Written Answers Nos. 101-120
101. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications for the up-to-date position on provision of deposit return scheme machines at all civic amenity sites nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6759/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) operates on a return-to-retail model, where consumers bring empty containers back to a retailer to recoup their deposit. There are currently over 3,000 retail return points, about 90% of which are Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), providing a high level of coverage across the country. In its first year, almost one billion containers were returned through retail collection points.
The DRS scheme also allows for non-retail operators, such as civic amenity sites, to provide take-back facilities to complement the collection infrastructure provided by retailers. The priority for Re-turn, the DRS operator, is to maximise the availability of RVMs to ensure every consumer has easy access to a return point. An RVM Coverage Roadmap is now being developed by Re-turn to identify potential locations where no RVM return point currently exists. Civic amenity site locations will be considered as part of this Roadmap.
102. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he is taking to ensure that the roll out of data centres is consistent with the Climate act 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6769/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Act 2021 has set Ireland on a legally binding path to achieving ambitious climate goals. As outlined in the Programme for Government, this Government is committed to taking decisive action to radically reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and to achieve a 51% reduction in emissions from 2018 to 2030, and to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050.
In the Programme for Government we also set out our commitment to achieving 80% of Ireland’s electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 and to scale up investment in grid our electricity grid and supporting infrastructure.
Specifically in relation to Data Centres, and in recognition of the criticality of digital infrastructure in economic growth and the delivery of public services, the Government is committed to allow data centres that contribute to economic growth and efficient grid usage, such as prioritising waste heat capture for district heating systems and other local uses.
103. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that his Department will be taking to advance district heating schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6793/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra118. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the plans for the development of communal and district heating schemes; if consideration is being given to funding streams such as the RHSS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6005/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 118 together.
District heating is a proven technology that can decarbonise the built environment, diversify fuel sources for heat, and improve quality of life. The 2022 National Heat Study identified the potential of district heating to supply up to 54% of heat nationally and, crucially, identifies the prospect of using this technology in large towns and cities across Ireland where demand is concentrated, and heat sources are prevalent.
The District Heating Steering Group Report was approved by Government and subsequently published in 2023. The report contains a suite of recommendations to support 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 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 consumer protections, including for communal heating network customers. The Programme for Government commits to enacting legislation in 2025 to accelerate the roll out of district heating systems.
The Government has financially supported the development of district heat networks in Ireland through the Climate Action Fund (CAF). There is a large-scale scheme operational in Ireland, which was developed by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in Tallaght and supported through funding from the CAF. SDCC are currently expanding their current heat load and phase 2 of this scheme is now being appraised.
In addition, the Dublin City Council District Heating Project will use waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy facility in Poolbeg to heat public sector, commercial and residential buildings, initially in the adjacent area with plans to expand into Dublin City. This project has an indicative allocation of €50 million through the CAF, pending the approval of business case.
Engagement with the sector on developing the District Heating Steering Group Report indicated a pipeline of potential district heating projects, including potential projects outside of Dublin. The majority of these projects are in the early stages of development. Project funding has been identified as a key barrier for project development in Ireland. My Department, with the SEAI District Heating Centre of Excellence, are currently preparing a business case seeking to secure future State funding for the period 2026 to 2030 to support efficient district heating projects.
As recommended in the District Heating Steering Group report, work is currently underway to widen the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH) to support large scale, efficient district heating projects. An enhanced SSRH is seen as a suitable funding mechanism to deliver such supports. However, while communal heating systems using heat pumps or biomass/anaerobic digestion technologies are already eligible for supports under the SSRH in its current form, it is necessary that vital components of larger district heating projects, such as pipework and energy centres, are also identified as allowable expenditure under the scheme’s terms and conditions. Additionally, given the complexity of large-scale district heating projects and the increased level of capital investment supports necessary for their development, appropriate project evaluation and reporting will be required. Both my Department and the SEAI will continue work on adapting the scheme to ensure it is ready to provide supports once funding has been secured.
104. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Designated Maritime Area Plans; when they will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6771/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraDesignated Maritime Area Plans (DMAPs) are a critical part of the Government’s strategic plan for our maritime area, which is reflected by the commitment stated in the 2025 Programme for Government to prioritise the publication of further DMAPs, while ensuring that the relevant State bodies and agencies are sufficiently resourced to accelerate these developments.
The use of strategically planned DMAPs will ensure that developments in Ireland’s maritime area take place in a managed and sustainable way. The Government will ensure that planned DMAPs will also provide comprehensive opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement, most importantly for coastal communities and marine stakeholders.
