Thursday, 15 Dec 2022

Written Answers Nos. 99-120

Climate Action Plan

Ceisteanna (99)

Ciarán Cannon

Ceist:

99. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Climate Action Plan. [62827/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 significantly strengthened the legally binding framework for climate governance in Ireland. The Act requires the delivery of successive Climate Action Plans and Long-term Climate Strategies, supported by a system of carbon budgeting and sectoral emission ceilings. The introduction and adoption of these budgets and ceilings in 2022 has set out a clear pathway for meeting our carbon budgets and Ireland’s commitment to a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. The sectoral ceilings will be reflected in the next Climate Action Plan (CAP23), which is currently being developed and is due to be published by the end of 2022. CAP23 is the first plan to be developed under the provisions of the 2021 Climate Act. Therefore, the Plan will reflect the specific requirements of the Act to include a roadmap of actions for each sector to ensure compliance with the Sectoral Emission Ceilings. The 2022 update of the Climate Action Plan will build on the 2021 Plan and set out the policies, measures and actions to keep us within our carbon budgets and on a pathway to a net zero economy by no later than 2050. The process to deliver this new Climate Action Plan has included my Department engaging with other Government Departments, State Agencies and civil society to identify opportunities for accelerating climate action.

Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 93.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (101, 112)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

101. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he can provide any estimates of the added C02 emissions from current and planned data centres with similar or planned gas-fired generators, in relation to the impact on the State's emissions targets from data centres using gas-fired generators as back-up generators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62726/22]

Gino Kenny

Ceist:

112. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has had any meetings or discussions with the EPA in relation to the impact on the State's emissions targets from data centres using gas fired generators as back-up generators; the estimated additional C02 emissions from current and planned data centres with similar or planned gas fired generator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62680/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 112 together.

Notwithstanding the range of benefits data centres bring to the Irish economy, as large energy users they present considerable challenges to the future planning and operation of the country’s power system. The Government’s decision on Sectoral Emissions Ceilings means we must reduce electricity emissions to approximately 3 MtCO2eq per annum by 2030 for the electricity sector, the steepest decline (75% against 2018 levels) of all sectors of the economy. The targets are particularly challenging because of increasing electricity demand arising from data centres, but also the electrification of heat and transport. Our principal tool to ensure our emissions are on track is to use renewable electricity to power our grid. We are already producing over 40% of our electricity from renewable sources and we need to increase this to 80% by 2030 to meet our sectoral emission ceilings. Data centre emissions are covered within electricity generation in the ETS and no breakdown of the emissions from backup generators is currently itemised.

In order to ensure the security of our electricity supplies, the CRU have determined in their November 2021 Direction that new data centres connections offers must be based on them having adequate onsite dispatchable generation and / or storage as back-up. In the event that gas-fired back-generation is called upon, their emissions will be included in the EPA national inventory for greenhouse gas emissions.

In July of this year Government published a ‘new Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy’. The Statement addresses sustainable data centre development to align with Ireland’s renewable energy targets, security of supply, sectoral emissions and climate priorities.

As such Government policy seeks to enable the ’twin transitions’ of digitalisation and decarbonisation of our economy and society. These transitions can - and must be - complementary. For this to happen, digital and climate change policies need to move in tandem with decarbonised data centres by design in order to meet our statutory binding sectoral emissions ceilings. The policy is clear that ‘Islanded’ data centre developments, that are not connected to the electricity grid and are powered mainly by on-site fossil fuel generation, would not be in line with national policy.

Environmental Policy

Ceisteanna (102)

Cathal Crowe

Ceist:

102. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has a strategy on ammonia fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62340/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

A key strategy in Ireland’s Climate Action Plan is to increase the proportion of renewable electricity to up to 80% by 2030, including a target of up to 5 Gigawatts of offshore wind energy. This will not just reduce emissions from electricity, it will allow us to electrify other sectors such as transport and heat and reduce our emissions in these sectors too.

Green hydrogen has the potential to support decarbonisation in difficult-to-decarbonise sectors where energy efficiency, electrification and direct use of renewables are not feasible solutions, including heavy goods transport, high-temperature heat for industry and in electricity generation as a back-up for intermittent renewables.

