Written Answers Nos. 121-146
121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is aware that the increase given to retired An Post pensioners in January of 2024 has still not gone into payment; the steps he has taken to ensure that these pensioners get their rise; and when the payment is expected to issue. [41087/24]
View answerUnder section 46 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act 1983, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, with the concurrence of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, approves any superannuation schemes submitted by An Post.
The request for consent for amendment to the An Post Superannuation scheme to increase payments by 2% with effect from January 2024, has been approved by the Minister for the Environment Climate and Communications (MECC). As such, the request now requires consent from the Minister of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform (MPENDR). This is in line with both the Code of Practice for State Bodies and transfer of powers from Minister of Finance to MPENDR which are contained under Section 46(6) of the Postal and Telecommunications Act 1983.
A business case has been submitted to DPENDR seeking MPENDR’s consent for the amendment to the An Post scheme. It is not possible, at this point, to set out the specific timeframe within which the decision-making process will be concluded. It should be recognised that the time taken for the pension approval process is necessary to ensure that robust governance procedures are in place.
122. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will expedite the provision of fibre broadband through National Broadband Ireland to a new-build housing estate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41123/24]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The premises in question is in the BLUE area on the broadband map. The BLUE area represents those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high-speed broadband services. The Department defines high-speed broadband as a connection with minimum speeds of 30 Mbps download and 6 Mbps upload.
The activities of commercial operators delivering high-speed broadband within BLUE areas are not planned or funded by the State and the 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 secure.dccae.gov.ie/forms/NBP-Customer-Service.aspx, and the department will escalate with the commercial operator to investigate this matter further.
My officials have contacted open eir to inquire about the expected timeframe for connecting this new build to their fibre network.
They will inform the Deputy once they receive a response.
Alternatively, the end user can contact open eir directly, using newdevelopments@openeir.ie, to query the timeline for connection.
123. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will revoke the pike conservation by-law (No. 809) and the coarse fish conservation by-law (No. 806) from 2006, considering that a 2011 social science case study (details supplied) stated that the two by-laws were formulated on the basis of perceived threats to fish stocks, false facts and latent racism driven by an intense ethnocentrism from pike-coarse angling lobbyists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41131/24]
View answer127. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if the review has been completed by his officials into the continued application in SAC waters of the Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-Law No. 806 (2006) and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 (2006); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41135/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 127 together.
The Conservation of and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse fish Bye-Law No. 806 of 2006 and the Conservation of Pike Bye-Law No. 809 of 2006 are being examined as part of this extensive work programme. As part of this review process, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) appointed external environmental consultants in June 2024 to prepare an Appropriate Assessment in relation to the two bye-laws. This Assessment has been evaluated by IFI’s Environmental Assessment Panel and will be put forward for determination in due course.
Upon completion of this review, I will be in a position to consider any action in respect of the two bye-laws.
124. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there have been any personnel changes to the position of principal officer within the inland fisheries division of his Department this calendar year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41132/24]
View answerI can confirm that there have been no personnel changes at the grade referenced within the Inland Fisheries Division of my Department in 2024.
125. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason no appropriate assessment screening was conducted for the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Ballysadare (Closed Rivers), Bye-law No. C.S. 336, 2024, that covered multiple special areas of conservation, considering his statement of 27 July 2021 vis-à-vis the EU legal requirement to assess potential impacts of proposed fisheries by-laws on the conservation objectives of special area of conservation waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/24]
View answerFollowing concerns raised about the unexplained mortalities of more than 900 salmon found in the Ballysadare river, I introduced an Emergency Bye-Law on 17th July which suspended all angling activity in the waters of the Ballysadare River system in the No. 12 Sligo District with immediate effect. The Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Ballysadare (Closed Rivers) Bye No. C.S. 336, 2024 was enacted as a precautionary and emergency measure against any potential spread of disease that could occur in the absence of information on the nature of the fish kill in the catchment.
At that time Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and partners at the Marine Institute and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine were investigating the salmon mortalities found in the Ballysadare river and, in this context, had to consider potential disease spread risks to other fish species in the wider catchment. Results of post-mortem analysis to determine the cause or causes of the deaths and associated environmental analyses were not yet available at the time of introduction of the bye-law.
