Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:54. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the process and timeline for ratifying the modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty. [46913/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational Agreements
Ceisteanna (54)
Freagraí scríofa
On 24 June 2022, the Energy Charter Conference confirmed Agreement in Principle on the modernised Energy Charter Treaty. The next steps for the EU, including Ireland, are legal review and the consultation period (3 months).
A headline provision of the Agreement in Principle removes protection for all new fossil fuel investments and that protections for existing fossil fuel investments will be phased-out after a transition period of 10 years. This is one of the most important policy objectives of the EU and other countries, which is to phase out fossil fuels in favour of renewables. It will help pave the way for the much-needed transition to renewable sources of energy, which is vital, not only in the long-term climate sense, but also the nearer term policy objective on Europe no longer being reliant on Russian gas.
Ireland's position remains to support the Energy Charter Treaty and the benefits to international energy security that it provides, particularly at a time when energy security has been threatened, while also supporting the Agreement in Principle on the modernisation process to align the Treaty with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the environmental concerns integral to it.
Ireland therefore awaits the outcome of the final stages of the modernisation process towards adoption at the Energy Charter Conference in November, while reserving the option to support a co-ordinated withdrawal from the ECT should this effort fail and if considered appropriate by Government to achieve our national renewable energy and climate ambitions.
Data Centres
Ceisteanna (55)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:55. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on reports that United States government institutions such as the Pentagon and the United States Department of Justice store data in Ireland as part of their redundancy strategy. [46914/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The management of connections to the electricity grid, including data centres and other large energy users, is a matter for the system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is an independent statutory body and solely accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas for the performance of its functions.
In November 2021, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities issued a direction to EirGrid, the electricity transmission system operator, and ESB Networks, the electricity distribution system operator, that requires each of the system operators to prioritise data centre connections based on location, the availability of on-site generation (and/or storage), and flexibility in reducing demand when required. This will reduce the potential impact of electricity demand from data centres on security of supply.
In July of this year, Government published a new ‘Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy’ with the aim of ensuring alignment with Ireland’s renewable energy targets, sectoral emissions and climate priorities. The objective is to make sure that we are planning for new energy demand, while ensuring that we meet our ambitious renewable energy targets. My Department has begun reaching out to key stakeholders such as EirGrid, ESBN, Gas Networks Ireland, and the CRU to determine appropriate actions and next steps based on the key objectives and stated Government preferences set out in this Statement, and to resolve the capacity deficits over the coming decade.
In addition, in 18 August the CRU launched a two-week public consultation on proposed structural changes to Electricity Network Tariffs to apply from 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023. These changes aim to encourage energy users, particularly Extra-Large Energy Users (including data centres) to reduce/shift their demand at times of high energy demand/low renewable energy.
The matters raised in the Question relate to the connection of data centres to the grid and the nature of data stored therein; I have no role or function in either matter.
Semi-State Bodies
Ceisteanna (56)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:56. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 90 of 24 May 2022, if commercial semi-State bodies are exempt from obligations under the Climate Amendment Act 2021, given that they are exempt from freedom of information under the Freedom of Information Act 2014; and if the Climate Action Framework for the commercial semi-State sector is outside those obligations. [46917/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 15(5) of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 states that a ‘public body’ has the same meaning as that defined in the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI Act). All bodies that conform to the definition in Section 6(1) of the FOI Act are subject to the requirements of Section 15 of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015 unless they are in whole, or in part, specifically exempt, any such exemption would be pursuant to Section 6(2) or 6(3) and Parts 1 and 2 of Schedule One of the FOI Act. Therefore, of the specific bodies referred to in Question No. 90 of 24 May 2022, Ervia, the ESB, Bus Átha Cliath-Dublin Bus and Coillte Teoranta are not public bodies, and consequently not ‘relevant bodies’ for the purposes of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021. However, the recently approved Climate Action Framework for the Commercial Semi-State Sector (www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bd704-government-approves-climate-action-framework-for-the-commercial-semi-state-sector/) provides an opportunity for commercial semi-states to demonstrate their commitment to Ireland’s climate goals. This Framework comprises a series of commitments for all semi-state companies to deliver on climate action, and it will support and encourage all semi-state companies to play a lead role in Ireland’s transition to a carbon neutral economy and society.