Green ammonia is a potential derivative of green hydrogen, which is being explored as a potential transport fuel for shipping. The IEA’s Ammonia Technology Roadmap has noted that about 70% of ammonia is used for fertilisers, while the remainder is used for various industrial applications, and that while the future use of ammonia as a fuel shows promise in the context of clean energy transitions, this application currently remains nascent. As a result, the focus of the IEA’s roadmap is on existing agricultural and industrial uses of ammonia.

Earlier this year, the Government agreed to target an additional 2GW offshore wind Power to X, which will be substantially for the delivery of green hydrogen.

A Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland is also under development. Earlier this year, my Department launched a public consultation to gather views on the broad landscape of potential hydrogen supply, infrastructure, storage, and demand in Ireland, as well as the potential export opportunities for hydrogen. The significant number of responses we received reflects the momentum building behind green hydrogen in Ireland. Work is expected to conclude shortly on a summary report of the 126 substantive responses, which will be a significant step in developing the hydrogen strategy.

Energy Policy

Ceisteanna (103)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

103. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current work that is being undertaken by his Department on security of energy supply (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to reports that a project could potentially supply the majority of the gas required for these plants and that this gas is one of the lowest carbon-intensity gases in Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62739/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and gas systems is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of a sustainable transition to net zero emissions by 2050. It considers potential risks to both our natural gas and electricity supplies and examines a range of measures to mitigate these risks, including the need for additional capacity to import energy, to reduce energy use, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases (such as biomethane and hydrogen).

As part of our review my Department carried out a consultation seeking views from interested parties on policy measures that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework. The consultation closed on Friday 28 October and over 400 responses have been received. The completion of the review is a key priority. I will bring my security of energy supply recommendations to Government once the review process has been completed.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the decision taken in 2019 by the previous Government in relation to oil exploration and extraction. This commitment was made effective immediately upon the current Government taking office, and was placed on a statutory footing on commencement of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021.

Holders of existing authorisations are not affected by these changes, and may apply to progress their authorisations through the licensing stages towards a natural conclusion – which may include expiry, relinquishment or production. This means that a future commercial discovery in an existing authorisation could potentially reach production. Any applications for follow-on authorisations or applications to conduct petroleum activities in the Irish offshore under an authorisation require Ministerial consent, and are required to meet environmental, technical and financial standards as appropriate.

Energy Prices

Ceisteanna (104)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

104. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he and his Department have made any progress with respect to supporting full-time residents in mobile homes by providing much-needed vital access to the €200 electricity payments given that the payment is intended to be issued to all principal residences; if he will issue a statement of intent to support this vulnerable cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62728/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Government is acutely aware of the impact that the recent increases in global energy prices is having on households. This is why a €2.4 billion package of supports was implemented during 2022, and a package of once off measures worth €2.5 billion included in Budget 2023. The Budget package includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €550.47 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €183.49 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - November/December 2022, January/February 2023 and March/April 2023. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.211 billion.

The 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, 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.

Along with the Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme Budget 2023 also introduced measures including:

- €400 lump sum payment to Fuel Allowance recipients

- €200 lump sum payment for pensioners and people with a disability getting the Living Alone Increase

- €500 cost of living lump sum payment to all families getting Working Family Payment

- double payment of Child Benefit to support all families with children

- €500 cost of living payment for people receiving Carer's Support Grant will be paid in November

- €500 lump sum cost of living disability support grant will be paid to all people receiving a long term disability payment

On 13 December, Government approved a new Energy Poverty Action Plan, which provides for the establishment of a €10 million fund to further support people in, or at risk of, energy poverty this winter and into 2023, including people on PAYG meters. The fund will provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from suppliers and the Additional Needs Payment operated by the Department of Social Protection. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is also available to provide budgeting advice and advocacy support.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (105)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

105. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that the current cold snap informs the Government of energy security and grid capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62785/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

EirGrid manage the electricity system on a 24/7 basis ensuring that electricity supply is matched to meet the demand at all times of the day. The cold weather this past week has put the power system under pressure – each drop in degree increases electricity demand significantly. The cold weather has also coincided with a period of low wind. EirGrid have a system in place to manage tight margins between supply and demand in order to maintain power supply across the island. Demand for electricity reached an all time peak on Monday 13th of December but EirGrid and ESB Networks managed that demand with the support of generators across the system. Demand is expected to remain high for the rest of the week as the cold weather continues. The situation is being closely and continually monitored by officials in my Department and EirGrid who are attending the National Emergency Co-ordination group on a daily basis.

