Written Answers Nos. 154-168
154. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline, in tabular form, spending on legal advice, legal action and/or legal expenses related to cases in the European Court of Human Rights on defending Ireland's position in relation to the Right to a Healthy Environment from 2019 to 2024 inclusive. [16321/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpending to date on the relevant cases in the European Court of Human Rights:
|
Case |
Service |
Cost Ex VAT |
Year |
|
Duarte Agostinho and Others v Portugal and Others |
Expert Report, Ireland’s contribution to climate change and mitigation, May 2021 |
€19,800 |
2021 |
|
Duarte Agostinho and Others v Portugal and Others |
Expert Report, Ireland’s contribution to climate change and mitigation: Supplemental report to the European Court of Human, May 2022 |
€11,000 |
2022 |
155. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of applications seeking to avail of the EU just transition community and enterprise grant scheme that were received up to the deadline of 28 February 2024; the number of these from counties Laois and Offaly; the successful applicants processed since 28 February; and the breakdown of the amount paid to applicants via the scheme to date. [15973/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of unapproved applicants for the EU just transition community and enterprise grant scheme; if these applications will be processed ahead of the proposed April deadline; and if she plans to extend the current delivery dates for, as yet, unprocessed applications beyond the dates of June 2024 to March 2026. [15974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 156 together.
The aim of the Community and Enterprise Grants Scheme is to enable former peat production communities in the Midlands territory to develop employment opportunities in the green, circular and low-carbon economy. This is the second call under the Local and Regional Economic Strategies Support Scheme (LRESSS), designed to assist local authorities and their communities previously reliant on peat production to modernise and diversify their local economies. The LRESSS is funded through Ireland's EU Just Transition Fund Programme.
The Community and Enterprise Grants Scheme was formally launched by Pobal on 12 January 2024 on behalf of my Department. Applications were accepted up to 28 February and are currently under appraisal by Pobal. It is currently envisaged that successful applicants under this call will be notified by Pobal in early May, following which the applicants will progress to grant-agreement stage. The geographic breakdown of successful applicants will be published once this process has been completed.
In line with the terms and conditions of the scheme, grant funding will begin to be paid to successful applicants once grant agreements are in place and payments may continue until 31 March 2026. This timeframe is aligned with the requirements of the EU Just Transition Fund Programme. Consequently, no extension beyond this date is anticipated.
157. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the warmth and well-being pilot for COPD sufferers; if there are plans to expand the pilot or to expand access to the fully funded energy upgrade scheme for all who are recognised as COPD sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16008/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmth and Well-being pilot scheme was an interdepartmental and inter-agency project led by my Department, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH), the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The project was established to produce research on how extensive energy efficiency upgrades to homes can improve the health and well-being of people living with chronic respiratory conditions.
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) were recruited to carry out independent analysis of the health impacts. Participants’ health and well-being was assessed and tracked over a 3-year period following their upgrade. The pilot, provided fully funded upgrades to 1,600 homes including attic and wall insulation, window and door replacement and heating system upgrades where needed.
The research shows that retrofits have resulted in measured improved comfort in the homes as well as improved health and well-being scores across multiple dimensions. These included:
• Warmer, more comfortable homes, with heating systems that are easier to control;
• Improved physical health including reduced pain;
• Improved mental health and well-being including reduced feelings of anxiety and depression;
• Reduced visits to GP and A&E and fewer incidences requiring hospitalisation;
• Reduced prescription drug usage for their respiratory conditions;
• Being more comfortable inviting other to their homes.
The learnings from the project are already influencing policy. This includes mainstreaming elements of the project into our national energy poverty retrofit scheme – the Warmer Homes scheme. Working with vulnerable homeowners has allowed my Department and SEAI to improve the scheme for everyone, keeping the customer at the forefront of the process.
The scheme was also featured in a report by the World Green Building Council as an example of international best practice in starting a renovation wave.
It is planned to finalise and publish the report in the coming weeks.
158. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on a community climate action programme application (details supplied). [16025/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe applications for the Community Climate Action Programme strand 1/1a are evaluated in the first instance by the Local Authority in which the application is received. Once completed, Local Authorities then submit their proposals to my Department. As evaluations are currently ongoing across the country by the Local Authorities, my Department has not yet received a proposal from the Local Authority who may be handling this application, and has no information in relation to it. Announcements of successful applications will take place in due course once the evaluation and approval process by my Department is completed.
159. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the energy storage policy for Ireland; if there are plans to alter EirGrid’s market systems in order to allow that energy storage asset to trade in the market; the reason that the participation of energy storage assets is restricted in EirGrid’s market systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16110/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra160. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide up update on co-located projects; how he plans to address the barriers that currently exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16111/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has plans to establish investment frameworks for long-duration energy storage; to report on progress on long-duration energy storage in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16112/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 159 to 161, inclusive, together.
