Written Answers Nos. 90-114
90. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the way that the various State agencies under the aegis of his Department are facilitating the rollout of generation of renewal energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50372/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy and my Department works with a number of our agencies to achieve our renewable energy targets. I have also included a reference to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), an independent Regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) actively monitors and supports Ireland's progress towards its renewable energy targets through a variety of grants, schemes and initiatives, including grants for building energy retrofits/upgrades, heat pumps and electric vehicles.
As part of a broader retrofit programme, the SEAI Communities Energy Grant Scheme (CEG) offers renewable energy solutions such as: wind turbines; biomass plants; and photovoltaic systems (PV and thermal).
One of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities strategic priorities is to drive a low carbon future by enabling high levels of renewable integration through market design and development. It also ensures that markets enable participation in the transition by all customers.
EirGrid Group is developing many of the necessary infrastructural and operational requirements to facilitate the shift to renewable energy. Eirgrids "Delivering a Secure Sustainable Electricity System (DS3)” programme aims to meet the challenges of operating the electricity system in a secure manner while achieving the 2020 and 2030 renewable electricity targets.
An Post was the first Irish logistics company to join EV 100, a global initiative made up of leading international businesses dedicated to accelerating the move to electric vehicles worldwide. They currently have 1,020 electric vehicles (EVs), 172 e-trikes and three 7.5 tonne electric trucks in their fleet.
The Electricity Supply Board is investing in the development of new renewable generation with a focus on onshore and offshore wind, solar projects, and a growing portfolio of battery storage initiatives.
In terms of Bord na Móna, many of Ireland’s wind turbines are installed on cutaway bogs, which were once harvested for peat but have now been repurposed for renewable energy. Bord na Móna is also actively engaged in biomass and biogas renewable energy projects.
91. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the amount of electricity generated from solar power in 2022; the projected amount to be generated in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50380/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra92. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how many megawatts of solar power were installed in 2022; what the target is for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50381/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 92 together.
Throughout 2022, 371 MW of grid-scale solar was installed. There are no specific targets set for 2023 however the Climate Action Plan outlines a target of installed capacity of 5GW of solar by 2025, increasing to up to 8 GW by 2030.
Government approved the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in December 2021 to support 380 MW of new micro-generation by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan. This amounts to 60,000 homes and 9,000 non-domestic installations, such as small farms and businesses, schools and community groups etc, which would generate over 300 GWh of renewable electricity per annum, with the potential to abate 1.4 million tonnes of CO2eq over the lifetime of the installations.
Solar PV panels are installed under a number of scenarios and are supported under a number of Department funded and SEAI administered schemes. For domestic installations, solar PV is installed on new homes, as one of the measures to achieve compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. They are also installed on existing buildings through grant supports offer by Government, through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
With regard to the number of households that are feeding electricity into the grid, while there is no single register to record the number of microgenerators exporting to the grid at any one time, ESB Networks (ESBN) do maintain a register of NC6 submissions which record the number of micro-generators who have registered their export capabilities. NC6 submissions record the number of micro-generators who have registered their export capabilities and may therefore be eligible for CEG remuneration from their supplier. As of 3rd November 2023, ESBN have received 73,286 valid NC6 form applications from micro-generators nationwide. ESBN are estimating that 33, 000 will be processed in 2023 with a capacity of 145MW.
The primary advantage of micro-generation for households is through the self-consumption of solar electricity, and this is predominantly how solar PV can shield consumers from high energy costs. While there is potential for payment for any excess electricity, export is an additional benefit but should not be the primary driver for engaging in microgeneration.
93. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if any analysis has been carried out on how much solar generated electricity may go to waste in Ireland on an annual basis due to a failure to make it available to the national grid; how much solar generated electricity was fed into the grid in 2022 and 2023 respectively without payment to the producer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50382/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister. In December 2021, CRU published a Decision on an interim enabling framework for the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), enabling payments to micro-generators for electricity exported to the grid, which outlines the arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology. As export payments under the CEG are managed by each supplier company, there is no single register which records the amount of solar electricity which was fed into the grid by micro-generators with or without payment in 2022 and 2023. More information is available in the CRU’s decision paper: www.cru.ie/publications/27028/ For safety purposes, all microgeneration systems must be registered with ESB Networks, using the NC6 inform and fit notification process. To maintain balance and prevent strain on the low voltage distribution grid, ESBN has set limits based on the size of the inverter through which the PV panels transport their generation. These limits require that the peak export from inverters should not exceed 25A (approx. 6kVA) for single-phase connections or 16A/phase (approx. 11kVA) for three-phase connections. While export limits are in place to protect the grid, households can install larger systems through the NC7 mini-generation process or adopt solutions to maximise self-consumption of solar PV generated electricity. Using simple technologies such as a hot water diverter, any ‘excess’ electricity can be used to heat water in your home and push self-consumption closer towards 100%. For larger installations, battery storage systems may provide an appropriate solution for maximising renewable self-consumption. At a transmission system level, Eirgrid monitors the levels of ‘dispatch-down’ of larger renewable energy generators. This refers to renewable energy which cannot be used due to power system limitations, known as curtailments, or local network limitations, known as constraints. In this instance, my Department has forwarded the relevant query raised in the question to Eirgrid for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
94. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much additional solar electricity generation he expects to be added in 2024; to confirm what the target is to have installed and generated by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50383/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSolar energy is a fast accelerating source of renewable indigenous electricity in Ireland and is rapidly transforming Ireland’s energy system with approximately 700 MW of grid connected capacity and expected to reach 1 GW by year end.
As well as its clear climate benefits, the Energy Security Package I launched this week earmarks the rapid programme of solar delivery underway, which is having a real impact on supply security and meeting electricity demand particularly over the summer months during periods of network/generation outages and maintenance and low wind output.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 includes the following targets of up to 5 GW of solar by 2025 and 8 GW solar by 2030 as well as supporting at least 500 MW of local community-based renewable energy projects and increased levels of new micro-generation and small-scale generation.
Ireland's acceleration of solar energy puts us on track to triple renewables by 2030 as recommended by the International Energy Agency to keep on track to keep global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees.
95. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much solar electricity generation comes from solar panels on public buildings; if he has targets for increasing this; if so, what those targets are; what actions he is taking to increase it; how much generating capacity he expects to be installed in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50384/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe amount of electricity generated by Solar PV on public buildings is not collected by my department.
Under CAP 23, Ireland has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the public sector by 51%. This target will be achieved through energy efficiency measures, electrification, demand reduction, and the use of on-site renewables such as solar PV systems. While there are no specific targets for solar generated electricity from public buildings, the sectoral emissions reduction target for the electricity sector is 75% by 2030 and solar PV installation has an important role to play in achieving this. CAP 23 sets out ambitious targets for Solar PV, with 5 GW of installed capacity by 2025 and up to 8 GW by 2030.
There are currently a range of measures in place to support the rollout of solar panels on public buildings. The Non-Domestic Micro-generation Scheme provides capital grants for non-domestic applicants, including public buildings, for solar PV installations up to 1000kW, primarily for self-consumption, with grant levels up to a maximum of €162,600 available. This scheme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Solar PV is also supported as one of a range of measures under the SEAI's Community Energy Grant Scheme as part of the Government's National Retrofit Programme. This 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. A budget of €65 million was provided for this in 2023.
In addition, the Public Sector Schools Pathfinder Programme, co-funded with the Department of Education, provides capital supports to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise school buildings, including through the installation of solar PV. The Climate Action Fund will also fund a Solar PV for Schools scheme, which will enable the provision of solar PV systems up to 6kW in schools across the country. My Department has been engaging regularly with the Department of Education to finalise the details of this scheme, and to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Climate Action Fund.
96. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he intends to introduce a grant for home battery storage systems linked to the installation of solar panels; if he has asked the SEAI to carry out a further assessment of advances in the technology; if he intends to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50386/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Solar PV grant scheme under the Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The scheme came into operation in February 2022 and built on the success of the previous pilot version of the grant scheme.
