Cathy Bennett
Ceist:81. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on his engagements with Eirgrid. [6705/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraElectricity Grid
Ceisteanna (81)
Freagraí scríofa
EirGrid 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 and Minister.
As a matter of course I, as Minister, will regularly meet with the Chair and CEO or equivalent of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department. I had my first meeting with the Chair and the acting CEO this week to discuss specific infrastructure issues.
It is important to note that 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”. However EirGrid will inform my officials and me of the progress of certain key projects. The design of projects, for example the choice of whether to construct a line above ground or under ground is a technical matter for EirGrid.
There is frequent and ongoing engagement with the Chair, management and staff in the bodies under my aegis at official level on all matters of mutual interest. This includes regular scheduled taskforces, working group and quarterly governance meetings, in addition to ad hoc engagement on issues arising.
For example, under the accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, a working group has been established, of which EirGrid is a member, which is tasked with accelerating delivery of the onshore electricity grid. This working group will identify issues which are slowing delivery of the grid and will leverage cross-government action to alleviate these.
As part of regular corporate governance processes my officials meet on a quarterly basis with the bodies under the aegis of the Department. These meetings with EirGrid are attended by my officials, officials from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery, and Reform along with colleagues from NewERA.
Questions Nos. 82 to 87, inclusive, answered orally.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (88)
John Connolly
Ceist:88. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the restoration of all mobile phone and broadband services to locations affected by service outages following storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6811/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly it should be noted that providing telecommunication services and the repair of telecommunication networks 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.
As the Deputy will be aware Storm Éowyn was the worst storm in history in respect of impact on telecommunications services in Ireland.
I’m happy to advise the deputy that all mobile networks were returned to business as usual on 11 February. Repair and restoration work has returned normal services to most fixed users and the majority of fixed networks. As of 19 February, 0.11% of fixed service users remain without service in areas where the storm caused significant damage.
I wish to recognise the hard work undertaken in challenging circumstances and conditions by staff in the telecommunications industry repairing infrastructure and fibre lines.
That notwithstanding, I recognise the hardship experienced by those in the north and west of the country who continue to be affected by outages.
Operators of fixed line services have indicated that full restoration of services to all customers may continue through this week and into the next. They have mobilised all available resources to further the restoration of these services. Their work has been hampered by the complexity of the repairs required to restored damaged infrastructure. Telecommunications operators continue to engage with ComReg and report outages across their networks.
My colleague, Minister O’Donovan met last week with CEOs and senior management of Telecommunications operators to discuss the impact of the storm, the Government and operator response, and proposals from operators to improve the resilience of their networks.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (89)
Ruth Coppinger
Ceist:89. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to consider a moratorium on engaging in contracts with a company (details supplied), in light of their anti-union activities in Sheffield; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6618/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As Minister for the Environment, Climate & Communications, I have no function in relation to public procurement policy, which is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Public procurement is governed by both EU and national regulations.
Similarly, I have no function in relation to industrial relations matters in another jurisdiction. This is a matter for the relevant authorities in that country.
When procuring goods and services my department complies with Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods and Services and relevant EU and national legal requirements and obligations.
The aim of these European and national rules is to promote an open, competitive, and non-discriminatory public procurement regime which delivers best value for money.
Public procurement rules include provisions that require a tenderer to meet certain standards when applying for public contracts and applicants are required to make declarations in relation to their financial standing, their legal standing and in relation to payment of taxes and social contributions. Procurement Regulations require tenderers to comply with applicable obligations in the fields of environmental, social, and labour law. These obligations apply at the place where the works are carried out or where services are provided. They are established by EU and national law, collective agreements or by international, environmental, social, and labour law.
These requirements are set out in standard template documents used in tendering for goods and services which have been developed by the Office of Government Procurement in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor’s
Office. My department checks compliance with the tendering documentation, including all tenderer’s Declarations and Statements.
Following contract award, contractors are required to ensure ongoing compliance with employment law. Where the contractor fails to comply with their obligations under the contract or employment law, and/or fails to remedy the situation the contract can be terminated.
It is important to note that employment law and its enforcement, in both public and private contracts, is a matter for the relevant State authorities, including the Workplace Relations Commission and the Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and Social Protection.
Bord na Móna
Ceisteanna (90)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:90. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will immediately engage with the board and senior management of Bord na Móna to halt its sale to a private company. [6510/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bord 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.