National Broadband Plan
Ceisteanna (57)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:57. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a progress report on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan; the number of properties connected as of 31 May 2022; the number of properties connected in County Carlow; the number of properties pending surveyed in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47009/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Awaiting reply from Department.
Postal Services
Ceisteanna (58)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:58. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that a person who wishes to have their address changed or an error corrected that is listed on the Eircode website or system can do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47013/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Eircodes are assigned to new property addresses using a valid postal address and verified geo-locations. All postal addresses, geographical addresses and geo-locations are provided to Eircode from authoritative sources, namely An Post and Ordnance Survey Ireland through their subsidiary company An Post GeoDirectory. An Post collects information on all new and existing buildings, as well as changes to existing addresses, and Ordnance Survey Ireland provides the geo-locations for these buildings.
Eircode does not change existing postal addresses and the Eircode can be simply added to the address normally used for the property. This address can be the most commonly used address, the postal address or/and the geographical address. The free to use online Eircode Finder (finder.eircode.ie/#/), provides both the geographical and postal addresses for properties in the state.
Householders who have queries relating to the postal address of their property can contact An Post by email at: eircode@anpost.ie or Customer Service on 01 - 705 7600. In the case where An Post makes changes to the address, the updated information will be provided to Eircode by An Post GeoDirectory.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (59)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:59. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a schedule of the costs for all live studies, reviews and research projects undertaken or commissioned by him; and the details of the person or body that is conducting each study, review and research project in tabular form. [47043/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department administers a very diverse, complex and technical brief across critical and strategic sectors of the Irish economy. Studies, reviews and research are currently being undertaken by my Department which contribute to project delivery and informed, robust and evidence-based policy making.
Details of costs related to live studies, reviews and research are currently being compiled by my Department and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Energy Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (60)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:60. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to engage with the stakeholders behind the Silvermines hydro-electric station to deliver storage given the recent publication of the energy security review and its proposal for approximately 450MW to 1.8 gigawatt-hours of pumped storage. [47116/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Long-duration electricity storage projects, such as pumped hydro, can play a critical role in ensuring flexibility and security of supply in the energy system, by facilitating the integration of renewable generation, supporting the grid, and shifting energy to the time when it is needed most.
As part of its review of security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas system, my Department has launched a public consultation seeking views from interested parties. The review examines measures Ireland can take to mitigate potential risks including additional capacity to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 also recognises the important role of electricity storage in supporting the transformation of the electricity sector. Under Climate Action Plan 2021, my Department has committed to developing a national electricity storage policy framework, which is due for publication next year. To help inform this work, a public consultation will be launched in the coming weeks.
At present, Turlough Hill is the only large-scale pumped storage power station in Ireland with an installed capacity of 292MW. However, Ireland has also supported the inclusion of the Silvermines Hydroelectric Pumped Storage facility on the EU’s Project of Common Interest List, which includes key cross border infrastructure projects that link the energy systems of EU countries but can also include large-scale storage projects. The proposed Silvermines pumped-hydro storage facility is currently EU Project of Common Interest (PCI) 2.29, having been selected for the 5th PCI List in 2021.
The Government considers that the Silvermines pumped hydro project has the potential to make an important contribution to power generation decarbonisation and security of supply on the island of Ireland. To that end, officials in my Department have been engaging with the stakeholders behind the project.
