Written Answers Nos. 119-144
119. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the 2021 annual transition statement will be published, as required by section 14(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43793/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2020 Annual Transition Statement, the preparation of which was provided for under Section 14(1) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015, was presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas in June 2022. It includes an overview of Ireland’s climate change mitigation and adaptation policy measures, including specific updates for the various sectors designated in the 2015 Act. It also sets out a record of greenhouse gas emissions from the most recent inventory prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency and projections of future emissions, together with a report on the State’s compliance with its obligations under EU law and international agreements. It can be accessed at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/e1547-annual-transition-statement-2020/
The strengthened climate governance framework provided for under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 means that Annual Transition Statements have now been replaced by Climate Action Plans and Long-term Climate Strategies, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral targets with appropriate oversight by Government, the Oireachtas and the Climate Change Advisory Council. Therefore, the 2020 Annual Transition Statement will be the last such statement to be prepared.
120. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the programme for Government commitment to develop a regional approach to air quality and noise enforcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43814/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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 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.
121. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that only one body controls the governance of gas fitters and electricians in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43827/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra122. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether European Union law to allow competition is being upheld given that only one body controls the governance of gas fitters and electricians in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43828/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 122 together.
Responsibility for regulating the activities of gas and electrical undertakings with respect to safety was assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) under the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 (as amended). The CRU, in its capacity as the National Regulatory Authority for energy, exercises functions under national and European energy legislation, and as such is an appropriate body to oversee safety matters in the energy sector. This is not a matter that falls under the scope of competition legislation at either national or European level. I should add that the CRU is solely accountable for the performance of its functions to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not to the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
124. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when recycling waste is collected from households; the way that it is processed; if he is satisfied that full transparency exists in the monitoring and tracing of recycling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43882/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWaste collectors operate under waste collection permits issued through local authorities. Conditions attached to these permits require separately collected recyclable waste to be collected at least once per fortnight and to be then delivered to suitable treatment facilities. Permit conditions are enforced by local authorities.
Waste treatment facilities operate either under a waste facility permit from a local authority or a waste licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who each enforce the relevant provisions.
Dublin City Council is designated as the National Competent Authority for the export, import and transit of waste shipments under S.I. No. 419 of 2007 Waste Management (Shipments of Waste) Regulations, 2007. These Regulations give effect to Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1013/2006 on trans-frontier shipments of waste, which sets out notification procedures, specifies waste listings and strengthens enforcement provisions in relation to waste movements within, into and out of the European Union. Provisions of the Waste Shipment Regulation require that all exports of waste from the European Union destined for disposal shall be prohibited. The enforcement and monitoring of shipments of waste to and from Ireland is maintained by the National Trans-frontier Shipments Office (NTFSO) within Dublin City Council, which monitors and enforces the statutory requirements and maintains statistics and information on shipments of waste to and from Ireland.
125. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the waiting times for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grant applications can be processed more speedily as there has been a huge take-up on recent applicants but, prior to this, a person (details supplied) was advised they would have to wait 12 months for a consultation. [43897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra130. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current average waiting time for the home surveys that are required to access Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland free energy upgrades. [43962/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 130 together.
The Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. It is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Since the start of the scheme in 2000, over 145,000 free upgrades have been supported by the scheme. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times on the Warmer Homes Scheme waiting list is a top priority for my Department and SEAI.
In order to reduce this timeline to completion and target a monthly average of 400 completions this year, the following actions have already been taken:
- The budget, at €109 million, is nearly three times the 2021 outturn (€38 million) and funding has also been sought through the European Regional Development Fund;
- SEAI has been allocated additional staff for the Warmer Homes Scheme;
- SEAI is working to Increase contractor output through active contract engagement and management. Latest data provided to my Department by the SEAI indicates that, for homes completed in 2022, the longest time waiting for a survey was 10 months, and the average cycle time from application to completion was 27 months. However, it is important to note that cycle times have been affected by COVID related issues. In addition, there are deeper measures being provided under the Scheme since 2018, which involve more substantive works. As Minister I have no function with regard to individual applications to the grant schemes administered by SEAI on behalf of my Department. The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
126. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to support households with additional energy costs due to having a person or persons with a disability living there. [43903/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact on consumers of high electricity and gas prices, and has introduced a range of measures to mitigate their impact. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland and Europe is high international gas prices where Ireland is a price taker. Gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, which feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas. In response to this situation, as recently as 25 August the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) announced enhanced consumer protection measures to be implemented by electricity and gas providers ahead of the coming winter.
Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the CRU under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. The CRU ceased price setting for electricity and gas in 2011 and 2014. Therefore, the setting of prices and charges is a commercial matter for individual supply companies. Government has already put a €2.4 billion package of measures in place to support people to meet the cost of energy and continues to monitor this unprecedented and evolving situation closely to inform ongoing consideration of further action, particularly in the context of the imminent Budget 2023. The CRU customer protection measures for the coming winter are aimed at providing protection for all customers but are focused particularly on strengthening protections and security for customers in greatest difficulty – including vulnerable customers, customers in debt and customers on financial hardship prepayment meters.
The Government recognises that more needs to be done as prices continue to increase and additional measures to support households are being examined in the context of the forthcoming Budget.
The Government also recently published a review of the Strategy to Combat Energy Poverty, alongside a public consultation that will help to inform the development of a new Action Plan to Combat Energy Poverty. The new Action Plan will set out a range of measures to be implemented ahead of the coming winter, as well as key longer-term measures to ensure that those least able to afford increased energy costs are supported and protected. It is intended that the new plan will be published shortly after the Budget. The development and implementation of the new Action Plan will be overseen by a cross-departmental Steering Group, chaired by my Department.
127. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the monthly generating costs per €mwh and retail price per €mhw of ESB power plants in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43953/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra128. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide figures on the quarterly wholesale energy price for gas per €kwh paid by energy suppliers operating within the State in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the quarterly retail price charged to gas customers per €kwh in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43954/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
Gas supplies from Russia to Europe have been severely reduced over the last year and continue to be a cause for concern for Europe’s energy security. This has resulted in natural gas prices that are approximately ten times the levels seen just two years ago. The exceptionally high wholesale gas prices have led to unprecedented increases in electricity and retail gas prices faced by consumers.
Government is acutely aware of the impact of high electricity and gas prices, and has introduced a range of measures to mitigate their impact. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland and Europe is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. Gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, which feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas. Government has already put a €2.4 billion package of policies and measures in place to support people and continues to monitor this unprecedented and evolving situation closely to inform ongoing consideration of further action.
It is a function of CRU to regulate the market including market monitoring. The most recent market monitoring report is available at: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/211013-Energy-Water-Monitoring-Report-2020.pdf. In addition, my Department engages closely with the CRU, who examine market trends on an ongoing basis.
129. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage increase in quarterly and annual wholesale energy price for gas per €kwh paid by energy suppliers operating within the State in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; the percentage increase in quarterly and annual retail energy prices paid by retail customers per quarter in 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43955/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra148. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the average domestic customer electricity and gas bill for the months of October 2020, November 2020, December 2020, January 2021 and February 2021, based on energy usage during the winter months; and the projected bills for corresponding months in winter 2022-2023. [44234/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has modelled the projected domestic customer electricity and gas bills for winter 2022-2023 based on average household energy usage and recently announced energy supplier price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44235/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 148 and 149 together.
Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. CRU ceased retail price setting for electricity in 2011 and gas in 2014. It is a function of CRU to regulate the market including market monitoring. The most recent market monitoring report is available at: www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/211013-Energy-Water-Monitoring-Report-2020.pdf. In addition, my Department engages closely with the CRU, which examine market trends on an ongoing basis.
Government is acutely aware of the impact of high electricity and gas prices, and has introduced a range of measures to mitigate their impact. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland and Europe is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. Gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, which feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas. Government has already put a €2.4 billion package of policies and measures in place to support people and continues to monitor this unprecedented and evolving situation closely to inform ongoing consideration of further action, particularly in the context of Budget 2023.
The CRU have a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members oireachtas@cru.ie.
131. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that are being taken to ensure that persons who use refrigerated medication will have their medicines protected from any power outages during the winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43972/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid. The CRU supported by Eirgrid and my Department currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply side mitigation measures to address the tight margins during winter 2022/2023. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website.
Margins will remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.
ESB Networks who own and operate the electricity grid have a vulnerable customers policy in place, which is available on their website. Vulnerable customers include those who need vital electrical medical equipment on a daily basis. In accordance with the policy, ESB Networks maintain a Vulnerable Customer Register based on information from all electricity suppliers to ensure they can endeavour to contact after these customers if a power outage occurs in their area.
135. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will compel or encourage energy providers to provide a greater range of discounts to existing customers and move away from the model of offering discounts for switching or only to new customers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44041/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment is acutely aware of the impact of high electricity and gas prices, and has introduced a range of measures to mitigate their impact. The most immediate factor affecting electricity prices in Ireland and Europe is high international gas prices where we are a price taker. Gas prices are now unprecedentedly high, which feeds directly through to retail electricity prices as the wholesale price of electricity correlates strongly with the price of gas.
Responsibility for the regulation of the retail electricity and gas markets was assigned to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities under the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act and subsequent legislation. CRU ceased price setting for electricity and gas in 2011 and 2014. Price setting by electricity suppliers is a commercial and operational matter for the companies concerned. The Government has already put a €2.4 billion package of policies and measures in place to support people and continues to monitor this unprecedented and evolving situation closely to inform ongoing consideration of further action, particularly in the context of the imminent Budget 2023.
136. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will confirm that the report on the review of Ireland’s energy security conducted by a consultancy firm (details supplied) will be published before the end of 2022; the total cost paid to the firm for services in compiling the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44043/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that the report on the review of Ireland’s energy security will be published before the end of 2022. The total amount paid to CEPA to date for their work on the technical analysis for the Department’s review of the security of energy supply for Ireland’s gas and electricity systems is €169,160.40 (ex VAT).
137. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Naul area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44136/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra138. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Oldtown area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44137/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra139. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Rolestown area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44138/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra140. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Garristown area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44139/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Ballyboughal area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra142. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Rush area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44141/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Lusk area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44142/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra144. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the roll-out of the national broadband plan in the Donabate area of north County Dublin as of September 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44143/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 to 144, 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 delivered by 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. There are 652,479 premises in County Dublin of which 635,138 (97.3%) premises are in the BLUE area and 17,341(2.7%) premises are within the AMBER area and will be provided with high speed fibre broadband under the NBP.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 26 August 2022, over 85,700 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 24 counties, with over 72,700 premises passed across 23 counties and available for immediate connection. Construction is underway across 26 counties demonstrating that the project is reaching scale To date, the level of connections is increasing on a daily basis and is in line with or exceeding projections. NBI has advised that 1,307 premises in County Dublin are passed with a highspeed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection.
The network rollout for the NBP is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. The architecture of the network design is specifically based on the design of the NBI network coming from the eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs). It is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to reach every premises as quickly as possible working within the confines of how fibre networks are built. Villages/Townlands/Counties can be covered by a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for the rollout across county areas.
The areas in North County Dublin referred to in the Questions are covered by a number of DAs detailed below.
|
Townland |
Deployment Area (DA) |
|
Donabate |
Donabate/Portrane |
|
Rolestown |
Donabate/Portrane |
|
Rush |
Donabate/Portrane; Lusk; Skerries |
|
Lusk |
Donabate/Portrane; Lusk; Skerries |
|
Garristown |
Dunshaughlin; Lusk; Drogheda |
|
Ballyboughal |
Donabate/Portrane; Lusk |
|
Naul |
Lusk |
|
Oldtown |
Donabate/Portrane; Lusk; Dunshaughlin |
Further details are available on the specific areas referred to via the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie. Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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 (DAs) in all 26 counties. 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 and connected 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.
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 28 August 2022, 698 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. In County Dublin 9 BCPs are installed to date. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/
In County Dublin 6 schools have been installed by NBI to date for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website atnbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