My Department is currently drafting an Electricity storage policy framework, due for publication in Q2, 2024. This document will set out the departments policy for electricity storage systems, their role in the grid system, their role in the electricity markets and an overview of the present safety and regulatory aspects in place for electricity storage systems.
Electricity storage systems are an important element in Ireland’s greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, as set out in the Climate Action Plan. Electricity storage systems are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. Electricity storage systems not only increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, ensuring functionality of the electricity grid throughout Ireland's energy transition journey.
My Department engages on an ongoing basis with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), EirGrid the Transmission system operator (TSO) and ESB Networks the Distribution system operator (DSO) to fully support the incorporation of the necessary electricity storage to the grid network.
The CRU is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. EirGrid and ESB Networks are also independent of the Minister in the exercise of their functions as System Operators.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act (Amended) and subsequent legislation.
The CRU is responsible for, inter alia, the licensing of electrical storage, the regulation of electrical storage in the electricity market and electricity storage grid connections, including Hybrid co-location of electricity storage assets with renewable generation assets.
In conjunction with the CRU, both system operators have recently completed public ‘Call for evidence’ and ‘Consultation’ papers regarding ‘route to market’ for electricity storage assets of varying durations. Further progress on this matter is expected throughout 2024.
Under Section 34 of the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act (Amended), the CRU may give directions to system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, on the terms and conditions of access to the electricity system. Based on the CRU’s policy directions, the system operators issue connection offers to generators and storage projects.
The use of hybrid connections and the co-location of renewable generation assets and electricity storage assets presents an opportunity to increase the incorporation of renewable electricity and maximise the utilisation of existing grid infrastructure without increased costs to the consumer. Currently it is possible to obtain a Hybrid connection, for various forms of generation, on the Irish system for a single legal entity at a connection point. The CRU are currently working to facilitate the connection of multiple legal entities behind a single connection point, resolve the challenges to increasing the 120% limit and reviewing the Maximum Export Capacity (MEC) behind a single connection point.
162. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if he expects that this will be published in Q2 this year; how he plans to ensure that the regulatory structure delivers high standards of safety and environmental standards; what international standards will be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16113/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Electricity Storage Policy Framework; if the safety standards will take account of the international recognised NFPA 855 (2023) in which all battery cells to conform with UL9540a specifications and testing (including second-life batteries) and be up to date in regard to NFPA, EPRI and independent experts in the field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16114/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra164. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the development of a large battery storage facility at Shankill, Cavan (108mw); what measures have been put in place to address safety concerns of local residents (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16117/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra172. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 132 and 133 of 21 March 2024, which body will have a safety regulatory remit when it comes to energy storage; if he expects the CRU or the Health and Safety Authority to hold this responsibility following the conclusion of a review (details supplied); where or to whom concerns about the safety of energy storage should be addressed; who currently holds this responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16250/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 to 164, inclusive, and 172 together.
Electricity storage systems have an important role to play in achieving Ireland’s greenhouse gas emission targets, as set out in the Climate Action Plan. Electricity storage systems are critical in providing flexibility and security of supply to the Irish electricity system. Electricity storage systems not only increase the volume of renewable electricity delivered to the consumer but provide vital network efficiency functions, ensuring the functionality of the electricity grid throughout Irelands energy transition journey.
My Department is currently drafting an Electricity storage policy framework, due for publication in Q2, 2024. This document will set out the Departments policy on electricity storage systems and their role in the wider electricity system. The Electricity storage policy framework will also include an overview of the present safety and regulatory systems in place for electricity storage systems.
To-day there is over 1 GW of electrical storage systems in operation or due for commissioning, connected to the national grid. The pumped storage facility at Turlough Hill accounts for 292 MW of this capacity. The remaining capacity consists of battery electricity storage systems (BESS). These battery electricity storage systems are a safe and proven technology incorporated throughout energy systems worldwide.
Different aspects of the safety of these battery electricity storage systems are handled by different sets of regulations and agencies. For product standards Ireland conforms to the European (EN) standards as set out by the European committee for standardisation (CEN), the European committee for electrotechnical standardisation (CENELEC) and the European telecommunication standards institute (ETSI). The National Standards Authority Ireland (NSAI) works to ensure the adoption of European standards and to ensure suitable standards across the entire value chain of all electricity storage system technologies in Ireland. The EU Chemicals Act and Regulations (COMAH) are the remit of the Health and Safety Authority.
Battery electricity storage systems are subject to the same environmental controls as any other industrial or technical activity. The planning, construction and operation of these installations is subject to EU and Irish environmental rules enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the planning authorities, either the relevant local authority or An Bord Pleanála.
