europe and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28377/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The European Council meeting of 24 and 25 March 2022 reaffirmed that the European Union will phase out its dependency on Russian gas, oil and coal imports as soon as possible.  The European Commission’s RePowerEU Communication of 18 May 2022 sets out measures to end dependence on Russian energy including: saving energy, diversifying supplies away from Russia, substituting fossil fuels by accelerating Europe’s clean energy transition, removing financial and regulatory barriers to rolling out needed infrastructure, and ensuring Member States have contingency plans to deal with any disruption in supplies from Russia.  The European Commission has been engaging with third countries to identify alternative sources of energy in response to the war in Ukraine. The EU External Energy Strategy will facilitate energy diversification and building long-term partnerships with suppliers, including cooperation on hydrogen or other green technologies. The Strategy prioritises the EU's commitment to the global green and just energy transition, increasing energy savings and efficiency to reduce the pressure on prices, boosting the development of renewables and hydrogen, and stepping up energy diplomacy.

The National Energy Security Framework, approved by Government in April 2022, provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. The development of this Framework has taken account of the need to decarbonise our society and economy as set out in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change  and  Ireland’s targets to reduce emissions by 51% over the decade to 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (102)

Willie O'Dea

Ceist:

102. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the review of the security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. [28446/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The National Energy Security Framework, published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. As stated in the National Energy Security Framework, my Department is carrying out a review of the energy security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems for delivery in quarter 3 of 2022. Following this, the results will be submitted to Government. The review is considering the risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and a range of measures, including the need for additional capacity to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases (such as hydrogen).

The underpinning analysis is now being updated to reflect changing circumstances following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (103)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

103. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of premises that will be passed by the roll-out of the National Broadband scheme; the date the contract was signed; the number of premises passed to date; the latest estimate as to when the whole programme will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28307/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

The National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract, which was signed on 19 November 2019, to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area (IA) which covers 1.1 million people, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.  The IA has increased in size from 537,596 premises at contract award to almost 560,000 premises today, due to approximately 2,000 new builds in the intervention area each quarter. The NBP roll out is a 7-year plan under the contract and deployment is due to be complete by the end of 2026. I am advised by NBI that as of 20 May 2022, over 327,600 premises have now been surveyed and over 175,300 premises are under construction or complete across 26 counties, demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. I am further advised that almost 67,700 premises are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties, with over 56,600 premises passed across 22 counties and 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. The revised target is 102,000 premises passed by the end of January 2023 (cumulative).  The focus is to continue to build momentum in the build programme, catching up on the delays experienced.  

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (104)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

104. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when it is planned to allocate the climate budget across the various sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28309/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030, compared to 2018 levels. As part of an enhanced governance framework to reach these targets, the Act also sets out the processes and timelines for settling the carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings.Following the process set out in the Act, and consideration by Government and the Oireachtas, the carbon budgets were adopted by both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into effect on 6 April.Work on developing  sectoral emissions ceilings is now underway. As part of this, my Department is undertaking extensive engagement with other Government Departments and detailed technical analysis is also being carried out to inform and support the sectoral emission ceilings. I expect to present the recommended sectoral emissions ceilings to Government for consideration and approval in the coming weeks.

Air Quality

Ceisteanna (105)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

105. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the proposed establishment of dedicated resources within regional lead authorities to provide co-ordination, expertise and advice to support consistent enforcement of the new air quality regulations across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28369/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

My Department and the Local Government Management Agency are continuing to work together on a full business case assessment of the Local Authority air quality enforcement sector to scope out the resource requirements that will ensure that the most appropriate and effective enforcement structure is put in place. This is with a view to supporting the provision of enhanced co-ordination, expertise and advice that will deliver consistent implementation of air quality legislation across the country.My Department is continuing to engage with enforcement personnel on the ground, to develop guidance and training, and to support the sharing of best practice in advance of the introduction of the new enhanced Solid Fuel Regulations. I have secured initial funding of €1.2 million this year for the provision of additional supports in this regard, while work is on-going to develop an enhanced, sustained and co-ordinated approach across the sector.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (106, 118, 119)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

106. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 7 April 2022, the status of the development of guidelines for the implementation of decarbonising zones; the estimated timeline for the publication of these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28476/22]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

118. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 24 February 2022, the details of any engagement he or his Department has had to date in 2022 with Galway City Council and Galway County Council with regards to supporting and promoting efforts at local government-level on climate action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28477/22]

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

119. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the scope of local authority climate action plans; the extent to which local authorities will be responsible for reducing emissions in their respective geographical areas separate to reducing emissions in the operations of their organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28372/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I propose to take Question Nos   119  , 106     and 118    together.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 was commenced on the 23 July 2021. Section 16 of the Act requires each Local Authority to prepare a climate action plan, specifying the mitigation and adaptation measures to be adopted by the Local Authority. Local Authorities will have 12 months to complete their individual plans once requested by the Minister, with the request to be made within 18 months of the coming into operation of the Act.