Solar Energy Guidelines
Ceisteanna (91)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:91. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications with reference to solar panel farms, that they would be required to locate on un-used marginal land or upland, rather than prime agricultural land that is required for farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6802/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government reaffirms Ireland’s ambitious targets of 8GW of solar energy by 2030 in order to support our target of 80% of electricity demand supplied by renewables.
Ireland now has circa 1.4GW of solar energy generation with significant further development needed to support Ireland’s economic growth and meet our growing energy demands.
As part of the Programme for Government, we have committed to introducing planning guidelines for solar farms which support and provide certainty in the development of solar energy in agriculture. Planning matters fall within the remit of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Under the aegis of the Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce, officials from my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are developing a supporting policy framework for Ireland’s electricity supply which will deliver a regional balance and distribution of renewable technologies, including solar.
The second phase of the Land Use Review, which is currently underway, will seek to identify the key demands on land (both public and private) to inform policies for land use across key government objectives, improving socioeconomic, climate, biodiversity, water, and air quality outcomes.
Solar energy has a strong role to play in providing income diversification for farmers with opportunities for farmers to generate their own indigenous renewable energy from micro and small scale renewable projects as well as receive income from larger scale developments. Development of grid scale solar can include co-location with agricultural activities leading to a net reduction in emissions and supporting land-use diversification options for farmers.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (92)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:92. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in County Kerry currently on the waiting list for the warmer homes scheme, and the approximate wait time. [6710/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people in energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. This resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households, a 31% increase on 2023. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a 10-fold increase on the 2020 expenditure figure.
The scheme has been delivering a greater number 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 over €27,700 in 2024. While these deeper retrofits take longer to complete, significant reductions in the average waiting time have still been achieved. The average wait time reduced from 26 months in 2022 to 18 months for homes with BER ratings of E, F and G in 2024.
Last year, 209 homes in County Kerry were upgraded under the Scheme. The SEAI data shows that there are 540 home awaiting upgrades under the scheme in County Kerry.
Applicants can contact the SEAI at any time to get further information on the status of their application either by email or by telephone – details are on the SEAI website. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (93)
Paul Lawless
Ceist:93. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of home retrofits carried out in Mayo in each of the past five years (details supplied); and if he will reverse this policy considering how exposed it leaves people who rely solely on electricity. [6364/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Climate Action Plan and National Retrofit Plan set ambitious targets to retrofit the equivalent of 500,000 homes to a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B2/cost optimal and the installation of 400,000 heat pumps in existing homes to replace older, less efficient heating systems by end-2030.Data from SEAI shows that in the period 2020-2024, almost 162,000 property upgrades have been supported through the SEAI residential and community energy upgrade schemes, including the Solar PV scheme, across all counties.
Of these, almost 5,300 upgrades were carried out in County Mayo as follows: • 2024: 1,914• 2023: 1,654• 2022: 964• 2021: 383• 2020: 369
The upgrades made these Mayo homes warmer, healthier and more comfortable, with lower energy bills and lower emissions.
This year's record allocation of almost €550 million to the SEAI for their home energy upgrade schemes will support over 64,500 home energy upgrades, including Solar PV. The overall allocation will mean that the progress made last year under the National Retrofit Plan will be further built on in 2025.
My Department is also investigating the possibility of utilising microgeneration and battery storage solutions (including EV batteries) as an opportunity to provide homes and businesses with greater independence and resilience from the national grid for times of interrupted power. Solar PV systems and battery storage solutions (including EV batteries with vehicle to home/grid capabilities) can be designed to act in response to dynamic conditions, such as fluctuating prices or grid congestion scenarios. Such systems can also be configured to operate at times when a grid connection is temporarily unavailable, through the use of additional changeover switches and appropriate electrical wiring. Work is underway to assess the feasibility of supporting such smart energy solutions which will allow us to both protect customers and achieve our climate targets.
Issues related to new build homes is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Bord na Móna
Ceisteanna (94)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:94. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his plans to enhance the role and capacity of Bord na Móna to play a leading role in the provision of renewable energy and recycling and re-use of waste. [6511/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bord 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.
The strategic direction of Bord na Móna is primarily, therefore, a matter for its Board. Bord na Móna has recently submitted its strategic plan to my Department as required by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016 and it is currently under consideration.
Housing Schemes
Ceisteanna (95)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:95. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to recent changes to the housing aid for older people scheme by the Department of Housing, whereby installation of fossil fuel boilers is no longer covered; and if he will examine a policy solution for the people affected. [6745/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have no function in relation to the matter raised in the Question. Responsibility for the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage
Waste Management
Ceisteanna (96)
James Geoghegan
Ceist:96. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline his Department’s strategy to reduce vape-related waste and pollution issues in Dublin; if he will provide metrics to measure the success of this strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6808/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To protect the environment and ensure the recycling of the valuable materials that they contain, it is important to dispose of vapes correctly. Proper takeback and disposal is also part of the transition to a circular economy.