Legislative Measures
Ceisteanna (61)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:61. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the Inland Fisheries Consolidation Bill 2022; and when this Bill will move to the next stage. [47171/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Inland Fisheries Bill is a major undertaking to consolidate 14 separate enactments over 8 decades, taking account of EU and other developments. Given the principal Act, the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959, is itself a consolidation of legislation dating back to the 1840’s, predating the foundation of the State, the scope of the necessary review spans close to 2 centuries.
The draft Bill will encompass approximately 140 Heads across an array of complex areas. Almost 90 of these Heads have been fully drafted and work on this multifaceted legislation is ongoing in the Department with a view to having a complete draft in 2023. The Bill will also include modernised provisions in relation to the intricate nature of fishery ownership, title and fishing rights and the uncertainties that have emerged over time in those areas. It will also provide for, inter-alia, conservation, protection, development and management of the entire resource as well as sustainability measures on biodiversity, habitats, environmental matters, invasive species and in-water infrastructure and installations.
I recently published a policy roadmap which sets out plans for a policy statement for the inland fisheries sector. The final Bill will be informed by this policy statement.
Energy Prices
Ceisteanna (62)
Michael Creed
Ceist:62. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the way that pay-as-you-go electricity customers can avail of the recent energy credit of €200.00; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47181/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 credit of €176.22 (excluding VAT) has been applied to all domestic electricity accounts through April, May and June, including prepay meters.
The scheme operated by the Distribution System Operator (ESB Networks) and electricity suppliers with oversight by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities used the single eligibility criterion of an electricity meter point registration number (MPRN), to ensure payments to each domestic electricity account, without any additional means testing.
The payment was applied to domestic electricity accounts i.e. those which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2), as set out in section 1 of the Act. This included pay as you go / prepay customers.
The majority of prepayment meters accepted the credit in one go. However, I understand that there was a small population of older prepayment meters which, due to their age and inbuilt monetary limits, required the customer to redeem their credit through three separate transactions over the space of a few days.
In these cases, to redeem each stage of the credit, customers needed to buy a (minimum) €10 top up. When they did this they then received a new 40-digit code which credited their meter with the government electricity credit when entered. Once the credit was applied to the customer’s account/meter they accessed it by vending three times.Each supplier was allocated funding for each MPRN to which they were supplying electricity on 29 March 2022.
As such, customers who have not received the credit to their MPRN should contact the supplier they were with on this date in the first instance, as noted in the scheme’s Frequently Asked Questions which are available on gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/4ae14-electricity-costs-emergency-benefit-scheme/.
Renewable Energy Generation
Ceisteanna (63)
Niall Collins
Ceist:63. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if an issue raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to the cost of solar panels will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47196/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government approved the final design of the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) targeting 380MW of new renewable electricity generation by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan.
Targeting the grant scheme, including removing the minimum BER requirement and including homes built up to 2020, ensures that the grants available through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) maximise emission reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of micro-generators possible, as well as ensuring efficient use of scarce public financing.
The MSS scheme is currently offering capital grants of up to €2,400 to domestic and non-domestic applicants through the SEAI Solar PV scheme and since the introduction of the domestic Solar PV grant in early 2022, the SEAI have seen application levels double from the previous year. This indicates that the demand for the scheme, as it is currently designed, is very high.
In addition, the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff is now available 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; which further supports the investment.
Solar PV is also one of a range of measures funded under the SEAI Communities Energy Grant Scheme which makes grant funding available to improve the energy efficiency of the building stock and is open to domestic and non-domestic applications.
Included in measures targeted at consumers under the National Energy Security Framework (NESF) announced by Government is a fully funded €20m scheme for medically vulnerable people with high electricity usage to install rooftop solar PV. The SEAI is currently working with key stakeholders and I expect publication of the details on the SEAI website in near future.
Finally, my Department is also engaging with the Department of Finance and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland to develop a new Low-Cost Residential Retrofit Loan Scheme. This loan guarantee is an important initiative aimed at mobilising private capital to support the low carbon transformation of Ireland’s existing housing stock in line with the Climate Action Plan targets and the Programme for Government ambition.