At that time, SEAI assessed the possibility of continuing the previous domestic battery grant under the MSS but found that given the high cost of batteries and the impending introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee, making any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises eligible for an export payment, that a stand-alone battery grant did not represent efficient use of limited Exchequer funds. Micro-generation installations which include battery storage systems are still eligible for grant support and there is now no need to install a battery in order to avail of the maximum grant. Moreover, since 1 May 2023, a zero rate of VAT has applied to the supply and installation of Solar PV systems. At this time, Government ensured that this zero rate of VAT is also applicable to any ancillary equipment installed as part of the same contract of works, including battery storage systems; which supports the installation of batteries where consumers make that choice. The Government also offers supports to deliver on the target of 1 million Electric Vehicles (EV) to be deployed by 2030. It should be noted that the battery in EVs is of a higher capacity than a typical domestic battery storage solution for micro-generation. In the future, it is expected that EV batteries will play an important part in electricity demand flexibility services, whereby they are used to store excess micro-generated electricity during the day and provide electricity to the home or the grid after daylight, and this could represent a better investment for the householder. The high levels of interest in solar PV grants since 2022 suggests the MSS is working well. However, a mid-scheme review of the MSS is currently underway, which will assess the effectiveness of both the scheme’s eligibility criteria and how the domestic solar PV grant operates. Any changes to grant support available under the MSS will be announced in due course.
97. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much has been paid out under the Clean Export Guarantee in 2022 and to date in 2023; how many microgenerators are benefiting from it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50387/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), which is accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not to me as Minister, has responsibility for the operation of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). In December 2021, the CRU published a Decision on an interim enabling framework for the CEG which outlines the arrangements for its implementation, including eligibility criteria and remuneration methodology.
As part of this, a renewables self-consumer must inform ESB Networks (ESBN) of their intention to install microgeneration via a declaration using the NC6 or equivalent form. ESBN then notify the relevant supplier that there is a registered export capability at the customer’s meter point and provide the meter readings to the supply company. The customer should then engage with their supply company to obtain more information relating to the export tariff on offer and the timing of payments under the clean export guarantee scheme.
As export payments are managed by each supplier company, at different tariff rates, there is no single register which records the total amount of payments made under the CEG in 2022 and 2023. Similarly, there is no single register to record the number of microgenerators exporting to the grid at any one time. However, NC6 form submissions record the number of micro-generators who have registered their export capabilities and may therefore be eligible for CEG remuneration from their supplier. As of 3rd November 2023, ESBN have received 73,286 valid NC6 form applications from micro-generators nationwide. Export tariff setting is being considered in the CRU’s review of the interim framework, which is currently out for consultation, ahead of the publication of an enduring CEG solution. More information is available in this consultation paper, available at the CRU website: www.cru.ie/publications/27659/
99. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current wait time for the SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme; the current average cost per home; how many homes were covered in 2022, and projected for 2023; the budget for 2023 and in 2024; what measures are being taken to reduce the waiting time; how many homes he projects to be retrofitted next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50389/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to households vulnerable to energy poverty. This year's budget of €148.5 million is the highest ever.
Increased awareness of the multiple benefits of retrofit and improvements to the Warmer Homes Scheme is driving increased levels of demand for the scheme with over 20,000 applications received over the period from January 2022 to end September 2023.
The Scheme is delivering deeper upgrades with more emissions reductions and energy savings for homeowners. The average cost of upgrades increased to €24,000 in 2023 and these deeper upgrades take a longer time per home to complete.
The average waiting time from application to completion in Q3 2023 was just under 20 months. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022. The reduction in wait times follows a range of measures introduced by the Department and SEAI including enhanced budgets; increased staffing resources in SEAI; and actions to address supply chain challenges.
SEAI also established a new contractor panel in September this year, adding 7 additional contractors bringing the total to 36. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades delivered.
To end October this year, over 4,500 homes have been upgraded. This is already more homes than were completed under the scheme in all of 2022 when a total of 4,438 homes were completed. We are on target to upgrade 6,000 homes under the scheme by the end of this year.
Budget 2024 includes record funding of €380 million across all SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV (photovoltaic) Scheme meaning that more funding than ever will be available to make homes warmer, healthier, more comfortable and less expensive to heat. This will be supplemented by additional funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support next year’s programme of energy upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty.
