Written Answers Nos. 152-166
152. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the development of a national environmental policy position; the timeline for completion and publication of the policy position; whether it will incorporate environmental justice principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10004/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a strong commitment by Government to the environment as set out in the Programme for Government, Our Shared Future. My Department together with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are leading in relation to key areas including, climate, the broader environment and environmental protection, circular economy, biodiversity, water, air, soils, and land-use. My Department is engaged on an ongoing basis with a number of other Government Departments and Agencies in developing policy and furthering implementation in these areas. My Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are also actively engaged in supporting the implementation of the European Green Deal in Ireland, including the transposition of European legislation, and in supporting Ireland’s wider global environmental commitments and responsibilities.
While structures are in place across Government to facilitate coherent and co-ordinated policy development and implementation including structures to enable a whole-of-Government response in key areas, my Department has commenced work on an overarching statement on environment policy to be published by Government in 2023. An inter-departmental and agency group will be established shortly to guide this work.
It is envisaged that the development of a statement on environment policy will facilitate more comprehensive integrated policy development and effective implementation by strengthening governance structures. It will also enable synergies between different policy areas to be maximised by ensuring that policy development and implementation across different areas (e.g., climate and biodiversity) are aligned. In addition, it will facilitate better monitoring and reporting in relation to the commitments and targets arising from international, EU and national agreements, policies, primary legislation, directives and regulations.
153. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the awards made both with and without a tender process to management consultancy firms (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form and classed by firm; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10111/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
|
Contract |
Company |
Contract Value (EX VAT) |
Total Expenditure (INC VAT) |
Duration |
Start Date |
Output |
|
Provision of an updated Marginal Abatement Cost Curve and a report to identify least cost options for reducing GHG emissions in Ireland |
McKinsey |
€318,000 |
€391,140 |
6 Months |
Feb-19 |
Updated Marginal Abatement Cost Curve and a report to identify least cost options for reducing GHG emissions in Ireland |
|
Provision of two Marginal Abatement Cost Curves and assistance in the development of a pilot aggregated retrofitting model for Ireland |
McKinsey |
€700,000 |
€861,000 |
1 year |
Dec-19 |
Marginal Abatement Cost Curves and assistance in the development of a pilot aggregated retrofitting model for Ireland |
|
(1) Appropriate Economic Analysis and Report and (2) assistance in the development of additional sectoral actionsto realise lower GHG Emissions |
McKinsey |
€700,000 |
€861,000 |
10 months |
Feb-21 |
(1) Appropriate Economic Analysis and Report and (2) assistance in the development of additional sectoral actionsto realise lower GHG Emissions plus Additional analysis of the social and economic impacts of the proposed budget and action plan for the Climate Change Advisory Council and additional work and analysis for the Climate Action Plan working groups |
|
Sensitivity planning to assess potential sectoral costs of achieving more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets out to 2030 |
McKinsey |
€157,500. McKinsey |
€190,575 |
8.5 Months |
May-20 |
(i) an assessment of potential scenarios and costs, by sector, to deliver more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets out to 2030 (in the region of 7% reductions per annum); and (ii) and when appropriate Whole of Government engagement. |
|
Provision of technical support services to (i) inform and assist in the preparation and delivery of Ireland’s sectoral emissions ceilings and (ii) identify the plans, policies and measures required to achieve these ceilings. |
McKinsey |
€1,089,165 |
€1,414,500.00 |
10 Months |
Apr-22 |
Technical support to inform and assist in the preparation and delivery of Ireland’s sectoral emissions ceilings and identification of the plans, policies and measures required to achieve these ceilings. Including addition of sectoral emissions ceilings in Climate Action Plan 2023. |
|
Framework for Financial Capability Assessment for Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration and Development Authorisations |
EY |
€79,200 |
€97,416.00 |
2 months |
Mar-19 |
DCCAE Guidance Document – Financial Capability Assessment for Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration and Appraisal |
|
Provision of Financial Services relating to advice on the Financial Assessment of Petroleum License Applicants |
EY |
€30,000 |
€36,900 |
5 months |
Aug-18 |
Financial Assessment of Petroleum License Applicants |
|
Project Management Support to deliver essential security of supply actions in support of CRU’s Programme of Action |
EY |
250,000 |
93,831.16 |
7 months |
Aug-22 |
Ongoing work |
|
The provision of external financial support required to evaluate the financial component of Maritime Area Consent (MAC) applications, and associated activities |
EY |
