Written Answers Nos. 144-167
144. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any meetings of the national emergency co-ordination group have taken place during 2022 to discuss the State's response to fuel rationing this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56340/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April this year, provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It outlines measures connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘whole-of-Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability.
As part of regular, prudent and ongoing contingency planning, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications chaired an oil emergency training exercise at the National Emergency Coordination Centre (NECC) on 26th May 2022, attended by key Government Departments, Agencies and a range of industry participants with expertise from across the sector. The measures considered included the release to the market of oil stocks, managed by the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) from the State’s strategic oil reserve, to maintain supply, and the prioritisation of fuel to emergency and critical services.
In addition, an exercise was held in September this year to test our gas and electricity emergency plans. Exercise Dara was held over two days on the 9th and 16th of September. The exercise was conducted in person (and virtually) at the NECC on 16th September, chaired by my Department. It involved gas and electricity system operators - Gas Networks Ireland, EirGrid, ESB Networks - Government Departments, Agencies and the energy regulator.
Exercise Dara was based around an extreme hypothetical situation that was designed to stress-test emergency plans. It does not represent what might be expected to happen this coming Winter. Gas Networks Ireland’s Winter Outlook sets out that it is not currently envisioned that there will be any disruption to the supply of gas to Ireland this winter.
145. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when Eir retirees, who were formerly classified as Post and Telegraphs and Telecom Éireann employees who were considered to be public servants, can expect to receive an increase in their pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56613/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraEir has sought approval to grant an increase to pensioners who retired from grades in the company who had both pre and post vesting day service. In accordance with clause 10 of the Telecom Eireann Main Superannuation Scheme, “the company may grant such increases in such pensions and preserved pensions under this Scheme as may be authorised from time to time by the Minister with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform”. The request is currently being processed and approval has been sought from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform who are considering the application.
146. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 2 June 2022, if he is satisfied that the appointments in Inland Fisheries Ireland are made in accordance with best practice and standards and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56076/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra147. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will list all advertisements used for the post of director of operations in an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56118/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 147 together.
Recruitment and staffing are operational matters for Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in which neither I nor my Department have any role.
IFI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that queries can be addressed promptly, in line with IFI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is: oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie
148. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and-or the Commission for Regulation of Utilities granted ESB Networks permission to extract granular data from electric smart metres; if he will provide the process that persons can follow to opt-out of this practice; and if he will provide the point at which persons could avail of an opt-in. [56310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra149. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention or that of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has been drawn to the lack of a comprehensive data protection impact assessment by ESB Networks regarding information that it gleans from smart metres (details supplied). [56311/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
Under the National Smart Metering Programme (NSMP) 2.3 million meters will be installed by 2025 and in the process make available new products and services to energy consumers. Oversight of the NSMP is the responsibility of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) with the Distribution System Operator, ESB Networks (ESBN), delivering the electricity meter rollout.
With over 1 million meters already installed, Ireland has now achieved a critical mass. The next step is to ensure that we maximise the benefits of this critical public infrastructure for consumers and for the resilience of our energy system as we accelerate its decarbonisation.
Crucial to this is ensuring that smart meter customers have access to their consumption data in order to assess opportunities to reduce their use or move their use to off-peak periods where possible, which can reduce the carbon footprint of their use and potentially save them money on their bills. In order to facilitate this, ESBN will shortly launch a new online Customer Portal. The portal will be populated on a phased basis over the coming months and will allow domestic electricity consumers to access a number of ESBN services, including their validated historical consumption data, which customers could then use to shift their energy use and engage with their suppliers.
Articles 19 to 24 of Directive (EU) 2019/944 on the common rules for the Internal Market in Electricity, set out the requirements for smart metering systems for Member States. I signed the European Union (Internal Market in Electricity)(No.2) Regulations (SI No 37 of 2022), which transposed these articles, on 25 January 2022. These regulations place a requirement on ESBN that 'validated historical consumption data shall be collected by the Distribution System Operator and shall be made easily and securely available and visualised to final customers on request and at no additional cost'. The regulations also require that 'the privacy of final customers and the protection of their data shall comply with relevant European Union data protection and privacy rules'.
