Written Answers Nos. 182-201
182. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there is a way whereby shallow retrofits for the worst-performing homes could be fast-tracked through the system with a possibility of a fuller upgrade. [4352/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan commits 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 the end of 2030.
The National Retrofit Plan sets out the Government's approach for achieving these targets. The Plan is underpinned by a number of principles including fairness and universality and as such, there is a need to ensure that all housing types and consumer cohorts can participate.
This was reflected in the package of supports launched by Government last February to make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to undertake home energy upgrades.
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.
- Increased grants for households seeking support to retrofit their homes on a step-by-step basis. This included a special enhanced grant rate, equivalent to 80% of the typical cost, for attic and cavity wall insulation for all households, to urgently reduce energy use as part of the government’s response to current exceptionally high energy prices. These shallow measures are highly cost effective.
- Significantly increasing the number of free energy upgrades for those at risk of energy poverty and a new approach to prioritise the worst performing homes under the scheme.
Since the launch of these measures, demand for SEAI schemes has been exceptionally strong. Preliminary data from SEAI indicates that over 27,700 home energy upgrades were supported in 2022, exceeding the target of 26,940. This represents a 79% increase in outputs year on year. Final details on the outputs, including across the schemes, will be available shortly. A target of 37,000 upgrades has been set for this year.
183. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if recipients of the disablement pension are entitled to access the better energy warmer homes scheme. [4356/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme are primarily linked to Department of Social Protection (DSP) means tested payments. Priority is then given to those living in the worst performing homes, with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G. These criteria are in place with the aim of targeting the support to those on the lowest incomes in the least efficient homes, so that the resources available to the scheme can have the greatest impact.
The Disablement Pension is not a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes scheme. There are no plans currently to amend the eligibility criteria. However, households where someone is in receipt of the Disablement Pension may qualify for one of the DSP payments that are eligible payments for the Warmer Homes scheme, such as the Fuel Allowance, subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and means test where required for the respective payment. My Department has no function in relation to DSP schemes, means testing or payments.
For people who do not meet the qualifying criteria for free upgrades the Government also provides supports to homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Included in these supports are grants for attic and cavity wall insulation which were tripled in value last year, to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the Government’s overall response to high energy prices and the increased cost of living. Details are available on SEAI’s website at www.seai.ie/grants
There are also other grants and schemes available from Government that could be of assistance where there is an urgent need for home repairs. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
184. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the UK fuel allowance will be considered as an eligible payment for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4501/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme are primarily linked to Department of Social Protection (DSP) means tested payments. Priority is then given to those living in the worst performing homes, with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G. These criteria are in place with the aim of targeting the support to those on the lowest incomes in the least efficient homes, so that the resources available to the scheme can have the greatest impact.
I understand that the UK Winter Fuel payment can be claimed by people in Ireland that meet the relevant UK Government eligibility criteria. It is not a qualifying payment for the Warmer Homes scheme. Households where someone is in receipt of the UK Winter Fuel payment may also qualify for one of the DSP payments that are eligible payments for the Warmer Homes scheme, subject to the household meeting the relevant DSP operational guidelines and means test where required for the respective payment. My Department has no function in relation to DSP schemes, means testing or payments.
For people who do not meet the qualifying criteria for free upgrades, the Government also provides supports to homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Included in these supports are grants for attic and cavity wall insulation which were tripled in value last year, to urgently reduce energy use and cost as part of the Government’s overall response to high energy prices and the increased cost of living. Details are available on SEAI’s website at www.seai.ie/grants
There are also other grants and schemes available from Government that could be of assistance where there is an urgent need for home repairs. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
185. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises in County Mayo connected to high-speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan by the end of 2022. [4491/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of premises in County Mayo that have been passed under the National Broadband Plan by the end of 2022. [4492/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra187. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will list the installed community connection points identified by Mayo County Council that are connected to high-speed broadband under the NBP that are publicly accessible; and the future BCPs that are currently been progressed. [4493/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra188. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if all primary schools in County Mayo have been connected to high-speed broadband under the NBP; if he will list those connected and the schools pending a connection within the intervention areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4494/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 186, 187 and 188 together.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 20 January 2023, construction is underway across 26 counties. Over 120,000 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection with over 109,500 premises passed and available for immediate connection. In County Mayo as of 31 December 2022, 3,812 premises were passed by the NBP high-speed fibre broadband network and 1,100 premises connected.
In County Mayo, as of 31 December 2022, 54, from a total of 60, school sites have been installed for educational access. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details of schools in scope are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/ .
189. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to publish a national hydrogen strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4544/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHydrogen provides us with an incredible opportunity in Ireland. It provides the potential for long duration energy storage, dispatchable renewable electricity, the opportunity to decarbonise some parts of high temperature processing and a potential export market opportunity, given Ireland's offshore renewable potential. Last year, the Government agreed the Sectoral Emission Ceilings. As part of this, we agreed an additional 2GW offshore wind to be allocated for the production of green hydrogen.
In 2022, my Department also launched a public consultation to gather views on the potential role of hydrogen in our energy system. A significant number of responses were received which reflects the momentum building behind green hydrogen in Ireland. Work is now underway on developing a hydrogen strategy for Ireland, with an anticipated completion timeline of Q1 2023.
190. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he intends to launch a public consultation on the use of private wires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4545/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrivate wires are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders. Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of private wires is a priority for my Department. Work on this policy area is ongoing within my Department with my officials engaging directly in recent months with interested stakeholders as part of the consultation formulation process.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 includes a commitment to review the policy position and a consultation paper on policy options for private wires is due to be published in Q1 of this year.
My officials look forward to their continued engagement with interested stakeholders as they continue to develop this important policy area.
191. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he will publish and approve the updated guidelines for the 2023 better energy communities' scheme. [4606/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Communities Energy Grant is part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme aimed at upgrading building stock and facilities to high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, thereby reducing fossil fuel usage, energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Grant supports cross-sectoral and community-oriented partnership approaches that deliver energy savings to a range of building types including public, commercial and community buildings with a particular focus on using the projects to deliver home retrofits.
The Community Energy Grant Scheme guidelines for 2023 are currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
192. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out a comparison between the benefits in relation to the €100 million EV charging plan announced recently and the potential benefits of investing that money into the public transport system stopping its reliance on fossil fuels, increasing the number of routes available and making it free for customers; if so, if he will provide the details of this comparison study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4706/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is clear that in order to meet our 50% emissions abatement target and to comply with the transport sector’s emissions ceilings over two carbon budget periods to 2030, we cannot afford any reduction in the ambition of any of the elements of our decarbonisation pathway set out in Climate Action Plan 2023. Passenger cars account for approximately half of all land transport emissions in Ireland, while emissions from public transport account for an estimated 4% of transport emissions. As such, a rapid transition of our passenger vehicle fleet to zero-emission alternatives, supported by our National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy, is an integral and appropriate mitigation measure.
The targets that have been set out in the updated Transport Chapter of Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23) are informed by detailed transport modelling undertaken by the National Transport Authority to identify a sectoral decarbonisation pathway that can achieve a 50% reduction in transport emissions by 2030. A report providing an overview of the transport modelling undertaken to support and inform the development of these targets is available at www.nationaltransport.ie/planning-and-investment/transport-modelling/research-and-publication/ .
It is important to note that compliance with our sectoral emissions ceiling targets will only result from an integrated combination of measures, and the decarbonisation pathway set out in CAP23 is premised on an 'AVOID-SHIFT-IMPROVE' framework to achieving greater transport sustainability. In addition to enhanced spatial and land-use planning measures that can reduce the need to travel by private car in the first instance, the proposed decarbonisation pathway would see a significant roll-out of additional sustainable alternatives and capacity enhancements to public transport services.
In this regard, CAP23 acknowledges that additional public transport services investment will be required to meet the modelled pathway assumptions. As committed to in CAP23, my Department will work closely with the National Transport Authority to develop further analysis to consider the high-level multi-annual programme cost of the additional services required to meet the modelled pathway targets, as part of its 2023 work programme.
The Deputy will also be aware that the National Transport Authority (NTA) hold statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares in relation to public passenger transport services, and the gross cost for the provision of PSO public transport services in 2022 was c.€1.104bn, but this excludes both the Rural Transport Demand Responsive services (which had an estimated cost of €18m) and also the very significant increased cost of providing additional services that would in turn be required to meet the increased demand generated by free fares.
Finally, Government remains strongly committed to providing all citizens with reliable and realistic sustainable mobility options, and Budget 2023 included the continuation of measures to reduce the cost of public transport, including the extension of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services so that everyone will benefit until the end of 2023. The 50% reduction available for young adults on both PSO and commercial bus services was also extended until the end of 2023, which will be supported by new and enhanced bus and rail services throughout 2023. These are all part of a €563 million funding package to support PSO services. That package is hugely significant in the context of providing accessible and affordable transport options, and is addition to the EUR360m provided annually to develop and further upgrade Ireland’s active travel infrastructure nationally, in support of a shift to more sustainable modes of travel into the future.
193. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide interim funding for the provision of a bus service to enable young people in Beara, County Cork, to access day services in Bantry, County Cork, until the permanent service is in place later in 2023. [4800/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. The NTA also has national responsibility for integrated local and rural transport, including TFI Local link services, and delivering the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. Connecting Ireland is a major national public transport initiative with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside the major cities and towns.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities for bus services in West Cork, including to/from the Beara peninsula, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
194. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made in achieving the target for one million electric vehicles by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3958/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe new target under the Climate Action Plan is to have 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030 (i.e. 845,000 private EV target).
The key change is instead of simply targeting a minimum number of cars, we are focused more on making a large amount of the overall private car fleet electric. The 2023 Climate Action Plan places electric vehicles within a greater framework of our national transport infrastructure, with a focus on other sustainable methods of transport other than private car ownership.
The Government has already committed significant funding to support low emitting vehicles through the National Development Plan, which currently includes an allocation of almost €500 million for the period 2021-2025 and additional support from the Climate Action Fund. This funding includes both capital grants to support the purchase of EVs and capital funding for the delivery of EV charging infrastructure.
In July 2022, I launched a new dedicated Office, Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland, which will oversee and accelerate Ireland’s transition to zero emission vehicles. A suite of new of grants and initiatives have been launched with further information available at www.gov.ie/zevi .
Further funding has been allocated in 2023 to ensure the continued transition to electric vehicles. This underpins the Government’s commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to all. This funding will continue to incentivise the switch to electric vehicles as well as enabling the expansion of a fast and rapid electric vehicle charging network to stay ahead of demand.
There are currently circa 73,500 EVs registered on Irish roads (end December 2022). That number is expected to increase as the price of EVs continue to fall relative to their combustion engine equivalents. It is expected that as manufacturers increasingly ramp up EV production, upfront costs will become more comparable to traditional combustion engine cars within the next number of years. This will make total cost of ownership much more attractive and competitive, particularly given fuel prices trends. There is also far more choice available across all major car manufacturers and this is driving increased competition on price.
The Department convened the Electric Vehicle Policy Pathway (EVPP) Working Group to produce a roadmap to achieving the 2030 EV target. The EVPP Working Group comprised senior officials and has considered regulatory, financial, and taxation policies to help drive a significant ramp-up in passenger EVs and electric van sales. The recommendations of the EVPP Working Group were approved by Government and the full report is now available online. In order to support the transition to EVs, the Group recommended that in addition to the generous suite of EV supports already in place in Ireland, additional measures to further incentivise EVs and/or disincentivise fossil fuelled vehicles will also be necessary. Cost-effective, targeted policy supports should continue to be developed and strengthened over the coming years.
An Implementation Group was established to progress the recommendations and consider further potential measures and barriers to the adoption of the EVs. This Group reported on its progress to Government in December.
195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport when legislation will be in place to allow e-scooters on the Fenit greenway County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3968/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government has committed us to legislating for electric scooters, or e-scooters. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which has completed all stages in the Dáil and is now before the Seanad, includes provisions to allow for regulation of the use of e-scooters. The bill defines a new category of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act, 1961 to be called 'powered personal transporters' or PPTs, which will include e-scooters. Establishing this new category of vehicle will enable me to put regulations in place to govern the safe use of e-scooters. E-scooters which meet the criteria established in the Bill and subsequent regulations will become legal to use on their introduction.
Once the Bill has been enacted and the relevant sections commenced, formal drafting of the regulations can be commenced. It is worth noting that the introduction of new technical regulations for vehicles is subject to mandatory examination by the European Commission for a minimum of 12 weeks under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535.
The passage of the Bill through the remaining legislative stages is subject to the Oireachtas. It is anticipated that the Bill will be enacted before the end of Q1. Work will then progress on the Regulations, including the mandatory examination period noted above.
196. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if the regulation of electric scooters will be examined (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3986/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government has committed us to legislating for electric scooters, or e-scooters. The Road Traffic and Roads Bill 2021, which has completed all stages in the Dáil and is now before the Seanad, includes provisions to allow for regulation of the use of e-scooters. The Bill defines a new category of vehicle in the Road Traffic Act, 1961 to be called 'powered personal transporters' or PPTs, which will include e-scooters. Establishing this new category of vehicle will enable me to put regulations in place to govern the safe use of e-scooters. E-scooters which meet the criteria established in the Bill and subsequent regulations will become legal to use on their introduction.