Given the urgent and emergency requirement for immediate action to prevent any potential disease spread that could occur, there was no opportunity in the time available for an appropriate assessment screening to be conducted and evaluated for the Conservation of Salmon and Sea Trout Ballysadare (Closed Rivers) Bye No. C.S. 336, 2024
126. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how long more Inland Fisheries Ireland, which operates under his aegis, will be led by a carousel of deputy CEOs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41134/24]
View answerInland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is a statutory agency independent of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). My Department has no function in internal IFI matters including in relation to the appointment of Deputy CEOs.
This is a matter for IFI, and the Board of IFI, under Section 24(3) of the Inland Fisheries Act 2010.
128. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if it is national policy to conserve invasive escaped farmed salmon in special area of conservation waters that are only open to catch-and-release angling and closed fisheries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41136/24]
View answerNotwithstanding genetic differences, farmed salmon are still of the same species as wild salmon. They are therefore not listed as invasive species in special area of conservation waters within Ireland. While it is not national policy to conserve escaped farmed salmon, it is our national policy to conserve wild salmon. As such, any measures taken by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to reduce the impact of recently escaped farmed salmon have been carefully considered to not undermine the protection of wild salmon.
To this end and since becoming aware of the escape of farmed salmon in Killary Harbour, IFI has been monitoring for escaped farmed salmon and has alerted anglers and fishery owners throughout the region to be vigilant for the potential presence of farmed fish in rivers. IFI has also requested that all encounters with potential farmed salmon be reported.
In catch-and-release designated fisheries where suspected farmed fish have been reported to be present, IFI assigned its authorised officers to patrol and liaise with anglers to enable any samples to be retained. However, verification of farmed salmon based only on visual inspection of the exterior of the fish can in some instances prove very difficult and full verification of the farm origin of a fish is only possible through more detailed investigation (scale reading, internal dissection, genetic analyses of tissue samples). This is due in large part to farmed salmon not having any clear visual external markers that distinguish them from wild salmon with a high degree of certainty.
If the harvest and retention of “suspected” farmed salmon in catch-and-release or closed fisheries was permitted, it would increase the likelihood that wild salmon may be culled in error and potentially undermines the protection and conservation of wild salmon, particularly on those catch-and-release fisheries which are not currently exceeding their conservation limits.
129. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of staff who worked in his Department’s communications and press office in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member. [41160/24]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy the number of staff that worked in my Department’s communications and press offices in each of the years 2019 to 2024; and the grade of each staff member in the tables below.
|
2019 |
Strategic Development & Communications |
Press Office |
|
PO |
1 |
- |
|
AP |
1 |
0 |
|
AO |
2 |
0 |
|
HEO |
0 |
1 |
|
EO |
3 |
1 |
|
CO |
1 |
1 |
|
2020 |
Strategic Development & Communications |
Press Office |
|
PO |
1 |
- |
|
AP |
1 |
1 |
|
AO |
2 |
0 |
|
HEO |
0 |
0 |
|
EO |
4 |
1 |
|
CO |
1 |
1 |
|
2021 |
Strategic Development & Communications |
Press Office |
|
PO |
1 |
- |
|
AP |
1 |
2 |
|
AO |
2 |
0 |
|
HEO |
0 |
0 |
|
EO |
3 |
1 |
|
CO |
1 |
0 |
|
2022 |
Communications & Media Relations |
Press Office |
|
PO |
1 |
- |
|
AP |
3 |
1 |
|
AO |
0 |
0 |
|
HEO |
2 |
1 |
|
EO |
3 |
1 |
|
2023 |
Communications & Media Relations |
Press Office |
|
PO |
1 |
- |
|
AP |
2 |
1 |
|
AO |
0 |
0 |
|
HEO |
5 |
1 |
|
EO |
4 |
1 |
|
2024 |
Communications & Media Relations |
Press Office |
|
PO |
1 |
- |
|
AP |
4 |
1 |
|
AO |
1 |
0 |
|
HEO |
5 |
1 |
|
EO |
4 |
1 |
130. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the frequency and duration of the publicity, marketing or advertising campaigns conducted by his Department to date in 2024; the purpose of these campaigns; the cost of these campaigns; and the agencies that conducted these campaigns, in tabular form. [41178/24]
View answerMy Department conducts advertising and communications campaigns to promote a range of services, supports and initiatives to the public and to support positive behaviour change in relation to key areas under the remit of my Department.