Local Authority plans will have to be consistent with national climate plans and strategies, and will include both mitigation and adaptation measures to be updated every five years. Local Authorities will liaise with each other in the preparation of these plans. My Department is working with the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), Climate Action Regional Offices (CAROs), Local Authorities, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to finalise a set of statutory guidelines detailing the approach Local Authorities are to take in the development and implementation of Local Authority climate action plans.  In line with the national climate action plan, guidelines for the implementation of decarbonising zones are currently being incorporated into the statutory guidelines for Local Authority climate action plans.

While I have had no direct engagement with Galway City Council and Galway County Council with regard to supporting and promoting efforts at local government level on climate action, my Department continues to work with the four CAROs and stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, on a regular basis, in particular through participation in the National Local Authority Climate Action Steering Group  which meets regularly. The CAROs continue to work with Local Authorities to both facilitate and monitor implementation of local climate actions undertaken under existing local adaptation strategies and the climate charter developed under the 2019 climate action plan.

My Department also continues to fund the implementation of the Local Authority climate action training programme. This programme is increasing knowledge of climate change and the need for action among all Local Authority staff and will facilitate both climate mitigation and adaptation at local level. 

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (107)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

107. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that his Department has made in developing a renewable heat obligation scheme. [28452/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to the completion of a public consultation on the potential introduction of a renewable energy obligation in the heat sector.

The public consultation was carried out in Q4 2021 and my Department is working through the responses, various technical queries arising as a result of the consultation and relevant findings of the recently published National Heat Study. The National Heat Study, which was prepared at my Department’s request, contains detailed analysis which is being used to facilitate the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors to 2050.

I would also note that the detailed consideration being given to the introduction of a renewable energy obligation for the heat sector is in keeping with the commitment in the National Energy Security Framework that the introduction of supports for biomethane, as a replacement for natural gas in the context of the changed outlook for natural gas supply and prices, will be appraised.

I expect to be in a position to bring a recommendation to Government in the coming months in relation to the introduction of a renewable energy obligation in the heat sector.

Energy Conservation

Ceisteanna (108)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

108. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the targets that his Department has for the retrofitting of local authority and privately-owned homes respectively, by year for the next five years. [28398/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2 and to install 400,000 heat pumps in existing buildings by the end of 2030. These targets represent a very significant increase in both the volume and depth of retrofit activity in Ireland. The Housing for All plan commits to the retrofitting of 36,500 local authority homes by 2030 as part of the achievement of these targets. The Retrofit Plan estimates that, between 2019 and 2025, almost 185,000 home energy upgrades will be delivered with over 83,000 to a B2/cost optimal level. When the emissions savings from the non-B2 upgrades are included, this is the equivalent of 120,000 B2 upgrades over the period. As a result, there will a need to deliver, on average, approximately 75,000 B2-equivalent home upgrades per year from 2026 to 2030 to achieve the overall target of 500,000 by 2030.

The National Development Plan and National Retrofit Plan have ring-fenced €8 billion to support the achievement of this objective. This will be supplemented by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage budget for retrofitting local authority homes.

Climate Change Policy

Ceisteanna (109)

James Lawless

Ceist:

109. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that his Department is supporting green and sustainability initiatives in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20331/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Plan 2021 envisages the public sector leading by example the necessary climate action required in wider society to reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51 percent by 2030, and to become climate neutral no later than 2050. The Government-funded Public Sector Energy Efficiency Programme, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) supports public bodies in achieving improvements in energy efficiency. Under this programme, all public sector bodies are required to submit their annual energy consumption data to track the progress of the sector.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 now gives legal underpinning to climate action by the public sector. It requires all public bodies to perform their functions in a manner consistent with our climate ambition.

In order to achieve a 51 percent reduction in green house gases from the public sector by 2030, each public sector body will will be assigned an individual target to meet in accordance with an agreed methodology. An overall sectoral target of 51 percent will apply for schools. The SEAI and the EPA will collaborate in supporting public sector bodies in relation to targets, including publishing guidelines and establishing a new public sector monitoring and reporting system.

