Written Answers Nos 69-78
69. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when he expects a conclusion to the energy security review; if he will be bringing forward legislation on a strategic emergency gas reserve to ensure that it is State owned, that it does not increase demand, and that it is used only in situations where technically necessary to bring safe supply to customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37331/24]
View answerGovernment approved and published the ‘Energy Security in Ireland to 2030’ report last November which concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems. With regard to gas, the report determines that as a transitional measure, we will examine 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.
As a final part of the review of Ireland’s energy security, my Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination to introduce a reserve in line with criteria and requirements determined by the Department which included:
• A proposal which can be implemented quickly
• A proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• A cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs
• A proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-2021.
A State-led approach is based on the premise that the Strategic Reserve would only be used in an emergency. Additionally, the State-led approach is consistent with the Climate Act and broader Government climate and energy policy avoiding the risk of fossil fuel lock-in or stranded fossil fuel assets.
This work is continuing as a matter of priority; however, it requires additional analysis before returning to government for a final decision. The work includes further data analysis and direction on the necessary legislative proposals and pathway required.
One of the issues on which further research and information is necessary, relates to the timeline for introducing such a facility and the timelines within which gas demand may fall to reduce the risk. That has to be examined very closely. We know that, in this decade, we are at risk and are exposed. Given the likelihood that delivery of a strategic gas reserve facility may not happen until early in the next decade, analysis is required as to whether the planned dramatic reduction in gas use, particularly in the electricity generation sector, means that an alternative way to meet the energy security risk might be better. For example, further electricity interconnectors with the UK or France or what is fast-evolving storage capability. This further research is something I have called for and that the Department is looking at before going back to the Oireachtas with detailed analysis.
70. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated first year and full-year cost of implementing the electricity storage policy framework. [37339/24]
View answerThe Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications recently, on July 4th, published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland, which expresses the Government’s support for Electricity Storage Systems.
The Policy Framework addresses the role of grid-scale storage on the electricity network in the immediate and near term, outlining the present roles, technical processes, market positions and regulatory structures of electricity storage in Ireland. Further, the policy framework presents 10 Government actions to support the role of electricity storage in Ireland’s energy transition.
Action #6 of the Policy Framework supports the immediate procurement of up to 500MW of storage by the distribution system operator (ESB Networks) through its new Demand Flexibility Product and 500MW of long-duration electricity storage by the transmission system operator (EirGrid) to meet network needs. Further information on the respective system operator products may be available from ESB Networks or EirGrid. Further information on the regulation of storage in Ireland can be supplied by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) who are responsible for, inter alia, electricity grid connection policy and the economic regulation of the electricity system operators ESB Networks, distribution, and EirGrid, transmission.
Action #7-#10 of the Policy Framework aim to identify and incorporate the optimum amount of electricity storage to meet Ireland’s needs up to 2040, by ensuring the continued investment in electricity storage capable of meeting these needs. As these actions are in their infancy, no information on their estimated implementation costs can be provided at this time; however, further updates will be given in due course.
71. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the Government has invested in, or has plans to invest in, district heating systems; and if so, to provide details of the investment. [37340/24]
View answerDistrict 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 supply nationally and, crucially, it identifies the prospect of using this technology in large towns and cities across Ireland where demand is concentrated, and heat sources are prevalent.
The Government’s Climate Action Plan has a key target for district heating of 800 GWh by 2025 and 2,700 GWh by 2030. The 2030 target equates to approximately 10% of Ireland's residential heat demand.
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 €4.48 million funding from the CAF. It uses waste heat from a data centre and supplies low-carbon heat to customers including SDCC and Technological University Dublin.
72. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by gas installers regarding the introduction of the non-domestic gas regulation into the current registered gas installer scheme, and that the pathway chosen by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities is contradictory to gas safety, operation and control; if there are plans to update these policies with guidelines on testing, installation, certification and limit of scope, which stakeholders feel are currently missing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37394/24]
View answer73. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by gas installers regarding the impending merge of non-domestic with domestic registered gas installers without additional training, specific certification or competency; if he plans to introduce additional training, certification and or competency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37396/24]
View answer74. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the consultation carried out with industry in advance of the impending introduction of the non-domestic gas regulation into the current registered gas installer scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37395/24]
View answer75. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications regarding the Commission for Regulation of Utilities or registered gas installer legal position should any accident or incident occur; if work has been carried out to clarify any insurance implications of insufficient training and / or competency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37397/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72, 73, 74 and 75 together.
I propose to take PQs 37394/24, 37395/24, 37396/24 and 37397/24 together.
Under section 9F of the Electricity Regulation Act 1999, as amended, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is responsible for the regulation of Gas Installers with respect to safety in the Republic of Ireland. As a statutorily independent body, I would refer the Deputy to the CRU for updates on this matter in the first instance.
The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them raise questions on regulatory matters to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.
The CRU has advised the following with respect to the questions submitted:
The CRU will shortly seek to introduce a Statutory Instrument to regulate Non-Domestic Gas Works by expanding the scope of the Registered Gas Installers (RGI) scheme. The intent is to provide better oversight of, and outcomes for, gas safety in the workplace. There is presently no requirement to be registered to carry out Non-Domestic Gas Works and there is consequently no ongoing requirement for inspection, certification or training. The expanded RGI scheme will complement the role of the Health and Safety Authority. The CRU will shortly commence a public consultation on aspects of the expanded RGI scheme. A Decision Paper on scheme rules and obligations and an updated Criteria Document will be published as part of the consultation. The CRU has consistently engaged with stakeholders and held multiple public consultations from 2014 to 2022. Recent feedback from industry is informing the forthcoming consultation.