Ireland uses Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR measures for dealing waste streams such as batteries and waste electrical and electronic equipment. EPR requires producers to fund the collection and appropriate management of vaping devices when they become waste.
Vaping devices can be disposed of for recycling through both waste battery and waste electrical and electronic collection systems, and present several challenges when littered or put in household bins.
Under the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, local authorities are empowered to take management and enforcement measures to combat litter. Each local authority may determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local priorities. I note that the Annual National Litter Pollution Monitoring System Report to local authorities found that vape-related litter made up about 1% of littered items in Dublin Local Authority areas in 2023.
To support local authorities' litter activities, my department provides financial support under the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. €750,000 was provided under this Scheme in 2024. Funding was also provided to support the National Spring Clean, Picker Pals, the PURE Project in Wicklow and Irish Business against Litter (IBAL).
Ultimately, a ban on single-use vapes provides the best remedy for the littering of these materials. I understand that proposals by the Minister for Health to further regulate nicotine-inhaling products, including a complete ban on single-use vapes, are now with the Office of the Attorney General for drafting. I look forward to supporting the Minister in any way possible with this work.
Recycling Policy
Ceisteanna (97)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:97. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the regulatory system for the recycling of used clothes, the role that clothes ‘bring-banks’ play in that system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6794/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Bring banks play a very significant role in Ireland’s textiles separate collection system. Textile banks located around the country are provided and managed by local authorities, the charity sector and a number of private operators. Textile collectors provide a management service for these used textiles to local authorities and charities and hold waste collection permits from the National Waste Collection Permit Office. While some of these textiles are reused in Ireland, the greatest volume is exported for resale in other countries.
Our consumption rate in Ireland of new textiles and a small domestic market for reused textiles means most clothes collected in textile banks are exported for reuse. It is also a fact that by far the largest portion of our used textiles is deposited straight into the general waste bin and ends up being incinerated or landfilled.
In recent months, local authorities and charities have been reporting that the used textile collection system is currently under acute 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.
Under the waste hierarchy, the reuse of materials is preferred over recycling as it protects virgin resources more efficiently and uses less energy. While the industrial recycling of textile materials is a growing area of research and investment, it is estimated that internationally only 1% of textiles are recycled currently.
My Department's Industry Textile Advisory Group, established in 2022, has highlighted issues regarding better regulation of textile banks and made a number of recommendations last year in this regard. These recommendations will shape our first National Policy Statement & Roadmap on Circular Textiles to guide my Department in developing a regulatory framework for post-consumer textiles. A draft statement will open for public consultation in the coming weeks.
An extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme for textiles under EU legislation is expected to become mandatory by 2027 and this will fund improved textile collection and management more reliably. My Department has already started the foundational work for an Irish EPR scheme.
Energy Conservation
Ceisteanna (98, 106, 113, 114)
Michael Cahill
Ceist:98. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in County Kerry that were retrofitted under the warmer homes scheme over the lifetime of the last Government. [6709/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Erin McGreehan
Ceist:106. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in Louth currently with a pending application to the warmer homes scheme; the number that have been accepted to the scheme and are currently on the waiting list for works to commence, and the approximate waiting time. [6799/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPaul McAuliffe
Ceist:113. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of applicants approved for the better energy warmer homes scheme and awaiting completion of the upgrade works, broken down by county. [6744/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Ceist:114. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes in the constituency of Carlow and Kilkenny that were retrofitted under the warmer homes scheme over the lifetime of the last Government. [6680/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 106, 113 and 114 together.
The Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people in energy poverty by providing fully-funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through the carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
Last year saw a record spend of almost €230 million under the scheme. This resulted in 7,743 upgrades being provided to low-income households, a 31% increase on 2023. This year’s budget includes an allocation of €280 million for the Warmer Homes Scheme. This represents a 10-fold increase on the 2020 expenditure figure.
The scheme has been delivering a greater number of more complex upgrades in recent years. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which has increased from €2,600 in 2015 to over €27,700 in 2024. While these deeper retrofits take longer to complete, significant reductions in the average waiting time have still been achieved. The average wait time reduced from 26 months in 2022 to 18 months for homes with BER ratings of E, F and G in 2024.