Further detail on ESBN Data protection measures for the NSMP can be found at: www.esbnetworks.ie/existing-connections/meters-and-readings/smart-meter-upgrade/more-information-on-smart-meters-and-data
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members at oireachtas@cru.ie, which enables them raise questions on energy regulatory matters to CRU for timely, direct, reply.
150. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he plans on publishing the national green hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56400/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra151. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the incentives and financial supports he proposes to include in the national green hydrogen strategy to assist in the development of a sustainable green hydrogen industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56401/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
My Department launched a public consultation on a Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland in July 2022. The consultation document set out key questions to be responded to, including a number of questions specifically on incentives and supports for the development and deployment of green hydrogen in Ireland. The following questions were posed in this regard (page 34 of the consultation document):
- How should the deployment of hydrogen in Ireland be funded/supported?
- What are the potential policy options for incentivising hydrogen end-uses?
- How should green hydrogen be incentivised in the electricity market?
- What policies should be put in place to develop further hydrogen-based enterprises?
- How could supports and targets account for the cross sectoral deployment of hydrogen?
- How should Ireland support the development of green hydrogen exports?
A substantial number of responses to the consultation have been received and analysis is currently underway with a view to finalising the strategy as soon as possible.
152. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the budget allocation for attic and cavity wall insulation for 2022; the number of applications to date in 2022 for each; the number of works completed to date in 2022 for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56438/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan set a target to reduce emissions from the residential sector by retrofitting the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and installing 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.
Earlier this year the Government launched a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades. In recognition of the importance of high-impact shallow measures in reducing household energy demand, a special enhanced grant rate of up to 80% was introduced specifically for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation for all households. These grants are available as individual energy upgrades, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme, or as part of a complete home energy upgrade solution through the One Stop Shops, under the new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme. Attic and cavity insulation are also carried out free of charge for those who qualify under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme.
The budgets for attic and cavity wall insulation are not itemised separately under each scheme but are incorporated into the overall budgets for 2022. A total of €244.2 million has been allocated for SEAI residential and community retrofit schemes and the Solar PV scheme in 2022. This capital allocation reflects the adjustment in July on foot of the Supplementary Estimate for my Department.
So far this year, demand for attic and cavity insulation grants has been very strong with a near tripling in applications under the Better Energy Homes Scheme. The SEAI, in their most recent forecasts, advise that they expect to complete in the order of 20,000 attic and cavity wall insulations by the year-end.
153. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action the Government is taking to expand the role wave and tidal energy can play in Ireland's renewable energy generation; the estimated energy generation potential both have off the Irish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56439/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to Ireland’s peripheral location at the edge of the Atlantic, with a sea area of 490,000 square kilometres that is approximately 7 times its landmass, Ireland has considerable, but as yet undeveloped, offshore renewable energy (ORE) potential.
In 2014, the first Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan identified 27.5-31.1GW potential developable wave resource, in both shallow (10m to 100m depth) and deeper water (100m to 200m depth). In comparison, the overall potential tidal energy resource is much more constrained, ranging between 1.5GW to 3GW. Work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDPII) has been initiated by my Department. As part of the OREDPII process, revised estimates are being prepared to consider changes to wave and tidal technologies since 2014. The OREDPII will also guide strategic decision-making on ORE development post-2030, providing an evidence base for the identification of the most suitable areas for the sustainable development of fixed and floating wind, wave, and tidal technologies in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone, while also considering other maritime activities and marine biodiversity. The Government is supporting the development of Ireland’s ORE industries. From a regulatory perspective, the National Marine Planning Framework, published in 2021, brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining the government’s vision, objectives and marine planning policies for each marine activity, including ORE. The Maritime Area Planning Act 2021 provides the legal underpinning to an entirely new marine planning system, which will balance harnessing our huge offshore wind potential while protecting our rich and unique marine environment. Furthermore, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) offers a number of supports to the wave and tidal energy industries, including a joint SEAI-UCC industry access programme that provides fully-funded access to the UCC MaREI Lir National Ocean Test Facility, and calls for Research Development and Demonstration Funding.
154. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of reports used in the preparation of the sectoral emissions ceilings; the cost of commissioning each report, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56440/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra155. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of consultants and external experts contracted as part of the preparation of the sectoral emissions ceilings; the contract cost of each, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56441/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
Following the approval of the Carbon Budgets, my Department engaged with relevant Government Departments and Agencies to prepare Sectoral Emissions Ceilings for Government review and approval. This engagement was informed and supported by the procurement of external technical support services, as well as modelling support from members of the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG).
Following evaluation of the tenders received, McKinsey and Company were identified as the preferred tenderer and contracted by my Department in April 2022 to provide technical support services to inform and assist in the preparation and delivery of our sectoral emissions ceilings.
The below table sets out the cost and purpose of the contract.
|
Contract |
Payment Completed |
Cost |
|
Provision of technical support services to : (1) inform, and assist, in the preparation and delivery of Ireland’s sectoral emissions ceilings (2) identify the plans, policies and measures required to achieve these ceilings. |
Yes |
€700,000 |
|
Extension 1. (1) Underpin sectoral targets with detailed policies, measures and actions. (2) Set-out a governance/ delivery approach for annual climate planning. |
No |
€350,000 |
|
Extension 2: Provide technical support in relation to unallocated emissions savings. |
No |
€100,000 |
*All costs are exclusive of VAT
A summary of the analysis provided by McKinsey and Company used to inform and support the preparation of the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings has been published and can be viewed at the following page: assets.gov.ie/236057/3ddf7b83-8ee8-4d62-b35e-d3dea38fa433.pdf
This page also contains a summary of the technical analysis provided by UCC to inform the development of Sectoral Emissions Ceilings. This work took place under the CAPACITY project, part of the Climate Action Modelling Group (CAMG) funded by my Department. UCC have been contracted since December 2018 to provide Climate and Energy Modelling Services to the CAMG. The total cost of this contract is €478,012 annually or €1,912,048 (exclusive of VAT) over the lifetime of the contract.
156. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects offshore wind in the north-western waters will be able to be constructed; the plans in place to allow grid access for offshore wind applications in the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56460/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently agreed to increase our 5GW ambition for offshore wind energy, with an additional 2GW dedicated to green hydrogen production. Furthermore, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to develop a longer-term plan to harness the estimated potential of at least 30GW of offshore floating wind power in our Atlantic waters.
Ireland’s climate ambitions will see investment of tens of billions of euro in offshore renewable electricity projects. The first offshore wind developments are expected to be along the East Coast in the coming years, where shallower waters are suitable for fixed bottom turbines and prospective projects are more advanced. Over time, the energy potential of our deeper waters in the Atlantic Ocean are likely to be harnessed via floating wind technologies. A new framework for Ireland’s offshore electricity transmission system was approved by Government in April 2021 with the associated policy statement providing for a phased transition from the current decentralised model to a centralised model to take place in line with the offshore RESS auctions this decade as part of the wider transition towards a plan led Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) regime. The policy envisages that the enduring centralised model will be established by the third offshore RESS auction, with transmission system assets to be planned, developed, owned and operated by EirGrid. This centralised plan led model has been identified as delivering maximum societal benefits. The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 provides the legal authority for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to assess Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications from a set of pre-qualified offshore renewable energy projects. A significant milestone was reached this year, with the receipt of MAC applications from these Phase One projects. Phase One projects which obtain a MAC will still be required to apply for all of the requisite consents and planning permission and will be subject to the full assessment procedures by our national planning regulator. My Department is currently reviewing submissions to design a pathway for a second batch (Phase Two) of projects to progress through the new consenting system, upon establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in early 2023.
In addition, work on a revised Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP II) is currently in progress. These will be required to enable achievement of the 5GW 2030 target. An updated Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan will be published in early 2023. It will assess Ireland’s offshore energy resource potential and provide an evidence base to facilitate the identification of areas most suitable for the sustainable development of ORE, while also considering other maritime activities and marine biodiversity.
157. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being taken to ensure development jobs for the offshore wind sector will be available to qualified Irish sea farers and that tender boats could be built in Irish boat yards to ensure Irish jobs benefit as much as possible from the development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56461/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith Ireland’s maritime area being seven times the size of its landmass and our location at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, I am critically aware that the potential for offshore renewable energy in Ireland is enormous – both in terms of power generation and economic opportunity. Central to realising this potential is the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce.
The goal of the Taskforce is to accelerate and drive delivery by public bodies of offshore wind. To achieve this, it is developing a system-wide programme, bringing together the work ongoing across Government to deliver on our offshore wind ambitions. One of the key objectives of the Taskforce is to ensure that potential economic and societal opportunities associated with the development of the sector are captured. This includes identification of supply chain opportunities for Irish companies and skills/workforce planning.
The Taskforce is chaired by my Department and its membership comprises senior officials from Government Departments and agencies with offshore wind related actions under the Climate Action Plan. This includes, from a supply chain perspective, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Enterprise Ireland and from a skills/workforce planning perspective, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
158. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if Ireland, as a founding member of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance with Costa Rica and Denmark, will ensure that the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is supported and that an agreement is reached regarding loss and damage payments for the global south as a priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56507/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is an international climate policy proposal for a new treaty to manage a global just transition away from coal, oil and gas, considered as a vehicle to complement the Paris Agreement, modelled on campaigns for nuclear disarmament. Ireland recognises that a reliance on fossil fuels is incompatible with the Paris Agreement and a low-carbon future, and supports mobilising action to break our global dependence on fossil fuels.
Through our membership of the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance, Ireland has ceased issuing new licences for oil and gas exploration and has divested investment away from fossil fuel companies through the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018. In addition, Ireland continues to work on mainstreaming climate action across all development aid and seeks to promote ambitious climate action in our engagement with Multilateral Development Banks. This year’s catastrophic drought in the Horn of Africa and devastating flooding in Pakistan remind us of the urgency of addressing climate impacts. Loss and damage needs are urgent and vast and I support calls for the scaling up of finance in ways that meet the needs and challenges of most vulnerable communities facing climate change. Ireland is contributing to this scaling up as evidenced by our recently launched International Climate Finance Roadmap which charts the path towards more than doubling our international climate finance to provide €225 million by 2025. Ireland pledged €5 million to the Santiago Network at COP26 which is being established to provide technical assistance to support developing countries experiencing climate-related loss and damage. This year Ireland committed €10 million to the Global Shield against Climate Risks which will pool together activities in the field of climate risk insurance and prevention to help low-income and vulnerable countries. Loss and damage is a key priority for Ireland and we stand ready for progressing action at COP27.
159. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the grant assistance available for a person who recently purchased a house and is looking to complete works in order to improve their BER; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56567/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) to support homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
In February, the Government approved a package of supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills. Free upgrades are available for households at risk of energy poverty under the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme. As part of these supports, new increased grant rates are available across SEAI administered schemes: Better Energy Homes; Community Energy Grants and the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, thereby allowing homeowners to choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs. The Better Energy Homes Scheme allows homeowners to take a step-by-step approach or self-manage the project. A special enhanced grant rate of up to 80% of the cost of attic and cavity wall insulation is available to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme and the Community Energy Grant Scheme are aimed towards homeowners wishing to undertake a whole home energy upgrade to achieve a Building Energy Rating of at least B2.
Homeowners can choose the best home upgrade option to suit their particular needs and budget. Details of the various energy upgrade schemes, and their eligibility criteria are available on the SEAI website at: www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/.
160. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, under the proposed new regulations on the sale of turf, a vendor of turf who sources their product from a supplier who has turbary rights will continue to be permitted to sell turf to customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56579/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new regulations on the sale of solid fuels for domestic heating in Ireland came into operation on 31 October 2022. They have introduced minimum standards that apply across all solid fuels, 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.
