Written Answers Nos. 71-98
71. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the future revenue of the all-Island economy, given that tariffs are 10% in the North and 20% here, which is creating a two-tier trading arrangement with Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18142/25]
View answerI appreciate that the Deputy’s question has been somewhat passed out by events and am happy to update him on the current position.
I welcome the announcement by President Trump yesterday of the suspension of the higher tariffs announced on 2 April for a period of 90 days.
This means that the EU and the UK, including Northern Ireland, will now face the same baseline tariff rate of 10%, with no tariff differential.
The announcement came just before what proved to be a timely, valuable and substantive meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington D.C.
This development will, I know, come as a relief to many businesses across the island of Ireland, given the potential impact on the all-island economy of a higher tariff rate being applied to the EU than to the UK, including Northern Ireland. The Government remains acutely conscious of the importance of the all-island economy, with North South Trade in goods and services now worth some €15 billion year.
I also welcome President von der Leyen’s statement this morning that the EU counter measures will be put on hold for 90 days.
It has been the consistent position of the Irish Government and the EU that we need to get into substantive, calm, measured dialogue with the United States. After my discussions in DC yesterday, it is now clear that such engagement and negotiation are likely. Ireland believes this engagement needs to happen in a timely fashion. All sides need to engage in good faith because uncertainty and turmoil is not the way forward.
I had a good call last week with the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and the Economy Minister, and a follow up call with Minister Archibald, and will be staying in close contact with them as the situation evolves.
72. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Government will support measures from Europe or not to deal with the proposed tariffs by the US that may be damaging to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18143/25]
View answerThe US has paused, for 90 days, the 20 per cent tariff on exports from the EU to the US which had initially came into effect yesterday, 9 April. This move is very positive and can serve to deescalate what risked turning into a damaging trade dispute. The US tariffs on steel and aluminium remain in place.
At the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade last Monday the European Commission stated that it will proceed with counter balancing measures in relation to the US tariffs on steel and aluminium and derivative exports. The Council considered this proposal and the measures were agreed on 9 April 9, however these have now also been paused.
The EU is also prioritising negotiation and dialogue with the US and I believe that the next 90 days provide a window for the EU and US to have a comprehensive negotiation to address a broad range of trade issues.
73. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will use all means at his disposal including political and diplomatic avenues, to secure the release from detention of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18231/25]
View answerI am aware of arrests made by authorities in the province of Balochistan, in south-west Pakistan, in recent weeks and of the ongoing unrest in this region which has witnessed violent insurgencies and political and ethnic conflict in recent years.
Ireland, through our Embassy in Islamabad, is monitoring developments in the region closely and has engaged regularly with both the EU Delegation and like-minded partners in Pakistan regarding the most appropriate response and representations to authorities.
Our commitment to the promotion and protection of universal human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and freedom to participate in the political process, remains clear. Ireland engages regularly with Pakistan on political and human rights issues in the country, at both bilateral and multilateral level.
Human rights is also an important part of the EU-Pakistan dialogue. Various concerns were raised at the EU-Pakistan Sub-Group on Democracy, Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights during the 14th EU-Pakistan Joint Commission in November 2024. Human rights also feature prominently in trade discussions, most notably ensuring the implementation of international human rights conventions linked to the trade preferences afforded to Pakistan under the GSP+ scheme.
My Department, through our Embassy in Islamabad, will continue to monitor the evolving situation, along with our like-minded partners and the EU Delegation in Islamabad.
74. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the two Irish citizens facing deportation from Germany for taking part in peaceful protests; whether he has engaged with the German embassy on this issue; what support his officials are offering these citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18346/25]
View answerI can confirm that officials in my Department and the Embassy of Ireland, Germany, are aware of these reports. I can further confirm that officials in the Irish Embassy in Berlin are engaging with the relevant German authorities on the matter.
I wish to assure the Deputies that officials in my Department and the Embassy of Ireland, Germany, stand ready to provide consular assistance, should the citizens concerned request it.
