Written Answers Nos. 94-118
94. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount his Department has spent on advertising on social media in 2021 and to date in 2022; the amount spent per platform; and the campaigns per platform, in tabular form. [43373/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to providing the highest standard of communications, stakeholder engagement, and open and transparent dialogue in order to inform policy making and enhance our services for citizens. Our communications approach is designed to enhance our reputation and build trust through collaboration and engagement. Social media is a critical tool in achieving these objectives, and we place a high value on ensuring that our social media channels are actively evaluated to ensure they are engaging with citizens on relevant issues that are important to them. The Communications and Media Relations Division of my Department is responsible for managing the content on my Department’s social media accounts on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Our spend, per campaign, per platform, per year is set out in the table below.
|
- |
2021 |
|
|
Solid Fuel Regulations Consultation |
€307.50 |
|
|
Circular Economy Strategy Consultation |
€122.55 |
|
|
Climate Conversation |
€457.11 |
|
|
Climate Conversation |
€26,071.06 |
Facebook / Instagram |
|
Circular Economy Grant Scheme |
€364.15 |
|
|
Sustainable Development Goals Consultation |
€381.30 |
|
|
Sustainable Development Goals Consultation |
€369.00 |
|
|
EU Cyber Security Month |
€951.42 |
|
|
EU Cyber Security Month |
€984.00 |
Facebook / Instagram |
|
National Development Plan |
€491.69 |
|
|
Climate Toolkit 4 Business |
€246.00 |
|
|
Total |
€30,745.78 |
|
|
|
||
|
To date 2022 |
||
|
Climate Toolkit 4 Business |
€369.00 |
|
|
Sustainable Development Goals |
€710.02 |
|
|
Reduce Your Use Phase 1 |
€11,380.12 |
Facebook / Instagram |
|
Reduce Your Use Phase 1 |
€11,353.17 |
|
|
Reduce Your Use Phase 2 |
€4,999.28 |
Facebook / Instagram |
|
Reduce Your Use Phase 2 |
€3,000.00 |
|
|
Reduce Your Use Phase 2 |
€2,893.16 |
|
|
Climate Conversation |
€4295.10 |
Facebook / Instagram |
|
Climate Conversation |
€4425.19 |
|
|
Total to date |
€43,425.04 |
|
95. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will explore the potential for repurposing unspent funding for bicycle lanes and walkways held by Kerry County Council into funding for readying vacant council-owned properties for tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43420/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function in the repurposing of funding held by county councils.
96. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific measures his Department has in place to deal with blackouts and brownouts for each specific delegated function under his Departmental remit; the costs of same, in tabular form; and the status of preparedness for each measure. [43432/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public sector achieved its 2020 target to achieve a 33% energy efficiency improvement compared to an overall economy target of 20%. There is a requirement now for the public sector to continue its leadership role in reducing energy use. Under the National Energy Security Framework, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and the Office of Public Works have developed and are delivering an energy efficiency campaign for public bodies. Participating organisations will be supported with energy awareness resources which can typically deliver 5 to 10% energy savings. To date, over 100 of the 350 State bodies signed up to participate in the campaign.
Under the Electricity Regulation Act, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has responsibility for ensuring security of electricity supply and is directly responsible for the performance of its functions to a Joint Committee of the Oireachtas. In September 2021, the CRU published a programme of actions to provide additional stability and reliance to the Irish energy system over the next four to five years, with the support of Eirgrid and my Department. The programme of actions contains a number of both demand and supply-side mitigation measures to address any potential shortfall. The actions include: procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; and improved demand-side measures. 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.
97. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide details of the engagements, including in-person meetings and online meetings that he and officials in his Department have had with the ESB with respect to the closure of the ESB owned peat-fired power stations in Shannonbridge, County Offaly and Lanesborough, County Longford during the period 1 January 2021 to date; if it remains the policy of his Department to support the closure of these stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43447/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of ESB-owned facilities are an operational matter for the Board and management of the ESB. The ESB ceased electricity generation at the Shannonbridge and Lanesborough power stations in December 2020 when their planning permission expired. The Just Transition Commissioner made a recommendation in his first progress report, published in May 2020, that a study be undertaken in relation to the future potential of the ESB power stations at both Lanesborough (Lough Ree Power) and Shannonbridge (West Offaly Power) for the establishment of a dedicated Energy Hub in the Midlands. This was subsequently included as a commitment in the Programme for Government.