As the media landscape has evolved over the past number of years, advertising and creative expenditure has grown to address the diverse needs of different audiences, including costs associated with achieving national reach for important public messages. Achieving this reach may require utilising a variety of platforms to reach national audiences, including outdoor advertising, national and local radio and print, television, digital channels, and social media. Advertising expenditure has also grown to ensure that we are meeting our Irish language requirements under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act 2021.
The majority of my Department’s advertising is procured via a media buying agency, and the weighting assigned to each platform is determined by target audience, best practice, and securing value for money. We also work with creative agencies to develop content for a variety of platforms.
The details and expenditure to date of campaigns in relation to my Department are outlined in the table below.
|
Name of campaign |
Purpose of campaign |
Duration/dates of campaign |
Cost (excluding VAT) |
Name of agency |
|
Just Transition Commission – Applications Open |
To highlight the new Just Transition Commission and the associated recruitment campaign. |
1 May – 9 June |
€9,668.46 |
PHD |
|
Climate Conversations |
A multi-platform national campaign to promote the Climate Conversations 2024 public consultation enabling people and communities across Ireland to share their views on climate action. The consultation informs the development of public engagement policies as part of the Climate Action Plan. |
17 June – 16 September |
€39,002 |
PHD |
|
It’s Time to Get Circular |
A multi-platform campaign to educate and inform the public about the principles of the circular economy; support positive behaviour change in relation to over-consumption; and heighten public engagement around reusing and reducing waste. |
9 September – 7 October |
€3,200 |
Bronto |
|
Reduce Your Use |
A national public information campaign to deliver transparent, timely information to the public in relation to energy efficiency, encouraging people to reduce their energy use where possible and safe to do so, in order to save money. |
December 2023 – 31 March 2024;12 August – 30 September 2024 |
€488,512.85 |
PHD & Javelin |
131. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when fibre optic broadband will roll out to service an address (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41233/24]
View answerIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
The Question refers to a premises located in the AMBER area on the broadband map, which is available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/5634d-national-broadband-plan-map/. The AMBER area is to be served by the network deployed under the NBP State led intervention.
Commercial Fixed line operators Open Eir, Virgin Media and SIRO are delivering high-speed broadband services in the blue area/ non-intervention area of the map.
The latest information on when high-speed broadband will become available to this area can be found on National Broadband Ireland’s (NBI) website at nbi.ie/map/.
This website is regularly updated providing the expected timeline for delivery and status of any works that are initiated at any point in time. NBI also has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
As per NBI website, the network build for this area is currently underway, and there is an anticipated date of connection for this premises of January 2026 to December 2026.
132. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide support for a deployment of a nationwide DNA dog testing trial, given the ineffectiveness of existing fines, the negative impact that dog fouling has on children, wheelchair users and people who are vision impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41239/24]
View answerUnder the Litter Pollution Act, 1997, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to litter pollution, including dog fouling, lies with local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate public awareness, enforcement, and clean-up actions in relation to litter taking account of local circumstances and priorities. There are no plans for a nationwide DNA testing project at this time.
My Department provides financial support to local authority efforts to tackle litter through the Anti-Litter & Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme. €750,000 was provided under this Scheme in 2023 with a similar amount expected to be made available in 2024.
Funding is also provided annually in support of a number of important anti-litter initiatives such as the National Spring Clean, Picker Pals, the PURE Project and Irish Business against Litter.
133. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the implementation of the recast renewable energy directive; the legislative process required to progress it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41295/24]
View answerThe third Renewable Energy Directive (RED III, EU Directive 2023/2413) entered into force in November 2023 and provides for the increased deployment of renewable energy across the EU by 2030, including provisions to simplify and accelerate the permit-granting procedure for renewable energy projects. While the majority of the Directive has a transposition deadline of 21st May 2025, there was an earlier deadline of 1st July 2024 for these permitting provisions.
Ireland is supportive of efforts to reduce overall permitting timelines for renewable energy projects. However, the scale and complexity of changes necessary to implement these provisions requires an extensive programme of work. Efforts to reduce permitting timelines have been underway, in this context, for some time. This programme of work includes legislative changes to the planning system to meet the RED III requirements. These are being advanced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the drafting of a Statutory Instrument under the European Communities Act 1972 is at an advanced stage. This SI will amend the Planning and Development Act, as amended, and the Planning and Development Regulations, as amended.
