Written Answers Nos. 161-180
161. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider a call to create a centre of excellence for the circular economy embracing science, design, knowledge transfer, commercialisation and behavioural strategies to encourage consumer adoption. [25376/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, and the Waste Action Plan 2020-2025, A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (September 2020) committed to a range of actions to support Ireland’s transition to a circular economy. This included the adoption of a high-level whole-of-government Circular Economy Strategy. The Circular Economy Strategy (December 2021) provides a national policy framework for Ireland’s transition to a circular economy and the Circular Economy, Waste Management (Amendment) and Minerals Development (Amendment) Bill 2022, currently before Oireachtas and due to be enacted before the Summer recess, places the Strategy, and the commitment to a circular economy, on a clear statutory footing.
The Strategy sets out an overall approach to circular economy policy, identifies key objectives and indicates the direction of future policy development. Subsequent iterations of the Strategy will include detailed measures designed to achieve these objectives and the establishment of a centre of excellence for the circular economy will be considered in that context.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in regard to the vital matter of energy security given the vital significance of this issue for this country and the urgent need to make provision for this matter in the near future. [21018/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the meetings he has had with other Heads of State at EU level in recent times with particular reference to the urgent need to remove EU dependence on energy from Russia. [24499/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.
I continue to engage with my counterparts on the Energy Council of the European Union, which has focussed on energy security since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. My Department also engages regularly with the EU via the Gas Coordination Group and Electricity Coordination Group. In addition, I participate in meetings of the International Energy Agency, who have agreed upon several co-ordinated release of strategic oil reserves.
The crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU's 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 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 National Energy Security Framework, published 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 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.
164. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the support measures that are in place for persons who cannot afford to mitigate radon exposure in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28567/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraRadon 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.
165. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of offices operated by his Department that are in high-risk areas for radon; the number that have been tested for radon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraQuestions relating to the management of Departmental offices for matters relating to health and safety, including radon, are dealt with by the Office of Public Works (OPW).
166. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the VAT reduction as of 1 May 2022 many ESB customers are not receiving the full €200 electricity bill credit but €192.08; if he will take steps to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28619/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address concerns (details supplied) relating to the electricity credit issued to house holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28644/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
The Electricity Costs (Domestic Electricity Accounts) Emergency Measures Act 2022 established a scheme for the making in 2022, of a once-off Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment to each domestic electricity account, having regard to the exceptional rise in energy prices. The scheme is operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).This is an exceptional measure which uses the single eligibility criterion of a meter point registration number, to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account as early as possible this year, without any additional means testing. The scheme includes pre-pay customers.The Electricity Costs Emergency Benefit Payment is €176.22, exclusive of VAT, as set out in section 5(2) of the Act. The benefit payment is being allocated to billed costs in the first bill issued after 31 March 2022. Suppliers began applying the benefit payment in April and May, and will credit remaining domestic electricity accounts through June. VAT is applied at the date the bill is issued to the customer. VAT has been reduced from 13.5% to 9% on gas and electricity bills from the start of May until the end of October as part of the suite of measures introduced in the National Energy Security Framework.The impact of the reduction of VAT to 9% will result in a reduction in the overall bill inclusive of VAT for customers. As the benefit payment was applied excluding VAT this reduction in rate has an impact on the total estimated benefit of €200 which was based on a 13.5% VAT rate as the VAT rate that applied in March 2021.Queries in relation to individual cases are a matter for the service provider.The Deputy may also wish to note that Frequently Asked Questions are available on gov.ie at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/
174. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 10 May 2022, if the review of the security of energy supply is now considering if liquified natural gas is necessary in the context of the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28672/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs stated in the National Energy Security Framework published in April 2022, my Department is carrying out a review of the energy security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems for delivery in quarter 3 2022. 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, amongst other things, reflect changing circumstances following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The 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. In line with this policy statement, the potential role of LNG is one option being considered, along with other potential options, as part of the review.
175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the issue of turf sale and consumption further to previous parliamentary replies; his views on whether the acceleration of the retro-fitting programme before any curtailments on turf would be a better approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28690/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra176. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider deferring his proposed regulations to ban the sale of turf until further transitioning can be put in place to change existing heating appliances from solid fuel to heat pumps in existing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28722/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 175 and 176 together.
I remain committed to introducing new regulations on the use of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland as announced last September to ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and to assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives.