My Department, including our Embassies and Consulates worldwide, provide consular assistance to Irish citizens in difficulty abroad within the remit of the Department’s Consular Assistance Charter. The provision of consular assistance is a cornerstone of the work of my Department. As with all consular cases, my officials will consider each case on a case-by-case basis to determine the most appropriate advice and assistance that we can provide to Irish citizens in accordance with the Consular Assistance Charter.
The provision of consular assistance is at the request of the citizens concerned or, where the citizen cannot request such assistance, by a family or friend. As such, and until a request has been received, the Department does not directly reach out to citizens to offer assistance.
As the Deputies will appreciate, the Department does not comment on the specific details of individual cases.
75. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline the steps his Department is taking to improve data collection and database construction in anticipation of the increased data processing capacity that artificial intelligence adoption entails; if he will outline the logic behind their approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18360/25]
View answer78. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will specify the specific policy areas where the Department is examining future use of AI; if he will identify what entities the Department is working with, public or private, in relation to this examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18412/25]
View answer82. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail whether any surveys have been carried out to estimate the amount of time taken up with administrative tasks where such time could be used more efficiently; if so, in which areas of the Department has this examination been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18488/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 78 and 82 together.
I propose to take Questions Nos 18488/25, 18412/25 and 18360/25 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is committed to continuously enhancing our effectiveness and efficiency. This is critical as we respond and adapt to a rapidly changing international environment while continuing to serve the interests of Irish citizens. This commitment is reflected in our Statement of Strategy - strengthening our overall effectiveness is one of our six high-level goals and informs the Department’s work in Ireland and across our diplomatic mission network.
As part of that commitment the Department is working to promote and deepen a culture of innovation and transformation to improve the effectiveness of our policies and processes. Notable examples of this include the reform efforts in the passport service (which issued over one million passports in 2024), the development of the new Ireland House model (including new Ireland Houses opened in New York, Singapore and Stockholm in 2024) and the roll-out of the Digital Ireland House project.
While my Department has not to date examined issues around data collection and database construction, we will examine the possibilities and use-cases for AI models and how they may support the work we do. This will complement broader on-going efforts to ensure we have an innovative, agile and resilient workforce that promotes and protects the interests of Irish citizens at home and abroad.
76. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will identify any projects which the Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18377/25]
View answer77. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will identify any projects which a body under the aegis of his Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; if he will send this question to the bodies for direct response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18395/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has no bodies under its aegis and has no projects underway with CeADAR. The Department is supportive of the Centre’s work and mandate, in particular its focus on helping organisations to adopt and leverage the value of AI and machine learning. The Department recently invited CeADAR to give a presentation for staff to learn more about the work of the Centre and its role in promoting AI throughout the public and private sectors.
79. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will identify any AI training offered to people working in the Department; the level of take-up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18429/25]
View answerOfficials of my Department are familiarising themselves with AI and its possibilities through a variety of means, including contacts across the civil service, academia and the private sector.
Much of the Learning and Development offering for staff in the Department is centralised through OneLearning, the Civil Service Learning and Development Centre. There is no current offering on OneLearning in relation to AI but the course offering is kept under review.
No courses on AI have been funded by this Department under other Learning and Development schemes.
80. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail how many physical letters the Minister’s offices and the customer service team in the Department received from the public in 2024; whether those letters are digitised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18454/25]
View answerMy Department attaches the highest priority to excellent customer service. Our interactions with the public are guided by the commitments outlined in our Customer Service Charter, which is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/65cf5-customer-service-policy/.
In addition to the central customer service team, the Department operates a dedicated Passport Office customer service hub. In 2024 the customer service team received one letter and the Passport Customer Service Hub received 100 letters.
Paper correspondence directed to the Tánaiste’s Office is managed using the eCorresponcence application. When an enquiry is received by the Tánaiste’s Office, staff create an eCorrespondence case. Once the eCorrespondence case has been created, staff can seek input from the relevant unit in the department so that a prompt reply can issue.
In 2024 a total of 570 eCorrespondence cases were created within my Department on foot of enquiries received by physical letter.
eCorrespondence is an application delivered by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).
81. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail how many emails the Minister’s offices and the customer service mailbox the Department received from the public in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18471/25]
View answerMy Department attaches the highest priority to excellent customer service. Our interactions with the public are guided by the commitments outlined in our Customer Service Charter, which is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/65cf5-customer-service-policy/.