The process of preparing a DMAP is an intensive undertaking, requiring resources and specialist expertise across a range of technical, legal and environmental fields. To ensure these resources are deployed efficiently, effectively and deliver the maximum benefit to the marine planning system, my Department has developed a Framework for DMAPs which will provide the necessary certainty for all sectors.
The transformational process of changing to a plan-led system for our maritime area has already commenced with the National Marine Planning Framework published 2021, and, more recently, the South Coast DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) being approved by both Houses of the Oireachtas in October 2024. The South Coast DMAP identifies four Maritime Areas for future offshore wind deployments off Waterford and Wexford, and implementation of the DMAP will facilitate the start of Ireland’s second offshore wind auction, known as ORESS Tonn Nua, which will commence Q2 2025.
Taking the lead from the successful approach utilised in developing the South Coast DMAP, future DMAPs will continue to be established according to an evidence-based methodology using best available marine data, and incorporate robust provisions for environmental protection, including the protection of biodiversity, noting that there is no greater threat to biodiversity than the escalating global climate emergency.
Developing a further DMAP for ORE is a key priority, as is the alignment of the DMAP and marine protected area designation processes. My Department is currently preparing proposals for my consideration which will then allow a detailed proposal for the next DMAP for Offshore Renewable Energy to be prepared. This will be accompanied by a comprehensive Public Participation Statement which will set out the plans for focussed stakeholder engagement and public consultation opportunities.
105. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the engagements he has had with the CEO of ESB since he took office; and if so, how often and how recently they met. [6363/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraESB is a commercial State body under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, established under the Electricity Supply Act 1927. ESB is a corporate body and a separate legal entity to the Department.
As well as a number of online briefings on the immediate aftermath and response by ESB Networks to Storm Eowyn, which we both attended, I met with the CEO of ESB, Paddy Hayes, on 31 January 2025 to discuss a future work programme for the ESB to improve the resilience of the electricity grid. To note, I am also scheduled to meet the CEO of ESB today, Thursday the 20th February.
107. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will intervene to stop the sale of Bord Na Móna Recycling to a private company; if he is concerned at the negative impacts this would have on waste management from an environmental perspective and on terms and conditions for workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6792/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraBord na Móna is a commercial State body under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, established under the Turf Development Act 1998. Bord na Móna is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department.
Any proposal to sell part of Bord na Móna’s business is subject to regulatory approval, including Ministerial consent and will be considered on receipt of a formal request from Bord na Móna.
108. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the installation and usage of CCTV for litter and waste enforcement purposes in the local authority sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6805/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation allowing for the installation and usage of CCTV for litter and waste enforcement purposes required that the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) submit to the Minister for approval, separate Codes of Practice for the operation of CCTV schemes under the Litter Pollution Act and the Waste Management Act and a further Code of Practice for the use of "mobile recording devices" (e.g. drones) under the Waste Management Act.
The LGMA developed these Codes of Practice in consultation with the Data Protection Commission and other stakeholders. The Codes were approved in January 2024 and the relevant sections of the Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act were commenced on 15 February 2024.It has been open to all local authorities since that date to begin the process of putting the required procedures in place to allow for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant use of CCTV and other mobile recording devices to combat litter and illegal dumping. No further legislative changes are required. It is a matter for the Chief Executive of each local authority to decide on where they wish to utilise CCTV and to put in place the necessary measures as required under the relevant Code of Practice to support such usage.The approved Codes of Practice are available on the gov.ie website at gov.ie - Waste Enforcement
109. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work undertaken by his Department to ensure adequate resourcing of lead Departments for climate adaptation-related activities; his views on the report of the Climate Advisory Council’s Annual Review ‘Preparing for Ireland’s Changing Climate’ 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the Climate Change Advisory Council 2024 report. The impacts of recent storms, including Storm Éowyn, have illustrated the importance of the need for greater prioritisation of climate adaptation, in particular the need to improve the climate resilience of our infrastructure.
Significant resources are available through the National Development Plan which outlines the allocations for capital investment for the period to 2030. Individual Government Departments decide on the most appropriate prioritisation and application of the funding allocated to them, including the allocation of resources for climate change adaptation.
Expenditure ceilings for climate adaptation, as for all spending priorities, are decided as part of the annual estimates process. A total of €3.9bn of expenditure allocated in 2025 is assessed as favourable to climate change adaptation including funding for flood risk management, infrastructure retrofitting, international climate finance, funding for the provision of climate services, adaptive and sustainable farming practices, and research programmes across a number of Departments and State bodies.