Steps are also being taken to align grid-permitting timelines with the requirements of the Directive. On 26th September 2024, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities published a new electricity generation and system services connection policy, which will shorten the process of obtaining connections.
These changes will allow planning and grid connection processes for renewable energy projects, as defined under RED III, to run concurrently in order to speed up overall permitting timelines.
In addition, an Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce was established by my Department to coordinate the fast-tracked and increased deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation 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 permitting articles of RED III. This ensures that matters related to these articles are considered in detail by the relevant Departments and State Bodies.
While the immediate focus is on implementation of the permitting requirements, a broader programme of work is underway to transpose the remaining provisions of RED III. Transposition of RED III as it relates to the transport sector will be aligned with the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, necessitating legislative amendments to Part 5A of the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007. Drafting of this legislation is underway.
134. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the number of homes funded for retrofit in 2024 for Cork city and county councils, respectively, under the warmer homes schemes. [41305/24]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) operates the Warmer Homes Scheme on behalf of my Department. Delivering free energy upgrades to low-income households in or at risk of energy poverty is a top priority for the Government. My officials continue to work with the SEAI to maximise and accelerate the output of free energy upgrades provided under this important scheme.
Last year saw a record spend of €158 million under the scheme with an allocation of almost €210 million including funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for 2024. Budget 2025 provides a record allocation of €240 million including funding from the ERDF. The budget represents a 10-fold increase over the spend on the Warmer Homes Scheme during the first year of this Government.
In recent years, the Warmer Homes Scheme has delivered a greater volume of deeper and more complex upgrades. This is reflected in the average cost of upgrades which have seen a tenfold increase from €2,600 in 2015 to €26,464 in 2024. These deeper upgrades mean that more lower income homeowners are benefitting significantly from warmer, healthier and more comfortable homes, with lower energy bills and reduced emissions. However, it is important to acknowledge that deeper retrofits take longer to complete.
To the end of September this year 447 homes in Co Cork received an upgrade under the scheme. The information requested in relation to the split of upgrades completed between Cork City and Cork County Councils is not routinely supplied by the SEAI to my Department.
SEAI commenced the publication of quarterly reports on scheme performance in 2023. The most recent reports including detailed information in relation to the number of homes upgraded per county are available at:
www.seai.ie/publications/SEAI-Retrofit-Full-Year-Report-2023.pdf
www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/2024-09/SEAI-Retrofit-Mid-Year-Report-2024.pdf
135. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he will take the address the legal weaknesses of the Government moratorium on liquefied natural gas infrastructure exposed by a recent High Court judgment. [41394/24]
View answerIt would not be appropriate for me to comment on this individual case given that the matter stands to be remitted back, by Order of the High Court, to An Bord Pleanála.
As set out in the Government’s ‘Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas' the government does not support the importation of fracked gas. Ireland is committed to halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. In future, most of our energy needs will be met by renewable energy which will be the anchor of our energy security.
The sole consideration by this Government of Liquified Natural Gas facilities is in the context of energy security. The Government does not support the commercial import of LNG as the development of infrastructure for the commercial import of LNG would be inconsistent with the decarbonisation trajectory established under the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, as amended.
The Government policy in relation to energy security is set out in 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report which was approved and published in November 2023. The report determines that Ireland’s natural gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections. However, Ireland does not have adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our sub-sea gas imports pipelines and does not currently meet minimum EU standards in this area.
It is in this context only that a state-led Liquified Gas Facility was recommended in the Report.
A state-led strategic gas emergency reserve, operating on a non-commercial basis for use only in the event of an emergency, would provide resilience to the gas system and mitigate against the major consequences for our society and our economy that would arise from a significant gas supply disruption in Ireland.
As a final element of the energy security review, Gas Networks Ireland are undertaking a detailed analysis of the strategic gas emergency reserve.
In parallel my Department are developing the appropriate policy and legislative measures to ensure the facility provides the resilience to our energy system in a manner that:
• does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market;
• is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act and
• does not support the Importation of Fracked Gas: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/135271/3226a65b-c49c-458e-9ab9-83b2d1196af2.pdf#page=null
Work to conclude the final element of the energy security package is continuing as a matter of priority; however, it requires additional analysis before returning to Government.