ESB has been participating in a number of working groups established under the Just Transition programme which looked at the future of the Midlands area following the closure of the ESB Midlands stations and the ending of the harvesting of peat by Bord na Móna.
One of the working groups, which included representatives of my Department, relevant Local Authorities, and the Just Transition Commissioner, looked specifically at how the existing infrastructure on the station sites might form a part of a future renewable energy hub. To that end, ESB commissioned an internal engineering report to examine how the power plants might be re-used in the future. Options reviewed included the possibility of using other types of fuel. The report was subsequently reviewed by Fichtner, an external international consultancy firm with acknowledged expertise in these areas. These reports have not identified any viable alternative use for the existing power plants.
However new hybrid facilities could make use of existing grid infrastructure in the region like the recently announced Shannonbridge B grid stability plant which will provide in the region of 150 jobs in its construction. The new hybrid facility combines a long duration battery with a synchronous condenser to support the grid in deployment of renewable energy.
98. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when provisions of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 pertaining to the use of CCTV by local authorities will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43455/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSections 22 & 23 of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 require that the Local Government Management Agency prepare and submit to me for approval, in my role as Minister for Environment, Climate & Communications, draft codes of practice for the purposes of setting standards for the operation of CCTV and other mobile recording devices in order to deter environmental pollution and to facilitate the prevention, detection, and prosecution of littering and illegal dumping offences.
An Order, commencing the relevant sections of the Act is currently being prepared.
The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) have begun preparing the codes of practice, for submission to me. Once approved local authorities will be enabled to put in place litter and waste enforcement measures involving the GDPR-compliant use of technologies such as CCTV.
99. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the emergency plans that he has in place to ensure a continuation of gas and oil supplies to Ireland this winter; if he will be proposing emergency legislation to ensure same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43480/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra101. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the emergency actions that he intends taking to ensure the continuation of gas, oil and electricity supplies this coming winter at an affordable price; if he will be proposing emergency legislation to ensure same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43482/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 101 together.
The National Energy Security Framework (NESF), which was approved by Government and published in April 2022, sets out Ireland’s response to our energy security needs in the context of the invasion of Ukraine and our specific national circumstances.
The short to medium term oil supply outlook has stabilised, with petroleum product availability having improved recently and there has been a slow softening of international oil prices. NORA (National Oil Reserves Agency) currently holds approximately 85 days of oil stocks, the overwhelming majority of which is in the form of physical product, with approximately 85% stored on the island of Ireland. NORA is ready to place this stock onto the market to meet shortfalls, if required. My Department is examining whether any legislation is required to further strengthen our response to emergency situations for oil.
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 continued supply of natural gas to Ireland has not to date, been reduced or interrupted as a result of the war in Ukraine. The UK, from where 75% of gas comes, is at a strategic advantage compared to other European countries with a diverse source of gas supplies.
Separate to the war in Ukraine, there are challenges to the security of electricity supplies in Ireland. Concerns over such risks had arisen largely due to the non-delivery of previously contracted capacity, increasing electricity demand and the increasing unreliability of some existing plants. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities is managing a programme of work to address this challenge, with the support of Eirgrid and my Department.
Government are acutely aware of the impact that rising energy prices are having on households and businesses across Ireland. The Government has already implemented a €2 billion package of policies and measures to support energy customers. These supports included an Electricity Costs credit which was applied to over 2.1 million domestic electricity accounts, a reduction in VAT on electricity and gas bills from 13.5% to 9% and increases to the Fuel Allowance. However, 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.
100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the emergency plans that he has in place to ensure a continuation without a break of electricity supplies this winter; if he will be proposing emergency legislation to ensure same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43481/22]
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 and my Department.
The CRU 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 forecasted shortfall. These actions include; procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side measures. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website. As part of this programme, the Government has enacted legislation in July of this year and approved capital funding to support EirGrid’s role in expediting the delivery of temporary generation capacity.
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.
103. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered energy-saving measures to cut energy use this winter such as those that have been implemented in Germany (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43490/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public sector achieved its ambitious 2020 target to achieve a 33% energy efficiency improvement compared to an overall economy target of 20%. However, in response to the impact of the war in Ukraine, the National Energy Security Framework (NESF) was published in April. This Framework sets out a comprehensive response to Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine.