The regulations allow those with turbary rights to continue to cut turf for their own use and to gift or sell turf to others. While traditional, local and customary practices may continue, the regulations prohibit the sale of turf by way of the internet or other media, or from a retail premises, including shops, garages and filling stations, fuel yards, public houses and other public places.
161. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the resolutions tput forward for persons living in the Robinstown and Shambo area of County Meath whose well has possibly been affected by an event (details supplied); if any solutions have been discussed regarding this issue; and if any solution taken will be carried out in consultation with the persons effected by this event. [56615/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 20th November, 2021 an incident occurred at a drill site within Prospecting Licence Area 4502. This incident was an in-rush of water into an exploration tunnel, the Tara Deep Exploration Drive (TRDEX), constructed from the South West Extension (SWEX) area of Tara Boliden’s Navan mine. The flow rate increased over the next few days flooding the tunnel and underground workings. The in-rush was stopped on 2nd December 2021.
In January 2022, the Geoscience Regulation Office (GSRO) in my Department, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Meath County Council commissioned Wardell Armstrong International (WAI) to undertake an independent hydrogeological review of the Boliden Tara Deep Deposit and surrounding area. The objectives of this review were to:
- Review and appraise the conceptual hydrogeological model of the mine for the Tara Deep Area,
- Assess the monitoring regime being undertaken for the Tara Deep Area,
- Review the most likely causes of the November 2021 in-rush of water into the mine, and
- Try and determine whether there was a linkage or not between the mining activities and the drop in groundwater levels in the nearby Robinstown-Shambo area. Reduced water levels were recorded since at least early summer 2021. Conversely, the assessment also needed to consider if there is a natural explanation for this or some other ‘hydrological’ reason. Boliden Tara Mines, as licence holder, has an obligation to carry out all operations within the licensed area in such manner as not to interfere unnecessarily with the amenities of the locality in which the licensed area is situate. The independent assessment by WA, published on 20th October 2022, found that the community wells in the Shambo/Robinstown area were affected by the inrush event that began in November 2021 and, plausibly, by the tunnelling of TRDEX. The GSRO, as regulator, is engaging with Boliden Tara Mines to ensure that its activities, both current and future, satisfy the terms and conditions of its licence. Further, the GSRO is engaging with Boliden Tara Mines regarding durable solutions in respect of water supply issues to residents in the affected communities. The GSRO is committed to ensuring that there are appropriate monitoring and preventative measures in place into the future. As the regulator of the relevant prospecting licence, the GSRO has requested that the current arrangements for supply of potable water to the affected residents should continue in the interim to ensure no interference with the amenity.
162. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding an application in respect of a location (details supplied); if the application will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56629/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe application referred to in the Question is under consideration by my Department. 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.
This includes the technical competence of the applicant and the financial resources available to it in order to undertake the work programme and any other commitments pursuant to the relevant petroleum authorisation. My Department does not publish information on individual applications for authorisations nor will there be comments made about specific applications whilst they are under consideration.
163. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of heat loss indicator assessments completed under the SEAI home retrofitting programmes on a monthly basis; the average cost of the works to be completed based on the HLI assessment each month; the number of applications that have been proceeded with following the HLI on a monthly basis; the number for grant payments for the completion of works paid to date on a monthly basis and the grant paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56654/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of expressions of interest received on a monthly basis for home retrofitting under the one-stop-shop route; the number of heat loss indicator assessments completed each month by such applicants; the average cost of works to be completed each month; the numbers of homes priced for the delivery of works each month and the average price of works; the number of homes which have proceeded to contract each month and the average price of such works; the rate of construction inflation since the introduction of the new retrofitting scheme; the number of homes completed on a monthly basis, the average cost and average grant paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
Earlier this year, the Government approved a package of significantly improved supports to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades, for warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and lower emissions.
The key measures include:
- a new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard (up from 30%-35% grants currently).
- One Stop Shops to offer a start-to-finish project management service, including access to financing, for home energy upgrades.
