Written Answers Nos. 103-119
103. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a progress report on the roll-out of the National Broadband Plan in Cork from 1 January 2022 to 31 January 2023; the number of premises connected during this timeframe, including schools and broadband connection points in Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9777/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are 81,507 premises located in County Cork that will be passed by National Broadband Ireland with high-speed gigabit fibre broadband as part of the State Intervention under the National Broadband Plan.
I am advised by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) that, as of 17 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.
As of January 2022, 4,514 premises were passed and 1,275 premises connected in Cork. As of 31st January 2023, NBI advise that 15,788 premises in total in County Cork have been passed and were available for immediate connection and 5,794 connections in total had been made to the NBP Gigabit network in County Cork.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cork 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. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI have created a portal that serves as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal 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.
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 17 February 2023, 864 SCP sites (282 Broadband Connection Points, which are publicly accessible sites, and 582 schools) have been installed. 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 BCPs and the Department of Education for school SCPs. In County Cork all 24 BCPs have been installed, of which 2 were installed in 2022. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/
In County Cork 85 schools have been installed to date for educational access of which 55 Schools were installed in 2022. 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/.
104. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of businesses that have registered with Re-Turn, as part of the national deposit return scheme, since registration opened in November 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9944/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs of now, registrations of both producers and retailers are in line with the projections of the scheme operator, Re-turn. Producers representing about 70% of the beverage market, by volume, and 135 retailers have completed the first stage of the registration process.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the provision of broadband continues to meet targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9890/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year saw the NBP network build programme achieve real momentum and this momentum is set to continue this year. As of 17 February, 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. Connections to the NBP network have a minimum speed of 500 Mbps and to date 32,502 premises have taken up a connection.
National Broadband Ireland had a target of 102,000 premises to be passed by the end of January 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.
NBI have created a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal provides an up-to-date picture of NBI’s deployment schedule across the 227 Deployment Areas (DAs) in all 26 counties.
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 17 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 BCPs and the Department of Education for school SCPs. Further details can be found on NBI's website. (nbi.ie/bcp-map/)
By mid year this year every school in Ireland will have a connection to a high speed broadband service.
106. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, in light of a recent report (details supplied) on global methane emissions, he has any plans to seek to reduce the State’s methane emissions from dairy and beef herds or from the potential impact from the recently approved gas-fired emergency generators or any future LNG proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9968/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland will contribute to the reduction of methane emissions globally as outlined in Climate Action Plan 2023, in line with our national climate targets and the Global Methane Pledge. The Global Methane Pledge, agreed at COP26, involves over 100 countries contributing to a collective effort to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, with 2020 as a baseline.
Ireland can impact on methane emissions domestically and internationally by adopting renewable energy sources, decreasing waste sent to landfill, and reducing methane emissions in our agriculture sector.
Fugitive methane emissions are released in the production and transportation of natural gas and oil. Our dependence on fossil fuels will fall considerably over the coming decade. As committed to in the 2023 Climate Action Plan, up to 80% of electricity will be generated using renewable energy by 2030, at which point we aim to have EVs constituting one third of our passenger car fleet. We are also targeting significant modal shift to EV buses and an expanded electrified rail service. Our demand for natural gas will be further curbed by ensuring our homes are more energy efficient with 2030 targets of 500,000 homes retrofitted, over 400,000 heat pumps installed in existing homes and district heating reaching 2.5TWh of energy demand.
Landfill waste also contributes to methane emissions. Ireland will reduce methane emissions from waste by sending less waste to landfill by 2030, reducing our waste overall, and adopting a more circular economic model which ensures products are renewable and reusable.
Our agriculture sector is the highest emitter of methane in our economy. The 2023 Climate Action Plan increases 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. Additionally, a target has been set to reduce chemical nitrogen to a maximum of 300,000 tonnes by 2030. The actions outlined target a 10% overall emissions reduction by 2025 and a 25% overall emissions reduction by 2030.
107. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to ensure floating offshore wind energy projects off the west coast are treated as a priority under phase 2 of the High Level Policy Statement, thereby enabling such projects to move forward in the same time anticipated for fixed bottom offshore wind projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9957/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 committed Ireland to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. The carbon budgets and sectoral emissions ceilings adopted under the Act require the electricity sector to reduce emissions by the equivalent of 75% by 2030 compared to 2018.
The 2023 Climate Action Plan sets out the roadmap and actions to deliver on this electricity sector emissions reduction and commits to 80% of Ireland’s electricity being sourced from renewables by the end of the decade. Among the most important measures in the CAP 2023 is the target of at least 5GW of installed offshore wind energy by 2030 to meet the electricity needs of Irish households and businesses by the end of the decade.
Fixed-bottom wind turbines are the only proven offshore wind technology currently in operation at scale in any jurisdiction around the world. Because of this, most of Ireland’s proposed offshore wind farms for this decade will utilise this technology. Given this, in the initial years of our offshore energy sectoral development in Ireland, our objective will be achieved through the deployment of this technology.