Margins between supply and demand are forecasted to remain tight during the winter period to March 2023, especially on days with low wind generation and interconnection support from the UK. Last week coinciding with the recent temperature drop and increased peak demand, ESB Networks activated its ‘Beat the Peak’ programme for the first-time . The Government’s ‘Reduce Your use’ campaign provides information on behavioural change and implementing a range of measures to lower energy consumption and costs for households and businesses across winter. Ireland currently relies on import of fossil fuels for 72% of our energy needs. Delivering on the Sectoral Emission Ceilings for the Electricity Sector and specifically the transformation to 80% of demand for electricity from renewable sources by 2030 will increase our energy security by reducing risks to price, sustainability and supply of energy.

Exploration Industry

Ceisteanna (106)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

106. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether the exploitation and exploration of new fields of oil or gas in Irish waters from existing petroleum exploration licence holders should be welcomed and supported by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62679/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Programme for Government was ratified by the members of the three parties involved in the formation of the current government in June 2020. This programme contained the commitment to end the issuing of new licences for the exploration and extraction of gas on the same basis as the decision taken in 2019 by the previous Government in relation to oil exploration and extraction.

As outlined in the Policy Statement on Petroleum Exploration and Production published in August this year, this commitment states that no new authorisations for petroleum exploration will be granted, while applications that are already connected to existing authorisations can continue to apply to progress through the standard licensing lifecycle stages towards a natural conclusion, which may include expiry, relinquishment, production or rejection.

All applications relating to existing authorisations will continue to be 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 assessment of 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.

Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 93.

Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 93.

Public Sector Staff

Ceisteanna (109)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

109. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of employees at an organisation (details supplied), including details of full-time and seasonal staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62476/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

Inland Fisheries Ireland's (IFI) headcount for staff as of 12 December 2022 is 303 (whole time equivalent is 298.32). IFI recruited 49 seasonal staff in 2022 to work in the protection, development and research areas, all seasonal term contracts ceased by 29 November.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (110)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

110. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has considered the policy implications of the ESRI's assessment of the embodied emissions in Irish imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62746/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I note the ESRI’s assessment of the embodied emissions in Irish imports. While Ireland’s climate policy primarily focuses on reducing production-based emissions in line with national greenhouse gas inventories, it also considers the wider impacts of climate policy. The forthcoming Climate Action Plan includes policies which will promote the circular economy, and shape public procurement and the use of resources in our economy. Other policies to target production-based emissions can also indirectly affect our carbon footprint, such as policies designed to stimulate demand for lower global warming potential construction materials. A well-established circular economy provides access to better designed products, which can be shared, reused, repaired, and remade thereby minimising the use of resources. This provides opportunities for local manufacture and remanufacture, supporting local jobs and services while minimising the impact on the quality of our water, air, soil and health. Achieving a circular economy therefore, plays an important part in reducing global carbon impact and protecting our natural resources, environment, and health. The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 is a key step in Ireland’s transition to a circular economy. In addition, my Department is currently considering the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism proposals which seeks to reduce carbon leakage, enable a reduction in free allocations in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and incentivise emissions reductions in third countries. These measures will support Irish and EU industries facing carbon leakage, reducing the reallocation of emissions to third countries outside the EU ETS.

Exploration Industry

Ceisteanna (111)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

111. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he would support drilling at a location (details supplied) at no cost or risk to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62738/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the potential of individual authorisations. Under the Government’s policy on Petroleum Exploration and Production, published in August this year, those holding existing authorisations can continue to apply to progress through the standard licensing lifecycle stages towards a natural conclusion, which may include expiry, relinquishment production or rejection.

Any applications for follow-on authorisations or applications to undertake offshore activities under an authorisation are subject to Ministerial consent and must continue to meet environmental, technical, and financial criteria as appropriate.

Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 101.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Ceisteanna (113)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

113. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has received any early indications of the trend in emissions during 2022 and the factors influencing those trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62747/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

While full and final emissions data for 2022 is not yet available, recent reports of provisional data from the EPA have indicated that Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions increased by 4.7% in 2021 compared to 2020 and are now 1.1% above 2019 pre-COVID restriction levels. While models for projected emissions are unable to take into account all policies and measures which were committed to in the Climate Action Plan 2021, the EPA’s reporting provides us with a strong reminder of the challenges Ireland faces as we seek to meet our ambitious, yet necessary, climate objectives and emissions targets.Notwithstanding the anticipated increase in emissions in 2021 as the country emerged from the most severe Covid-19 restrictions, we must consider how to accelerate the measures and actions that will not only reduce our emissions, but will also support new ways of conducting business and encouraging innovation. To reverse the current trajectory of emissions and meet our 2030 and 2050 targets, a significant shift is required in the speed at which we implement the policies, measures and actions that will decarbonise our economy and improve our indigenous supply of sustainable and renewable energy.The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021, significantly strengthens the legally binding framework for climate governance in Ireland, and the recently approved sectoral emissions ceilings set out a clear pathway for meeting our carbon budgets and Ireland’s commitment to a 51% reduction in emissions by 2030. These ceilings will be reflected in the Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23), which is due to be published by the end of this year. CAP23 builds on the 2021 Plan and will set out the policies, measures and actions needed to keep us within our carbon budgets and on the pathway to a net zero-emissions economy by no later than 2050. The process to deliver this new Climate Action Plan has included my Department engaging with other Government Departments, State Agencies and civil society to identify opportunities for accelerating climate action.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (114)

Thomas Gould

Ceist:

114. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of offshore renewable facilities delivered to date in 2022. [62690/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Maritime Area Planning Act has introduced significant reform to enable the sustainable development of our significant offshore resource. It provides the legal authority for me as the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to assess Maritime Area Consent applications from a set of 8 pre-qualified offshore renewable energy projects, while the new agency, Maritime Area Regulatory Authority, is being established.

A significant milestone was reached this year, with the opening of this application window in April and receipt of applications from all eligible projects, the majority of which are on the east coast, with one on the west coast. I issued initial decisions according to the process set out in the legislation in Q3 2022, with legal documentation now being finalised.

Following the grant of Phase One Maritime Area Consents, information will be published on the department’s website as legally required. Phase One projects which obtain a Maritime Area Consent will be required to apply for all requisite consents, including planning permission. A joined-up approach to the delivery of our 2030 targets is being driven through the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce which I have established.

In parallel, the planning reforms which the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage is introducing, will help ensure a timely and efficient progression of these projects through the planning system and ensure delivery on our offshore wind targets by 2030.Further, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is supporting the development of Offshore Renewable Energy test facilities in Ireland to facilitate research and innovation activity for renewable technologies. This includes the Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site in Belmullet which is being developed to facilitate testing of full-scale offshore renewable technologies in an open ocean environment.

Energy Conservation

Ceisteanna (115, 131)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

115. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to promote the insulation of homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57926/22]

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

131. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that he is taking to reduce the cost of insulating homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57927/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 131 together.

The National Retrofit Plan, published in November 2021 sets out the Government's approach to achieving the Climate Action Plan targets of upgrading the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating of B2.

A key step in implementing the Plan took place in February, when the Government launched 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. 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.

In recognition of the importance of low-cost but high-impact measures in reducing household energy demand, a special enhanced grant rate of 80% was introduced specifically for attic insulation and cavity wall insulation for all households. This is available to all homeowners across these three schemes to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the Government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices.

Since February, demand across the SEAI retrofit schemes has been exceptionally high and for its part, the retrofit sector has mobilised in response to the greater level of interest.

Figures from SEAI indicate that, to end of November:

- Over 46,300 applications for support have been received – a 152% increase on the same period last year.

- Over 22,800 home energy upgrades have been completed – a 69% increase on the same period last year.

- Over 4,000 homes been upgraded under SEAI energy poverty schemes – a 107% increase on the same period last year.

- Over 7,600 homes have been upgraded to a BER of B2 or better – a 91% increase on the same period last year

- Over 9,300 individual attic and cavity wall insulation upgrades have been completed to date this year – a increase of 132% on the same period last year.

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.