In addition to the central customer service team, the Department operates a dedicated Passport Office customer service hub. Several areas of the Department also operate specific channels members of the public can use for specific queries. In 2024 the customer service team received 411 emails, whilst the Passport Office received 34,612 emails.
Email correspondence directed to the Tánaiste’s Office is managed using the eCorresponcence application. When an enquiry is received by the Tánaiste’s Office, staff create an eCorrespondence case. Once the eCorrespodence case has been created, staff can seek input from the relevant unit in the department so that a prompt reply can issue.
In 2024 a total of 7,906 eCorrespondence cases were created within my Department on foot of email enquiries.
eCorrespondence is an application delivered by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).
83. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an exact date for the release of the report on liquified natural gas, commissioned by his predecessor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17601/25]
View answerMy Department engaged CEPA (Cambridge Economic Policy Associates Ltd) to carry out an updated analysis of security of energy supply in Ireland covering the period beyond 2030 and up to 2040. This study builds on CEPA’s technical analysis of the security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems up to 2030, published in September 2022, that helped inform the review of Ireland’s energy security review.
In November 2023, the previous Government approved and published the ‘Energy Security in Ireland to 2030’ report 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.
Inability to meet peak gas demand during a cold spell would mean curtailing gas demand to balance the system. By 2030, 80% of our electricity is expected to be produced from renewables, meaning our overall gas demand is expected to decline. However, the electrification of the heat and transport sector will mean increased peak day electricity demand. During those periods where variable renewable generation is largely not available, gas back-up is expected to be used, particularly when support from batteries and electricity demand side response is exhausted.
On this basis a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve, in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), has been approved by Government to secure Ireland's energy systems ,as a transitionary measure. A strategic gas emergency reserve will provide resilience to the gas system to mitigate the consequences for society and our economy of a significant gas supply disruption in Ireland.
The additional analysis conducted by Cambridge Economic Policy Associates is currently under review within my Department but I can confirm that the study finds that Ireland will not meet the N-1 infrastructure standard for gas during the 2030s. The reports finds that the addition of an FSRU will allow Ireland to meet this standard.
It is intended to publish the report in the coming weeks.
84. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures the Government has taken to date in supporting Mayo County Council's Digital Strategy 2024-2026 to improve broadband access and digital skills in Mayo. [7890/25]
View answerIn December 2022, Ireland's Digital Connectivity Strategy was published which supports the ambition outlined in the National Digital Strategy and set out a number of targets including that all Irish households and businesses will be covered by a Gigabit network no later than 2028.
The Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future published in January 2025 sets a number of targets which include the completion of the installation of high-speed fibre broadband to 1.1 million people, including homes, farms, and businesses nationwide, by 2026.
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is the Government's initiative to deliver high speed broadband services to all premises in Ireland. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are connecting circa 4,200 homes each month.
I am advised by NBI that over 357,600 premises are passed across 26 counties and available for immediate connection. Over 120,700 premises are already connected to the National Broadband Plan high-speed broadband network.
In County Mayo, 11,720 premises are passed with a high-speed fibre broadband network and 12,105 available to order/pre-order, with 3,620 premises now connected. A further 25,280 premises in Mayo will be passed by NBI’s high speed fibre broadband by the end of the contract. In addition, 58 schools are connected to high speed fibre broadband through Strategic Connection Points.
An additional16 Broadband Connection Points are located throughout Mayo providing connectivity to local communities.
Further details are available on specific areas within County Mayo and can be monitored via https://nbi.ie/reps/ . NBI has a dedicated email address, reps@nbi.ie, which can be used by Oireachtas members for specific queries.
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.
85. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the work his Department has carried out to ensure that our infrastructure is resilient to climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16102/25]
View answerI understand from clarification provided by the Deputy to my Department, that the Deputy is referring specifically to energy infrastructure in the Question.
The impacts of recent storms, including Storm Éowyn, have illustrated the importance of the need to improve the climate resilience of our infrastructure.
Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, who are independent of me as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. Both entities are overseen by the independent regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU).