To support public sector bodies leading by example, a Public Sector Climate Action Mandate will apply to all bodies covered by the decarbonisation targets, except for local authorities and commercial semi-state bodies, and the school sector. I expect that the draft Mandate will come before cabinet shortly for approval.

Wind Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (110)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

110. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which sufficient investment in onshore and offshore wind energy infrastructure is taking place to ensure that targets in respect of emission reduction can be met on time; the projects that are in the pipeline at present in this regard; the likelihood of such structures being in production by the year 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28384/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Plan 2021 commits to the achievement of up to 8GW of onshore wind, up to 2.5GW of solar and at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030 and includes a suite of actions to realise the potential of Ireland’s renewable energy resources.  

Matters relating to grid investment are operational matters for EirGrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Under the CRU’s most recent price review process (Price Review 5) they have indicated a capital investment of €4 billion across the transmission and distribution network over the five-year period to the end of 2025.  

Over 1GW of new wind and solar generation was secured in the first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme in 2020, and the first of these projects have begun to reach commercial operation, with 2022 set to have the largest volume of new renewables connected to the grid in a single year.The second Renewable Electricity Support Scheme opened in late April, with provisional results announced on 20 May. While these results remain subject to government approval, the volumes of new renewable generation procured represent a potential increase of nearly 20% in Ireland’s renewable energy generation.Work to progress 5GW of installed offshore wind generation by 2030 is also underway. The Maritime Area Consent application process for the first batch of pre-qualified projects opened on 25 April, with the first Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction to open in quarter 4 of this year. My Department recently held a consultation on the criteria for the second batch of offshore projects required to meet our 5GW target, with a decision on these criteria to be taken later this year. The range of actions in progress set Ireland on the right trajectory to achieve the ambitious 80% renewable electricity target by 2030.

Electricity Transmission Network

Ceisteanna (111)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

111. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Celtic Interconnector project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27632/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Celtic Interconnector is an electricity interconnector jointly proposed by EirGrid and the French Transmission System Operator, RTÉ (Réseau de Transport d’Électricité). It is proposed as a 575km long, with 500km of this being subsea, 700MW cable connecting the north-west coast of France to the south coast of Ireland. At this scale it would be able to provide electricity for some 450,000 homes.The Celtic Interconnector will provide a reliable high-capacity electricity link between Ireland and France that will have significant benefits for electricity consumers in Ireland. The project will provide access to the European internal energy market, leading to expected increased competition and lower prices in Ireland. It will also enhance security of electricity supply and facilitate increased capacity for renewable energy here via export access to the mainland European markets.In late 2019, the European Commission announced a grant of €530 million towards the construction of the interconnector under the Connecting Europe Facility fund. Following extensive planning and multiple periods of public consultation over the past number of years, EirGrid decided last year on the interconnector’s route in East Cork. EirGrid have further decided to establish an enhanced community benefit scheme for neighbouring communities. EirGrid will continue to engage with the public on this project in the coming months and years.While I have no function in the area of consenting for the interconnector, I understand from EirGrid that applications to all relevant consenting authorities are now submitted and planning permission for the onshore elements of the project in Ireland was granted in May 2022.

Telecommunications Services

Ceisteanna (112)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

112. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to improve mobile phone coverage in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28254/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by the independent regulator, ComReg, to mobile operators. ComReg advises that the current minimum coverage obligations in those licences are being considerably exceeded by all operators. Capital investment by telecommunications operators over the last 5 years was in the order of €3.3 billion for both fixed and mobile services. This has significantly enhanced the availability of services, both voice and data, throughout Ireland, including in rural areas. Telecommunication operators have committed to continued investment programmes in the coming years, estimated to be in the region of €700m per annum. 

ComReg is in the process of running another Multi-band Spectrum Award to assign rights of use in four spectrum bands. The award comprises 470 MHz of spectrum and represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland. This will significantly enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. 

To assist consumers to choose the network provider that best meets their needs, ComReg has developed a national outdoor coverage map. This map which is available on the ComReg website provides consumers with very clear information on where operators have good 2G, 3G and 4G coverage.

Since 2016 the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce has been a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide. It has completed over 70 targeted actions to alleviate connectivity barriers and continues to tackle issues impeding the rollout of mobile and fixed connectivity.