Renewable Energy Generation

Ceisteanna (116, 133)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

116. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated revenue that would have been generated had the €120/MWh cap on renewable electricity generation and the €180/MWh cap on other inframarginal generation been applied since the beginning of 2022; if he will consider retroactively applying the cap as is being done by Belgium to capture some of the undue windfall gains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62778/22]

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

133. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if electricity generators will be allowed to keep all windfall profits from 2022 under current Government proposals; if he will consider extending the solidarity contribution such as the windfall tax to electricity companies as is being considered by Spain and the Czech Republic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62779/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 133 together.

Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices seeks to address windfall gains in the energy sector through a cap on market revenues in the electricity sector and a temporary solidarity contribution on profits in the fossil fuel production and refining sectors.

This Regulation provides for the cap on market revenues to be applied from 1 December 2022 to 30 June 2023 and the temporary solidarity contribution from 1 January 2022 up to 31 December 2023.

The Government has approved the implementation of the Council Regulation in line with the dates set out above. It is not intended to apply the cap on market revenues in time periods beyond those provided for the Council Regulation. It is also not intended to apply the temporary solidarity contribution in sectors beyond those provided for in the Council Regulation. My Department does not have detailed estimates of potential proceeds that could be generated outside of the relevant timeframes and sectors.

My Department is currently developing the necessary legislation to implement the cap on market revenues and the temporary solidarity contribution.

Energy Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (117)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

117. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government supports the siting and building of LNG facilities in this State, specifically in Shannon and Cork in cases in which such facilities specify they will not use fracked gas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62709/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Government's position on LNG is set out in the Policy Statement on importing fracked gas which was published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a security of supply review, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. As set out in the National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April 2022, a review of the energy security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems is being carried out by my Department, following which the results will be submitted to Government.

The review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and gas systems is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of a sustainable transition to net zero emissions by 2050. It considers potential risks to both our natural gas and electricity supplies and examines a range of measures to mitigate these risks, including the need for additional capacity to import energy, to reduce energy use, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases (such as biomethane and hydrogen).

As part of our review, my Department carried out a consultation seeking views from interested parties on policy measures that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework. The consultation closed on Friday 28 October and over 400 responses have been received. The completion of the review is a key priority. I will bring my security of energy supply recommendations to Government once the review process has been completed.

EU Meetings

Ceisteanna (118)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

118. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the agenda highlights of the Environment Council to be held in Brussels on 20 December 2022. [62502/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The substantive focus of the upcoming Environment Council is a policy debate on the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration.

The proposal aims to repair European habitats that are in poor condition, and to bring back nature to all ecosystems, from forest and agricultural land to marine, freshwater and urban ecosystems. Under this proposal, legally binding targets for nature restoration in different ecosystems will apply, complementing existing laws. The aim is to cover at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 with nature restoration measures, and eventually extend these to all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

The remaining agenda item is ‘AOB’ which will cover a multitude of legislative proposals and reports on recent international meetings, including COP27.

Minister Noonan will attend the Council in my absence and I look forward to hearing his report from the discussions.

National Broadband Plan

Ceisteanna (119)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

119. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 8 November 2022, the status of the promised statutory guidelines for the implementation of local authority climate action plans, which will include the guidelines for the implementation of the local authority decarbonisation zones; the timeline for the publication of the statutory guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62564/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 strengthens the role of Local Authorities for effective climate action. It sets out a statutory requirement for each Local Authority to prepare a Climate Action Plan (LA CAP), within 12 months from when I formally issue a request to the sector to prepare such plans. This request must be made not later than 18 months after the commencement of the Act. LA CAPs will have to be consistent with national climate plans, and will include both mitigation and adaptation measures to be updated every five years.

My Department is working with the Climate Action Regional Offices, Local Authorities, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to finalise a set of statutory guidelines detailing the approach Local Authorities are to take in the development and implementation of LA CAPs. The Guidelines and Technical Annexes define the method for the development and implementation of specific, action-focused, time-bound and measurable actions and include the following:

- Local Authority Climate Action Plan Guidelines

- Technical Annex A: Developing and Implementing the Local Authority Climate Action Plan

- Technical Annex B: Climate Change Risk Assessment.

- Technical Annex C: Climate Mitigation Assessment.

- Technical Annex D: Decarbonisation Zones.

The guidelines will include the issue of implementation of decarbonising zones and I anticipate that they will be completed shortly.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 94.