The CRU sanctions investment in the onshore electricity grid in five-year cycles called Price Reviews (PR). Work has commenced on PR6 which will see the CRU sanction the investment in the grid to 2030. A final decision on this is expected from the CRU in Q3 this year.
To ensure climate adaptability and resilience, the investment under PR6 will see an evolution in ESB Networks climate adaptability framework to ensure that the risks and impacts of climate change on the network are evaluated and addressed. As part of this work ESB will identify climate hazards, monitor trends, and put in place climate risk control measures to protect the network. They will further ensure effective governance of climate risk and develop climate resilience metrics linking climate risk mitigation initiatives. Innovation will also play a role as ESB will trial new materials and technology to assist with tackling the changing impacts of climate.
The need for greater prioritisation of climate adaptation is also linked to ensuring improved climate resilience of infrastructure.
Significant resources are available through the National Development Plan which outlines the allocations for capital investment for the period to 2030. Individual Government Departments decide on the most appropriate prioritisation and application of the funding allocated to them, including the allocation of resources for climate change adaptation.
Expenditure ceilings for climate adaptation, as for all spending priorities, are decided as part of the annual estimates process. A total of €3.9bn of expenditure allocated in 2025 is assessed as favourable to climate change adaptation including funding for flood risk management, infrastructure retrofitting, international climate finance, funding for the provision of climate services, adaptive and sustainable farming practices, and research programmes across a number of Departments and State bodies.
In June 2024, the Government approved and published a new National Adaptation Framework (NAF). The NAF requires 13 key sectors that are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change across 7 lead Government Departments to develop Sectoral Adaptation Plans (SAPs) under sectoral guidelines published by my Department. The development of these SAPs is ongoing, including for those the electricity and gas networks sectors directly under my remit. Officials from my Department are on the SAP planning teams and are collaborating with the Sectors, the EPA and the CCAC to progress this work. All SAPs must be completed to seek Government approval by 30 September 2025.
Completed SAPs should clearly set out the adaptation priorities for key sectors including an assessment of resources required to implement SAP actions.
86. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications whether consideration has been given for a dumping taskforce to tackle dumping in Cork city. [18098/25]
View answerUnder the Waste Management Act, the primary responsibility for management and enforcement responses to illegal dumping lies with the local authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the most appropriate awareness, enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to illegal dumping taking account of local circumstances. In that context it would be a matter for Cork City Council to determine whether to establish a taskforce to deal with illegal dumping issues.
My Department provides significant support to the local authority sector in their efforts to tackle illegal dumping. Almost €20.5m has been provided to the sector under the Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI) since it was first introduced in 2017 in order to encourage a collaborative approach between local authorities, community groups and other State Agencies to tackling the problem. Innovative projects which recognise waste as a resource that can be re-purposed for use in a Circular Economy are particularly encouraged under the initiative. €2.8m was provided in support of the ADI in 2024 while allocations for 2025 will be finalised shortly.
Full details of the amounts provided to individual local authorities by my Department under the ADI for each of the years 2017 - 2024, including details of the specific projects carried out by Cork City Council over that period are available at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/publication/e27ac-anti-dumping-initiative/.
My Department also continues to invest heavily in the local authority waste enforcement network, through the Waste Enforcement Measures Grant Scheme, with the intention of maintaining a visible presence of waste enforcement personnel on the ground across the State. €7.58m was provided to local authorities under the scheme in 2024, including €275,000 to Cork City Council, while a further €7.7m has been allocated for 2025.
87. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications about Exercise Cathal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17919/25]
View answerEmergency exercises are carried out to stress-test the systems and procedures in place to ensure that the Government, State agencies and wider stakeholders are prepared to effectively manage a range of potential emergency scenarios.
In accordance with risk requirements and annual winter preparedness initiatives across the energy sector, a range of multi-stakeholder simulation exercises have been conducted by the sector in recent years, especially since the onset of war in Ukraine and the associated impacts on energy infrastructure.
The National Risk Assessment (NRA) 2023, prepared by the Minster for Defence in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Planning, specifically highlighted an elevated risk to energy infrastructure and singled out an attack on gas interconnectors between Ireland and the UK as a potential worst-case scenario. My Department has responsibility for this risk and must ensure that mitigations are in place to reduce the risk and protect the system against its occurrence.