The proposed approach to expand the RGI scheme is enabled by core technical similarities of domestic and non-domestic gas works and is efficient in the relatively small Irish market. The RGI scheme is governed by robust checks and balances. RGIs must comply with the CRU’s Gas Criteria Document and its relevant technical standards and complete the Domestic Gas Assessment of Competency (DGA) every five years. RGIs must ensure they work on installations for which they are competent, this includes non-domestic gas installations in their specific sector. This means they must have the ability, appropriate training, knowledge and experience to supervise or carry out the work being undertaken in a safe and proper manner. With respect to an accident or incident where an RGI has carried out Gas Works, an inspection of the installation may take place and may result in disciplinary action. Separately, the CRU investigates reports/incidents of Gas Works carried out by an individual other than an RGI. It is an offence for anyone other than an RGI to carry out Gas Works and the CRU takes prosecutions in this regard. The requirement for RGIs to hold appropriate insurance is set out in the Gas Criteria Document.
76. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total number of freedom of information requests submitted to his Department in 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; the total number of such requests that were rejected in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37594/24]
View answerThe processing of Freedom of Information reqFOI Act 2014; www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2014/act/30/enacted/en/print.html and its associated secondary legislation together with the
FOI Code of Practice; dccae.cloud.gov.ie/KnowledgeBase/FreedomofInformationFOI/PublishingImages/04%2009%202015%20FOI%20Code%20of%20Practice%20-%20Rev%2001.0.pdf
and the FOI Model Publication Scheme; dccae.cloud.gov.ie/KnowledgeBase/FreedomofInformationFOI/PublishingImages/Model-Publication-Scheme-Guidance%20July%20-2016.pdf
The table below sets out the information requested.
Freedom of Information Requests submitted and rejected in their entirety
01 January 2022 - 18 September 2024
|
Freedom of Information Requests received |
Freedom of Information Requests rejected |
|
|
2022 |
315 |
119* |
|
2023 |
251 |
92** |
|
2024 |
195 |
58*** |
* 8 requests rejected in 2022 had been carried forward from 2021.
** 19 requests rejected in 2023 had been carried forward from 2022.
*** 8 requests rejected in 2024 had been carried forward from 2023.
77. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the provisions of the renewable energy III Directive, that were required to be transposed by 1 July 2024, will be written into Irish law; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/24]
View answerUnder the Renewable Energy Directive III (EU/2023/2413), Member States were required to transpose the relevant planning and permitting articles by 1 July 2024.
The scale and complexity of changes required to implement the necessary changes to permit-granting procedure for renewable energy projects requires an extensive programme of work. That programme of work, which includes changes to the planning system and to the process for connections to the electrical grid in Ireland, is underway.
An Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce was established by my Department to coordinate the fast-tracked and increased deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation and supporting technologies to enable us to meet our 2030 onshore renewable targets. A number of working groups have been established under the aegis of this Taskforce to focus on key work areas, including the relevant planning and permitting articles of RED III. This ensures that matters related to these articles are considered in detail by the relevant Departments and State Bodies. Every effort is being made to implement the necessary provisions in as timely a manner as possible.
78. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the projects and programmes with his Department which have been allocated funding under the EU's Recovery and Resilience Programme; the funds drawn down to date in each instance; the profiled drawdown in each of the forthcoming years of the programme; the steps he is taking to ensure that projects and programmes are completed within the specified timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37785/24]
View answerIreland will receive approximately €1.15 billion in funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in respect of measures included in our National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
The NRRP is pre-funded through the annual estimates process and the National Development Plan. The RRF allocated funding is then recouped from the EU after agreed milestones and targets within the Plan have been achieved and verified. The allocation will be paid to Ireland in five instalments. Following the successful submission of our first payment request, Ireland received €324m in July 2024 from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility. with our second payment request of some €116m scheduled for submission before the end of the year. Subsequent payment requests are scheduled as follows:1. IE 3rd Payment Request - €240 million
2. IE 4th Payment Request - €250 million
3. IE 5th Payment Request - €225 million
My Department was successful in securing funding for two projects under the EU Recovery and Resilience Programme, details of which are set out in the Table below.
|
Programme |
Indicative funding allocated |
Expenditure to date |
|
Bog Rehabilitation |
€108m |
€47.9m |
|
HSE/ SEAI Pilot Energy & Decarbonisation Pathfinder |
€48m |
Nil to date. Expected expenditure before year end is €3.3m |
The Enhanced Decommissioning Rehabilitation and Restoration Scheme is undertaken by Bord na Móna to rehabilitate 32,779 hectares across 82 bogs previously used for energy production. It is estimated that this scheme will result in the net reduction of 3.3 million tonnes of CO2 -eq over the period to 2050 and enrich the State’s natural capital as well as providing employment opportunities as part of a Just Transition in the Midlands.
My Department works closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (the Scheme Regulator) and Bord na Móna to ensure all milestones and targets of the NRRP are met. This involves regular meetings, reporting, maintenance of a risk register, and site visits. One Milestone and one Target in relation to this project was included in Ireland’s first payment request.
The Pilot Energy & Decarbonisation Pathfinder project is directed to five HSE sites to provide learnings, experience, and insights to the HSE for the decarbonisation of their national estate portfolio and pursuant to public sector energy and emissions targets. The five sites include Lusk Community Nursing Unit, Baltinglass Community Nursing Unit, Clonakilty Community Nursing Unit, Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
This project will support development of the existing SEAI Pathfinder Programme in supporting and mobilising national scaled-up levels of energy and decarbonisation retrofit in the public sector, in line with Ireland’s targets under the EU's Energy Efficiency and Energy Performance of Buildings Directives, and in line with the Public Sector Climate Action Strategy.
The remaining milestones and targets for my Department’s projects will be included in Ireland’s third, fourth and fifth payment requests.