The continued investment by commercial operators and by the State through the National Broadband Plan will ensure that Ireland is set to become the EU leader in connectivity by the second half of this decade. 

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (113, 148)

Michael Creed

Ceist:

113. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress that is being made on the roll-out of fibre broadband under the National Broadband contract; the commitments that have been received in respect of accelerating the roll-out targets consequent on negotiations in this regard with the contractor; the public expenditure to date on the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28256/22]

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

148. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the commitment in the Programme for Government to accelerate the National Broadband Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28370/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 148 together.

I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that as of 20 May 2022, over 327,600 premises have now been surveyed and over 175,300 premises are under construction or complete across 26 counties, demonstrating that the project is reaching scale. I am further advised that almost 67,700 premises are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 23 counties, with over 56,600 premises passed across 22 counties and available for immediate connection and almost 11,900 premises connected, demonstrating the project continues to gain momentum.

My Department has worked with NBI to agree an Updated Interim Remedial Plan (UIRP) which recalibrated the targets for 2022 to take account of the knock on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other delays to the programme. The revised target is 102,000 premises passed by the end of January 2023 (cumulative). 

NBI are implementing a number of measures to help lessen the impact that delays have had on the rollout. Such measures include:

  Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month

Bringing in additional NBI resources

Earlier procurement of materials used in the build stages

Bringing in additional subcontractors.

The focus will continue to be on ensuring that the NBI build programme is back on track and is gaining momentum month on month.

The total cost of the NBP programme since 2016, when the procurement process commenced, is €269.07 million. This figure largely comprises the first thirty-three subsidy payments to NBI amounting to €220.04 million in relation to the construction of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) high-speed broadband network.  It also includes fees for external advisors, who supported the Department's NBP team during the procurement process and who now assist the Department in governing and monitoring the contract obligations of NBI.

Radon Gas Levels

Ceisteanna (114)

Darren O'Rourke

Ceist:

114. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports that are in place for persons to carry out remediation works to their homes if they are found to be at high risk of radon gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28381/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Radon gas is recognised as a serious threat to public health and estimated to be responsible for approximately 350 cases of lung cancer annually in Ireland. In response to this issue, the Government established a National Radon Control Strategy (NRCS). The Strategy is now in its second phase covering the period 2019 to 2024.  Implementation of the Strategy is overseen by an interdepartmental and agency Group chaired by my Department. While there are currently no financial supports in place in respect of radon remediation works the development of such a scheme is one of the action points for the next phase of the NRCS which will run until 2024.

Post Office Network

Ceisteanna (115, 133, 142)

James O'Connor

Ceist:

115. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagements that he has had with other Departments regarding the provision of additional offline services at post offices, including passport services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28417/22]

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

133. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department will lead a national strategy on offline services to be offered via the post office network. [28258/22]

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

142. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the final report of the interdepartmental group which was established in 2021 to examine the feasibility of additional Government services being provided through An Post will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28475/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Question Nos. 113, 115 and 142 together.

The report of the Interdepartmental Group, which was established to, inter alia, examine the feasibility of additional Government services being contracted through An Post and the Post Office Network was noted by Government on 31 May and the report will be published shortly.

None of the Departments or agencies involved were in a position to offer services for delivery by An Post in the near term. The Department of Transport may be in a position to provide some motor tax services, but further technical work is required to determine feasibility. The Department of Social Protection and Revenue have also committed to exploring the feasibility of providing additional services.  The report recommends that Government should conduct a comprehensive review of how the totality of its services are delivered to the public, online and offline in the future.

Government launched the Digital Ireland Framework earlier this year. One of the aims of the framework is to ensure widespread access and use of inclusive digital public services, with a target of 90% of services to be consumed online by 2030.  As we progress towards the target of 90% of applicable services consumed online by 2030, the framework commits to ensuring that those cohorts who are not in a position to engage online will be better served through a clear plan involving focused supports, including skills, infrastructure, and assisted digital supports, with consideration of the most appropriate service delivery channels, and the development of appropriate and clear consents and protocols.

Implementation of the Digital Ireland Framework will be driven by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (116)

Brian Leddin

Ceist:

116. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his overall ambition for community energy here; the steps that he will take to ensure that barriers to progress in the delivery and implementation of community-led renewable energy projects are identified, evaluated and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28371/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action Plan 2021 outlines indicative renewable energy targets of up to 8GW of onshore wind and 1.5-2.5GW of solar by 2030. Of this, 500MW is targeted to come from Community-based projects.