On 03 December 2024, Exercise Cathal took place in the National Emergency Coordination Centre (NECC). The table-top exercise tested the whole of government response to a prolonged gas outage in Ireland as a result of the two gas interconnectors being compromised, with a six-month repair time during the winter period.
The Exercise was led by my Department and was chaired by the Assistant Secretary for Energy – Security of Supply, Markets, and Retail Energy Policy. Exercise Cathal was attended by over 80 representatives from all Government Departments and energy agencies, and Fuels for Ireland (FFI). For further information, please see the post-Exercise Press Release on Gov.ie via the following link:www.gov.ie/en/press-release/5792b-exercise-held-to-test-response-to-hypothetical-energy-supply-disruption-as-part-of-ongoing-and-prudent-contingency-planning/.
The learnings and next steps from the Exercise were presented to the Government Task Force (GTF) on Emergency Planning on 11 March 2025.
Since Exercise Cathal in December, the Government has progressed the establishment of a Strategic Emergency Gas Reserve which will act as a key mitigant against this risk. Other mitigations identified as important in Exercise Cathal include enhancing business continuity plans across Government Departments, State agencies and a range of key sectors, which will be progressed in the coming months.
88. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will investigate a case (details supplied); if he will outline the safeguards in place to prevent issues like this arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18209/25]
View answerThe administration and management of applications for retrofit projects under the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) schemes are an operational matter for the SEAI. As Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, I have no function in relation to individual grant applications. However, to be of assistance, officials in my Department have contacted the SEAI in relation to the matter raised. The SEAI has confirmed that it is currently actively engaging with the homeowner in relation to the specifics of the case.
More generally, it should be noted that the scheme in question, the Deep Retrofit Pilot, was launched in 2017 as a time-bound pilot to investigate the challenges and opportunities of deep retrofit in Ireland. Under the scheme, 50% grant funding was available for homes that carried out a retrofit to an A rating and replaced fossil fuel heating systems with heat pumps and/or renewables, with 95% support available for people at risk of energy poverty. The pilot has provided detailed information on: the types of upgrades and technologies suited to particular homes; the costs associated with deeper retrofit; post-works energy performance of homes retrofitted; as well as customer and contractor experience of undertaking deeper retrofit projects.
The Deep Retrofit Pilot scheme is now fully closed. The National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme (NHEUS) through the One Stop Shop service is now the mainstream programme in place to incentivise deeper retrofits. This programme was launched in February 2022. NHEUS is based on fixed grant amounts so a homeowner will be aware in advance of the amounts per upgrade measure that will be applicable.
Under the NHEUS, all One Stop Shop service providers have to go through a rigorous application process before being approved as a One Stop Shop on the scheme. Contractors must provide all necessary documents confirming competency for measures for which they are registering.
It is critically important that works supported by the SEAI schemes are completed in line with the respective scheme terms and conditions, including in line with the SEAI’s Contractor Code of Practice and Domestic Technical Standards and Specifications, as well as best practice and technical guidance documents. Details can be found at: www.seai.ie/sites/default/files/publications/Domestic-Technical-Standards-and-Specifications.pdf.
The SEAI has a number of quality controls in place, including a targeted, risk-based inspection approach to oversee the quality management of registered contractors, and this can include various sanctions up to and including de-registration. Furthermore, in 2023, the SEAI set up a new quality team looking at how quality can be further optimised. The SEAI also continuously reviews standards, specifications and registration requirements and engages with Educational Training Boards (ETB) regarding relevant courses and course content.
89. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are being implemented to monitor and mitigate air pollution in identified hotspots within Dublin central, where recent studies have shown nitrogen dioxide levels exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines; the timeline for these interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18245/25]
View answer90. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if there are plans to expand the network of real-time air quality monitoring stations in Dublin central to provide more comprehensive data on pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5); the way in which this data will be utilised to inform public health policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18246/25]
View answer91. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the initiatives that are being undertaken to raise public awareness about air quality issues in Dublin central, particularly in areas identified as pollution hotspots; the way in which residents are being informed about real-time air quality data and its health implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18247/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 90 and 91 together.