€112,770 |
€138,707 |
12 months |
Apr-22 |
The comprehensive financial assessment of all Phase One ORE projects in respect of their MAC applications, including detailed reports to the Minister on the financial viability of the Phase One projects. |
|
Provision of a Financial Capability Assessment of Petroleum Authorisation Applicants |
EY |
€15,000 |
€18,450.00 |
3 months |
Jan-22 |
Financial Capability Assessment of Petroleum Authorisation Applicants |
|
Provision of Network and Information Security and Digital Service Provider Audit Services |
EY |
€780 single fixed blended daily rate |
€0 |
1 year |
Mar-19 |
Service not utilised |
|
For the provision of commercial, financial and governance advice for the award of a concession agreement to operate, manage and maintain the National Digital Research Centre (NDRC) |
EY |
€219,423 |
€269,890 |
24 months |
Nov-18 |
Commercial, financial and governance advice throughout the procurement process up to the contract award |
|
Provision of commercial and financial managed services, advisory services and personnel in support of the National Broadband Plan |
EY |
€7,717,460 |
€10,703,797 |
2 years |
Jun-20 |
Commercial and financial managed services, advisory services and personnel in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of consultancy services to assist DECC in the application, enhancement and broadening of its Strategic Delivery Framework, and to provide project management support to the DoT in identifying and delivering the critical implementation path for the Sustainable Mobility Policy Action Plan. |
EY |
€1,570,189 |
€314,276.07 |
2 years |
Aug-22 |
advice and support to develop a system wide project plan to deliver on the targets and establishment of a programme management function in DECC and project management support to the Department of Transport |
|
Training event - LIFE Bid Writing Workshop |
Deloitte |
€9,000 |
€9,000 (VAT exempt) |
1 month |
Aug-22 |
Delivery of LIFE bid writing workshop to assist Irish applicants in preparation of LIFE proposals under the 2022 LIFE call. |
|
Vulnerability Assessment services (Scanning and Reporting) |
Deloitte |
€11,262.50 |
€13,852.88 |
1 year |
Dec-21 |
Reports provided. |
|
Training event - LIFE Bid Writing Workshop |
Deloitte |
€7,500 |
€7,500 (VAT exempt) |
1 week |
Oct-21 |
Delivery of LIFE bid writing workshop to assist Irish applicants in preparation of LIFE proposals under the 2021 LIFE call. |
|
Support work for the National Cyber Security Strategy 2019 -2024 |
Deloitte |
€66,975 |
€25,502.74 |
1 Year |
Mar-19 |
Consultancy & Support services for the development of the National Cyber Security Strategy (2019-24) |
|
Provision of taxation and VAT advice in relation to the National Broadband Plan |
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
€40,000 |
€39,668 |
6 months |
May-19 |
Taxation and VAT advice in relation to the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of taxation and VAT advice in relation to the National Broadband Plan |
Deloitte Ireland LLP |
€30,000 |
€14,699 |
6 months |
Nov-19 |
Taxation and VAT advice in relation to the National Broadband Plan |
|
Expert financial advice needed for the financial assessment of Ireland’s first ORE projects to apply for a Maritime Area Consent |
KPMG |
€24,200 |
€13,530 |
11 days |
May-22 |
Updating MAC Financial Assessment Guidance and associated financial advice. |
|
Business Process Redesign Project - A review and redesign of the operational processes associated with the Geoscience Regulation Office. |
KPMG |
In excess of €144,000 (Framework) |
€184,438.50 |
12 months |
Jul-22 |
Final report with recommendations |
|
For the provision for Advice on the Dissolution of the DHDA |
KPMG |
€24,755 |
Nil payments to date |
Ongoing |
May-22 |
Dissolution advices to the Minister |
|
Offshore RESS – Economic and Financial Advisory services to procure a short evidence paper on indexation with which to inform discussion during the consultation of the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS-1) Terms and Conditions. |
KPMG |
€22,500 |
€27,675 |
1 month |
Mar-21 |
Evidence paper on indexation with which to inform discussion during the consultation of the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS-1) Terms and Conditions. |
|
Bord na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (EDRRS) |
KPMG |
€26,008 |
€29,520.00 |
3 months |
Apr-21 |
Review of Regulatory Controls for the Bord na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme (EDRRS) |
|
Provision of financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€1,140,000 |
€852,814 |
6 months |
Nov-18 |
Financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€850,000 |
€1,445,989 |
6 months |
May-19 |
Financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€850,000 |
€594,421 |
6 months |
Nov-19 |
Financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€322,096 |
€304,970 |
4 months |
Mar-20 |
Financial and procurement advisory services in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of specialist personnel to support the National Broadband Plan |
KPMG |
€300,000 |
€222,101 |
6 months |
Nov-19 |
Specialist personnel to support the National Broadband Plan |
|
Expert analytical and policy advice on the advancement of international connectivity in telecommunications |
KPMG |
€25,000 |
€30,992 |
5 months |
Dec-21 |
Expert analytical and policy advice on the advancement of international connectivity in telecommunications |
|
Provision of economic and strategic advice in support of the National Broadband Plan |
PwC |
€250,000 |
€199,735 |
6 months |
Nov-18 |
Economic and strategic advice in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of economic and strategic advice in support of the National Broadband Plan |
PwC |
€100,000 |
€40,416 |
6 months |
May-19 |