In June 2024, the Government approved and published a new National Adaptation Framework (NAF). The NAF requires 13 key sectors that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change across 7 lead Government Departments to develop Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) under sectoral guidelines published by my Department. The development of these SAPs is ongoing, including for those the electricity and gas networks and transport infrastructure sectors directly under my remit. Officials from my Department are on the SAP planning teams and are collaborating with the Sectors, the EPA and the CCAC to progress this work. All SAPs must be completed to seek Government approval by 30 September 2025.
Completed SAPs should clearly set out the adaptation priorities for key sectors including an assessment of resources required to implement SAP actions.
110. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if, further to the fallout of Storm Éowyn, he will advance policies to ensure that new powerlines are undergrounded when feasible. [5751/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network. Both of whom 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.
Given the subject matter of this Question the Deputy may wish to engage directly with ESB Networks and EirGrid 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.
111. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the decarbonisation zone in Galway city; the status of the implementation plan; the resources in place to achieve the required 7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6437/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal government has a key role to play in developing and implementing mitigation and adaptation measures to meet Ireland’s national climate targets. Local authorities have been given a clear mandate to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions through the statutory requirement to prepare Local Authority Climate Action Plans (LA CAPs) as per the 2021 Climate (Amendment) Act.
All 31 local authorities adopted their Local Authority Climate Action Plans by Q1 2024, each having been approved by the respective elected members in each local authority area. Galway City Council adopted its Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LA CAP) on the 12th of February 2024.
As part of their LA CAP, each local authority was required to select a Decarbonising Zone. Galway City Council selected an area containing parts of Newcastle, Rahoon, Shantalla, and Westside as its Decarbonising Zone.
Implementation of the LA CAP and Decarbonising Zone is the responsibility of each individual local authority.
Statutory guidelines were issued by my Department to assist all local authorities in the preparation of their LA CAPs and included a separate Technical Annex D on Decarbonising Zones.
My Department has funded local authorities to assist with the LA CAPs and Decarbonising Zones. A five year multi-annual SLA was signed by my Department with each local authority to fund Phase 3: Implementation of the local climate action plans, including the Decarbonising Zones. This allows for a maximum allocation of €5.815m per annum and follows on from €7.9m in funding which was provided by my Department in 2022 and 2023 for Phases 1 and 2.
My Department set up a Decarbonising Zone Advisory Group as a joint initiative with the SEAI to support local authorities at national level with their Decarbonising Zones. The Advisory Group will provide opportunities for shared learnings and help with accelerating actions and innovations.
112. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the proposed investment in the electricity grid; if there are specific proposals to update the grid particularly in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6804/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIssues 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 the above, I met with representatives from the CRU and ESB Networks on the 31 January to discuss the Storm Éowyn response and the impact on customers. I have requested that a number of actions be taken including 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 have 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.
115. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is concerned about potential transboundary environmental impacts from gold mining in the Sperrins; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6791/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (Directive 2011/92/EU), as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU), and the UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (the Espoo Convention) both set out the obligations of Member States/Parties to assess the environmental impact of certain activities or proposed development at an early stage of planning. They also lay down the general obligation of States to notify and consult other States on all major projects under consideration that are likely to have a significant adverse transboundary environmental impact.
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH) is responsible for ensuring that the planning system in Ireland is compliant with the State’s EU and International planning obligations, which includes the EIA Directive and Espoo Convention processes in the Irish planning system. Ensuring that the EIA Directive or Espoo Convention obligations of Promoters or potential development applicants in another jurisdiction are adhered to, is a matter for the appropriate authorities in that jurisdiction, in accordance with their respective domestic legislation transposing such EIA Directive/ Espoo Convention obligations.
In that regard, DHLGH holds responsibility for receiving notifications from another jurisdiction under the Convention, together with consulting with relevant competent authorities to support a determination whether or not Ireland should participate in transboundary consultation.
On 30th of January 2025, I understand DHLGH received a transboundary EIA consultation notification from the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure concerning a proposed goldmine application in the Sperrins mountain range, County Tyrone which may have transboundary environmental impacts.
DHLGH subsequently contacted a number of relevant state authorities to determine if transboundary consultation is necessary, and that Department will consider responses from those bodies in due course.
116. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline his Department’s plans to reduce waste from disposable cups; if he plans any initiatives to support the update of keep-cups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6795/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMillions of single-use cups are sent to landfill or incineration every year in Ireland. This is an entirely avoidable waste and I want to encourage people to prevent it by enjoying their on-the-go drink in a reusable cup. The Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, Ireland’s national waste policy, sets out a range of measures to tackle the waste and litter caused by single use plastics, including single use cups. That Plan proposes to eliminate this waste stream with the introduction of a levy and an eventual ban on all single-use cups, building on the success of initiatives such as the Killarney Coffee Cup project.
