Written Answers Nos. 135-154
135. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason for the delay in the publication of the National Heat Policy Statement 2025; when he expects it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5490/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Heat Study, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), contains detailed analysis that is being used to inform the development of options, policies and measures to decarbonise Ireland’s heating and cooling sectors to 2050. A draft Heat Policy Statement, informed by the findings of the National Heat Study, has been prepared and has undergone extensive consultation with Government Departments and Agencies. The Heat Policy Statement will set out Ireland's overarching approach to decarbonising the heat sector.
As part of the drafting process, consideration was given to obligations under European Directives, including the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive, which requires that certain plans and programmes, including policy statements, which are likely to have a significant impact on the environment be subject to the SEA process. A screening assessment was carried out which found that the draft Heat Policy Statement was a plan or programme for the purposes of the SEA Directive. It was, therefore, necessary to undertake a full SEA to ensure a formal, systematic evaluation of the likely environmental effects of implementing the policy.
An SEA Environmental Report has been drafted and a public consultation on the draft SEA Environmental Report and draft Heat Policy Statement is now required. Following completion of the consultation process, the draft Heat Policy Statement will be submitted to Government for approval and publication.
136. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the Climate Action Plan 2025 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5491/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan 2025 (CAP25) builds upon the actions, measures, policies and plans set out in Climate Action Plan 2024. A process to update and refine the plan in the context of the latest reports from the Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Change Advisory Council and Climate Action Plan progress reports was coordinated by my Department to deliver a multi-stakeholder approach to Climate Action Plan 2025’s development.
CAP25 was finalised and submitted for Government approval in December 2024. However, given the election and subsequent Government formation process, the Plan will be brought to the new Government for consideration and once approved will be published as soon as possible thereafter.
137. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5493/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA District Heating Steering Group Report (www.gov.ie/en/publication/3f132-district-heating-steering-group/) was published in 2023 and contains a suite of recommendations for the development of district heating in Ireland.
The General Scheme of the Heat (Networks and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, drafted to give effect to the recommendations of the Steering Group, was approved by Government on 30 October 2024. The Bill will seek to introduce a regulatory system for district heating that ensures consumer protection and facilitates the development of a vibrant district heating sector. The legislation has been designed to provide, inter alia, a legislative underpinning for the district heating sector, regulatory certainty for district heating project sponsors, safeguards for the State in terms of district heating network ownership, and price protections for consumers.
The Programme for Government commits to enacting legislation in 2025 to accelerate the roll out of district heating systems.
138. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he is taking to ensure that data centres are regulated, ensuring that they are aligned with our climate goals. [5494/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the regulation of the Irish electricity and natural gas sectors following enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 and subsequent legislation and the Gas (Interim Regulation) Act 2002, respectively. The CRU is an independent regulator accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas.
As set out in the Climate Action Plan, the CRU is carrying out a review to consider the impact of future Large Energy User connections on both national carbon emissions and the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure, providing clarity to industry on the requirements for new connections to the electricity and gas systems. A Large Energy Users Connection Policy Minded-To Decision Paper is expected shortly, with a consultation period to follow.
More broadly, Ireland has ambitious climate goals, and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 has set Ireland on a legally binding path to net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and to a 51% reduction in emissions by the end of this decade.
In line with these goals, the Programme for Government recognises concerns regarding the sustainability of data centres and their alignment with our climate goals and commits to enhancing data centres’ use of renewable energy sources, energy efficient technology and effective solutions, such as waste heat capture to reduce their carbon footprint.
Additionally, the July 2022 Government Statement outlines principles for sustainable data centre development, providing clear guidance to decision makers in the planning process and encouraging the data centre sector to implement decarbonised energy solutions and to increase efficiency. This Statement expresses the Government’s preference for data centres that can demonstrate additionality of their renewable energy use in Ireland, and which are decarbonised by design.