Economic and strategic advice in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of economic and strategic advice in support of the National Broadband Plan |
PwC |
€300,000 |
€275,120 |
6 months |
Nov-19 |
Economic and strategic advice in support of the National Broadband Plan |
|
Provision of Operational Management Advisory Services for the National Postcode System |
PwC |
€133,793 |
€164,565 |
3 months |
Sep-21 |
Preliminary Business Case for Future National Postcode Operations |
|
Cyber Incident Response training |
Accenture |
€22,500 |
€27,675 |
3 months |
Oct-22 |
Cyber incident response training for senior management |
The information sought by the Deputy regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
154. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the awards made both with and without a tender process to an organisation (details supplied) by his Department and aegis bodies for each of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive, in tabular form; the purpose and a brief description of the awards; the value of the awards and the total amounts paid; the timeline or timeframe of the contracts; and the desired or completed output. [10129/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not made an award with or without a tender process to the organisation Microsoft for any of the years 2018 to 2022 inclusive.
The information sought by the Deputy regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
155. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason a compliant collector of silage plastic cannot claim the levy under the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001 unless a member of the IFFPG; if he will consider a change a legislation to allow competition in relation to the collection of farm plastics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10147/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001 require producers of farm plastics (manufacturers and/or importers) to either establish a deposit and refund scheme for farm plastic waste or to participate in an approved compliance scheme for its recovery and recycling. Since the introduction of the farm plastics extended producer responsibility (EPR) model, producers have chosen to participate in the compliance scheme which is run by the Irish Farm Film Producers' Group (IFFPG) CLG.
My Department sets the policy and legislative framework for farm plastics waste, including EPR. IFFPG manages the scheme's operation. I have no role in directing the business of the scheme beyond its compliance with regulatory matters.
156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress in advancing high-quality, high-speed broadband in all areas throughout County Kildare and throughout the country, with a view to the need to ensure maximum availability for business and education and all those with a requirement for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10235/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which efforts continue to be made to ensure the availability of high-quality, high-speed broadband in all areas throughout County Kildare without exception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10236/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which deficiencies in the availability of adequate broadband facilities continues to be identified in all areas throughout County Kildare; the remedial action in hand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10237/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 156 to 158, inclusive, together.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 17th February 2023, over 129,400 premises can order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection across 26 counties, with over 118,600 premises passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection and over 31,500 premises have taken up a connection.
As of 31st January 2023 NBI advised that 2,506 premises in Kildare have been passed and were available for immediate connection. 847 connections were made to the NBP Gigabit network in Kildare in the same period.
The NBP network build that started in 2020 is scheduled to be completed by 2027. NBI had a target of 102,000 premises to be passed by the end of January 2023 and this target was exceeded. NBI is on track to meet, or exceed its 2023 target of 185,000 premises passed. NBI remains confident that it can complete the network build within the 7 year contracted period.
The network roll-out for the NBP is divided into 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) across the country. These are typically an area of approximately 25km in radius and in total they cover 96% of Ireland’s landmass. The architecture of the network design is specifically based on the design of the NBI network coming from the eir exchanges or the metropolitan area networks (MANs). It is based on an engineering design that allows NBI to reach every premises as quickly as possible working within the confines of how fibre networks are built. Villages, townlands and counties may be covered by a number of DAs which means there are differing timescales for the roll-out across county areas.
Each DA creates a ‘fibre ring’ which is essential to ensure reliability, robustness and resilience. Critical to the success of the network, NBI’s fibre rings are built with back-ups, ensuring that in the event of one fibre cable being disrupted, the whole network continues to perform, protecting customer experience. Each fibre ring that NBI deploys is designed in a way that is non-discriminatory, meaning that as the roll-out progresses, it may pass relatively urban areas at the same time as passing some of the most remote premises within the intervention area. The design utilises existing infrastructure to a very significant degree.