The table below sets out the data requested on the number of homes currently on the Warmer Homes Scheme work programme by county and the number of homes completed per county over the period 2020-2024. The homes on the work programme includes homes that:
• Are awaiting the initial survey of their homes;
• Have completed an initial home survey and are awaiting allocation to a contractor;
• Have been allocated to a contractor for works; or
• Are currently undergoing works.
|
County |
Homes completed2020-2024 |
Homes on work programme as of end 2024 |
|
Co. Carlow |
278 |
242 |
|
Co. Cavan |
304 |
236 |
|
Co. Clare |
358 |
351 |
|
Co. Cork |
1,945 |
2,327 |
|
Co. Donegal |
815 |
683 |
|
Co. Dublin |
7,485 |
6,969 |
|
Co. Galway |
883 |
803 |
|
Co. Kerry |
609 |
540 |
|
Co. Kildare |
812 |
956 |
|
Co. Kilkenny |
289 |
290 |
|
Co. Laois |
283 |
277 |
|
Co. Leitrim |
211 |
114 |
|
Co. Limerick |
599 |
572 |
|
Co. Longford |
185 |
133 |
|
Co. Louth |
399 |
337 |
|
Co. Mayo |
844 |
831 |
|
Co. Meath |
922 |
833 |
|
Co. Monaghan |
271 |
186 |
|
Co. Offaly |
409 |
483 |
|
Co. Roscommon |
369 |
320 |
|
Co. Sligo |
352 |
311 |
|
Co. Tipperary |
636 |
620 |
|
Co. Waterford |
612 |
415 |
|
Co. Westmeath |
490 |
404 |
|
Co. Wexford |
814 |
737 |
|
Co. Wicklow |
776 |
807 |
|
Total |
21,950 |
20,777 |
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 telephone to 01 808 2005. Oireachtas members can make queries on behalf of applicants by contacting the dedicated email address oireachtas@seai.ie.
Energy Policy
Ceisteanna (99)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:99. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that will be implemented to reduce risks to an essential and sustainable energy supply for this State in view of the reference in the National Risk Assessment 2024 relating to investment requirements concerning energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6803/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy notes correctly that the National Risk Assessment (NRA) 2024 highlighted the importance of our strategic critical infrastructure, especially with regard to energy security. Risks can emerge through different developments such as weather events, including those influenced by climate change, and geopolitical tensions which bring the risk of deliberate disruption to both energy and telecommunications. Aside from these risks, we must seek to enhance our critical infrastructure for a growing population.
I will cite three examples of where my Department are actively managing to reduce the risks that have been identified.
Firstly, my Department is examining the introduction of a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.
Secondly, the electricity grid is been significantly upgraded and adapted by ESBN. In addition, I have 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 in light of 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. The large-scale investment sought as part of PR6 will assist Ireland in maintaining a reliable and resilient electricity network to meet the needs of customers and society.
Thirdly, to enhance electricity security of supply, Temporary Emergency Generation (TEG) capacity was secured to mitigate any potential risks of a shortfall in electricity supply. The first three of these TEG units, North Wall, Huntstown, and Shannonbridge are now online, Tarbert is expected to become available in Q1 2025. These have successfully addressed supply concerns that had been highlighted previously.
Environmental Policy
Ceisteanna (100)
Roderic O'Gorman
Ceist:100. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which his Department is supporting the roll out of water fountains across the country to lessen plastic bottle waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6796/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A public drinking water fountain scheme to improve our public drinking water infrastructure and reduce the use of single-use plastic bottles will be rolled out by my Department in phases.
The initial phase of the scheme is focusing on the installation of drinking fountains within public buildings, with future phases to include installations in public outdoor spaces such as parks, greenways and beaches.
My Department is currently working with the Office of Government Procurement to promote the installation of indoor water stations through use of its centralised Water Cooler Framework. The Department continues to work with relevant partners, including Uisce Éireann, Local Authorities and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, in relation to the extension of the scheme to outdoor spaces.
This scheme complements a number of other recent measures which have been undertaken to address the use of single use plastic bottles:
• The launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for single-use beverage containers. As well as maximising the number of plastic bottles and cans which will be recycled, DRS will significantly reduce the number of single use bottles being littered or going to landfill and incineration.
• The Local Authority Prevention Network (LAPN) has developed a guide for local government and communities which supports access to free water refill points. LAPN has also provided funding to Local Authorities for the installation of public drinking water fonts.
• The Tap Map, supported by the local government sector, which is a free to use app, which maps water refill locations across the country.
• Uisce Éireann and the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, undertook a number of pilot projects for the installation of drinking water refill stations in local communities and group water schemes.