My Department has been working with the Revenue Commissioners on designing a new collection model for environmental levies, which will require changes to primary legislation. The relevant Heads of Bill have been approved and drafting is underway. Once this legislation is in place, a commencement date for a levy on single use cups will be agreed to allow the appropriate preparations be made by the sector before the levy goes live. A comprehensive and timely public information campaign will help to ensure a smooth transition to a more sustainable coffee culture here.
Although the levy is not in place yet, many consumers and businesses have already made the switch to reusable cups, thereby saving the purchase cost of throw-away cups and reducing the cost to the public purse of litter clean-ups. The local authority sector is estimated to spend over €100m per annum on litter management. To support other towns and communities establish reusable cup schemes similar to Killarney, my Department is currently developing a ‘how to go reusable’ toolkit, using the Killarney scheme as a case study.
117. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications given Ireland's immense potential for offshore renewable energy and the production of green hydrogen, the specific steps he is taking to accelerate these initiatives and how he plans to position Ireland as a leader in the EU market for green hydrogen, thereby creating much-needed revenue for the State. [6740/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has the natural resources to become a world leader in the production of green energy. With our location on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland’s coast is potentially one of the most energy productive in Europe. Ireland has a sea area approximately seven times the size of our landmass, with wind resources which are amongst the best in the world. Hydrogen represents one of the best ways of capturing these resources. If Ireland can harness the opportunities offered by renewable hydrogen, we can achieve our goals of a zero-carbon, secure energy system and potentially become an exporter to the emerging hydrogen markets establishing across Europe.
The National Hydrogen Strategy, published in July 2023, sets out our strategic vision on the role that renewable hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system and as a key component of our net-zero economy. There are 21 actions set out within the Strategy to enable the development of the hydrogen sector in Ireland, which aim to remove barriers to early hydrogen project developments and to enhance our knowledge through targeted research and innovation across the hydrogen value chain, laying the groundwork to deliver on our long-term strategic vision. These actions have varying timelines for completion spanning from 2024 to 2030.
A key work strand to develop a detailed implementation plan for the multi-year work programme set out in the Strategy and ensure appropriate governance arrangements are in place to support delivery of the actions set out within the Strategy, is due to be finalised shortly. Once completed, further clarity on the status of all actions set out within the Strategy will be communicated.
119. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the expansion of the Offshore Wind Energy Taskforce to include IDA Ireland, as set out in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6775/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce was set up in 2022 to deliver a system-wide plan across Government to accelerate and drive delivery of Ireland’s offshore wind targets and capture the wider and longer term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore renewables. IDA Ireland has been an active participant in the Taskforce since its establishment.
The Programme for Government reiterates IDA Ireland’s role within the Taskforce, in recognition of its important work in attracting and retaining capital investment to drive offshore wind development.
IDA Ireland, along with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will continue to play a prominent role within the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce in 2025 under an updated Offshore Wind Energy Programme. In addition, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment published ‘Powering Prosperity – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy’ in 2024. This strategy aims to build a successful, vibrant and impactful offshore wind energy industry in Ireland, ensuring that the sector creates as much value as possible throughout Ireland and maximises the economic benefits associated with delivering Ireland’s ORE ambitions. To achieve this, it contains a number of actions for delivery across various action owners, including IDA Ireland.
120. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to detail any further initiatives he proposes to increase the support for offshore wind infrastructure in coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6774/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe phased deployment of offshore wind technology will make a critical contribution towards achieving Ireland’s legally binding climate objectives and will further address the twin crises of energy security and affordability through accelerating the green energy transition.
As highlighted from experience in other jurisdictions, establishing an indigenous offshore wind sector will be a harbinger of economic development, inward investment and sustainable employment growth within local coastal communities. To drive and accelerate delivery of this new sector in Ireland and maximise associated opportunities for coastal communities and the wider economy, an all-of-Government Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce was established in 2022.
Further societal opportunity for coastal communities will flow from the mandatory Community Benefit Funds that must be established by all offshore wind projects in Ireland that are supported through the Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS). Critically, these Funds will be independently managed by local communities, for projects identified by them.
Public participation, including comprehensive engagement with coastal communities, fishers and Local Authorities, is a core pillar of the Plan-Led approach to offshore wind development adopted by Government in March 2023. This is highlighted by the recent adoption of Ireland’s first statutory spatial plan for offshore renewable energy, known as the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan, which was established through positive engagement with local communities in Cork, Waterford and Wexford.
Government is further committed to enabling jobs for coastal communities in this emerging sector. This includes developing the Marine Bridging Certification Program that aims to reskill and upskill the fishing and maritime workforce to capture new opportunities in the offshore wind energy sector. The first program began in October 2024, and the potential of future expansion is being pursued.