Surveys are needed to establish the condition of existing poles and ducts, to ascertain whether repairs are needed. NBI’s contractors walk the fibre route to inspect infrastructure and gather detailed information on local conditions and this work is on-going. Further steps are then required prior to fibre build and connections including:
- Survey results fed back to NBI’s design teams who then develop detailed designs for each of the 227 Deployment Areas for submission to the Department for “Approval to Proceed” with fibre build;
- Repair/activities (“Make Ready”) carried out to ensure existing infrastructure is sufficiently prepared to pass the premises with fibre;
- Installation of and connection to electronic equipment in each Local Exchange building;
- Laying of the physical fibre along the poles and ducts;
- Fibre build quality checks, network testing and handover within NBI;
- Upload of specific fibre build details by premises to computer systems within NBI, enabling retail service providers to make connection orders visible on their respective systems which in turn allows premises’ owners to place orders.
- On completion of network build works customers can then place an order and request a connection to be scheduled with the retail service provider of choice.
NBI's website provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties. A particular county can be selected to view an update of the overall number of premises in the Intervention Area, the overall NBP investment in the county, the number of premises passed and connected to date and the status of each of the Deployment Areas with the anticipated date for connection over the lifetime of the project. The dedicated webpage can be accessed here: nbi.ie/reps/.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare through the NBI website which provides a facility for any premises within the intervention area to register their interest in being provided with deployment updates through its website www.nbi.ie Individuals who register with this facility will receive regular updates on progress by NBI on delivering the network and specific updates related to their own premises as works commence.
Strategic Connection Points (SCPs) are a key element of the NBP providing high-speed broadband in every county in advance of the roll out of the fibre to the home network. As of 17th February 2023, 864 SCP sites (282 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 582 schools) have been installed and the high-speed broadband service will be switched on in these locations through service provider contracts managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development for publicly accessible sites and the Department of Education for school BCPs. In County Kildare all 3 BCPs have been installed. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/.
In County Kildare 9 schools have been installed to date 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/.
159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which carbon reduction measures to date are positively impacting on Ireland’s emission reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10238/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile full and final emissions data for 2022 is not yet available, recent reports have indicated that Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2021 and may also have increased in 2022. While EPA models for projected emissions are unable to take into account all policies and measures which have been committed to in our Climate Action Plans, the EPA’s reporting suggests a concerning trend which underlines the challenge of the climate crisis and the urgency with which we must respond.
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.
In December 2022, the Government published the Climate Action Plan 2023, which reflects the emissions pathways set by our carbon budgets and sectoral emission ceilings. CAP23 builds on the ambition of the 2021 Plan and sets 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.
Furthermore, the establishment of delivery task forces to accelerate and drive delivery in a number of key areas regarding our climate action will serve to support our focus on accelerating the implementation of meaningful and impactful climate action.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which agrifood production can continue without interruption given the likelihood of food shortages in the medium and short term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10239/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he remains committed to ensuring and safeguarding agrifood production in this country, while at the same time meeting carbon reduction targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10240/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy no later than 2050 and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Following the process set out in the Act, a carbon budget programme proposed by the Climate Change Advisory Council was adopted by the Oireachtas on 6 April 2022. On 28 July, the Government approved Sectoral Emission Ceilings for both the first and second carbon budget periods, (i.e. 2021-2025 and 2026-2030), with the exception the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector, which will be determined later. For our agriculture sector, this process has set a 10% emissions reduction target by 2025 and a 25% emissions reduction target by 2030.
The 2023 Climate Action Plan has outlined how these emissions reductions can be achieved in the coming years, increasing our ambition for efficiency in the sector while also promoting the diversification of agricultural activities. These actions will on one hand improve animal breeding, feeding and finishing and on the other will encourage farmers to diversify into more sustainable sectors including organics, tillage and biomethane production. Targets include expanding the organic sector to 450,000 hectares, growing the tillage sector to 400,000 hectares and construction of up to 200 Anaerobic Digestion plants. It will also reduce our chemical fertiliser use to a maximum of 300,000 tonnes by 2030.
My Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continue to collaborate on reducing our carbon emissions, while also ensuring the security and sustainability of our food production. This represents a key opportunity for Ireland to become a world leader in long-term sustainable food production. I remain confident that our family farms will fully exploit the opportunities of this transition without compromising on sustainable food production.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland’s carbon reduction targets are in line with other European countries, given commitments entered into; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10241/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the EU Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR), legally binding annual greenhouse gas emissions targets are set for each Member State for the period 2021–2030. The regulation covers sectors of the economy that fall outside the scope of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS); including transport, buildings, agriculture, light industry and waste. The ESR is a key tool for the EU to reduce its emissions and is a central component of the EU’s implementation of the Paris Agreement.
Targets set under the ESR are to be delivered collectively by the EU. The targets are established in a way that balances considerations of fairness, cost-effectiveness and environmental integrity, and the governance framework is underpinned by principles and flexibilities that support this approach.
The legislative framework of the regulation provides for a number of compliance options beyond direct emissions reductions to enable Member States to achieve targets as efficiently and effectively as possible; including banking, borrowing and trading annual emissions allowances.
Ireland’s target under the current ESR (adopted in 2018) is to reduce non-ETS emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2005. The updated ESR, revised as part of the EU Fit for 55 Package and awaiting formal adoption, increases Ireland’s target to a 42% reduction in emissions. Notwithstanding the challenge inherent in reaching this revised target, Ireland supports the increased ambition.
Ireland’s climate objectives, as legislated for in the 2021 Climate Act, and our domestic 2030 target, as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2023, are fully aligned with our obligations under the Paris Agreement and with the enhanced ambition at EU level.
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the alternative energy electricity generating programme continues at pace, with particular reference to availing of wind generation, onshore and offshore; the precise extent to which this capacity has increased or is increasing, with a view to maximisation at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which wind and solar electricity generating targets are being realised at present; the extent to which such generation can be accelerated in the short- to medium-term, with particular reference to the expected contribution to the national grid over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10243/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which wind or solar electricity generation farms continue to be encouraged in the short-, medium- and long-term, with a view to contributing to and stabilising the national grid given requirements likely in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10244/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 164 to 165, inclusive, together.
Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, Government has set an ambitious target of having an 80% share of electricity generation capacity coming from renewable sources by 2030.
With approximately 4,403 MW of connected wind generation capacity, we are in the top five globally for installed wind power capacity per capita. In order to build on this success and increase wind and solar generation on the grid, my Department is delivering a regular programme of auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).
The RESS auctions provide pathways for renewable developers to plan and develop their projects, with supported technologies including, but not limited to, onshore wind, solar, and hybrids (co-located wind, solar, and/or storage), with offshore wind projects participating under the dedicated Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS). This method allows Ireland to take advantage of new technologies as they emerge.
The first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction (RESS 1) was held in 2020 and as a result of that pathway being provided for renewable developers, 2022 was a record year for the connection of renewable electricity capacity to the grid. More RESS 1 projects are expected to connect to the grid throughout 2023. The second RESS auction (RESS 2) was held in 2022, with the successful projects in that auction representing a nearly 20% increase on current renewable electricity generation capacity. Projects from RESS 2 will start to connect to the grid between the end of this year and 2025.
Officials in my Department are currently working on progressing the next two RESS auctions, RESS 3 for onshore renewables, and ORESS 1 (Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) for offshore wind, with both expected to be held later this year.
Further auction rounds are expected in future years and an updated RESS auction schedule will be published shortly.
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which mobile telephone services here remain good when compared with other European Union or adjoining countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10245/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s digital connectivity strategy aligns with EU priorities, under the Digital Decade 2030. Providing telecommunication services, is a matter for the relevant service providers operating in a fully liberalised market regulated by the Commission for Communication Regulation (ComReg), as independent Regulator. Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by ComReg, to mobile operators who advise that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded by all operators. Capital investment by telecommunications operators over the last 5 years came to €3.3 billion for both fixed and mobile services covering both voice and data, throughout Ireland.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January this year to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award will represent a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and will include significant coverage obligations for operators.
ComReg has developed an online national outdoor coverage map and app to provide clear information on where operators have good coverage. The map will continue to be updated quarterly.
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Task force is a driving force for improving access to telecommunications services nationwide to alleviate mobile and fixed connectivity barriers. The current work programme focuses on Planning and Licensing, Improving Information and Access to Assets and Infrastructure, and Improving Consumer Information, Advice and Experience.
My Department worked with EU Member States to develop the EU Connectivity Toolbox, a collection of best practices which Member States can implement at national level to lower the cost of deploying very high-speed networks in order to foster better connectivity across the EU, which is being implemented via the new work programme of the Task force. The best practices include streamlining administrative and permitting granting procedures, and improving access to State assets.