Floating wind is a developing technology, and I am fully committed to a longer-term plan that will enable the siting of floating wind turbines in our Southern and Western maritime area pending technological developments. Through the work currently being carried out on the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan, my Department is preparing for this now and well ahead of time and over the next few years we will build a framework of plans to support and develop this unique opportunity for Ireland.
108. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the geothermal study conducted at Carlinn Hall, Dundalk, County Louth in 2022 will be completed; the plan when the study results are known; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9867/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of 15 December 2022, if he will clarify if the community category will be continued for RESS 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9839/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the flagship Government policies to help deliver on the Climate Action Plan 2023 target of 80% renewable electricity by 2030.
Of the seven successful community projects in RESS 1, four projects remain within the scheme. Of the ten successful community projects in RESS 2, one project has withdrawn to date. Through my Department’s continued engagement with Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), there is evidence of significant challenges that REC projects may face with the competitive, auction based nature of RESS.
To simplify and boost community participation in the Government’s renewable energy ambition, consideration is being given to providing support for eligible community projects through the Small-Scale Generation Support Scheme (SSGS) which is due to be launched later this year. The SSGS is not anticipated to include an auction process and is expected to be a simpler route for community participation.
In October 2022, my Department published a consultation on the design of the third RESS auction (RESS 3), which will take place this year, including options for continuing the community category in RESS in light of the development of the SSGS. A decision on the final design of the third RESS auction will be made shortly.
111. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of funding allocated to date to the community energy grant scheme. [9851/23]
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 Scheme 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.
Since its launch in 2016, the Communities Energy Grant scheme has been allocated current and capital funding totalling €249.5 million.
|
Year |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
Total |
|
Budget Allocation (€M) |
19.05 |
21.45 |
23.35 |
23.5 |
20.0 |
30.55 |
43.30 |
68.3 |
249.5 |
In 2023, a record €68 million capital funding has been allocated to the Scheme with €0.3 million current funding also provided. This allocation reflects the very strong demand seen for the Scheme in 2022 and the strong pipeline of works in place for this year.
The Community Energy Grant Scheme guidelines for 2023 have been updated recently to reflect the changing environment and ensure that the programme continues to target and support our communities. All project coordinators have been notified of these new guidelines.
The SEAI advise that live updates are available for project coordinators for the Community Energy Grant Scheme on the SEAI web site.
112. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the commitment in the Energy Poverty Action Plan to introduce a mechanism to ensure homeowners have the option of paying for upgrades “net of grant”, and to explore options to support homeowners to convert from oil and solid fuel to heat pumps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9979/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan includes a target to reduce emissions from the residential sector by retrofitting the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a building energy rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and installing 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes by the end of 2030. An Exchequer investment of €8 billion to 2030 has been ring fenced to support the achievement of these targets.
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. This included grants of up to €10,500 to support the installation of a heat pump with emitters such as radiators.
Through the implementation of the actions set out in the Climate Action Plan, National Retrofit Plan and the Energy Poverty Action Plan, Government will continue, improve and expand the accessibility and affordability of retrofitting for those in energy poverty.
Work in SEAI is ongoing in relation to the Energy Poverty Action Plan commitments to explore options to further support homeowners to convert from oil and solid fuel heating to heat pumps and to ensure that homeowners continue to have the option of only paying the cost of their upgrade "net of grant" with outputs from this work expected shortly.
113. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to amend the legal mandate of Bord na Móna to ensure that the protection and restoration of the environment and climate action are core obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9978/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra141. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the progress on plans to amend the Turf Development Acts 1998 to ensure that Bord na Móna is required to take into account climate, biodiversity, and water objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9727/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 141 together.
Bord na Móna (BnM) is already obliged to comply with climate, biodiversity, water and other environmental objectives set out in the Programme for Government, Government strategy and policy documents and legislation. There are a number of tools and mechanisms available to ensure that this happens such as Shareholder Letters of Expectations, rolling corporate plans and strategies and consideration of consent requests from the Company.
BnM is progressing through a period of radical change underpinned by its ‘Brown to Green’ strategy. This includes major investment in renewable energy, restoration of depleted boglands and further development of its integrated waste management business. The Government increased BnMs borrowing limit from €400m to €650m to support its strategy.
These measures support the delivery of the targets and ambition set out in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 and the Climate Action Plan 2023, and the delivery of the Government's circular economy agenda.
There are no plans to amend the Turf Development Acts at this point.
114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the roll-out of high-speed broadband in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [9858/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by NBI that, as of 17 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, with 31,502 premises haven taken up a connection to date.
Over 3,601 premises in County Cavan, and 4,965 premises in County Monaghan are passed by a Gigabit fibre broadband network and are available for immediate connection. As of 31 January NBI advise that 1,323 premises in Co Cavan and 1,455 premises in Co Monaghan are connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Cavan and Monaghan 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. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
NBI have created a portal that will serve as a means for Oireachtas members to proactively search for information relevant to their county/local area. The portal 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.