The planning authorities also ensure that battery storage installations are designed and built in compliance with planning legislation and building regulations and fire safety standards. Standards and guidance for buildings in general are issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) and County Fire Officers work with planning authorities to ensure that electricity storage installations are designed and built in a way the ensures fire safety.
CRU is responsible inter alia, for the licencing of electricity storage, the regulation of electricity storage in the electricity market, electricity storage grid connections, including hybrid co-location of electricity storage assets with renewable generation assets.
165. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the percentage of applications for the warmer homes scheme under the SEAI that were deemed ineligible for works due to the terms of the scheme, following the initial assessment phase, 1 January 2023 and 8 April 2024 in cases where the applicants meet the means test requirement for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16120/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year, almost 5,900 homes were upgraded under the Warmer Homes Scheme, with an average spend of €25,000 per home and €157 million in total expenditure. A record budget allocation of almost €210 million is in place for the scheme this year. A range of upgrades are recommended for each property depending on the characteristics of the home and the suitability of the works available based on a technical survey of the home.
Applications for this scheme can be cancelled by either the homeowner or the SEAI. Homeowners can cancel the application for reasons, including ill health or moving house. Applications can also be cancelled by SEAI because the survey has determined that no works are possible, for example, where the home is already insulated to the level targeted by the scheme or where the home cannot be appropriately insulated in line with the building regulations.
Data provided by the SEAI shows that a total of 1,102 applications were cancelled in 2022 and that 1,768 were cancelled in 2023. In both years, 18% of the total were cancelled by the homeowner and 82% by the SEAI. This is a significant reduction on 2017, when one in three homes was deemed unsuitable for the works available. The reduction followed changes to the scheme in 2018 that allowed additional wall insulation measures to be provided. Data for 2024 is not yet available from SEAI.
My Department is working with the SEAI to determine whether additional mechanisms need to be introduced to further reduce the number of cancelled applications.
166. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason only single glazed windows can be replaced under the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme, considering many old homes have old, rotten, ineffective or leaking double glazed windows that need to be replaced but cannot be due to the programme not permitting the replacement of double glazed windows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16121/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra167. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme does not carry out insulation on tradition or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single leaf brick walls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16122/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra168. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether it is acceptable that the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme does not carry out insulation on tradition or older buildings, specifically stone, random rubble and single leaf brick walls, when these buildings are those most in need of insulation to retain heat and energy, and improve quality of life for the people who live in these homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16123/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra169. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason dropped ceilings are not insulated under the SEAI’s warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16124/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 166 to 169, inclusive, together.
The Warmer Homes Scheme delivers a range of energy efficiency measures free of charge to low-income households vulnerable to energy poverty.
There are a number of home energy improvements offered as part of the Scheme. 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, 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; and
• In certain circumstances: heating system replacements, window replacements where the wall is being insulated.
Under the scheme, windows are only upgraded in certain circumstances. Windows are only replaced where single glazed windows are in place and where a primary measure of Attic or Wall Insulation is also being installed. Appendix 1 of the scheme application guidelines (www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/fully-funded-upgrades-for-eligible-homes/SCHEME-GUIDELINES.pdf ) provides further details on the conditions for the various recommendation for energy efficiency upgrade measures, including the conditions for where replacement windows may be recommended.
SEAI advise that if dropped ceilings are present in the house, no attic works can be carried out under the Warmer Homes Scheme because the ceiling prevents access to the area suitable for insulation.
The SEAI also advise that it does not exclude pre-1940 homes from applying to any of its grant supported schemes. However, all of the SEAI approaches are determined by the Building Regulations, incorporating NSAI S.R.54: 2014 Code of Practice for the energy efficient retrofit of dwellings. This means that wall insulation is not recommended on dwellings built before 1940 which are constructed in stone, single-leaf masonry or composite wall construction. That being said, all eligible homes are assessed and where they comprise stone, SEAI will not insulate the stone walls, but will assess, for example, a post-1940 extension present, which based on the determination of the Surveyor may be deemed appropriate for insulation.
The rationale for this approach is that stone-built (traditional built) structures were designed to be vapour permeable. Therefore, the materials and techniques used in energy efficiency upgrades of such buildings must be suitable for the buildings in question including for use with vapour permeable construction where applicable. For example, a stone wall with lime-based mortar will need a lime-based plaster render to remain vapour permeable. Otherwise vapour becomes trapped leading to problems which can cause harm to the building and its occupants.
The new technical Guidance Document - “Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings” was published recently by the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage. The Energy Efficiency in Traditional Buildings publication describes how thermal efficiency of traditionally built buildings can be enhanced, whilst maintaining the conservation of architectural heritage.
This guidance will be an important resource to SEAI as well as the retrofit and wider construction industry in the appropriate energy efficiency upgrading of older, traditionally-built buildings while ensuring compliance with the relevant building regulations.