Once the Bill has been enacted and the relevant sections commenced, formal drafting of the regulations can be commenced. It is worth noting that the introduction of new technical regulations for vehicles is subject to mandatory examination by the European Commission for a minimum of 12 weeks under the Single Market Transparency Directive (EU) 2015/1535.
The passage of the Bill through the remaining legislative stages is subject to the Oireachtas. It is anticipated that the Bill will be enacted before the end of Quarter 1. Work will then progress on the Regulations, including the mandatory examination period noted above.
197. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Transport if, in consultation with the Minister for Transport, he will consider the introduction of a motor scrappage scheme whereby on the scrapping of an old petrol or diesel car, the motorist would receive a grant to purchase an electrical bike up to the value of €4,000; if his attention has been drawn to a scrappage scheme, similar to this, which has been introduced in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3996/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is continuously exploring ways to encourage the uptake of cycling as a mode of transport. The popularity of e-bikes is growing and they serve to encourage an even wider demographic of potential cyclists to choose an active mode of transport over the private car.
I was pleased to see the thresholds for the Cycle to Work scheme increased by the Minister for Finance in Budget 2021 to include e-bikes and, in the most recent Budget, cargo bikes; however it is noted that this scheme is not open to those who are not engaged in work. Initiatives such as a scrappage scheme such as that introduced in France have merit, but must be assessed in order to achieve maximum impact and value for money.
The Department will continue to undertake research into the best possible interventions which could be introduced to encourage modal shift away from private car and encourage an uptake in e-bike usage across all demographics.
198. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on negotiations between Government and Clare County Council on the transfer of the Clare Shannon Heritage assets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3703/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide details of a funding offer made in December 2022 to Clare County Council in relation to the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage Clare-based sites to the local authority; if any subsequent funding proposal will be forthcoming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4113/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 198 and 201 together.
I would like to thank the Deputies for these questions.
Government appreciates the important role of Shannon Heritage to the economy of the Midwest region and, in terms of Ireland’s built heritage, recognises that the heritage sites operated by Shannon Heritage are of intrinsic historical and cultural value.
As the Deputies are aware, the Department of Transport established an inter-departmental working group on the transfer of Shannon Heritage in May 2022. Representatives from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Office of Public Works, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media participate in this group.
To date, the working group has met five times, most recently on 23 January, and has identified a number of ways the transfer could be supported. My department is continuing to engage with relevant departments across Government and with the Shannon Airport Group and Clare County Council with the aim of facilitating the transfer as soon as possible.
I would like to assure the Deputies that Government recognises the importance of these heritage sites to the mid-west region and believes that the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business and heritage sites will safeguard the interests of Shannon Heritage employees and the long-term viability and success of the business. Government will continue to support the Shannon Airport Group to ensure that the transfer can proceed as planned.
199. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the next phase of the BusConnects project; the status of the replacement of the number 9, 11 and 83 bus routes in the Dublin north west area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4025/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects Dublin programme.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
200. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the Government’s commitment to help progress the proposed upgrade of the A5 road in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4081/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe planning and implementation of the A5 upgrade project is the responsibility of the authorities in Northern Ireland.
The funding arrangements in relation to the A5 have been governed by the 2014 Stormont House Agreement and Implementation Plan - A Fresh Start. Under this Agreement the Government is committed to provide funding of £75 million towards the cost of the A5 upgrade scheme once the statutory planning process in Northern Ireland is concluded. The Government is committed to deliver on its funding commitment to the A5 project, which is also included in the "New Decade, New Approach" document of 2020.
As is the case for all such capital projects, the A5 upgrade scheme is subject to the planning assessment and approval process in Northern Ireland and since 2012 there have been a number of legal challenges. This has led to unavoidable delays to the implementation of the proposed scheme.
In 2017 the Department for Infrastructure decided to proceed with the A5 scheme. However, this was challenged, and the decision to proceed was quashed by the High Court in November 2018 when the Department announced it would no longer defend the case.
Following the conclusion of that legal action, the Department for Infrastructure updated environmental assessments for the project and undertook further public consultations. Despite the delays which have taken place, it is expected that the public inquiry will be re-opened in the near future.
Allowing for the time required for the conclusion of the public inquiry and for all new decisions to be implemented, together with the possibility of a further legal challenge, the timeframe for delivery of the A5 project is still uncertain. However, provision of £25 million sterling has been made by my Department in 2023 for funding the scheme, should this be required.