The final details of the funding allocations to each SEAI scheme and the 2024 retrofit targets are currently being finalised as part of the preparation of the Revised Estimates Volume for 2024 (REV 2024) and the 2024 SEAI business planning process.
100. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reasons solar panels are not installed under the SEAI better energy warmer homes scheme; if he intends to review this policy decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50390/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty. Demand for the Scheme is very high with over 20,000 applications received over the period from January 2022 to end September 2023.
The Scheme is delivering deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years, with the average cost of upgrades increasing to €24,000 in 2023.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the WHS, with a focus on energy efficiency first (i.e. improving the energy performance of the roof and walls). The upgrades that will be recommended for a property will depend on many factors, including age, size, type and condition of the property. For each eligible home, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI)’s technical surveyor will determine which upgrades can be installed and funded. These can include:
• Attic insulation and appropriate ventilation;
• Wall insulation and appropriate ventilation – cavity wall, external wall or dry lining depending on the property;
• Secondary measures – lagging jackets, draughtproofing, energy efficient lighting;
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements
• A new Solar PV scheme for vulnerable customers registered as being dependent on electrically powered assistive devices, is currently underway. This €20m scheme is targeted to provide direct support to over 3,000 vulnerable customers who may have limited opportunity to reduce their demand. The scheme will provide customers with a 2 KW solar PV system, in order to meet some of their electricity requirements.
101. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of electric vehicles that received support though the SEAI accelerated capital allowance. [50397/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) for Energy Efficient Equipment (EEE) scheme is aimed at encouraging businesses to purchase equipment that is highly energy efficient by permitting the full cost of expenditure on eligible equipment from taxable profits to be deducted in the year of purchase. This differs from the standard treatment applicable to capital assets, whereby wear and tear can be taken into account as a deduction for tax purposes, at a rate of 12.5% annually over eight years.
By supporting improvements in energy efficiency of Irish business, the scheme can contribute towards meeting energy reduction and emissions objectives. The ACA currently covers 10 different equipment categories of equipment and 52 associated technologies. The Scheme is open to companies, sole traders, and farmers that operate and pay corporation tax in Ireland. Under Budget 2024, the accelerated capital allowances scheme for Energy Efficient Equipment is being extended for a further two years until 31 December 2025. Businesses claim the ACA through their company's return of income form to Revenue (CT1). As the ACA scheme is operated by Revenue under the Taxes Acts and is based on the company's returns to Revenue, any data on the extent to which specific measures were availed of (such as the number of electric vehicles supported) are a matter for Revenue.
102. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the plans of his Department to ensure the protection of freshwater supplies given the appearance of algal blooms on Blessington Lake (Poulaphouca Reservoir) and the recent environmental disaster in Lough Neagh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50412/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether he will contact a body (details supplied) to whom he referred a Parliamentary Question for reply, if he will issue a reply, given the matter has been ongoing for some considerable time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50422/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted Bord na Móna asking that they issue a reply to the Deputy's original query promptly.
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national waste management plan continues to address the relevant issues, with particular reference to reduction, reuse and recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50481/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Authorities are statutorily responsible for the preparation of waste management plans. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices are currently finalising a new National Waste Management Plan (NWMP), informed by, inter alia, the National Planning Framework. The Plan will set out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (WAPCE) and support Ireland's circular economy transition.
The Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 strengthened provisions in relation to waste management plans, by requiring waste management plans to include indicators and targets relating to the use of products and materials that have been re-used, re-manufactured or repaired. The new NWMP will contain targets for reuse, repair, resource consumption and recycling, and address measures such as:
• the enhanced use of civic amenity sites as circular economy hubs;
• supporting the development of indigenous waste treatment capacity to reduce reliance on export.
My Department understands that the public consultation phase on the draft National Waste Management Plan closed on July 5. Over 380 submissions were received from a range of stakeholders and members of the public. A recommendation from the National Oversight Group to the City and County Managers' Association (CCMA) Executive on making the Final Plan was approved at the CCMA meeting on 3 November and it is expected that the plan will be launched in February 2024.