- In addition, the year of construction has been amended to bring the relevant SEAI schemes into alignment.
|
- |
Old Rule |
New Rule |
|
Fabric measures and deep retrofits |
pre 2006 |
pre 2011 |
|
Heat Pumps/Solar Thermal (as individual measures) |
pre 2011 |
pre 2021 |
Heat Loss Indicators determine how well insulated a home is: the lower the heat loss, the more effective the building is at preventing heat loss through the walls, windows, roof and floor. Heat pumps work most effectively in well insulated homes. When the heat loss is high, heat pumps require more electrical power and are more expensive to run.
Therefore, to avail of the heat pump grant under the Better Energy Homes scheme/One-Stop-Shop scheme, a technical or Home Energy Assessment (both of which include assessment of the Heat Loss Indicator) is required. The assessment may recommend upgrading to ensure the home achieves a B2 rating or is suitable for installation of a heat pump, or what other upgrades can be done to make it suitable. To date this year, almost 1,400 applications have been received for Home Energy Assessments under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, this overall figure includes homes completed and those in progress. In addition, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme, grant funding support has been provided for 934 Technical Assessments and these relate to homes which have also had a heat pump installed this year.
The cost of bringing an individual home to a BER B2 is determined by a number of factors including the size and type of home, the starting condition of the home and the recommendations of the Home Energy Assessment. In terms of the average grant offer, and by way of example, the most recent figures from SEAI show that, under the National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme, the average home energy grant offer is €24,000. However, it is important to note that this average may fluctuate depending on the applications submitted to the SEAI.
To date, inflation does not appear to have dampened demand for the SEAI residential energy efficiency schemes though this will be kept under review. This will include monitoring costs and inflation on an ongoing basis and ensuring that grant rates are kept under review taking account of the overarching need to build a much bigger home upgrade sector, evolving science, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors. An independent quantity surveyor review of market costs is due to be commissioned by SEAI before the end of the year.
Figures from SEAI indicate that, to end of October:
- Almost 41,000 applications for support have been received – a 152% increase on the same period last year.
-Over 18,400 home energy upgrades have been completed – a 59% increase on the same period last year.
-Over 3,600 homes been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – a 122% increase on the same period last year.
- Almost 6,000 homes have been upgraded to a BER of B2 or better – a 79% increase on the same period last year
-Among the overall energy upgrades completed to date this year, 1,341 have included the installation of heat pumps.
My Department is working with the SEAI to build on this strong performance with a robust pipeline of activity planned for the rest of the year and into 2023.
165. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the extraordinary delays with applications to the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (details supplied); if he will ensure this work is carried out before the end of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56666/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the administration and management of applications under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI and I as Minister, have no function with regard to individual grant applications, the SEAI has established a specific email address for queries such as this from Oireachtas members so important queries such as this can be addressed promptly, in line with SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. I would urge the Deputy to pursue this matter directly with SEAI through following dedicated email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
166. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 8 November 2022, if there is any mechanism for persons and families living in multi-resident accommodation in which there are separate electricity meters but only one MPRN number to receive the electricity credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56667/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 67 of 8 November 2022, if persons and families living in multi-resident accommodation in which there are two MPRN numbers on the one postcode will each receive the full energy credit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 and 167 together.
The Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme payment will be applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, 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). The scheme uses the single identifier of the Meter Point Registration Number (MPRN) to ensure it can be administered automatically and without an application/approval process. This mechanism allowed payments to be made automatically to 2,138,939 domestic electricity accounts (as identified by their individual MPRN), which was over 99.36% of eligible accounts, under the first scheme which operated between April and June of this year. While the majority of residential tenants will hold their own domestic electricity accounts, and therefore receive the credit directly, others could have tenancy agreements where tenants pay their actual share of each bill and, in those cases, will benefit from the payment because the amount of the bill will be reduced by the amount of the payment. A small proportion could have other arrangements in place whereby electricity costs are part of the rental cost. Where tenants have a dispute relating to tenancies including any terms relating to electricity payments, these can be referred to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for dispute resolution. As there is not data set identifying this cohort, increasing awareness of entitlements of existing social protection measures, which include provision for help with household bills, is an important way of supporting people in this situation.