Community supports under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) will be key components of delivering on this ambition. The RESS is an auction-based support scheme which invites grid-scale renewable electricity generation projects to compete to receive a guaranteed price for the electricity they generate. The scheme includes a dedicated Community Category developed specifically to allow communities and citizens to participate in and benefit from RESS. In the first RESS auction, 7 Community projects were successful, two of which were 100% community owned, the remainder being at least 51% community owned. For RESS-2 onwards all community projects must be 100% community owned. There were 10 Community projects identified as provisional winners in the recent RESS-2 auction.  

Furthermore, the Community Enabling Framework includes a package of enabling supports including technical, financial and legal services which has been rolled out to assist communities in navigating the challenging terrain of electricity generation. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is leading in implementing and facilitating these components of the framework. In 2022, €2 million in capital funding has been allocated to support the development of Community projects, which allowed the SEAI to roll out a trusted advisory service and enabling grants on 21st April 2022. These are vital supports to enable the growth of the nascent community renewable electricity generation sector.  

The Climate Action Plan also commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generation (>50kW) to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV in cohorts that are not as suited to other support measures. This will enable farmers, auto-generators and communities to maximise their participation in the energy transition. The design of the scheme will be progressed in 2022 and it is expected to become available in 2023.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (117)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

117. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that the bid price for renewable electricity support scheme 2 projects has been significantly higher than renewable electricity support scheme 1 projects; the reason that the price varied between community-led projects and others; if he will consider State or semi-State bodies delivering renewable projects in the future instead of the current reliance on auction schemes such as the renewable electricity support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28378/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I recently announced the provisional results of the second RESS auction (RESS 2) which is expected to deliver approximately 414 MW of onshore wind and 1,534 MW of solar energy, a potential increase of nearly 20% in Ireland’s renewable energy generation.

According to the International Energy Agency there has been significant inflation of input costs for wind and solar electricity generation projects over the last 18 months. It is estimated that the overall investment costs of new utility-scale PV and onshore wind plants are from 15% to 25% higher in 2022.

While bid prices were higher than the first auction, owing mainly to international inflationary pressures in input costs, renewable energy delivered under the scheme will pay back to consumers when wholesale electricity prices are high through the Public Service Obligation Levy.  RESS 2 bid prices are also fixed over the lifetime of the support with no increases from indexing to inflation.  

Renewable energy delivered under the RESS  2 auction will shield consumers from high prices, reduce our dependency on imported fossil fuels in the context of the phasing out of Russian energy imports across the EU and contribute to communities across the country. More broadly, renewable energy generation such as wind and solar lowers wholesale electricity prices during periods when they are generating power.

Community-led projects can have higher costs than developer led projects due to economies of scale, and reliance on external services to deliver projects. The Community Enabling Framework for community-led projects includes a package of supports including technical, financial and legal services to assist communities in navigating the challenging terrain of electricity generation.

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. State owned enterprises and private sector companies operate within this competitive framework to deliver the overall lowest cost to consumers over the lifetime of the investment.  

Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 106.

Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 106.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (120)

Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Ceist:

120. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views regarding the setting-up of a standalone direct grant scheme for schools to install solar photovoltaic to benefit from the imminent planning exemptions for installation of roof-top solar photovoltaic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28448/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH) is currently in the process of making revisions to the Planning Regulations to support greater installation of solar panels, which includes the undertaking of a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the revisions to the exemptions for solar installations. This is due to go to public consultation shortly with a view to approval by the Oireachtas later this year. To facilitate switching to renewable energy sources I bought forward the final design of the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) which was approved by Government in December 2021. The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity, to contribute to the target of up to 2.5GW of solar renewables under the Climate Action Plan. Micro-generation has an important role to play as it creates opportunities for domestic, school, farming and small commercial customers to take the first steps towards investment in renewable technologies, by generating and consuming their own electricity, which can play a role in shaping electricity demand and decarbonising homes and businesses. The MSS will provide capital grants for non-domestic applicants, such as schools, for solar PV installations up to 6.0kW primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €2,400 available. This will be administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will become available to the non-domestic sector for installations up to 6.0kW in July this year. In addition, on 15 February this year I signed the Regulations that create an obligation on suppliers to offer the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they will receive payment for excess renewable electricity that they may export to the grid, reflective of the market value. In Quarter 3 of this year when the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff, a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations which is fixed for 15 years for non-domestic applicants for installations greater than 6.0kW up to 50kW in size.