105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which mobile telephone services remain good here when compared with other European Union Member States or adjoining countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50482/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s Digital Connectivity Strategy aligns with EU priorities, under the Digital Decade 2030.
Ireland’s level of connectivity to support digital activity has improved significantly in recent years. The Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) score Ireland 13th in Europe for overall 5G Coverage with 84% coverage compared to the EU average of 81%. The continued investment by commercial operators in their networks and by the State through the National Broadband Plan will ensure that Ireland is set to become the EU leader in connectivity by the second half of this decade.
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 2017-2022 period came to approximately €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 2023 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 also 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 Taskforce 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 Licencing, 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 work programme of the Taskforce. The best practices include streamlining administrative and permitting granting procedures, and improving access to State assets.
106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the ongoing steps to support remote working through the roll-out of high-speed fibre broadband connections to the internet, with particular reference to blackspot-prone rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50483/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra109. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent, if any, 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. [50486/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 106 together.
In December 2022, my Department published Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and sets out a number of ambitious targets, including that:
• all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028;
• all populated areas will be covered by 5G no later than 2030, and
• digital connectivity will be delivered to all schools and broadband connection points by 2023.
• These targets will be achieved through a combination of commercial investments and through the State investment in National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
• The Digital Connectivity Strategy will lead to more balanced regional development, supporting the green transition, facilitating greater access to regional talent and skills and will assist with the implementation of the Government’s Remote Working Strategy, Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, and Project Ireland 2040.
• Commercial operators’ fibre rollouts are progressing at pace. Open eir have already passed over 53,200 homes and businesses with gigabit services in Co. Kildare with plans to pass a further c.23,000 premises passed over the next 2 – 3 years, bringing their total fibre-based investment in the county to over €35m., Other commercial operators are also continuing to increase their network footprint right across Kildare, with SIRO recently passing over 28,000 premises for full fibre, and Virgin Media passing over 44,800 premises
• Along with the progress made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State, the National Broadband Plan intervention contract provides for the roll out of a high speed and future-proofed broadband network to primarily rural areas. The intervention area covers over 1.1 million people living and working in over 560,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with some 679 schools.
• I am advised by NBI that, over 200,000 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 60,000 premises are already connected to the NBP high-speed broadband network. In the Deputy’s own county of Kildare, over 4,000 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and available for immediate connection with 1,488 premises now connected.
• Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) 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. These sites have been installed by NBI 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. In County Kildare all 3 BCP’s have been installed to date. These are available free of charge and can be used by those yet to received high speed broadband commercially or under the NBP Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-map/ .
• NBI also reports that the necessary infrastructure is installed in 669 Primary Schools in the Intervention area with 29 installed by other operators as agreed with the Department of Education and the remaining installed by NBI. NBI reports that 500 schools have been connected and are live. Further details can be found at nbi.ie/bcp-locations/ .
• Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps. A county update can be selected to provide 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. NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie , which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
• Recent ComReg data shows that Quarter 2, 2023 saw a 7.4% increase in fibre broadband subscriptions compared to the first 3 months of the year, and a 33.7% increase when compared to Quarter 2 of 2022. This demonstrates that take-up of fibre connectivity for homes and businesses is increasing massively as it is deployed to areas where it had previously been unavailable. The same ComReg data also indicates that c.40% of homes and business throughout the State now have access to gigabit services through either fibre (576,856) or cable (359,669) infrastructure.
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland’s emissions have been reduced in the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50484/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra110. 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 targets in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50487/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 110 together.
Data from the EPA's inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the years 1990 to 2022 show that Ireland's emissions have reduced by 3.1% over the past six years. The most recent EPA inventory figures show that Ireland's emissions fell by 1.8% between 2021 and 2022. This latest reduction was driven by higher fuel prices, reduced use of nitrogen fertiliser, increased renewable energy, behavioural change, and regulation, with reductions observed in our agriculture, industry, energy and residential sectors. These are welcome trends which show that we can successfully lower our emissions during a period of economic growth and population increase, and in part reflect the increased ambition of Ireland's climate policy over recent years.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Our recent emissions reductions demonstrate Ireland's ability to reverse its emissions trends and start to build momentum towards meeting our ambitious abatement objectives, though the latest projections of Ireland's future emissions trends from the EPA highlight the significant challenge we will face in meeting these targets.