Moreover, Article 12 of the Recast Energy Efficiency Directive provides an obligation for Member States to require owners and operators to monitor and report the energy performance of data centres and to make the information publicly available annually. The Department is preparing the necessary legislation and hopes to have this in place before the next reporting period deadline of 15 May 2025.
139. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the process for granting a mining license; to detail the number and location of mining licenses currently active; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5509/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMining activity requires three separate consents obtained from three different agencies:
• Planning permission from the relevant Local Authority;
• An Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) or an Industrial Emissions (IE) Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These licences contain strict conditions on how a mine must operate to protect the environment from pollution; and
• A mining lease or licence issued by me as the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
A State Mining Facility would only be issued after planning and IPC/IE permissions have been granted. Applicants for State Mining Facilities are required to demonstrate that they have the necessary financial and technical capability to work the minerals effectively and provide for orderly rehabilitation of the mine area when mining has ceased. They are also required to show that an adequate reserve of minerals has been defined, such as can be reasonably expected to support a viable mining operation, and that they have made arrangements to obtain any necessary ancillary rights, such as access and surface rights.
The Geoscience Regulation Office (GSRO) sets out details of State Mining Leases, State Mining Licenses and Prospecting Licenses in its Six Monthly Reports to the Oireachtas on Mineral Exploration and Mining in Ireland (www.gov.ie/en/collection/d460d-six-monthly-reports-to-the-oireachtas-on-mineral-exploration-and-mining-in-ireland/).
140. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the reasoning for the granting approval of a prospecting license in west Cork (details supplied); if he has been made aware of the concerns of local people in regard to possible future mining activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with the Minerals Development Acts 1940-1999, the Minister is required to give public notice of his intention to grant a Prospecting Licence. In this case, the Minister’s notice was published in the Southern Star on 30 January 2025 and also on gov.ie. The public has until 2 March 2025 to make submissions in relation to the Minister’s Intention to grant the licences. All valid submissions received prior to this date will be assessed by my Department before a final decision is made on whether or not to grant the licences.
It is important to emphasise that Prospecting Licences are not mining licences. Prospecting Licences only permit the company to undertake exploration activities such as geological mapping, geochemical sampling and ground geophysical surveys. These activities are temporary and involve minimal disturbance. No mining is permitted to take place under a Prospecting Licence. Any mining would require additional consents from a number of different agencies, including planning permission from the local authority and an Integrated Pollution Control or Industrial Emissions Licence from the Environmental Protection Agency.
141. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total amount the State has invested in Eirgrid, by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5637/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid is a commercial State body under the aegis of my Department and was established under Regulation 50 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2000. EirGrid is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department.
EirGrid is not funded by the Exchequer. It is funded through revenue primarily derived from regulated tariffs such as the Transmission Use of System (TuoS) tariff, a charge payable by all users of the transmission system.
EirGrid publish all its financial information in its Annual Reports which can be viewed on its website.
The following State ‘investments’ with respect to EirGrid since its establishment are as follows:
|
Year |
'Investment' Type |
Note |
|
2022 |
Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG) Grant (€151m) |
On 7 July 2022, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (“CRU”) gave a direction to EirGrid plc under regulation 28(10) of the European Communities to deliver additional temporary emergency electricity generation capacity for the period of winter 2023-2024 to winter 2025-2026 and if needed to the end of winter 2026-27. In order to enable EirGrid plc to comply with the Direction, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications provided a grant of €151m. |
|
2006 |
Transfer Scheme (€67m) |
Under the terms of the Transfer Scheme between EirGrid and ESB, EirGrid received a capitalisation payment of €67m (cash and assets) from ESB. |
|
2005 |
Share Capital (€38k) |
Initial share capital from the State. |
142. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his considerations in relation to the greater undergrounding of electricity infrastructure in rural Ireland, in response to the largescale service interruptions which arose due to Storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5638/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra143. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his proposals to increase the capacity of local electricity infrastructure, to sustain the impact of adverse weather events without mass power outages, such as those experienced in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5640/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. Both entities are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
The Government does not have any role in the delivery of electricity infrastructure on the ground. This is consistent with the 2012 Government Policy Statement on the Strategic Importance of Transmission and Other Energy Infrastructure which states: ‘The Government does not seek to direct EirGrid and ESB Networks or other energy infrastructure developers to particular sites or routes or technologies’.
Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission system operators and for which they are accountable to the CRU. It is for system operators to determine the means of delivery of infrastructure.
Notwithstanding that Government does not direct System Operators to particular types of technologies, I met with representatives from the CRU and ESB Networks on 31 January to discuss the Storm Éowyn response and the impact on customers.
I requested a number of actions be taken, once the initial storm response has been completed. These measures include an enhanced Winter 2025 Grid Resilience Plan. This will be developed and will be implemented by ESB Networks between March and October to enhance the resilience of the grid in the most vulnerable locations for the upcoming winter.
I also requested a full review by ESB Networks and CRU, as part of the PR6 (Sixth Annual Price Review) decision-making process, of the planned grid enhancement having regard to the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, with specific additional projects and investments identified to future proof Ireland’s energy grid and to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
144. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department or bodies under the aegis of his Department received funding support for projects of any kind from the United States of America International Development for the period 2016 to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5647/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not received any funding support for projects from the United States of America International Development for the period in question.
In relation to the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department, this is an operational matter for each individual agency. I am asking the Agencies concerned to respond directly to the Deputy.
145. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the second phase of the land-use review will be completed; when the report will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5696/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first phase of the Land-use Review was led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and focused on evidence gathering. The Synthesis Report of Phase 1 and the associated technical outputs were published in March 2023.
The Programme for Government 2025, 'Securing Ireland’s Future', has committed to completing the second phase of the Land Use Review with the aim of balancing environmental, social and economic considerations.
An oversight group, with support from technical and engagement working groups, is overseeing delivery of Phase 2.
146. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the second auction for offshore wind; when this auction will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5763/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe ORESS Tonn Nua offshore wind auction will be Ireland’s second offshore wind auction and the first to take place under the Phase Two plan led approach. Tonn Nua will auction a 900 MW site in the South Coast DMAP, approved by the Oireachtas in October 2024. The Terms and Conditions for the Tonn Nua Auction were also published on 30 October 2024.
An updated www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/315803/c04d05bd-f127-4fb6-a9a1-d03215164d1c.pdf#page=null was published on 18 December 2024. The Roadmap sets out indicative dates for various steps on the critical path to the auction. The pre-qualification phase is due to open in May 2025, with the auction bidding window taking place in June. This indicative schedule will be kept under review in consultation with the offshore wind industry.
147. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of the frustrations of rural broadband customers at the apparent delayed response from National Broadband Ireland to the events of storm Éowyn (details supplied); his plans to deliver a reliable and resilient broadband network in the country, particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5770/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the national response to Storm Éowyn, the Inter-Departmental Recovery Group was established. The Group, chaired by my Department, is coordinating actions to restore telecommunications and broadband to those experiencing outages.
The Minister for Tourism, Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD met with industry representatives (including National Broadband Ireland) on 14 February 2025 to discuss the storm impact on telecommunications infrastructure, the industry’s response, restoration works and their plans to improve the networks resilience to emergency weather events.
To accelerate restoration efforts for their network, National Broadband Ireland (NBI) have implemented several measures and been fully mobilised. Crews are currently working across all counties to restore services as quickly as possible.
My officials have been informed by NBI that the following actions have been taken:
• NBI have opened and maintained communication channels with Retail Service Providers, providing real-time updates on completed or scheduled repair works, including notifications when service is restored to end users. This system enables providers to notify end users of any updates or changes in real time.
• NBI mobilised four additional subcontractors, whose efforts in supporting repair and assurance works have been crucial to reconnecting end users as swiftly as possible.
• NBI liaised with existing subcontractors, to ensure that all allocated resources across the National Broadband Plan (NBP) are prioritising storm recovery.