The national air quality monitoring network is operated, maintained and monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (AAMP), which is funded by my Department.
A significant upgrade to the AAMP network was undertaken in recent years, also funded by my Department. As a consequence, the number of monitoring stations has increased from 29 in 2017 to 115 today - three times greater than the number required under the EU Air Quality Directive.
The AAMP is supported by a new air quality modelling and forecasting facility developed under the LIFE EMERALD project. The key goal of LIFE Emerald is to strengthen air quality management in Ireland to ensure effective implementation of the EU Ambient Air Quality Directive. The Forecast Maps were launched by the EPA last November and predict the daily air quality based on the Air Quality Index for Health for up to 3 days.
The EPA produces an annual report on Air Quality which provides an overview of the quality of our air and key issues that impact upon it. Details of the locations of all monitoring stations currently in operation, along with real-time and historic data from each station, can be found at the website www.airquality.ie The monitoring stations collect air quality data for a range of pollutants to provide information to the public and allow assessment against European legal limit values and World Health Organisation guideline values. My Department and the EPA are currently reviewing the network of stations in light of the revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive and any potential changes to the network will be informed by that review. My Department is also currently working with a number of local authorities, including Dublin City Council, to develop air quality roadmaps to ensure compliance with the 2030 requirements of the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive.
Ireland is currently not in exceedance of any of our legal requirements for air quality levels. Although the WHO guidelines are not legally binding, it is recognised that there is no safe level of air pollution. The Clean Air Strategy published in 2023 sets out our ambition to meeting the requirements of the WHO guidelines by 2040 and the roadmap for how this will be achieved.
My Department also supported Cork City Council to develop a National Clean Air Website (cleanair.ie). This website serves as a comprehensive hub for all air quality matters and will be an essential tool for creating public awareness and inspiring appropriate behaviour change.
92. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps being taken to ensure that the development of offshore wind and green hydrogen infrastructure directly benefits Irish communities and the domestic economy, including potential job creation and revenue generation for the State. [18329/25]
View answer93. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the specific measures being taken to attract private and foreign investment into Ireland’s green hydrogen sector; and whether any partnership agreements have been established to support the development of large-scale hydrogen projects. [18330/25]
View answer94. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he is investigating the successful cases of portable hydrogen fuel cells to replace diesel generators within the film industry as we transition to our sustainability goals; if he will examine other industries that could transition to the use of hydrogen or green hydrogen, and if so, what are the findings of the benefits of the switch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18331/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 92, 93 and 94 together.
Ireland has the natural resources to become a world leader in the production of green energy. Ireland has a sea area approximately seven times the size of our landmass, with wind resources which are among the best in the world. Hydrogen represents one of the best ways of capturing these resources and specifically our capacity to produce renewable hydrogen from our excess energy.
The Government’s Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce was established in 2022 to drive the delivery of offshore wind in Ireland and to capture the wider and longer-term economic and business opportunities associated with the development of offshore wind.
The National Hydrogen Strategy was published in July 2023 and it marks an important first step in developing an indigenous hydrogen industry in Ireland. The Strategy sets out our strategic vision for the role that hydrogen will play in Ireland’s energy system and as a key component of our zero-carbon economy. The three primary strategic reasons for developing an indigenous hydrogen sector in Ireland are to decarbonise our economy, enhance our energy security and create industrial and export market opportunities which in turn will benefit our domestic economy.
Action 20 of the hydrogen strategy sets out to ensure that through the expert advisory group on skills established under the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce, they continue to assess, and support the future skill needs of the offshore wind and renewable hydrogen sectors to ensure maximum benefit to the State.
A number of actions in the strategy seek to attract investment into the sector such as action two which is to establish a hydrogen innovation fund to assist early-stage projects and action eight to carry out a feasibility study to examine export opportunities for hydrogen. Ireland has signed a Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of green hydrogen with Germany while a memorandum of understanding between Ireland and the United Kingdom is also in place to cooperate on low carbon hydrogen amongst other things.