Work is currently underway on Climate Action Plan 2024, and this will support our ambitious decarbonisation programme by setting out an updated roadmap of policies, measures and actions we will deliver in support of our climate commitments and emissions reduction targets. It will take account of the latest emissions reports, and will accelerate and amplify our climate action, fully involving other Departments across Government, as well as key external stakeholders.
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which it can be found possible to ensure that electricity providers pass on any further reduction in price inflation to the consumer as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50485/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn the past weeks, price reductions have been announced by the main energy suppliers who share approximately 98% of both the retail electricity market and the retail gas market in Ireland. These suppliers have announced price reductions between 9 and 30% and customers can expect to see this reflected in retail bills (for households and businesses) over coming months.
However, supplier hedging that results in a significant proportion of energy purchased several months in advance may impact the ability of suppliers to reduce prices, notwithstanding the decline in the wholesale cost of gas.
I recently wrote to the CRU, requesting that a review of the pricing (and hedging) strategies be carried out – to ascertain if there have been any market failures (particularly in the case of vulnerable customers). The CRU published their report on 19 September 2023, and outlined that it sees no evidence of market failure in the retail markets and that it will continue monitoring this.
The Budget package includes a new Electricity Cost Emergency Benefit Scheme through which €412.83 (exclusive of VAT) will be credited to each domestic electricity account in three payments of €137.61 (exclusive of VAT) in each of the following billing periods - December 2023, January/February 2024 and March/April 2024, having regard to the fact that the average price of electricity and gas is still significantly higher for households compared to pre-energy crisis levels. The estimated cost of this scheme is €1.007 billion.
The payment will be applied to domestic electricity accounts, including those with Pay As You Go meters, which are subject to distribution use of system charges at the rate for urban domestic customers (DG1) or the rate for rural domestic customers (DG2).
Customers struggling with their bills are strongly encouraged to engage with their supplier. I understand suppliers will not disconnect customers that continue to engage with them and that suppliers have additional customers supports in place, including hardship funds. An Taoiseach and I recently met with the heads of the main energy suppliers, who confirmed that this support will continue through winter 2023/24.
Given that prices are no longer regulated, they are set by all suppliers as entirely commercial and operational matters by them. The CRU is held accountable by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action and not the Minister. The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on general energy regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
111. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland’s carbon reduction targets are currently in line with other European countries given commitments entered into; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50489/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with my response to Question No162 of 28 February this year, under 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.
In 2023, ESR emissions reduction targets were revised, to increase ambition, as part of the EU Fit for 55 package of climate policies. Ireland’s revised target under the ESR is to reduce non-ETS emissions by 42% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. Notwithstanding the challenge inherent in reaching this revised target, Ireland supports the increased ambition of the revised ESR.
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.
112. 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. [50490/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra113. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the alternative the 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. [50491/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra114. 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 ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50492/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113 and 114 together.
Ireland is in the top five globally for installed wind power capacity per capita, with approximately 4.7 GW of onshore wind generation capacity, and is a world leader in the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid. While solar energy is a distance behind onshore wind generation, it is a growing source of electricity and is rapidly transforming Ireland’s energy system with approximately 700 MW of grid connected capacity and expected to reach 1 GW by year end.
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.
Ireland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, with a major reason for this being the construction of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the electricity grid.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 includes the following targets:
• Target 6 GW of onshore wind and up to 5GW of solar by 2025;
• 80% of electricity demand to come from renewable sources by 2030;
• Target 9 GW onshore wind, 8 GW solar, and at least 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030 (and an additional 2 GW offshore wind for green hydrogen production);
• Support at least 500 MW of local community-based renewable energy projects and increased levels of new micro-generation and small-scale generation.
• Meeting these targets will require unprecedented levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.
• The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver renewable electricity generation. In order to 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, including target volumes, 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).