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 long term storage capability. This further research is something I have called for and that the Department is looking at before going back to the Government and Oireachtas with detailed analysis.
136. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he supports designating LNGs or data centres as strategic infrastructure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41395/24]
View answerI presume the Deputy is referring to the landmark Planning and Development Bill 2023 has been approved by the Houses of the Oireachtas. Once it is enacted, The Act provides once in a generation reform updates and streamlines planning system providing clarity, consistency and certainty.
The Seventh and Eighth schedules of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended), already provide for such facilities to be designated as Strategic Infrastructure Development and its maritime equivalent. This is the planning legislation that is currently in force and, as such, any application for planning permission would be directed to An Bord Pleanála in the first instance in accordance with that Act.
The Planning and Development Bill 2023, which has recently been approved by both houses of the Oireachtas, includes a technical provision relating to strategic gas infrastructure. This provides for consistency of treatment within the new legislation for onshore and offshore facilities and ensures that the statutory role of the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities in respect of strategic gas infrastructure applies to both. The amendment made in this regard in the Seanad was to prevent any legal uncertainty arising as regards the categorisation of offshore LNG projects in the context of the transfer of planning functions for the foreshore.
I am not aware of any proposals to designate data centres as Strategic Infrastructure Development and they are not currently designated as such under the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).
137. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will confirm the status of Ireland’s membership of the Joint Taskforce on International Taxation, now known as the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce; if so, if he will make a statement on the levies and taxation options identified, and report on progress on the envisaged narrowing down of options; if not, the rationale for leaving the task force that is now known as the Global Solidarity Levies Task Force; and if he will make a statement on the initiatives to ensure that new sources of climate finance based on tax justice and polluter pays principles are identified and agreed. [41533/24]
View answerThe Joint Taskforce on International Taxation, now known as the Global Solidarity Levies Taskforce, was launched by France and Kenya, and joined by Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Spain at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) on 1 December 2023. The Taskforce is co-chaired by Kenya, Barbados and France and is supported by the European Climate Foundation.
Taskforce members include France, Kenya, Barbados, Spain, Colombia, Antigua and Barbuda, Senegal, Marshall Islands, and most recently Denmark, with a number of others including the African Union, European Commission and Germany participating as Observers.
Ireland was invited to join the Taskforce during COP28 and interest was expressed in the Taskforce and its objective to explore ways of mobilising new, additional, predictable and adequate financial resources – in addition to current commitments – to support developing and vulnerable countries’ transition to a climate neutral and biodiversity rich societies and economies, while addressing the adverse effects of climate change, including loss and damage. While Ireland has not joined the Taskforce, I attended its meeting on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
The Taskforce is expected to provide an update on its work at COP29 and aims to finish its work by COP30. COP 29, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan this year, will be an important opportunity for the global community to consider policy options in relation to financing the global transition to carbon neutrality, in the context of the New Collective Quantified Goal which it is hoped will be agreed in Azerbaijan.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Minister for Finance has overall policy responsibility in relation to areas being considered by the Task Force, including fossil fuel, aviation or maritime levies
138. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the international events and engagements he has attended at which members of the media were also in attendance as part of the Government delegation since the formation of the Government; the media organisation they represented; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41600/24]
View answerMembers of the media would generally not travel with me as part of an official delegation at international engagements. I do note on one occasion during a visit to China for St. Patrick's Day 2023, a journalist from the Journal.ie accompanied me. There was no cost to the Department as the publication funded the Journalist's trip.
139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the national waste management plan continues to address issues like reduction, reuse and recycle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41651/24]
View answerLocal Authorities are statutorily responsible for the preparation of waste management plans. The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices published the new National Waste Management Plan on March 1st informed by, inter alia, the National Planning Framework. The Plan sets out the required actions at local and regional levels to deliver on the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy and includes specific targets, policies, and actions to enable the waste and resource sector to meet the circularity challenge and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
The Plan acknowledges our success to date in achieving the various EU waste related targets but also accepts that we will face significant challenges in meeting forthcoming targets. The stated ambition of 0% total waste growth per person over the lifetime of the Plan, will, if achieved, mean that we have all taken significant steps towards achieving these targets. It will also represent an important decoupling of waste generation from economic growth.
140. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to outline the success of the deposit return scheme for plastic bottles to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41652/24]
View answerThe introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for plastic bottles and aluminium cans is one of the most positive consumer behaviour initiatives to happen in this country for decades. It is doing two vital things – reducing litter and combating the scourge of single-use plastics on the environment – by ensuring that these containers get separately collected for recycling.
Participation in DRS has been very positive and, since the scheme was launched on 1st February, almost 600 million bottles and cans have been returned, with average daily rates now regularly exceeding 3 million containers. This equates to €102 million in deposits refunded to consumers, averaging just over €0.5 million per day.
Bottles and cans are a high-volume component of litter. Latest IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter), results published in June, provide an early indication that DRS is contributing to lower litter levels nationwide – it showed a 30% reduction in drinks cans thrown away and a 20% reduction in plastic bottles on our streets. The results are very promising, particularly given that the DRS was still in the transition phase during the survey period (April/May 2024).
141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which mobile telephone services remain good when compared with other European Union member states or adjoining countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41653/24]
View answerProviding telecommunication services 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. Mobile coverage obligations are set out in licences granted by ComReg, to mobile operators who advise that the current minimum coverage obligations are being exceeded by all operators.
ComReg completed a Multi-band Spectrum Award in January 2023 to assign long term rights of use in four spectrum bands to enable the market to provide improved services to meet increasing consumer demand for mobile data and new services. This award represents a 46% increase in the harmonised spectrum assigned for the provision of wireless broadband services in Ireland and includes significant coverage obligations for operators.
ComReg has also developed an online national outdoor coverage map and app to provide clear information on where mobile operators have good coverage. The map will continue to be updated quarterly. See coveragemap.comreg.ie/map for more details.
My Department worked with EU Member States to develop the EU Connectivity Toolbox, a collection of best practices which Member States can implement at national level to lower the cost of deploying very high-speed networks in order to foster better connectivity across the EU, which is being implemented via the work programme of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. The best practices include streamlining administrative and permitting granting procedures, and improving access to State assets.
Ireland compares well with other European Union Member States under the indicators set by the EU Digital Decade Policy Programme which has targets to improve connectivity to 2030.
142. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the ongoing steps to support remote working through the roll-out of high-speed fibre broadband connections, particularly to blackspot-prone rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41654/24]
View answerIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is currently rolling out a high speed and future-proofed broadband network through its Contract with the Minister.
NBI are connecting circa 4,200 homes each month. NBI remain ahead of contractual targets having passed 205,638 premises by the end of 2023 and the end of 2024 target has been met with over 300,000 passed, which is over half of the premises in the intervention area.
I am advised by NBI that over 99,583 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network.
The timeline for the completion of the rollout of the high-speed broadband network by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is 2027. NBI are confident that they will deliver the full programme within the originally scheduled seven-year timeline, while my Department continues to explore opportunities with NBI to further expediate the programme.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
My Department is aware of some evidence emerging, based on conversations with ComReg and commercial operators, that a portion of premises that do not form part of the intervention area may prove not to be commercially viable in terms of being connected to a gigabit network by 2028. The Department are currently investigating reasons for why such instances may arise with a view to identifying solutions. However, it is important to note that significant commercial roll-out programmes by Eir, SIRO and VMI are on-going, and the scale of this potential problem can only be established upon completion of those commercial roll-out programmes.
While commercial rollouts are ongoing, the Department will continue to investigate this issue with relevant stakeholders such as ComReg and commercial operators and would note that it is considering options around potential pilot schemes aimed at informing potential future solutions in order the 2028 gigabit connectivity commitments are achieved.
143. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which Ireland’s emissions have been reduced in the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41655/24]
View answerThe EPA is the competent authority for publishing data on Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2023, Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be 55 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2eq.), which is 6.8% lower (or 4 MtCO2eq.) than emissions in 2022 (59 MtCO2eq.). This follows a 2% reduction in annual emissions in 2022. Emissions are 1.2% below the historical 1990 baseline for the first time in 33 years.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of a climate neutral economy by no later than 2050, and a reduction in emissions of 51% by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Our recent emissions reductions demonstrate our ability to reverse our emissions trends and start to build momentum towards meeting our ambitious abatement objectives, though the latest projections of Ireland's future emissions from the EPA highlight the significant challenge we will face in meeting these targets. Successive annual Climate Action Plans seek to bring forward the necessary policies, measures and actions to address this challenge.