Retrofitting and transitioning to heat pumps can help reduce air pollution from the burning of solid fuels, and this Government remains committed to such measures. Budget 2022 allocated €368 million – an increase of 17% over 2021 – for Energy Transformation. This includes €202 million from carbon tax revenue for residential and community retrofit schemes (over 22,000 home energy upgrades in total). More than half of the funding will be for free upgrades for low-income households at risk of energy poverty.
However, new regulations are also necessary as each year some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland due to air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution.
Throughout the course of three different forms of public consultation, undertaken over the past 18 months, the direction of travel has been made clear. To address this public health and environmental crisis, new solid fuel regulations will be introduced across a range of fuels to ensure that the most polluting will no longer be available for general sale on the Irish market and that as particulate matter comes from burning not only bituminous coal but other solid fuels, that we must now regulate to improve the standards of all fuels available on our market.
Government has been equally clear that turf cutting by citizens for use in their own homes is a traditional activity across many peatlands and that measures are required to reduce the emissions associated with burning peat, but which respect these traditions.
The regulations which will ultimately be agreed by Government will ensure, that while measures are introduced to enhance the quality of our air, they will not impinge upon traditional local practices associated with sod peat. .
177. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the scheme to allow persons who invested in microgeneration systems to receive payment for energy exported to the grid will commence; if the payment will be retrospective to 1 July 2021 as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 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 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 which outlines the arrangements for the implementation of the CEG, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. More information is available here: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CRU21131-Interim-Clean-Export-Guarantee-Decision-Paper.pdf. Micro-generators who wish to become eligible should register for an export grid connection from ESB Networks (Micro-Generators (esbnetworks.ie)) and have a smart meter where applicable (Smart Meter Upgrade FAQs (esbnetworks.ie)). Over 29,000 micro- and small-scale generators have successfully registered for export and 20,000 of this cohort have smart meters which means they are already accruing the value of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff for their exported electricity, and payments will be backdated to the date of eligibility or the 15th February 2022, whichever is the latest. The CRU has decided that suppliers will set their individual CEG tariffs on a competitive market basis. Once eligible, customers can expect an initial payment or credit from their suppliers from 1 July depending on billing cycle. The CRU has asked suppliers to communicate their decision to their customers on when initial Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payments will be made at the earliest opportunity. The CRU encourages customers to contact their supplier to obtain information on their suppliers' CEG tariff arrangements.
178. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the retrofit programme will be in place; the number of one-stop-shops in place to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28726/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland administers a range of schemes to support homeowners to carry out energy upgrades. A total of €267 million has been provided for these schemes this year and over 5,050 home energy upgrades were supported between January and end-April.
In February, as part of the delivery of the National Retrofit Plan, the Government approved a package of supports including a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) providing increased grant levels of up to 50% (up from 30%-35%) of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard. The Scheme introduces a new, highly customer centric, way to undertake home upgrades. SEAI registered One-Stop-Shops 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 SEAI advise that five One Stop Shops have now been registered and details can be found listed on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/one-stop-shop/registered-providers/. The SEAI is actively working with other applicant organisations to support them through this registration process.
179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which high-speed, modern broadband is being extended to all areas throughout the country; when this work is likely to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if and when the various black spots between areas recently provided with broadband service are also likely to be provided with service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28757/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the areas throughout the country that are currently provided with high-speed modern broadband; the areas to which service is intended to be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28758/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the provision of high-speed, modern broadband in all areas throughout the country is progressing without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 to 182, inclusive, together.
The High Speed Broadband Map, which is available at www.broadband.gov.ie, shows the areas which will be included in the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led intervention as well as areas targeted by commercial operators. The map is colour coded and searchable by address and Eircode. Premises in the AMBER area will be provided with high speed broadband through the State led Intervention, under the contract signed with National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services. The activities of commercial operators delivering high speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
According to the most recent information available to my Department there are 2,459,983 premises in Ireland. Some 77% of these premises can avail of high-speed broadband from commercial operators. High-speed broadband is defined as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload. The remaining 23% will have high-speed broadband made available to them through the National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention ensuring that no premises is left behind regardless of their location.
In terms of the NBP State led intervention, 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.
NBI has made recent improvements to their website to enhance the provision of information to Oireachtas members. NBI has now completed a suite of changes, creating a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas in all 26 counties, including the status of the Deployment Areas located in Cavan and Monaghan. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: www.nbi.ie. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 20 May 2022, 584 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. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/.
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 https://nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