The deployment of renewable hydrogen in Ireland will focus on hard-to decarbonise sectors where energy efficiency and direct electrification are not feasible or cost-effective solutions. The recent use of portable hydrogen fuel cell to replace diesel generators within the film industry is an example of the flexibility hydrogen can provide. Hydrogen is envisioned to play an important role in in the coming years in decarbonising industrial processes, as a long duration energy store, a zero-emission source of dispatchable flexible electricity and as a transport fuel in sectors such as heavy goods transport, maritime and aviation.
95. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the detailed implementation plan for the national hydrogen strategy will be published; and if he will provide a timeline for the delivery of the 21 actions outlined within the strategy. [18332/25]
View answerThe National Hydrogen Strategy was published in July 2023 and is the first major policy statement on renewable hydrogen and marks an important first step in developing an indigenous hydrogen industry in Ireland.
Hydrogen is a cross-cutting technology which can play a role across a variety of end uses such as transport, power and heating. It also offers industrial opportunities and export potential. It requires an all of government approach to ensure its successful implementation.
The National Hydrogen Programme is being developed to oversee the delivery of the National Hydrogen Strategy actions and wider strategic vision.
A draft integrated programme plan, task force structure and programme office are being developed and engagement with key stakeholders is currently ongoing to finalise and agree roles and responsibilities over the coming weeks. Subject to this agreement, the programme plan is expected to go to cabinet for approval, and subject to approval, the programme office and task force is expected to commence work during 2025.
Once operational, the Task Force will bring to Government, on a yearly basis, their proposed work plan for the year ahead for approval, ultimately providing greater transparency and clarity on priority actions and the status of actions as set out within the strategy.
The 21 actions to be delivered through the National Hydrogen Strategy are planned to be completed by 2030. Action one from the strategy was closed last month with the publication by EirGrid of data sets showing the likely locations, volumes, and load profile of surplus renewable generation on our electricity grid.
Work has commenced on a number of other actions such as action two which is to establish an early hydrogen innovation fund, action eight to carry out a feasibility study to examine export opportunities for hydrogen, action 10 which is examining the existing licensing and regulatory regimes relevant to the geological storage of hydrogen, while action 21 will be complete when the National Hydrogen Programme taskforce is established later this year.
Other actions which have commenced include action 11 which sees Gas Networks Ireland working to prove the technical capabilities of the gas network to transport hydrogen while the Department of Transport are working on action seven to prepare a National Policy Framework for Alternative Fuels Infrastructure.
Most of the actions are multi-year actions and work will continue on them over the next number of years.
96. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline the steps his Department is taking to improve data collection and database construction in anticipation of the increased data processing capacity that artificial intelligence adoption entails; if he will outline the logic behind their approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18358/25]
View answerMy Department does not use AI to conduct its systems or operations. No AI tools, licenses, subscriptions or consultancy have been procured to date.
97. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will identify any projects which the Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18375/25]
View answerMy Department does not have projects underway with CeADAR.
98. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will identify any projects which a body under the aegis of his Department has underway with CeADAR, Ireland’s national centre for AI; if he will send this question to the bodies for direct response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18393/25]
View answerThere are 15 State bodies under the aegis of my Department. The information sought in the Question is an operational matter for each of the State bodies concerned and, as such, it is not information held by my Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the bodies directly in relation to this matter. Contact details for each body are set out in the attached document.
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List of Agencies under the aegis of Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. |
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An Post |
OireachtasEnquiries@anpost.ie |
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Bord na Mona |
Oireachtas@bnm.ie |
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Comreg |
oireachtas@comreg.ie |
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CRU |
oireachtas@cru.ie |
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DHDA |
info@thedigitalhub.com |
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Eirgrid |
oireachtas@eirgrid.ie |
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EPA |
oireachtasqueries@epa.ie |
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ESB |
Oireachtas@esb.ie |
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IFI |
oireachtas@fisheriesireland.ie |
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INPC |
enquiries@nora.ie |
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Loughs Agency |
oireachtasqueries@loughs-agency.org |
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MARA |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
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Mining Board |
GSPD@decc.gov.ie |
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NORA |
enquiries@nora.ie |
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SEAI |
oireachtas@seai.ie |