144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which deficiencies in the availability of adequate broadband facilities continue to be identified in all areas throughout County Kildare; the remedial action in hand to address this issue, given the importance of access to high-speed broadband for commercial and educational purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41656/24]
View answerIreland's Digital Connectivity Strategy, published by my Department, sets ambitious targets, which include providing a Gigabit network to all households and businesses in Ireland by 2028 and access to 5G in all populated areas by 2030.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland.
I am advised by NBI that over 300,180 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 99,583 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan’s high-speed broadband network. As of end of December 2023, NBI reports that the necessary infrastructure was installed in all 672 primary schools in the Intervention Area, to ensure their critical day to day educational activities are unimpeded by poor broadband.
In the Deputy’s own county of Kildare over 11,432 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network which represents 76% of the premises within the Intervention area. At the end of September 2024, 3,637 premises are now connected in Kildare which represents a take up rate of 32%.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Kildare and can be monitored via nbi.ie/reps.
Along with the NBP intervention contract, progress is being made by commercial operators’ in expanding their next generation networks throughout the State and ensuring the targets set out in the Digital Connectivity strategy are achieved.
My Department is aware of some evidence emerging, based on conversations with ComReg and commercial operators, that a portion of premises that do not form part of the intervention area may prove not to be commercially viable in terms of being connected to a gigabit network by 2028. The Department are currently investigating reasons for why such instances may arise with a view to identifying solutions. However, it is important to note that significant commercial roll-out programmes by Eir, SIRO and Virgin Media Ireland are on-going, and the scale of this potential problem can only be established upon completion of those commercial roll-out programmes.
While commercial rollouts are ongoing, the Department will continue to investigate this issue with relevant stakeholders such as ComReg and commercial operators and would note that it is considering options around potential pilot schemes aimed at informing potential future solutions in order the 2028 gigabit connectivity commitments are achieved.
145. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which wind and solar electricity generating targets are being realised at present; the extent to which such generation can be accelerated in the short to medium term, with particular reference to the expected contribution to the national grid over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41658/24]
View answer146. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the alternative energy electricity generating programme continues at pace, with particular reference to availing of wind generation, onshore and offshore; the precise extent to which this capacity has increased or is increasing with a view to maximisation at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41659/24]
View answer147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which wind or solar electricity generation farms continue to be encouraged in the short, medium and long term, with a view to contributing to and stabilising the national grid, given requirements likely in the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41660/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 145 to 147, inclusive, together.
Under Climate Action Plan Update 24, Ireland has set a target of 80% of electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030 made up of 9 GW of onshore wind, 8 GW of solar and at least 5 GW of offshore wind. This will require unprecedented levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.
Ireland is already a world leader in the integration of variable renewable electricity onto the grid, with over 6 GW of renewable generation capacity currently installed. According to recent data, Ireland ranks second in the world for wind power as a percentage of generation in 2023, with circa 4.8 GW of wind generation connected. Solar PV is now a growing source of electricity and is rapidly transforming Ireland’s energy system by complementing wind power with over 1 GW currently connected, including over 400 MW of rooftop solar and over 600 MW of grid-scale solar.
The Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARET) has been established to identify and prioritise the required policies to achieve our onshore renewable electricity targets. The ARET published its Implementation Plan in June, which sets out the roadmap for the actions to be taken in the near-term to help meet our 2030 targets.
The Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) continues to oversee actions required to develop offshore wind generation in Ireland. The OWDT published its Annual Review 2023 and Key Actions for 2024 report in April, which sets out the key measures to be undertaken in the offshore wind sector. While the Future Framework for Offshore Renewable Energy sets out the key actions to develop Ireland’s long-term, plan-led approach to offshore wind.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the main Government policies to deliver this renewable generation capacity. Five auctions, both onshore and offshore, have been undertaken to date.
The Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) was introduced by Government as a means of supporting 380 megawatts of new micro-generation capacity by 2030. In addition, the Small-Scale Generation Scheme (SRESS) supports non-domestic renewable electricity generators above 50kW.