In line with the NESF, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Office of Public Works (OPW) are delivering, an energy efficiency campaign to public bodies. This campaign is focussing on driving behavioural change and implementing a range of measures to lower energy consumption and costs in the public sector, and Government recently approved that all public sector bodies will lead by example in lowering energy consumption and costs by signing up to the campaign.
Public bodies are now required to reduce the temperature and duration of heating systems; reduce energy use from lighting; reduce electricity use at peaks times whenever possible; and make more efficient use of buildings where occupancy is low, at certain times, due to remote working.
Public sector bodies will also be required to set temperatures to a guideline 19 degrees where appropriate, to turn off heat in office buildings at least 1-2 hours before the buildings close, and to ensure that there is no non-security/safety lighting in use after 8:00pm.
The NESF also commits to comprehensively reviewing the existing business retrofit supports administered by the SEAI. The aim of these reviews is to increase the uptake of existing business supports to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.
104. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered installing solar panels on public buildings to aid in the switch to renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43497/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra105. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he has taken to promote the installation of solar panels on public buildings to aid in the switch to renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43498/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 105 together.
There are currently a range of measures underway to support the rollout of solar PV in Ireland, including for public buildings.
The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) provides capital grants for non-domestic applicants, including public buildings and 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 scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and will become available to non domestic applicants in September. Suppliers are now obliged to offer a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff to new and existing micro-and small-scale generators so that they receive payment for excess renewable electricity that they export to the grid, reflective of the market value. More information is available at: Clean Export Tariff - Commission for Regulation of Utilities (cru.ie).
In Q3 of this year ,the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is due to consult on an implementation plan for the Clean Export Premium (CEP) tariff, a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations, fixed for 15 years, for non-domestic MSS applicants for installations greater than 6.0kW up to 50kW in size. The Climate Action Plan commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generators (SSG) above 50kW to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. This is expected to come into effect in 2023. My Department launched a public consultation on proposed design elements of the SSG scheme which is open until the 29th September: www.gov.ie/en/consultation/353f2-consultation-on-a-small-scale-generation-support-scheme-ssg-in-ireland/
Solar PV is also supported as one of a range of measures under the SEAI's Communities Energy Grant Scheme as part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme. This scheme supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types, including public, commercial and community buildings. A budget of €43 million has been provided for this in 2022.
In addition, the Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, co-funded with the Department of Education, provides capital supports to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings. Solar PV is one of the measures supported under this scheme.
107. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the details on the total amounts of moneys awarded to Louth County Council by his Department in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; if he will seek details on the total moneys drawn down and spent by Louth County Council over the same years, in tabular form, and, if not spent, the total moneys that were returned to his Department over the same years, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43518/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of funding provided by my Department to Louth County Council for the years 2016 to date are set out in the table below.
|
Initiative |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 to date |
|
Anti Dumping Initiative |
|
|
75,481 |
137,716 |
109,357 |
142,184 |
|
|
Anti Litter Initiatives |
18,000 |
12,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Enforcement Initiatives |
65,000 |
174,619 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anti Litter Anti Graffiti Awareness Grant |
|
23,000 |
23,000 |
20,000 |
13,650 |
20,000 |
|
|
Litter Infrastructure Support Grant Scheme |
|
|
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
Community Environment Action Fund |
|
|
|
12,650 |
|
|
|
|
Diesel Laundering Remediation |
|
|
|
199,444 |
36,886 |
435,372 |
168,869 |
|
Landfill Remediation Grant Scheme |
50,258 |
311,121 |
1,204 |
|
|
401,528 |
17,704 |
|
Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme |
|
|
|
130,000 |
236,246 |
236,246 |
|
|
Solid Fuel Awareness Campaign |
|
|
|
|
980 |
1,000 |
|
Funds for remediation and waste/litter Initiatives are reimbursed to Louth County Council based on actual expenditure so no funds are returned to the Department.
110. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason that there is a delay in rolling out the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland home scheme to persons who are availing of the defective concrete blocks scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the delays in SEAI approval delaying progress on the DCB scheme and causing unnecessary stress to homeowners; and if he will act to progress the SEAI element of the DCB scheme immediately. [43624/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme provides financial support to homeowners whose properties have been damaged due to the use of concrete blocks that contain excessive amounts of mica or pyrite. The scheme, which is the responsibility of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, enables homeowners to remediate their home on a like for like basis. Additional State support may however be available to impacted homeowners for energy upgrades to the home from the SEAI through retrofitting grants. In February, 2022, these SEAI grants were increased with very attractive fixed grants, subject to overall caps, now available to eligible homeowners. Participants in the DCB scheme can apply for grant funding in line with the relevant eligibility criteria for the existing SEAI grant schemes. The integration of the DCB and SEAI schemes can in certain instances, be complex. For that reason, my Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Agency and the SEAI are working to develop streamlined processes underpinned by appropriate governance arrangements. It should be noted that such issues to not arise in relation to the Better Energy Homes Scheme which offers generous grants for a range of measures. Full details are available from the SEAI on 1850 250 204 or their website at: www.seai.ie/grants/
111. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the supports which his Department makes available to support the learning of digital skills for adults who do not have any. [43656/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a demonstration initiative under Strand 2 of the previous National Digital Strategy, my Department provided the “Digital Skills for Citizens” training scheme. In total 15 community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations were funded to deliver free informal basic digital skills classes to people who did not have the confidence or skills to use the internet and access online services. Since the training scheme commenced in 2017, €5.5 million has been invested in providing training to over 60,000 participants. Training modules included internet safety, how to send and receive emails, how to tax your car online and how to use social media. This training scheme was targeted at people from farming communities, small business owners, the unemployed, persons with disabilities, disadvantaged groups and for persons over the age of 45. More broadly, the Deputy might be interested to know the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) published the ‘Adult Literacy for Life – a 10-year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy’. This strategy aims to ensure every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy to fully engage in society and realise their potential. In addition, DFHERIS is the lead Department in delivering digital skills for the wider Society as provided in the Harnessing Digital – The Digital Ireland Framework.
112. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of exploration licences for gas and oil operational in Irish waters to date; the work done under these licences in the past year; if it is expected that any of these will lead to commercial finds of gas and or oil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43685/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInformation on all current petroleum authorisations is updated and published on a quarterly basis on gov.ie (www.gov.ie/en/publication/10d43-acreage-reports-and-concession-maps/). The most recent such report was published in respect of the three month period ending 30 June 2022. In addition, Section 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 requires that I lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas every six months a report detailing all petroleum authorisations extant and granted during the period of the report. The last such report laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas was in respect of the six-month period ending 30 June 2022.
It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the potential of individual authorisations.
113. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the expected annual use of gas, coal and oil, respectively, in the next 20 years in this State if Ireland's climate change targets are totally achieved; the percentage of this that is expected to come from indigenous sources in Irish waters; the steps he is taking in this regard to reduce Ireland's dependence on imported oil, coal and gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43686/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 July 2022, the government reached agreement on Sectoral Emissions Ceilings across the economy. The development of Sectoral Emission Ceilings and the introduction of Carbon Budgets were provided for in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. The Act required the Climate Change Advisory Council to prepare, publish and submit a proposed Carbon Budget programme that would support a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to 2018 emission levels, and the legally-binding national climate objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The Climate Action Plan 2021 provided a detailed plan for taking decisive action to achieve a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and setting us on a path to reach net-zero emissions by no later than 2050, as committed to in the Programme for Government and set out in the Climate Act 2021.
The plan contains a range of measures which will reduce our consumption of coal, oil and gas over the coming decades, including:
- to increase the proportion of renewable electricity to up to 80% by 2030;
- increasing the uptake of carbon-neutral heating, and decreasing the embodied carbon in building materials;
- retrofit 500,000 homes by 2030;
- install 680,000 renewable energy heat sources in both new and existing residential buildings.
- Increased rollout of rural public transport through Connecting Ireland.
My Department will shortly launch a consultation on a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems, which will further consider our reliance on fossil fuels amongst other matters.
114. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of applications for licences or approvals for oil and gas exploration with his Department to date; the date each one was received; the reason for the delay in processing these; when a decision will be made in each case given the crisis in supply of gas and oil in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43687/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 57 of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act 1960 requires that I lay before the Houses of the Oireachtas every six months a report detailing all exploration activities, including petroleum exploration authorisations granted during the period of the report. The last such report laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas was in respect of the six-month period ending 30 June 2022. A report on the status of all petroleum authorisations is also published on a quarterly basis on gov.ie (www.gov.ie/en/publication/10d43-acreage-reports-and-concession-maps/). The most recent such report was published in respect of the three month period ending 30 June 2022
The tables below contain the information sought in relation to the numbers of current extensions applications.
|
Current Extensions Applications |
|||
|
Date Received |
December 2012 |
January 2018 |
February 2022 |
|
No. of Applications |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
Current Phase Extension Applications |
|
|
Date Received |
April 2022 |
|
No. of Applications |
1 |
|
Follow-On Authorisation Applications |
|||
|
Date Received |
October 2012 |
May 2018 |
April 2021 |
|
No. of Applications |
1 |
2 |
1 |
My Department does not publish information on individual applications for authorisations whilst they are under consideration. All applications for petroleum authorisations are assessed against a number of criteria in accordance with Section 9A of the Petroleum and Other Minerals Development Act, 1960, as amended, and Section 3 of the Licensing Terms for Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production. It is important to note that this licence application assessment process is informed only by financial, technical and environmental considerations and not by energy security or broader energy policy matters.
115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of system alerts previously known as amber alerts on the electricity system in the past three years; the date of each alert; the number of such alerts between 2010 and 2020; the cause of the individual alerts; the steps that were taken to mitigate against each threat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43689/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Transmission System Operator for Electricity in Ireland advises that it has issued the following number of amber alerts in Ireland in recent years
|
2017 |
1 |
|
2018 |
0 |
|
2019 |
0 |
|
2020 |
3 |
|
2021 |
6 |
|
2022(to date) |
8 |
Eirgrid has advised that the greatest risk manifests at times of very low to zero wind and low imports from Great Britain. In such a scenario Eirgrid utilise the tools available to manage the supply-demand relationship. These include trading with their counterparts in Great Britain across the interconnectors, bringing on demand-side units and asking large customers to use their on-site generation.
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 forecasted shortfall. These actions include; procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side measures. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website.
116. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the state of affairs at Huntstown power station operated by an organisation (details supplied); if another company can provide details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Huntstown Power station includes two existing Combined cycle gas turbineswhich provide electricity generation for the Irish grid. The generation units have a capacity of 337MW & 408MW respectively which is a substantial proportion of the dispatchable generation capacity of Ireland.
With respect to temporary generation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) currently has a programme of work underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The actions include procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of forthcoming capacity auctions, extending the availability of existing generation capacity, additional use of grid-scale batteries and improved demand side measures.
As part of this work programme, the CRU has directed, with my consent, EirGrid the Transmission System Operator to source and deliver temporary generation capacity to remain available until the necessary replacement capacity has been secured. My Department has no role in the selection of suitable candidates for the delivery of this generation. Grid connection policy is a matter for CRU in its role as the independent energy regulator.
117. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any of the recommendations contained in a report commissioned in 2018 from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission into the operation of the household waste collection market have been adopted; if there are any plans to appoint a waste regulator in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43721/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe recommendations of the 2018 Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) report, including the recommendation that an economic regulator be established for household waste collection, were fully considered during the process of drafting of our current national waste policy, A Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, (WAPCE) which I launched In September 2020.
While the WAPCE does not envisage the introduction of such a regulator for the waste sector it does contain a range of measures to empower households through enhanced consumer protection requirements.
The over arching recommendation of the CCPC report was to ensure that all the State’s resources are co-ordinated to deliver optimal outcomes for this market. I believe significant progress has been made in this regard through the co-ordination of resources in the household waste market. The establishment of the three Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, the three Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities, the Trans Frontier Shipment Office and the National Waste Collection Permit Office have all contributed to a more co-ordinated approach to waste management planning and enforcement. In addition the establishment of the new post of Local Government Waste Programme Coordinator in 2021 will play a crucial role in supporting the various stakeholders in ensuring the efficient delivery of local, regional, and national waste targets.
118. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the roll-out of high-speed rural broadband in Cork south west. [43792/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) state led intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the intervention area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
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. with some areas exceeding expectations. NBI has advised that over 9,800 premises in County Cork are passed with a highspeed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork including the Deployment Areas located in South West Cork through 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 at 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 Cork there are 24 BCPs installed. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/broadband-connection-points/
67 schools have been connected for educational access by NBI in County Cork. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high speed broadband, within the intervention area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