• NBI coordinated the supply of additional materials and equipment to support field teams.
• NBI have engaged five fibre-splicing crews from the UK, to assist with repairs.
• NBI continue to prioritise restoration based on customer impact, and although the volume of fibre breaks is unprecedented, significant progress has been made to date.
148. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the provision of high-speed fibre broadband for an estate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5824/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. The Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future, published in January 2025, sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
The area of Rosary Gardens, Library Road, Dún Laoghaire is in the BLUE area on the broadband map which is available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/.
The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. My Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30Mbps download and 6Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and my Department has no statutory authority to intervene in that regard.
There may be a choice of operators offering this service in any given area. Further information in this regard is available at www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services.
If a person lives in the BLUE area and after contacting their Retail Service Provider are told they cannot get access to greater than 30Mbps, they should raise a query via the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) webform at https://secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx and the Department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
As per records available, I understand that premises in the area in question can now order full fibre gigabit connection with speeds up to 2Gbps. This information and details of retail broadband providers who deliver broadband to premises in the blue area can be found on the Open eir website at https://open-eir.webflow.io/fibre/broadband-checker.
149. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the gender breakdown of his Department in respect of principal officers, assistant secretaries and secretaries general, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5851/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that the gender breakdown of my Department in respect of Principal Officers, Assistant Secretaries and Secretaries General is as set out in the table below.
|
SEC GEN |
DEP SEC |
A SEC |
PO |
|
|
Male |
0 |
1 |
6 |
46 |
|
Female |
1 |
0 |
2[1] |
26 |
|
Total |
1 |
1 |
8 |
72 |
[1] One Assistant Secretary is currently on secondment to a body under the aegis of my Department.
150. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated cost to the ESB Group, including both Eirgrid and ESB Networks, of recent storms; if it is intended to give Exchequer funding to the ESB Group to offset this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5875/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand the Deputy in his Question to be referring to the costs to the electricity network as a result of recent storms. As the Deputy may be aware EirGrid, which is a State-owned company and wholly independent of the ESB, has since 2006 operated the Irish electricity transmission system. The ESB own both the transmission and distribution systems, which together make up the network. They also operate the distribution system, through ESB Networks.
Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. Both entities are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
Planning, building, safely operating and maintaining the electricity system are functions which are assigned to the respective Distribution and Transmission System Operators and for which they are accountable to the CRU. The CRU is accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation.
I am advised that the ESB have this month set out that it is too early to estimate the cost of network repairs from Storm Éowyn. I understand that they have also set out that repair costs from Storm Éowyn will not impact on electricity prices during 2025 and, in the longer term, the recoupment of costs incurred as a result of storms will be considered.
Given the subject matter of this question the Deputy may wish to engage directly with ESB Networks in the first instance. The CRU, EirGrid and ESB Networks have respective contact email address for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters of concern.
151. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the case of a person (details supplied) who has been approved for the SEAI warmer homes scheme will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5933/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households and reducing the waiting times for the Warmer Homes Scheme is a top priority for my Department and the SEAI. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
7,743 free upgrades were provided to low-income households in 2024. This represents an increase of 31% on 2023. The scheme has been delivering a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to €27,739 in 2024.
Individual applications to the Warmer Homes Scheme are an operational matter for the SEAI and, as Minister, I have no function in relation to applications. Applications are assessed on the basis of when they first apply to the SEAI. Homes with the worst Building Energy Ratings (E, F or G) are then prioritised for works. No other prioritisation takes place under the scheme.
The average total waiting time under the Warmer Homes Scheme, from application to completion of upgrade works, for homes completed in 2024 was 18 months for homes with BER ratings of E, F and G. This is a decrease from an average of 26 months for homes completed in 2022.