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 17 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 BCPs and the Department of Education for school SCPs. In County Cavan 12 BCPs have been installed to date with 16 BCPs installed in County Monaghan. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/
In County Cavan 19 schools SCPs have been installed by NBI to date for educational access with 14 SCPs installed in Monaghan. My Department continues to work with the Department of Education to prioritise schools with no high-speed broadband, within the Intervention Area. Further details are available on the NBI website at nbi.ie/primary-schools-list/.
115. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to recent Teagasc research (details supplied) into the sequestering of carbon on Irish farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9817/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the research work of Teagasc on improving our emissions data for the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. Greenhouse gas emissions and removals associated with LULUCF are reported in Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory prepared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These new emission factors will be fully reflected in the inventory in due course.
This research underscores the importance of having robust scientific evidence and is an example of the uncertainty that is evident in the LULUCF sector with regard to the underlying data and emissions factors. This uncertainty is being reduced through several research projects such as this Teagasc work across a number of LULUCF land-type categories.
In June 2022, with work on the sectoral emissions ceilings (SEC) almost complete, the EPA published its latest emissions projections, showing net LULUCF emissions as being projected to rise to 11 MtCO2eq. in 2030 from a previously forecast figure of 7 MtCO2 eq. in 2030. This significant development in projected net LULUCF emissions materially altered the parameters for setting the LULUCF SEC, and it was decided to defer finalising the LULUCF SEC for up to 18 months to allow for incorporation of these changes.
However, pending finalising the LULUCF SEC, the Climate Action Plan 2023 commits to accelerating measures and actions for achieving emissions reductions in the sector. These actions include increasing our annual afforestation rates from approximately 2,000 hectares (ha) per annum in 2022 to 8,000 ha per annum from 2023 onwards; promoting forest management initiatives in both public and private forests to increase carbon sinks and stores; improving our management for carbon sequestration of 200,000 ha of grasslands on mineral soils; reducing the management intensity of grasslands on 25,000 ha of drained organic soils; and continuing the rehabilitation of 33,000 ha of peatlands as part of the Bord na Móna Enhanced Decommissioning, Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme and EU LIFE People and Peatlands programmes.
116. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has begun implementing the measures relating to food donation and distribution laid out in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9862/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025 in November 2022. The development of a Food Waste Prevention Roadmap is a key commitment in the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy. The Roadmap sets out a number of priority actions to bring the focus on food waste prevention, across key sectors in the food supply chain, together in a coherent manner.
Food donation and redistribution continues to play an important role in preventing food waste and is a key focus of the Roadmap. Food donation and redistribution initiatives already in practice include the work being undertaken by FoodCloud to connect businesses that have surplus food with charities and communities who need it. In 2020, for example, FoodCloud's Irish operations rescued over 3,100 tonnes of food. Other consumer and business facing platforms such as Olio and Too Good to Go are also examples of current initiatives that are facilitating food donation and redistribution in Ireland.
My Department looks forward to continue working with key stakeholders to progress the implementation of food donation and redistribution actions included in Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025.
117. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on investigations into the potential of geothermal energy in the State; if it presents a possible solution to runaway heating costs in communal heating systems; the immediate solutions that will be provided for people living in complexes with these systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9981/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Policy Statement on Geothermal Energy for a Circular Economy is being finalised by my Department. This represents an important step in addressing the barriers to the development of geothermal energy in Ireland. It will help draw attention to its potential to decarbonise the heating and cooling of buildings, for industrial processes requiring heat and in the longer term, to generate electricity.
The policy statement reflects consideration by the Geothermal Energy Advisory Group of how my Department responded to the submissions received during the Public Consultation on the development of the policy. Subject to the Government's approval in due course, the policy statement will outline the preferred approach to be taken in developing a regulatory framework and the scope of a strategy to promote the sustainable development of Ireland’s geothermal resources.
In relation to communal heating schemes, a central part of the solution to dependence on natural gas for heat lies with cost-effective energy efficiency measures and accelerated deployment of renewable energy sources, to include consideration of geothermal energy, where appropriate.
Throughout 2022, the Government introduced a €2.4 billion package of supports for households and businesses, and as part of Budget 2023, introduced a package of measures worth €2.5 billion. This included the €1.2 billion Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme, through which €600 (inclusive of VAT) is being credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments. The third €200 electricity credit is due to be applied in March/April.
Furthermore, any individual who is in need of additional support to facilitate their continued energy supply can apply for an Additional Needs Payment provided by the Department of Social Protection.
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. The fund will ensure that people in most need can access financial supports quickly and directly provide a further safeguard in addition to the supports from supplier hardship funds 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.
119. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the discussions he has had with Teagasc, the EPA, and third level institutions, in relation to developing improved wastewater treatment systems for small developments and single houses and businesses to virtually eliminate the risk of ground water pollution and contamination of the environment from this source; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9734/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no function with regard to the treatment of Wastewater this is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