Applicants can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email to warmerhomes@seai.ie or by phone to 1800 250 204. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
The Deputy may wish to note that Government also has other schemes and supports in place which may be of assistance where there is an urgent need:
• The Department of Social Protection's Additional Needs Payment is a payment available to people who have essential expenses that they cannot pay from their weekly income. Additional Needs Payments are paid under Supplementary Welfare Allowance which is administered by the Community Welfare Service or the Department of Social Protection. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/4eb45-additional-needs-payment/.
• The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage's Housing Adaptation Grants can assist older people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. Details are available here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/.
152. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware of a wind turbine that fell apart during storm Éowyn (details supplied); if his Department has examined the health and safety impact of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5956/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, on 24 January, Storm Éowyn caused widespread power outages, unprecedented damage, and in parts, left the electricity grid destroyed due to broken poles, lines and wires. The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) was convened on Wednesday 22 January in preparation for the storm. This was attended by all Government Departments and agencies. During the meeting the severity of the storm and its potential impacts were discussed. Met Éireann issued Status Red level weather warnings, during which the public were advised to shelter in place.
Severe weather plans for the electricity system were implemented with both EirGrid and ESB Networks preparing the electricity system for significant damage. Subgroups were subsequently established under the NECG. The Subgroup on Infrastructure, the Generators Subgroup, and the Subgroup on Humanitarian Support ensured that a key focus was placed on restoring power to critical services such as telecoms and water through prioritisation of reconnections.
While Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to our electricity infrastructure, it also had larger impact on other critical infrastructure than any previous storm, with telecoms and water being severely impacted.
153. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for an update on the sectoral adaptation plans for the electricity and gas sector; what measures the Government has taken to ensure that the gas and electricity infrastructure was prepared to deal with power outages and falling trees, as outlined in the plan; if he is satisfied that sufficient measures were taken to prepare for such extreme weather events like storm Babet and storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that the damaging, dangerous and destructive nature of Storm Éowyn on 24 January was unprecedented. It caused widespread power outages and in parts, left the electricity grid destroyed due to broken poles, lines and wires.
At the peak, 768,000 customers were without electricity supply. This is double the amount of electricity outages experienced during any previous storm (768,000 vs 395,000). It also had a far larger impact on other critical infrastructure than any previous storm, with telecoms and water being severely impacted.
The current Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Electricity and Gas Networks Sector was approved by Government on 22 October 2019. Since that time my Department, EirGrid, ESB Networks, Gas Networks Ireland and the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) have been working to adapt out Electricity and Gas networks for the effects of climate change in line with this Sectoral Adaptation Plan. The Climate Change Advisory Council has been tracking this work and reporting on it in its Annual Reports and Climate Change Adaptation “Scorecards”.
Ireland’s second National Adaptation Framework was published on 5 June 2024. Amongst other measures this Framework calls on my Department to lead the preparation of a revised Sectoral Adaptation Plan for Electricity and Gas Networks. This revision of the Sectoral Adaptation Plan will incorporate all of the lessons from Storm Éowyn.
154. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department has noticed an increase in failure of private operators of clothing recycling banks to empty these banks in local authorities across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6006/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTextile banks located around the country are provided and managed by local authorities, the charity sector and a number of private operators.
In relation to local authority textile banks, I understand that local authorities have contracts or arrangements in place with commercial operators managing the banks and there can be servicing issues, due to high volumes of material being deposited and/or the frequency of collections to meet those demands. This can lead to periods where banks are full and cannot accept further material.
Local authorities and charities are reporting that the used textile collection system is currently under particular strain due to adverse international trading conditions caused by wars and currency crises. My Department and the local authority sector are monitoring the situation closely to help maintain business continuity. My Department is committed to resolving these challenges which are local and global in nature. Ireland uses the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model for dealing with a number of waste streams and has developed six Producer Responsibility Initiatives (PRIs), based on the ‘producer pays’ principle. This is where producers have responsibility to finance the collection and environmentally sound waste management of their products at end of life. An EPR scheme for textiles under EU legislation is expected to become mandatory by 2027 and this will fund textile collection and management more reliably. My Department has already started the foundational work for an Irish EPR scheme.
